Witchy women of the Finger Lakes region have a long-standing reputation for their mystical practices and connection to the ancient arts. Nestled between the beautiful lakes of central New York, this enchanting area has been home to generations of women who have embraced their magical abilities and shared their wisdom with the community. From casting spells to divination, these witchy women have been revered and sought after for their mystical knowledge. The Finger Lakes region is known for its rich history and folklore, and the presence of witches is deeply intertwined in this tapestry. These women are believed to possess an innate ability to communicate with the spirits and tap into the energies of the natural world. Their magical practices are both rooted in ancient traditions and adapted to the modern world, making them a unique and powerful force in the community.
Witch Trial: I Tried a Witchcraft Dance Class and It Got Weird
Iele Paloumpis carried magic in a black bag, not wands and potions, but crystals and cards. It is the equipment needed for the job of a dance artist, intuitive healer, and death doula. The magical items vary depending on the phase of the moon and the alignment of the planets. March 6 was the Pisces new moon, so Paloumpis added elements from the sea to the bag of magic before heading to the witchcraft dance class Paloumpis teaches once a week.
Witchcraft and witches have resurged as a popular culture trend among millennials in recent years. Television shows like Sabrina , American Horror Story: Coven , and Charmed have popularized a practice that used to get women killed. Big retailers like Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and Walmart have even started to sell smudge sticks, tarot cars, and healing crystals. Even more, Instagrams like @thehoodwitch , @nyxturna , and @ancient_hearts post images of pastel goths with skulls and roses to create a witchcraft aesthetic.
A witchcraft dance class sounds like something that involves chanting and rhythmically swaying around a cauldron. So I was surprised when I arrived at the class, which was in a studio across from New York City’s Tweed Courthouse. The classroom was as bland as the dated suits of the lawyers trudging up and down Chambers Street. There were no pointy hats or brooms or candles. There wasn’t even a pentagram. The only witch-related object was the altar Paloumpis set up in the middle of the room.
The base of the altar was made of a series of tie-dyed scarves arranged in a firepit-like circle. On the outskirts of the circle, Paloumpis, who prefers the pronouns “they” and “them,” arranged their magical items: a palm-sized rose quartz crystal, a mason jar of ash, a glass goblet of ocean water, and a turkey feather. In the center of the circle, Paloumpis set a stack of tarot cards surrounded by fragmented oyster shells.
To begin, Paloumpis asked everyone to sit in a circle around the altar. There were 13 of us, the perfect witching number according to Margarett A. Murray who wrote in her book The Witch-cult of Western Europe that witches in the middle East formed in groups of 12 plus one leader.
I observed everyone as we settled into the circle with our journals for note taking. On the street, I wouldn’t have guessed that any of them practice witchcraft. Most women were in their mid to late twenties. They all wore the New Yorker’s unofficial uniform color: black—black leggings and sweats with slouchy black tops. A couple of women wore brightly printed socks. I figured they were freelance artists, which would explain how they could take a two-hour long class in the middle of a workday.
“Does anyone know what these are called?” Paloumpis asked the class holding up one of the shells.
We exchanged glances with one another around the altar. The answer seemed too obvious.
Finally, someone spoke up. “Oyster shell?”
“Yes,” answered Paloumpis as they nodded their head. Their brown curls bounced off their forehead and their square, wireframed glasses cast shadows on their rosy cheeks “But it is also called Mermaids Toenails, which is weird because fish don’t have feet, yet that is the strongest point of connection for Pisces.”
We then spent the next hour talking about astrology and how the Pisces new moon will affect us in the coming weeks. Admittedly, I know nothing about astrology aside from the fact that I am a Libra because I was born between September 23 and October 22. But other people seemed really into it. Some even brought their natal charts with them. Others took detailed notes as Paloumpis explained how we can take advantage of this intention setting time even though Mercury is in retrograde. “When is it not in retrograde?” I thought. “What does ‘Mercury in retrograde’ even mean?”
Luckily, someone else asked and Paloumpis explained that when Mercury is in retrograde, the planet appears to move backward in orbit as viewed from the earth and that backward movement translates to backward steps in your life. That is why “Mercury is in retrograde” has become such a common excuse to blame misfortune on the alignment of the planets rather than the poor life choices. But Paloumpis assured us that Mercury would be out of retrograde on March 28th.
At the end of the discussion, Paloumpis informed us that we would be doing some partner work so we should find someone we feel a good connection with. I paired with the guy sitting next to me. His name was Brett. His eyes were as blue as a shallow ocean pool among the sandy dunes of his blonde hair and neatly trimmed beard. When he introduced himself to the class, he said the energy he was bringing today was sadness. I wondered if he took this class believing it would magically change his mood.
“I actually used to work the front desk here,” he told me. “I always saw this class on the schedule and wondered what it was, but I never had the time. Now I’m a bartender so my days are pretty open.”
