What do actual witches think of 'Wicked'?

"Wicked seems to have cast a spell of attraction on audiences, from the 1995 bestselling novel to the Tony-nominated Broadway musical to the wildly popular movie adaptation, which opened its first installment as one of last year's biggest blockbusters. The second part, Wicked: For Good is widely expected to work similar magic when it opens this weekend. But what do actual self-identified witches think of Wicked?"

""Oh my God, I love Wicked!" announced Tiffany Walker, who owns a metaphysical boutique called Moonlit Mystic in Wayne, Mich., where she also organizes an annual occult-themed block party called Witches Be Witchin'. "I would consider myself an eclectic witch," she said, explaining that people today who call themselves witches draw from a number of folk traditions and ancient beliefs. "I would also consider myself an eclectic witch," added her friend, who calls herself Mama Rainbow."

""I love how they humanized Elphaba and Galinda to show that witches are just regular people," Mama Rainbow said. She was wearing a white dress and bright rainbow-colored jewelry. "I think we've been taught that a witch is not normal, but I think we all are." Walker added that she appreciates how Wicked gives the main character a name Elphaba and some dignity. "She's no longer scary or something to fear," Walker said. "She's really this misunderstood hero.""

Wicked has grown from a 1995 bestselling novel into a major franchise including a Tony-nominated Broadway musical and blockbuster film; its second installment, Wicked: For Good, opens this weekend. Many self-identified witches express enthusiasm, saying the story humanizes Elphaba and Galinda and reframes witches as ordinary people. Eclectic practitioners at a Michigan metaphysical boutique and a YouTube limpia instructor praised the dignity given to the main character and the visibility for diverse folk traditions. A hoodoo practitioner and Oshun priestess named Juju Bae also described strong excitement for the sequel. Witches cited community events, spiritual practices and representation as part of their connection to Wicked.

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