Witchy Woman

If you were to call nail tech and Top 25 competitor Amy Anzlovar a witch, she wouldn’t take offense, though she might tell you she prefers the more general term “pagan.” In this month associated with black pointy hats, broomsticks, and things that go bump in the night, we asked Anzlovar, a tech at Nails et al. in Aurora, Colo., to tell us a bit about her belief system and to debunk some common myths. She’s quick to point out that there are many different forms of witchcraft and that everyone practices a bit differently. She also hints that she’s not the only witch in the nail biz.

NAILS: What is a witch and how do you practice?

Amy Anzlovar: Basically I follow the cycles of nature: the moon, the seasons, etc I believe that deity is not just one supreme being, rather that deity is inherent in all beings. I follow a basic tenet called the Rede, which is similar to the Golden Rule. It states, “An it harm none, do as thou wilt,” or basically “As long as it doesn’t cause harm to anyone, go for it.” I am “solitary,” which means I practice alone as opposed to working with others in a coven.

NAILS: How did you first become involved?

AA: I was raised agnostic, but I have always been very into nature and its cycles and creatures. I watched a documentary about witches when I was about 19, and suddenly I realized that I had held most of those beliefs for the last several years without knowing there was a name for it.

NAILS: What is the greatest misconception about witchcraft?

AA: Probably that we all worship Satan. Most pagans don’t even believe in Satan, which is a Christian concept. This is not saying we don’t believe that evil exists, we just don’t think it originates from one single being.

Another misconception is that we cast “spells.” Quite a few of us do workings, but they are not the type you see in movies. (We can’t make someone turn into a toad!) Pagan workings are very similar to Christian prayer—with a bit more flair. There is a lot of symbolism used.

NAILS: Does Halloween hold any special significance for pagans?

AA: Yes, we call Halloween “Samhain”. It’s a time to remember those who have come before us. I also celebrate the new year at this time.