Must be the season of the witch
In a world where strength is measured not just by physical power but by resilience, wisdom, and the ability to transform adversity into empowerment, there’s something strikingly relevant about the story of the so-called “witches” of Salem. These women, often misunderstood and feared, have left a legacy that speaks to the modern-day woman’s journey toward owning her power unapologetically.
At SLAM, we focus on strength, self-empowerment, and sisterhood—not unlike the essence of the women branded as witches centuries ago. These women weren’t magical creatures with malevolent intentions. Instead, they were often strong, independent, and defiant in a world that sought to control them. By exploring their stories, we can reclaim the narrative of the witch as a symbol of strength, self-care, and resilience.
Rewriting the History of the “Witch”
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark time in American history. Scores of women (and even a few men) were accused of witchcraft, often based on little more than hearsay or community tensions. What did these women really do to earn such suspicion? Many were women who lived on the edges of society: healers, midwives, and those who didn’t conform to the expectations of a patriarchal, religious society. They were assertive, lived differently, or wielded knowledge that made others uncomfortable.
In essence, these so-called “witches” were strong women who refused to fit into the molds laid out for them. They challenged norms. They practiced herbal healing, worked with plants, and possessed knowledge of natural remedies—a wisdom that made them invaluable in their communities. Yet, in a time when women were expected to be obedient, this independence and power were threatening.
The Salem Witch Trials remind us that strength in women has often been feared and misinterpreted. But today, we celebrate that same strength. At SLAM, we channel this energy—facing fears, breaking limits, and embracing the power of community to lift one another up. We are the descendants of those powerful women, carrying forward their spirit of independence and resilience.
Pulling From Your Own Cauldron: Harnessing Strength and Self-Care
The image of a witch stirring a bubbling cauldron may seem fantastical, but metaphorically, it’s something we all can do. In our everyday lives, we have our own cauldrons—our bodies, minds, and spirits—from which we draw strength. Just like those wise women of the past, we can create our own potions and remedies to restore balance, nourish ourselves, and recharge our energy.
One of the simplest ways to tap into this is by using the power of essential oils and other natural remedies to promote healing and relaxation. Incorporating these into your post-workout routine can help your body and mind recover from the challenges you’ve faced, just like the witches of old used plants and herbs to care for themselves and their communities.
Here are a few essential oils you can add to your routine, bringing a little magic into your day:
Lavender: Known for its soothing properties, lavender helps relax muscles and ease stress, perfect after a tough workout.
Peppermint: Invigorating and cooling, peppermint oil can be applied to sore muscles to relieve tension and stimulate circulation.
Eucalyptus: Great for clearing the mind and soothing tired bodies, eucalyptus can refresh you after an intense training session.
By creating your own blend, you’re pulling from your own cauldron, nurturing the powerful body and spirit that carry you through each workout and beyond. Whether it’s adding a few drops to your bath after a challenging session or inhaling the warm scents, you’re engaging in a ritual of self-care and recovery that’s as ancient as it is empowering.
Creating Your Own Rituals for Empowerment
In much the same way that the women accused of witchcraft practiced rituals of healing, connection, and empowerment, you can create your own rituals that align with your personal growth goals. These can be as simple as setting intentions before each workout or meditating to focus your energy. Think of it as stirring your own cauldron.
Some rituals to consider:
Intentions for Strength: Before starting your workout, take a moment to set an intention. Whether it’s “I am strong,” or “I will overcome,” you are reminding yourself of your inner power and mental resilience.
Post-Workout Meditation: After an intense session, sit quietly, focus on your breath, and reflect on what you’ve accomplished. Allow yourself to feel grateful for your body and the strength it holds. If you are a SLAM member you’ll be familiar with this process as we always finish our sessions with this type of cool down.
Sisterhood Circles: Gather with your gym sisters after a session and share your experiences, thoughts, and goals. Just like the women who came together in their communities centuries ago, we draw strength from one another.
Whether you're sweating it out at the gym or practicing some self-care at home, remember: you are strong, you are powerful, and your magic lies in owning it.