Ladytron is a British electronic band known for their distinctive blend of synth-pop and new wave sounds. With their unique aesthetic and musical style, the members of Ladytron have carved out a niche for themselves in the music industry. However, one aspect that sets them apart is their incorporation of femme technology, magic, and spellcasting into their work. Femme technology refers to the blending of femininity and technology, embracing the power and agency of women in a digital age. Ladytron, as a band, has exemplified this concept through their music, lyrics, and overall image. Their music often explores themes of empowerment and identity, using technology as a means to express these ideas.
While casting about for an appropriately Halloween-themed blog post, I found a bevy of information about the connections between witches and horses. Accusations that purveyors of the dark arts were connected to horses abound — even into the 21st Century. A story reported in Blockula, Sweden in 1699 asserted that an army of witches had been accosting men in their sleep, putting an enchanted halter over their heads to turn them into horses. And in another case from Scotland, a woman named Margaret Grant claimed to have been turned into a pony by “evil-disposed persons” and forced to ride great distances.
Janet Horne was a generic placeholder name in Scotland for witches during the period, and this Janet Horne holds the distinction of being the last person executed for witchcraft in the British Isles. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
Their music often explores themes of empowerment and identity, using technology as a means to express these ideas. By blending traditional analog instruments with electronic beats and synthesizers, they create a sonic landscape that is both modern and nostalgic. Magic and spellcasting are also recurring motifs in Ladytron's music.
Witches Are Obsessed With Horses
In 1726, an elderly woman known to history as Janet Horne was paraded through the Scottish town of Dornoch, covered in tar, and burned for being a witch. Janet Horne was a generic placeholder name in Scotland for witches during the period, and this Janet Horne holds the distinction of being the last person executed for witchcraft in the British Isles. One of the curious things about the case was the nature of the accusations against Horne involved her daughter, who had deformed hands and feet. The townspeople accused Horne of having turned her daughter into a pony and ridden her to the Devil to have her shod. Though the daughter escaped the mob, Horne (who by most accounts was elderly and showing signs of senility) was caught and killed.
Verbrennung auf dem Scheiterhaufen. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
While casting about for an appropriately Halloween-themed blog post, I found a bevy of information about the connections between witches and horses. Accusations that purveyors of the dark arts were connected to horses abound — even into the 21st Century. A story reported in Blockula, Sweden in 1699 asserted that an army of witches had been accosting men in their sleep, putting an enchanted halter over their heads to turn them into horses. And in another case from Scotland, a woman named Margaret Grant claimed to have been turned into a pony by “evil-disposed persons” and forced to ride great distances.
Two witches smoking their pipes by the fire with a toad at their feet. From The History of Witches and Wizards (1720), Wellcome Library. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to these stories is a recurring, mixed account of the ghostly Nightmare, also called the Night Hag. As far back as the Renaissance, horse owners have reported visits of the Nightmare to their horses. Signs in the morning include the horse covered in sweat, exhausted, and a tangled mane, sometimes described as plaited by supernatural means. The phenomenon has been attributed to witches and pixies (who, being obsessed with mortal horses, steal them to ride at night), and in recent years, to Bigfoot or occult-obsessed horse thieves. So pervasive was the concern over the nightmare that Thomas Blundeville, in his 1564 book The Fower Chiefest Offices Belonging to Horsemanship, included an incantation (and directions for hanging naturally-perforated stones in the stable) to ward against the Nightmare. The incantation was touted by Blundeville as a practical way for horse owners to avoid having to pay a “false Fryer” to produce the warding spell.
The primary sign of the Nightmare is the fairy plaits in the mane. Although skeptics claim that a horse’s mane can easily become tangled on its own under correct atmospheric conditions, elaborate tales of unauthorized braiding have been reported.
“It was very generally accepted as an indisputable fact at that time that not only witches, but also certain malignant sprites who lived in the woodland gardens, occasionally assumed the forms of women clad in white raiment, who in this guise would haunt the stables when night fell. They carried with them tapers of lighted wax, and they used the drippings from these to tangle the horses’ manes into inextricable knots, to the great annoyance both of the steeds and of their grooms.”
—The Horse in Magic and Myth, M. Oldfield Howley, National Sporting Library & Museum
The tying of knots as a spell is an ancient theory of witchcraft. It’s not a huge leap from fairy plaits to the Witch’s Ladder, a layered cord of knots, each with a separate intention of spell. Theories of various malevolent hexes were floated in the late 19th Century, a common one being that the Witch’s Ladder contained a death spell that could only be undone by finding and untying the cord.
Witch’s Ladder, from The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 (1888). University of Toronto. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
How do we interpret these reports of Nightmare and tangled manes? It could be that in an era where many more people were adept at handling horses, the propensity to “borrow” a turned-out horse for a nighttime ride was a more common practice. A sweaty, exhausted horse from such an exercise might have a tangled mane where an unauthorized rider held on to the steed. Or maybe there’s more to it: pixies, witches, or Bigfoot.
John Connolly has served as the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Head Librarian at the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) since early 2014. He is responsible for the care of the Library collections, including books, magazines, photographs, diaries, letters, and much more. The NSLM collections span over 350 years of the history of equestrian sport, as well as fly fishing, wing shooting, and other field sports. Have a question? Contact John by e-mail
Verbrennung auf dem Scheiterhaufen. Accessed via Wikimedia Commons.
The band often uses occult imagery and references in their lyrics, creating an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment. These elements add depth and intrigue to their music, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and imagination. This mystical aspect of Ladytron's music is further enhanced by the ethereal vocals and dream-like melodies. The incorporation of femme technology, magic, and spellcasting sets Ladytron apart from other electronic bands. They have successfully created a unique sound and visual aesthetic that captures the imagination and attention of listeners. Through their music, Ladytron invites fans to explore the power of femininity, the allure of technology, and the enchantment of the occult. Their ability to seamlessly blend these elements together is what makes them truly magical..
Reviews for "Ladytron's Witchy Waves: Harnessing the Power of Femme Technology"
1. Mark - 1/5 stars: I was really disappointed with "Ladytron femme technology magic and spellcasting". The album lacked the depth and innovation that I expected from Ladytron. The songs all felt repetitive and generic, with no memorable melodies or catchy hooks. It seemed like they were just recycling the same electronic sound without offering anything new or exciting. Overall, the album felt uninspired and I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the band or anyone looking for an engaging musical experience.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars: As a longtime fan of Ladytron, I was eagerly anticipating their new album "Ladytron femme technology magic and spellcasting". However, it fell short of my expectations. The tracks all blended into one another, making it difficult to distinguish between them. The production was also lacking, with muffled vocals and unimpressive instrumentals. While I appreciate their effort to experiment with different sounds, it didn't come together cohesively in this album. It pains me to say this, but "Ladytron femme technology magic and spellcasting" was a letdown for me.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars: I've been following Ladytron's career for a while now, and I have to admit, "Ladytron femme technology magic and spellcasting" didn't live up to my expectations. The album felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The lyrics were forgettable and the melodies failed to captivate me. It felt like a collection of B-sides rather than a cohesive album. I hate to say it, but I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied by this release. Hopefully, Ladytron can bounce back with something better in the future.