The forest witch of Mendon is a mysterious figure who is said to possess incredible knowledge and power. She resides deep within the dense woods of the Mendon Forest, far away from the prying eyes of civilization. The forest witch is known to be a skilled herbalist and healer, with an intimate connection to the plants and animals that inhabit her realm. Many people seek out the forest witch for her expertise in natural remedies and potions. She is believed to be able to cure ailments that modern medicine cannot, using the plants and herbs that she gathers from the forest. It is said that she has a deep understanding of the healing properties of each plant, and can create powerful concoctions that can mend even the most severe wounds or illnesses.
The three lawmen became frightened out of their wits for they believed the man had summoned the powers of the devil against them. Lightning struck on all sides and the horses flew in fear, yet the shadow of Burroughs in the flashing light remained calm and steady in his journey. The party hurried through the hilly terrain as the storm grew worse. Their doom loomed in the hands of the accused witch as they hurried along what would later be called Witch Trot Road. Soon the storm subsided and Reverend Burroughs remained undaunted in his trek to Salem. Burroughs, who was arrested on April 30, 1692, was executed for witchcraft on August 19th of that same year.
There is speculation that all of the graves in the burial ground were covered with a large granite slab due to the fact that wandering livestock tended to dig up the interred. This fall, the colors seem drab in comparison with other years, but still, the Fall sunlight, the Fall rains, settle me into a different feeling, sweet and sad.
It is said that she has a deep understanding of the healing properties of each plant, and can create powerful concoctions that can mend even the most severe wounds or illnesses. But the forest witch of Mendon is not solely a healer. She is also said to possess a darker side, with the ability to cast potent spells and curses.
Old York’s “witches”
New England and witches go hand in hand. Some were arrested for their “powers” while others were revered. Many of these so-called minions of the devil were feared or respected well into the 19th century, and in some cases, the 20th century. In York and Wells, Maine, there are two famous yet true stories of witches.
Witch Trot Road would be a weird name for a thoroughfare in anywhere but New England. Reverend George Burroughs of Wells, who was accused of witchcraft during the height of the Salem Witch Trials. Burroughs pleaded his innocence and agreed to prove it in front of the Magistrate in Danvers. The Reverend suggested a shortcut that would bring them to Danvers much quicker. The men later believed that the witch enchanted them, then brought them to a dark forest bedeviled with evil throes of nature. When they came to a strange, high ridge, the sky grew dark and thunderclouds rumbled ominously above them.
The three lawmen became frightened out of their wits for they believed the man had summoned the powers of the devil against them. Lightning struck on all sides and the horses flew in fear, yet the shadow of Burroughs in the flashing light remained calm and steady in his journey. The party hurried through the hilly terrain as the storm grew worse. Their doom loomed in the hands of the accused witch as they hurried along what would later be called Witch Trot Road. Soon the storm subsided and Reverend Burroughs remained undaunted in his trek to Salem. Burroughs, who was arrested on April 30, 1692, was executed for witchcraft on August 19th of that same year.
The next account may be more familiar with readers of witchery and ghosts in New England.Mary Nasson was a noted and respected herbalist in the community. It was because of her knowledge in healing with plants that she became known as the “White Witch.” Mary, born in 1745, grew up in the York Village where she met and married Samuel Nasson. They had six children: Peter, William, Susannah, Samuel, George, and Mary.
She was also a skilled exorcist who rid many houses of demons and infliction in her time. Her time was rather short though as Mary died on August 18, 1774 at the age of twenty-nine, less than a year after having their youngest child.
It is quite obvious she loved children as her ghost not only roams the burial ground, but the playground across the street as well. Many mothers have sworn seeing their children being pushed on the swings in the playground near the cemetery by an unseen force. When asked, the children say it is a nice young lady named Mary who is playing with them. Any local will tell you there is nothing to fear in the spirit of Mary Nasson.
Not only does her portrait adorn the top of her gravestone, there is a great granite slab between the headstone and foot stone. Legend has it that the townsfolk put it there after she died to keep the “White Witch” from rising out of her grave. There is speculation that all of the graves in the burial ground were covered with a large granite slab due to the fact that wandering livestock tended to dig up the interred. Some time later, a wall was erected to keep the animals out and the great slabs were taken from the graves and used to line the top of the wall. Hers was the only one left with a stone in far corner of the small graveyard. After her death, her husband moved to Sanford, Maine. Each family was in charge of the upkeep of their graves, but being so far away, he would not have been able to care for Mary’s grave, so the townsfolk left the stone there to keep the livestock from uprooting her remains. It is presently the only grave in New England of such nature.
On the way back, I took the Blue Trail to the Yellow Trail, past the Water Tower and then took a right on a short trail down to the caves.
It is whispered that she can shape-shift into various animals, allowing her to move through the forest unnoticed and gather information. Some even believe that she can control the weather, bringing storms or calmness with a mere wave of her hand. Despite her formidable powers, the forest witch of Mendon is not a figure to be feared. In fact, many of the villagers living near the forest hold her in high regard, seeking her guidance and protections. They believe that she acts as a guardian of the forest, ensuring its harmony and balance. The forest witch is rarely seen by outsiders, as she prefers to keep to herself and the creatures of the forest. However, she occasionally emerges from the depths of the woods to attend to individuals who seek her aid. Those lucky enough to encounter her describe her as a wise and gentle presence, with an otherworldly beauty that reflects her deep connection to nature. The legend of the forest witch of Mendon continues to captivate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Her mystical powers and her role as both a healer and protector make her an enigmatic figure in the lore of the Mendon Forest. Whether she truly exists or is simply a product of the villagers' imagination, her story serves as a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world..
Reviews for "The Forest Witch's Spellbook: Ancient Texts and Hidden Knowledge"
1. Name: Sarah - Rating: 1/5
Review: I was really disappointed with "Forest Witch of Mendon". The story felt incredibly disjointed, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I found myself forcing my way through the pages, hoping for some improvement, but unfortunately, that never came. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel.
2. Name: John - Rating: 2/5
Review: "Forest Witch of Mendon" had the potential to be a great story, but it fell short for me. I found the pacing to be slow, and the writing style didn't engage me as a reader. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked development, making it difficult for me to invest in their journey. Additionally, the world-building felt lacking, leaving many unanswered questions. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disconnected from the story.
3. Name: Emily - Rating: 2/5
Review: I had high hopes for "Forest Witch of Mendon", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The narrative felt cliché, and the story followed predictable plot twists that didn't offer any surprises. The dialogue was lackluster and at times unrealistic, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The writing itself was also inconsistent, with moments of great descriptions followed by abrupt transitions that disrupted the flow. While I appreciate the effort of the author, this book just didn't resonate with me.