Witches Among Us: Understanding Contemporary Witchcraft and Wicca

Occult references ripple frequently through popular culture, Wiccan and witchcraft movements appear trendier than ever, and chances are that you're unknowingly acquainted with at least one witch. Drawing on her expertise as a magical practitioner and religious studies scholar, Thorn Mooney pulls back the curtain, helping you navigate this complex world and understand why it holds such intense appeal for so many.

Thorn answers all your questions and dispels common misconceptions while delving into what it means to be a witch, including beliefs and practices. Discover what magic really is and what casting it entails. Gain insights into Wicca's distinctions from witchcraft and the fascinating structures of these communities. With Thorn as your guide, you can better understand the witches in your life and the reasons why magical thinking thrives.

"The most thoughtful, intelligent, and sophisticated survey of contemporary witchcraft on both sides of the Atlantic available at present."
--Ronald Hutton, historian and author of The Witch

Thorn Mooney is a Wiccan writer and academic living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She holds master's degrees in both religious studies and English literature, and is completing her PhD in religion and culture at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She writes and lectures about magic, new religious movements, and American religions for a wide variety of audiences. Thorn's professional background as a classroom teacher and as a scholar allows her to represent contemporary witch, Pagan, and occult communities from both insider and outsider perspectives.

Visit Thorn Mooney on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.