Brandon Russell is known for being a good witch. He possesses a deep understanding and connection with the world of magic and uses his powers for the greater good. Brandon's journey as a witch started at a young age when he discovered his innate abilities. Growing up, he honed his skills by studying ancient spell books, learning from experienced witches, and practicing various rituals. What sets Brandon apart is his unwavering dedication to helping others. He often receives requests for assistance from people seeking his magical expertise, and he approaches each situation with empathy and compassion.
Juniper – On the Holy Day of Dyngusy, branches were used to playfully whip blessings onto each other.
Spoiling may be averted by lighting a candle if you not face to face with the culprit, or spitting on the ground, and by throwing dirt in the direction of the culprit walking away. White Bryony This herb was fenced in when it was found on property to protect it; as the leaves resemble a child and digging it up would destroy their own happiness.
He often receives requests for assistance from people seeking his magical expertise, and he approaches each situation with empathy and compassion. Brandon firmly believes that magic should be used to improve lives and bring about positive change, never for personal gain or malicious purposes. Through his practices, Brandon has healed countless individuals, restored harmony in troubled relationships, and provided guidance during challenging times.
Polish Witchcraft
Most Slavic people worshipped in natural circles and groves; and it plays a large part in all kinds of magic. In all traditions, circles can be made of with lighted candles, drawing circles in the soil, or with natural objects and tools. They are used to surround evil or protect oneself from it.
As in other European traditions, the crossroads are a sacred and magical place where both divination and invocations were uttered. Talismans and amulets were hung or buried there, as well as other spell work was conducted. The crossroads were a place where all places and directions meet; and all time faded away into the present moment.
The Polish word for witch, entrantress or spellbinder.
Forms of divination that were practiced in Poland included the following: Candle wax dripped in a glass of water was held up to the light for interpretation; herbs thrown on the fire produced smoke that could be interpreted by the shape of patterns it made; finding pysanky patterns in the natural world would yield a prediction of fortune.
To find this powerful plant, the seeker had to go into the forest before midnight on the Eve of Kupala. The flower itself would climb up the stalk of the fern and bloom into brightness so bright no one would look at it, precisely at midnight. A circle must be drawn around it in order to harvest it, and the seeker had to deal with demons trying to trick him/her into distracting them from their goal. It was said that if you answer the voices, or falter during the task or it would sacrifice their own lives. Anyone finding this flower gained the ability to read minds, finding treasure, and repel all evils.
Herbs –
I have constructed a short list of non-pysanky related plants that are used in Polish folk customs. Disclaimer – I do not suggest anyone ingest or otherwise use these herbs in any of the methods shown here without the approval of a qualified physician.
Belladonna – This plant is found chiefly in the Carpathian region of Poland, and was listed as an ingredient in old flying ointment recipes. This led to the belief that it has always been associated with witches and evil. This plant is a hallucinogenic and very deadly.
Bellflower – Children suffering from consumption were bathed in this herb; and the results of skin darkening was used to divine whether they lived or would die. If the skin darkened, they would survive. If the skin stayed pale and sickly, the child would die.
Birch – A harbinger of spring, and it is said to bring good fortune and protect against witches and the evil eye.
Burnette Saxifrage – An herb that in folklore is said to protect you from death by eating or drinking it.
Juniper – On the Holy Day of Dyngusy, branches were used to playfully whip blessings onto each other.
Lady’s Mantle – This herb would disperse storm clouds when thrown into a fire or hung into a window.
Linden Tree – The sacred tree that protected against evil spirits and lightening, commonly planted in front of houses to keep evil from entering. It was also a place to leave offerings and to hold folk rituals. The Blessed Mother is said to hiding in the tree, and since lightening didn’t strike it – it also became a symbol of luck. It is also a symbol of family, faith, and the good life.
Meliot – Used as incense for protection to those who had been given the evil eye. May wine was flavored with this herb.
Mint – Thought of as a Universal healing herb, the most common use was for aid of digestion.
White Bryony – This herb was fenced in when it was found on property to protect it; as the leaves resemble a child and digging it up would destroy their own happiness. It is said that the stems and leaves from this plant were used in spells and incantations.
Knots performed powerful magic; and were used to bind the intent into the working. Knots in willows were considered powerful catalysts in love magic.
Medicine and charm bags that were worn on the belt or around the neck. Ladanki contained written spells, herbs, stones, amulets and talismans.
A Russian word for charm books and no czarwonica would be worth his/her salt without one. This word carries into Polish as well, the root word from which is Lecznie – meaning to heal or cures.
