The term "green witch" refers to an individual who practices a form of witchcraft that is deeply rooted in nature and earth-based spirituality. Green witches are often known for their strong connection to the earth, plants, and animals. They work with the energies of the natural world to manifest their intentions and bring about positive change. The primary focus of a green witch is the study and understanding of herbs, plants, and their healing properties. They often create herbal remedies, teas, and potions using plants they have gathered themselves or grown in their own gardens. Green witches also have a deep respect for the environment and strive to live in harmony with nature.
Green witches also have a deep respect for the environment and strive to live in harmony with nature. They may practice sustainable and eco-friendly living, supporting local farmers and using organic and natural products. In addition to their knowledge of plants, green witches also work with other elements of nature such as stones, crystals, and the cycles of the moon.
The Mirror of a Japanese Shaman Queen
Objects created by people often carry, within their very essence, some part of the spirit of the person who made or owned them. Such is especially the case with Chinese and Japanese magic mirrors. As objects, they’ve fascinated the Western mind for centuries. Circular plates made of bronze, they’re between 15 and 20 centimeters in diameter, and decorated on the back with motifs of animals, plants, or deities in low relief. Their designs, strangely, are projected when a ray of light is directed to the front, the reflecting face (in appearance, a completely smooth surface). The phenomenon was scientifically explained only a relatively short time ago, but for centuries the mirrors remained within the realm of “magic.”
That magic, and the resulting optical phenomena, (the scientific explanation of which diminishes none of their marvelous qualities), accounts for the mirror known as “Himiko’s mirror” and perhaps gives it an even more astounding quality. A recent scientific experiment performed with a replica of the ancient bronze mirror in the National Museum of Kyoto revealed that the original, specifically, may have been used as a magic mirror to conjure images of mountain magicians and divine beasts during solar rituals.
The mirror was unearthed at the Higashinomiya Tomb in Aichi, Japan and belongs to a category of mirrors known as sankakubuchi shinjukyo (that is, “mirrors with triangular borders and decorated with animals”). This one is associated with the queen, Himiko, a former ruler whose shamanic powers have survived history as myths and legends. Himiko ruled the kingdom of Yamatai in the third century C.E. and this was concluded because some of the mirrors found within the tomb are inscribed with the year 239, at the time when a Chinese emperor, according to some Chinese chronicles, is said to have given 100 bronze mirrors to the shaman queen. (Such gifts were used as a medium of exchange among allied nobles.)
Strangely, Queen Himiko doesn’t appear in many Japanese historical documents. Rather, it’s in a Chinese chronicle known as the Records of the Three Kingdoms where the oldest and most complete mention of this fascinating character is to be found. The records, compiled in about 290 C.E., provide one of the most reliable historical texts about these Chinese dynasties. The account of the exchange of gifts does not, however, indicate where the kingdom of Yamatai may have been. It said to have been an empire which controlled some 30 kingdoms on what are, today, the islands of Japan.
Recent discoveries regarding this piece are deeply relevant because they allow us to rethink the very history of Japanese magic mirrors and their many uses. Among these is their possible use as objects of worship in rites dedicated to solar deities. Such precious mirrors, only recently known in the West, are frequently found within excavations carried out at ancient burial mounds and it’s believed that they were placed in rows such that they projected multiple images. Research also suggests that so-called “Wei mirrors,” a subcategory of Japanese magic mirrors in clearly Chinese styles, were made by artisans born in China and who left their country to take refuge within the Japanese archipelago.
Even knowing nothing of the history of those who made such mirrors, nor to whom they belonged, Chinese mirrors continue to fascinate us with their magic, one that surpasses the optical phenomena they produce. Himiko’s mirror embodies something else: the story of a fascinating character of whom little is known, the essence of a shaman queen who once ruled some 50 Japanese kingdoms.
You’ve probably seen the scene in The Mummy (1999) when they first enter the treasure store. Rachel Weisz’s character moves a mirror and it reflects sunlight from outside. Soon, a sequence of mirrors lights up the entire chamber.
They may harness the energy of the moon phases for rituals, spellwork, or manifestation. Some green witches also incorporate divination tools like tarot cards or pendulums into their practice. Green witches often have a strong connection to folklore and ancient traditions, drawing inspiration from the beliefs and practices of their ancestors. They may engage in rituals and ceremonies that honor the changing seasons and celebrate natural cycles such as the summer and winter solstices or the autumn and spring equinoxes. Overall, green witchcraft is a holistic and earth-centered practice that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of respecting and caring for the planet. By working in harmony with nature, green witches seek to bring balance and healing to themselves and the world around them..
Reviews for "Foraging for Wild Edibles: A Green Witch's Guide"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Green witch nise". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and unlikeable. I found myself struggling to finish the book because I just didn't care about what happened to any of them. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity for an interesting and engaging story.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Green witch nise" was one of the worst books I've ever read. The writing was amateurish, with clunky dialogue and awkward descriptions. The pacing was also incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Green witch nise" based on the promising synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult to become fully immersed in the story. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. I was left feeling unfulfilled and frustrated by the end.