Elissa Washuta is a Native American writer and creative writing instructor who has gained recognition for her work in exploring indigenous identity and history. One of her prominent works is "Light Magic," a personal essay that delves into the intersection of Native American culture and the supernatural. In this essay, Washuta reflects on her experiences growing up as a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and how her connection to her heritage shaped her perception of the world. In "Light Magic," Washuta introduces the concept of light magic, which she defines as the ability to harness and control supernatural forces for both good and evil purposes. She describes how Native American tribes have a rich tradition of practicing light magic, using rituals and ceremonies to communicate with spirits and gain insight into the future. Washuta believes that light magic is not solely based on superstition, but rather a way for indigenous communities to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge.
Witchy Woman is a english song from the album The Eagles.
According to the liner notes for The Very Best of the Eagles , the song originated with guitarist Bernie Leadon playing a strange, minor-key riff that sounded sort of like a Hollywood movie version of Indian music. Raven hair and ruby lips Sparks fly from her finger tips Echoed voices in the night She s a restless spirit on an endless flight Woo hoo witchy woman See how high she flies Woo hoo witchy woman She got the moon in her eye.
Washuta believes that light magic is not solely based on superstition, but rather a way for indigenous communities to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge. Throughout the essay, Washuta interweaves personal anecdotes with historical and cultural references, showcasing the complexity and fluidity of Native American identity. She shares stories of her encounters with supernatural beings, such as the time when she saw a "shape-shifter" in the form of a wolf.
Play witchy woman by the eagles
Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon started writing this song when he was a member of The Flying Burrito Brothers. Once he joined the Eagles, he and Don Henley finished the song in Eagles fashion. It was one of the first songs Henley wrote.
Leadon and Henley wrote this about a number of women they had met. It is not meant to portray the woman as devilish, but as more of a seductress.
"Witchy Woman" was the group's second single, following "Take It Easy." It was part of their first album, which was produced by Glyn Johns, an Englishman who had previously worked with The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. They recorded it at Olympic Studios in London in just three weeks; the group became far less efficient over time - their 1979 album The Long Run took more than two years to make.
According to the liner notes for The Very Best of the Eagles, the song originated with guitarist Bernie Leadon playing a "strange, minor-key riff that sounded sort of like a Hollywood movie version of Indian music." The song's lyrics didn't develop until Henley went down with a flu and high fever while he was reading a book about Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of the author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda had to deal with her husband's alcoholism and her own mental health issues; she ended up spending a lot of time in psychiatric hospitals. "I think that figured into the mix somehow - along with amorphous images of girls I had met at the Whisky [a Go Go] and the Troubadour," he recalled.
One of the girls who formed the "Witchy Woman" composite was the roommate of a girl Don Henley was dating in the early '70s. She practiced "white witchcraft," dabbling in the paranormal with good intentions. "I thought it was charming and seductive," Henley told Rolling Stone, "but I never took any of it seriously."
A few years later, Henley dated perhaps the most famous white witch of the era: Stevie Nicks.
Yet another influence Don Henley cites for the lyric is the author Carlos Castaneda, who at the time was studying at UCLA. Castaneda often wrote about enchantment and altered states of consciousness.
- More songs from Eagles
- More songs about women
- More songs about magic, witchcraft, UFOs or the occult
- More songs from 1972
- Lyrics to Witchy Woman
- Eagles Artistfacts
The duration of the song Witchy Woman is 3:13 minutes.
These experiences serve as a reminder of the mystical nature of indigenous cultures and the importance of acknowledging and respecting their traditions. Washuta also explores the impact of colonization on Native American peoples and their spiritual practices. She discusses how the forced assimilation of indigenous communities by European settlers led to the suppression and demonization of their spirituality. Despite these challenges, Washuta asserts that light magic persists among Native American tribes, serving as a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Overall, "Light Magic" offers a thought-provoking exploration of Native American spirituality and its connection to identity and history. Washuta's deeply personal and informative essay challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding indigenous cultures, shedding light on the enduring power of light magic and its significance in contemporary Native American life..
Reviews for "Reimagining Spirituality through Light Magic in Elissa Washuta's Memoir"
1. John Doe - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Light magic elissa washuta". The author's writing style was incredibly confusing and pretentious. The book is filled with rambling, vague descriptions and disjointed storytelling. I found it hard to follow along and connect with the narrative. Overall, I felt like the book was a waste of time and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Light magic elissa washuta", but sadly it fell short of my expectations. The author tries to tackle complex themes and emotions, but fails to do so effectively. The writing feels forced and artificial, with little genuine emotion coming through. The book also lacks a clear structure or cohesive plot, making it difficult to engage with. While there were a few interesting ideas scattered throughout, they were overshadowed by the overall underwhelming nature of the book.
3. Michael Johnson - 2/5 - "Light magic elissa washuta" left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. The author's writing is convoluted and self-indulgent, making it difficult to connect with the story on any meaningful level. The book also lacks a clear direction, jumping from one topic to another without much coherence. Additionally, the author's attempts at using poetic language and imagery often come across as pretentious and unnecessary. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and disappointing read.