Witchcraft isn’t just for Halloween. There are at least 16 covens in Iowa where people practice the Wiccan faith. Many members of those groups are headed to southeast Minnesota this Valentine’s Day weekend for a unique retreat known as Winter Witch Camp. Paul Eaves is organizing the event in Winona, about 40 miles from the Iowa border. Eaves says “If you’re really interested in spending five days in the woods with 50 witches doing magic and rituals and learning skills, come to winter witch camp.” Eaves says the camp will include ceremonies and spells, although he says the spells are really more like prayers. He says “A spell I do everyday is everyday to connect with the earth. I go out and greet the trees to affirm my relationship with me as a human being and the good green earth.” Eaves says Wiccan worship revolves around nature and the cycles of the season. While some may equate witches with devil worship, organizer Paul Eaves says the Wiccan faith is about sending out positive energy.The winter witch camp runs through Monday at Minnesota’s Whitewater State Park. Covens are reportedly active in: Algona, Ayrshire, Carroll, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Keokuk, Muscatine, Sioux City and Washington. The following website lists Iowa covens, associated with Witches of the World: “www.witchvox.com/vn/gr/usia_gra.html”.
