Shaman and witch are two terms used to describe individuals who possess spiritual or magical abilities. While both shamans and witches are associated with magic, they differ in the cultural and historical context in which they arise. Shamans are typically found in indigenous cultures and are regarded as mediators between the human and spirit worlds. They are often called upon to heal the sick, communicate with spirits, and perform rituals for the benefit of the community. Shamans may enter trance-like states, often induced by drumming or chanting, in order to connect with the spirit realm. These practices are deeply rooted in ancient traditions and are passed down through generations.
These practices are deeply rooted in ancient traditions and are passed down through generations. On the other hand, witches are commonly associated with European folklore and witchcraft. Historically, witches were believed to have made pacts with the devil and were seen as agents of evil.
Index Theologicus
From the very birth of the term, Strega ("Witch") has been used with a negative connotation to describe women with powers aimed at harming people. Strega has its etymological origin in the Latin Strix, the owl believed to feed on human blood. Pop culture, books and media alike, also portra.
Сохранить в: Загрузка.| Итог: | From the very birth of the term, Strega ("Witch") has been used with a negative connotation to describe women with powers aimed at harming people. Strega has its etymological origin in the Latin Strix, the owl believed to feed on human blood. Pop culture, books and media alike, also portrayed the witch as an evil character to the point where it became common parlance to address a person deemed evil as a witch. In the last three decades, with the popularization of paganism and Wicca, the term has been reclaimed and somehow sanitized by Pagans who neutrally describe this figure as someone who has the ability to change reality in accordance with the will. In more recent years, with the spread of shamanism, more practitioners start to either renounce the term "witch" in favour of Sciamano/sciamana ("Shaman") or use them both to define themselves. By analysing the discourses that practitioners create around the terms "witch" and "shaman"by means of Paul Johnson’s categories, I will illustrate how both terms manifest a form of indigenization and extending. In conclusion, I will argue that indigenizing and extending may be seen as two aspects of the same phenomenon entailing the opening of cultural borders to the outside, reshaping both the imported and exported cultural elements. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-952X |
| Второстепенные работы: | Enthalten in: International journal for the study of new religions |
| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1558/ijsnr.37624 |
Due to this negative reputation, many people accused of witchcraft suffered persecution and execution during the infamous witch hunts of the Middle Ages. However, contemporary understandings have shifted, and witches are now often viewed as individuals who harness their own power and engage in practices such as spellcasting, divination, and herbalism. Wicca, a modern pagan religion, embraces witchcraft as a spiritual practice and places emphasis on nature worship and personal empowerment. Despite their differences in cultural origins, both shamans and witches are deeply connected to nature and the spiritual realm. They share a belief in an interconnected universe and often seek to restore balance and harmony in their communities. Both play significant roles in their respective societies, whether it be through healing, divination, or practicing rituals. Their practices and traditions have survived for centuries, serving as a testament to the enduring power of spirituality and magic in human cultures..
Reviews for "Witchcraft in pop culture: From The Craft to Harry Potter"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Shaman and Witch". The plot felt disjointed and the characters were underdeveloped. It seemed like the author was trying to tackle too many themes and it just ended up being confusing. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found myself losing interest quickly. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
- Emily - 1 star - "Shaman and Witch" was one of the worst books I've ever read. The writing was clumsy and filled with cliches, and the dialogue was incredibly forced. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. I found it hard to believe in the magical elements of the story, as they were poorly explained and seemed forced into the narrative. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
- Sarah - 3 stars - I had high hopes for "Shaman and Witch", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. While the concept was intriguing, I found the pacing to be slow and the story dragged on for too long. The author spent too much time describing insignificant details, which made it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, the climax of the plot was underwhelming and didn't live up to the suspense build-up. Overall, "Shaman and Witch" was a mediocre read for me.