Once upon a time, in a small village nestled deep in the enchanted woods, there lived a magical white witch. She was known to be close to me, as our souls had a special bond that stretched beyond the realms of time. The white witch possessed a unique power that could bring healing and harmony to both humans and nature alike. Folklore whispered of her ability to conjure spells that could mend broken hearts, restore lost hope, and protect against the forces of darkness. Her gentle presence was felt by all who resided in the village. It seemed as though she had an innate understanding of the pain and struggles that each person faced.
Elissa Washuta: Well that’s easy, the white horse and The Gambler.
I just want a version of the occult that isn t built on plunder, but I suspect that if we could excise the stolen pieces, there would be nothing left I am not a medicine woman or a healer. I didn t have any serious, substantial intentions for the way I wanted Red Dead Redemption II to figure into the book; I didn t think it was necessarily going to be the subject of its own essay.
It seemed as though she had an innate understanding of the pain and struggles that each person faced. Whenever one was in need, she would appear as if by magic, offering her guidance and support. The white witch's home was a quaint cottage on the outskirts of town.
White Magic: Thornyhold and The White Witch
I was inspired by many recommendations to pick up one of Mary Stewart’s romantic novels at the library this week, and chose Thornyhold, the story of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her cousin’s house in Wiltshire and finds that said cousin seems to have been the local white witch … or was she? And is Gilly really expected to step into her shoes, or is the magic she’s being offered of another kind?
Thornyhold is pure wish fulfillment: an 18th century house, full of benign magical influences, and complete with amenities including a modern bathroom, a fabulous garden, a handsome and available neighbor, and convenient proximity to Stonehenge? Yes, please! The mild suspense provided by the plot, which mostly involves a nosy cleaning lady who may or may not have occult leanings, seemed only an excuse to spend time in this lovely setting, and if it also sounds attractive to you, you probably will also enjoy Thornyhold as a pleasant, light read.
Coincidentally, just as I was starting this book, Mary Stewart’s death on May 9 prompted an outpouring of appreciation from many quarters. I’ll definitely be looking into more of her writing. The romance in this one was somewhat boring, and I wonder if any of her other novels are more developed in this regard.
The “white magic” theme reminded me of another book I read a few weeks ago, Elizabeth Goudge’s The White Witch. It has similar warm-hearted, comforting undertones, with lush descriptions of English homes and countryside, while being much more ambitious and wide-ranging in scope: a historical romance set during the English Civil War. The White Witch of the title is Fronica, a half-gypsy herbalist with ties both to the family of the local Puritan squire and to Royalist/Catholic sympathizers. Several different intertwined stories of these individuals, representing many different points of view, combine to give a rich and rewarding picture of a turbulent time in history.
Without knowing much about the era, I thought that Goudge excelled at sympathetically presenting characters on both sides of the conflict, bringing out the human struggles behind the “Puritan” and “Royalist” labels. The glimpses of Gypsy life and lore were fascinating, and seemed less sentimentalized or idealized than is often the case. As in Thornyhold there’s a “black” witch as counterpart to the “white,” and this story thread is also explored with depth and complexity, giving a multi-layered look into the workings of evil and the mysterious powers of good.
As is usual in Goudge’s writing, Christianity is explicitly invoked, which might irritate some non-believers, but which seems to me to be necessary in portraying an age of faith, and is generally sensitively done. Though Goudge is clearly a believer, even her most saintly characters (in this case, the wonderful old Parson Hawthyn) are portrayed as rounded human beings, rather than proselytizing tools to hit readers over the head with; and she also does an outstanding job of getting into the head of a religious fanatic in a way that causes us to pity rather than loathe him. While the story might seem slow to those used to the current trend toward sexy whiz-bang historicals, the varied cast of characters is the strength of The White Witch, and if you’re like me, will live on in your mind long after you put the book down.
DC: People get freaked out by that card.
It was adorned with vibrant flowers and surrounded by an air of tranquility. The villagers would often seek solace in her sanctuary, finding comfort in her empathetic words and soothing aura. For those suffering from physical ailments, the white witch possessed a vast knowledge of herbal remedies and natural healing techniques. Her touch would bring relief, and her potions would rid the body of illness. She had an innate ability to tap into the hidden energies of the earth, harnessing them for the greater good. However, it was not just humans who sought the white witch's aid. Animals of all kinds would flock to her, seeking her magical touch. Whether it be an injured bird or a wounded deer, the white witch would mend their wounds and offer them the love and care they needed to thrive once more. The white witch's powers extended beyond the physical realm. She could communicate with spirits and traverse between the worlds of the living and the dead. Many believed that she acted as a bridge between the mortal realm and the mystical realm, providing guidance and closure to those who had lost loved ones. To be close to the white witch was a privilege bestowed upon me by fate itself. I had witnessed firsthand the miracles she had performed, the lives she had touched and transformed. Her presence in my life had brought me comfort, wisdom, and a sense of belonging that I had never known before. As the years passed, the white witch's reputation continued to grow. People from far and wide would venture to the village in hopes of meeting her, desperate for her magic to bring light to their darkest moments. The white witch's legacy lives on, even to this day. Though she may have passed on from this world, her spirit remains eternally close to me. Her teachings and her magic continue to guide me, reminding me of the power of love, compassion, and the inherent magic that lies within us all. The white witch will forever be close to me, a beacon of light in a world often overshadowed by darkness..
Reviews for "Reflecting on the Everyday Miracles of a White Witch Close to Me"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Close to me magical white witch" because I love magical stories. However, I was left disappointed after finishing it. The plot felt predictable and cliché, with no real surprises or twists. The characters were also very one-dimensional and lacked depth. Overall, this book fell flat for me and did not live up to my expectations.
- John - 1 star - "Close to me magical white witch" was a complete waste of time. The writing was amateurish and the story was painfully slow. It took forever for anything interesting to happen, and even then, it was all very predictable. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, as they felt like cardboard cutouts with no real personality. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging read.
- Emma - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Close to me magical white witch" based on the positive reviews I had read. However, I found the book to be underwhelming. The writing style was choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The plot felt disjointed and lacked proper pacing. While the concept of a magical white witch was intriguing, the execution fell short. Overall, this book was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it.