If you are interested in discovering a genuine witch, there are a few key aspects to consider. It is essential to approach this topic with an open mind and a respectful attitude towards different beliefs and practices. While witches are often associated with magic and supernatural abilities, it is important to note that not all witches will fit this stereotype. One way to begin your search for a genuine witch is to educate yourself on different witchcraft traditions and their varied practices. It is crucial to understand that witchcraft is a diverse and multi-faceted belief system. There are various branches of witchcraft, such as Wicca, traditional witchcraft, and kitchen witchery.
For many people, and for children in particular, the moral alignment of a witch is clearly and invariably inscribed on her face. Old hags are evil, proffering poisoned apples or luring abandoned youngsters into deceptively delicious gingerbread houses. Good witches are bright, fairy-like creatures, with clear skin and resplendent gowns. The most famous good witch in popular culture, Glinda of Oz, tells a bewildered Dorothy that “Only bad witches are ugly”, thereby solidifying an aesthetic/moral binary that defined popular culture for much of the twentieth century.
The most famous good witch in popular culture, Glinda of Oz, tells a bewildered Dorothy that Only bad witches are ugly , thereby solidifying an aesthetic moral binary that defined popular culture for much of the twentieth century. Although accumulating a veritable cornucopia of origin myths and pre-Christian antecedents, La Befana is as much a feature of modern Italy as she is an emblem of its past.
There are various branches of witchcraft, such as Wicca, traditional witchcraft, and kitchen witchery. By familiarizing yourself with these different traditions, you will gain a better understanding of what to look for in a genuine witch. To identify a genuine witch, it is important to look for signs of authenticity.
When Good Witches are Ugly: La Befana; or, the Italian Christmas Witch
For many people, and for children in particular, the moral alignment of a witch is clearly and invariably inscribed on her face. Old hags are evil, proffering poisoned apples or luring abandoned youngsters into deceptively delicious gingerbread houses. Good witches are bright, fairy-like creatures, with clear skin and resplendent gowns. The most famous good witch in popular culture, Glinda of Oz, tells a bewildered Dorothy that “Only bad witches are ugly”, thereby solidifying an aesthetic/moral binary that defined popular culture for much of the twentieth century.
In Italy, however, the good witch is a wizened hag. Her bent shoulders, broken shoes and tattered rags conceal a kind and generous heart. While the nation’s children may await the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, two weeks later, on the Eve of the Epiphany (January 5 th ), they climb into bed dreaming of the treats they will receive from the beloved La Befana.
Traditional representation of La Befana
Traditionally depicted as an old woman, clad in ragged garments and sitting astride a broomstick, La Befana embodies the popular conception of the hideous crone; yet, her ugliness is not a signifier of evil. A truly benevolent figure, La Befana is adored by Italian children, and she is widely believed to bring sweets and small treasures to those who have been good. According to a popular Italian song,
The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all broken
With a dress in Roman style
Up, up with the Befana !!
(La Befana vien di notte
con le scarpe tutte rotte
col vestito alla “romana”
viva viva la Befana!!)
The name “Befana” is generally assumed to be a linguistic corruption of Epiphany (Epifania in Italian), the Christian festival that commemorates the arrival of the Magi, or Three Wise Men, at the infant Christ’s Bethlehem manger. On the night before the Epiphany, La Befana is believed to fly across the countryside on her broomstick. Entering homes through chimneys or keyholes, the kind old witch brings sweets to good children and coal to bad ones. Many parents, keen to keep up the illusion of La Befana’s annual visits, will not only leave treats for their children, but will even try to trick them by including some fragments “coal”, which is generally made from sugar, in their Christmas stockings.
Sugar “coal” – it’s veeeeeeeeery sweet
In most representations, La Befana is hunchbacked and red-nosed. While she is most popularly depicted riding a broomstick, she can occasionally be seen on a donkey. Presumably, this is an iconographic connection to the Holy Family, who themselves travelled to Bethlehem on a donkey.
Despite these Catholic trappings, La Befana is a truly dynamic example of cultural and religious syncretism. The name “Befana” finds its first literary articulation in a 1549 poem by Agnolo Firenzuola. During the Middle Ages and the early modern period, she was the subject of a popular legend that saw her interact directly with Biblical figures. In one version of the story, the Three Wise Men, following the star to Bethlem, pause to ask directions to the Christ Child’s manger. The old woman provides the Magi with guidance but declines their invitation to join them on their journey, being too busy sweeping her house; she is, after all, a diligent housekeeper. Later, she regrets her decision and sets off alone in to find the Baby Jesus, searching for him to this day. In other permutations of the tale La Befana is an older woman whose son has died. She donates her deceased child’s belongings to the infant Jesus. She is rewarded for kindness by being empowered to act as a kind of “witchy godmother” to all of the children in Italy.
