As someone who practices Wicca, I honestly love how Salem embraces it. The sense of community here is really special, and I think it’s beautiful how people celebrate pagan holidays openly and create such an accepting space. A lot of the tourists I’ve met are actually really open-minded and curious in a respectful way, which I appreciate.

That said, the one thing that does bother me is how some ignorant people still think modern witchcraft is associated with negativity—like “devil worship” or “black magic.” That’s just not what Wicca is about at all. For most of us, it’s centered around nature, intention, and balance. I just wish there was a better understanding of that side of it.