Witches around me In a world full of mystery and intrigue, there are those who walk amongst us, hidden in plain sight - witches. These individuals possess a deep connection to the mystical and a profound understanding of magic. Though often portrayed in popular culture as sinister and malicious, witches are a diverse group with a wide range of beliefs and practices. Witches have existed throughout history, with mentions of their existence dating back centuries. From ancient pagan civilizations to the persecution of witches during the infamous Salem witch trials, these individuals have faced both reverence and persecution. In modern times, witches are not limited to old folklore and fairy tales.
David: It runs in my family on my father’s side, he’s a heathen and a sun worshiper. It’s been in the family for about 10 generations.
A little Buddhism, a bit Celtic, a trifle Egyptian, some Norse, a dash of Hindu, a pinch of Confucius, and a taste of Wicca, they all had parts that stood out for me. 5 Depsite John Hale hailed from a bloodline of witches, for example, he submitted to Mary Sibley, a younger contract witch for about seven years, due to her being a woman.
In modern times, witches are not limited to old folklore and fairy tales. They can be found in every corner of the globe, practicing their craft in different ways. Some may adhere to the principles of Wicca, a modern pagan religion rooted in nature worship, while others may identify as solitary witches, drawing on their own individual beliefs and practices.
Witches around me
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.” Ah, Shakespeare, you fiend! His portrayal of witches in Macbeth has been the first thing most people think of when you say WITCH for the better part of 400 years now. Christianity around that time sure didn’t help either. Anything that couldn’t easily be explained was blamed on witches, some still to this day. Just like with any other group of people, there’s good ones along with the bad ones. We aren’t perfect, just human. With the Halloween (and Samhain!) festivities coming up at the end of this month I wanted to showcase witches in a positive light instead of the typical “bad” or “evil” ones. I was able to interview seven local witches who told me about their practice. Some were willing to let me use their names while others wanted to remain anonymous. Please open your minds and let’s read what some RVA witches have to tell us!
*minimal editing for clarity and/or grammar*
Witches may engage in various rituals, spells, and divination practices, using tools such as crystals, herbs, tarot cards, and cauldrons. They may gather in covens or practice independently, honing their skills and seeking spiritual guidance. Many witches also embrace a strong connection to the natural world, practicing earth-based traditions and celebrating the cycles of the moon and seasons. Despite their association with spells and magic, witches are not inherently evil or malevolent. In fact, many witches prioritize positivity, love, and harmony in their craft. They may use their abilities to heal, provide guidance, and promote personal growth. Encountering a witch in daily life can be both fascinating and enlightening. They may be your neighbor, coworker, or even a close friend. Perhaps they are the one who always seems to have a deep understanding of the unseen world or has an uncanny ability to manifest their desires. Their energy, intuition, and connection with nature can inspire and educate those around them. It is important to approach witches and their practices with an open mind and respect for their beliefs. By doing so, we can learn from them and deepen our own spiritual journeys. Whether they are casting spells or communing with the natural world, witches are a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the unseen realms. They bring a touch of enchantment into our lives and help us see beyond the mundane. In conclusion, witches are not a figment of folklore or fiction but rather living, breathing individuals who walk amongst us. They bring a sense of mystery and wonder to our world, offering guidance, healing, and spiritual insights. Embracing the presence of witches in our midst can awaken our own curiosity, expand our perspective, and invite us to explore the realms of magic and the unknown..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Traditions Around the World: A Global Perspective on Modern Witches"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Witches around me". The concept of the story seemed interesting, but the execution was completely lacking. The characters were underdeveloped and unrelatable, and the plot was confusing and hard to follow. The writing style felt choppy and unrefined, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to others.
2. David - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Witches around me", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the premise was intriguing, the pacing of the story was slow and dragged on unnecessarily. The author seemed to focus more on descriptive details than on building a captivating plot and developing the characters. This made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story and the protagonist. Additionally, there were several grammatical errors throughout the book, which distracted from the overall reading experience. It had potential, but ultimately, I was left feeling unsatisfied.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Witches around me" to be a mediocre read. The author made some interesting choices with the world-building, but they were not executed well. The magic system was confusing and inconsistent, and the explanations were often lacking. The protagonist lacked depth and complexity, and her actions and motivations were not always believable. The pacing was also uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I didn't feel engaged with the story and was left wanting more development and coherence.
4. Mark - 1 star
"Witches around me" was one of the most disappointing books I have read recently. The writing style was not compelling, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. The plot was unoriginal and predictable, lacking any surprises or twists to keep the reader engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
5. Jessica - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Witches around me", but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The world-building was weak and felt underdeveloped, leaving many unanswered questions. The protagonist lacked agency and seemed to rely on others to solve her problems. The romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the main plot. The writing style was mediocre at best, with excessive exposition and lackluster dialogue. Overall, this book left me feeling unsatisfied and I wouldn't recommend it to others.