Computer technician leads double life as witch

Go ahead, call Andrea Sanchez a witch.

She won’t cast a spell on you.

Most likely, she’ll invite you to her coven.

The married 26-year-old computer technician earlier this year started Colorado Springs Witches.

Trying to explain that to a town with a church on every corner isn’t easy.

“Most people don’t understand,” she says, tossing locks of strawberry - blond hair from her face, “or care to understand.”

Some assume they’re a bunch of devil worshippers, she says, adding the truth is quite the contrary: “Pagans don’t believe in the devil.”

They believe in a goddess and god duo and the balance of good and evil.

“They care about the Earth and are attuned to the seasons. They are really into fellowship and being a part of something bigger,” she says.

For Sanchez, it fills a spiritual void. “I’d been a Christian for a long time, and I didn’t feel connected with God. I enjoy learning about faiths. I read a couple of books about it. I said, ‘This is great,” she says.

There are 71 members — “housewives, executives, military,” says Sanchez, who can be contacted at scarletsaint@gmail. com.

A group photo on her Web site shows everyday men, women and kids wearing everyday striped polos, jeans and pink dresses.

Last weekend, they celebrated Mabon, the autumnal equinox and harvest, at Monument Valley Park.

Adults meet weekly at coffee shops to discuss cleansing, consecration and other topics relevant to witches.

It is yet to create any stir. “Occasionally, we get some strange looks,” she admits.

Witchcraft is a faith, she says, not a culture. Followers have a collection of beliefs. “Some prefer the term pagan and others Wiccan,” she says.

Sanchez keeps a prayer altar with candles and herbs in the northeast split-level rental home she shares with her husband and two cats.

One’s a black cat.

A coincidence, she says. Ditto for the wand: “I’m a huge Harry Potter fan.”

No wand is required for spellcasting — a spiritual rite.

“Casting a spell is a different way of saying a prayer,” she says.

Basically, she says, the rituals are not all that far out.

“Lighting candles and incense. Spending time with the goddess. Meditating, singing and chanting. There is a prayer to the goddess and an offering of herbs or flowers,” she says.

There are no animal sacrifices.

Halloween is a big deal. It’s the pagan New Year.

Yes, they wear costumes.

Sanchez is considering dressing as a pirate.

But she might be a witch.

“Just for the irony,” she says.

Tell me your stories: 636-0253 or andrea.brown@gazette.com.