Hex and the City: A reading for the dark season, by and featuring witches

Witches do exist! Yet they have nothing – or, to put it more cautiously from a scientific point of view, very little – in common with the witches of the Grimm fairy tales.
Today’s self-proclaimed witches do not live in the depths of the forest, but right in the heart of the city. Magic and rituals are an integral part of their everyday lives. The winter season is full of meaning and enchantment.
But who are these witches? Why do they call themselves that? Where do they perform their rituals? What do they mean by magic – and what religious beliefs do they associate with it?
Prof. Dr Victoria Hegner has explored these questions in her ethnographic study: she has spoken to witches, celebrated with them and, in doing so, gained insights into their world.

On this special evening, she will read from her book *Witches of the Big City* alongside witches – offering a glimpse into a way of life that remains hidden to many.

This event also marks the launch party for the audiobook based on the study of witches – one of the world’s first ‘auditory ethnographies’ – in other words, a scientifically rigorous yet vividly told, captivating story of new religious developments, designed to be listened to!
Also joining us is sound master Ginapiero Tari, who transforms such enchanting stories into audible poetry.