I was engrossed with my witchcraft training. It all started when I stumbled upon an old spellbook in the library. As soon as I laid my eyes on the ancient pages, I was captivated by the possibilities that lay within. The book claimed to hold the secrets of harnessing supernatural powers, and I couldn't resist the chance to explore this mystical realm. I devoted countless hours to studying the intricate spells and rituals outlined in the book. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to unlock the depths of my own potential.
I have to admit: I was kind of worried about this episode giving me ideas for the blog. The first viewing I was so engrossed with what was unfolding only two things really stood out to me (the final two topics below). Then I watched it again, and whoa, there is a lot happening in this episode. And, of course, spoilers abound here, so read at your own risk! (Spoilers include bits from subsequent books, the broad narrative, and episode specifics.)
Alchemy does not just have the potential to reveal through Ashmole 782 aka the Book of Life what is wrong with creatures, but also can reveal Diana and Matthew s journey. Alchemy does not just have the potential to reveal through Ashmole 782 aka the Book of Life what is wrong with creatures, but also can reveal Diana and Matthew s journey.
It was a daunting task, but I was determined to unlock the depths of my own potential. Each page presented a new challenge, a new puzzle to solve. I delved deep into the history of witchcraft, immersing myself in the knowledge of those who came before me.
I was engrossed with my witchcraft training
Of all the books about witchcraft and magic that have come out this year, the one I've most eagerly awaited is Of Shadows: 100 Objects from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic by photographer Sara Hannant and museum owner Simon Costin. But the wait is over - Of Shadows is launched today, Halloween.
Actually, I should admit my wait was over a few weeks ago. I was kindly sent a preview copy by Strange Attractor Press under strict instructions not to post a review until 31 October.
I couldn't wait to read it though - and I spent a whole evening engrossed in its pages. Each spread consists of a photograph taken by Sara Hannant on one side with information about the history and background of the item on the other. It is very informative - and the photographs are amazing.
The very first image in the book had me captivated - and gave me a tingle of synchronicity. It shows Sara photographing a fishing float used as a scrying glass. Shortly before I saw that, I had been asked to run a scrying by candlelight workshop at The Atlantis Bookshop and had been going through my own collection of crystal balls and objects used for divination.
One of them was a dark green fishing float that had been passed down on my mother's side of the family, which came from Cornwall. In my family it was traditional to do fortune telling on Halloween - usually after an evening of party games. Sometimes we tried scrying with the old fishing float. It wasn't until I read Of Shadows that I realised how common that folk magic tradition must be in Cornwall.
As Sara said at a talk entitled Witchcraft's Artefacts at Treadwell's earlier this year, the things she chose to photograph were ones that intrigued her as well as being examples of the wide range of items in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle. They include dolls, wands, statues, knives, pendants, clothing and amulets. Some were prominently displayed at the museum, others had came from the archives.
She first tried to photograph them during daylight, but found that didn't bring out the essence of the objects. She explained: “It was best to photograph at night. This enabled the objects to emerge from the darkness, where it is said magic begins.”
It works. The items do look magical and mysterious, lit by narrow spotlights against complete blackness. This both emphasises the features of the artefacts and hints at their hidden depths of purpose. And, of course, the book's title Of Shadows, both refers to the photographic technique used and the name for a witch's book of spells and rituals - the Book of Shadows.
She first tried to photograph them during daylight, but found that didn't bring out the essence of the objects. She explained: “It was best to photograph at night. This enabled the objects to emerge from the darkness, where it is said magic begins.”
The more I practiced, the more I discovered the true power that lay within me. I could feel the energy pulsating through my veins, connecting me to a force greater than myself. It was exhilarating, empowering. I had tapped into something extraordinary, something beyond the realm of the ordinary. In my pursuit of mastering witchcraft, I learned to cast spells, brew potions, and communicate with spirits. I honed my abilities through countless trials and errors, embracing the inevitable setbacks as stepping stones to growth. My dedication paid off, as I witnessed the results of my craft manifesting in my everyday life. But it wasn't just the ability to bend reality to my will that fascinated me. Witchcraft became a way of life, a philosophy that guided my every decision and action. It taught me to embrace my intuition, to trust the unseen forces that guide us all. I became attuned to the natural rhythms of the world, finding solace and wisdom in the cycles of the moon and the changing seasons. As I progressed in my witchcraft training, I became part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. We shared our knowledge and experiences, supporting each other on our respective journeys. The sense of belonging was undeniable, as we all understood the transformative power of witchcraft. Through my newfound abilities, I found the courage to confront my fears and insecurities. Witchcraft became a tool for personal growth, a means of transcending the limitations of the human experience. It taught me that true power lies not in control, but in acceptance and surrender to the flow of life. Looking back, I'm grateful for my initiation into the world of witchcraft. It has undoubtedly shaped the person I am today, instilling in me a sense of wonder and interconnectedness with the universe. I continue to explore the depths of my abilities, forever grateful for the opportunity to embark on this enchanting journey..
Reviews for "My Spellbinding Experience in Witchcraft Training"
- Sophie - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "I was engrossed with my witchcraft training" to be a disappointment. The storyline lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The author seemed to rely heavily on clichés and predictable plot twists, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, the writing style was not to my liking, as it felt forced and overly descriptive at times. Overall, I was hoping for a more compelling and original narrative, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
- Ryan - 1 out of 5 stars - I really struggled to get through "I was engrossed with my witchcraft training". The pacing was incredibly slow, with very little happening until the last few chapters. The protagonist was unrelatable and her actions often felt contradictory, making it difficult to sympathize with her journey. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me feeling confused and detached from the setting. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read that left me feeling underwhelmed and disinterested.
- Emma - 2 out of 5 stars - "I was engrossed with my witchcraft training" had a promising premise, but ultimately failed to deliver. The writing felt amateurish and lacked polish, often relying on unnecessary clichés and repetitive phrases. The character development was shallow, with the protagonist experiencing minimal growth or change throughout the story. Additionally, the plot twists were predictable and did not offer any surprises. Overall, this book had potential but fell short in its execution, leaving me feeling unsatisfied as a reader.