Debbie McLeod, 68, a self-described 'mid-life mystic mentor' from Coventry, is helping middle-aged women reclaim their identity beyond the 'labels of being a mother and a wife' through witchcraft, spells, and rituals. She conducts retreats and ceremonies using dried herbs, such as cinnamon for wealth, rosemary for protection, and sage for cleansing, to empower women and reconnect them with nature.
From Army to Spiritual Awakening
Debbie enlisted in the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1979 at age 21, where she learned to march, handle weapons, and specialize in communications. After three years of service, she left upon becoming pregnant and later worked for the NHS as a personal assistant, appreciating the structure the role provided.
In 1996, following her father's death, Debbie began questioning her identity and purpose. She attended what she thought was a relaxation retreat, but it turned out to be for mediums. The experience triggered a 'spiritual awakening', revealing her abilities as a medium.
Discovering Mediumship
During the retreat, one of the mediums placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her body to 'sink into the ground' while she saw her father's face. By the end of the week, she claimed to have uncovered her capacity to work as a medium. She said: 'They asked me to face a wall, connect with a spirit and bring through someone's relative. I thought I'd just make it up, so I described a person in detail, and it turned out to be someone's brother.'
Debbie went on to lead mediumship circles and perform for audiences, communicating with departed relatives through signs like seeing colors, hearing things, or receiving brief visions. She described one striking experience as 'bringing through' someone's sister after sensing her height, laughter, and emotions.
Embracing Witchcraft in 2019
In 2019, Debbie moved to a woodland cabin in Somerset for four years to focus on her spirituality. She spent time outdoors barefoot, 'soaking it all in', and recognized how 'powerful' middle age can be, describing it as an opportunity for 'reclaiming your identity'.
During this period, she started identifying as a witch after realizing her daily routines—dancing and singing in fields, casting spells, journaling, and manifesting—matched the description. She told PA Real Life: 'When I'm doing things relating to being a witch I'm at peace, full of joy and simply unmasking myself, and I want others to feel the same.'
Empowering Women Through Rituals
Debbie now organizes retreats, rituals, and ceremonies to help middle-aged women feel more 'grounded'. Activities include foraging, weaving flowers into witches' crowns, carving intentions into candles, and holding fire pit ceremonies where participants chant and burn writings to release them.
She explained: 'Spells are all about intention and your growth, healing, love, and spreading light into the world.' She added: 'A lot of women spend years being mothers, wives, daughters, carers and putting everyone else first.'
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Debbie said: 'I want more women to trust themselves and feel powerful by connecting with their inner witch. It isn't a bad or scary word, it can really help people.'
