In the sociological theory of witchcraft, the concept of appropriated lightning has been discussed as a means of explaining the power dynamics and social structures within witchcraft communities. Appropriated lightning refers to the process through which individuals within a community gain and exercise power through their use of magical or supernatural abilities. This power is often seen as a form of knowledge or skill that is obtained and used by individuals to manipulate their social environments. The concept of appropriated lightning is rooted in the belief that power is not something that is inherent within individuals, but rather something that is acquired and distributed within a social context. Within witchcraft communities, power is often associated with the ability to perform magical rituals or spells that have an effect on the physical or spiritual world. Individuals who possess these magical abilities are sometimes seen as having "appropriated" lightning, meaning that they have somehow gained access to a source of power that others do not have.
Pagan midwinter festival
Wikimedia Commons Yule marked the end of the solar year and was celebrated with many festivities on the darkest night of winter.
Christmastime. Noël. Nativity. Yuletide. Even the many different words we use to describe the Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ reflects how this festival was born of a wide array of cultures. For the Vikings, Germanic tribes, and other pagan peoples of pre-Christian Europe, this celebration, known as Yule, was originally meant to honor the winter solstice.
The Yule or Yuletide celebration commemorated the events of the waning year and honored the gods with a festival of song, food, drink, and sacrifice. But with the steady spread of Christianity throughout Europe, many pagan beliefs and celebrations, including Yule, were stamped out.
To this day, however, hints of these ancient faiths and rituals can be found in some of the most popular Christmas traditions. This is the story of Yule, the Germanic pagan winter festival that helped inspire much of the modern celebration of Christmas.
Individuals who possess these magical abilities are sometimes seen as having "appropriated" lightning, meaning that they have somehow gained access to a source of power that others do not have. This can happen through various means, such as learning from a mentor or through a direct encounter with a supernatural entity. Once individuals have acquired this power, they can then use it to exert influence over others within their community.
What Is Yule? Inside The Pagan Celebration Of The Winter Solstice And The Return Of Sunlight
Wikimedia Commons Germanic pagans believed that during the winter solstice, which marks when the Northern Hemisphere is at its furthest point from the Sun, the forces of magic were stronger than usual.
The earliest mention of Yule is found in the work of a chronicler and prolific historian called Bede, an English monk who was instrumental in the spread of Catholic Christianity in Northern England.
Writing in 725 A.D., Bede described the holidays of pagan Britons, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and other Germanic groups, noting that the old pagan calendar combined the Roman months of December and January into a single period called Giuli. He wrote, “The months of Giuli derive their name from the day when the Sun turns back [and begins] to increase.”
In other words, this double-month was built around the winter solstice, the time of year when daylight, which decreases steadily during the winter, starts to increase again.
Wikimedia Commons The Venerable Bede, an English monk and missionary, was among the earliest writers to record the existence of Yule.
To the ancient Vikings and other Germanic peoples, many of whom lived in the far northern reaches of Europe where the absence of the winter Sun is felt strongest, the return of long sunny days was considered a rebirth and was celebrated in the festival of ġēol, or jól.
The origins of these words are murky, but generations of etymologists believe they are the basis of the modern word “jolly” in English.
The whole season, called “Yule-tide,” was among the most important holidays in pagan Europe. From modern-day Estonia to the north of England, Yule was the highlight of the deep midwinter, a welcome respite from the darkness and the biting cold.
This can include using magic to protect or harm others, to predict the future, or to manipulate events to their advantage. The concept of appropriated lightning is important within the sociological theory of witchcraft as it highlights the ways in which power is constructed and maintained within social groups. It challenges the notion that power is solely derived from institutional or structural sources, instead suggesting that power can be obtained and wielded through individual agency and skill. By understanding how power is appropriated within witchcraft communities, sociologists can gain insights into the complex social dynamics and power structures that exist within these groups. This can help to inform our understanding of how power operates more broadly within society and how it can be both empowering and oppressive..
Reviews for "The Sociological Perspective on the Ritual Use of Appropriated Lightning in Witchcraft"
1. Samantha - 2 stars
I found "Appropriated Lightning in the Sociological Theory of Witchcraft" to be a disappointing read. While I appreciate the author's attempt to delve into the sociological aspects of witchcraft, I found the book to be overly theoretical and lacking in concrete examples or case studies. The arguments presented were often vague and abstract, making it difficult to fully grasp the concepts being discussed. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing for more practical and tangible analysis.
2. Jonathan - 1 star
I cannot recommend "Appropriated Lightning in the Sociological Theory of Witchcraft" to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the subject. The book is filled with convoluted academic jargon that makes it inaccessible to the average reader. Additionally, the author seems more interested in showcasing their own theoretical perspectives rather than providing a comprehensive analysis of witchcraft. It's a shame because this topic has the potential to be fascinating, but this book fails to deliver in terms of clarity and substance.
3. Maria - 2 stars
I was excited to explore the sociological theory of witchcraft through "Appropriated Lightning," but I ultimately found the book to be dense and difficult to comprehend. The author's writing style is unnecessarily complex and filled with excessive jargon, which hindered my ability to fully engage with the content. Furthermore, I was disappointed by the lack of empirical evidence or real-life examples to support the author's arguments. This book is better suited for academia rather than general readers looking to gain practical insights into witchcraft.