Witches have been a subject of fascination and fear throughout history, and the ancient world was no exception. In various cultures, witches were given different appellations or titles that reflected their perceived powers and roles in society. In ancient Greece, witches were often referred to as "pharmakoi," which means "poisoner" or "sorcerer." This term emphasized the belief that witches used various potions and herbs to cast their spells and inflict harm on others. The word "pharmakoi" also carries the connotation of someone who is an outsider or a social outcast. This reflects the fear and suspicion that ancient Greek society had towards witches.
Reviewed on: 08/12/2020
Sometimes Hekate is the focus of a certain path, like with the Covenant of Hekate s approach to her as the soul of the world, but other times she is part of a framework rather than the focus. While not comprehensive and bafflingly, an apparently Indigenous person portrayed early on is never referenced in-text this guide will satisfy younger readers looking for a mix of history and magic.
This reflects the fear and suspicion that ancient Greek society had towards witches. Similarly, in ancient Rome, witches were known as "veneficae," meaning "poisoners." This term underscored the idea that witches possessed the ability to use harmful substances to cause illness or even death.
Season of the Witch: A Spellbinding History of Witches and Other Magical Folk
In a light introduction to witchcraft, Ralphs provides readers with an overview of magical practices from the ancient world to the present day, focusing on regions including South Africa, Japan, and Slavic countries. Sections devoted to dispelling myths provide insight into the origins of misconceptions about and depictions of witches (green-skinned witches’ 1939 provenance in the film The Wizard of Oz), while others address the true meanings of witchcraft and its legitimate practices. Tamarit’s artwork features a quirky cast of characters with upturned noses, and this accessible, graphics-filled presentation invites readers to browse topics of interest from familiars to vodou dolls. While not comprehensive (and bafflingly, an apparently Indigenous person portrayed early on is never referenced in-text) this guide will satisfy younger readers looking for a mix of history and magic. Ages 9–12. (Aug.)
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Hekate's role as Keeper of the Keys is vital to understanding her essence as Anima Mundi, the Soul of the World. Other ancient writers used this metaphor to describe her power as the Mediator between humans and the deeper world. Within the Persephone myth cycle, she replicates this archetype. She is the guardian to Persephone when she is deeply troubled, she guides her back and forth, ensuring the seasons change, and she is the keeper of the keys of wisdom and transformation.
The word "veneficae" was used as a derogatory term and was closely associated with women who practiced magic or the dark arts. In Norse mythology, witches were called "norns" or "vǫlur." These female figures were believed to have the power to shape destiny and control people's fates. The norns had the ability to see into the future, and their prophecies were highly respected and feared. The word "vǫlur" is derived from the Old Norse word for "wand" or "staff," which further alludes to the magical practices and powers associated with witches. Another ancient appellation of witches can be found in ancient Egypt, where they were known as "hekau" or "hierodule." The term "hekau" means "activator" or "utterer" of spells, emphasizing the belief that witches had the power to invoke and manipulate supernatural forces. The word "hierodule" refers to someone who is dedicated to a temple or a priestess, highlighting the ritualistic and religious aspects associated with ancient Egyptian witchcraft. Although these ancient appellations of witches varied across cultures, they all shared the common thread of fear and suspicion towards these magical practitioners. Whether they were called "pharmakoi," "veneficae," "norns," or "hekau," witches were often regarded as dangerous and otherworldly beings capable of supernatural feats. Their appellations serve as a reminder of the enduring fascination and intrigue surrounding witches in ancient times and beyond..
Reviews for "The Mystical World of Ancient Witch Appellations"
1. Jane - 1 star - I found "Ancient Appellations of Witches" to be incredibly dull and uninteresting. The author didn't provide any new insights or perspectives into the world of witches, and it felt like a rehashing of well-known stereotypes. The writing style was also quite dry and lacking in creativity. Overall, I was very disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an intriguing exploration of witchcraft and its history.
2. David - 2 stars - While "Ancient Appellations of Witches" promised to offer a unique look at the historical context of witchcraft, it failed to deliver on its premise. The book was filled with repetitive information and lacked any substantial analysis or critical thinking. The author seemed more focused on listing names of famous witches throughout history rather than on providing any meaningful insights. Additionally, the writing was rather dry and uninspiring. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the topic, and unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - "Ancient Appellations of Witches" had the potential to be a fascinating read, but it fell flat for me. The book lacked coherence and structure, jumping from one random fact or anecdote to another without any real connection. The writing style felt disjointed and did not engage me as a reader. Furthermore, I was expecting more detailed historical research and analysis, but the information provided was mostly superficial and lacked depth. Overall, this book left me feeling dissatisfied and wanting more substance.