Big Kildare Interview: Newbridge witch advises people to 'get out in nature'
Hazel Cahill’s book, ‘Practical Magick’, is due for release in various Kildare bookshops
When the average person thinks of what a witch is, they may think of Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, or Macbeth.
However, one woman wants to assure the public that most witches actually just want to promote peace and harmony with the world and nature — in other words, they are more likely to care for an injured toad than turn someone into one.
Speaking to the Leinster Leader ahead of her book launch is Hazel Cahill, who explained the origin of her upcoming book, ‘Practical Magick’.
Hazel, who originally hails from County Waterford but moved to Newbridge 12 years ago, runs a shop in the town called Pure and Simple New Age Store, which sells goods such as ‘crystals, candles, herbs, herbal blends, spell supplies and various other magical tools and products’.
She also emphasised that she identifies as a witch that loves to study paganism and magick, and added that her book came about from the many questions she has had from customers over the years.
“It’s designed for both the beginner and the practising witch, because everyone’s practice is going to be different,” Hazel said. “It takes you through the different areas of practical magick, so someone who is completely new can use it as a starting point, while someone who already practises might find new ideas, information or insights that they can bring into their own practice.”
Moreover, Hazel revealed that she has made the book ‘very interactive’, with with sections throughout where readers can make their own notes.
According to Hazel, she wants the book to become ‘something personal to them, rather than simply a book they read and put back on the shelf’.
‘CREATE A CHANGE’
When asked by the Leader about the difference between magic and magick, Hazel responded: “There isn’t really a substantial difference, as both describe the same practice: working with intention, awareness and action to create change.”
She elaborated: “‘Magick’ is often used to distinguish spiritual or ritual practice from stage illusion, but the overall meaning is the same; what matters most is the practice itself.”
Hazel also revealed what exactly got her into paganism and magick: “My dad was always reading books about Old Ireland, mysteries of the world and things like that.
“I remember seeing him reading them and being fascinated by what he was reading; I don't know if that's where my own interest came from, but I definitely think it planted a seed.
“I've always had an interest in the things that are a little bit beyond what we can explain, and that eventually led me towards paganism and practical magick.”
Furthermore, Hazel said that she wanted to dispel some misconceptions about magick: “I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that magick is something dark or sinister, or that women who practise it are somehow doing something dangerous or evil. There’s also this idea that it’s about curses, spells to harm people, or devil worship, when that really isn’t what it is.
“However, for me, and many others, it’s much more about nature, intention, spirituality and connecting with the old ways.”
‘A WELCOMING AND ACCESSIBLE SPACE’
Hazel also briefly spoke to the Leader about her business: “I opened my business in 2017, and I currently sell pretty much everything someone might need to start or develop their journey into magick; crystals, candles, herbs, herbal blends, spell supplies and various other magical tools and products.
“I also try to make it a welcoming and accessible space for people, whether they’re completely new to it or have been practising for years.”
She also claimed that she has seen ‘a massive shift’ towards people becoming more interested in the old ways, paganism and magick.
“Life has become so busy and disconnected and people have become more aware of this, people are looking for something that reconnects them back to nature, to stillness and to themselves,” she added.
Lastly, Hazel offered the following advice to those who are thinking about exploring magick: “I would say start small; get out in nature and explore, because nature is magick.
“Explore our old ways and don’t feel that you have to know everything straight away or overload yourself; follow what interests you and allow yourself to discover what feels right for you, and don’t be afraid to question things along the way — that’s all part of the journey.”
‘Practical Magick’ by Hazel Cahill will be available through all major book retailers, as well as independent and online bookshops.
It launches in Australia and New Zealand on September 1, 2026, the USA on September 8, 2026, and the UK and Ireland on September 10, 2026.
Hazel will also launch her book in Woodbine Books in Kilcullen on the evening of September 10 at 7pm.
There is no charge to attend this event.