According to Monash University anthropologist Dr Emma Quilty, Australian women are increasingly turning towards modern witchcraft. In her new book - Witch Power: Hexing the Patriarchy with Feminist Magic Dr Quilty uncovers the hidden worlds of Australian witches, and how they live in defiance of society’s limitations and expectations.
The book explores how contemporary feminist witchcraft offers women a way to resist patriarchal structures, reclaim agency, and build community.
Through immersive fieldwork with witchcraft communities in Australia and the United States, Witch Power explores how rituals and other spiritual practices are used to confront gendered violence, navigate identity, and foster healing.
Dr Quilty, a social anthropologist and research fellow in the Centre for Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Monash University, said the book challenges romanticised views of witchcraft, engaging with questions of race, trans inclusion, and cultural appropriation.
“Every age embraces the witch it needs. Right now, the world needs witchy feminists. This isn’t a book about ancient spells or Hollywood stereotypes. It’s about real Australian women using ritual, community, and spirit to find magic in the margins, resist misogyny, and heal from harm.”
Written in the first person, Witch Power chronicles Dr Quilty’s own journey – her experience with domestic violence, becoming a witchy feminist, and overcoming trauma through ritual and community.
The book also explores everything from new-age wellness parties to the rise of the ‘techno witch’, including the rise of WitchTok and mass online hexes as a form of political activism.
“Online hexes attended by hundreds or even thousands of individuals are not simply a reaction to everyday misogyny and their intended targets. They are prime examples of digital feminist activism, designed to expose and confront systemic sexism,” Dr Quilty said.
Witch power weaves together scholarly research and personal storytelling, making it a compelling resource for both academic study and individual exploration. It offers critical insight in the rise and role of the witch in contemporary society, while serving as an accessible guide for those seeking to engage with feminist witchcraft in their own lives.
Dr Quilty’s book is available to purchase online or from major bookstores in Australia. Dr Quilty is holding several book launch events both in Australia and in the United States, discussing the themes of the books and connecting with readers.
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