My mother was a wotch. She had this uncanny ability to know things before they happened. People in our small town were both fascinated and fearful of her powers. Some thought she had a direct line to a higher power, while others believed she was simply in tune with the universe in a way that most people could never comprehend. Whatever the truth may be, there was no denying that my mother had a gift. Growing up, I witnessed countless moments where my mother would predict events with an eerie accuracy.
Freya | Norse Mythology
Freya or Freyja (Old Norse: ˈfrœyjɑ ("the Lady")) is a goddess of Norse and Germanic mythology, of whom numerous accounts involving or describing her have been preserved. Because the best documented sources of this religious tradition were handed down and, in many cases, written down more than a century and a half later, her true role, pagan practices, and worship are uncertain.
In the Eddas, Freya is described as the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. People invoked her for happiness in love, assistance in childbirth and good seasons.
Freya was also associated with war, death, magic, prophecy and wealth. The Eddas mention that she received half of those killed in battle in her palace called Folkvangr, while Odin received the other half in Valhalla. The origin of the Seidr and its teaching to the Aesir was attributed to her.
Frigg and Freya are the two main goddesses of the Norse religion and are described as the superior among the Aesir. Freya is the most revered goddess along with Frigg, and her worship seems to be the more prevalent and important of the two. In the Droplaugarsona saga it is described that in the temple of Ölvusvatn, Iceland, statues of Frigg and Freya were placed in the most important positions, opposite those of Thor and Freyr. These statues were arranged with elaborate draperies and ornamented with gold and silver. In Heimskringla Freya is presented from an evolutionary point of view as a mythological princess of Sweden. Her father Njord is seen as a mythical king of Sweden and her brother Frey is also mentioned.
Freyr and Freya's mother is Njord's sister, who is generally related to the ancient Germanic goddess Nerthus as was customary among the Vanir and permitted by their laws.
Later in Heimskringla, it is related that many temples and statues of the native pagan gods were assaulted and destroyed by Olaf I of Norway and Olaf II the Holy during the gradual and violent process of Christianization of Scandinavia.
During and after the Christianization process was extended and completed, Freyja and many elements associated with it were demonized by the growing influence of Christian missionaries. After Christian influence was consolidated in law, remnants of her faith were preserved underground, mainly in rural areas, surviving until modern times in Germanic folklore and more recently reconstructed in various forms of Germanic neo-paganism.
Growing up, I witnessed countless moments where my mother would predict events with an eerie accuracy. Whether it was a sudden storm brewing or the outcome of a sports game, she always seemed to know what was coming. Her intuition saved our family from many hardships and disasters over the years.
Etymology of Freya
The names Frey and Freya derive from Germanic words whose meanings are "the lord" and "the lady" respectively.
Like the French word dame (from Latin domina), whose masculine form (dominus) has perished, the meaning for "lord" is no longer used, but the title "Frau" still exists in Germanic languages.
The name Freya, however, is potentially related to the name Frigg (which derives from fri "to love"), because "woman" and "love" are ultimately related, just as Freya and Frigg are often thought to be avatars of each other.
In the community, my mother was sought after for her advice and guidance. People would line up outside our small house, waiting for the chance to speak with her. They believed her insights could bring them clarity in their own lives. Friends and family would often come to her seeking answers or seeking solace in troubling times. My mother always had a warm and understanding presence, offering her wisdom with compassion. But being a wotch was not always easy for my mother. She faced skepticism and ridicule from those who did not understand or appreciate her gifts. There were times when she doubted herself, wondering if her abilities were a blessing or a curse. Yet, through it all, she remained steadfast in her faith in what she knew to be true. As I grew older, I began to realize the weight of my mother's gift. I saw how she used her abilities not for personal gain, but to help others and make a positive impact in the world. Her selflessness was truly inspiring, and I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Today, I carry on my mother's legacy as a wotch. I strive to use my own intuition to bring joy and healing to those around me. While I may never fully understand the depths of my mother's powers, I am grateful for the lessons she taught me about compassion, empathy, and the strength of intuition. My mother may have been a wotch, but she was also a loving, caring, and extraordinary woman..
Reviews for "My Mother, the Solitary Witch: A Life of Independence and Magic"
1. Alice - 1/5 stars - I found "My mother was a wotch" to be incredibly disappointing. The storyline lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style was unimaginative and predictable, leaving me uninterested in continuing reading. I was hoping for a captivating and engaging novel, but unfortunately, this one fell short. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read.
2. John - 2/5 stars - "My mother was a wotch" just didn't grab my attention. The pacing was slow and the plot felt disjointed. I struggled to connect with the characters and couldn't find myself invested in their stories. The writing style was also a bit tedious and repetitive. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't consider it a memorable read.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for "My mother was a wotch" based on the synopsis, but I was left disappointed. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with unnecessary twists and turns that didn't add anything significant to the story. The characters were shallow and lacked development, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. The writing style was also cumbersome, filled with excessive descriptions that distracted from the main narrative. Overall, I found this book to be unenjoyable and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. James - 1/5 stars - "My mother was a wotch" was a letdown. The storyline felt forced and unoriginal. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found them to be flat and uninteresting. The dialogue was also insipid and uninspiring. The whole book felt like a chore to read, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating and memorable read.