The waxed witch is a fascinating character in folklore and mythology. This witch is often depicted as a powerful and mysterious figure, known for their control over wax and manipulation of its properties. The waxed witch is said to have the ability to shape and mold wax into various forms, using it for both practical and magical purposes. One of the most well-known abilities of the waxed witch is their talent for creating lifelike figures out of wax. These figures can be incredibly detailed, resembling real people or mythical creatures. It is believed that the waxed witch is able to infuse these figures with life, bringing them to existence.
It is believed that the waxed witch is able to infuse these figures with life, bringing them to existence. Some tales even suggest that the waxed witch can transfer a person's consciousness into a wax figure, effectively making a wax clone of that individual. In addition to their skills with wax figures, the waxed witch is said to be able to use wax for spellcasting and potions.
Werewolves, Witches and Ghosts (Oh My!): New Halloween Podcast Episode
As a Gothic scholar and long-time lover of all things eerie, spooky, and supernatural, I was honoured to chat recently about some of my favourite scary texts and traditions for a new Halloween-themed episode of From the Lighthouse, the podcast run by the English Department at Macquarie University in Sydney. The timing was perfect. A chill has blown over the North of England lately, and as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it is easy to turn one’s thoughts to what may lurk in the shadows. Pumpkins have sprouted on doorsteps, cobwebs are draped in foggy shop windows, and the last of the golden leaves cling to the spindly fingertips of trees in the woodland graveyard across the road.
Some iconic spooky film characters: The Wicked Witch, Dracula and the Wolf Man
Unsurprisingly, England embraces the traditions of All Hallow’s Eve in a way that I am unused to (trying to feel spooky in Australia’s warm, bright, sweetly-scented Springtime is not quite the same!). Having worked out to record the episode from this side of the world with our last episode about Buffy the Vampire Slayer , I was all set for our spooky session. As the clock eked closer to midnight, the wires buzzed, a skype connection was forged, and suddenly I was spirited into the disembodied cybersphere to join podcast host Dr Stephanie Russo and Dr Jimmy Van.
Stills from The Wolfman (2010)
This episode was great fun to record (despite the curse of the skype delay), and the subjects wide and varying, ranging from musings on why we enjoy scary texts, the difference between horror and terror, and whether or not vampires are out and mermaids are the next big thing. We chat about Victorian ghost stories, the spooky architecture of the haunted house, where (not) to listen to horror podcasts, and our scariest literature and film experiences.
Stills from MTV’s Teen Wolf (2011-2017)
I also talk about wolves and werewolves, including my favourite examples in film and TV (from early Wolf Man to recent Teen Wolf), and my childhood memories of the beginnings of this wolfish fascination (I wish I had remembered to mention one of my favourites of all time, and quite possibly one of my earliest encounters: the wolf Gmork from The Never-Ending Story. I was only very small, but according to my parents, when the other children shut their eyes in fear, mine only opened wider in excitement and curiosity).
Gmork from The Never-Ending Story
I hope you enjoy listening to the “Spoooooky” podcast episode below:
Feel free to join the conversation in the comments below.
I also talk about wolves and werewolves, including my favourite examples in film and TV (from early Wolf Man to recent Teen Wolf), and my childhood memories of the beginnings of this wolfish fascination (I wish I had remembered to mention one of my favourites of all time, and quite possibly one of my earliest encounters: the wolf Gmork from The Never-Ending Story. I was only very small, but according to my parents, when the other children shut their eyes in fear, mine only opened wider in excitement and curiosity).
The waxes from different plants and animals are believed to contain various magical properties, and the waxed witch knows how to harness these properties to achieve different effects. For example, they might use beeswax for a love spell or a candle made from animal fat for a curse. The waxed witch's knowledge of these properties and their ability to manipulate wax make them a formidable and sought-after magical practitioner. The waxed witch is also associated with the art of divination. It is believed that they can use melted wax to scry or see into the future. By pouring wax into water or onto a reflective surface and interpreting the patterns that form, the waxed witch can gain insights and foretell events. This form of divination is known as ceromancy and is considered one of the waxed witch's specialties. Despite their powerful abilities, the waxed witch is often portrayed as a solitary figure, living on the outskirts of society. They are usually depicted as outsiders, misunderstood by their communities due to their unconventional practices and abilities. However, many stories also highlight the waxed witch's kind-heartedness and willingness to use their powers for good, often helping those in need or defending the weak. In conclusion, the waxed witch is a unique and intriguing character in folklore and mythology. Their mastery of wax and its properties, as well as their abilities in spellcasting and divination, make them a fascinating subject of legends and tales. Whether they are portrayed as a dangerous sorceress or a benevolent healer, the waxed witch continues to captivate our imaginations with their enigmatic powers and mysterious nature..
Reviews for "From Witch Trials to Modern Times: The Continuing Legacy of Waxed Witchcraft"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "The Waxed Witch" as I am a big fan of supernatural thrillers. However, I found this book to be incredibly disappointing. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The plot was predictable and I was bored halfway through the book. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend it.
2. Thomas - 1 star - I couldn't finish "The Waxed Witch" as it was just unbearable. The writing style was awkward and the dialogue felt forced. The protagonist was unrelatable and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The pacing was slow and the book just dragged on without any real purpose. I had high hopes for this book, but sadly, it did not deliver.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "The Waxed Witch" had an interesting premise, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was weak and there were inconsistencies throughout the story. The writing was mediocre and lacked any real depth. I found myself skimming through pages because the plot did not hold my interest. I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "The Waxed Witch" to be quite underwhelming. The characters were poorly developed and their actions didn't make sense at times. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. The plot twists were predictable and didn't add any excitement to the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and it didn't live up to my expectations.
5. Elizabeth - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "The Waxed Witch". The writing was amateurish and the story lacked cohesion. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The book was filled with clichés and lacked originality. I struggled to get through it and found myself questioning why I even bothered. I would not recommend this book to anyone.