Witch School Heads to Salem
Wednesday October 28, 2009
We've been following the story of Witch School over the years, throughout the organization's quest to find a home. Originally founded in Chicago, Witch School moved a few years ago to Rossville, Illinois. Their presence in the economically depressed area has not gone unnoticed. Witch School has been the target of a number of protests by local churches, many of whom felt that they should have been consulted before their new neighbors were allowed to move in.
At any rate, this weekend, Witch School will be packing up and moving to Salem, Massachussetts. Founder and CEO Ed Hubbard says they're not leaving because of the fundamentalists, but because of the lack of resources in the area. "The Churches are not the cause, they are a symptom of the problems in rural areas, and that is the lack of useful educational resources." He adds that they've had significant problems with the Witch School internet provider -- some of which may stem from intervention by local pastors -- and for a business that thrives on online interaction, that's a problem.
Certainly, relocating to a place known as the Witch City can't be a bad business decision -- although Witch School will encounter more competition, they'll also have a significant increase in the number of people interested in what they do. Not only that, they'll be located in a local pedestrian mall, which means prime access to the tourist trade. Hubbard plans to have the new location up and running by April, 2010.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook!
At any rate, this weekend, Witch School will be packing up and moving to Salem, Massachussetts. Founder and CEO Ed Hubbard says they're not leaving because of the fundamentalists, but because of the lack of resources in the area. "The Churches are not the cause, they are a symptom of the problems in rural areas, and that is the lack of useful educational resources." He adds that they've had significant problems with the Witch School internet provider -- some of which may stem from intervention by local pastors -- and for a business that thrives on online interaction, that's a problem.
Certainly, relocating to a place known as the Witch City can't be a bad business decision -- although Witch School will encounter more competition, they'll also have a significant increase in the number of people interested in what they do. Not only that, they'll be located in a local pedestrian mall, which means prime access to the tourist trade. Hubbard plans to have the new location up and running by April, 2010.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook!
Thank you for commenting on this, and I appreciate it. This will be tough, as this is will be very different from my life so far. I am a midwesterner, but I will learn to adapt. At least the Internet is great in Salem.
Ah, sweet god(dess)! Can we ever really get anywhere where we aren’t ’selling’ spirituality? Not liking the whole “prime access to the tourist trade” – makes witches/wiccans sound too much like the Holy Roman Church with Lourdes, Vatican City – making a profit selling trinkets people who may be searching for something deeper. When we start existing simply for the making of money and not our own and others’ spiritual progress, we have certainly moved far away from worshipping the old gods and bowing down to the oldest one (greed, selfishness, profit, money) Well, that’s more than one, but you get the idea….
Ed, congrats on this major move. I for one certainly wish you the best of luck.
I would like to add that sometimes it is necessary to earn money for what it is that you do. I do not agree with Mary about turning a profit, this is what you guys do for a living and also a way to support your temple.
Again good luck and now that you are closer to where I live, I look forward to visiting.
Blessed be!
You could’nt go to college for free.Ed and his staff are teachers and should be paid accordingly for their services.Good luck with your move Ed,hope all goes well,at least your going to a safer place:). Yours truly, Jo
I wish you much success!! Living is rural Il. in my teen years….and in rural MS as an adult, I TRULY understand. IGNORANCE is and can be very crippling. This is a two fold venture…..JOB and Passion. Teaching others too…… I wish you much success and Blessings in all you are doing!!
Congratulations on your move and best wishes in your endeavors. Being a witch merchant and teacher professionally for over 21 years in a small town in Va. I do understand the need to be able to sustain oneself and family financially as well as help those who wish to learn of witchcraft, magick etc vs the should I do this for free and to spread the word sort of thing. The thing is being a witch isnt for everyone and unlike other religions, witches are not evangelists . I will not teach others just to make the money, if they are not genuinely interested in learning. I have did free classes and wound up with people that came as a novelty, which wasted my time and the time of the more serious students. Plus I only offer a place in our group to those who have completed the course and have gone through the graduating ritual at the end of the class. I will not participate with others in a circle of ritual or ceremony unless I know they can handle themselves and their energies.I have always been a witch and grew up in our area where family resides around us in our rural little place. I have been fortunate enough to be at least tolerated and many interested people of all ages have come to us for information, supplies and help, even our christian cousins visit us when in need . I suppose if I did nt own the land and our store things may be different, but I have toughed out the bad times and enjoyed the good times with the help of the goddess and god and I hope that I will be able to help those who truley want a different way of life to be able to find it. Best of luck to you and your school.