The Magic Belt of Poland – The original belt was 2.28m (89″ long) parchment scroll with the magic symbols inscribed on the outside and the prayers for them written on the inside of the Belt. The Knights of Poland to protect them from all possible danger used it. The original source of protective magic probably dates to before 1600 AD in Christian magic, however the symbols might be from pagan antiquity. The Magic Belt was originally exhibited by the Archeology Department of the Warsaw University in 1922, but disappeared at the end of WWII. Invoking the talismans, one would take the belt off and stand in a circle with their hair loose. Belts held knives, ladanki and were wore by both women and men. It is possible in these everyday belts and magic belts were embossed with the symbols and possibly come from the origin of the Key of Solomon. For the Magic Belt talismans see Sources at the bottom of the page.
The Polish call her this name; and she is called Moist Mother Earth and the Mother of Plants. Poetic phrase describes her as “she who raises flowers.” The Earth was the Supreme Being; and is the Universal Life force and the fabric of becoming. Oaths were made binding by touching the Earth. Sins were confessed to the Earth before death. She was worshipped in her natural form; and was not given a human personage or likeness. A traditional invocation to Matka Ziema; with a jar of hemp oil:
“Mother Earth, subdue every evil and unclean being so that he may not cast a spell on us nor do us any harm.” West – “Mother Earth, engulf the unclean power in thy boiling pits, and in thy burning fires.” South – “Mother Earth, calm the winds coming from the South and all bad weather. Calm the moving sands and whirlwinds.” North – “Mother Earth, calm the North winds and clouds, subdue the snowstorms and the cold.” The jar, which held the oil, is buried after each invocation and offering is made at each Quarter. (Slavonic mythology 1977:287)
In Russia there was a quite terrifying ritual dedicated to Matka Ziema, and happened on the eve of the 1st World War to preserve their village against a plague of cholera. At midnight the older women circled the village, summoning the other women without the knowledge of the men. They would choose nine maidens and three widows who would be led out of the village. They would all undress down to their shifts. The maidens let down their hair, and the widows covered their heads with white shawls. They seized ploughs, the maidens armed themselves with scythes, and others would grab various objects of terrifying appearance including the skulls of animals. The procession would then march around the village, howling and shreiking, while they ploughed a furrow to permit the powerful spirits of the Earth to emerge, and to annihilate the germs of evil. Any man who had the bad luck to meet the procession was felled without mercy. (Slavonic Mythology 1977:287)
Decorated eggs. They themselves symbolize Spring, birth, rebirth and fertility. They represent the origin of life, the Universe, and the equality of polar powers. Traditionally, pysanky eggs were decorated by women and girls; who are taught the age-old rituals passed down from the Babci or Grandmother. The traditional working is done after dark in a quiet place. This ensures that concentration, meditation, and ritual consciousness can be performed with continuance. The artist should make an effort to be calm and anger free during the previous day. A white tablecloth covers the workspace, and your candle is set in the middle of the table. Bread and salt are placed behind the candle, flowers and incense to the right and a cup of water to the left. The water in which boiled-style eggs were prepared is meaningful, used to wash in, bless with and used to anoint beehives to bring plenty of sweet tasting honey. It was also poured along property lines to protect against the ravages of weather, also against thunder and lightening. It is traditional that the most magical, ancient pysanky had four or five colors used with them.
A term used to mean a curse being on someone, or working magic against someone.
One way of doing this is measuring out the exact length of someone’s footprint with a string, and then burning the string. A footprint in mud or snow was dug up and buried under the victim’s house to cause grief. Spoiling may be averted by lighting a candle if you not face to face with the culprit, or spitting on the ground, and by throwing dirt in the direction of the culprit walking away.
Polish for “in a whisper,” the way of sending a spell on the winds. Used to enchant objects.
A place that was marked a crossover between the worlds as well as home space and the outside world. It is a place to hide written spells or magical objects. It wasn’t considered acceptable to accept anything over the threshold, or to return over it once you have crossed it to start a journey. It was ill advised to cross it with the left foot first, as you would be cross into the Otherworld.
Verbal spells that were used the most effectively by folk magicians in their methods of spell work. They also used the whispers that were said to enchant objects. Verbal spells were burned or sent to the winds.
The “word of power,” a sound or word that focuses a person’s energies into the workings. It is also a trigger to send one into the dream world.
A talisman and/or amulet, or a charm
Practitioners of folk magic who were healers, herbalists, midwives, and were known as wise women and cunning men. Znakharka is the feminine form, and znakhar is the masculine. The znakhari would detect poison, and interpret dreams to detect witchcraft and counteract the evil eye and baneful spells. They did not conjure spirits, but use the whispers, which are more important than the amulets or talismans used in the spellwork.