He was a newbie like me. Good. We could look like fools together.
Paloumpis walked around with the tarot cards. Brett and I decided he would be the first one to receive a tarot reading and I would be the first one to give it. He pulled out the ace of cups. Paloumpis instructed the tarot receivers to focus on one part of the image on their card and then share it with the givers. Brett’s point of focus was where a falling stream of water met a still lake with a small splash. Paloumpis then instructed the givers to connect with the receivers through the Pisces connection point.
I knelt at Brett’s feet like a servant worshipping her king and placed one palm on each foot as we both closed our eyes to meditate on his card. What was probably five minutes, felt like five hours. At one point I opened my eyes to peek at the other pairs. One girl was giving her partner a deep tissue arch massage. Another girl was running her hands up and down the calves of her partner. I just kept my hands still on top of Brett’s foot.
When the time was up, we shared our meditations. I didn’t see any images so I fabricated one about fish swimming in a sparkling lake. Knowing that he had a rough few weeks (He told me earlier that he broke up with his boyfriend and had to move out), I told him the stream was his current life, falling out of control, and the lake was what was to come, calm and peaceful. He seemed to like that. Then it was my turn to receive a tarot reading.
I pulled a card featuring a twisting path between two castle towers. I told Brett my point of focus was the path beyond the towers. We closed our eyes as he placed his hands on my feet. After a few seconds, I could feel my body sway and my foot flexors engage. I hoped he couldn’t tell how imbalanced I was. After a few more seconds, the tops of my feet began to feel moist. Either my foot was sweating or his palms were sweating or both. Then he began to gently press his fingers into the arches of my feet. I silently begged him to stop. He must have heard my internal plea because he quickly returned his hands to the tops of my feet for the duration of the meditation.
When it was time to open our eyes and acknowledge each other again,he told me what he saw. I was lost on the path with no distinguishable landmarks, but the sky was purple which, to him, represents success in career so even though I may be lost now, I will find my way. I sure hope so.
The next part of the class was an individual exploration of movement, which was the only part of the class that could very loosely classify it as a dance class. Once again, Paloumpis instructed us to close our eyes as they walked around the room.
“Imagine yourself as a seed soaking up water from the ground so you can grow,” said Paloumpis.
As Paloumpis continued guiding whatever this was, the other students began to interpret the metaphorical instructions in their own ways by floating, stretching, and massaging their limbs. This was the longest part of the class. Though I didn’t have a watch on me, I guessed that it was about 30 minutes of moving freely through space.
Unsure of what to do, I drew on my dance background by fluidly moving from one warm-up ballet stretch to the next, occasionally peeking at other students for inspiration and reassurance that I wasn’t the only one moving around the room like a fool. While I was on the ground in a v-sit stretch the girl next to me was stomping around me with her eyes closed. I was sure I was going to get trampled, but it never happened.
Eventually, we were instructed to open our eyes as Paloumpis thanked us for joining their class. I resisted the urge to namaste bow at the end as I have done after so many yoga classes. Though most of the class felt ridiculous and very un-witchlike, I did feel the same sense of peace and calm that I feel after 30 minutes of yoga. Maybe the witchcraft part is phony, but I think it is more about connecting the mind, body, and spirit just like yoga and the witchy part is just a way for Horoscope readers to find a fitness class within their tribe of beliefs.
Still in a semi-haze from having my eyes closed for so long, I bundled myself in my coat and scarf in preparation to rejoin the concrete world of New York City where the most magical thing that happens is getting a seat on the subway after a long day.
Experience Christmas Magic at the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls, New York
Set to take place from December 7 to 10, 2023, the Seneca Falls community believes that the classic movie, directed by Frank Capra, was based on their town and go all out each year. Festivities start on Thursday, December 7 with a night block party featuring music, burn barrels, activities for kids, a hot chocolate bar, and s'mores.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy screenings of the original black-and-white and colorized versions of the movie, which will be shown with hot drinks and light snacks. The festival information center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, offering information, merchandise, and souvenirs. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides on Saturday and Sunday, as well as rides on the Bedford Falls Express Train featuring four 90-minute runs on Sunday.
In addition to the nearly 50 scheduled events and activities during the festival, the It's a Wonderful Life Museum at 32 Fall St will be open for exploration all three days. The Post Office on State Street will offer a chance to cancel letters from Bedford Falls Postal Station. People can look for It's a Wonderful Life movie character re-enactors wandering the downtown streets Friday through Sunday, and there will be opportunities for photos with Mr. Potter, Violet, George Bailey, and other cast members.
Other activities include annual favorites such as Friday's Mrs. Martini's pasta dinner and the Wonderful Bonfire and Tree Lighting with Santa. The Wonderful Parade will be with the Bedford Falls Mediocre Marching Band, the Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes, and many other community groups and organizations.
