To burn the witch is to admit that magic exists. Throughout history, witches have been feared and persecuted for their alleged ability to perform magical acts. The act of burning them at the stake was believed to rid society of these supposed sorcerers. However, in this very act, society unwittingly acknowledged the existence of magic. The witch hunts of the past were fueled by a deep-rooted fear of the unknown and a desire to maintain societal norms and religious orthodoxy. People were terrified that witches could manipulate natural forces, influence minds, and control the outcomes of events.
Video editor • Theo Farrant
This is done by those leading the ritual walking around an area, chanting as a form of prayer and sprinkling the area with water and salt, which are believed to be spiritually cleansing. Each year, thousands of yoga enthusiasts from across the globe flock to Times Square in New York City to celebrate the summer solstice with free yoga classes.
People were terrified that witches could manipulate natural forces, influence minds, and control the outcomes of events. The accusation of witchcraft was enough to condemn an individual to a gruesome execution. By resorting to burning witches, society revealed its underlying belief in the power of magic.
In pictures: What is summer solstice and how is it celebrated around the world?
What exactly does this celestial event entail, and how do people across the globe commemorate it?
ADVERTISEMENTSummer solstice is here!
But what is it all about and how do people celebrate the solstice around the world?
The event marks the longest day of the year and the astronomical start of summer.
In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice takes place between 20 - 22 June each year. This year it falls on Tuesday, with the UK enjoying 16 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.
The word solstice derives from the Latin "sol" (sun) and "sistere" (to stand still).
People around the world have long celebrated the occasion with a variety of wonderful cultural festivals and activities.
For the majority of cultures, the day involves enjoying sumptuous feasts, lighting bonfires, singing and dancing to traditional songs, and reconnecting with nature.
Here's a look at some of the most interesting summer solstice traditions from around the world.
- Walpurgis Night: the pagan festival of bonfires, witches and Celtic folk music
- Lights dazzle in swimming pool to celebrate festive Santa Lucia Day in Sweden
The act of setting someone ablaze was inherently an attempt to neutralize their supposed supernatural abilities. It was an admission, however unspoken, that magic was real and posed a threat to the established order. Furthermore, burning witches not only acknowledged the existence of magic, but also perpetuated its symbolism. Fire has long been associated with purification and transformation in various cultures and traditions. Thus, the practice of burning witches was a symbolic attempt to purify society from the perceived evils of magic. Ironically, by attempting to eradicate magic through the execution of witches, society inadvertently reinforced the belief in supernatural powers. Executions were often public spectacles, where individuals accused of witchcraft were subjected to horrific tortures before their ultimate demise. These spectacles served as a reminder to the public of the perceived power of magic, leaving a lasting impression on the collective consciousness. Ultimately, the witch burnings of the past were a reflection of humanity's deep-seated fascination with magic and the unknown. While intended to rid society of perceived threats, these executions instead validated the existence of magic, albeit unintentionally. They stand as a poignant reminder of the power of belief and the lengths humans will go to maintain their understanding of the world..
Reviews for "Magic in the Shadows: Examining the Symbolism of Witch Burnings in Relation to Sorcery"
- John Smith - 1/5 Stars
I found "To burn the witch is to admit that magic exists" to be highly disappointing. The premise of the story had so much potential, but the execution fell flat. The writing lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. It was difficult to connect with any of them or care about their fate. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed, illogical plot twists. Overall, the novel failed to deliver on its promise and left me feeling unsatisfied.
- Emily Johnson - 2/5 Stars
"To burn the witch is to admit that magic exists" had an interesting concept, but it was poorly executed. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The characters lacked development, and their actions often felt arbitrary. The plot itself had potential, but it was overshadowed by unnecessary subplots and an abundance of cliches. Additionally, the writing style was monotonous, lacking the poetic language or descriptive imagery that would engage the reader. This book had potential, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations.
- Jessica Davis - 3/5 Stars
I was excited to dive into "To burn the witch is to admit that magic exists," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. While the concept of magic existing in the real world was intriguing, the execution was lacking. The plot felt disjointed, jumping between different timelines and perspectives without a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped, and I struggled to connect with any of them. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with moments of intense action followed by slow, dragging scenes. Overall, I found the book to be mediocre and expected much more from it.