Lifting the veil on a bewitching time of year

Green witch Emma on living mindfully and staying 'grounded'

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From the association that sites like the River Wharfe and the surrounding countryside have established with spiritualism to the goth scene in the 1980s when the city became the mecca of the counterculture movement, Leeds has been a haven for those enchanted by the dark side.

And while the mention of the word 'witch' may bring about images of broomsticks, cats, cauldrons and Macbeth to many, local Leeds witch Emma Swailes insists that the lifestyle is a lot more spiritual and down-to-earth.

"It's very much about being grounded," she said. "There are spells but it's also about noticing patterns in nature, celebrating the seasons and considering our impact on and relationship with the earth.

"It's about living mindfully with life. It's very positive."

The practice and popularity of witching has grown significantly in recent years - as evidenced by the number of specialist high streets stores - and Emma says that since converting nearly 10 years ago she has made it an intrinsic part of her daily life.

The eco-friendly living and holistic practices that being a witch involves, such as magic, spellcasting and occultism, are all topics that she talks about with others in the community on her popular, award-winning podcast The Bell Witch Podcast, which she has now been running from her home in West Leeds for three years.

With Hallowe'en being today, Emma opened up about her life as a witch, what she has learned through her podcast and how Leeds and Yorkshire are key spots for those in the community.