The witch, also known as a sorceress, conjurer, or nafician, is a popular figure in folklore and mythology across different cultures and time periods. These mysterious and often feared individuals possess supernatural abilities and are said to have the power to manipulate the forces of nature and perform magic. In many legends and stories, the witch is portrayed as an old woman with warts, a hooked nose, and a pointy hat. She is often depicted living in a secluded cottage or in the depths of a dark forest. These visual representations of witches have become iconic and embedded in popular culture, perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions about their nature. However, it is important to note that the concept of a witch is not limited to just women or a specific appearance.
However, it is important to note that the concept of a witch is not limited to just women or a specific appearance. In some cultures, male witches, known as warlocks or wizards, are also recognized. Furthermore, the practice of witchcraft varies from culture to culture, and what is considered magic or sorcery in one society may be perceived differently in another.
Syrie James
Midsummer’s Day is almost here! It’s full of fun and fascinating traditions, and thought to be the most magical day of the year in many places around the world. Originally an ancient pagan holiday to celebrate the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), Midsummer’s Day is usually observed on June 24, the feast day of John the Baptist, with festivities beginning the night before on Midsummer’s Eve.
The most famous reference to Midsummer’s Eve is William Shakespeare’s play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in which young lovers, a troupe of actors, and fairies have romantic and comical misadventures in the forest on Midsummer’s night.
The holiday is still actively celebrated in dozens of countries across Europe and in parts of the United Kingdom, Ireland, North and South America, and Russia. Feasting and merrymaking are a widespread tradition on Midsummer’s Eve, accompanied in nearly every nation by the lighting of bonfires. In olden days, the bonfire was thought to protect against powerful, evil spirits and witches, who were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southward again. The bigger the fire, it was said, the further the mischievous spirits would stay away.
The 13th-century monk of Winchcomb in Gloucestershire, England, who compiled a book of sermons for the feast days, recorded that on St. John’s Eve, fires were lit to drive away dragons, which were thought to be abroad poisoning springs and wells.
Jumping over the flames at a summer solstice celebration in Spain.
In some countries, people dance barefoot on the bonfire’s smoldering embers, or jump over the flames. Leaping successfully over a Midsummer’s Eve bonfire is considered by many as a way to guarantee prosperity and avoid bad luck. In Spain, a person leaps three times while crying ‘meigas fora,’ which means ‘witches off!’
In some countries, Sweden in particular, Midsummer’s Eve is celebrated by raising a maypole covered in greens and flowers, and dancing around it to traditional music while singing and feasting.
Dancing around the maypole is an essential part of the Swedish Midsummer’s Day celebration.
Midsummer has long been thought to be one of the times of the year when magic is strongest, and there are many traditions and rituals that involve the night’s power to heal or to look into the future. In Bulgaria, it is said that anyone staying up and seeing the sunrise will be healthy throughout the year.
A Swedish tradition holds that if an unmarried woman collects bouquets of seven or nine different flowers and places them under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband. It was once believed that herbs picked at Midsummer were extremely potent, and water from springs had curative powers.
Another ancient tradition claims that any rose picked on Midsummer’s Eve or Midsummer’s Day will keep fresh until Christmas, and that at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve, if young girls scatter rose petals (called “rose leaves” at the time) and repeat an ancient saying, the next day their true love will visit them.
The saying goes as follows:
Rose leaves, rose leaves, rose leaves I strew;
He that will love me, come after me now.
I found these rituals and traditions so fascinating that I included some of them in my novel Jane Austen’s First Love, a book which is inspired by a true story.
Read on for an exclusive excerpt from the novel, about a very special moment Jane Austen experiences on Midsummer’s Eve in 1791.
Jane, mature for her 15 years and brimming with romantic ideals and literary ambition, is staying at Goodnestone Park in Kent, home of the Bridges family. There—over one mad, matchmaking summer—she falls in love with a remarkable young man, Edward Taylor. At a Midsummer’s Eve bonfire, Jane finds herself alone just after midnight with Edward Taylor:
Our eyes met and held in the moonlight. “I wish we could stay up until sunrise, like the Bulgarians,” said Edward. “I feel that I could talk to you all night.”
“I feel the same.”
What happened next took me by surprise. He leaned in close—very close—and said softly: “We proved the ancient Midsummer’s Eve legend tonight, did we not, Miss Jane?”
His nearness took my breath away; I could barely speak. “What do you mean?”
“Didn’t you toss the rose petals and recite the saying?”
I nodded.
“Was it me you hoped would come after you?”
A blush warmed my cheeks, silently admitting to the truth of his observations. He smiled.
“Well: it is Midsummer’s Day, and here I am, answering your call.” So saying, he gently kissed my cheek. Drawing back slightly, he paused for a long moment, looking at me. Then he turned and strode away across the grass ….
Reader, did any of these Midsummer’s Day traditions surprise or intrigue you? Do you and your family celebrate Midsummer’s Day? If so, how do you celebrate? Please share by leaving a comment!
Further Reading:
- Wikiwand
- Project Britain
- Excerpt from Chapter One, Jane Austen’s First Love
Another ancient tradition claims that any rose picked on Midsummer’s Eve or Midsummer’s Day will keep fresh until Christmas, and that at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve, if young girls scatter rose petals (called “rose leaves” at the time) and repeat an ancient saying, the next day their true love will visit them.
Throughout history, witches have been associated with various supernatural powers and abilities. They are believed to possess the power of divination, allowing them to see into the future or communicate with spirits. They can also use spells and enchantments to heal or harm others, manipulate the elements, or bring good luck and prosperity. The witch is often portrayed as an outcast or an antihero in many stories. Their powers and knowledge of the mystical arts make them feared and mistrusted by the general population. As a result, they are often marginalized and driven into hiding, leading them to form secret covens or communities with other witches. In some cultures, witches are seen as intermediaries between the human world and the realm of spirits or deities. They are sought out for their wisdom and guidance, acting as healers, advisors, or protectors. In these cases, witches are often revered and respected within their communities. Despite the fascination with witches and their association with magic and the occult, it is important to remember that the portrayal of witches in folklore and popular culture is largely fictional. In reality, witchcraft and magical practices are diverse and multifaceted, often varying from person to person. It is crucial to approach the topic of witchcraft with an open mind and respect for different beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "Astral Magick: Journeying to Other Planes and Dimensions as a Nafician Witch"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I did not enjoy "The Witch Nafician" at all. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with abrupt jumps in the storyline that left me feeling disoriented. The characters lacked depth, and I couldn't find myself connecting with any of them. The writing style was also quite messy, with excessive use of parentheses and footnotes that disrupted the flow of the narrative. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to the hype.
2. John - 1 out of 5 stars - I have to say that "The Witch Nafician" was a complete waste of time for me. The story felt completely disjointed and lacked coherence. It was hard to understand the author's intentions and what message they were trying to convey. The characters were poorly developed and lacked any sort of relatability. The writing style was impenetrable, with convoluted sentences and unnecessary embellishments that made it difficult to engage with the story. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a satisfying read.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Witch Nafician." The concept seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and nothing seemed to happen for the majority of the book. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any depth or growth. The writing style was also overly descriptive and verbose, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Overall, I found the book to be tedious and unfulfilling, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - "The Witch Nafician" was a complete letdown. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with no clear direction. The characters were dull and uninteresting, and I couldn't find any reason to care about their fates. The writing style was overly pretentious, with excessive use of flowery language that only served to distract from the story. I struggled to finish this book and felt no satisfaction or enjoyment from doing so. I would not recommend this book to anyone.