The Yahara Coven Witches convened their annual paddle down a river near us in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend. They are a forceful sight to see – dozens of (mostly) women with black pointy hats and capes, traversing on kayaks and stand up paddle boats from Tenney Park to Monona on the Yahara River.
As they throw candy to kids on the shore banks and make their way through the water, I’m reminded of the joyousness of witches. Throughout history, they have been blamed – and killed – for practicing witchcraft. “Good” witches in films would wear tiaras and pink dresses. But many witches in dark clothing celebrated sisterhood, healing, magic and, just fun. They still do.
This weekend’s show, “Generation Witch,” is about these witches, from the 17th century, through the 1980s, to the Witchtok community on TikTok today. I hope you have a magical and mysterious – and joy-filled – Halloween.
– Shannon