In many parts of the world, particularly in rural areas, the belief in witchcraft and its connection to the countryside is deeply ingrained in the local culture. The countryside, with its vast landscapes, remote locations, and close ties to nature, has long been associated with supernatural phenomena and mysterious occurrences. The connection between the countryside and witchcraft can be traced back to ancient times when people sought explanations for unexplainable events. One of the main reasons why the countryside is often associated with witchcraft is the isolation and seclusion it provides. Rural areas are usually far from urban centers, making them the perfect setting for occult practices and secret gatherings. The vastness of the countryside allows witches to carry out their rituals without fear of being discovered, as they can easily find hidden and secluded spots in the wilderness.
Studies of 20 th century rural witchcraft, folk magic, and intellectual practices are few and far between. But it would behoove academics to consider the intellectualism of these people, often dismissed as remnants from the distant past.
In one version the candidate was told to go to a graveyard on a particular night and look near a particular tombstone, where he would find a whip that would give him power over horses. After being manhandled around the four corners of the barn, and offered a drink of what appears to be horse urine, the candidate is brought to the center of the horseman s hall ; his blindfold is removed and he finds himself standing before a man personating a dangerous entity, identified variously as the Devil, Lucifer, Auld Clootie, Old Nick, Hercules The Horseman s Grip and Word 2009, 88.
The vastness of the countryside allows witches to carry out their rituals without fear of being discovered, as they can easily find hidden and secluded spots in the wilderness. Moreover, the countryside is often associated with a deep connection to nature, which is believed to hold mystical powers. The natural surroundings, such as forests, mountains, and rivers, are seen as sources of energy and spiritual forces.
Witchcraft 'thriving in the Welsh countryside'
Witchcraft is thriving in the Welsh countryside, a church minister has said, as he described stumbling upon an increasing number of effigies, users of the evil eye and exorcisms.
31 December 2012 • 9:14am The 2011 census revealed 83 witches and 93 satanists are living in Wales Credit : Photo: REXRev Felix Aubel claims occult practices in rural Wales have been increasing during the two decades he has been working in the area.
The minister spoke out after latest figures in the 2011 census has revealed 83 witches and 93 satanists are living in Wales.
He said there was an "unusual connection" between Christianity and witchcraft in some chapel circles in Wales.
Rev Aubel, who is the minister of five Congregational chapels in rural Carmarthenshire, said he has called out an exorcist after a witch placed a curse on one of his parishioners.
He said: "This is not a joke and I would warn people not to get involved in the occult.
"I have been told that a coven of witches still meet locally. There is also a witch living in a nearby village who advertises her services in the local paper."
He revealed in his autobiography that a curse on a parishioner had to be lifted by an exorcist.
He said: "In folk-magic and witchcraft, a poppet is a doll made to represent a person, for casting spells on that person.
"A poppet or effigy would be used with very sharp needles stuck into its 'heart' as a way of doing evil to an enemy.
"It was this 'evil' type of poppet that was used on a chapel member of mine in the Aberaeron area in 1994.
"It took an experienced Anglican exorcist to 'raise' this curse, which had been placed by a witch on the instruction of another former church member.
"The motivation behind this 'evil' was envy that had turned into jealousy."
The Carmarthenshire church minister, who has preached in West Wales for over 20 years, said witches and curses weren't simply the stuff of fairy stories.
He said he had also battled a case of the "evil eye" during his ministerial career.
Rev Aubel said: "This is an ancient belief in the existence of a malevolent power in the glance of some people, which is almost invariably provoked by envy or jealousy.
"In this instance, a lady who had given birth to a baby boy was apparently wished bad luck by the "evil glance" in the eye of a childless spinster neighbour.
"Both mother and child were subsequently taken ill due to acute breathlessness for no apparent medical reason and had to be hospitalised.
"The spinster even visited the mother and child in hospital while I was speaking to them.
"It became obvious to me that the spinster was praising the baby to its mother in a very false and patronising way.
"This is one of the most noticeable characteristics of the utilisation of the "evil eye".
"Realising this, I asked the spinster to say "God bless you" to the baby, having just said what a beautiful child the mother had.
"After that the spinster immediately walked away without uttering another word.
"As a precautionary measure, the mother later placed a horse shoe amulet in the porch of her home in order to protect her baby son and herself from the malevolent effects of the spinster's "evil eye"."
He added: "A witch who lived in the Pennant area of Ceredigion in the early 1990s would occasionally attend the local chapel.
Rev Aubel said he hoped his autobiography, called A Rebel's Story, acted as a warning to people not to get entangled in the occult.
The Carmarthenshire church minister, who has preached in West Wales for over 20 years, said witches and curses weren't simply the stuff of fairy stories.
Witches are believed to draw on these natural elements to enhance their powers and perform spells and rituals. The countryside's untouched beauty and its untouched wildness contribute to the belief that it is a place where witches can tap into these natural energies. However, it is also important to note that the association between witchcraft and the countryside is not always negative. In some cultures, witches are seen as wise individuals with a deep understanding of nature and its cycles. They are believed to possess healing abilities and the power to commune with spirits and energies. In these cultures, the relationship between witches and the countryside is seen as symbiotic, with both benefiting from each other's presence. In conclusion, the association between the countryside and witchcraft is deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and narratives of many societies. The isolation, seclusion, and natural beauty of rural areas make them ideal settings for occult practices and gatherings. Whether viewed positively or negatively, the countryside continues to be intertwined with witchcraft, shaping the way people perceive and understand these supernatural phenomena..
Reviews for "The Influence of Witchcraft on Countryside Traditions"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I was really excited to read "Countryside and the witchcraft" as I love books about the supernatural. However, I was truly disappointed. The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any kind of development. I found myself struggling to connect with them or care about what happened to them. Overall, the plot felt rushed and underdeveloped. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more.
2. John - 2/5 stars
I was intrigued by the premise of "Countryside and the witchcraft" but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The writing style was choppy and the editing seemed lacking. There were numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout the book which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The pacing was also an issue; the plot dragged on for too long without any real payoff. I found myself bored and disinterested in the characters and their plight. Overall, this book was a letdown for me.
3. Emily - 3/5 stars
While "Countryside and the witchcraft" had an interesting concept, I found it to be lacking in execution. The story had potential, but it felt underdeveloped and lacked a sense of tension or suspense. The characters were weakly developed and their interactions felt forced and unrealistic. I also felt that the world-building was lacking; I struggled to envision the countryside and its magical elements. However, the writing itself was decent, and I appreciated the author's attempts at creating a unique and original tale. Despite its flaws, there were some redeeming qualities to this book.