Canberra witches conjure up community spirit with new coven and spring gathering
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Canberra might be known as the home of politicians and public servants, but not many people realise that there’s also a thriving community of witches practising magic under the shadow of Parliament House.
While Canberra is often dismissed as Australia’s “most boring city”, the capital’s growing witch community tells a different story. From the Crystal Chalice – Canberra’s first Pagan shop – to small witchy businesses flourishing online, more locals are discovering what witchcraft has to offer: empowerment, connection to nature, and community.
And with the launch of a public coven in Canberra, it seems that locals are ready to step out of the (broom) closet.
For the last five years, Natalie Laura has been bringing a touch of magic to the lives of locals through her witchy wares business Simply Magick. Operating from market stalls and The Auction Barn in partnership with local witches Megan from The Sacred and Madeline from Borlewen House, as well as at Uniquified Gift, Natalie noticed something interesting happening.
Through her business connections, she discovered many people wanted to go deeper than just buying products – they were hungry to learn more about witchcraft itself.
“I believe there are a lot of people interested but don’t know where to start, or there are small groups formed but they’ve been hard for people to find, approach or connect to,” she says.
“I do find I get comments on socials from people being surprised that I am in Canberra or that there’s something being organised in Canberra, and I think that gives me a little more hope that more people will come out of the woodwork and join or create their own groups.”
That’s what inspired her to start The Simply Magick Coven. Wanting to create a safe space for those interested in learning more about witchcraft or looking to connect with others, The Coven was launched in early 2025.
But forget the Hollywood stereotypes of bubbling cauldrons and wicked spells. For Natalie, The Coven is simply about bringing like-minded individuals together to share food, talk and create something as a group.
“I wanted to create a group titled Coven for those interested in learning more about witchcraft but also a way to meet other locals, regardless if they may be experienced or newly starting,” she explains.
“At this stage I’m running each gathering around a creative activity, a craft session so people are interacting, talking and getting to know one another.”
“Our first group was making smoke wands, the second session was immensely popular, and I ran two sessions which were creating black salt with the help of local author and witch Courtney Hope. Our next event will be in July, and we’ll be creating Besoms.”
Hoping to keep the meetings free and running them bimonthly, she says that so far, it’s created friendships and a little community for local witches. But with a cap on the number of people able to attend due to space and insurance, she’s also created another event: The Canberra Witches Picnic.
Taking place for the first time on Saturday 20 September at the National Botanic Gardens to celebrate Ostara and the Spring Equinox, Natalie says she wanted to create a “relaxed atmosphere where people could meet, connect and share their journeys, whether they’re just starting out or experienced.”
“Anyone can attend the picnic and I’m encouraging people to bring a picnic rug, a plate of food to share and bring something they’ve handmade, such as a pot of jam, bought locally like a candle or something thrifted,” she explains.
“Welcoming spring is probably my favourite celebration, and it ties in perfectly for the Witches Picnic, a new start, new life and the beginning of change and growth.”
“If successful, I would love to organise another one for December, to welcome in the summer. The picnic is designed to include anyone with any interest in witchcraft, and I hope it will provide new friendships and expand the Canberra witch community.”
It’s something of a full circle moment for Natalie. When she first started Simply Magick – selling handmade candles, cauldrons and more – she was very hesitant to refer to herself as a ‘witch’. But five years later, it’s thanks to the community she loves that she now feels comfortable to embrace the term.
But how many witches are there actually in Canberra and how do you define one?
“I think [a witch is] anyone who embraces the term, and the magick around them. I don’t think I would ever assume anything upon anyone, but I would define a witch as someone who looks to nature and the earth before anything else, respects it and uses its benefits. Anyone who is throwing paper into a fire with something written on it to wish for some sort of change is using a type of magick,” she says.
“There’s a lot around, and they’re out there practicing their magick, sharing their knowledge and you probably know one and work with one without realising.”
The Witches Picnic will be free to attend with limited spots available. Tickets will be launched online in August. For more information, follow @simply.magick.
