Lecture Notes: Romanian Witches and Their Influence on Society

Introduction

• The lecture explores the legacy and current status of witches in Romania.
• Key Themes:
  • The survival and thriving of witchcraft in Romania
  • Influence of witches on modern Romanian society

Arrival in Romania

• Location: Village of Mogosoaia, outskirts of Bucharest.
• Objective: Meet Romania's most powerful witches.
• Key Figures:
  • Mihaela: A powerful witch from a lineage of Roma gypsies.
  • Family includes husband Crag, son Antonio, daughters Anna and Cassandra.

The Witch Calendar

• Key Events:
  • Christian festival of Pentecost
  • Summer Solstice: Time for predicting the future
• Rituals:
  • Importance of wearing traditional clothing
  • Using traditional herbs for rituals

Witchcraft Practices

• Love Potions:
  • Brewed only on Pentecost
  • Passed down through generations
• Cultural Significance:
  • Witchcraft combines Roma and Orthodox Christian traditions
  • Social and familial alliances strengthen witch dynasties

Historical Context

• Communism in Romania:
  • Ceaușescu's regime suppressed witchcraft
  • Bratara, Mihaela’s mother-in-law, faced challenges during this time

Modern Witchcraft

• Technology Influence:
  • Practices are now conducted via phone or online
  • Long-distance witchcraft is possible
• Concerns about Modernity:
  • Potential changes and threats to traditional practices

Case Study: Virginia

• Client of Mihaela: Believes in being cursed
• Her Experiences:
  • Bad nightmares, sleep paralysis
  • Comparison to personal experiences of the lecturer

Economic Impact

• Witch Business:
  • High demand for services
  • Significant income, contributing to a tax-free economy
• Failed Tax Law (2011):
  • Attempts to tax witches unsuccessful
  • Politicians feared being hexed

Cultural Observations

• Public Perception:
  • Fear of supernatural powers
  • Need to believe in destiny manipulation
• Personal Reflection:
  • The existence of witches akin to fairytales
  • Belief impacts personal experiences and perceptions

Conclusion

• Key Realization:
  • The power of witches lies in societal fear and belief
  • Personal belief grants power to these practices

• Interesting Note: Encounter with a black cat, symbolizing superstition.