At Ritualcravt, a prominent witchcraft store located in Wheat Ridge, Denver, I found myself captivated by the bowl of muskrat mandibles, delicately displayed alongside various natural curiosities.
However, the real fascination lay not in these artifacts but in the diverse clientele who frequented the shop.
On that bustling Friday afternoon, I observed a lively mix of visitors: two Gen Z girls exploring TikTok in a cozy corner, a middle-aged man perusing the extensive book collection, and an older Hispanic couple browsing the store’s impressive array of tinned herbal teas.
In the back of the store, the House Witch Zach was skillfully blending herbs to create the popular New Moon Oil, a testament to the shop’s integration of modern witchcraft with community spirit.
Contrary to my preconceived notions of witchcraft’s typical patrons—predominantly women in their 30s and 40s adorned in black attire—Ritualcravt embraced a far more eclectic clientele in 2025.
According to Missy Rhysing, the shop’s founder, the space has become a sanctuary for members of marginalized communities.
“People will come here after a tragedy and sit quietly to light a candle,” she notes, emphasizing the shop’s welcoming atmosphere for anyone seeking solace or connection.
The numbers reflect this inclusivity: a 2023 Pew survey found that a little over one percent of Coloradans identified as pagan, Wiccan, or following other New Age faiths.
This statistic, while modest, does not account for the many individuals who are intrigued by witchcraft, such as those experimenting with crystals or tarot cards.
The rise of witchcraft in contemporary culture seems to correlate with America’s broader trend of secularization.
Ann Little, a history professor at Colorado State University, suggests that people identifying as pagan or Wiccan often come from Christian backgrounds that may have left them feeling unfulfilled spiritually.
For younger generations who may not have been raised in any faith tradition, the exploration of witchcraft offers an avenue to fill what Little describes as a “God-shaped hole in their hearts.”
Moreover, pop culture has played a significant role in normalizing and popularizing witchcraft, with influences stemming from beloved franchises such as Harry Potter and Sabrina the Teenage Witch creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity with the concepts of magic and witchery.
Those engaged in the Denver witch community echo a unifying sentiment: witchcraft is a space for everyone.
No matter the demographic—young or old, LGBTQ+ or straight, artistic or analytical—Denver’s metaphysical community is thriving and welcoming.
### A Glimpse into Colorado’s Witch Trials History
The history of witchcraft in Colorado reveals a striking contrast to its current acceptance and popularity.
Historically, about 100,000 people were prosecuted for witchcraft across the British Isles and U.S. colonies from 1400 to 1775, leading to at least 40,000 executions.
By 1899, however, witch trials were exceedingly rare in North America.
Nonetheless, a notable case emerged in Leadville, Colorado, involving Catherine Rothenberg, who was accused of witchcraft amid a climate of spiritualism.
Rothenberg had gained a reputation for her abilities to allegedly communicate with the dead, which attracted local miners seeking insight into their interests.
After a particularly agitated encounter with the husband of one of her clients, who suffered from migraines, Rothenberg was brutally assaulted.
Despite the unconventional circumstances, the judge ruled in her favor, culminating a peculiar chapter in Colorado’s historic relationship with witchcraft.
### Demystifying Witchcraft Terminology
Understanding the diverse terminology used in the witchcraft community can illuminate the practices and beliefs that underpin these modern spiritual endeavors.
Terms like ‘aura’ refer to the energy field surrounding individuals, while a ‘besom’ is a traditional witch’s broomstick used for purification.
A ‘coven’ signifies a gathering of witches, typically held at a ‘covenstead,’ and ‘grimoire’ refers to a spellbook.
The distinction is vital; ‘grimoire’ denotes a more serious aspect of witchcraft compared to the entertainment-driven ‘magic’ displayed in illusionist performances.
The term ‘pagan’ encompasses a variety of faiths that honor nature, while ‘Samhain’ represents a Gaelic festival marking Halloween, celebrated by some witches through traditions like the ‘dumb supper,’ in which guests honor their ancestors.
‘Scrying,’ or divine prediction through reflective surfaces, remains a timeless practice alongside phrases such as ‘So Mote It Be,’ often recited at the conclusion of a spell.
