In folklore and popular culture, witches are often associated with Halloween. It is believed that Halloween, being a holiday deeply rooted in superstitions and ancient beliefs, holds a special significance for witches. According to some legends, witches born on Halloween possess extraordinary powers and are considered to be more powerful than those born on other days. The association between witches and Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, it was believed that the veil between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits and supernatural beings to roam freely on Earth. Witches, being practitioners of magic and connected to the spiritual realm, were said to be more active and powerful during this time.
Folks born on Halloween are also said to have second sight. One day, the Warlock quite seriously imparted this knowledge to me as we idled at a stoplight in his old Civic hatchback, which he liked to drive fast through SoCal traffic. “It’s about knowing something all of a sudden, being sure. See that woman?” he said, pointing to a silver sedan two cars ahead of us. “She’s going to try to turn left when the light changes. Watch.”
One day, the Warlock quite seriously imparted this knowledge to me as we idled at a stoplight in his old Civic hatchback, which he liked to drive fast through SoCal traffic. My own mother was super-relaxed and ready to push on Halloween because her own father, known as the Warlock, was also born on Halloween, 56 years prior to my appearance.
Witches, being practitioners of magic and connected to the spiritual realm, were said to be more active and powerful during this time. The Halloween witch archetype is often depicted as a woman wearing a pointed hat, riding a broomstick, and carrying a cauldron. These symbols have become iconic representations of witchcraft and are closely associated with the Halloween season.
Natural Born Witches
I recently received an email message from a young lady asking about natural born witches. She said that she and her sisters had learned that if one had a “W” on their palm then they were a natural born witch. I have a pretty strong opinion about anyone claiming anything that makes them appear to be more “witchy” then anyone else. But instead of letting that colour my reply, I did a bit of research on the Internet first. And here are my conclusions:
There are lots of theories about “natural born witches.” Some people say there is something on your palm (a W, an X, or some other symbol), some people point to certain aspects in your natal chart, some people say “you just know.” I’ve even read that being born on a Friday the 13th, or Halloween, or some other special day “automatically” makes one a witch. I don’t believe any of it. Perhaps there are people who are naturally more talented, just like some people seem to be born writers, singers, or cooks. But, with practise, dedication, and discipline, anyone can develop the skills they need. Even someone born into a family of witches (which I discuss below) will need to study a lot. Witchcraft doesn’t come easy to anyone, and if they say it does, I’d be a bit sceptical.
Witchcraft is a craft, meaning that it is something that must be learned. It is not an innate skill, although it does rely on your ability to be in tune with all you senses. This may be easier for some people then for others. Some people say that if you have felt blessed all your life or particularly in tune with nature that is because you are a natural born witch. Personally, I think it is just because you happen to focus on certain aspects and tune out others. Some people only focus on the negative, and some only on the positive. Which do you think is more likely to notice special events and feel special themselves?
Witchcraft is also a journey. It is about discovering and nurturing your spiritual side. You can not be born at the end of this journey. Perhaps, if you believe in reincarnation, you can be born a little further down the road them some, but there will always be more for you to learn. And any “head start” you feel you were born with can easily be put to waste if you don’t spend the time, energy and effort into your journey.
You might also read about people claiming to be hereditary witches (sometimes they also use the term natural born witch). These people often belong to a Family Tradition (also called a Fam Trad). This can be anything from a form of Christianity that includes magic working, to a form of pagan religion with magic working. Each one is different.
Also, when you are studying witchcraft, it is important to know that it is different then Wicca. Not all Wiccans are witch, nor are all witches Wiccans. College Wicca has a good essay about the differences: Wiccans and Witches and Pagans, OH MY!. Or you can read my essay: Wicca and Witchcraft: The Differences.
While the idea of witches born on Halloween having heightened powers is mostly fictional, it adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the Halloween celebration. Many people enjoy the idea of witches having a special connection to this holiday, as it adds an element of magic and enchantment to the festivities. In reality, anyone can practice witchcraft, regardless of their birthdate. Witches come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and the practice of witchcraft varies greatly across different cultures and traditions. It is important to separate fact from fiction and respect the diversity within the witchcraft community. In conclusion, the association between witches and Halloween is deeply ingrained in folklore and popular culture. While the idea of witches born on Halloween possessing special powers is mostly a myth, it adds a sense of mystique to the holiday and allows for creative storytelling and imagination. It is important to remember that witches, like any other group of people, come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and their practices should be respected..
Reviews for "A Witch's Destiny: Halloween-born Witches and their Path to Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: "I was really excited to read 'Witches born on Halloween' as I love books about witches and magic. However, this book was a huge disappointment. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to feel any connection or empathy towards them. Overall, it felt like a poorly executed attempt at a Halloween-themed story."
2. Mark - 1 star: "I don't understand all the hype around 'Witches born on Halloween'. The writing was incredibly juvenile and lacked depth. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The pacing was also off, with too much time spent on insignificant details. I was hoping for a thrilling and engaging read, but this book fell flat for me."
3. Emily - 2 stars: "I was hoping for a captivating and enchanting tale of witches, but I found 'Witches born on Halloween' to be underwhelming. The world-building was weak and I had a hard time picturing the magical elements described. The story lacked cohesiveness and it felt like a collection of random events rather than a well-crafted narrative. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disconnected from the characters."
4. Michael - 1 star: "I couldn't even finish 'Witches born on Halloween'. The writing was so poorly done that I couldn't stand it. The dialogue was cringe-worthy and the characters were shallow and uninteresting. The author attempted to create a spooky atmosphere, but it fell completely flat. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this book. There are much better witch-themed novels out there."
5. Jennifer - 2 stars: "I expected 'Witches born on Halloween' to be a thrilling and gripping read, but it left a lot to be desired. The plot was predictable and lacked any excitement or surprises. The characters felt flat and I struggled to connect with them on any level. Even the Halloween theme felt forced and didn't add anything substantial to the story. Overall, it was a forgettable and mediocre book."