The concept of the witchcraft family has been prevalent in various cultures and societies throughout history. This notion refers to a family or lineage that possesses magical or supernatural powers, often associated with witchcraft. These families are believed to have inherited their abilities and knowledge from their ancestors, passing down their mystical practices from one generation to the next. In many folklore and mythologies, such families are feared and revered at the same time. They are often portrayed as both the protectors and manipulators of the spiritual realm. Their powers can range from casting spells and potions to divination and communicating with supernatural entities.
"My body shone so brightly in the sun that I felt very proud of it and it did not matter now if my axe slipped, for it could not cut me. There was only one danger--that my joints would rust; but I kept an oil-can in my cottage and took care to oil myself whenever I needed it. However, there came a day when I forgot to do this, and, being caught in a rainstorm, before I thought of the danger my joints had rusted, and I was left to stand in the woods until you came to help me. It was a terrible thing to undergo, but during the year I stood there I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart. While I was in love I was the happiest man on earth; but no one can love who has not a heart, and so I am resolved to ask Oz to give me one. If he does, I will go back to the Munchkin maiden and marry her."
It was a terrible thing to undergo, but during the year I stood there I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart. For example, a group studying Japan picked a region that they thought would be best for the Wicked Witch because it s dry and she melts in the rain , but it s also at risk for a tsunami.
Their powers can range from casting spells and potions to divination and communicating with supernatural entities. The members of these families are considered to be the gatekeepers of magical wisdom, and their abilities are often passed down through secret rituals and teachings. The idea of the witchcraft family can be found in different cultures, such as Celtic, African, and Native American traditions, among others.
Educator Spotlight: Finding a Home for the Wicked Witch
Students worked in groups of four to explore potential countries where the Wicked Witch of the West could live, looking at the how the climate and resources would affect her. The idea of using the Wicked Witch stemmed from a conversation with an educator many years ago. In developing my own project, I found that it was a way to blend nonfiction with fiction to be a different type of hook for students. They were thinking critically about the needs of this bizarre character while learning about culture, exploring traditions, and gaining a better appreciation for the world around them.
We started with a traditional topographic map of the Swiss Alps and built from there, using National Geographic’s MapMaker Interactive on a daily basis. As students manipulated the tool, they developed confidence in describing features of the map, and they respectfully discussed their research with each other. We were able to use an augmented reality sandbox, and students used Legos to create actual buildings. They saw how the different geographical pieces helped them better understand a country as a whole.
Tell us more about the augmented reality sandbox.
It is a massive box with sand that the students physically manipulate, and the program shows it digitally. Think of a sandbox with a projector on top of it connected to the computer. Students can show where rainfall would happen at different rates and how flooding could occur. They learned how to create their own topographical map and how it could change based on erosion, deforestation, and natural disasters. For example, a group studying Japan picked a region that they thought would be best for the Wicked Witch because it’s dry (and she melts in the rain), but it’s also at risk for a tsunami. They showed what could happen if a tsunami should hit: how a wetland could be destroyed, how the sea level could rise, etc.
Students used the augmented reality sandbox to explore topography and the effects of natural disasters. Photo by Allison Fuisz
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
My original plan was to be a lawyer, but I have found myself continuously wanting to learn. I’m a curious person, and I think that’s what guided me into this position. I hope to not dictate where students go, but instead spark their curiosity, help them find the right direction, and connect them with experts to foster that spark. This isn’t a job. Every day I’m laughing. It’s a new challenge, a new growth.
What advice do you have for teachers wanting to spark curiosity?
We seem to talk a lot about student voice, but how can we truly incorporate it into the learning space? Listen to your students; learn what their interests are and guide them toward their passions to help create curious lifelong learners. Focus on the big ideas as well–ask your students, “Here’s what we need to learn. How can we get there together with your interests in mind?”
My mentors have reminded me to continue showing students that we can learn together. When there is a strong sense of community and inclusion in the learning space, students are often more willing to share their passions and be curious because they are OK with taking educated risks. Create a safe co-learning space, and who knows what could happen!
I think the success of this Wicked Witch project stemmed from these ideas. We learned about the content together, and students were allowed to explore based on their interests. Creativity met inquiry, and that is a learning dream.
Photo by Allison Fuisz
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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The Tin Woodman had asked Dorothy to put the oil-can in her basket. "For," he said, "if I should get caught in the rain, and rust again, I would need the oil-can badly."
These cultures have their own variations of witchcraft families, often rooted in their specific beliefs and myths. In some cases, these families are believed to have made pacts with supernatural entities, gaining their powers in exchange for serving their ancient and mysterious patrons. These pacts may require certain sacrifices or commitments from the members of the family, further cementing the link between them and the spiritual world. The existence of witchcraft families is also believed to explain why some individuals seem to be predisposed to practicing magic or displaying supernatural abilities. These individuals are born into the lineage and are trained from a young age to develop their powers and control them responsibly. While the idea of the witchcraft family may seem fantastical and the stuff of legends, it continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. The notion of a family possessing magical abilities taps into our fascination with the unknown and possibilities beyond our comprehension. Whether it is merely a folklore or a reality, the concept of the witchcraft family has endured throughout history, fueling our fascination with the mystical and the supernatural..
Reviews for "Witchcraft as Intergenerational Wisdom: Learning from Elderly Family Members"
1. Sara - 2/5 stars
I really didn't enjoy "The witchcraft family". The plot felt extremely predictable, and none of the characters had any depth to them. It seemed like the author just relied on stereotypical witchcraft elements without really adding anything new or interesting to the story. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.
2. John - 1/5 stars
"The witchcraft family" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was amateurish and the storyline felt disjointed and unengaging. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any sort of relatability. I found myself struggling to finish the book, and when I finally did, I felt extremely underwhelmed. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emma - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "The witchcraft family", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot didn't have any real substance. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, it was a dull and uninspiring read that didn't leave any sort of impact.
4. Daniel - 3/5 stars
"The witchcraft family" had potential, but it failed to deliver. While the concept of a witchcraft family was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The story lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, the writing style was bland and didn't keep me engaged. It was an average read at best, and I wouldn't actively recommend it to others.
5. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I was disappointed with "The witchcraft family". The story felt overly predictable, and it seemed like the author didn't put much effort into developing the plot or the characters. The dialogue was awkward, and the pacing was off. Overall, it was a forgettable book that didn't leave a lasting impression.