SALEM — A group claiming to be the world's largest online school for witchcraft will hold its annual international conference here next month.
The three-day conference, titled "Pagans Taking Global Action," is scheduled for April 17-19 at the Hawthorne Hotel. It will include a discussion of the Pagan economy, a handfastings (Pagan wedding) demonstration and a keynote address by Christian Day, a Salem witch.
"Salem isn't just a Wiccan city, it's the Wiccan capital of the world," said Ed Hubbard, the CEO of the Rossville, Ill., Witch School International, which reports a membership of 200,000 people in 74 countries studying online.
The group also plans to vote on whether to relocate its headquarters to downtown Salem. The move would include the relocation of Magick TV, an Internet television station broadcast on YouTube. Hubbard said he envisions a downtown TV studio that could broadcast such programs as the Pagan Nightly News.
He has already been in talks with Salem landlords, he said.
"My goal is to be on Essex Street," Hubbard said.
This is the first time the witches have chosen the Witch City. The conference has drawn about 150 visitors in the past, though Hubbard said the sour economy may limit attendance this year.
Regardless, it will be a busy week at the Hawthorne.
In addition to the witch conference April 17-19, the hotel will welcome guests in town for GhoStock 7, a paranormal enthusiasts' convention April 16-19. That group will listen to ghost lecturers and participate in a series of paranormal investigations throughout Salem.
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