Witchcraft is a fundamental aspect of the Azande culture, a tribal society in central Africa. The Azande believe in the existence of witches who possess supernatural powers to cause harm to others through witchcraft. These witches can be male or female and are believed to inherit their powers through family lineage. The Azande people rely on oracles to determine the presence and actions of witches within their community. The primary oracle used is the poison oracle, which involves administering a concoction to a chicken. Depending on the chicken's reaction, the oracle is interpreted to reveal the presence of witchcraft.

Plant-a-Lamp / Plant a Lamp

The Plant-a-Lamp is a lamp pole which is “planted” in the soil of a live potted houseplant. Add a light bulb and lampshade of your choice to turn it into a plant grow lamp. When the pole is plugged in it turns the leaves of the plant into the light switch. Pinch a leaf to turn the lamp on and off. Pinch and hold a leaf to dim and brighten the lamp.

** OUT OF STOCK MARCH 2023 ** If you wish to be notified when this item is back in stock send an email to [email protected] with the quantity you wish to purchase.

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The Plant-a-Lamp is a lamp pole which is “planted” in the soil of a live potted houseplant. Add a light bulb and lampshade of your choice to turn it into a plant grow lamp. When the pole is plugged in it turns the leaves of the plant into the light switch. Pinch a leaf to turn the lamp on and off. Pinch and hold a leaf to dim and brighten the lamp.

**NOTE our Plant-a-Lamp is only compatible with electronics in the US – we do not have an international version at this time.

Also note that this only includes the pole – you would supply your own pot, plant, shade and 60 watt incandescent bulb.

Plant-a-Lamp Features

• Just touch any leaf to turn your lamp on or off
• Pinch a leaf and the lamp will dim or brighten to whatever level you choose
• The lamp will turn on to the previous dim level
• Sensitivity to touch can be adjusted via the pole mounted knob
• When the soil becomes dry the Plant-a-Lamp will blink the lamp indicating the soil needs water
• Can be fitted with any style of shade (shade not included)
• Three shade mounting options supported: bulb clip-on, harp mounting, under bulb mounting
• Plant-a-Lamp pole can be painted to match any décor
• 60 watt incandescent bulb is recommended (bulb not included) / CFL (compact fluorescent) and LED bulbs are not supported
• Includes 5 ft cord for 120 Volt 60 Hz North American style plug
• Plant-a-Lamp lighting pole stands 16 inches high, up to 7 inches of the pole can be potted in the soil

Note that there was a magic plantern lamp shade from the 1970’s which has a slightly different magic lamp style but we have been unable to locate the original plantern lamp design.

How do I setup the Plant-a-Lamp?

Samples – these are REAL LIVE PLANTS!
Using microchip technology, the Plant-a-Lamp lighting pole, which has been designed and is manufactured in Britain, enables you to combine an attractive arrangement with an incredible conversation piece. By adding living plants to your own choice of planter/pot and shade you can create a unique lamp to suit your own home or office décor. You would receive just the pole – it is green – some of the samples below have been painted other colors.

Q. How does it work?
A. You don’t really think we are going to tell you that do you? There is a scientific explanation, but part of the fun of owning a Plant-a-Lamp is hearing your friends try to work it out. We’ve had stories ranging from friction, body heat and pressure, to “there’s a sensor at the top” and “seven satellites orbit the Earth and every time one passes overhead it picks up a signal”. All you need to know is this is a fantastic piece of micro-chip technology which means every time you touch any leaf the light switches on, hold a leaf and it brightens or dims until you let go and when you touch a leaf again it switches off. There are no switches other than your plant’s leaves themselves.

Q. But you’ll need to water the plants and I was always taught you can’t mix water and electricity. Is it safe?
A. It’s funny, people never say this when they buy their electric kettle, steam iron, shower etc., but you’re right, normally we avoid combining these two but not in the case of Plant-a-Lamp because this is no ordinary product. In fact without moisture it can’t work so if you neglect your arrangement you will try to switch it on and find the light flickering, effectively saying “It’s about time you watered me!” Plant-a-Lamp needs moisture in the soil to pass a tiny impulse to the plant. It is totally safe and, unlike most other electrical appliances, doesn’t merely rely on the 3 amp fused plug to safeguard you, there are three other safety overrides, a microchip and two resistors, on the electronics board. 70,000 Plant-a-Lamps have been sold in 35 different countries since its original launch on “Tomorrow’s World” and to our knowledge it has a 100% safety record during that time. Not only is it safe but it undergoes the most rigorous testing. It has been subjected to a 13 page report by the British Standards Institute and tested to meet Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directives to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your TV, telephone, computer, pace maker, hearing aid etc. It carries the European Union CE quality assurance mark and comes with a 2 year guarantee.

