Remembrance Sunday is a powerful day of reflection, and as a witch, I am proud to stand among others honouring those who sacrificed for our freedom. Some might not expect a witch to observe Remembrance Sunday, but I believe there is a deep, symbolic connection between this day and the values that many witches hold dear: peace, freedom, and the courage to resist oppression.
Why Witches Attend Remembrance Sunday Events
For witches, pagans, and others who walk alternative spiritual paths, freedom is a fundamental value. It wasn’t so long ago that witches were persecuted for their beliefs, forced to hide their practices or face punishment. On Remembrance Sunday, we honour those who fought and, in many cases, died to protect our freedom. Without their sacrifices, many of us would not be able to practise our beliefs openly or live in a society that tolerates diversity in all its forms.
Remembrance Sunday: Honouring Peace While Standing Against Tyranny
As a witch, I hold a strong anti-war stance, yet I am also pro-freedom. Remembrance Sunday is not a celebration of war but a solemn reminder of the price paid by those who resisted tyranny. The courage of those who served, not because they sought conflict but because they valued freedom and justice, resonates deeply with my own beliefs. It’s a powerful message for those of us in the witchcraft and pagan communities who strive to live in harmony yet understand the importance of standing against oppression.
Wearing the Poppy: A Symbol of Freedom and Respect
When I wear a poppy on Remembrance Sunday, it’s a meaningful symbol of gratitude. It’s a reminder that my freedom, like that of so many others, was hard-won. Those who fought didn’t do so to glorify war; they did so to protect the freedoms we cherish. My ability to be openly witchy, to practise my beliefs without fear, is a gift I hold in part thanks to those who stood against injustice. Wearing a poppy connects me to that sacrifice and to the idea that, while we may be pro-peace, we also respect those who had the courage to protect the lives and freedoms of others.
The Importance of Rituals and Remembrance for Witches
As witches, we understand the power of rituals and remembrance. Remembrance Sunday itself is a ritual—a national moment to honour those who served and those who suffered. For me, as a witch, this collective act of respect is sacred. It’s a chance to gather our energies and intentions toward a shared purpose: peace, justice, and the freedom to be true to ourselves. Remembrance Sunday is about remembering, mourning, and reflecting on a better future shaped by the sacrifices of the past.
Why I Stand at Remembrance Sunday as a Witch
So, on Remembrance Sunday, I attend to honour the fallen, to connect with the energies of freedom and courage, and to acknowledge the lives given in pursuit of a world that allows us to live openly. As I stand in silence, I am there as a witch, filled with gratitude and respect for those who made it possible for me to practise my craft in peace.
In observing Remembrance Sunday, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as witches, pagans, and spiritual seekers to honour peace, freedom, and justice. And as the poppies fall, I remember that my freedom to live as a witch is a direct result of the sacrifices of those who came before me.
Interested in more of my reflections on spirituality, freedom, and honouring our history? Click here to explore further.
And to support those who’ve served, you can Support the Poppy Appeal through the British Legion, helping to continue their vital work.