A Society of Witches
Witch Books
“Click, clock, clack,
Our golden maid’s come back.”
It is the day of Samhain or Halloween on this October 31. Here are two interesting books for you. The first book is a book of history - which it is always good to read about. The second book is a book of stories for your reading pleasure. The exploration of stories nourishes our imagination as we might travel in the lands of places we do not quite understand.
"Royal Witches" by Gemma Hollman is a captivating journey into the world of powerful women who lived at the intersection of royalty and witchcraft. This spellbinding book explores the lives of four remarkable women – Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia; Henrietta Maria, Queen of England; Arabella Stuart; and Frances Howard, Countess of Somerset. In the midst of political intrigue, royal courts, and societal expectations, these women's stories are woven with magic, ambition, and the pursuit of power.
Hollman skillfully reveals the secrets, scandals, and struggles these royal witches faced as they navigated a world where witch hunts were all too real. From the mystical practices they were accused of to the fascinating connections between politics and the occult, "Royal Witches" is a rich tapestry of history and enchantment. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the powerful, complex women who dared to defy the norms of their time and left an indelible mark on history.
Chapters for the book "Royal Witches" by Gemma Hollman:
Include Women Discussed - Joan of Navarre, Eleanor Cobham, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Elizabeth Woodville,
These chapters provide an engaging structure for exploring the lives and experiences of the royal women at the heart of the book.
witch hut at Farmers Daughter
"The Virago Book of Witches by Shahrukh Husain" is an enthralling anthology edited by Shahrukh Husain that delves deep into the realm of witchcraft through the ages. This captivating collection brings together a diverse range of stories, poems, and essays about witches, sorcery, and the mystical, all from a feminist perspective.
Throughout the book, readers encounter a rich tapestry of narratives, both real and fictional, that explore the power and persecution of women accused of witchcraft. It spans different cultures, time periods, and genres, offering a global and multi-dimensional view of the witch archetype. The writings included shed light on the struggles, resilience, and sometimes even empowerment of women who were labeled as witches, often because they defied societal norms and threatened the established order.
Over fifty stories of crones and nixies, shape shifters and beauties are here, including the loving fox witch of Japan; Italy's Witch-Bea-Witch; Scotland's Goodwife of Laggan; Biddy Earl and the terrifying Kali and Baba Yaga who comes in many forms to haunt, entice, possess, transform and challenge.
From every corner of the globe, with tom-foolery, fun, strife and victory, these folklore and legends celebrate women who step out of line.(From AK Press)
"The Virago Book of Witches" is a thought-provoking and mesmerizing journey that not only celebrates the enduring mystique of witches but also highlights the ways in which these women were both oppressed and emancipated through history. It's a literary treasure trove that unveils the complex and timeless world of witches and the feminine power that continues to mystify and inspire.
“The witch: resilient, edgy, awe-inspiring and potent. She never disappears from our culture for long. ”