I have always been fascinated by the idea of witches. The very notion of a powerful woman with magical abilities has always intrigued me, and I have often wondered which kind of witch I would be if I had the chance to tap into that mystical world. One kind of witch that I find particularly captivating is the elemental witch. These are witches who have a deep connection with the natural elements – earth, air, fire, and water. They draw their power from these elements and use them to cast spells and perform rituals. I have always felt a strong affinity towards nature, finding solace and peace in its embrace.
Could it be any smaller when the entirety of its pages contains a multitude of texts from the Old Testament and New Testament to the Chronicle of Bohemia by Cosmas?
Even older still is the Codex Gigas , the largest medieval manuscript in the world, measuring at a whopping 36 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and nearly nine inches thick. Even older still is the Codex Gigas , the largest medieval manuscript in the world, measuring at a whopping 36 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and nearly nine inches thick.
I have always felt a strong affinity towards nature, finding solace and peace in its embrace. I believe that if I were a witch, I would definitely be an elemental witch, harnessing the power of the elements to bring forth change and create harmony. Another intriguing type of witch is the green witch.
Compendium of Demonology!
Demonology, necromancy and witchcraft all make evocative, controversial and fascinating subject matter.
These macabre subjects must have appealed as much to our ancestors as they do to us, as it seems the colourful diversions were as popular in the past as they are now. Throughout the Early Modern Period, magic and the dark power associated with it counted as a surprisingly popular pastime. Occultism and alchemy were philosophies, with men like John Dee, adviser to Elizabeth I, seen as perfectly respected men of science – if having a side interest in communing with angels and learning the universal language of creation…
Below is an image from an 18th Century Compendium of Demonology. Written in German and Latin, the text is from an unknown author. It dates to around 1775 but on one page the author tries to pass it off as 1057, making it perhaps as much a work of imagination at the time as we might consider that sort of tome now.
The Early Modern approach to magic was complicated and there is a lot to unpick in their motives and relative successes or failings. I am not even going to try talk about that in this short snippet but these images are bizarre and disgusting and evocative pieces of art – they deserve to be shared!
The full title is Compendium rarissimum totius Artis Magicae sistematisatae per celeberrimos Artis hujus Magistros – translating roughly to “A rare summary of the entire Magical Art by the most famous Master of this Art”.
The bulk of the book consists of illustrations of various demons figures, magic symbols and cabbalist signs. They play up the demonic natures of the creatures as they chew on limbs, spit fire and dance around naked. I am no expert but to me it seems these images are meant in the spirit of dark fun and never were a true compendium of anything.
Some of the images are positively gleeful and strike me as less than serious examples of the occultism of the day.
Perhaps they thought this is what witchcraft of the preceding centuries had looked like? It certainly adds some colour to the history!
This guy looks harmless at least…
And some of us can relate to this early in the morning before we have had our wake-up coffee…
If you are interested, you can check out more images here!
These macabre subjects must have appealed as much to our ancestors as they do to us, as it seems the colourful diversions were as popular in the past as they are now. Throughout the Early Modern Period, magic and the dark power associated with it counted as a surprisingly popular pastime. Occultism and alchemy were philosophies, with men like John Dee, adviser to Elizabeth I, seen as perfectly respected men of science – if having a side interest in communing with angels and learning the universal language of creation…
Green witches are deeply attuned to the plant world and have a special connection with herbs, plants, and the earth. They use their knowledge of herbs and natural remedies to heal, protect, and manifest positive energy. As someone who has always been interested in holistic healing and the power of plants, I can see myself as a green witch, utilizing the healing properties of plants and herbs to help others and create a sense of well-being. There is also the celestial witch, who draws her power from the moon, stars, and planets. These witches have a deep understanding of astrology and use their knowledge of the cosmos to guide their magical practices. I have always been fascinated by astrology and the interconnectedness of the universe. If I were a celestial witch, I would use the power of the stars to enhance my spellwork and gain insight into the mysteries of the universe. Ultimately, though, the kind of witch I am would be a unique blend of these different types. I would combine my deep connection with nature, my knowledge of herbs and plants, and my fascination with the celestial realm to create my own magical path. I believe that each person has their own individual strengths and talents, and it is through embracing these unique qualities that we can truly harness the power within us. In conclusion, the idea of being a witch and tapping into the world of magic is fascinating. Whether it be as an elemental witch, a green witch, a celestial witch, or a unique combination of these types, each kind of witch brings something special to the mystical realm. It is through exploring these different paths that we can find our own unique magic and unleash our true potential..
Reviews for "The World of Witchcraft: A Journey Through Different Magical Traditions"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Which kind of witch am I" as I am a huge fan of witchcraft and all things magical. However, this book fell flat for me. The writing style was dull and lacked any excitement or creativity. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with any of them. The plot was predictable and had no surprises or twists. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to fellow witchcraft enthusiasts.
2. Michael - 1 star - I picked up "Which kind of witch am I" with high hopes, but unfortunately, it failed to capture my interest from the start. The story was slow and dragged on, with unnecessary details that did not contribute to the plot. The protagonist was unrelatable and lacked any character development. The magical elements felt forced and undeveloped, making it difficult to immerse myself in the world the author was creating. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted witchy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Which kind of witch am I" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The writing was mediocre and lacked depth, making it hard to become invested in the story. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. The main character was uninteresting and had little agency, making it hard to root for her. Additionally, the world-building was underdeveloped, and the magical elements felt like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the story. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and left me wanting more.