The idea of a witch on a sword in the atone brings forth a myriad of interpretations and symbols. At first glance, the imagery may seem paradoxical and incongruous. After all, a witch is often associated with mystical powers, with the ability to manipulate and cast spells, while a sword symbolizes strength, power, and even warfare. What then does it mean for a witch to be perched on a sword within an atone? One possible interpretation is that the witch represents a force of supernatural power harnessing the strength and resolve of the sword. The atone, in this context, could symbolize a sacred or spiritual space where these forces come together. This imagery suggests a merging of opposing elements - the arcane and the physical, the metaphysical and the tangible.
Raised in the Mormon tradition, I consider myself a contemplative catholic these days, but my faith in the Roman Church is anything but certain or confident. Sometimes I feel as alienated from my Catholic parish as I might at a Richard Dawkins talk. But the good earth is big enough for my faith and my doubt. And I am glad about that. And Stoddard’s poetry lends me hope that I am not alone in this.
Reclaiming the image of god the mother, who is also being born by us, invokes the mystic wisdom of Meister Eckhart, who believed that each of us was called to give birth to God through our own spiritual fecundity. Both figures in the persona s life also share a heartbreaking form of denial, after the persona helplessly collapsed at his feet in the act of seeking.
This imagery suggests a merging of opposing elements - the arcane and the physical, the metaphysical and the tangible. Another interpretation may be that the witch on the sword in the atone represents the idea of harnessing one's own power and strength, akin to the concept of "the pen is mightier than the sword." In this sense, the witch signifies a figure who is able to wield their hidden or unconventional abilities to overcome challenges, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
REVIEW: DIVINATION WITH A HUMAN HEART ATTACHED – EMILY STODDARD (GAME OVER BOOKS)
With flair rooted in a provision of cultural context and historical footing, Emily Stoddard shines in her debut collection of poetry. Going through the introductory portions of this book, one will easily see why Divination with a Human Heart Attached ( Game Over Books ) has attracted a commendable number of literary prizes. With such feats trailing this manuscript, in the nearest future, the author of this book will certainly come to be associated with the best.
Writing on themes of myth, surrealism, magic, and memory, the author proves they are at home with their chosen subject matter, easily helping us make sense of things that are difficult to understand and explain, such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
This body of work is stunning in the way it reimagines historical events, by adapting storylines from antiquity, and bending it to suit a grander purpose. It does this effortlessly by employing humor and incisive wit, dismissive of the temptation to play safe, thereby uncovering the Achilles heel of the divine, and left with the sole decision to tickle, or to stab it. The portrayal of “god”, who is a non-human entity, given human attributes is interesting and powerful, allowing access to an existence behind the blur.
“in those days, god
spoke in fish and flower
ran to us with heavy baskets
so we could not miss him
so we could not confuse him
with lesser forms
The poet’s ability to reimagine traditional myths, in a fresh and original way, is remarkable. The skillful use of elements such as language, imagery, and form, contribute to the overall impact of the collection. Emily writes with a grace that charms the curious mind to the otherworldly. With lyricism and emotion, they make the unfamiliar familiar, sharing their lens with readers through which they can study closely, the human condition.
Armed with surrealism, Stoddard breaks free from the constraints of reality in order to tap into the realm of the irrational and dreamlike. Another notable highlight is memory playing a big role in this book, as it helps us better understand ourselves and our past, for it provides a sense of continuity and connection, and can shape our personal and cultural narratives in unimaginable ways.
In the opening poem, “More & More”, we meet a persona who is in touch with their environment, and are not shy to mention its denizens, namely; the peacock, the sandhill crane, the hummingbird, the wolf and the bear at whose existence they “do not turn away”, given to “violent /reverence.” Emily Stoddard employs line breaks, giving a significant impact on the rhythm, sound, and meaning of the poem, as well as the others that follow. Dividing the poems into discrete units, line breaks often indicate a pause, or hesitation in the poet’s thought or speech, and can be used to create a sense of rhythm, or musicality in poetry.
In, “I was running to him”, we find imageries implying the relationship between “god” and “my father”, by a childlike dependence on their care and support. Both figures in the persona’s life also share a heartbreaking form of denial, after the persona helplessly “collapsed at his feet” in the act of seeking.
In “Inheritance Rosarium”, we find “a girl” with a will behind her own survival:
“As a girl, my mother overheard her grandmother praying
Every night after the little girl composed
counterweight prayers of live, live, live. “
For obvious reasons, I am tempted to consider this poem the centerpiece for its evocative tone, vivid recollections, distinct structure, stark imagery with resonance, among several other features that leave a lasting impression on the mind. Other poems, like “Swoon Hypothesis”, “Where did I leave my god”, “Here, amen is not amen”, and “Gallows Humor— or, The Trouble with Kingdoms” will call for my head if I fail to mention them as favourites.
This book, which charts the depths of feeling and humanity in a way that is both lovely and profound, is a well-deserved triumph. A portal into a world where everything sings to any ear that will listen, this book offers an uncompromising look at the human experience. It is therefore safe to join Emily in expressing gratitude in her very own words, “Thank you to the ancestors who helped me listen”. Undoubtedly, it is in this body of work she joins the choir of “Women in Praise of the Sacred”.
Share this:
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Writing on themes of myth, surrealism, magic, and memory, the author proves they are at home with their chosen subject matter, easily helping us make sense of things that are difficult to understand and explain, such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
The sword then becomes a metaphor for taking action and asserting oneself in difficult circumstances. The combination of a witch and a sword in the atone may also speak to the duality of human nature. It reflects the idea that every individual possesses both light and darkness within themselves. The witch can represent the darker, more mysterious aspects of human existence, whereas the sword can symbolize noble intentions or the desire to protect and defend what is important. This juxtaposition highlights the inherent complexity of being human and the struggle to maintain a balance between opposing forces. Ultimately, the meaning of a witch on a sword in the atone is open to individual interpretation. It can evoke a sense of power, transformation, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It is a symbol that invites contemplation and reflection, inviting us to explore the intersection of different elements, and the possibility of finding harmony amidst contrasting forces..
Reviews for "The Witch's Connection: Unveiling the Link between Magic and Atonement"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Witch on Sword in the Atone" based on the intriguing title. However, I found the book to be extremely confusing and disjointed. The storyline jumped around so much that it was hard to keep track of what was happening. Additionally, the characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Ben - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Witch on Sword in the Atone" as it was one of the most poorly written books I have ever come across. The grammar and punctuation mistakes were abundant, making it difficult to follow the narrative. The dialogue was also unrealistic and forced, further adding to my frustration. It felt like the author did not put much effort into refining their writing, and it was a complete waste of my time.
3. Emily - 3 stars - "Witch on Sword in the Atone" had an interesting premise, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was extremely slow, and the plot lacked coherence. I had high hopes for the book, but it failed to deliver on its potential. While there were some intriguing elements, they were overshadowed by the confusing narrative and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it was an average read that did not leave a lasting impression.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "Witch on Sword in the Atone" to be quite predictable and overly cliché. The plot followed a typical fantasy formula, and there were no surprising twists or unique elements. The writing style was also quite monotonous, lacking any creative flair. I was hoping for something fresh and innovative, but unfortunately, this book did not provide that. It was a forgettable read that failed to engage me.
5. Stephanie - 1 star - "Witch on Sword in the Atone" was a complete letdown for me. The story was convoluted, and it felt like the author was trying to include too many ideas without properly tying them together. The writing was also riddled with spelling errors and poor grammar, which made it even more difficult to read. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and would not recommend it to anyone.