Befana and stocking I received this year
Like many folkloric traditions, however, La Befana is generally understood to have her origins in pre-Christian beliefs and practices. Her origins are, therefore, rather tangled, interwoven with a wide range of obscure rites and mythologies. One potential origin for La Befana frames the old witch as intimately connected to the Roman pagan festival, Saturnalia. A two-week long winter celebration, Saturnalia honoured the fertility God, and often end with Romans travelling to the Temple of Juno on the Capitoline Hill where an elderly woman would consult with the gods and interpret their will. Carlo Ginzburg, one of Italy’s pre-eminent witchcraft scholars, claimed that La Befana was a manifestation of an Alpine goddess Perchta (the Bright One). A pagan deity known by a thousand different names, Perchta traditionally took two forms: a beautiful woman with skin as white as snow, or more commonly, a withered hag. The beloved Christmas witch also displays numerous parallels with a Roman goddess called Strenua, who was believed was believed to represent the new year and its attendant promise of purification. She has also been connected to an obscure rite practised by the Celtic peoples who inhabited Pianura Padana and parts of the Alps, which entitled the immolation of wicker puppets in honour of the gods. La Befana has also been associated with a practice, widespread in many European countries, of burning a puppet decorated like an old woman to symbolise the death of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Alongside her multitudinous and often obscure connections to Italy’s pagan past, La Befana also possess a number of international equivalents. In particular, we find a mirror image of La Befana in the Russian story of Babushka, an old woman who also refuses the Wise Men’s offer to travel with them.
Although accumulating a veritable cornucopia of origin myths and pre-Christian antecedents, La Befana is as much a feature of modern Italy as she is an emblem of its past. The festive hag is widely adored by small children, and every year parents fill stockings with sweets (caramelle), chocolates and sugar “coal” to convince their little ones that La Befana has paid them a visit. Although, it’s interesting to note that, as Stefano Zocchi points out in an article for Folklore Thursday, the introduction of the Christmas stocking is a fairly recent innovation in Italy and most likely seems to be an American import. In the days before January 6 th , shops windows across Italy are decorated with effigies of pointy-nosed, wrinkled hags. For the unsuspecting tourist, it’s almost like stumbling across a second Halloween nestled amidst the dark days of January and waiting to brighten the tedium of the long post-Christmas nights.
"I became interested in carving when I was a child and wondered how a wooden elephant was made."
One of the most critical aspects is their sincere belief and dedication to their craft. A genuine witch will have a deep connection and respect for nature and its cycles. They may engage in rituals, spellwork, and divination practices as a way to connect with the spiritual realm. Another way to discover a genuine witch is to seek out reputable sources and communities related to witchcraft. There are numerous books, online forums, and social media groups dedicated to the study and practice of witchcraft. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable insights and guidance in your quest to find a genuine witch. It is important to approach the subject of witchcraft with sensitivity and respect. When interacting with individuals who identify as witches, it is essential to ask questions respectfully, showing genuine interest in their beliefs and experiences. Remember that not all witches may be open to discussing or demonstrating their practices, as some may prefer to keep their craft private. Overall, discovering a genuine witch requires an open mind, respect for diverse beliefs, and a willingness to learn. By educating yourself on different witchcraft traditions, looking for signs of authenticity, and engaging with reputable sources and communities, you can increase your chances of finding a genuine witch..
Reviews for "Seeking the Elusive: How to Find a Genuine Witch in Today's Society"
1. Emily - 1 star
"How can I discover a genuine witch" was an absolute waste of time. The author makes sweeping claims about being able to spot a witch, but provides no substantial evidence or credible sources to back them up. The book is filled with pseudo-science and baseless speculation, leaving me feeling more confused than educated. I expected some sort of practical guide or at least a well-researched study, but all I got were wild assumptions and anecdotes. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this book.
2. Adam - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "How can I discover a genuine witch," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book does provide some interesting historical and cultural information about witchcraft, it fails to deliver on its promise of helping readers identify genuine witches. The author's tips and tricks are vague and subjective, leaving plenty of room for error and misinterpretation. I felt like I was reading a poorly-written self-help book rather than a reliable guide. If you're truly interested in learning about witches, I would recommend looking for a more reputable and well-researched resource.
3. Sofia - 1 star
I found "How can I discover a genuine witch" to be incredibly misleading and lacking in substance. The author seems more interested in sensationalizing witchcraft than providing any real insights or knowledge. The book is filled with exaggerated stories and weak attempts at creating a mystical atmosphere. Furthermore, the author's suggestions for identifying witches are based on outdated stereotypes and misconceptions. If you're looking for a serious and informative book on the subject, look elsewhere. This one is a major disappointment.