Anthropologist Wade Davis once said of indigenous cultures, “These other cultures are not failed attempts to be us; they are unique manifestations of the spirit—other options, other visions of life itself.”
This powerful idea of "other options" and "remember(ing) what was never lost, only forgotten," is so encouraging and uplifting in these constricting and unimaginative times. I love your essay, Swarnali, and its reminder that we might still have the possibility of resurrecting "other options, other visions of life itself," if we welcomed the witch back into our hearts and minds.
I'll need to read it again of course, but my initial feeling is wonderful. Thank you.
That quote is so powerful Jonathan! Thank you for sharing it. My hope with this series is to tread on that path to search for those “other options”. As we begin looking we might find our eyes awash with wonder and awe, in possibilities of a new way of life.
Our times are tough and unyielding, demanding not only our focus on a more healthier way of coexistence with nature but also a holistic approach to both health and social life. In this attention grabbing world where respect and adoration is tokenised and hate is weaponised, I wonder, in trail of these stories, of what wisdom passed us by through these years of colonialism and capitalism, what opportunities of utopia we missed because we were focused on accumulating.
Thank you so much for your presence and attention to this. The world hence forward is a world of our making. Only we can decide how we can put the scattered pieces back together.
I shall be coming back to this essay and quoting from it, Swarnali. Such a powerful and gentle rehabilitation of witches the world over! Thank you for this gift in these darkest of times ✨🙏🏻
This was so powerful and fulfilling and beautiful and heartbreaking and … my goodness, my friend! I am so glad you lent your voice to this conversation because what a gift it is. I felt like I just left the most fascinating class, and I can’t wait to revisit it.
I love love love the bit about the found seals and amulets. I recently found a chunk of research on rediscovered seals of women in 13th century France and I can’t wait to get into it. The hidden power, the stripped narratives. We deserve them, thank you for this.
Your words are far too kind, my friend! I’m truly humbled by these research projects, and they constantly remind me how much remains hidden in plain sight—mysteries and discoveries that could completely transform our understanding of the world and our connection to it.
I can’t wait to hear more from you about the seals as your research unfolds! Medieval artifacts are indeed captivating—they carry a silent yet profound voice, revealing truths obscured by time. They hint at alternative ways of living, perspectives we desperately need to guide us through these challenging times. Truly magical and inspiring!
Thank you Swarnali, for this beautiful reminder of what the Divine Feminine represents in this darkening time we are in - we can all rise as beams of light to be the anchors for those who have been marginalized by those in power. The world definitely needs her witches more than ever now as we rise in resistance to the oligarchs seeking to control us.
"The modern witch hunt is not just about women—it’s about forests falling to chainsaws, rivers choked with waste, air heavy with the ash of burning ecosystems." The searing truth! ❤️🔥
The witch wound… how fascinating! The times we live in requires reawakening of the witch archetype Nia. The world needs the wild more than the wild needs the world right now!
I really think you're right, and you are the first person I've known to write about that. You were writing about Baba Yaga at least two years before I ever considered reading Women Who Run With the Wolves. Fire and magic, right here, Swarna.
Fire and magic in our blood Nia! We need to internalise the fact that we are becoming our grandmother’s dream. 💜💜 You remind me always there is so much beauty and courage in that process 💜💜
Love this deep historical work on witches. I could really feel the depth and wildness even while wading through history. Yes, the witch hunts continue, just in different forms as the Yang continues to destroy the Yin. Thank you
It gives me hope to know that you could connect the dots and see the depth of this story Corey. It is almost unbelievable to me how past keeps on repeating itself and how easily we let it. Thank you for finding me. 💜
I'm only just getting around to reading this now, Swarnali. So much appreciation for this tour de force into the radical power of the feminine as it manifests in witches. I loved reading the account of the Indus Valley civilization and the reverence for the Earth and for women's relationship and attunement with Mother Earth.
