The practice of witchcraft has been prominent in various cultures and societies throughout history. One aspect of witchcraft that has captivated people's imaginations is the concept of using incantations and spells to wield magical powers. Within these incantations, there is often a specific focus on the power of words and the rhythmic chanting of these words to create an impactful spell. One particular type of incantation that holds a significant place in witchcraft lore is the "witch song." The witch song can be seen as a highly specialized form of incantation that combines music and spellcasting. These songs are believed to possess a unique vibrational energy that enhances the effectiveness of any accompanying spell.
Heard in The Extraordinary Esper Vespertilio. Oliver conjures a thunderstorm with this chant.
Flying east and flying west, We are witches at our best Yes, we are young, But our chants can still be sung As we fly up on high, Near and far, cross the sky Searching for our frogs and toads. Oh my love, my brighter love, I swear I ll never go So turn your head, my darling, I want you for my own Yes turn your head, my darling, I want you for my own.
These songs are believed to possess a unique vibrational energy that enhances the effectiveness of any accompanying spell. The witch song is typically performed using a specific melody or rhythm, often in conjunction with the use of musical instruments such as drums, flutes, or bells. By harmonizing the voice with these musical elements, the witch seeks to tap into the natural rhythms and energies of the universe, enabling them to harness the full power of their spells.
Halloween Staff Picks: Favorite Incantations
As it happens another Halloween is upon us, and as it happens, it coincides with Hothouse‘s website launch for the 2018-19 academic year. To celebrate, as an act of inauguration, we thought we’d do something collaborative, something that will stir up the spirits and press them to set a watchful eye over our site. Just kidding—we’re not superstitious. Not all of us. Not always. We just like magic. Especially the kind that makes us feel a little shaken and a little spooked; the kind that repeats in our heads when we walk home at night and a car alarm goes off. So here’s what we came up with. If you want to contribute, share your favorite incantation in the comments below, so we can keep this spook fest going.
About, about, in reel and rout The death-fires danced at night The water, like a witch’s oils, Burnt green, and blue, and white.– Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Ever since I read this poem in high school it stuck with me over the years. When reading this section of the poem one feels as though one has fallen into the cauldron itself. Coleridge has some very strong imagery throughout the work and the poem is truly disturbing, not only for the scenes it evokes but for the moral dilemma it reveals. This chilling verse presents itself as he describes the ocean the hopeless seamen face, and the audience is left wondering what is illusion and what is true. After all, no one really knows what the depths of the ocean hides, nor what happens to the hapless sailors who sail its depths.
— Christie Basson, Website Staff Writer
I ride a horse With hoarfrost mane And dripping forelocks Bringing evil; The torch ends burn The middle brings bane.– Njal’s Saga, Author Unknown, Translation by Robert Cook
This verse is a premonition spoken by a man carrying a torch on a grey horse surrounded by fire. This particular vision (referred to as a “witch-ride”) precedes an act of immense evil that will bring about widespread death, and in this case, the message is delivered by a frost-covered horse surrounded by a ring of flame. The “torch ends” burning illustrates essentially a ticking clock – once the torch burns down to the center, the evil will occur. The image conjured up by the author of this saga is powerfully haunting, and the image of a horse with a frosted and partially melting mane remains firmly embedded in my mind.
—Sydney E. Stewart, Website Staff Writer
Let his blood leave no stain Though they beat him Let him feel no pain Let his bones never break And however they try To destroy him Let him never die Let him never die.-“No Good Deed,” Wicked , written by Stephen Schwartz and originally sung by Idina Menzel
The imagery in the second verse of this song is gruesome, with Elphaba listing out all of the torture that poor Fiyero is going through. The first verse, the actual magical chant, is written in trochaic meter, which is the opposite of the iambic meter that we’re so used to hearing. This lends a jumpy beat to the spell. It helps, of course, to listen to the actual song because the music and Idina Menzel’s incredibly powerful vocals add panic and fear to the overall tone. The sounds, coupled with the realization that one can never truly do good in this world, make this incantation dreadfully terrifying.