Q. If it switches on when you touch a leaf, what happens if a fly lands on it?
A. Nothing unless the fly has a leg long enough to reach the floor. Let’s face it if you’ve got a fly that size, the light being switched on isn’t your biggest problem.

Q. But won’t the kids trash it?
A. Kids genuinely believe it’s magic. OK, for the first few days it’s like a disco but they get used to it. On the practical side, your children then have a lamp they can switch on or off easily without having to put their fingers near a hot bulb where the switch is on ordinary lamps. Similarly, the elderly or people with arthritis find the ease of operation a distinct advantage.

Q. What size bulb does it take? Will it work with Energy Saver bulbs?
A. Most lamp shades have a 60 watt limit on them so this is the maximum we recommend and we advise not to go below 40 watts as we need a certain energy flow to make it work. Unfortunately, on energy saver bulb packs you will see it says “not suitable with dimmers” so sadly, until the bulb makers get their act together, we have to say “no”. 60 watt incandescent bulb is recommended – CFL (compact fluorescent) and LED bulbs are not supported.

Q. Won’t the heat from the bulb burn the plants?
A. No. The heat rises through the top of the shade leaving gentle warmth, which combines with the moisture in the soil to provide excellent growing conditions. We’ve never carried out biological tests but our customers say their plants thrive.

Q. Will you have the old style Magic Plantern Lamp shade version at some time?
A. No, we have been unable to locate the design documents or any samples of the Magic Plantern Lamp shade design.

What’s Included in the Package?
One new retail box Plant-a-Lamp lighting pole with instruction booklet. You must supply your own pot, light bulb, shade, soil, live plant, water, etc. You are only purchasing the lamp pole.

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Depending on the chicken's reaction, the oracle is interpreted to reveal the presence of witchcraft. Magic also plays a significant role in Azande society. It is practiced by individuals known as healers, who possess the ability to communicate with spirits and harness their power for various purposes.

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1960s Mod pair of Magic plantern lamps, 3-way light, 21 inches high

Magic is used for healing the sick, resolving conflicts, and predicting the future. The belief in witchcraft and the reliance on oracles and magic have a profound impact on the social structure and dynamics of the Azande community. Accusations of witchcraft can lead to social ostracism or even violence against the accused individual. The fear of witchcraft creates a sense of mistrust among community members, leading to the need for constant vigilance and monitoring. The Azande also use magic to address issues of misfortune and uncertainty. For example, before embarking on a journey, individuals may consult a healer to ensure their safety and success. Magic ceremonies are also performed during important life events such as childbirth, marriage, and death. Despite the belief in witchcraft and the reliance on oracles and magic, the Azande society also recognizes the importance of rationality and causal explanations for events. They understand that witchcraft alone cannot explain all phenomena and acknowledge the role of natural forces and chance. In conclusion, witchcraft, oracles, and magic are deeply ingrained in the culture and worldview of the Azande people. These beliefs and practices shape their social interactions, decision-making processes, and understanding of the world around them. While these practices may seem foreign to some, they are integral to the Azande society and contribute to its identity and belief system..

Reviews for "The Role of Magic in Azande Daily Life"

1. Mary - 2 stars - I found "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" to be incredibly dry and difficult to read. The author's writing style was very academic, which made it feel more like a textbook than an engaging exploration of witchcraft and magic. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked focus and often went off on tangents that were not relevant or interesting. Overall, I was disappointed with the book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for an accessible and engaging examination of these topics.

2. John - 1 star - I could barely make it through a few chapters of "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande." The author's approach was too theoretical and abstract, making it difficult to understand the practical implications of the Azande's beliefs and practices. The book lacked concrete examples and real-life stories, which would have made it more relatable. Additionally, the writing style was overly complex and dense, making it a chore to read. This book is definitely not for those looking for an accessible and enjoyable exploration of witchcraft and magic.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" was a disappointment for me. I had hoped to gain insight into the culture and beliefs of the Azande people, but instead, I found myself lost in a maze of abstract concepts and academic jargon. The book seemed more focused on impressing other scholars rather than providing a clear and understandable exploration of witchcraft and magic. I also found that the author's repetitive explanations became tedious and redundant after a while. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a straightforward and accessible introduction to the topic.

The Power of Divination in Azande Witchcraft