Ensouling the Effigy: The Witch's Arte of Enspirited Objects

Matthew Venus is an artist, folk magician, and witch in Salem, Massachusetts. His craft centers on animism and ancestral, land-based traditions. His practice is enriched as Tata Ndenge in a lineage of Kimbanda Angola and his experiences as an Aborisha in the Lucumí Orisha tradition. For over two decades, Matthew has shared his teachings worldwide through courses on witchcraft and folk magical traditions.

Matthew owns the apothecary of Spiritus Arcanum (@spiritus_arcanum), a shop that specializes in handcrafted incense, oils, and talismanic art. He cofounded the Salem Witchcraft and Folklore Festival (@SalemWitchFest), which hosts events around magical education, community building, and activism.

Adrienne Rozzi is an artist, illustrator, printmaker, and magical practitioner dedicated to honoring the multi-faceted archetype of the Witch.