The REAL story of the original witches

Tarotbella introduces us to the gifted women of ages past who saw themselves instead as lightworkers, light-years ahead of their time…

From 1484 until around 1750, witch trials saw some 200,000 witches
tortured, killed or burnt at a stake across Western Europe, usually
for no ‘crime’ other than being old and poor. Criminal or witch, it
didn’t matter – but nowadays, the two are far from mistaken for one
another. Today, a witch is seen as a beacon of magic and possibility,
and green witch, white witch, fairy witch, garden witch, whatever she is,
2020 is her time to shine.

So, in glorious hindsight, let’s revisit some of the infamous so-called ‘witches’ of the past, and ask ourselves, ‘were they actually lightworkers who were light-years ahead of their time?’ Is there a message from their plight for those of us living in the modern, increasingly spiritual, and inclusive world? And do you relate to them, and find a witch deep inside of you? Read on to meet the witches who spread light and healing many centuries ago.

The Pythia

The Pythia was the name of the High Priestess occupying the Temple of
Apollo at Delphi. People would make pilgrimages there in order to consult her for their fortune or oracle; this practice continued from around the 8th century BC until the 4th century AD. The Pythia channelled the god Apollo to receive prophecies: the process was exhausting, and was even believed to be life-shortening. First, the Pythia bathed in the Castalian Spring, which was followed by the sacrifice of a goat. She would then descend beneath the temple to a central chamber, the Omphalos, where she sat on a covered tripod cauldron over a deep well-like chasm. Enveloped by vapours, while shaking bay branches, the Pythia would then fall into a trance.

Many different High Priestesses (sometimes as many as three at one time) undertook the distinguished role of Pythia, allowing them greater prestige and independence than most other women during the classical Greek
era. Each Pythia was selected at the death of her predecessor, from amongst a guild of priestesses of the temple. These women were all from Delphi and were characterised by living sober, dignified and moral lives. Although some were married, upon assuming their role as Pythia, they ceased all family responsibilities, marital relations, and individual identities. Their ability to provide divinations was enabled by their separation and indeed elevation from their community. Isolation was the price they paid.

Our lesson for today

Divination and fortune-telling doesn’t require you to quit your daily life and separate from society anymore. But the theme of purity lingers. A fortune-teller must come to the reading with pure, clean intentions and be a conduit of the messages they receive, rather than using the session to express their own judgment or beliefs. Personal, individual opinion takes a back seat. The reader must provide a clear lens through which the questioner can examine their future.

Read the full feature in the October issue of Soul & Spirit, on sale Thursday 10th September from all major retailers. Click here to subscribe and get it delivered direct to your door every month, PLUS a bonus free* gift. Or, order a digital copy for your device via PocketMags here.

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