NG: This month we visit with the multi-talented Teri Kalgren, owner of the Artemisia Botanicals herbal apothecary shop and a modern Salem witch. 

NG: Hi, Teri. Welcome. We’re delighted to take this opportunity to talk to you.

TK: Thank you for inviting me.

NG: Witches and witchcraft have always been viewed with fascination and fear. History is marked by the persecution of witches—look no further than the nineteen victims of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. What made you become a witch?

TK: I was raised an Irish Catholic. That religion didn’t fit with my own philosophy, so when I came upon witchcraft, it really checked off my boxes regarding things such as sin, feminism, and the right to be who you are. 

NG: You are the director of the Witches Education Bureau. Tell us about the mission of that organization. What are some myths about witches you hope to dispel? 

TK: The mission of the Witches Education League, and another organization the WLPA (the Witches League for Public Awareness) that we merged with in 2011, is to counteract the many untruths about Witches and the Craft, born out of hate and fear. When we first hit the streets in 1994, one of the main questions we used to get was, “What do babies taste like?”

Due to the information on the Internet much of the disbeliefs about the Craft and Witches have largely been dispelled. 

Now, through efforts like “Ask A Witch” and “Make A Wand,” children and their parents are better informed. We’ve met thousands of children, and after 25 years they are bringing their own children back to meet real Witches. This is very rewarding. Nowadays, the questions have become more inquisitive about our beliefs, about our Gods and Goddesses, and about our traditions. I believe this has contributed to everyone showing more openness to all religions.

Also, while it is true that our primary function is to educate the public on the true religion of Witchcraft, we also help the Salem community by donating money, food, and clothing to local charities.

Noori Tagouri Interviews Teri

NG: When most folks are celebrating Halloween, witches are celebrating a religious festival called Samhain to welcome the harvest and prepare for the dark days of winter. How do you celebrate Samhain? 

TK: For over 30 years, I’ve stayed close to home since that is what the Sabat is about. We used to share the Feast of Samhain beyond the Coven with others who wanted to join in our ritual.

Three years ago, we stopped doing the Feasts in favor of celebrating with family and friends in a circle, including my daughter Jenn and my granddaughter Madi. Madi, being the youngest, would sweep the circle, thus cleansing and creating sacred space.

This year we plan to close shop early and get together on Samhain night. Madi will again cast the circle, but my other granddaughter will cleanse it for the first time. We look forward to all being together to bring in the New Year!

NG: You’re a member of the Destination Salem Board of Directors. Can you tell us about a few of the events planned for October 2021’s Haunted Happenings celebration? 

TK: Salem has changed from last year’s strategy when the city closed and told visitors not to come. That didn’t work very well. The interesting thing about Halloween in Salem is that people tell us they really NEED to come to Salem and they can’t not be here in the Fall. 

That said, Salem (as of Aug 23 2021) has reinstated the mask rules, though there will be no mandated closing time at night or store capacity rules. 

Artemisia Botanicals will have a capacity of 10. Last year, we could only allow a maximum of seven. Of course, everything is subject to change if Covid gets worse. We want people to come and enjoy, but we want us all to stay safe and happy.

NG: Brunonia Barry’s award-winning novel, The Lace Reader, tells the story of a family of Salem women who can read the future in a piece of lace. You did lace readings during Brunonia’s book launch held onboard Salem’s “Friendship” sailing vessel. Tell us a bit about lace reading. 

TK: LOL! I loved the Lace Reader, and when I figured out the premise of the book, I loved it even more. Then, one day, Brunonia came into the shop, leaned over the counter, and said “You should read lace, too.” Blown away, I said, “But you made it all up.”

Her reply? “So what, you can only read cards?” She was right, Artemisia Botanicals has people who can read stones, sea glass, tea leaves, jewelry, and even swirls in sand. It’s the reader, not the object that has the power.

  Teri with Brunonia Barry

NG: You teach at The Green Witch School of Herbalism. Tell us about the program, and when you expect it to run again? Do you have a favorite herb to calm anxiety? A favorite herbal recipe to build the immune system to prepare for winter?

TK: We’ve been running the Green Witch School since 2002 and hope to get back to normal next year, with in-person classes starting in March 2022. The last two years, we’ve been offering Zoom classes, and I personally loathe them. I’m about getting the students to use their senses to taste and smell the plants. I love it when students sit with the plants, actually start asking questions, and see their reaction when they get their answers.  Or when a teacher asks them a question, and they answer correctly. It’s the “Aha” moments that are so amazing.  

As to herbal remedies, anxiety and stress cause many of today’s illnesses. When you’re nervous or anxious about a test or court hearing or anything else, drink a cup of chamomile or lavender tea to destress. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you could try valerian or passionflower to rock you in the arms of Morpheus. Even a warm bowl of oatmeal can help relax tension. While there can be some contraindications to herbal remedies, especially with children and pregnant women, there are usually no bad side effects.

NG: What did you think of the Harry Potter series? 

TK: I LOVE Harry! What can you say against a guy who got thousands of children to start reading!

NG: Is there another question you wished I’d asked? 

TK: How did all the hype about Witches being evil and green start? Witches have had a bad rap since the Old Testament’s Witch of Endor, but it wasn’t until The Wizard of OZ in 1939 were they turned into sub-human, green-faced hags. The invention of Technicolor was a big boon for MGM. But that scary green face and those ruby slippers caused years of degrading moments for witches.

Thank you for inviting me to your show.  

Stay well and stay sane. Blessed Be 

Teri Kalgren HPs