—Alyssa Jingling, Website Staff Writer
Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn.
Straight from the chanting of a Louisiana cult come these words, to the terror and dismay of the investigator in “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft. As unpronounceable and unintelligible as the words look at first glance, it only gets stranger when the meaning is later revealed—this phrase roughly translates to “In his house at R’lyeh dead Cthulhu waits dreaming.” Though it appears to make more sense than the jumble of letters that came before, it is still incomprehensible—how can a dead being possibly dream? It is a secret, the story argues, that you mercifully cannot understand—for if you could, the eldritch knowledge it would impart would surely drive you screaming into madness. No one wants that. Or do we?
—Alex Taylor, Website Staff Writer
(Nancy continues with a new chant) Serpent of old, ruler of the deep. Guardian of the bitter sea. Show us your glory. Show us your power! We pray of thee, we pray of thee. We invoke thee . (lightning crashes)
“The Craft” demonstrates how witches are most powerful working in tandem with others. In this incantation, the four corners are invoked, and with them the four elements: air, fire, earth, and water. The number four is of definite pagan significance, and in this scene the fourth member of their clan is cemented. Their incantation is successful, and their powers subsequently surge.
—Jay O’Bryant, Website Staff Writer
..To the wolves and choristers
Mix them in a bowling shoe
By a bunch of us for you
To dance for you
To dance for you
Ah, ah
Tail of fox and bit of goat
To the wolves and choristers
Mix a little.
The lyrics of a witch song can vary greatly depending on the purpose and intention of the spell. Some songs may call upon the forces of nature, deities, or spirits to assist in the manifestation of the spell's desired outcome. Others may contain ancient words or phrases believed to possess inherent magical properties. The choice of words and their meanings play a vital role in creating the desired energy and vibrations within the incantation. The act of performing a witch song is often considered a sacred and transformative experience. It requires a deep connection to one's inner self and a heightened awareness of the surrounding energies. The witch must channel their intentions and focus their willpower throughout the song, ensuring that the vibrations created align with their desired outcome. It is important to note that the effectiveness of a witch song relies heavily on the skill and expertise of the practitioner. Mastery of the art of incantation, as well as a deep understanding of the mystical properties of sound and vibrations, are essential in creating a powerful and successful witch song. In conclusion, the concept of the witch song highlights the interconnectedness between music, words, and magic within the realm of witchcraft. Through the rhythmic chanting and harmonization of voice and instruments, the witch seeks to tap into the transformative powers of sound vibrations. The witch song serves as a reminder of the ancient art of spellcasting and the intricate rituals surrounding it, capturing the imaginations and fascination of those who dare to explore the world of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Witch's Melody: Unveiling the Music of Incantation Witch Songs"
1. Emily - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Incantation Witch Song'. The plot was slow and confusing, and the characters were not well-developed. I found myself struggling to stay engaged and ended up skimming through parts just to finish the book. The writing style was also not to my liking, as it felt disjointed and lacked flow. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others."
2. Michael - 1 star - "I had high hopes for 'Incantation Witch Song', but it fell flat for me. The story was predictable and lacked any real depth. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. The world-building also left much to be desired, as it felt incomplete and underdeveloped. I was really looking for a captivating read, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver."
3. Samantha - 2 stars - "I tried my best to enjoy 'Incantation Witch Song', but I just couldn't. The pacing was all over the place, jumping from one event to another without any real coherence. The protagonist was also difficult to connect with, as her actions and motivations seemed inconsistent throughout the story. Additionally, the romance felt forced and unnecessary, overshadowing the potential for a more engaging plot. I was hoping for a thrilling read, but this book left me feeling underwhelmed."
4. Benjamin - 1 star - "I struggled to finish 'Incantation Witch Song'. The writing style was overly descriptive to the point of being tedious, and it often took away from the actual plot. The characters lacked depth and their actions were hard to believe. The world-building was also poorly executed, leaving me with an incomplete understanding of the setting. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an immersive and well-crafted fantasy read."