Laurie Cabot stands out as one of the most renowned witches globally. She is an author, artist, and entrepreneur. As the founder of the Witches League for Public Awareness—or WLPA—she aims to clarify various misunderstandings surrounding Witchcraft.
Early Life
Born on March 6, 1933, in Oklahoma, Laurie became aware of her psychic abilities at the tender age of six. Frequently, she faced reprimands for sharing insights derived from her extrasensory perception. Laurie developed an early fascination with witches, and in her book ‘Power of the Witch, she documented the magical experiences that shaped her childhood.
In 1947, Laurie relocated to Boston to continue her high school education. During this time, she delved deeply into the study of various religions. A witch she met at the library encouraged her to explore belief systems beyond Christianity. This encounter led her to two other witches who taught her the craft. At 16, she was initiated into a coven. Anointing her with oil and a sword, Laurie vowed, “I return to earth my wisdom and henceforth call myself a witch!”
While living in the Latin Quarter of Boston, Laurie committed herself to lead her life as a witch. She embraced traditional witch attire and proudly wore her pentacle necklace. To embody the Goddess, she also donned black eye makeup.
Move To Salem
Laurie moved to Salem, sharing a house with a friend. In Salem, she began teaching ‘Witchcraft as a Science’ at Wellesley High School. She later taught at Salem State College for seven years. Laurie describes the ‘Science Tradition of Witchcraft’ as an amalgamation of Celtic and pre-Gardnerian practices, abiding by the ‘Wiccan Rede’ and the ‘Three-Fold Law of Return.’
Despite her outspoken and vibrant personality, her reputation steadily expanded. An increasing number of individuals sought her counsel. She offered her services as a consultant and utilized her psychic skills to assist the local law enforcement.
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The Official Witch Of Salem
Laurie Cabot embodied the ideal of what contemporary witches sought to achieve: advocating passionately for civil rights. She gained fame across the United States. In the 70s, Laurie petitioned to be regarded as “The Official Witch Of Salem.” This move stirred discontent in both the witchcraft community and governmental circles. Critics alleged that she was exploiting her position for profit and self-aggrandizement. Nevertheless, Laurie remained undeterred, continuing to enhance her reputation and leveraging it for community service.
Her goal was to achieve recognition for Witchcraft as a legitimate religion. In 1973, Laurie inaugurated what would become one of Salem’s major annual celebrations, the ‘Witches Ball,’ marking a festive tribute to Samhain. This event garnered significant media coverage, gradually attracting national and international attendees.
By 1977, Laurie was officially crowned ‘the Official Witch of Salem.’ The governor of Massachusetts honored her with the Patriot Award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to public service.
The Witches’ League of Public Awareness
As a champion of witches’ civil rights, Laurie urged practitioners to advocate for equality, rights, and a positive public perception. In 1986, she established The Witches’ League of Public Awareness, an organization serving as a media watchdog and defending civil rights for witchcraft. Its mission statement asserts: “The Witches’ League for Public Awareness is a proactive educational network committed to correcting misinformation about Witches and Witchcraft. The work of the League originates from a shared vision of a world devoid of all religious persecution.”
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Books
Laurie has authored several books, including: Practical Magic: A Salem Witch’s Handbook, The Power of a Witch, Love Magic, and Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition, The Witch in Every Woman: Reawakening the Magical Nature of the Feminine to Heal.
