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Witchcraft in disguise?

The Free Press Journal - Mumbai

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December 14, 2025

Would you believe that our childhood games were basically low-key mini spells

- Nitin S

There was a time when life's biggest worries were scraping knees and finishing homework before your favourite cartoon came on. And in between all that, we unknowingly dabbled in a bit of magic. From whispering secrets to the moon to making potions out of garden mud, our childhood was filled with rituals that, looking back, were basically mini spells.

Before anyone starts picturing broomsticks and bubbling cauldrons, relax. We're talking about the innocent kind of witchcraft, the quiet, whimsical magic of belief, imagination, and intention. You know, the same kind that made you believe blowing on an eyelash could make your dreams come true.

"I used to believe that finding a white feather indicated my desire would come true. I'd save it in a tiny box with marbles and shiny wrappers. Looking back, it feels so silly, but I still kind of believe those feathers brought me luck," laughs Ritika Rawat.

Maybe that's the thing, as kids, we didn't overthink it. We just believed. And that belief? That was pure magic. Here are seven childhood habits that prove we were all tiny witches or wizards in disguise.

Eyelashes and dandelions

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