The Curse of Bloodletting Bloodletting, an ancient medical practice, has a long history and was commonly used as a medical treatment in various cultures throughout time. It involved the intentional withdrawal of blood from a patient's body in hopes of curing ailments or restoring balance. While it was widely believed to be a beneficial practice for centuries, the curse of bloodletting became apparent as its harmful effects were discovered. The origins of bloodletting can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These societies believed that the balance of bodily fluids, known as humors, was essential for good health. Blood was considered one of these humors, and any imbalance was associated with various diseases.
Tylluan Penry is a pagan powerhouse, and her guide to The Magical Properties of Plants is an incredibly helpful, knowledge packed manual on working with a wide range of plants. Having grown in a family that practised Welsh trad witchcraft and with a father who first taught her how to find and identify plants, Penry has been honing this set of skills and knowledge for decades. The Magical Properties of Plants is particularly useful as a practical reference book, not just because of the mixture of occult and botanical knowledge contained within it, but because its organised according to magical purpose and intention rather than species—making it a lot easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The Magical Properties of Plants is particularly useful as a practical reference book, not just because of the mixture of occult and botanical knowledge contained within it, but because its organised according to magical purpose and intention rather than species making it a lot easier to find exactly what you re looking for. Whether you re Mexican and looking to practice Brujeria, or non-Mexican and hoping to broaden your understanding of global witchcraft traditions, Mexican Sorcery is a must-read.
Blood was considered one of these humors, and any imbalance was associated with various diseases. The practice of bloodletting involved using various tools and techniques, including leeches and scarification, to intentionally release blood from the body. Despite its widespread use, the curse of bloodletting began to reveal itself with time.
13 Witch Books That Will Hold You Spellbound
By the pricking of our thumbs, something badass this way comes.
Promoted by Open Road Media | By Olivia Mason | Updated Sep 27, 2019 | Published Apr 24, 2019- Photo Credit: freestocks.org / Unsplash
The witch has alway figured significantly in our lives, from our history classes to the popular culture we consume. Once upon a time, any woman who dared to think or act independently—and thus, "endanger" the patriarchy—was branded a witch, subjected to torture, and killed for her crimes. Luckily, things have changed, and we're no longer gathering in town squares to shout, "Burn the witch!" Instead, we're looking to our magical fore-sisters as symbols of female empowerment. Good or evil, "real" or fictional—they're always pretty badass.
The 13 witch books below draw from age-old lore to tell fantasy stories about human connection, embracing our uniqueness, and tapping into our own inherent power. From a fantasy that exposes the sexism of midcentury America to books inspired by African mythology, they put their own spin on the cauldron-stirring, broomstick-riding women that have held us spellbound for centuries.
Conjure Wife
By Fritz Leiber
Imagine a world in which women practice witchcraft on the sly, and right under their husband’s noses. Sounds pretty great, right? Not to Norman Saylor, a professor of sociology and staunch rationalist. When he discovers that his wife, Tansy—sweet, domestic goddess Tansy!—is waist-deep in some covert abracadabra, he persuades her to stop. But Tansy is just one witch in a badass global coven, and suddenly Norman is plagued by misfortune that turns his life upside down.
Creative and entertaining, Frtiz Leiber’s novel is also a fascinating look at 1940s gender roles, as its male hero acknowledges the very real existence of female power.
With her thirty-year history as a priestess and professional psychic, Lilith Dorsey has plenty of expertise to draw on in their book Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Traditions. This book explores Oshún, Oya, and other goddesses through devotional practices, magic, and more.
While some individuals celebrated its supposed benefits, others started to question its effectiveness and safety. As medical knowledge and understanding improved, the detrimental effects of bloodletting became more apparent. It was discovered that excessive blood loss could lead to weakness, anemia, infection, and even death. Many patients who underwent bloodletting experienced worsened conditions instead of improvement, as their bodies struggled to cope with the loss of blood. Furthermore, the curse of bloodletting extended beyond physical harm. The practice was often accompanied by superstitious beliefs and rituals, leading to psychological distress for patients. In many cases, individuals believed that the curse of bloodletting could go beyond the physical realm and affect their mental well-being. This belief further added to the suffering and fear experienced by those subjected to bloodletting. In the late 19th century, the practice of bloodletting began to decline as scientific advancements and evidence-based medicine emerged. Theories and discoveries by notable physicians such as William Harvey, who accurately described the circulatory system, debunked the long-held beliefs surrounding bloodletting. Moreover, with the development and availability of more effective medical treatments, bloodletting became obsolete in most of the world. Today, the curse of bloodletting serves as a reminder of the dangers of adhering to outdated medical practices without scientific basis. It exemplifies the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based medicine, and the continuous advancement of medical knowledge. The history of bloodletting also highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of suffering and the ever-evolving quest for better healthcare. In conclusion, the curse of bloodletting refers to the harmful effects and widespread suffering caused by this ancient medical practice. Initially believed to be a beneficial treatment, bloodletting fell out of favor as its detrimental consequences became evident. The lesson from this dark chapter in medical history is a reminder of the importance of evidence-based medicine and continuous progress in healthcare practices..
Reviews for "The Curse of Bloodletting: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Day"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Curse of Bloodletting". The storyline felt disjointed and the characters were poorly developed. It seemed like the director was trying to cram too much into the film, resulting in a messy and confusing plot. Additionally, the special effects were lackluster and unconvincing, which further took away from my overall enjoyment of the movie. Overall, I wouldn't recommend "Curse of Bloodletting" if you're looking for a well-crafted and engaging horror film.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found "Curse of Bloodletting" to be incredibly boring and predictable. The scares were cliché and unimaginative, relying on cheap jump scares rather than building a genuinely eerie atmosphere. The acting was also subpar, with most of the performances feeling forced and uninspired. Moreover, the pacing was all over the place, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Honestly, I regret spending my time and money on this film and would advise others to avoid it.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - "Curse of Bloodletting" had so much potential but ultimately fell flat. While the premise was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. The plot twists were predictable, and I found myself losing interest halfway through the movie. Additionally, the score was overwhelming and overshadowed the actual horror elements. Overall, "Curse of Bloodletting" was a missed opportunity, and I would recommend seeking out better horror films instead.