It's A Wonderful Life Museum Traci Taylor loading.The weekend also includes Saturday's popular It's a Wonderful 5K run, Sunday's Uncle Billy's Wonderful Scavenger Hunt, and the Wonderful Music Brass Ensemble.
Actors who played in the movie who will be present include Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey, Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey, and Donald and Ronald Collins, who played young Peter Bailey. Also planning to attend are Mary Owen, Donna Reed's daughter, Monica Capra Hodges, Frank Capra's granddaughter, and John Kuri, son of Emil Kuri, set decorator for the movie.
Seneca Falls has many reasons to believe that Frank Capra based Bedford Falls in It's a Wonderful Life, on their town. There are similarities in architecture from homes on Cayuga Street to the Bailey home, post-war housing developments, and significant Italian and Irish heritage of residents.
A former Seneca Falls barber, Tommy Bellissima, recalled cutting the hair of a man who introduced himself as Frank Capra when the screenplay was still under development. Capra is known to have visited relatives in nearby Auburn.
Both Seneca Falls and Bedford Falls are in upstate New York, in relatively close proximity to Rochester and Elmira, both mentioned in the movie. In the original screenplay, Harry Bailey attended Cornell University in Ithaca, near Seneca Falls. The studio recommended not referring to the college by name. The Bridge Street bridge, a steel truss bridge, is a close match to the bridge in the movie from which George Bailey jumped to save the angel Clarence. The local bridge has a plaque dedicated to Antonio Varacalli, who died in 1917 when he jumped into the canal to save a suicidal woman, possibly inspiring Capra to have George Bailey jump in to save Clarence.
Whether or not the movie was based on Seneca Falls, the town has fully embraced the nostalgic holiday spirit, and the It's a Wonderful Life Festival is a magical experience for all who attend.
Their magical practices are both rooted in ancient traditions and adapted to the modern world, making them a unique and powerful force in the community. One of the most well-known witchy women of the Finger Lakes is Cassandra Moon, a wise and revered elder who has been practicing witchcraft for over 50 years. Her herb garden is a sight to behold, as she grows a wide variety of plants with mystical properties.
Look Inside The 'It's A Wonderful Life' Museum In Seneca Falls, New York
Upstate New York's Seneca Falls is believed to have inspired Bedford Falls from the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life’ and even has its own 'It's a Wonderful Life' museum. This is what it looks like inside.
Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor
Many locals seek her out for potions, charms, and guidance in matters of love, health, and prosperity. Another prominent figure is Luna Ravenwood, a gifted diviner who uses tarot cards and crystal balls to provide insight into the past, present, and future. Her readings are renowned for their accuracy and depth, and people from all walks of life flock to her humble cabin overlooking Seneca Lake. These witchy women often come together to celebrate the turning of the seasons and the cycles of the moon. They hold gatherings in sacred groves, where they perform rituals, chant incantations, and share their wisdom with a new generation of aspiring witches. These gatherings not only strengthen their own magical abilities but also foster a sense of community and connection among like-minded individuals. Despite their peaceful and benevolent intentions, witchy women of the Finger Lakes have faced their fair share of adversity. Throughout history, they have been wrongly accused of dark and malevolent practices, and some have even been persecuted for their beliefs. However, they have persevered, standing strong in their truth and shining their light upon the community. In conclusion, the witchy women of the Finger Lakes region are a force to be reckoned with, embodying the ancient art of witchcraft and bringing its wisdom to the modern world. Their magical practices, deep connection to nature, and commitment to community make them valuable and respected figures in the region. As the fervor for mysticism and spirituality continues to grow, the witchy women of the Finger Lakes will undoubtedly play a crucial role in guiding and inspiring those who seek their wisdom..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Meditation in the Finger Lakes: Connecting with the Divine"
1. Jennifer - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really excited to read "Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes" as I love stories about witches and supernatural elements. Unfortunately, this book did not deliver. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the storyline lacked depth. The pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored halfway through. The writing style also felt amateurish, with repetitive phrases and cliché descriptions. Overall, this book just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
As a fan of thriller and mystery novels, I was looking forward to "Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes" for its promise of suspense and intrigue. However, I was left disappointed by the lackluster plot and predictable twists. The storyline was poorly executed, with many events feeling forced and unrealistic. The characters were one-dimensional and their motivations were hardly explored. The book had potential, but it fell short in delivering an engaging and thrilling read. I would advise readers to look elsewhere for a more satisfying mystery novel.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Witchy Women of the Finger Lakes" as I enjoy books with a supernatural element. Unfortunately, this book failed to captivate me. The writing was weak, with choppy dialogue and awkward pacing. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect or empathize with them. The plot itself had potential, but it felt rushed and unresolved. Overall, this book left me wanting more from the story and the characters, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.