### Shopping for Supplies in Denver
The Denver area boasts a wealth of stores that cater to witchcraft enthusiasts regarding supplies and resources.
Ritualcravt is noted for its contemporary appeal and stylish inventory, including house-made herbal products and offerings tied to seasonality and local artisans.
Herbs & Arts, established in 1993, leans more towards traditional supplies, showcasing a wide range of bulk dried herbs and offering workshops to educate newcomers on witchcraft foundations.
At That Witch Apothecary, attention is focused on hand-poured soy candles featuring enchanting scents, catering to those seeking aromatherapy with a magical twist.
The Terrorium Shop specializes in unique taxidermy crafts, offering workshops on crafting mystical mini-worlds using preserved elements from nature, greatly appealing to creative spirits.
The Healing Stone provides a broad selection of crystals and gems, fostering an inviting atmosphere for exploration and relaxation.
Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore serves as a go-to destination for texts on a myriad of metaphysical subjects while also presenting opportunities for in-person readings.
SpiritWays stands out as a center for intuitive practitioners, offering a range of services from tarot readings to sound healing experiences, embodying the communal aspect of witchcraft practices.
With Goddess Isis Books & Gifts, shoppers can find broad assortments of DIY kits and participate in engaging community events, while The Retro provides a blend of Catholic and witchy supplies, representing an intersection of spirituality in the modern era.
Finally, Terra Apothecary balances a clean aesthetic with essential oils and herbs, while organizing classes that weave together holistic practices and community bonding.
### A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals
For those intrigued by the realm of crystals, they can serve as a gentle introduction to witchcraft.
Starting with versatile options like clear quartz, prized for its clarity and energy filtering traits, is a great way to familiarize oneself with these entities.
Other popular choices include rose quartz for amplifying self-love and citrine for an infusion of joy and positivity.
Finding personal ways to utilize crystals—whether through decorative arrangements or jewelry—is encouraged, as this can personalize one’s practice.
An essential step in using crystals is cleansing and charging them.
Common methods involve using salt to cleanse and actively stating intentions while holding the stone to instill fresh energy.
### Exploring Curanderismo
Curanderismo, often described as a folk healing practice with Indigenous roots, is gaining recognition alongside witchcraft within the Denver area.
Samuel Nez, who blends his Navajo and Mexican heritage into his healing practice, reflects on its significance, stating that it includes elements such as body work and herbalism, without the curses often associated with witchcraft.
Nez’s approach focuses not only on the healing power of natural materials like obsidian and corn but also emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s heritage.
He asserts that there’s room for shared learning but cautions potential practitioners to respect cultural boundaries, suggesting people should explore their ancestry before attempting to adopt practices that may not be theirs to use.
### Utilizing an Altar in Personal Practice
Creating an altar is a common tradition across various cultures and remains a vital practice in contemporary witchcraft.
Individuals can establish a small space within their homes, using items that appeal to their senses—like candles for scent or textures from plants and crystals—to cultivate a sacred area.
A central aspect of many altars is honoring ancestors, providing a means of connecting to familial and cultural histories.
Many practitioners also build daily rituals around their altars, finding moments of peace and reflection amidst their busy lives.
### The Celebration of the Denver Witch Paddle
An expression of community and joy, the Denver Witch Paddle invites participants to dress as witches and join in on a stand-up paddleboarding event.
Launched by Anna Marie Madai in 2020, this yearly celebration has evolved from a small gathering to a notable event, attracting hundreds of participants dressed in whimsical attire.
Weather contingencies are planned, though the humor and camaraderie remain at the event’s core, supporting inclusivity for both experienced witches and casual participants alike.
As the event continues to grow, it maintains its ethos of connection and playful spirit, inviting all to come as they are and celebrate together.
### Conclusions on the Evolving Nature of Witchcraft
The rich tapestry of witchcraft in Denver reflects far more than remnants of historical prejudice; it is a living, breathing community that embraces diversity, learning, and healing.
With land steeped in history, burgeoning shops offering unique supplies, and growing acceptance, the modern witchcraft movement paints a hopeful picture for the future.
In Denver, practitioners of all backgrounds are forging paths to connect with their spirituality, solidifying witchcraft’s secure place within the broader spiritual landscape of America.
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