Perth Voice Interactive

WITCHCRAFT saved my life, says 47-year-old Nikki Mills.

Mills says when she was alone in her 20s, she had suicidal thoughts, but witchcraft gave her “faith, purpose and a much broader understanding of both people and the world I was living in.”

“Without the strength it gave me I don’t know where I would be today.”

Mills has been into witchcraft for as long as she can remember, but began properly studying it when she turned 22.

“Since then I have studied all aspects of the craft and over time began to share it with other like minded people,” she says.

“When I began my journey you would never admit aloud that you were a witch. Luckily times are changing.”

Mills has had a rough old time of it – she’s got a spinal injury and has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia and acute anxiety. It means even leaving the house can be a major ordeal.

As part of her coping strategies, she started making witchcraft accessories like jewellery, charm bags and altar cloths.

“I started making items for myself when I first started exploring witchcraft. My first item being a wand, as there were little to no shops that accommodated those of us who practice,” Mills says.

“Being that it was frowned upon. I found it to be a powerful experience to provide and create for myself the things I needed. 

“And the craft was a good focus for me especially in my earlier years when I suffered severe depression. It is a very liberating experience and I am very open and proud of my practices today.”

Witchcraft

Mills says companies are wary of employing her as a spinal injury is a biggest compensation risk and Centrelink wouldn’t put her on disability benefit, so in 2020 she launched the online business Grey Witch Crystals – a one-stop shop for all things witchy.

“My customers are phenomenal people whom I am incredibly blessed to have met, even just through my Facebook page,” she says. “That is why I chose to open myself up to the world with Grey Witch Crystals.

“It’s my favourite thing when my customers reach out to me to let me know I made a positive impact on their day.”

Mills is a big supporter of the Black Dog Institute, a not-for-profit supporting people with depression, and has a donation link on her website: “Witchcraft gives me the ability and connections to reach out and help others who are suffering (which I love being able to do) and it brought me to finding the Black Dog Institute,” she says.

“I wanted to help others in particular with PTSD as there is limited help available for those who suffer with it. I encourage those who are able to click the link to the Black Dog Institute and donate if they can. It is an area that needs aid.”

According to the 2016 census, 27,194 Australians identified as pagan or other affiliated “nature religions”, including 6616 people who specifically identified as “Wiccan/witchcraft”. 

Every year since 1984, witches have flocked to the national Australian Wiccan Conference, which is held on the weekend  closest to the Spring Equinox, with three days of workshops, classes, lectures, entertainment and socialising.

Usually more than 80 people attend the conference and the highlight of the weekend is the Spring Equinox ritual. 

Mills says people shouldn’t believe the ‘wicked witch’ stereotype popularised in Hollywood movies over the years.

“I try really hard to promote acts of kindness through my work and Facebook page,” she says. “Most of us witches are some of the kindest souls you could hope to meet.”

If you want to find out more about Mills and her work see greywitchcrystals.com.au.