'So many witches': A craving for magic and meaning drives millennials to spells, potions and rituals

Standing hand in hand, they form a circle around a smooth black cauldron, their voices setting off a reverberating hum as they repeat, "Omm, omm, ommm."

Outside twilight is approaching. Inside the Malliway Bros. witchcraft shop in Rogers Park, candles burn and the smell of incense hangs in the air.

Twenty-one guests, some seasoned witches, some curious newcomers, have gathered for a full moon ritual in which Latin chants will be recited and lavender-scented "moon oil" applied. Friends and strangers will bond, flower petals will swirl alongside spit and parchment, and a big plume of filmy whiteness - smoke? steam? something