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In classical times, ancient Thessalian witches were believed to control the moon… link
We interrupt this article to issue an important public service message: What’s the difference between a Sorceress and a Witch?!? (You’d think an answer to that question would be a simple one…) “The term ‘witch’ has been traced by etymologists to the Old English ‘wicce,’ meaning a female magician or Sorceress. Specifically, a ‘wicce’ was a woman who made dealings with evil spirits. Although not verified, it has been suggested that the original meaning of ‘wicce’ was more precise than as a synonym for Sorceress, referring to a specific set of practices. In 1584, Reginald Scot observed in his ‘The Discoverie of Witchcraft’ that ‘witch’ and ‘wise woman’ were essentially synonymous.” link “…sorcerers as dominant persons who deliberately use rituals to impose their will and mediate cosmic power both for constructive and destructive purposes. Political leaders often possess a monopoly of sorcery skills. (!) By contrast, Stephen characterizes witches as socially unimportant persons who harbor totally destructive powers and carry blame for misfortune and death. Their powers cannot be controlled. They are accused, denounced, and punished.” link (There are still too many overlapping, grey areas…) “What drew me to the image of the witch is that she is a dangerous figure of female power, associated with fear of female sexuality and the need to silence and burn women who are too beautiful or have too much social & sexual power or too much knowledge…this is the image men want in their fantasy woman…” link (Now that’s more like it.) (OK, this kinda sums up my Sorceress Archetype…)
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 lived alone in the woods, surrounded by animals
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“Witches are often portrayed as very knowledgeable in the workings of nature, especially plants and weather. A Witch will be closer to earth watching the seasons turn and advising people when to plant their crops. It’s common for witches to live alone in the woods, and to be a nature-lover…A Witch probably has a green thumb too, so she can grow herbs for her magic potions…Witches are often seen around animals…cats are the most common…” link **
Played by Susan Hampshire, Lori MacGregor was labeled a “Witch” because of her ability to heal animals – wild & domestic. They’d come to her when sick or wounded knowing she’d care for them. At the time this Disney movie was released I had a ginger cat named Puff (No, he wasn’t named after the Magic Dragon. He was named after the character in a beloved children’s book: Puff the Blue Kitten) As befitting this Archetype, Lori’s mysterious “power to heal” also fueled my passion for all things extraordinary. ** Witches & dragons get on very well together. They often work with and ride on the back of dragons; and if the bond is especially close, the dragon will (on occasion) allow the witch to remove a scale or two from its body to use in spells or herbal remedies. *** Interestingly, Don Chaffey directed both this AND Jason and The Argonauts. |
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House M - 