So much of this seems to me to be related to Indigeneity, to the strength of a peoples' connection to earth-based ways of living and worshipping. Maybe I've written this before in commenting on your work, but I am struck by the parallels between your observations and what I see in the Indigenous communities here in Northern New Mexico, where I live. Of course the factors of colonization and patriarchy are not erased here -- sexism and misogyny carries through. But at least with some men who are tribal members here, there seems to be more awareness and honoring of women's power, perhaps because they are still rooted in many ways to the cycles of the seasons, to the gifts of the earth here. And Pueblo women frankly kick ass. I am so inspired to learn from them. Here's the group that I work with, you might enjoy learning about them: https://tewawomenunited.org/
Maia, you have such a rare gift for reading between the lines, for sensing what a writer holds in the spaces between words. I’m in awe of the depth and nuance in your observations. I wonder if this sensitivity comes from your firsthand experience working with Indigenous communities.
Colonialists have always viewed non-white peoples through the same lens as they did nature—something to be dominated, reduced to brute existence. Women and girls, unfortunately, have borne the worst of this violence. Learning from these communities, from their way of life and their relationship with the Earth, can help cleanse the biased lens we have inherited.
Thank you for drawing a connection between my work and the strength of Indigenous women in New Mexico. It’s deeply moving to know that, despite the forces of erasure, they continue to be respected within their communities. I feel truly honored to find even the smallest place in their orbit. You inspire me, Maia. I’ll definitely explore the work of Tewa Women United. And if you’re open to it, I’d love to connect sometime to hear more about your experiences. I’m eager to learn how I can contribute meaningfully to similar communities here in India.
And yes, I've learned so much by being in community with these amazing women (and men) over the years that I've lived here. Here's a quote you'll also appreciate, from Katsi Cook (Mohawk): “Women are the first environment. In pregnancy, our bodies sustain life. At the breast of women, the generations are nourished. In this way, we as women are Earth.”
Anthropologist Wade Davis once said of indigenous cultures, “These other cultures are not failed attempts to be us; they are unique manifestations of the spirit—other options, other visions of life itself.”
This powerful idea of "other options" and "remember(ing) what was never lost, only forgotten," is so encouraging and uplifting in these constricting and unimaginative times. I love your essay, Swarnali, and its reminder that we might still have the possibility of resurrecting "other options, other visions of life itself," if we welcomed the witch back into our hearts and minds.
I'll need to read it again of course, but my initial feeling is wonderful. Thank you.
That quote is so powerful Jonathan! Thank you for sharing it. My hope with this series is to tread on that path to search for those “other options”. As we begin looking we might find our eyes awash with wonder and awe, in possibilities of a new way of life.
Our times are tough and unyielding, demanding not only our focus on a more healthier way of coexistence with nature but also a holistic approach to both health and social life. In this attention grabbing world where respect and adoration is tokenised and hate is weaponised, I wonder, in trail of these stories, of what wisdom passed us by through these years of colonialism and capitalism, what opportunities of utopia we missed because we were focused on accumulating.
Thank you so much for your presence and attention to this. The world hence forward is a world of our making. Only we can decide how we can put the scattered pieces back together.
Well-said
I shall be coming back to this essay and quoting from it, Swarnali. Such a powerful and gentle rehabilitation of witches the world over! Thank you for this gift in these darkest of times ✨🙏🏻
Thank you Annette for your presence and attention. Come back whenever you feel like. Berkana and I are always here for you.
This was so powerful and fulfilling and beautiful and heartbreaking and … my goodness, my friend! I am so glad you lent your voice to this conversation because what a gift it is. I felt like I just left the most fascinating class, and I can’t wait to revisit it.
I love love love the bit about the found seals and amulets. I recently found a chunk of research on rediscovered seals of women in 13th century France and I can’t wait to get into it. The hidden power, the stripped narratives. We deserve them, thank you for this.
Your words are far too kind, my friend! I’m truly humbled by these research projects, and they constantly remind me how much remains hidden in plain sight—mysteries and discoveries that could completely transform our understanding of the world and our connection to it.
I can’t wait to hear more from you about the seals as your research unfolds! Medieval artifacts are indeed captivating—they carry a silent yet profound voice, revealing truths obscured by time. They hint at alternative ways of living, perspectives we desperately need to guide us through these challenging times. Truly magical and inspiring!
Thank you for this gift on solstice 🙏
Thank you for the gift of your attention 💜
Happy Solstice!
Happy Solstice to you too!
Thank you
Powerful and thorough read. Thank you for this level of depth. I remain captivated.
Thank you for spending your time on this dear one.
