A talisman of prosperity is an object believed to bring good luck and abundance to its possessor. Throughout history, people from various cultures have used talismans as symbols of protection and fortune. These charms can take many forms, including jewelry, stones, plants, or even written words. The concept of a talisman of prosperity is grounded in the belief that certain objects possess inherent magical powers and can influence the course of one's life. These talismans are often associated with wealth, success in business, or overall financial prosperity. Many individuals carry talismans with them or keep them in their homes or workplaces to attract positive energy and improve their fortunes.
This stunningly evocative novel set on the remote Norwegian island of Vardø in the 1600s was inspired by the real Vardø storm and the subsequent witch hunt. When a catastrophic storm wipes out almost the entirety of the male population of the island, the women who are left, still grieving for their men, are forced to fend for themselves. Eighteen months later, the sinister new commissioner, Absolom Cornet, arrives with his young wife Ursa. Ursa sees independent women for the first time in her life, and she is drawn to Maren, the young woman who helps her navigate life in this harsh new world. But Absolom is convinced that the women’s behaviour is ungodly and he must bring them to heel by any means necessary.
While autumn is generally affiliated with the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, the comfortable return of oversized sweaters, and the iconic taste of pumpkin spice everything, the season is often associated with one other thing witches. As she was drawn into the world of witchcraft, Jeanne found herself believed to be able to lift curses and began to fear that she herself might have been bewitched.
Many individuals carry talismans with them or keep them in their homes or workplaces to attract positive energy and improve their fortunes. One commonly used talisman of prosperity is the lucky coin. In many cultures, coins are seen as symbols of abundance and wealth.
Historically based witchcraft books
Witches are, in the perhaps unfortunate words of Grazia magazine, ‘hot right now’, both on screen and in books. Stacey Halls’ The Familiars is spending its third week in The Times bestselling fiction list, Laura Bates’ YA debut, The Burning, is making waves, and A Discovery of Witches is now an international bestseller and a TV series.
Several other recent novels feature witchcraft including Caroline Lea’s superb The Glass Girl (set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Icelandic witch trials) and E.C. Fremantle’s brilliant thriller The Poison Bed. “‘Witch,” says one of her characters. “That’s what happens to women who don’t do as they’re told.” Each novel uses witchcraft to highlight the misogyny and fear of women’s sexuality that remain relevant today, together with the terrible power of false accusations. As Willow Winsham says in her fascinating book Accused: British Witches Throughout History, ‘if anyone could be a witch, then literally everyone was suspect.’
A coven of other witch books are due out in the coming months including Katie Lowe’s haunting debut, The Furies, Carla by Laura Legge, Her Kind by Niamh Boyce, Remember Tomorrow by Amanda Saint and Witchery by Juliet Diaz, which will explain ‘how to connect with the power of your inner witch’. There is, it seems, something potent in the air.
Here, in no particular order, I list ten of my favourite witch-based historical novels, followed by several others that have been strongly recommended.
1. Corrag, Susan Fletcher
It is 1692 and Corrag, a wild young girl from the mountains of Scotland, has been condemned to death for her role in the Glencoe Masscare, accused of witchcraft and murder. In her filthy cell she is visited by Charles Leslie, a young Irishman with his own motives for questioning her.
As Corrag begins to tell her story, an unlikely friendship develops between them that will change both their lives. Compelling, atmospheric and exquisitely written.
2. The Witchfinder's Sister, Beth Underdown
Beth Underdown’s clever debut is a historical thriller based on the life of the 1640’s witchfinder Matthew Hopkins. Alice, Matthew’s fictional sister, is forced to return to her childhood town of Manningtree where she becomes entangled in her brother’s crazed pursuit of what he believes to be justice. Underdown brilliantly weaves fact with fiction to illustrate the disturbing paranoia and obsession behind the Essex witch hunts.
3. The King's Witch, Tracy Borman
Historian Tracy Borman’s debut novel tells the fascinating story of Frances Gorges, a healer who is dragged to the court of James I, a man who has already condemned many for treason and witchcraft. There she becomes enmeshed in a world of intrigue and betrayal - and at great risk from the twisted machinations of Lord Cecil, the King's first minister.
The follow-up, The Devil’s Slave, is out June.
4. The Vanishing Witch, Karen Maitland
In Lincoln during the reign of Richard II, Caitlin, a dark-haired widow arrives in John of Gaunt's city with her two beautiful children. At first, Caitlin is considered a godsend, helping merchant Robert of Bassingham care for his sick wife. But when Robert's wife, and then others, die seemingly unnatural deaths, the accusations of witchcraft commence. Masterful storytelling.
5. The Familiars – Stacey Halls
17-year-old Fleetwood Shuttleworth, desperate to survive her latest pregnancy, crosses paths with Alice Gray, a mysterious young woman who agrees to become her midwife. When Alice is accused as part of the Lancashire witch trials, Fleetwood takes huge risks to try to save her – and her own unborn baby. But is Alice all that she seems?
Fast-faced, twisty and immense fun.
6. The Witch of Blackbird Pond – Elizabeth George Speare
In 1687 orphan Kit Tyler arrives as a stranger in colonial Connecticut and feels entirely out of place. When she forms a friendship with a Quaker woman called Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, Kit is forced to choose between love and a sense of duty. Old, but gold.
7. Circe, Madeline Miller
In this epic and magnificently written novel, Miller retells the story of the mythological witch Circe. Increasingly isolated by her immortal family, Circe turns to humans for friendship, leading her to discover a power forbidden to the gods: witchcraft.
