Spellbound: Honors Colloquia Liv Montpetit

  Ancient Rituals to Modern Medicine I was intrigued to learn about the deep connection between medicine and witchcraft throughout history. Ancient witchcraft practices have profoundly shaped modern Western medicine, showing how these seemingly opposing realms have long been intertwined. In the early modern period, limited scientific understanding led people to rely on superstition. Witch doctors used medicinal plants and animal products to craft remedies, blending mystical practices with early healthcare methods. This blend of the supernatural with medicinal practices set the foundation for how ancient healing techniques have influenced and shaped the development of modern medicine.  Witchcraft practitioners kept meticulous records of their treatments and observations, which allowed them to refine their methods and pass down knowledge through generations. This documentation practice is critical today as researchers study traditional remedies to validate and integrate them int...

Modern Witchcraft in the Digital Age The rise of WitchTok on social media platforms like TikTok has revealed a growing community of modern-day witches, reshaping ancient practices into an accessible, consumer-driven trend. I always assumed witchcraft was practiced on a limited scale in society, but my research into WitchTok revealed a vast and active community. Although witchcraft dates back to the 1400s across various cultures, the internet has provided a new platform for exploring these practices. Claire Jones, a reporter for BBC News, highlights how platforms like TikTok have made witchcraft more visible and accessible. The content on WitchTok includes live-streaming tutorials, educational videos, and insights into the lives of modern-day witches, appealing particularly to younger generations seeking identity and community. The size of the WitchTok community is especially surprising. The hashtag #WitchTok now has over 6.7 million posts, showcasing various interpretations and practic...