Love spells, potions, and sacred woodcrafts: Welcome to witchcraft in West Cork
Marie Pedroz and Craig Ozric in The Woodsman’s realm, which has become a one-stop shop for any would-be witches. The store features everything from the tools needed to set up a pagan altar to spell books as a growing number of people turn away from traditional religion to practise witchcraft and paganism. Picture: Chani Anderson
- This article is part of our Best of 2024 collection. It was originally published in September. Find more stories like this here.
There's a definite sense of magic in the air in west Cork after a love spell helped one lucky lady to enchant a new partner. She returned to Skibbereen's witchcraft shop where the spell had been cast, proudly showing off her dapper new man.
It’s just another small victory for couple Marie Pedroz and Craig Ozric whose business, the Woodsman’s Realm, has become a one-stop shop for any would-be witches. The store features everything from the tools needed to set up a pagan altar to spell books as a growing number of people turn away from traditional religion to practise witchcraft and paganism. Much of what is on offer has been handmade by the couple with Marie known for her healing crystals and Craig specialising in sacred woodcrafts.
Business is booming ahead of one of the pagan community’s most celebrated calendar dates known as Mabon which takes place between September 21 and September 29. Falling on the autumn equinox and symbolising balance and harmony, it is a festival marking the middle of the harvest cycle when both days and nights are of equal length.
Paganism is not just the couple’s livelihood. They are currently preparing to celebrate Mabon by decorating altars and making offerings in their own home.
While leaving the Child of Prague on your doorstep in the hope of fine weather might once have been the norm, the couple say a growing number of people are now dabbling in magic instead.
Marie puts the growing popularity down to pop culture and the impact of films such as Harry Potter.
Since opening its doors as Ireland’s first independent pagan shop, Marie and Craig have welcomed a host of exuberant customers.
They recall one older lady with a special wish to find a partner. While many swear by apps like Tinder, others are in search of a little bit of magic.
“I never usually like to ask someone if they have found a partner after a love spell because it seems kind of rude. When I see people coming in visibly happier I assume it has worked . However, there was one older lady who came into the shop with a man shortly after doing a love spell. It was in a half tongue in cheek kind of way. She had met somebody and she’s so happy now. I have seen it work and it’s so great when it does. This is basically about people trying to make themselves happy. I think that’s what everyone is looking for. It’s all about figuring out how to do that in this world.”
She also recalls one woman who came to her shop desperate to have a baby.
“I did make a fertility piece. I would never name her because it was such a difficult and personal story. She had experienced a number of miscarriages and her and her partner were kind of desperate. Some people reach a point where they approach someone like me and ask 'what can you do to help?' So I made something for her which I wove a bit of energy into.
"It’s not what I’m making that helps the person but rather the energy they weave into it themselves and that combination. They believe in it and put their energy and love and faith into it and that fires it up. She came back with her daughter a year later.
"I suppose you could say that we’re pulling on invisible threads and playing with the forces of the universe in a very tiny way. I believe that if you have your heart set on something and your full intent is based on it you can manifest these things.”
Marie explains how she often has to challenge traditional misconceptions around witchcraft.
“We have had some people come in who we have to do a lot of explaining to. I think that Hollywood has demonised the whole idea of what being a pagan is to have a good sell on it. There are still people who come in and back out after seeing the kind of shop we are. We have to explain to people that we’re not a satanic shop. They see the pentagram on the wall but don’t realise what it really means. Luckily, this isn’t a daily occurrence but it does happen. When we opened the shop we did fear there might be some opposition. Fortunately, we haven’t got stoned on the street! The shop itself has a lovely energy that tends to disarm people.
"We have a few things hanging near the entrance of the shop to repel anyone that would come in with that intent anyway. There are protections in our shop because we thought this might be an issue. Thankfully, either they're working or it's not an issue.”
Neo-pagan religions including Wicca, Druidry and Celtic polytheism have active followings across Ireland. While the number of documented followers is modest, paganism is now being dubbed the "fastest growing religion" in Ireland.
“It's really just a return to old ways,” Marie explained.
Marie says she prefers to celebrate pagan rituals at home.
“The shop is our public face but really we are private people. We do a fair bit of educating but when it comes to the actual ritual of the celebration it’s a very personal thing I think. Most people who come into the shop practise on their own or with close friends or family rather than doing these in a big group. We have an altar in every room pretty much. There are certain places around West Cork including in Drombeg where people visit regularly on the significant dates. You’ll often observe circle drumming and offerings which is really nice to see.”
She says customs and traditions have changed dramatically in the last couple of years.
“In the old days a witch was someone who lived outside the village in a hut who had lots of dried herbs and various things at her disposal. You would go to her if you wanted a child or you needed healing. Nowadays, a witch might be someone who works on the internet. The definition of a witch has expanded. They might describe themselves as people who uses the spirit magic of plants to heal themselves and their friends. I think it has become a way to live more in harmony and health on the planet that we inhabit. There is also the ability to manifest things. We are talking about people who understand how energy flows and work and tap into that and start drawing upon it. That is the definition of a modern witch.”
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