Occult Confessions 24.7: Pop Occulture (Witchcraft Edition)
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Aug 30, 2024 Alyce Spencer, an expert on witchcraft in popular media and creator of the Witch Way YouTube channel, dives into the fascinating evolution of witch representations in Western culture. She discusses iconic works like 'Hocus Pocus' and 'The Craft,' highlighting themes of female empowerment against historical fears. The conversation explores how contemporary shows like 'Buffy' and 'Motherland: Fort Salem' redefine witches as empowered figures. Alyce also critiques societal portrayals, pushing for more inclusive narratives that reflect the complexities of witchcraft.
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Salem's Notoriety
- Alyce Spencer notes that Salem's notoriety might be due to its timing as the last major witch trial after the witch trial panic subsided.
- Our obsession with it could stem from this, despite being smaller than European witch trials.
Witch Archetypes
- Witches in pop culture have evolved from devil-associated figures in early cinema to complex portrayals.
- Trends include the evil old woman, the domesticated housewife witch, and the horror witch.
Domestication Reflects Societal Trends
- The portrayal of domesticated witches losing their power upon settling down reflects a broader societal trend.
- Post-World War II, Western culture emphasized domesticity, taming everyone until the late 60s counterculture.