The good witch of the East is a fictional character from the iconic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum. She is one of the witches in the Land of Oz and plays a significant role in the story. Unlike her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, the good witch is seen as kind-hearted and helpful. The good witch of the East first appears in the story when Dorothy's house accidentally lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, resulting in her death. The good witch then appears to greet Dorothy and inform her about the consequences of her house landing on the witch.
We can combine the symbolic and ritual elements of the Fall Equinox into a reflective and celebratory space to practice gratitude, reflection, and energy renewal. Clear a space in a calm indoor or outdoor setting, then gather some elements that represent the season. These might include fallen leaves, candles, and other decorations in autumnal orange, brown, gold, and scarlett, as well as the fall foods discussed above and other traditional Mabon plants like ginger, elderberry, white oak bark, chamomile, or star anise. Arrange your bounty around (and a safe distance from!) a spot to burn your fall incense (see recipe above), let the smoke fill the space, and take some time to meditate on your intentions for the season ahead.
Therapeutically, rose has astringent and cooling properties that are helpful for skincare, and like many Autumn Equinox herbs, they can also aid digestion. These might include fallen leaves, candles, and other decorations in autumnal orange, brown, gold, and scarlett, as well as the fall foods discussed above and other traditional Mabon plants like ginger, elderberry, white oak bark, chamomile, or star anise.
The good witch then appears to greet Dorothy and inform her about the consequences of her house landing on the witch. She also provides Dorothy with the magical silver shoes that previously belonged to the witch, which end up being crucial for her journey. Throughout the story, the good witch of the East acts as a guide and protector for Dorothy.
How To Celebrate The Fall Equinox, Or “Witches’ Thanksgiving”
On Monday, September 23, day and night will be equal length, and autumn will officially begin. It’s the fall equinox, and along with being the official start of Libra season, it’s a spiritually significant day for many.
“It’s a very potent time for magic and manifesting, because the gateway between both the spiritual and physical world will be unlocked,” astrologer Lisa Stardust tells Refinery29. “During the height of the harvest season (which is when the equinox occurs), we have a witches' ‘Thanksgiving’ of sorts by eating seasonal fruits and honoring the Earth.”
This “Thanksgiving,” called Mabon in pagan communities, is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the end of the year. Wiccans celebrate the goddess as she turns from Mother to Crone, and Druids offer libations to Mea'n Fo'mhair, the Green Man.
Advertisement ADVERTISEMENT“Mabon signifies the start of fall, a time where the veil to the other realm begins to become more thin, and we’re meant to reap all the benefits of our hard work we’ve put in through the spring and summer months,” Blue June, host of the Mystic Witch podcast, tells Refinery29. “In olden times, that meant a feast of livestock and crops that have been harvested. These days, we are more prone to think of pumpkin spice lattes and the only thing we’re harvesting is bags of candy, but there are many modern ways in which to celebrate Mabon, while still connecting to traditions.”
June suggest throwing a bonfire party with friends, “celebrating each others’ accomplishments throughout the year and passing a cup of water around in a circle, sharing our achievements. You should try to do this as the fire is dying to signify that this is a time for slowing down, and when the last person has been congratulated we use the cup of water to put out the fire.”
Bri Luna, owner and creative director of the Hoodwitch, suggests taking some time for reflection, even if you can't have a big celebration. "On the day of the Sabbat [holiday], it's important to take just a moment out of your busy schedule to honor Mother Earth,” she says. “Spend time meditating on what you have accomplished in the past months, and write out a list of all you have to be thankful for. Keep your list posted where you can see, just in case you start feeling ‘Grinch-y’ as the coming winter months begin.”
As you unpack your sweaters from storage, take a moment to reflect on the end of the season and the good things in your life. As Luna says, "Gratitude is powerful medicine!"
June suggest throwing a bonfire party with friends, “celebrating each others’ accomplishments throughout the year and passing a cup of water around in a circle, sharing our achievements. You should try to do this as the fire is dying to signify that this is a time for slowing down, and when the last person has been congratulated we use the cup of water to put out the fire.”
She advises her to seek the help of the Wizard of Oz in order to find a way back home. The good witch provides Dorothy with instructions on how to begin her journey and warns her about the challenges she may face along the way. In addition to her role as a guide, the good witch of the East also possesses magical powers. She uses her magic to protect Dorothy and her companions from harm, such as providing them with a mark of protection on their foreheads to safeguard them from the evil the Wicked Witch of the West wishes upon them. The good witch of the East embodies kindness, compassion, and goodwill. She serves as a contrast to her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, who is portrayed as malicious and deceitful. The good witch represents the concept of good triumphing over evil and serves as a symbol of hope and guidance for Dorothy throughout her journey in the Land of Oz. Overall, the good witch of the East is a significant character in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, providing assistance and support to Dorothy. Her kindness, magical abilities, and guidance make her a beloved figure in the story, leaving a lasting impression on readers..
Reviews for "The Good Witch of the East: History, Legends, and Modern Interpretations"
1. John - 2/5 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'The Good Witch of the East.' The plot was predictable and lacked depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and there was no character development throughout the film. It felt like a generic romance story set in a magical world, but even the magical elements were underwhelming. Overall, it was an underwhelming film that didn't live up to its potential."
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "I found 'The Good Witch of the East' to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The pacing was slow and the story dragged on without anything substantial happening. The dialogue was cheesy and cliché, making it hard to take the characters seriously. The acting was also subpar, with lackluster performances that failed to capture any emotion. I would not recommend this film to anyone seeking an engaging and well-executed fantasy movie."
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'The Good Witch of the East' but it fell short of my expectations. The plot was hard to follow, with many convoluted twists that didn't seem to contribute to the overall story. The special effects were mediocre at best, and the magical elements felt forced and out of place. The film lacked coherence and failed to establish a clear direction. Overall, it was a disappointing experience that left me feeling confused and unimpressed."
4. Emily - 2/5 stars - "I found 'The Good Witch of the East' to be a bland and forgettable film. The storyline lacked originality and failed to hold my attention. The characters were uninspiring and their motivations were poorly developed. The romantic elements felt forced and lacked chemistry. The overall execution of the film was lackluster, leaving me unimpressed and disappointed. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film."