Southern Bramble: a Podcast of Crooked Ways Season 6, Episode 4: Should Witches Be Evil Again?
Mar 15, 2026
A spirited debate on whether witchcraft should reclaim baneful practices and the ethics of aiming magic at oppressors. They trace witches from primordial night hags to human scapegoats and examine how modern myths and evangelical influence softened practices. Practical ideas include reviving folk curse techniques, coordinated community action, and balancing shadow work with real-world activism.
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Witchcraft Requires Daring And Practice
- Witchcraft as a practice requires will, daring, and work; not everyone who says "anyone can do witchcraft" will actually build a disciplined practice.
- Marshall compares witchcraft to art or piloting: desire alone isn't enough, you must hone skills and take risks to progress.
Redefining Evil As Structural Harm
- The hosts question what "evil" means in magical contexts and note historical accusations were often neighbor-against-neighbor harm claims (blighted crops, spoiled churns).
- Austin reframes evil as structural: marginalization and protection of abusers constitute true evil that witches should target.
Marshall's Curse Case And Taglock Distinctions
- Marshall shares personal experience doing baneful magic only against those who caused harm and tracks a curse's limited effect in his upcoming book.
- He distinguishes firsthand taglocks (hair, nails) as stronger than secondhand photos or printed signatures.