INTERVIEW WITH A ….. WITCH
If you could sit down with a witch and ask her questions, what would you ask?
Please welcome the witch in question, Jerri.
Sit back with your brew everyone and enjoy this frank but fun interview.
When people think of witches, they see broomsticks, black cats and a black pointy hat. Why do witches have such a bad rep?
It is true that when people typically think of witches, they think of the pointy hat and greenish complexion, and broom riding. This was said to have come from elderly women who were healers or herbalists in small villages; beginning as early as the 1600’s. They would cast them out for being non-traditional, not using proper medical procedures, even though they healed. The authorities would take all their belongings including their clothing, force them to wear a burlap sack and they were made to walk the streets of the villages that shunned them. Old, Haggard, that’s the look that stuck with Christians to portray us as creepy, evil, non-repenting. The broomstick riding comes from Gaelic Wicca mostly, as they believe that if you didn’t cast a spell on the broom, it was surely Fairies. As far as the familiars (black cats) the Christians chose that one too, because of its dark appearance, but a witch chooses any familiar he/she wishes. The pointy hat, however came from herbalists called “pagani.” They wore brimless conical hats at first, but then later Christians changed it to the large hat with the brim. Witches adorn many types of head-gear from headbands with the pentagram, images of the Goddess, green leaves and even antlers.
So you are a modern witch. Do you cast spells?
I have been a witch for 27 years, and although life can get hectic and busied it is important to keep the magic flowing. Yes, I cast spells and perform rituals and say small prayers and blessings every time I pass my altar.
You have a big holiday coming up, where witches and monsters are supposed to roam free. What does Halloween really mean to you?
Samhain/Halloween is my favourite holiday. We feast and decorate. It’s the beginning of winter and the beginning of the darker half of the year. The Greenman will rest, it will be the time of the Crone; harvesting, cooking and feeding friends and family. I’m starting to make some goodies this weekend. It’s a lot like the Christian version of Thanksgiving, similar foods and gathering of friends. It is most important to me because it’s when the doorway to the spirit world is open, just a crack, but it allows the spiritual presence of our loved ones that have passed to join in the festivities with us. It’s a time for me to honour the Dead and be closer to them.
Are you part of a coven if so what do you get up to?
No actually my Mother was a Christian Wiccan Herbalist/healer. I am a Solitary Eclectic Wiccan, no coven. Another reason I don’t belong to a coven, I don’t like being told what to do or how to do it.
Isn’t the religion Wiccan supposed to be about mother nature. Can you clarify?
I don’t believe in organized religion of any kind. Yes, you call her mother nature, I call her Goddess. I follow the seasons. Everything around us is alive and worthy of respect, from the dirt, to the air around us. Each season change represents a different stage of the Goddess. Now it is harvesting, feasting and rebirth. Oh, and by the way, eclectic for a Wiccan means I take bits and pieces from different beliefs such as Druidry, Gaelic and Fairy Lore. My body is my altar and everything around me is my church.
Now for the ultimate question…. what is your favourite witch film?
hmmm… that’s a tough one because they portray witches so differently in movies and on T.V. I like The Craft, (one of my favourite as well) because there is some truth in it. Witches Of Eastwick is one of the best.
Got to fly now getting ready to make some Bewitching Brownies. I’m off to a Halloween Party this evening.
Thank you, Jerri and blessing be.
Plenty of dark short tales in this diverse collection. Heads & Tales buy direct from the author. Leave out the middle man.
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