CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Witches of the Hallow, a new group of witches, hosted a meeting this afternoon to seek out new members. 

The Witches of the Hallow in Corning wants to build the local witch community. The group's founder's feel like now is the right time reach out to people in the area.  

Witchcraft practitioners Phoenix Belle and Sarina Serna are the organizers of the group. They expect bigger turnouts every meeting.  

“It can be a multitude of things and what's really important about being witch or being pagan, whatever somebody might identify as...is believing in yourself, Serna said.  

 Serna and Belle define themselves as witches. While the term makes most people think of women who cast spells and create potions, the two women say it's much more than that. It is about loving yourself and your surroundings.  

It can also be different things to different people.  Belle says there has always been a longing for different groups of witches to get to know one another. 

“Pretty much everyone I heard were solitary practitioners, coven practitioners...all wanted to get to know more people that were like them and similar,” she said.  

For people who are skeptical, Belle says there's nothing to fear. The group shares loving and positive ideas. 

“It comes down to appreciating what we have and who we are naturally...as human beings...who we are truly meant to be,” she said. “It's not all potions and spells.” 

Belle said there is a level of worry for the group in Corning's local community. She also believes that the area is more accepting than ever before. 

“There is a new openness coming to the area,” she said. “I think right now is the right time whether we have a fear or not...I think it's the right time to really get in on it and grow and grow the community.”