One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that it is often associated with mystical and supernatural powers. Unlike other forms of magic or sorcery, witchcraft is often seen as the manipulation of cosmic forces and the harnessing of spiritual energies. It is closely tied to ancient rituals and beliefs, often passed down through generations. In many cultures, the practice of witchcraft involves invoking spirits, casting spells, and performing rituals to achieve a desired outcome. While some view witchcraft as evil or dangerous, others see it as a legitimate spiritual practice. The specific practices and beliefs associated with witchcraft can vary widely, but the common thread is the belief in an individual's ability to connect with and manipulate unseen forces.
S ir Edward Evans-Pritchard’s Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande—based on fieldwork conducted in Sudan in the 1920s and 1930s—is one of the classic texts of social anthropology. Fifty years later anthropologist John Ryle and film-maker André Singer—among the last of Evans-Pritchard’s students—revisited Zandeland, in Western Equatoria province of Southern Sudan, for Granada Television’s Disappearing World series. They recorded the continuities in Zande culture and the changes since Evans-Pritchard’s time. Among the Azande, misfortune has a human cause—there is no such thing as bad luck—and witchcraft is considered to be a constant threat. A person can be a witch—and cause others harm—without being aware of it. Effective means of diagnosing witchcraft are therefore vital to the moral order. One method is through the use of oracles. Several kinds of oracles are explored in the film: the rubbing oracle, the termite oracle and the poison oracle. The poison oracle, which involves administering benge poison to baby chickens, is also used to judge the veracity of evidence in chiefs’ courts.
S ir Edward Evans-Pritchard s Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande based on fieldwork conducted in Sudan in the 1920s and 1930s is one of the classic texts of social anthropology. She says she bears no malice towards her co-wife and believes she is not the cause of illness, but after an oracle confirms that she is respon sible she agrees to a propitiatory ritual.
The specific practices and beliefs associated with witchcraft can vary widely, but the common thread is the belief in an individual's ability to connect with and manipulate unseen forces. This belief in personal power and the ability to shape reality is a fundamental aspect of witchcraft. Additionally, witchcraft is often associated with marginalized individuals or groups who have been historically persecuted or demonized.
One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that
1981 • Director - André Singer • Anthropologist - John Ryle • Granada TV - Disappearing World • 52 minutes • 1981 • Posted 2017 • 471 words
Synopsis
S ir Edward Evans-Pritchard’s Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic among the Azande—based on fieldwork conducted in Sudan in the 1920s and 1930s—is one of the classic texts of social anthropology. Fifty years later anthropologist John Ryle and film-maker André Singer—among the last of Evans-Pritchard’s students—revisited Zandeland, in Western Equatoria province of Southern Sudan, for Granada Television’s Disappearing World series. They recorded the continuities in Zande culture and the changes since Evans-Pritchard’s time. Among the Azande, misfortune has a human cause—there is no such thing as bad luck—and witchcraft is considered to be a constant threat. A person can be a witch—and cause others harm—without being aware of it. Effective means of diagnosing witchcraft are therefore vital to the moral order. One method is through the use of oracles. Several kinds of oracles are explored in the film: the rubbing oracle, the termite oracle and the poison oracle. The poison oracle, which involves administering benge poison to baby chickens, is also used to judge the veracity of evidence in chiefs’ courts.
The film explores the internal logic of Zande thinking through incidents in the lives of individual Azande. Hunters fail to catch wild pigs; they consult an oracle to find out why they failed. A man’s first wife is sick, so the man, Banda, consults an oracle to see if she will live. It confirms she is not in immediate danger, but he suspects his second wife of witchcraft. She says she bears no malice towards her co-wife and believes she is not the cause of illness, but after an oracle confirms that she is respon sible she agrees to a propitiatory ritual. Adultery is one of the most frequent charges brought in a Zande chief’s court. A man, Gingiti, brings a case against his wife, Gume, and his friend, Bukoyo in the court of the traditionalist Chief Soro. Chief Soro consults the benge oracle, which confirms the charge of adultery. In the past, he says, the Zande king Gbudwe used the benge poison on humans instead of chickend
The film also examines the influence of Christianity, the role of government and related changes in the social order. A young man, Joseph and his girlfriend, Atonita, undergo a purification ritual after the birth of her first child. Older people interviewed in the film see their children abandoning traditional moral values. After church on Sunday, a Zande Catholic priest discusses the coexistence of Christianity and Zande traditional beliefs. He says he one of few Azande who does not turn to witchcraft in times of trouble. Witchcraft Among The Azande provides a glimpse of Zande society in the late twentieth century, before the civil war that brought independence to South Sudan and .further social change to South Sudanese communities.
1981 • Director - André Singer • Anthropologist - John Ryle • Granada TV - Disappearing World • 52 minutes • 1981 • Posted 2017 • 471 words
The witch is often portrayed as an outcast, using her power for personal gain or revenge against those who have wronged her. This association with persecution and outcast status has given rise to the stereotype of the witch as a dangerous and sinister figure. However, there are also those who identify as witches and view their practice as a source of empowerment and healing. They embrace the label of witch as a way to claim a sense of identity and agency in a world that may seek to suppress or dismiss them. Whether seen as a force for good or evil, witchcraft continues to captivate the human imagination and hold a place in our collective consciousness. Its mystical and otherworldly nature taps into our deepest desires and fears, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world beyond our own..
Reviews for "One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is its belief in the presence of spirit beings and entities."
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in "One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that." I was expecting a deep exploration of witchcraft and its history, but instead it felt like a surface-level introduction. The author didn't provide enough evidence or explanation for some of their claims, and I was left wanting more. Overall, I felt like the book lacked substance and failed to deliver on its promise.
- John - 1 star - "One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that" was a complete letdown. The writing was choppy and repetitive, and I found it hard to follow the author's train of thought. The organization of the book was also confusing, and it felt like the author was just throwing random facts together without any coherence. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
- Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who is interested in witchcraft and its history, I was excited to read "One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that." However, I found the author's writing style to be dry and lacking in engagement. The book lacked a clear focus and seemed to jump from one topic to another without much coherence. Additionally, I was hoping for more in-depth analysis and interpretation, but instead, the book provided mostly superficial information. Overall, I was disappointed with this read.
- Michael - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "One of the crucial characteristics of witchcraft is that." The author's writing was convoluted and excessively wordy, making it difficult to understand their main points. The book also lacked proper citations and references, which made me question the reliability of the information presented. I was hoping to learn more about witchcraft, but this book left me more confused than before. I would not recommend it.