Magic and Witchcraft Conference 2025 – University of York, York, UK
✨ What is a Witch? Interdisciplinary Conference 2025 ✨
📅 Date: 24th – 25th June 2025
📍 Location: University of York, York, UK
🧙♀️ Theme: The Many Faces of the Witch – History, Culture, and Power
The University of York will be transformed into a gathering place for scholars, practitioners, and creatives as we explore one of the most enduring and enigmatic figures in human history: the witch. From the feared and persecuted witches of history to the feminist reclamation of witchcraft as a symbol of resistance, this two-day interdisciplinary conference will unravel the many interpretations of the witch across time, culture, and society.
This event will bridge academia, spirituality, and popular culture, welcoming historians, literary scholars, artists, folklorists, and practicing witches to share their insights into the historical, sociocultural, political, and mystical aspects of witchcraft.
🧙♀️ The Witch as Scholar, Symbol, and Seeker
Throughout history, witches have embodied transformation, rebellion, and power. From the medieval witch hunts to the contemporary spiritual practices of modern-day witches, this conference will unravel the complex, shifting identities of the witch.
Discussions will range from witchcraft trials and folklore to the role of witches in literature, film, and digital culture. We’ll also explore how witchcraft is practiced today, from rituals and divination to its growing influence in feminist and queer movements.
Whether you’re a historian fascinated by early modern trials, a media scholar exploring witches in pop culture, or a practitioner of modern witchcraft, this gathering will provide a rich space for dialogue, learning, and connection.
📚 Key Themes of the Conference
🕯️ Historical Perspectives on Witchcraft – From Salem to Pendle, examining witch trials, persecution, legal frameworks, and historical figures accused of witchcraft.
📖 The Witch in Literature and Folklore – Unpacking the myths, fairy tales, poetry, and novels that have shaped our understanding of the witch.
🔮 Practices and Beliefs – Exploring rituals, spells, divination, and magical traditions across cultures, as well as contemporary witchcraft, Wicca, paganism, and neo-pagan movements.
🌙 Gender, Power, and Witchcraft – Feminist, queer, and political interpretations of the witch as a symbol of defiance and transformation.
🎥 Witches in Popular Culture – The bewitching presence of witches in film, television, gaming, music, and digital media.
🔥 The Politics of Witchcraft – Examining witchcraft accusations in contemporary society, moral panics, and the resurgence of anti-witchcraft sentiment.
🎭 Aesthetic and Artistic Depictions – The witch as creative muse, from visual arts to performance.
🌿 Science, Medicine, and Witchcraft – The intersections between herbalism, alchemy, alternative medicine, and scientific discovery.
This dynamic exchange of ideas will provide a deep exploration of both the academic and personal dimensions of witchcraft, from its darkest histories to its most empowering modern-day manifestations.
🏰 Magical York: Where History and Witchcraft Collide
As one of the most haunted and historically rich cities in England, York provides the perfect setting for a conference dedicated to witchcraft. The city’s medieval streets, ancient legends, and eerie folklore make it an enchanting place to explore while attending the event.
🏚 Places to Stay – Hauntingly Historic & Luxuriously Mystical
🔮 The Black Swan Inn – A 17th-century coaching inn that’s steeped in history and whispers of ghostly presences. Stay here if you want a true taste of York’s supernatural side.
🌙 The Grand, York – For those who love luxury with a touch of history, this Edwardian-era five-star hotel is located in a former railway headquarters and boasts an air of timeless elegance.
🔥 Middlethorpe Hall & Spa – A stunning 17th-century country house with opulent rooms and lush gardens, offering the perfect retreat for witches in need of rejuvenation.
🌿 The Parisi Hotel – A charming boutique stay housed in a converted Victorian rectory, perfect for those seeking a cosy yet magical atmosphere.
🏰 Witchy & Historical Sites to Explore
The Shambles – One of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, this winding passage looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Once home to butchers, its crooked timbered buildings are now home to mystical shops selling crystals, tarot cards, and spellcraft supplies.
York’s Haunted Pubs – Fancy a drink with a ghostly companion? The Golden Fleece is York’s most haunted pub, said to be frequented by restless spirits from centuries past.
The York Dungeon – For those who want a dramatic and immersive dive into the city’s dark history, this interactive experience brings tales of plague, execution, and witchcraft to life.
Clifford’s Tower – Once a prison and site of medieval executions, this tower holds whispers of ancient unrest and powerful energies.
Barley Hall – A stunning medieval townhouse that hosts exhibitions on magic and witchcraft, including fascinating displays on alchemy, astrology, and medieval spells.
St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins – The serene yet haunting remains of a once-great monastery, steeped in mystery and spiritual energy. A perfect place for witches to meditate and reflect.
🌑 Join Us for an Enchanting Two Days of Discovery
The welcomes academics, practitioners, creatives, and anyone intrigued by the witch. Whether you’re looking to present research, share insights, or simply immerse yourself in fascinating discussions, this event promises to be an illuminating and transformative experience.
💀 Will you dare to step into the world of witches? 💀
🧙♀️ Registration opens soon! Stay tuned for further details. ✨