The gift of witch and wizard Witches and wizards possess extraordinary abilities and powers that set them apart from the ordinary human beings. These mystical creatures have been a part of folklore and mythology for centuries, captivating the imaginations of people all around the world. The gift of magic bestowed upon a witch or wizard is not to be taken lightly. It is a power that comes with great responsibility and requires a deep understanding of oneself and the world around them. Witchcraft and wizardry are often portrayed as dark and mysterious, but they can also be seen as forces of good and light. Witches, often associated with women, have historically been depicted as healers, wise women, and sources of knowledge.
Celebrators of Samhain believe that it’s a time of year when the barriers between the physical and spiritual world break down, allowing more interaction between the living and the dead. The doors to the Otherworld - the realm of deities and the dead - are opened, allowing spirits to more easily enter our world.
This liminal period enabled both ancestors to visit their families and malicious spirits to haunt townspeople. The customs of Samhain include rituals to welcome ancestors and honor deceased loved ones while also taking action to thwart off and protect against the evil spirits.
In Celtic culture, people would leave offerings outside of villages and fields for fairies (also known as spirits or aos sí). They believed that spirits needed to be appeased so that families and their livestock would survive the long winter.
Some Celts dressed as monsters to deter fairies from kidnapping them. There were specific monsters: Pukah is a shape-shifter that comes for harvest offerings, Sluagh entered houses and stole souls, The Lady Gwyn is a headless woman dressed in white and accompanied by a black pig. Image source: The Alchemist’s Kitchen
Many Wiccans and other Pagans consider this to be the most important day on the Wheel, a time when the veil between the spirit world and the mundane world is at its thinnest. Often called the Feast of Hecate, this is one of the most popular Samhain traditions, and it stems from the worship of this goddess of the underworld in ancient Greece.
Witches, often associated with women, have historically been depicted as healers, wise women, and sources of knowledge. They harness the elements and use herbs, potions, and spells to bring about positive change. Their powers are deeply connected to nature and the earth, and they have a strong intuition and ability to connect with unseen energies.
Wiccans reveal religion of Halloween
Ah, Halloween. The only day of the year when it’s accepted, and even encouraged, to dress up in the most ridiculous costumes and gorge on junk food.
But not everyone will be reaching for the Snickers bars or Dracula fangs tonight. Many Christians do not celebrate Halloween at all, and some Wiccans, Celts and Druids celebrate it in a far different way than the rest of Americans.
‘It’s not right or wrong, it’s just not something I want to partake in,’ said Rachel Roy, a junior voice performance major. ‘I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything special.’
Roy’s mother did not let her or her siblings dress in costumes or go trick or treating, and as a child she did not understand. She did not go to school on the days of Halloween parties because it was impossible to avoid the celebrations.
But when she grew older, Roy, who is a born-again Christian, made her own decision to not celebrate the holiday because it has connections with worshipping Satan and evil spirits.
‘For the majority of people I know, their holiday celebration doesn’t involve worshipping Satan,’ Roy said. ‘But I know there are people out there, for example, witches and warlocks, who do.’
But Halloween is not about worshipping Satan, according to many Wiccans.
The holiday originated from the Celts and their priesthood, the Druids, said David Davis of Seven Rays Bookstore in Syracuse. It celebrates the harvest and happens to fall on the same day as the Celtic new year. Present-day Halloween is the Celtic New Year’s Eve, called Samhain, or summer’s end. It is part of a trilogy of days, followed by All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.
‘Wicca’s become an earth-centered religion, with eight Sabbaths at the solstices, equinoxes and all the midpoints,’ Davis said. ‘Samhain is one if their celebratory times.’
Davis, who is not Wiccan, believes that Halloween is a day of harmless fun for most people and a spiritual day for others and is in no way dangerous.
‘God made all of the days. They’re all part of the cycle,’ Davis said. ‘It’s still sacred and holy.’
The Wiccan calendar is also based on the changing seasons and the harvests, said Caroline, a Wiccan Syracuse University student who would not reveal her full name. Halloween represents the last harvest, and Wiccans usually give thanks to the goddess or god for a plentiful year.
Caroline would only reveal her middle name because she is very uncomfortable revealing her religion to the public. Many students, she says, do not understand the beliefs and rituals of Wicca.
