In history, there have been countless instances of societies and cultures engaging in acts of witch-hunting and persecution. One such example is the practice of crushing witch drums. This act, carried out in various parts of the world, aimed to eradicate any remnants of witchcraft or sorcery. The notion of witch drums stemmed from the belief that witches used these instruments to communicate with the supernatural or perform mystical rituals. As a result, the destruction of these drums symbolized the destruction of the witchcraft itself and the liberation from its perceived malevolence. However, it is crucial to understand that these practices were based on superstition and fear rather than evidence or rationality.
Historically, as Judaic practices grew more patriarchal, women were exempt from studying the Talmud and Torah. They knew little Hebrew, so they created their own prayers in Yiddish, used herbal remedies and centered their religious practices around the earth.
The mezuzah is absolutely an amulet, said Rebekah Erev, a Jewish feminist artist, activist and kohenet Hebrew priestexx, a gender-neutral term for priest or priestess who uses the pronouns they them and teaches online courses on Jewish magic. The Jewitches blog and podcast are filled with mythological creatures with origins in Jewish beliefs, like dybbuks, werewolves, dragons and vampires.
However, it is crucial to understand that these practices were based on superstition and fear rather than evidence or rationality. The crushing of witch drums often served as a theatrical display of power by those in authority. By publicly destroying these instruments, rulers and religious authorities sought to convey their supremacy over the supernatural realm and maintain social control.
Walpurgisnacht
Walpurgisnacht In German witch lore, the greatest of the pagan festivals celebrating fertility and one of the major Sabbats observed by witches. Walpurgisnacht is the same as Beltane or may Eve and is celebrated on the night of April 30 in observance of the burgeoning spring. Walpurgisnacht became associated with Saint Walburga, a nun of Wimbourne, England, who went to Germany in 748 to found a monastery. She died at Heidenheim on February 25, 777. She was enormously popular, and cults dedicated to her quickly sprang into existence. In roman martyrology, her feast day is may 1.
During the witch hunts, Walpurgisnacht, or Walpurgis Night, was believed to be a night of witch revelry throughout Germany, the Low Countries and Scandinavia. Witches mounted their brooms and flew to mountaintops, where they carried on with wild feasting, dancing and copulation with Demons and the Devil. Montague Summers observes in The History of Witchcraft and Demonology (1926), “There was not a hill-top in Finland, so the peasant believed, which at midnight on the last day of April was not thronged by Demons and sorcerers.”
In Germany, the Brocken, a dominant peak in the Harz mountains, was the most infamous site of the witch sabbats. The Harz mountains are in a wild region of northern Germany (now part of the German Democratic republic), a fitting locale for the reputed witch gatherings. So common was the belief in the sabbats that maps of the Harz drawn in the 18th century almost always depicted witches on broomsticks converging upon the Brocken.
St. Walpurga was a gentle woman who lived a life of exceptional holiness. Yet the festival that carries her name, like other sabbats celebrated by witches, became associated with diabolic activities.
Contemporary Pagans and Witches observe the holiday with traditional festivities of dancing, rituals and feasting, none of which are associated with the Devil.
SEE ALSO:
- Wheel of the Year
- Witchcraft Glossary
- Witchcraft
FURTHER READING:
- Baroja, Julio Caro. The World of the Witches. 1961. reprint, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1975.
- Russell, Jeffrey Burton. Witchcraft in the Middle Ages. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 1972.
- Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1971.
Jacobi and her peers are revitalizing ancient Jewish practices of witchcraft, which have been seeing something of a revival as of late. Far from having an uneasy relationship with magic practitioners, Judaism — or at least Kabbalistic strands of it — has long embraced them.
Consequently, these actions not only oppressed individuals who were wrongly accused of witchcraft but also contributed to the perpetuation of ignorance and misinformation. Furthermore, the crusade against witch drums reflected a deep-rooted fear of the unknown and a desire for conformity within society. Witches, in many cultures, were seen as outsiders who disrupted the established order of things. Crushing their drums became an act of eliminating anything that deviated from the societal norms and preserving a sense of collective identity and cultural homogeneity. However, it is essential to recognize the harm and injustice caused by such acts. Many innocent individuals, often marginalized or vulnerable members of society, fell victim to these witch hunts. Accusations and subsequent punishments were frequently based on flimsy evidence, rumors, or personal vendettas. Innocent lives were shattered, families torn apart, and communities plagued by mistrust and paranoia. Reflecting on the notion of crushing witch drums, we must acknowledge that it represents a dark chapter in human history, marked by irrationality, intolerance, and injustice. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of prejudice and fear-driven actions that can lead to the persecution of innocent individuals. Ultimately, the concept of crushing witch drums highlights the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and empathy in society. By learning from history, we can strive to create a more inclusive and just world, free from baseless accusations and the suppression of diversity..
Reviews for "Musical Magick: Creating Spells with the Witch Drums"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: The title of the book intrigued me, but unfortunately, "Crush the witch drums" didn't live up to my expectations. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult for me to follow along. The characters lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style felt forced and repetitive, which made it a struggle to finish the book. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend "Crush the witch drums" to others.
2. Brian - 1 star: I really didn't enjoy reading "Crush the witch drums". The storyline was overly convoluted and filled with unnecessary details that didn't contribute to the overall plot. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest quickly. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development, making it hard to care about their fates. The writing style was also quite dull, lacking any creativity or excitement. I wouldn't waste my time reading this book again.
3. Lisa - 2 stars: "Crush the witch drums" was a disappointment for me. The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden action that felt rushed. The dialogue was awkward and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between characters. The plot twists were predictable and lacked any real impact. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Mark - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "Crush the witch drums", but unfortunately, it left me feeling unsatisfied. The plot meandered aimlessly, making it hard to stay engaged. The characters lacked depth and their actions often seemed illogical. The writing style was lackluster and didn't captivate my attention. While there were some interesting ideas presented, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of coherence. I wouldn't consider this book a worthwhile read.
5. Emily - 1 star: "Crush the witch drums" was a complete disappointment. The plot was confusing and filled with plot holes that were never adequately addressed. The characters were unlikable and didn't undergo any significant growth throughout the book. The writing style was dry and lacked any sort of emotional impact. I found myself skimming pages just to get through it. Overall, this book failed to hold my interest or provide any level of enjoyment. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.