In the realm of the supernatural and the unexplained, two disparate worlds collide: witchcraft and artificial intelligence (A.I). One is steeped in centuries-old traditions, mysterious practices, and tales of magic, while the other represents the forefront of human innovation. Let us embark on a journey to explore the parallels and disparities between these two realms, delving into questions about the existence of witchcraft, and examining intriguing tales from diverse cultures.
Does Witchcraft Exist?
The question of whether witchcraft exists is a complex and subjective one. Throughout history, many cultures worldwide have believed in individuals possessing supernatural powers and practicing witchcraft. From ancient
civilizations to modern societies, the concept of witches and their magical abilities has persisted. However, it is essential to note that beliefs in witchcraft vary widely, and opinions on its existence range from staunch believers to skeptics.
One of the most fascinating aspects of witchcraft is the rich tapestry of stories that accompany it. In Benin, Nigeria, and various other regions globally, tales of people flying on brooms, and turning into various kinds of animals at night have captured the imaginations of generations. In Benin, particularly, the belief in witches transforming into birds, animals, and insects is deeply ingrained in the cultural narrative. I remember growing up as a teenager I heard a lot of stories about witches and their transformation, there was one event that occurred in my home town the head chief instructed young men to cut down all the trees in the village, in other to stop all the witches from using the trees as their meeting places, but before the trees were cut down I had started my tree-planting campaign all over the country, so you can imagine how disappointed I felt especially now that I have taken my Environmental activism beyond Nigeria.
Growing up in a typical village setting and transitioning between childhood and adulthood from the early 50s to the late 60s, there was always a pitch-darkness at night except during the full moon. I was intrigued by many stories about a particular tree hundreds of years old, the majority of the villagers believe that the tree was a meeting place for all the witches and wizards because of the strange sound, movement, and conversations that came out of the tree, especially at midnight. So one day I decided to climb to a place mid-way to the top of the tree comfortable enough to stay for hours mainly to observe, close to deep into the night there was a huge gathering of different species of birds and other animals including monkeys, communicating with each other, mating and seeking control of territories. When I told the story the following morning of what I saw and heard that night, I was reported to my uncle who gave me six strokes of cane for attempting such a dangerous adventure and I was subsequently taken to a native doctor to find out if I had been initiated in witchcraft. The native doctor gave me some concoction to drink, this was usually done to anyone who was a witch or suspected to be a witch this practice was also accepted in other communities, after an hour of drinking the concoction the witch would begin to confess to their atrocity, looking back now there was a bit of local gin(alcohol) inside the concoction may be enough to make one tipsy and start admitting to some things, however, the Native doctor gave my uncle a clean and positive report about me that there was no sign of witchcraft in me.
These stories often depict witches as powerful individuals who harness supernatural abilities to traverse the skies and perform mysterious rituals. The imagery of witches flying on brooms has permeated folklore and popular culture, contributing to a vivid and sometimes frightening portrayal of these mystical beings.
The tales of flying witches are not exclusive to Nigeria or Other African countries, related stories can be found in various cultures worldwide, each with its unique twists and nuances. From European folklore to Asian mythology, the concept of witches wielding magical powers is a recurring motif. For example, take the tale of Baba Yaga, from Slavic mythology, which unfolds in the mysterious Eastern European woods. Baba Yaga, an ancient and powerful witch, resides in a hut on chicken legs and is surrounded by a fence adorned with human skulls. Despite her fearsome appearance, she is both a force of darkness and a keeper of wisdom. A young protagonist seeks Baba Yaga’s magical assistance and, despite ominous tales, enters her hut. The witch, with her piercing eyes, sets challenging tasks for the protagonist, testing wit and bravery. As the protagonist succeeds, Baba Yaga fulfills her promise, highlighting the dual nature of witches in folklore — a blend of terror and wisdom, malevolence, and assistance.
In medieval Europe, the infamous witch trials fueled by superstition and fear perpetuated the image of witches as malevolent individuals capable of dark sorcery. Asian cultures, on the other hand, have their rich traditions surrounding witchcraft, often intertwined with spirituality and mysticism.
Artificial Intelligence and the Modern Supernatural:
In stark contrast to the mystical world of witchcraft, artificial intelligence represents the pinnacle of human technological achievement. Artificial Intelligence is the product of rigorous scientific inquiry and technological
innovation, enabling machines to perform complex tasks, learn from experience, and make decisions. Artificial intelligence stands as a testament to human ingenuity, catalyzing global development. Nations worldwide harness the power of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare, optimize industries, and address societal challenges. From advanced medical diagnostics to efficient resource management, artificial intelligence serves as a beacon of progress, transcending borders and shaping the future of humanity
While artificial intelligence lacks the supernatural allure of witchcraft, it possesses its own set of challenges and ethical considerations. Questions about the potential risks, biases, and ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies continue to be debated in contemporary society.
One intriguing aspect of the witchcraft narrative is the question of why, if it is real, such powers are not harnessed for the greater good. In contrast to artificial intelligence which actively contributes to advancements in healthcare,
communication, and numerous other fields, the alleged magical abilities of witches are often associated with malevolence.
If witchcraft were indeed a force for good, why hasn’t it been employed to cure illnesses like cancer or blindness or develop things that will be a great benefit to mankind? This thought-provoking question raises doubts about the veracity of supernatural claims and emphasizes the importance of tangible, scientifically driven advancements in promoting human well-being.
A Call to Action:
In the spirit of openness and collaboration, a charge is extended to those who claim to possess supernatural abilities. If witches and practitioners of magic do exist, why not step out of the shadows, and bring forth their knowledge for the collective benefit of humanity? A call to convene in the light, rather than the secrecy of covens, encourages a collaborative effort where alleged powers can be tested, scrutinized, and potentially applied to address pressing global challenges. I invite you all with open arms to heed this call for the betterment of society and humanity at large.
As we navigate the uncharted territories of witchcraft and artificial intelligence, we are reminded that humanity has always grappled with the unknown. While artificial intelligence propels us into the future with tangible benefits, the
mystique of witchcraft persists in cultural narratives. The charge to witches to emerge from the shadows is an invitation to bridge the gap between the mystical and the practical, urging us all to explore the boundaries of belief, knowledge, and progress. In this intricate tapestry of human experience, the convergence of ancient mysticism and modern technology beckons us to seek understanding in both the known and the mysterious, embracing the richness of our collective imagination.