The Witch of the Waste is a character in the fantasy novel and film adaptation Howl's Moving Castle by acclaimed Japanese author Diana Wynne Jones. In the story, the Witch of the Waste is portrayed as a powerful and malevolent sorceress who casts a curse on the protagonist, Sophie Hatter. The Witch of the Waste is initially introduced as an older woman who is adorned with extravagant clothing and jewelry. Despite her advanced age, she possesses a youthful appearance that she maintains through her use of dark magic. Her true name is unknown, and she is simply referred to as the Witch of the Waste due to her association with a barren and desolate region known as "The Waste." Throughout the narrative, it becomes apparent that the Witch of the Waste is consumed by her desire for power and control.
We commemorate these natural turning points in the Earth’s cycle. Seasonal celebrations of most cultures cluster around these same natural turning points.
October 31 Samhain Mid-Fall underworld journey, ancestor spirits Hallowmas Halloween Euro-American , All Souls Day Christian , Sukkoth Jewish Harvest. Those who celebrate the holiday believe that at midnight on October 31, the souls of deceased children come down from heaven and reunite with their families on November 1.
" Throughout the narrative, it becomes apparent that the Witch of the Waste is consumed by her desire for power and control. She often uses her magical abilities to manipulate others for her personal gain. However, her actions are driven by deep-seated insecurities and feelings of inferiority.
Samhain: The Witches New Year
Samhain, also known as the Witches New Year, is always held on October 31st. A time when the veil thins. Samhain is a cross quarter day, marking the mid point of Autumn. Falling between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice.
Samhain is also known as Halloween, or Hallowmas. It is an ancestor holiday in North America. It is a time to welcome the darkness of winter and shadow. it is believed the barriers that normally hold steadfast between our world and the other world thin, letting us walk with spirits and ancestors long passed.
The seasonal cycle of the year is created by Earth’s annual orbit around the sun.
Solstices are the extreme points as Earth’s axis tilts toward or away from the sun—when days and nights are longest or shortest. On equinoxes, days and nights are equal in all parts of the world. Four cross-quarter days roughly mark the midpoints in between solstices and equinoxes.
We commemorate these natural turning points in the Earth’s cycle. Seasonal celebrations of most cultures cluster around these same natural turning points.
October 31 Samhain/Mid-Fall: underworld journey, ancestor spirits—Hallowmas/Halloween (Euro-American), All Souls Day (Christian), Sukkoth (Jewish Harvest). Goddess Festivals: Baba Yaga (Russian), Inanna (Sumer), Hecate (Greek).
I am You © Qutress 2018
Organizing our lives around the seasons and cycles and honouring the Holy Days is not a luxury extra, it is a radical necessity. The Earth urgently needs all of humanity to slow down and come back into intimate affiliation and rhythm with her.
The global climate crisis cannot be solved by external fixes, three day working weeks, artificial intelligence or new technologies. Solutions need to be led by the Earth on her own terms.
The holy days are our soul’s watering holes where we ritually recalibrate ourselves, express our full palette of colours, our innate wholeness, delight and reverence through self-styled ceremonies and celebrations.
They infuse our energy with joy and sublime gratitude, make our chosen actions more potent. They are how we open the weave, bring in all the tender ways of the sacred, give unbroken ancestral connection back to ourselves.
Behind her intimidating facade, she longs for youth, beauty, and acceptance. Despite her antagonistic nature and the suffering she inflicts upon Sophie and other characters, the Witch of the Waste is not without her own vulnerabilities. As the story progresses, it is revealed that she was once a well-respected and talented sorceress who had a romantic relationship with Howl, the story's central character. However, the romantic liaison ended abruptly, leading to the Witch of the Waste's descent into darkness and bitterness. Throughout the narrative, the Witch of the Waste serves as a cautionary figure, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. She represents the capacity for both good and evil that resides within each individual. Her character arc mirrors her gradual transformation from an enchantress of immense potential into a solitary figure consumed by her own desires. In conclusion, the Witch of the Waste is a complex and multi-dimensional character in Howl's Moving Castle. She embodies the themes of power, insecurity, and redemption. Her presence in the story serves as a reminder of the choices individuals make and the impact their actions can have on those around them..
Reviews for "The Witch of the Waste: A Supernatural Phenomenon"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch of the Waste". The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. The plot seemed to drag on and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Overall, I felt like it was a wasted opportunity for a captivating and engaging fantasy story.
2. Mike - 1 star - "Witch of the Waste" was a complete letdown. The writing style was choppy and disjointed, making it hard to follow the narrative. The protagonist was extremely unlikable and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The world-building was flat and lacked creativity. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy novel.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witch of the Waste" but it fell short. The pacing was incredibly slow and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in the story. The ending was predictable and underwhelming. Overall, it was a lackluster read that failed to capture my attention.
4. Mark - 3 stars - While "Witch of the Waste" had some interesting ideas, the execution fell flat for me. The character development was lacking, making it difficult to care about their fates. The plot was riddled with clichés and lacked originality. Additionally, the writing felt amateurish and could have used some more polished editing. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and was ultimately disappointed.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I struggled to get through "Witch of the Waste". The story lacked a clear direction and the author seemed to jump from one subplot to another without fully exploring any of them. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The romance felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, it was a frustrating read that I would not recommend.