Thank you Swarnali, for this beautiful reminder of what the Divine Feminine represents in this darkening time we are in - we can all rise as beams of light to be the anchors for those who have been marginalized by those in power. The world definitely needs her witches more than ever now as we rise in resistance to the oligarchs seeking to control us.
Every word you wrote resounds of truth and solidarity Barbara. Let’s hex the oligarchy - you and I
"The modern witch hunt is not just about women—it’s about forests falling to chainsaws, rivers choked with waste, air heavy with the ash of burning ecosystems." The searing truth! ❤️🔥
Niaaaa 💜
I had been saving this for when I really had time to give it my attention, didn't intend for it to be so long! What a treat.
And so, so wild, I have been meandering through the internet world of people talking about the Witch Wound. 🧚🕯️
The witch wound… how fascinating! The times we live in requires reawakening of the witch archetype Nia. The world needs the wild more than the wild needs the world right now!
I really think you're right, and you are the first person I've known to write about that. You were writing about Baba Yaga at least two years before I ever considered reading Women Who Run With the Wolves. Fire and magic, right here, Swarna.
Fire and magic in our blood Nia! We need to internalise the fact that we are becoming our grandmother’s dream. 💜💜 You remind me always there is so much beauty and courage in that process 💜💜
Stunning, as ever, dear Swarnali.
Thank you for your presence and attention dear friend 💜
Love this deep historical work on witches. I could really feel the depth and wildness even while wading through history. Yes, the witch hunts continue, just in different forms as the Yang continues to destroy the Yin. Thank you
It gives me hope to know that you could connect the dots and see the depth of this story Corey. It is almost unbelievable to me how past keeps on repeating itself and how easily we let it. Thank you for finding me. 💜
Thank you again. Informative and so enriching.
Thank you Emily for being present and listening 💜
You are so welcome!
Beautifully said. And so important to remind us now.
Thank you Kristi for spending your time with this work 💜
Amen
I'm only just getting around to reading this now, Swarnali. So much appreciation for this tour de force into the radical power of the feminine as it manifests in witches. I loved reading the account of the Indus Valley civilization and the reverence for the Earth and for women's relationship and attunement with Mother Earth.
So much of this seems to me to be related to Indigeneity, to the strength of a peoples' connection to earth-based ways of living and worshipping. Maybe I've written this before in commenting on your work, but I am struck by the parallels between your observations and what I see in the Indigenous communities here in Northern New Mexico, where I live. Of course the factors of colonization and patriarchy are not erased here -- sexism and misogyny carries through. But at least with some men who are tribal members here, there seems to be more awareness and honoring of women's power, perhaps because they are still rooted in many ways to the cycles of the seasons, to the gifts of the earth here. And Pueblo women frankly kick ass. I am so inspired to learn from them. Here's the group that I work with, you might enjoy learning about them: https://tewawomenunited.org/
Maia, you have such a rare gift for reading between the lines, for sensing what a writer holds in the spaces between words. I’m in awe of the depth and nuance in your observations. I wonder if this sensitivity comes from your firsthand experience working with Indigenous communities.
Colonialists have always viewed non-white peoples through the same lens as they did nature—something to be dominated, reduced to brute existence. Women and girls, unfortunately, have borne the worst of this violence. Learning from these communities, from their way of life and their relationship with the Earth, can help cleanse the biased lens we have inherited.
Thank you for drawing a connection between my work and the strength of Indigenous women in New Mexico. It’s deeply moving to know that, despite the forces of erasure, they continue to be respected within their communities. I feel truly honored to find even the smallest place in their orbit. You inspire me, Maia. I’ll definitely explore the work of Tewa Women United. And if you’re open to it, I’d love to connect sometime to hear more about your experiences. I’m eager to learn how I can contribute meaningfully to similar communities here in India.
Absolutely open to it!
And yes, I've learned so much by being in community with these amazing women (and men) over the years that I've lived here. Here's a quote you'll also appreciate, from Katsi Cook (Mohawk): “Women are the first environment. In pregnancy, our bodies sustain life. At the breast of women, the generations are nourished. In this way, we as women are Earth.”
We as women are Earth! - most powerful 5 word sentence I ever read. Thank you Maia for letting me experience this innate wisdom. 💜