Incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts can be defined as an extreme and compulsive fixation on ideas or fantasies that revolve around the supernatural, mystical, or the use of magical powers. This preoccupation often encompasses thoughts, beliefs, or daydreams centered around the idea of having or acquiring magical abilities, the existence of magical realms or creatures, or the utilization of magical forces to manipulate or control the world around them. Individuals who experience this incessant preoccupation may find themselves constantly lost in their own thoughts, imagining scenarios where they possess extraordinary powers or where magical phenomena are part of their everyday life. These preoccupations may be triggered by a variety of factors, such as exposure to media or literature that portrays magical elements, a desire to escape from reality or find meaning and purpose in life, or as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction with one's current circumstances. One of the main characteristics of this preoccupation is its pervasive nature, as it tends to consume a significant amount of an individual's time and mental energy. They may find themselves constantly daydreaming, creating elaborate scenarios or stories in their minds that involve magic or supernatural elements.
As she grew older, and less able to fend for herself in the wilderness, Tubbs began telling fortunes to make ends meet.
While descending from the mountain, they found a skeleton lodged between some rocks and assumed the man had killed himself by jumping from the summit. She had deeply sunken eyes, of piercing blackness, with a hooked nose, and features very much withered and wrinkled lived secluded, and nobody knew how.
They may find themselves constantly daydreaming, creating elaborate scenarios or stories in their minds that involve magic or supernatural elements. This preoccupation can also affect their behavior and interactions with others, as they may struggle to stay present or engage in conversations or activities that do not align with their magical thoughts or interests. While a certain degree of imagination and fascination with the magical can be considered normal and even healthy, the incessant preoccupation with these thoughts can have negative consequences on an individual's overall well-being and functioning.
Witch of Saratoga, Northampton’s Forgotten Magickal Emigrant
Northamptonshire has long been a hotbed of ‘witchcraft’ and the associated persecution.
The most infamous example being the Northamptonshire Witch Trials of 1612, which saw five people executed following a public dunking.
The county also claims the dubious distinction of being the last place in England to execute witches.
On 17 March 1705, Elinor Shaw and Mary Phillips were hanged, then burned before they were completely dead.
Northamptonshire’s ‘witches’ were even found in the New World.
A Northampton man stood accused of witchcraft during the notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
He was killed by ‘pressing’ after refusing to confess.
But perhaps the County’s most overlooked magickal emigrant is Angeline Tubbs, the so-called Witch of Saratoga.
In America, she is legendary – her reputation fuelled by ghost vigils and fireside tales.
Yet in England hardly anyone remembers her name.
Her story began in a rural English backwater.
Origins of the Witch of Saratoga
Angeline was born in 1761 at the The Star and Garter Inn in the village of Watford, Northamptonshire, where her parents were landlords.
The Star and Garter Inn in Northamptonshire, where Angeline Tubbs – the future Witch of Saratoga – was born.
In subsequent years, renovation work here would uncover numerous artefacts such as witch-bottles and hidden shoes, all intended to keep evil at bay.
Angeline grew into a beautiful woman, with flowing hair and piercing black eyes. At the age of fifteen she was married off to a British officer from the 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment of Foot.
Angeline Tubbs travels to America
When her husband was posted to fight in the American Revolutionary War, the young bride travelled with him.
In 1777, following the British defeat at the battle of Saratoga in New York State, Angeline’s husband tried to murder her.
Having failed, he abandoned her. As the British troops withdrew, the jilted bride was left alone in an unfamiliar land.
She walked to Saratoga Springs, where, at the base of what is now known as Mount Vista, or Angeline’s Hill, she constructed a hovel.
Angelina Tubbs aka the Witch of Saratoga.
Here, like some medieval European witch, Tubbs lived an isolated, feral and self sufficient existence, accruing dozens of cats to keep her company.
Folk in nearby settlements were unnerved by this curious English woman and her feline familiars.
Tales abounded that upon stormy nights she could be seen standing on the cliffs of Mount Vesta, her hair streaming in the wind, red lightning encircling her as as she communed with spirits.
Suspecting witchcraft, the locals accused the outcast of numerous crimes, had her arrested and sentenced to death.
She told her tormentors she would not die until the last of her cats had passed away. Tubbs survived the noose, although she carried its mark for the rest of her life, and her beauty began to fade until she resembled the arch-typical crone.
Witch of Saratoga becomes an outcast
As she grew older, and less able to fend for herself in the wilderness, Tubbs began telling fortunes to make ends meet.
In her 90s, a professional photographer published Angeline’s image and entitled it ‘The Witch of Saratoga’, turning Angeline into an unexpected tourist draw.
But reading fortunes didn’t generate much income. In 1865, at the age of 104 having outlived all her cats, Tubbs died in the poorhouse.
In the years since, witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a sad young woman walking with a man in military uniform.
On stormy nights, a lonely figure has been reported standing on the outcrops of Mount Vista, silhouetted by lightening, and screaming with her arms outstretched in the wind.
Exile, fortune teller, spirit-talker, murder/execution survivor, and in death, an unquiet and oft-sighted spirit: the story of the enigmatic Angeline Tubbs, Northamptonshire’s forgotten witch, is sure to fascinate the curious for many years to come.
Her story began in a rural English backwater.
It can lead to a disconnection from reality, difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks, decreased motivation and productivity, and strained relationships with others who may struggle to relate or engage with the individual's magical preoccupations. Addressing and managing this incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts often requires a multidimensional approach. It may involve psychotherapy to explore the underlying reasons and motivations behind this preoccupation, identify any underlying psychological or emotional issues, and develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies for redirecting thoughts and attention. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness and grounding techniques can help individuals stay present and connected to reality, reducing the tendency to get lost in their magical thoughts. Building a support system of understanding and empathetic individuals can also provide a safe space for expressing and exploring these preoccupations without judgment. In conclusion, incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts refers to an extreme fixation on ideas or fantasies related to magic and the supernatural. This preoccupation can be all-consuming and can significantly impact an individual's thoughts, behavior, and overall well-being. However, with proper support, understanding, and therapeutic intervention, individuals can learn to manage these preoccupations and lead more balanced and fulfilling lives..
Reviews for "The Link between Magical Thinking and Mental Health Disorders"
1. Carrie - 2/5 stars - I found "Incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts" to be incredibly frustrating and hard to follow. The constant focus on magic and the supernatural felt overdone and took away from what could have been a more interesting plot and well-developed characters. Additionally, the magical elements were not explained well enough, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others who prefer more realistic and grounded stories.
2. Mark - 3/5 stars - While "Incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts" had some intriguing moments, I couldn't fully get into the story due to the overwhelming focus on magic. The constant presence of supernatural elements made it difficult for me to engage with the characters and their struggles on a deeper level. The plot felt disjointed at times, with the magical elements overshadowing the potential for a more grounded and relatable storyline. While I can understand the appeal for those who enjoy fantasy, it was not a book that resonated with me personally.
3. Laura - 2/5 stars - "Incessant preoccupation with magical thoughts" failed to capture my attention or interest. The heavy emphasis on magic made it hard for me to connect with the characters and their journey. I found myself feeling disconnected from the story as a whole, unable to fully invest in the conflicts and resolutions presented. The overly fantastical elements took away from what could have been a more thoughtful and engaging narrative. Overall, this book was not for me, and I would not recommend it to readers who prefer more grounded and realistic stories.