We follow Circe from the halls of Helios to exile on the remote island of Aiaia, where she learns to harness her power.
8. Witch Child, Celia Rees
In 1659, after 14-year-old Mary sees her healer grandmother hanged for witchcraft, she escapes to Massachusetts Bay Colony with the help of an unknown woman. Through Mary's journal, we learn of how, though Mary hopes to make a new life among the pilgrims, she, like her grandmother, quickly finds herself the victim of ignorance and prejudice, and once more she faces important choices to ensure her survival. A powerful read for all ages.
9. The Glass Girl, Caroline Lea
The Glass Girl is an atmospheric and beautifully written debut set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Icelandic witch trials and sagas. Rósa is sent to join her new husband in the remote village of Stykkishólmur, where the villagers are deeply wary of outsiders.
As she grows increasingly isolated, Rósa's suspicions grow. Her husband buried his first wife alone in the dead of night. Is her own life in danger?
10. The Poison Bed, E.C. Fremantle
In 1615 Lady Frances Carr, considered by many to be a witch, is accused of murder and imprisoned, together with her newborn baby and a wet-nurse. As Frances tells the story of her life with her first husband and manipulative uncle, and of a society full of superstition and lies, a picture begins to form. But her husband Robert Carr has his own story. Which one will save its teller? A twisty, perfectly paced thriller.
Witchy 'To be Read' Pile
A host of other witch and witchcraft-related books have been recommended to me and I set out here a few of those which are going on my towering ‘to be read’ pile:
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. In 1666 villagers turn to sorcery, herb lore, and witch-hunting.
The Daylight Gate, in which Jeanette Winterson creates another view of the Pendle Witch Trials.
Lolly Willowes, Sylvia Townsend-Warner’s first novel about a young woman who believes she has sold her soul to the devil in return for freedom from her tiresome family (fair enough).
Widdershins by Helen Steadman, based on events from the Newcastle Witch Trials of 1650.
The Magpie Tree by Katherine Stansfield, exploring the relationship between witchcraft and foreigners in 1840s Cornwall.
Witches Trinity by Erika Mailman, set in Germany in 1507 when a visiting friar suggests that witchcraft is to blame for the failing crops and famine.
The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth, a historical fantasy trilogy in which the young Isabeau leads a horde of persecuted witches.
The Witches of New York by Ami McKay, a mystery set in Manhattan in 1880.
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent, set in Salem in 1692.
The Boy Who Drew The Future, by Rhian Ivory. Set in present day and 1863, when the last witch in the UK was swum in Sible Hedingham, Essex. You can read more about it here.
Anna Mazzola is a writer of historical crime and Gothic fiction. Her second novel, The Story Keeper, is a tale of superstition, dark folklore and missing girls on the Isle of Skye.
The startling, witty, highly anticipated second novel from the critically acclaimed author of Atmospheric Disturbances.
Coins are often carried in wallets or purses to attract money and financial success. Some individuals even keep a specific coin, which they believe holds special properties, and touch it whenever they need a boost of luck. Similarly, gemstones and crystals are frequently used as talismans of prosperity. For example, citrine is considered a stone of abundance and is believed to attract wealth and success. People often wear citrine jewelry or place citrine stones in their homes or offices to enhance their financial situation. Plants and herbs are also associated with prosperity. In Feng Shui, the practice of arranging the energy flow in one's environment, certain plants are believed to bring good luck and wealth. For example, the jade plant is considered a symbol of prosperity and is commonly placed near entrances or in the wealth corner of a home or office. In addition to physical objects, words and symbols can also serve as talismans of prosperity. Mantras or affirmations related to wealth and abundance are recited or written down to harness their positive energies. Some people even create vision boards or dream maps, where they visually represent their goals and desires, attracting prosperity into their lives through focused intention. It is important to note that while talismans can serve as reminders or focal points for positive thinking and energy, they are not magical solutions to financial difficulties. A talisman alone cannot create wealth or guarantee success. The true power lies within the individual's mindset and actions. Ultimately, the talisman of prosperity holds significance for individuals who believe in its power. Its purpose is to inspire and motivate, reminding the possessor to remain focused on their goals and maintain a positive attitude. By cultivating a mindset of abundance and taking action towards their aspirations, individuals can unlock their own potential for success and prosperity..
Reviews for "Using the Talisman of Prosperity to Overcome Financial Challenges"
1. John - 1 star - I was very disappointed with "Talisman of Prosperity". The writing was dull and predictable, with flat, one-dimensional characters. The plot was dragged out and lacked any real substance. I couldn't connect with the story or feel any sense of excitement. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster read that failed to live up to its potential.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Talisman of Prosperity" to be average at best. The concept was intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and the story was filled with unnecessary filler that didn't contribute much to the plot. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their journey. The writing style was also lackluster, with uninspired descriptions and dialogue. I was hoping for a more engaging and captivating read, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver.
3. Mark - 2.5 stars - "Talisman of Prosperity" didn't live up to my expectations. While the premise was interesting, the execution fell short. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked a clear direction. I found myself disengaged with the story and struggling to stay invested. Additionally, the character development was weak, with many of the interactions feeling forced and artificial. I wish the author had taken a more compelling approach to the storytelling, as it had potential, but ultimately, it left me unsatisfied.
4. Emily - 1.5 stars - I was not impressed by "Talisman of Prosperity". The writing style was dull, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The plot lacked depth and failed to offer any real surprises or twists. The characters were forgettable, and I found it hard to care about their journey. Overall, this book was a disappointment. I expected more from the author, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.