"Witch, a potent echo of our ancestral healers, resonates with a rich tapestry of emotions and history.
The word carries with it a sense of enchantment, magic, fairy tales, fear, and, for me personally, a deep sense of longing.
Once upon a time, a witch was synonymous with a healer, a sage skilled in herbal medicine, a comforting presence during childbirth, and a guide for souls transitioning to the afterlife. Witches were the artisans of healing, the pillars of support and wisdom. They were the trusted beacons we turned to in times of need.
However, as the Christian patriarchy began its conquest of European tribes, it viewed the wisdom of witches and pagan religions as a threat that needed to be eradicated. To establish their newfound religion, the conquerors branded these wise individuals as evil.
Generations of accumulated knowledge about herbs and magic were systematically erased as the Roman Empire and its influence crept in. Much of our cherished history was banished from households, and we were coerced into adopting a new faith. The holy men and women who held the ancient knowledge were persecuted and extinguished.
Regrettably, Europe lost an invaluable part of its heritage and the autonomy to live by its own traditions. Centuries after the spread of Christianity across Europe, the Catholic Pope sanctioned the burning of those who still clung to their cherished wisdom.
To me, the word 'witch' carries a poignant nostalgia for a world where such a tragedy never occurred. In that alternate reality, different faiths would have recognized their commonalities, and tribes would have thrived in their unique ways. In this world, the concept of sin might never have taken root, and our connection to nature and our inner selves would remain intact.
The word 'witch' is one I yearn to reclaim and reintegrate into the modern lexicon. Fortunately, it is making a resurgence, with numerous movies, stories, and social media accounts celebrating magic, wizards, and witches.
I am determined to breathe new life into this word, just as I aspire to do with 'Isis,' but that's a tale for another time."
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