Lowest income witchcraft refers to the practice of witchcraft or spellcasting by individuals who come from low-income backgrounds or who lack access to financial resources. These practitioners often rely on their knowledge of herbal medicine, folklore, and cultural beliefs to provide spiritual and magical services to clients in their communities. **The main idea:** The main idea is that individuals from low-income backgrounds engage in the practice of witchcraft as a means to provide spiritual and magical services to their communities..
G iven the tradition of the Biblical dragon, it was of course all too easy to see the dragon as the embodiment of Satan, so it comes as no surprise that people rumoured to have a dragon ended up at the stake. German folklore confirms that the dragon and the witch were birds of a feather as it suggested the same remedies against dragons and against witches trying to interfere with one’s property. In 1636, the German-Baltic theologian Paul Einhorn wrote about flying, fiery spirits ‘today still owned by many’ that steal ‘grain and goods’ for their masters. Einhorn believed in these ‘evil and horrible idols of wealth’ and condemned their cult as demon worship.
When the prince elector of Trier explained why, after months of hesitation, he d finally decided to have official charges brought against Flade, he said that Flade was notoriously avaricious. When he purchased large quantities of barley to brew beer, he not only displaced small-scale brewers but also triggered such a substantial price increase for barley that the price of bread became inflated too.
.
Curses! Romania’s witches forced to pay income tax
Romanian Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned for witchcraft under communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s repressive regime, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
By ALISON MUTLER, Associated Press Jan. 5, 2011 12:33 PM PT Share Close extra sharing optionsRomanian witch Mihaela Minca, right, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, as her daughter and apprentice Casanndra, left, looks on, in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Romanian witch Mihaela Minca holds cards during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Romanian witch Mihaela Minca deals cards during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
AdvertisementRomanian Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned for witchcraft under communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s repressive regime, displays implements during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Romanian witch Mihaela Minca holds a shell above a deck of cards during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Romanian witchcraft apprentice Casanndra Minca, the daughter of witch Mihaela, not seen, is seen behind plaster hands used in witchcraft during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Romanian Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned for witchcraft under communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s repressive regime, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Mogosoaia, Romania, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. Trouble is brewing for Romania’s witches, whose toil is being taxed for the first time despite their threats of putting curses on the government. Also being taxed for the first time are fortune tellers, who probably saw this coming. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
CHITILA, Romania (AP - Everyone curses the tax man, but Romanian witches angry about having to pay up for the first time hurled poisonous mandrake into the Danube River on Thursday to cast spells on the president and government.
Romania’s newest taxpayers also included fortune tellers - but they probably should have seen it coming.
Superstitions are no laughing matter in Romania - the land of the medieval ruler who inspired the “Dracula” tale - and have been part of its culture for centuries. President Traian Basescu and his aides have been known to wear purple on certain days, supposedly to ward off evil.
A witch at the Danube named Alisia called the new tax law “foolish.”
“What is there to tax, when we hardly earn anything?” she said, identifying herself with only one name as many Romanian witches do.
Yet on the Chitila River in southern Romania, other witches gathered around a fire Thursday and threw corn into an icy river to celebrate Epiphany. They praised the new government measure, saying it gives them official recognition.
Witch Melissa Minca told The Associated Press she was “happy that we are legal,” before chanting a spell to call for a good harvest, clutching a jar of charmed river water, a sprig of mistletoe and a candle.
The new tax law is part of the government’s drive to collect more revenue and crack down on tax evasion in a country that is in recession.
In the past, the less mainstream professions of witch, astrologer and fortune teller were not listed in the Romanian labor code, as were those of embalmer, valet and driving instructor. People who worked those jobs used their lack of registration to evade paying income tax.
Under the new law, like any self-employed person, they will pay 16 percent income tax and make contributions to health and pension programs.
Some argue the law will be hard to enforce, as the payments to witches and astrologers usually are small cash amounts of 20 to 30 lei ($7-$10) per consultation.
Mircea Geoana, who lost the presidential race to Basescu in 2009, performed poorly during a crucial debate, and his camp blamed attacks of negative energy by their opponent’s aides.
Geoana aide Viorel Hrebenciuc alleged there was a “violet flame” conspiracy during the campaign, saying Basescu and other aides dressed in purple on Thursdays to increase his chances of victory.
Romanian officials still wear purple clothing on important days, because the color supposedly makes the wearer superior and wards off evil.
Such spiritualism has long been tolerated by the Orthodox Church in Romania, and the late Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, had their own personal witch.
Queen witch Bratara Buzea, 63, who was imprisoned in 1977 for witchcraft under Ceausescu’s repressive regime, is furious about the new law.
Sitting cross-legged in her villa in the lake resort of Mogosoaia, just north of Bucharest, she said Wednesday she planned to cast a spell using a particularly effective concoction of cat excrement and a dead dog.
“We do harm to those who harm us,” she said. “They want to take the country out of this crisis using us? They should get us out of the crisis because they brought us into it.”
“My curses always work!” she cackled in a smoky voice, sitting next to a wood-burning stove, surrounded by potions, charms, holy water and ceramic pots.
But not every witch threatened fire and brimstone.
“This law is very good,” said Mihaela Minca, sister of Melissa. “It means that our magic gifts are recognized and I can open my own practice.”
Sitting cross-legged in her villa in the lake resort of Mogosoaia, just north of Bucharest, she said Wednesday she planned to cast a spell using a particularly effective concoction of cat excrement and a dead dog.
.
Reviews for "Supporting Impoverished Communities through Witchcraft: The Impact of Lowest Income Practices"
1. Sarah - 2/5
"Lowest income witchcraft" is not what I expected at all. The title may be misleading as it suggests a unique and interesting perspective on witchcraft, but in reality, it's just a basic rehash of well-known spells and rituals. The author claims to bring a fresh perspective to witchcraft, but I found the content to be cliché and lacking any originality. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly unique and insightful read on the subject.
2. John - 1/5
I was extremely disappointed with "Lowest income witchcraft". It's filled with pseudoscience and new-age mumbo jumbo. The author tries to pass off their own beliefs as fact, but it's clear that they lack any real knowledge or understanding of witchcraft. The rituals and spells mentioned in the book are nothing more than generic and unimpressive. Save your money and find a more reputable source if you're truly interested in learning about witchcraft.
3. Emily - 2/5
I found "Lowest income witchcraft" to be quite underwhelming. The writing style was lackluster, and it felt like the author was just going through the motions. The information provided is basic and can easily be found in any introductory book on witchcraft. There was no depth or unique perspective offered, leaving me feeling like I wasted my time and money on this book. If you're looking for a more comprehensive and insightful guide to witchcraft, I would recommend looking elsewhere.