Burn the Witch is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released in 2016 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool. The song received critical acclaim for its haunting and atmospheric sound, blending elements of orchestral arrangements, electronic textures, and Thom Yorke's distinctive vocals. The title of the song, "Burn the Witch," referencing historical witch hunts and trials, serves as a metaphor for the dangers of groupthink and collective hysteria. The lyrics address themes of censorship, scapegoating, and the erosion of personal freedoms. The song's music video, directed by Chris Hopewell, features stop-motion animation and depicts a medieval village consumed by paranoia and violence in its pursuit of an alleged witch.
Fehu – Rune Meaning
Divinations: New beginnings, social success, foresight, energy, travel, money, control; or greed, failure, atrophy, poverty, endings.
Governs:
- Delegating your energy to another, power transference or projection; the sending rune
- Drawing gravity into the personal sphere
- Promotion of personal and social evolution, changing circumstances of importance
- Increase in personal monetary wealth
- Beginner’s mind and presence as a tool for consciously creating a fresh start
My notes:
Fehu is actually the rune of ‘luck’. The universe is not so much made up by chance, as by luck. Luck is a hidden but real energy field inherent in your ‘hamingja’. Fehu governs the capacity to hold this luck and use it like a magical ability. This basic energy, your accumulated luck, is the foundation of the wealth and power in your life. Courageous deeds are central to increasing one’s ‘luck’.
Circulation of power, wealth and the mobility of all things is a key aspect to Fehu. These are associated with new beginnings, but keep in mind that there are no true new beginnings or endings, only the conscious marks of transformation. This can be most effectively understood while studying the runes as a cycle in and of itself (visually, a circle). The use of this principle leads to beginner’s mind and to presence as a tool for consciously creating a fresh start.
Indeed, money will work for you best under the guidance of the energies implicit in Fehu. Yet money is only a mundane and simplistic representation of Fehu’s nature. It’s best to think of wealth as food, water, shelter, clothing, sustenance and mobile assets, rather than needless luxury.
In starting new endeavors, Fehu will activate the will, restore self-confidence and assist in goal-setting followed by immediate action. Use the symbol and its teachings against procrastination. It is a reminder to think for yourself, which is fundamental to working with the runes. I find that the vibration of this rune to be in alignment with the principles of sexual attraction, first impressions and young love. Fehu is a reminder for us to act out of the present moment.
The conscious use of money for right ends is the domain of Fehu. In society today it is important that we explore new definitions of wealth and come to a realization of what is truly valuable. Wealth is a creative process in every sense of the word, not a static and measurable mass. I encourage the exploration of this idea right away.
Further reading:
Good Luck Rune – Harnessing Runes for Blessings and Fortune
For centuries, rune symbols have fascinated people around the world. Originating with ancient Norse and Germanic tribes, these iconic alphabets were more than just letters – they held mystical meanings and magical properties. Of all the runes, few are more renowned for bringing blessings of fortune than the Good Luck Rune, known as Fehu.
This ancient symbol continues to be used as a powerful talisman, imparting its gifts of joy and prosperity.
Read on to learn more about the history and meaning behind the Fehu rune, the enduring Good Luck Rune.
Table of Contents showThe song's music video, directed by Chris Hopewell, features stop-motion animation and depicts a medieval village consumed by paranoia and violence in its pursuit of an alleged witch. Musically, "Burn the Witch" showcases Radiohead's signature style of combining innovative production techniques with complex song structures. The song opens with a combination of pizzicato strings and Yorke's ethereal falsetto, creating an unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere.
An Introduction to Runes
Runes originated in the first century CE as alphabets used by ancient Norse and Germanic tribes across northern Europe. More than just letters for writing, each runic symbol held unique meanings and properties connected to the spiritual beliefs of these pagan peoples.
The runic alphabets are called Futhark after the first six rune letters – Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, and Kenaz. This is similar to how the word alphabet comes from the first Greek letters alpha and beta.
There are two primary versions of the Futhark runic alphabets. The Elder Futhark contains 24 runes and was used from around the 2nd to 8th centuries CE. The Younger Futhark has 16 runes and emerged as a simplified alphabet later in the Viking Age (793–1066 CE ).
Runes served as meaningful symbols in Norse culture. They were carved into stones, amulets, weapons and more as signatures, memorials and magical charms. Runes were believed to hold power – they could bring protection, foretell destiny, influence outcomes and conjure fortune when used correctly.
Over time, as Christianity spread through pagan lands, the original spiritual significance of the runes faded. But their shapes continued to hold meaning, evolving into alphabets for writing early Germanic languages. Today, runes are still used in various neo-pagan traditions, as talismans and for divination.
As the track progresses, layers of instrumentation including drums, orchestral swells, and electronic effects are gradually introduced, adding intensity and building tension. The song's release came as a surprise to Radiohead fans, who had been eagerly anticipating the band's follow-up to their previous album, The King of Limbs. "Burn the Witch" marked a departure from the more subdued sound of their previous album, featuring a fuller and more dynamic production. The track drew comparisons to the band's earlier work, such as their critically acclaimed album OK Computer, while still showcasing their growth and experimentation as musicians. In conclusion, "Burn the Witch" is a thought-provoking and artistically rich song that tackles significant social and political issues. Radiohead's musical prowess and lyrical depth are on full display, making the track a standout in their discography. Its combination of haunting melodies, powerful orchestration, and evocative lyrics make it a compelling piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Trials as an Instrument of Power: Burn the Witch Titw Kubi Case Study"
1. John Doe - 1/5 - I found "Burn the witch titw kubi" to be highly disappointing and underwhelming. The plot felt convoluted and confusing, and the characters lacked depth and development. The animation was also subpar, with choppy movements and lackluster visuals. Additionally, the dialogue was often cringe-worthy and filled with unnecessary exposition. Overall, this anime failed to engage me and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 - "Burn the witch titw kubi" had an intriguing concept, but it fell short in its execution. The story had potential, but it was rushed and poorly paced, leaving many important details unexplored and leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked relatability, making it difficult to connect with or care about their fates. While the animation was visually appealing at times, it couldn't save the lackluster storytelling. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and craving more substance from this anime.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2.5/5 - "Burn the witch titw kubi" had an interesting world and premise, but it failed to live up to its potential. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, leaving me confused and detached from the events onscreen. The humor often fell flat, and the attempts at building suspense and tension fell short. While the animation was visually appealing, it couldn't compensate for the weak plot and shallow characterization. Overall, this anime had some promising elements but ultimately failed to deliver a compelling and cohesive narrative.
4. Robert Thompson - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Burn the witch titw kubi" but was let down by its lackluster execution. The story felt rushed and poorly developed, with many plot points left unexplained or unresolved. The characters lacked depth and failed to leave a lasting impression. The animation was average, with nothing particularly outstanding or memorable. Overall, this anime felt like a missed opportunity and left me feeling unsatisfied and indifferent.