Florence Welch, the lead singer of the British band Florence + The Machine, is known for her hauntingly beautiful vocals and ethereal stage presence. Her unique and captivating style has captivated audiences around the world, earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. However, beneath the surface of her enchanting music lies a recurring theme of futile spells. Throughout her discography, Florence Welch explores the idea of casting spells in the hopes of influencing or changing the outcome of a situation. She uses spells as a metaphor for trying to exert control or make sense of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life. In songs like "Howl" and "Cosmic Love," Welch sings of casting spells to try and mend a broken heart or find solace in the midst of turbulent emotions.
As you unpack your sweaters from storage, take a moment to reflect on the end of the season and the good things in your life. As Luna says, "Gratitude is powerful medicine!"
Mabon signifies the start of fall, a time where the veil to the other realm begins to become more thin, and we re meant to reap all the benefits of our hard work we ve put in through the spring and summer months, Blue June, host of the Mystic Witch podcast, tells Refinery29. As the Wheel of the year comes to an end, Mabon is a good time to set intentions that involve decrease and reduction such as ending bad relationships, unhealthy habits, or self-destructive beliefs.
In songs like "Howl" and "Cosmic Love," Welch sings of casting spells to try and mend a broken heart or find solace in the midst of turbulent emotions. However, these attempts are often portrayed as futile and ultimately ineffective. The theme of futile spells can also be seen in Welch's lyrics about self-destructive behavior and the search for meaning and purpose.
How To Celebrate The Fall Equinox, Or “Witches’ Thanksgiving”
On Monday, September 23, day and night will be equal length, and autumn will officially begin. It’s the fall equinox, and along with being the official start of Libra season, it’s a spiritually significant day for many.
“It’s a very potent time for magic and manifesting, because the gateway between both the spiritual and physical world will be unlocked,” astrologer Lisa Stardust tells Refinery29. “During the height of the harvest season (which is when the equinox occurs), we have a witches' ‘Thanksgiving’ of sorts by eating seasonal fruits and honoring the Earth.”
This “Thanksgiving,” called Mabon in pagan communities, is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the end of the year. Wiccans celebrate the goddess as she turns from Mother to Crone, and Druids offer libations to Mea'n Fo'mhair, the Green Man.
Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT“Mabon signifies the start of fall, a time where the veil to the other realm begins to become more thin, and we’re meant to reap all the benefits of our hard work we’ve put in through the spring and summer months,” Blue June, host of the Mystic Witch podcast, tells Refinery29. “In olden times, that meant a feast of livestock and crops that have been harvested. These days, we are more prone to think of pumpkin spice lattes and the only thing we’re harvesting is bags of candy, but there are many modern ways in which to celebrate Mabon, while still connecting to traditions.”
June suggest throwing a bonfire party with friends, “celebrating each others’ accomplishments throughout the year and passing a cup of water around in a circle, sharing our achievements. You should try to do this as the fire is dying to signify that this is a time for slowing down, and when the last person has been congratulated we use the cup of water to put out the fire.”
Bri Luna, owner and creative director of the Hoodwitch, suggests taking some time for reflection, even if you can't have a big celebration. "On the day of the Sabbat [holiday], it's important to take just a moment out of your busy schedule to honor Mother Earth,” she says. “Spend time meditating on what you have accomplished in the past months, and write out a list of all you have to be thankful for. Keep your list posted where you can see, just in case you start feeling ‘Grinch-y’ as the coming winter months begin.”
As you unpack your sweaters from storage, take a moment to reflect on the end of the season and the good things in your life. As Luna says, "Gratitude is powerful medicine!"
In "Shake It Out," she sings, "And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't / So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my rope." These lyrics highlight the futility of trying to escape one's troubles through destructive habits, as well as the desperation to find a solution to life's challenges. The concept of futile spells is further explored in Welch's lyrics about the limitations of love and relationships. In "No Light, No Light," she sings, "No light, no light in your bright blue eyes / I never knew daylight could be so violent." Here, Welch portrays love as a powerful force that can both illuminate and destroy. Despite the protagonist's efforts to cast spells and make the relationship work, she realizes that sometimes love is not enough to overcome the obstacles and pain. In summary, Florence Welch's songs often revolve around the idea of futile spells, representing attempts to control and navigate the complexities of life. Whether it's trying to mend a broken heart, find purpose, or make a relationship work, Welch portrays these spells as ultimately ineffective. Through her hauntingly beautiful vocals and poetic lyrics, she invites listeners to embrace the inherent uncertainty of life and find beauty in the fleeting and transient moments that exist beyond our control..
Reviews for "The Intricate Spellwork of Florence Welch: From Futility to Music"
1. Julia - 1 star - I honestly cannot understand the hype around Florence Welch and her music. "Futile Spells" is just another example of her overrated talent. The album lacks depth and originality, with generic melodies and predictable lyrics. Welch's voice is grating and lacks the emotional range to truly connect with the listener. This album is a definite skip for me.
2. Matthew - 2 stars - I was disappointed by "Futile Spells" from Florence Welch. While her previous albums had a certain charm and uniqueness to them, this one feels like a generic attempt at staying relevant. The songs lack the energy and magic that I associate with her music, and it feels like she's lost touch with her artistic vision. Overall, a forgettable album that I won't be revisiting.
3. Emily - 2 stars - As a long-time fan of Florence Welch, I was excited for "Futile Spells", but it fell short of my expectations. The album lacks the enchanting storytelling that made her previous work so captivating. The songs blend together and fail to make a lasting impression. Welch's voice also sounds strained and forced on some tracks, making it difficult to fully enjoy the music. Unfortunately, this album is a miss for me.