Think of witches and the first thing that comes to mind are flowing black robes, hooked noses and broomsticks. But Ipsita dosen't fit the bill.
On the ancient Wiccan holiday of Beltane, Ipsita Roy Chakraverty shares some secrets with us.
Think of witches and the first thing that comes to mind are flowing black robes, hooked noses, pointy hats and broomsticks. But Ipsita Roy Chakraverty, India's very own Wiccan, doesn't fit any stereotype people might have about witches. What's more, she doesn't mind being called one.
"There is nothing wrong with being a witch. There are times when people don't understand the term 'Wicca' so I introduce myself as a witch," she says with a twinkle in her eye. "It's the negative connotation that the word 'witch' has that I have a problem with."
Combating the 'dark forces' is a daily ritual for Ipsita and so is making the public aware of what really it means to be a Wicca. That explains her writing two books and also taking creative interest in the forthcoming film 'Scared Evils' — based on a story from her 2003 book of the same name.
"There are many misconceptions about witches. Those with ultra powerful imagination presume that I could turn people into toads or flies and some others that think that I do black magic. Writing and then being a part of the filming of 'Scared Evils' is my attempt at telling people what a Wicca really does," she explains.
Armed with her 'instruments of healing' like an athame (a double-edged blade) or a multi-point crystal star, Ipsita heals many who approach her. "Most people who come to me for healing have nerve ailments ranging from melancholia to trauma." So, does she also predict the future? "Not really." What about celebrity clients? Rumour has it that Ipsita is the woman behind Rekha's youthful looks. "My relationship with a client is similar to that of a doctor-patient," she says.
Though Ipsita believes she has paranormal powers, she has a more broad-based definition of a witch. "Every strong woman has the attributes of a witch. The women who were persecuted in Europe and elsewhere were strong, progressive women who stood for the individual as against the system," she says. Which explains why Ipsita's next book is titled 'Every strong woman can be a witch'.
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