China has a long and fascinating history with its roots going back thousands of years. It is a country rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. One of the most magical places in China is the region known as Zhangjiajie, located in the Hunan Province. This area is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, which seem to emerge from the mist like something out of a fairy tale. The breathtaking landscape of Zhangjiajie served as inspiration for the fictional world of Pandora in the movie "Avatar". It is easy to see why, as the towering peaks and lush forests create a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere.
I heard John callow speak about Isobel Gowdie at the London Fortean Society's conference on the Haunted Landscape last month. It was a fascinating talk based on one of the chapters from his book, about how a Scottish woman's four confessions to magistrates in 1662 led to various novels, songs and books on folklore. Many of these embellished or changed the scant facts we can find out from historical research and have gone on to influence modern pagan witchcraft practices.
The last chapter in Embracing the Darkness looks at the myths, legend, folklore, fiction and film surrounding Herne the Hunter, including the 1980s TV series Robin of Sherwood - much loved by many modern pagans of that era. James Sharpe draws on legal records and other sources to reveal the interplay between witchcraft beliefs in different partts in the social hierarchy.
It is easy to see why, as the towering peaks and lush forests create a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the area by taking a ride on the world's highest outdoor elevator, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another magical place in China is Guilin, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Myth of the witch in darkness
At the longest nights of the year, when even the moon is absent from the nocturnal sky, embrace the darkness. Pick up a copy of John Callow's new book and read about tales of witchcraft and persecution, pour over pictures of sorceries past and venture into the wild woods where myths and legends grow.
Embracing the Darkness by John Callow is about witchcraft beliefs as shown in popular culture from Classical times to the 20th century. It is the most interesting book on witchcraft I have read this year. That's is high praise because I also read Ronald Hutton's latest book on witchcraft this year, and that was brilliant.
As the subtitle says, it is a cultural history of witchcraft. It is about the stories, art, poetry, films and other forms of popular media that have influenced and been influenced by beliefs about witchcraft.
I heard John callow speak about Isobel Gowdie at the London Fortean Society's conference on the Haunted Landscape last month. It was a fascinating talk based on one of the chapters from his book, about how a Scottish woman's four confessions to magistrates in 1662 led to various novels, songs and books on folklore. Many of these embellished or changed the scant facts we can find out from historical research and have gone on to influence modern pagan witchcraft practices.
John is giving a lecture based on another chapter at Treadwell's in London in January. The talk is called Urbain Grandier the Witch: History, Literature and Film. It looks at the horrific 1634 witch trial of Loudon's Urbain Grandier, the events surrounding which included multiple public exorcisms of supposedly demon-ridden nuns. The dramatic events attracted generations of writers and film makers including Alexander Dumas, Aldous Huxley, Ken Russell and Derek Jarman.
The last chapter in Embracing the Darkness looks at the myths, legend, folklore, fiction and film surrounding Herne the Hunter, including the 1980s TV series Robin of Sherwood - much loved by many modern pagans of that era.
Publisher IB Tauris says on its website:
From the Salem witch trials to the macabre novels of Dennis Wheatley; from the sadistic persecution of eccentric village women to the seductive sorceresses of TV's Charmed; and from Derek Jarman's punk film Jubilee to Ken Russell's The Devils, John Callow brings the twilight world of the witch, mage and necromancer to vivid and fascinating life. He takes us into a shadowy landscape where, in an age before modern drugs, the onset of sudden illness was readily explained by malevolent spellcasting. And where dark, winding country lanes could terrify by night, as the hoot of an owl or shriek of a fox became the desolate cries of unseen spirits.Witchcraft has profoundly shaped the western imagination, and endures in the forms of modern-day Wicca and paganism. Embracing the Darkness is an enthralling account of this fascinating aspect of the western cultural experience.
What I particularly liked about the book is that it is beautifully written as well as painstakingly researched. John's evocative writing style brings to life each episode from the history of witchcraft as well as giving you the facts. He is also very sympathetic towards modern pagans, showing that fiction really is just as important as fact when dealing with the power of myth, magic and the imagination.
Guilin is famous for its karst mountains, which rise dramatically out of the picturesque Li River. The scenery here is so mesmerizing that it has been featured on the back of the 20 yuan banknote. Visitors can take a cruise on the Li River and enjoy the stunning views of the karst peaks, lush greenery, and traditional Chinese fishing villages. In addition to its natural beauty, China is also home to several magical cultural sites. The Forbidden City in Beijing is a prime example. This massive palace complex, once home to Chinese emperors, is filled with ornate buildings, stunning gardens, and intricate artwork. Walking through the Forbidden City feels like stepping back in time and entering a world of grandeur and opulence. China is also famous for its traditional festivals, which are full of magical rituals and customs. The Lantern Festival, for example, is celebrated on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. During this festival, cities and towns are adorned with colorful lanterns, and people gather to watch lion and dragon dances, as well as release sky lanterns into the night sky. The festival is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. In conclusion, China is a country with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and enchanting cultural traditions. From the mystical peaks of Zhangjiajie to the karst mountains of Guilin, China offers a multitude of magical experiences for visitors. Whether exploring ancient palaces or participating in traditional festivals, a trip to China is sure to be filled with awe and wonder..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Secrets of China's Ancient Irish Knotwork"
1. John - 2 stars - I didn't really enjoy "China Magic Irlando". The story felt disjointed and confusing, with characters appearing and disappearing without any explanation. The dialogue was also awkward and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Overall, I found the whole experience underwhelming and disappointing.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "China Magic Irlando" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was nonsensical and lacked any depth or substance. I couldn't find myself caring about any of the characters, as they were poorly developed and lacked motivation. The writing itself was also tedious, with long-winded descriptions and unnecessary tangents. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I found "China Magic Irlando" to be a confusing and convoluted mess. The author seemed to prioritize style over substance, with flowery prose that often obscured the actual meaning of what was being said. The plot meandered and there was no clear sense of direction or purpose. Overall, it was a frustrating and unsatisfying reading experience.
4. Emily - 2 stars - "China Magic Irlando" had an interesting premise, but ultimately failed to deliver. The execution was lacking, with shallow and one-dimensional characters who were difficult to connect with. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of boredom interrupted by sudden bursts of action that didn't feel earned. I was left feeling confused and disappointed by the end.