Witch Hunt:

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by witches. Whether a in a nursery rhyme, a Disney cartoon, musical, movie or novel, witches are usually the most interesting characters. Although many incarnations (Bewitched, Practical Magical) depict witches as wives and lovers, most famous witches in history were figures of isolation, usually going through alone. If they had emotional support, it came from either their black cats or their witch sisters if they belonged to a coven.


As part of my love of witches, I went on a pilgrimage to Salem to check out many of the places I grew up reading about seeing on film. The trip was actually a shopping trip to Boston with some friends, but included 5 days in Salem, exploring museums and going on the witch tours.


The tourist elements of the Massachusetts city were of course exaggerated and over the top, but they couldn't gloss over the history and cultural witch lure of the past, especially when exploring graveyards at night.


Finding great images to go along with this pieces was not easy. My witch hunt had varying degree's of success. I was looking for a very specific look and feel. Not a warlock, not a wizard but the male equivalent of the traditional witch visuals. Sexy, black hat, cauldrons and brooms.


Warlock is no longer really used that often to separate male from female witches, the name has stuck, but mostly for video game characters. In addition, Warlock, from the Old English wǣrloga describes a male practitioner of evil magic. It doesn't necessarily mean they're actually a witch or what lurks within their soul.


I did find a few great drawings and art illustrations, but wasn't able to connect with the artists. But... just before posting I came upon a few great images, most notably photographer Allan Spier's The Sabbath project. Allan's images are outstanding and really brought to live my visions of male witches and really helped pull today's theme together.





Awaken

'The Sabbath is a project that captures the evocative and seductive emotions of the folklore surrounding witches and their nocturnal meetings known as the Sabbaths. These Bacchic rites let loose our inhibitions and seduce us with their promise of power and grandeur.'

Familiar



Philter