Witchcraft is a fundamental aspect of the Azande culture, a tribal society in central Africa. The Azande believe in the existence of witches who possess supernatural powers to cause harm to others through witchcraft. These witches can be male or female and are believed to inherit their powers through family lineage. The Azande people rely on oracles to determine the presence and actions of witches within their community. The primary oracle used is the poison oracle, which involves administering a concoction to a chicken. Depending on the chicken's reaction, the oracle is interpreted to reveal the presence of witchcraft.
After diving into various past life regression hypnotherapy books over the course of a few years, I was inspired to create a concept album revolving around one of the most taboo subjects known to man. DEATH. The mission of this record is to offer a perspective of true togetherness and immortality. The album starts at death and ends at womb but loops into itself meant to be played as a forever loop. The same way that our lives are on loop. Dying as an old person to be born all over again anew. Encountering the same familiar faces and patterns for our highest growth. Crybaby as you know it may have died, but she’s evolved into her newest form. My last home I lived in for six years had a room I called the “portal” room. There was a lot of activity in that room from the other side. It felt like an entry point or a landing pad for benevolent spirits to come in and rest on their journey. I wrote six of the thirteen songs that made the album in that room, but of course wrote many more that did not make the record, as well. I’d go in every day and place offerings to my ancestors on my altar, meditate, then start writing music once I felt my antenna was open to receiving. This album is the last part of Crybaby’s trilogy. I’d like to think all three of my albums each stand on their own, but I did plan for them to connect, showing Crybaby’s evolution. I wanted to introduce the character, move through the growing pains of childhood with them, then use school as an analogy for life and the systems of power here on earth our society continues to live under. Then, with PORTALS, I wanted to challenge my listeners’ perspectives by essentially saying: just like us, after Crybaby’s vessel on earth has died, she lives on as a spirit in the cosmos. It was important for me to show the immortality of being a human with this record. To give people hope that there’s life after death. ~ Melanie Martinez
Then, with PORTALS , I wanted to challenge my listeners perspectives by essentially saying just like us, after Crybaby s vessel on earth has died, she lives on as a spirit in the cosmos. Here is our first impression of the new album, in bits in pieces, as we continue to digest each track and their meanings, and with a quote from Melanie herself about how she processed through each track.
Depending on the chicken's reaction, the oracle is interpreted to reveal the presence of witchcraft. Magic also plays a significant role in Azande society. It is practiced by individuals known as healers, who possess the ability to communicate with spirits and harness their power for various purposes.
Death
Before writing this review, I had never heard of Melanie Martinez. And if you’re like me, then you’ll need an introduction into who we will be talking about.
Martinez grew up in Queens, New York, in a traditional Latin household. She loved singing and performing from a young age and, in 2012, she rose to fame on season three of NBC’s The Voice: She played two instruments at the same time, all while projecting very controlled vocals.
An obviously talented woman, Martinez landed a record deal and released her first album, Cry Baby, back in 2015. In 2019, she released her second album titled K-12. And now, nearly five years later, she’s topping the charts with her latest alternative goth-pop single called “Death” from her forthcoming album, Portals.
“Death” clocks in at over five minutes and has already garnered more than 6 million views on YouTube. It’s a morbid tune that could be interpreted a myriad of ways, especially when paired with the music video (which we’ll talk about at the end).
But the two takeaways here are that either Martinez is singing from the perspective of someone who is dead to those who are still alive, trying to summon her, or that she is telling fans she is no longer her former self, using some very vivid language.
Perhaps it’s both.
Magic is used for healing the sick, resolving conflicts, and predicting the future. The belief in witchcraft and the reliance on oracles and magic have a profound impact on the social structure and dynamics of the Azande community. Accusations of witchcraft can lead to social ostracism or even violence against the accused individual. The fear of witchcraft creates a sense of mistrust among community members, leading to the need for constant vigilance and monitoring. The Azande also use magic to address issues of misfortune and uncertainty. For example, before embarking on a journey, individuals may consult a healer to ensure their safety and success. Magic ceremonies are also performed during important life events such as childbirth, marriage, and death. Despite the belief in witchcraft and the reliance on oracles and magic, the Azande society also recognizes the importance of rationality and causal explanations for events. They understand that witchcraft alone cannot explain all phenomena and acknowledge the role of natural forces and chance. In conclusion, witchcraft, oracles, and magic are deeply ingrained in the culture and worldview of the Azande people. These beliefs and practices shape their social interactions, decision-making processes, and understanding of the world around them. While these practices may seem foreign to some, they are integral to the Azande society and contribute to its identity and belief system..
Reviews for "Azande Divination: Examining Rituals and Practices"
1. Mary - 2 stars - I found "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" to be incredibly dry and difficult to read. The author's writing style was very academic, which made it feel more like a textbook than an engaging exploration of witchcraft and magic. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked focus and often went off on tangents that were not relevant or interesting. Overall, I was disappointed with the book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for an accessible and engaging examination of these topics.
2. John - 1 star - I could barely make it through a few chapters of "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande." The author's approach was too theoretical and abstract, making it difficult to understand the practical implications of the Azande's beliefs and practices. The book lacked concrete examples and real-life stories, which would have made it more relatable. Additionally, the writing style was overly complex and dense, making it a chore to read. This book is definitely not for those looking for an accessible and enjoyable exploration of witchcraft and magic.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Witchcraft, Oracles, and Magic Among the Azande" was a disappointment for me. I had hoped to gain insight into the culture and beliefs of the Azande people, but instead, I found myself lost in a maze of abstract concepts and academic jargon. The book seemed more focused on impressing other scholars rather than providing a clear and understandable exploration of witchcraft and magic. I also found that the author's repetitive explanations became tedious and redundant after a while. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a straightforward and accessible introduction to the topic.