I work as a writer for HelloGiggles, a digital safe space for women to share news, experiences, ideas and more. Late last year, I came in contact with Gabriela Herstik, a lovely witch from LA who works for the site as well. Herstik also has bylines on Nylon and i-D, and is releasing her first book, Craft: How To Be a Modern Witch this month!
Herstik’s gorgeous and inspirational Insta and passion for the spiritual side of life intrigue me greatly, so I knew I had to take the opportunity to interview her. We talked about the author’s goals, music, and more. So go ahead, dig in!
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How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as excitable, outgoing, glamorous, magickal, and extra. I love fashion, magick, witchcraft, the unknown, goats, the moon, lipstick, coffee and art and have negative chill. I can’t live without writing and I remember things based on feelings. I also don’t believe in time and [I] come from another dimension.
Is witchcraft a practice or more of a way of being for you?
It’s both, but definitely the latter. It’s who I am and it’s how I move through this world. Yes, there is the practice of it, like performing spells and practicing rituals regularly for the moon phases. I also have daily practices, like my daily tarot pulls, knowing what sign the moon is in, and meditation (which I’m trying to keep up with regularly). But it’s also the subtleties; the way I connect with people at the coffee shop, or the way I support and feel a friends energy when we’re FaceTiming or talking. It’s talking to my guides when I’m anxious, grateful, or overwhelmed as I’m driving or walking - it’s seeing the signs and listening to them. It’s breathing into my heart, talking to the moon, and opening my heart as an offering to Venus. Writing is a big part of my practice, especially with manifestation, as well. I couldn’t stop being a witch, just like I couldn’t stop being a writer; both are parts of who I am.
What was your upbringing like?
My upbringing was diverse. I’m a first generation American, to a father who was born in Israel and a mother born in Mexico City. I have a twin sister, and we were born in San Diego. We lived there for a couple years and then moved to Los Angeles for five years. My family then moved us to Buffalo, NY for three years, and we settled down 45 minutes north of Atlanta, which is where I graduated high school. My dad’s a rabbi and my mother grew up in the Jewish community in Mexico City. Her whole family is still there, and I grew up going back to Mexico, speaking Spanish, eating the food…etc. I also grew up going to temple every week, learning about my grandparents in the Holocaust and all that..; I’ve always had these two cultures influencing my life.
Being the rabbi’s daughter in Johns Creek, Georgia already made me a bit of an outsider, especially coupled with being a Mexican Jew. I realized I was a witch when I was 12 and that also made me feel isolated, while also giving me so much stability and love and curiosity. I have some of my best memories in Atlanta and Georgia though - going to shows my junior and senior year of high school helped me grow into myself. I had some incredible friends in Georgia, as well as my group of friends and their families in California. I had a really stable childhood, but from a young age I’ve been fascinated with identity, the universe, my place in the world, and my purpose.
Is there a specific ritual or good habit that guides you as you get through rough patches in life?
There are a few; I love a good cry whenever I need it. Dancing by myself in my room...and moving and laughing and panting. Yoga. Writing - Oh especially writing. I love to write a letter to someone and then burn it. This has been my ritual of choice for matters concerning anger, disappointment and heartache. Ritual baths with essential oils, sea salt and candles is another favorite.
Favorite songs right now?
Warm Honey by Willow [Smith] is my favorite. Blank Generation by Richard Hell, The Witch by The Sonics, Flat Black by True Widow, Knee Socks by Arctic Monkeys, Venus by Lady Gaga.
What does intersectionality mean to you?
Intersectionality means elevating those whose voices aren’t as easily heard as mine. It means recognizing the intersection of class, gender,race and religion among others. It means listening more than I speak, listening to queer, disabled, trans, POC voices first before I speak. It means feminism. It means using my privilege to support those with less.
What are you looking forward to this year?
So much. My first book is coming out and I want to really focus on learning and refining my knowledge on the occult, witchcraft, and spirituality. I want to start writing a second book. I’m excited to be a student as [much as I am to be] a teacher. I’m excited to step into my power. I’m excited to learn from other writers more and write for more publications. I’m excited for more; more magick, more art, more love, more sex, more joy. More healing. More pain. More feelings, more connection to my heart and source.
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