Have you ever wondered how to tell if someone is a witch? Throughout history, witches have been associated with a variety of peculiarities and behaviors that set them apart from the rest of society. While these signs may seem like a thing of the past, there are still some subtle indicators that suggest someone may have a connection to the world of magic. One of the most common signs of being a witch is having an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. Witches are often portrayed as being able to understand the language of animals and have the ability to communicate with them. If someone is frequently seen talking to animals or seems to have a unique bond with their pets, it could be a hint that they have some magical abilities. Another clue that someone may be a witch is their affinity for nature.
In “Hivemind Elegy (There are Things Coming)”, Stoddard enlists the imagery of that fatal mythical apple to speak of a surging ecological grief that is attending our descent from fossil fuel civilization. She writes, “Migration patterns may soon / become escape routes,”. We all know something is coming. We don’t know how bad it will be. Satan stands before us offering two temptations: embrace technological optimism or give up hope completely. I hear Stoddard facing her anxiety, tapping into her grief, but not making any sweeping claims about where this journey will take her.
After considering the damage a Roman whip might do to the skin of a defeated Jesus of Nazareth, she smirks at the strangeness of applying fake blood to her father, as he prepared to carry the cross in the passion play at his Catholic parish. As we construct our identities and our worldviews, we hope to be quite literally making ourselves, to be locating ourselves in the canon of communal meaning by making compelling narratives of ourselves.
Another clue that someone may be a witch is their affinity for nature. Witches are often associated with a deep connection to the natural world and are known for their knowledge of herbs, plants, and their healing properties. If someone is frequently found spending time in nature, gardening, or has a vast knowledge of plants and their uses, it may be an indication that they have witch-like tendencies.
Divination with a Human Heart Attached (Paperback)
In her debut poetry collection, Emily Stoddard takes on a god who "kicks us from the inside." These poems challenge the space between the divine and the stories we invent--or inherit--about what to believe and why.
Divination with a Human Heart Attached is a book where the sacred doesn't shy away from what's surreal, unavoidably human, or unexpectedly absurd. Here, the gods know what it's like to be lonely, the daughters know the power of expecting more, and every bird is at risk of becoming an omen. The poems are led by Petronilla, the daughter of St. Peter, and the magpie, who refuses easy shelter and asks you to do the same.
"Stoddard ignites the patriarchal canon from within, exploding the darkness and violence with dazzling lyricism, incisive wit, and such taut restraint, every deeply-honed emotion sizzles at the seams. These poems are wise, witchy, and mystical."--Jenn Givhan, author of Belly to the Brutal
"In Emily Stoddard's stunning debut collection, Divination with a Human Heart Attached, we enter into a world of myth and magic, surrealism and a heart on fire. Stoddard's poems are graceful and fierce, insisting, Every year, I want more passion, less resurrection. These poems are spiritual in the best way--they lean over the edge, see a drowning world and admit I do not have wing enough to save anyone. But Stoddard's poems do save us. In beauty and blessing, these poems seek connection even in the comedy as they look for the god they lost between department store racks, tucked between / the gold-star clearance cardigans and last season's tank tops."--Kelli Russell Agodon, author of Dialogues with Rising Tides
"Emily Stoddard's important and elegant debut collection holds my attention from the first poem and does not let go. The trouble is / everything calls to me, she begins. Slowly, fragments of memory, the natural world, and a retelling of familiar myths realign themselves in unexpected ways."--Susan Rich, author of Gallery of Postcards and Maps
- General
- General
"In Emily Stoddard's stunning debut collection, Divination with a Human Heart Attached, we enter into a world of myth and magic, surrealism and a heart on fire. Stoddard's poems are graceful and fierce, insisting, Every year, I want more passion, less resurrection. These poems are spiritual in the best way--they lean over the edge, see a drowning world and admit I do not have wing enough to save anyone. But Stoddard's poems do save us. In beauty and blessing, these poems seek connection even in the comedy as they look for the god they lost between department store racks, tucked between / the gold-star clearance cardigans and last season's tank tops."--Kelli Russell Agodon, author of Dialogues with Rising Tides
People who possess a strong intuition or a sense of knowing things before they happen are often believed to have some form of supernatural abilities. Witches are frequently depicted as having psychic or clairvoyant abilities that allow them to see the future or receive messages from the spiritual realm. Someone who frequently has premonitions or seems to have a heightened sense of awareness may be exhibiting signs of being a witch. While these signs may suggest that someone is a witch, it is essential to remember that these are merely stereotypes and not every person who exhibits these behaviors is a witch. Witchcraft is a diverse and complex practice that exists in many different forms and interpretations. It is crucial to respect and understand the diversity within the witchcraft community and not make assumptions based solely on these signs. In conclusion, certain behaviors and characteristics can suggest that someone may be a witch. These signs include an ability to communicate with animals, a deep connection to nature, and possessing a strong intuition or psychic abilities. However, it is essential to remember that assuming someone is a witch based on these signs is mere conjecture, and it is crucial to respect the diversity and complexity of witchcraft as a whole..
Reviews for "The Witch Trials Revisited: Identifying Witchcraft in the 21st Century"
- John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Things that suggest you are a witch". The title suggested that it would provide interesting and insightful information about witchcraft, but it was nothing more than a collection of cliches and stereotypes. The author didn't seem to have any real knowledge or understanding of the subject, and it felt like they were just trying to cash in on the popularity of witchcraft without offering anything of substance. I was hoping to learn something new, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed.
- Sarah - 3/5 - I have mixed feelings about "Things that suggest you are a witch". On one hand, I appreciated the light and humorous tone of the book, as it made for an easy and enjoyable read. However, I couldn't help but feel that the content was a bit shallow. The author touched on various aspects of witchcraft, but never went into any real depth or provided any substantial information. If you're looking for a lighthearted and quick read, this might be worth considering. But if you're seeking a more comprehensive exploration of witchcraft, you'll likely be disappointed.
- Mike - 1/5 - "Things that suggest you are a witch" was a complete waste of my time. The book lacked any real substance and failed to provide any useful or interesting information about witchcraft. The author's attempts at humor fell flat, and the writing style was bland and unengaging. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is genuinely interested in witchcraft, as it offers nothing of value and is more likely to leave you frustrated than informed. Save your money and look elsewhere for a better book on the subject.
- Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Things that suggest you are a witch", but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The book seemed more like a collection of random thoughts and observations rather than a coherent and well-researched exploration of witchcraft. The author jumped from one topic to another, never really delving into anything with any depth. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to provide a thoughtful and informative book on the subject. If you're looking for a light and breezy read, this might suffice. But if you're seeking a more substantial and educational book about witchcraft, you'll likely be disappointed.