So, it was my wife and I's first trip to Salem (although I can't imagine it being the last). Upon arrival, we snatched up all the various pamphlets and set about discovering which night tour we were going to join. After about 15 minutes we decided on the Witch Walk because it seemed to be offering something truly unique. At 9pm we arrived, met our group and our tour guide, Sammie (aka Lady Ginger).
So, everything you need to know about the tour itself you can find online or in those pamphlets. But the basic run-down is you begin by taking part in a pagan ritual led by Sammie at the end of which you get a "crystal" (I think it's moonstone?) that's imbued with a spiritually positive energy aimed at bringing about some desire. After the ritual, the guide leads you around town stopping at 3-5 locations and teaching you a bit of history, a bit of Paganism, and a bit about the town.
Full disclosure here - I'm not a Pagan, nor am I religious or spiritual in really any sense. But I have, since my Sophomore year in high school when I first read (then watched) "The Crucible," felt a pull to Salem. I idolized the fictionalized character of John Proctor so much, in fact, that as a senior in high school I fought for our drama program to do the play and for me to play Proctor (and was successful on both counts).
Fast forward a decade and some change to last night, standing with Lady Ginger in a circle. There remains still a feeling in Salem. It could be that the town is full of psychics, mystics, and a plethora of others who either believe or allow themselves to want to believe in spirits for just one night. That collective mindset does alter one's perception in Salem around Halloween (that's why we all go, right?). But (and trust me, I know how this sounds), standing in a circle with Sammie, my wife, and the other tour attendees, something else came over me. A sense of peace. A sense of calm. A sense of belonging. My wife and I had our fortunes read in a variety of ways that day (three times each). In my final and longest reading, the psychic discussed a spirit lingering with me. Not an evil or dark one, but simply one who had always been with me (and, to hear the psychic tell it, always would be). Standing in that circle, I felt the presence of it. Even now, the next day, I feel it and that makes me feel less alone in this world.
Look, I'm fully aware that all of this could have just been the electricity of the place, the spirit of the night, and the light radiating from Sammie herself (which she has in abundance). But, even if it was, can you think of a more rewarding way to spend a walking tour than with such powerful emotions flooding into you?
I wasn't alone. The tour concluded at "Hex," which has an altar to the departed within. Visitors are encouraged to leave notes to their ancestors there. I decided to leave one for the spirit whose name I did not know, but somehow still felt intimate with anyway. As I finished my note, a warmth coursed through me - like realizing the thing you'd been looking for was within you the whole time. I looked over at my wife to catch a tear creeping out from her eye. I reached out for her as she turned away, embarrassed. We left Hex and the tour, both feeling full and thankful.
I'm not saying this tour will change your life or anything. My wife and I are both very open, very accepting people and that no doubt had an influence on our experience. What I am saying, though is that it's now a little over 12 hours since the tour began, I'm looking down at my crystal, and a peace is washing over me. And I'm closing my eyes, seeing Lady Ginger in my mind, and a smile is on my face. I would do it again without hesitation.