Do You Believe in Witches?
By request, here’s an MP3 version of the music I wrote for Pumpkinrot’s 2009 haunt video.
LISTEN: Do You Believe in Witches?
Just a quick editorial note (not that everything on a blog isn’t editorial):
A matter of what most would consider political correctness has been on my mind since the start of this project and I’d like address it. Namely, it’s that the subject of this piece is a witch.
I have very dear friends who are Wiccans. Maybe you can already see where I’m going here. The thing is, the witch depicted so masterfully by Mr. Rot in the aforementioned video is of the old fashioned “terrifying hag, most likely consorting with Satan” variety. Many Wiccans find this depiction offensive, as it characterizes their faith in a decidedly negative way. The roots of Wicca trace back to the traditions and practices of many of those who were persecuted as witches back in the day, and some modern Wiccans cite this nasty old crone image as a lingering propaganda tool from a very dark time. In some ways they are right. At the same time, however, this image is one that has been somewhat secularized as it has become a part of American pop culture.
I wrestled with this notion when working on this project. I certainly don’t want to harm my friends–or anyone, for that matter–but it’s clear that some could be offended. I sympathize with that. I ask myself if it’s possible for a rational person to draw a connection between this gruesome caricature and the good, decent people I know who practice Wicca. The answer, unfortunately, is that even the most bizarre prejudices can be surprisingly enduring. Believe it or not, in the year 2011 it’s not 100% safe to assume that everyone knows Wiccans don’t sacrifice animals in the name of Satan and streak across night sky on broomsticks. Some people actually still think that’s true.
Personally, I believe there are few enough crazy assholes people who feel that way that it’s no reason to spoil a perfectly good scary story. What we’re talking about here is a dark take on a classic villain with far stronger connections to The Wizard of Oz than to Joan of Arc or Bridget Bishop. In the end, I feel this a harmless indulgence of fiction and creativity and nothing more. Perhaps I’m naive but I believe no harm was done here. You may feel otherwise.
Lastly, for anyone reading who still sees the Devil lurking behind every pentacle, well…you also have my sympathies. Four centuries is a lot of catching up to do.
First off, thanks SO much for posting this!!! I’m extremely happy to have this track!
Now, as to the issue you address here, I’ve actually discussed this kind of thing with Wiccan friends before. The “witch” in question here is more rooted in folklore, and the idea of someone who practiced “black magick”. Obviously, this is the polar opposite of the Wiccan practitioner, and probably has its roots in the fact that certain “Satanic” sects also identify themselves with the “witch” moniker. In some ways, the whole “Good Witch/Bad Witch” thing in the Wizard of Oz probably is a reflection of this dichotomy between two very different types of individuals who have adopted the title .
Within Wicca, the witch has its roots in the role of the medicine woman, midwife and spiritual guide of a village or clan. There is much more in common with the Native American “medicine man” than there is with the crone of folklore. Obviously, the two images got twisted together by ignorant individuals, as well as by a church that was seeking to demonize them (quite literally). Still, as I’ve pointed out to my Wiccan friends, you cannot deny the long folkloric image of the witch. Tales like Baba Yaga, Hansel and Gretle and Snow White have all used this mythic personage, and it runs throughout literature in Shakespeare and Greek Mythology. Trying to get rid of this idea is like trying to kill off Santa Claus!
I’ve found a few Wiccans who have decided to not take offense, but rather to use the negative image as a counterpoint to their own belief system. As one Wiccan once told me, “I just tell them I’m a good witch, like Glenda”! It may seem rather silly to have to do this, but it sure is better than trying to cast the pearls before the swine! I’ve also suggested that they point out that just because someone has the title of “Priest” doesn’t mean they are necessarily Catholic (or even Christian, for that matter). A title is just that, and it can have a fairly broad meaning. Ultimately, it might not even mean the same thing to someone WITHIN the same faith. (I’ve known a few “Wiccans” who were really more uber-feminists than they were practitioners of an ancient religion). It comes down to individuals, and how they conduct themselves (and I think that holds true of anyone, regardless of their belief system).
For me, the “witch” that Rot is depicting is simply a creepy woman, practicing her dark arts in the woods. She doesn’t subscribe to the Wiccan way, and would actually consider such a person to be her mortal enemy. She is a dark presence that haunts the nightmares of children all over the world. As you pointed out, she is a classic villian. Sure, some jackwagons may confuse her with practitioners of a benign faith, but let’s face it…those folks aren’t going to understand anyway! As a wise man once told me “never try to teach a cow to sing. It wastes your time, and it just annoys the cow”!
Once again, thanks for posting this brilliant track! Looking forward to listening to it tonight!
Well said, Gill-Man.
After reading this post again it occurred to me that I was probably being overly sensitive. The truth is, I know my friends would probably laugh this off. I worry too much, generally.
I’m really happy that you like this track. Hopefully I’ll have more to share soon. Cheers!
As per a previous comment this audio also brings about visions of various scenes from John Carpenter movies. The vibe is haunting in that it creates a feeling of impending doom. It makes me think of a situation were no matter what you do the end is never going to be good, regardless of how many options there are. If that makes any sense …