The Hounds have been out prowling during the Season of the Witch, and there’s a lot out there. They’ve returned with stories that made The Wild Hunt‘s editors stop, reread the headlines, and mutter, “Wut?”
So they read them again, just to be sure. And once again, “Wut?” Only this time, a few other words followed. We’ll leave those to your imagination.
As we’ve said before, sometimes the Hounds are simply confused. Sometimes they sniff the trail, tilt their heads, and decide it isn’t worth chasing. And then there are those other times—they sniff and, well … pee on it.
Here’s your latest episode of What the Hounds?
New York School Board Member Opposes Student Trip to Salem Witch Museum, Calls it Satanic, Admits Unfamiliar with History
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BATAVIA, N.Y. — A New York school board member and Christian pastor has opposed a proposed senior class trip that includes a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, describing the historic attraction as a “satanic witch museum” and urging local churches to voice their objections.
According to a September 22 report by Joanne Beck in The Batavian, Batavia City School District board member Dan Schmidt cast the sole dissenting vote against approving the Class of 2027 trip to Massachusetts, scheduled for June 2027.
Schmidt objected specifically to the inclusion of the Salem Witch Museum, which examines the 1692 Salem witch trials and the persecution of people accused of Witchcraft. Established in 1972, the museum seeks to educate visitors about the victims of witch hunts, both historically and in contemporary society.
When asked whether the museum might offer educational value by examining the persecution of innocent people, including Christians, Schmidt reportedly acknowledged that he was unfamiliar with its history. Despite that admission, he continued to characterize the attraction as satanic and maintained that it was inappropriate for students.
Schmidt, who also serves as a pastor, expressed hope that local Christians would organize opposition to the visit. He argued that the museum should be removed from the itinerary entirely, even if alternative activities were available.
Student representatives explained that the museum had been included at students’ request. They also acknowledged concerns about accommodating classmates who might object to visiting the attraction.
The board ultimately approved the trip by a 5–1 vote, requiring organizers to provide alternative activities for students who choose not to attend the museum.
The controversy highlights tensions surrounding religious perspectives on Witchcraft, historical education, and the distinction between contemporary magical practices and the historical persecution of people accused of practicing Witchcraft.
Wedding Couples Turn to “Etsy Witches” to Ward Off Stormy Weather
BOSTON — Couples planning elaborate weddings are increasingly turning to an unconventional service to protect their celebrations from bad weather: hiring Witches online to cast spells for clear skies. However, as a powerful nor’easter swept through New England in late September, the growing popularity of these services faced a significant test.
In a September 29 article for The Boston Globe, reporter Karyna Cheung explored the phenomenon of “Etsy witches,” practitioners offering weather-related spellwork through online marketplaces and independent businesses.
Among their customers was Julia Wise, whose Nantucket wedding coincided with the storm. Wise enlisted several spellcasters, including a practitioner based in the United Kingdom, hoping to prevent heavy rain and damaging winds. Although the storm arrived as forecast, Wise said the rituals provided reassurance during an otherwise stressful experience.
Another bride, Sarah Farrell, commissioned similar spellwork for her Boston wedding. Despite those efforts, severe weather forced her to relocate the ceremony from a waterfront venue to the Wang Theatre.
The trend gained widespread attention in 2025 after social media influencer Jaz Smith credited an online Witch with securing favorable weather for her wedding. Subsequent viral videos helped popularize the practice, with services generally costing between a few dollars and approximately $50.
Hank Mason of Florida-based Crystal Conjure Magic reported receiving more than ten requests for weather spells associated with the September storm. His practitioners employ crystals, herbs, and oils in their rituals, although Mason acknowledged that spellwork cannot necessarily stop a powerful weather system.
The phenomenon also raises questions about commercialization and authenticity. Etsy officially prohibits selling metaphysical services, including spellcasting, prompting some practitioners to establish independent businesses.
Despite uncertain outcomes, the popularity of wedding weather spells illustrates how contemporary magical practices are entering mainstream consumer culture, offering customers not only hopes for favorable circumstances but also a sense of agency amid uncertainty.
Florida Man to “Etsy Witch”: Slow Your Roll After Interview Flood
One candle lighting another [Pixabay
In a September 29 article published by The Mary Sue and syndicated through Yahoo Entertainment, Robyn Miraflor reported that William Rath, a former safari driver and law graduate, sought assistance from an “Etsy witch” after struggling to find employment despite submitting hundreds of applications.
Rath shared his experience on TikTok, where his video attracted more than one million views. Five days after consulting the practitioner, he reported receiving so many interview invitations that he struggled to keep up.
“Guys, the Etsy witch needs to chill,” Rath joked, explaining that additional interview requests continued arriving even as he completed scheduled appointments.
Despite the humorous account, Rath later clarified that he had not commissioned a spell. Instead, he purchased a tarot reading from content creator MysticTarotGuide, hoping to learn when he might secure employment in marketing or law.
Speaking with BroBible, Rath acknowledged that the experience may have influenced his attitude toward job hunting. He suggested that he was approaching interviews with greater confidence than before.
His story prompted other social media users to share similar experiences and request information about the practitioner. Some reported receiving interview invitations after seeking comparable services.
Although Rath expressed skepticism about pursuing further magical assistance, his experience illustrates the growing visibility of online divination services and the ways people turn to spiritual practices for reassurance, guidance, and a sense of agency during periods of economic uncertainty.
Christian Author Argues Ghosts Are Demons Impersonating the Dead
Actual site photo with FBI Lab graphic overlay depicting eyewitness reports of an apparent bronze, ellipsoid object (130–195 feet long) materializing from a bright light in the sky before disappearing instantaneously in September 2023. Credit: Pentagon/UFO
WASHINGTON — A Christian author and filmmaker has argued that ghosts are not the spirits of deceased humans but demons impersonating the dead, presenting a theological interpretation that challenges beliefs about spirit communication, mediumship, and the afterlife.
In an October 9 article published by The Christian Post, reporter Ian M. Giatti interviewed Derrick Warfel, author of UFOs and God: Revealing Deception and Truth Behind the Supernatural, Invisible War.
Warfel contends that supernatural encounters, including reported UFO sightings and ghostly apparitions, involve deceptive spiritual entities rather than extraterrestrials or departed human souls.
“Ghosts are not spirits of dead humans who didn’t make it to the other side,” Warfel told the publication, identifying such apparitions as demonic entities seeking to mislead the living.
Drawing on biblical passages, including Luke 16 and Revelation 20, Warfel argues that deceased individuals await final judgment rather than wandering among the living.
He also cites the biblical account of the Witch of Endor, who summoned the prophet Samuel at King Saul’s request. Warfel maintains that God permitted Samuel’s appearance, but that the medium ordinarily expected to communicate with a deceptive spirit.
His interpretation characterizes mediumship and attempts to communicate with deceased individuals as spiritually dangerous practices involving demonic deception.
The article also references polling suggesting that Americans remain divided over paranormal phenomena. According to research cited by The Christian Post, 39% believe spirits of deceased people can return under certain circumstances, while 42% disagree.
Warfel’s assertions reflect one conservative Christian interpretation of supernatural experiences rather than an established explanation of paranormal phenomena. His views contrast with spiritual traditions, including some contemporary Pagan practices, in which ancestor veneration and communication with spirits are understood differently.
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