American witchcraft poetry refers to a poetic movement that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century. This genre of poetry is characterized by its exploration of magical and mystical themes, often drawing inspiration from witchcraft, paganism, and other esoteric traditions. American witchcraft poetry seeks to tap into the ancient wisdom and spiritual power of witchcraft, bringing its imagery and symbolism into the realm of contemporary poetry. One of the key elements of American witchcraft poetry is its focus on the natural world. This genre often celebrates the cycles of nature, the changing seasons, and the inherent magic found in the natural world. The poetry often incorporates imagery of plants, animals, and landscapes, drawing parallels between the cycles of nature and the spiritual journey of the witch.
The first hit (which for me is “The Herb Gardener”) lists it like this:
There s a few things I ve learned in life Always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep Rosemary by your garden gate, plant Lavender for good luck and fall in love whenever you can. 4 Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram; The marigold, that goes to bed wi th sun, And with him rises weeping; these are flow rs Of middle summer, and I think they are given To men of middle age.
The poetry often incorporates imagery of plants, animals, and landscapes, drawing parallels between the cycles of nature and the spiritual journey of the witch. Furthermore, American witchcraft poetry often explores the idea of personal power and empowerment. These poems frequently highlight the strength and agency of the witch, emphasizing the idea that magic is not only a force outside of oneself but also a inherent part of human existence.
There’s a few things I’ve learned in life: Always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep Rosemary by your garden gate, plant Lavender for good luck and fall in love whenever you can.
I feel bad about this one, since somebody made a poster out of it (attributed to Shakespeare) and is selling it on Etsy. Probably more than one, I just happen to have spotted one.
I can see where everybody went wrong. Google it.
The first hit (which for me is “The Herb Gardener”) lists it like this:
There’s a few things I’ve learned in life: always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can.
Lavender and Shakespeare
(Winter’s Tale, iv. 4)
Aha, you think when you look quickly – that’s by Shakespeare! The Winter’s Tale! No, poor googler. Look closer at the rest of the page:
Lavender and Alice Hoffman
(Practical Magic )
There’s a few things I’ve learned in life: always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can.
Lavender and Shakespeare
(Winter’s Tale, iv. 4)
Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram;
The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ th’ sun,
And with him rises weeping; these are flow’rs
Of middle summer, and I think they are given
To men of middle age.
This particular site is actually providing the source line before the quote. So, yes, Shakespeare did speak of lavender in The Winter’s Tale – that whole bit about “Hot lavender, mints, savory, etc etc etc…” The quote above? That’s apparently from Alice Hoffman.
What’s unfortunate is that all the other hits that attribute this quote to Shakespeare seem to associate it with The Winter’s Tale, so I wonder if they all came from that one I cite above.
Apparently this was even in the movie Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock?
Explore more posts in the Not by Shakespeare category.
I can see where everybody went wrong. Google it.
The poetry often confronts societal norms and challenges traditional power dynamics, encouraging the reader to embrace their own inner power and connections with the mystical realm. Additionally, American witchcraft poetry often incorporates elements of folklore, mythology, and the occult. These poems may reference ancient deities, magical rituals, or mystical symbols, seeking to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. The poetry may also draw upon historical witchcraft trials and persecutions, exploring themes of resilience, resistance, and the reclaiming of female power. In terms of stylistic techniques, American witchcraft poetry often embraces a sense of lyricism and musicality. The rhythm and flow of the words are often crucial to conveying the mystical and enchanting qualities of the subject matter. The poetry might also incorporate repetition, incantations, and spell-like language, further enhancing its magical and incantatory nature. In conclusion, American witchcraft poetry is a genre that embraces and celebrates the power and mystery of witchcraft, paganism, and the occult. Through its exploration of nature, personal power, and mystical symbolism, this genre of poetry seeks to create a sense of enchantment and connection with the ancient wisdom and magic found within witchcraft. Through its combination of lyricism, folklore, and the occult, American witchcraft poetry invites readers to embrace their own inner power and engage with the mystical realm..
Reviews for "The Enchanting Power of American Witchcraft Poetry"
- John Doe - 2/5 - I found "American witchcraft poetry" to be tiresome and pretentious. The poems seemed to be more focused on style and form rather than substance. The themes of witchcraft and magic felt contrived and overdone, lacking any unique or fresh insight. Overall, it was a disappointing read that did not live up to my expectations.
- Jane Smith - 1/5 - I personally did not connect with "American witchcraft poetry" at all. The occult and witchcraft elements felt forced and gimmicky. The poems lacked emotional depth and failed to evoke any genuine feelings or thoughts. It felt more like a cheap attempt to capitalize on a trendy subject matter rather than a sincere exploration of the human experience.
- Robert Johnson - 2/5 - I was hoping for a collection of poems that would transport me to a mesmerizing world of witchcraft and magic, but "American witchcraft poetry" fell short. The writing lacked cohesiveness and clarity, making it difficult to fully grasp the intended messages. Additionally, many of the poems seemed self-indulgent and indulged in pseudo-intellectualism, making them inaccessible and unenjoyable for a wider audience. Unfortunately, this was not the mystical journey I was hoping for.
- Emily Thompson - 1/5 - "American witchcraft poetry" left me feeling utterly unimpressed. The poems lack originality and fail to offer anything new or thought-provoking on the subject of witchcraft. The language used often felt obscure and forced, making it difficult to engage with the material. Overall, it was a forgettable and uninspiring collection that I would not recommend.