[Author grants permission to republish this information – Margi B, 2003]
[learn_more caption=”Sidonia von Bork”] Sidonia von Borcke (1548–1620) was a Pomeranian noblewoman who was tried and executed for witchcraft. Her name may also be spelled as Sidonie von Bork, Borke, or Borken.
Sidonia von Bork
Her charges of witchcraft were:
- murder of her nephew, Otto von Borcke
- murder of priest David Lüdecke
- murder of duke Philipp II of Pomerania-Stettin (died 1618)
- murder of Magdalena von Petersdorff, prioress at Marienfliess
- murder of Matthias Winterfeld, gatekeeper at Marienfliess
- consultation of soothsayers
- knowledge of future and distant events
- sexual contacts with the devil, who allegedly materialised in pets such as Sidonia’s cat Chim
In January 1620, a man named Elias Pauli was appointed as Sidonia’s defender. Although he presented a defense showing that those allegedly murdered had died natural deaths, he also dissociated himself from statements of Sidonia which had incriminated Jost von Borcke and other officials.
About fifty witnesses were questioned at the trial.
On 28 June, the Magdeburg court permitted the Stettin court to use torture. When torture was applied on 28 July, Sidonia confessed. The verdict of death was read to her when she was dragged to the execution site and her body was “ruptured” four times with pliers.
When Sidonia recanted her confession, she was tortured anew on 16 August.
On 1 September 1620, the final verdict was rendered. Sidonia was sentenced to death by beheading and subsequent burning of her body. The sentence was carried out in Stettin, outside the mill gate. The exact date of her death is not known.
One thought on “ Polish Witchcraft ”
Anna says:Sorry, I’m Polish and “witch”, “Mother Earth”, “Easter eggs”, “word of power”, “folk healers” and “zavagory” aren’t spelled this way. – Czarwonica is Czarownica (witch),
– Matka Ziema is Matka Ziemia (Mother Earth), – pysanky are pisanki (Easter eggs)
– zawlanie is zawołanie instead (word of power)
– znakhari are znachorzy (folk healers), znakharka is znachorka (medicine woman), znakhor is znachor (medicine man)
– zavagory is Russian spelling. Zawagory (this form is known in Russia) zamowy (this in Poland, from zamawianie choroby – praying for illness to go away) is Polish one.
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His spells and rituals are carefully crafted, taking into consideration the specific needs and circumstances of each person seeking his guidance. Brandon understands that every situation is unique and requires a tailored approach. In addition to his individual consultations, Brandon also teaches aspiring witches and shares his knowledge through workshops and online courses. He believes in empowering others to harness their own magic and guides them on their journey, providing them with the tools and techniques needed to navigate the world of witchcraft. Despite facing skepticism and judgment from some, Brandon remains steadfast in his beliefs and continues to be an advocate for witches everywhere. He believes that by promoting understanding and acceptance, the magical community can thrive and contribute positively to the world. Overall, Brandon Russell is not just a good witch but a true advocate for the positive use of magic. His dedication to helping others, sharing his knowledge, and promoting love and harmony through his craft showcases his genuine intentions and makes him a respected figure in the magical community..
Reviews for "The Witch's Whisper: How Brandon Russell Communicates with the Spirit World"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "Brandon Russell: Good Witch" to be extremely disappointing. The writing was amateurish, with numerous grammatical errors and a lack of coherent plot development. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to become invested in their stories. The pacing was also incredibly slow, dragging the story on unnecessarily. Overall, I was bored and unimpressed with this book.
2. John - 2 stars
While "Brandon Russell: Good Witch" had an interesting premise, it failed to deliver on its potential. The world-building was weak and inconsistent, leaving me with more questions than answers. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the plot lacked direction, meandering aimlessly and failing to provide a satisfying resolution. I was left unsatisfied and underwhelmed by this book.
3. Emily - 1 star
I regret reading "Brandon Russell: Good Witch." The writing style was unimaginative and dull, lacking the creativity and originality I expect from a fantasy book. The author seemed to rely on tired clichés and predictable plot twists, resulting in a clichéd and unremarkable story. The characters were forgettable and the dialogue felt flat. I found myself bored and disengaged throughout the entire book. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
4. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Brandon Russell: Good Witch," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed through. The world-building lacked depth and detail, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The writing style was also underwhelming, lacking the finesse and polish needed to bring the narrative to life. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best.
5. Laura - 2 stars
"Brandon Russell: Good Witch" had an interesting concept, but it failed to deliver a cohesive and engaging story. The plot felt disjointed, with several subplots that didn't seem to tie together or contribute much to the overall narrative. The characters lacked development and their motivations were unclear. The writing style was average, lacking the descriptive language and vivid imagery needed to truly transport the reader into the story. Unfortunately, this book fell short of its potential.