‘People can stereotype so easily, even on an open-minded campus,’ Caroline said. ‘Some people will just look at you and say, ‘So you’re a witch, right?”
But not all witches are Wiccans, Caroline said. Wiccans belong to many different sects, which each have varying rituals and traditions, Caroline said. Only satanist witches, who are not considered Wiccan, worship the devil.
‘Different sects believe in different things, and with me, there is no such thing as hell or a devil,’ Caroline said. ‘So when people associate witches with the devil … I feel offended because people just need to open their minds.’
The SU Pagan Association held Samhain circles to celebrate the day last Friday and Saturday nights on the Quad near Hendricks Chapel, and it also held an information session to educate members of the university community of its rituals and beliefs.
‘A lot of what we do know about the ancient practice is what people during the Inquisition wrote about it,’ said Kate Bell, the Interdenominational Protestant Campus Ministry chaplin. ‘Wiccans, pagans, we can’t just lump them all together.’
The organization, based in Hendricks Chapel, meets all the chapel’s requirements for a religious group, including one which prohibits a group from acting in secret.
‘In terms of standing within the chapel, they have absolutely the same standards as every other group,’ Bell said. ‘Are you working for the good of the world? Are you accountable for what you do?’
Halloween, which is celebrated more heavily in the United States than in any other country, is the second most lucrative decorating holiday for retailers. Some people do not celebrate Halloween for this reason, and because they believe Samhain maintains its original values and purposes.
‘It was created as a ‘holiday’ by corporations who made it up just to make money and exploit people,’ said Andrea Ogden, a graduate student studying social work. ‘I’ll participate and celebrate a ritual that has meaning and significance in my life, but I won’t be told what is and what isn’t a holiday by a corporation.’
Ogden fully supports those Wiccans and pagans who celebrate Halloween as Samhain because it has a real meaning for them.
‘If you celebrate All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day, then right on,’ Ogden said.
But if people learned more of the religious background about Halloween, Roy said, they could decide if they truly want to celebrate the day.
‘I wish people could be more educated about the history of it,’ Roy said, ‘rather than go about celebrating it just like everyone else does.’
Published on October 30, 2003 at 12:00 pm
On the other hand, wizards, predominantly portrayed as men, are characterized by their mastery of spells, enchantments, and magical objects. They often possess knowledge of ancient texts and have the ability to manipulate the fabric of reality itself. Wizards are depicted as wise and powerful beings who serve as protectors and defenders against dark forces. Both witches and wizards are often portrayed as outcasts or misunderstood individuals in society. They are often feared and persecuted due to their abilities, leading them to seek solace and community within their own kind. Places like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry provide a haven for these gifted individuals, where they can learn, grow, and fully realize their potential. The gift of witch and wizard comes with immense power, but it is up to the individual to choose how to use it. Some may use their powers for personal gain or harm, while others may dedicate themselves to serving others and fighting for justice. It is this choice that defines a witch or wizard and ultimately shapes their destiny. In conclusion, the gift of witch and wizard is a fascinating aspect of mythology and storytelling. It allows us to explore the realms of magic, power, and the human condition. Whether they are portrayed as light or dark, witches and wizards remind us of the potential within ourselves and the importance of using our gifts for the betterment of the world..
Reviews for "The Gifted Witch and Wizard: Keepers of Ancient Lore"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Gift Witch and Wizard". The writing felt disjointed and the plot was confusing. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The story lacked depth and the magical elements felt forced. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Ethan - 1/5 stars - "The Gift Witch and Wizard" was a complete waste of time. The plot was predictable and the writing was amateurish. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the characters were incredibly boring. The story had potential, but it was executed poorly. I struggled to finish it and was ultimately left unsatisfied.
3. Olivia - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Gift Witch and Wizard" but it fell short. The pacing was off and the story felt rushed. The world-building was shallow and the magical system was poorly explained. The main characters lacked depth and the secondary characters were forgettable. It had potential, but it failed to deliver a captivating and well-developed story.
4. Lucas - 1/5 stars - I regret picking up "The Gift Witch and Wizard". The writing was juvenile and the plot was unoriginal. The magic system was poorly thought out and the action scenes were lackluster. The main characters were annoying and lacked any kind of growth. I found myself bored and disinterested throughout the entire book. I would not recommend it to anyone.