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Witch
Costumes
Do you have a fancy to dress like a witch for
this year's Halloween? LTM party features a wide variety of witch
costumes. If you'd like to be an "innocent" kindly witch,
we have some very beautiful Leg Avenue witch costumes. We also
have some naughty lace & velvet witch costumes, classic storybook
witch costumes, and of course your traditional black witch costume!
Our all time favorite is the good witch costume at the top of
the page.
Bewitched (2005)
Amazon.com
As one of many in the ongoing trend of resurrecting old TV shows
and turning them into contemporary Hollywood product, Bewitched
tries awfully hard to distinguish itself. It succeeds in lots
of surprising ways, not least of which is the star power brought
by Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Even if they don't create the
kind of romantic chemistry that would have elevated the already
high concept, they act as delightful foils to each other, but
more often to themselves. The conceit of this Bewitched is that
it's a self-reflexive look at the entertainment business, with
Ferrell playing Jack Wyatt, an actor starring in an updated version
of the classic TV show. Out of favor with the Hollywood elite
and desperately in need of a hit, he insists on an unknown to
play Samantha, as he wants the show to be about him, since if
something doesn't come his way soon, he's going to be hearing
a lot of no's, despite the yes-men surrounding him. While his
agent (Jason Schwartzman in hilarious high Hollywood sleaze mode)
gets him the "unknown Samantha" deal, it's Jack himself
who discovers his own leading lady in the delightful figure of
Isabel Bigalow (Kidman), who possesses just the right nose wiggle,
not to mention other wiggles.
But wouldn't you know it, Isabel really is a witch, and exactly
the kind of "good" witch trying to rely less on her
magical powers that Samantha Stevens was back in her "real"
world. Instead of a cranky mother like Endora, Isabel has a distinguished
father, Nigel (Michael Caine) who lurks around her as a constant
reminder that she can't be who she's not (a mere mortal), and
she certainly can't be the star of some zany TV show. As the plot
thickens and the movie's reflexivity grows more convoluted, Nigel
falls for the non-witch actress who plays Endora (Shirley MacLaine),
and Jack and Isabel fall for each other. Here's where the Ferrell/Kidman
gel doesn’t quite become aspic, but her perkiness (I mean,
come on, it is Nicole Kidman, for crying out loud) and his goofiness
(Ferrell is at his peak of intelligent bumbling) are more than
enough to make the entirety of the proceedings a delectable trifle.
Director Nora Ephron has fun skewering her own business in the
script she co-wrote with her sister Delia, and her eye for quality
craft makes everything sparkle as it should. Even if we have yet
to see the definitive remake of an old TV show on the big screen,
at least Bewitched is well more than run-of-the-mill as so many
adaptations have been, and so many will be. --Ted Fry
Product Description
Oscar®-winner Nicole Kidman (Best Actress in a leading role,
The Hours, 2002) and wickedly funny Will Ferrell star as actors
playing Darrin and Samantha on a remake of the television show
"Bewitched" in this cleverly crafty comedy from director
Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail). Egomaniacal
star Jack Wyatt (Ferrell) casts unknown Isabel (Kidman) as his
co-star in order to monopolize the limelight and regain his top
spot on Hollywood's A-list. When Isabel, a real witch, discovers
Jack's self-centered scheme, she conjures a sidesplitting spell
the mere mortal will never forget!
Review: A new twist on an old favorit
I can't think of a single bad thing to say about this movie...but
it might leave some people yearning for more.
"Bewitched" isn't exactly
a retelling of the classic TV series. Will Ferrell plays Jack
Wyatt, a has-been movie actor looking to make his comeback by
starring in a revival of the TV show "Bewitched." He
sets out on a quest to find the perfect woman to play Samantha,
intent on finding an actress who will be content to stand off
to the sidelines and not hog the spotlight. Enter Isabel Bigelow
(Nicole Kidman), who brings a great deal of realism to the role...mainly
because she happens to be a real witch! To complicate things,
Isabel finds herself falling for Jack, and hilarious escapades
ensue as she tries to win his heart and stop him from being the
obnoxious jerk that he is.
This is a very cute romantic comedy.
When I originally learned that Will Ferrell would be playing Darren,
I was disappointed because I always thought that Jim Carrey would
be perfect for the part. However, Ferrell is excellent in his
role because he's not really playing Darren...he's playing a sleazy
actor, and he's GREAT at it! Kidman is wonderful and endearing
as ditzy Isabel/Samantha (although she can't wiggle her nose to
save her life...it looks like she's wiggling her entire freaking
jaw...still, that must be a pretty hard thing to do). Michael
Caine has a fun supporting role as Isabel's father (seeing him
morph into the Jolly Green Giant is one of the funniest moments
in the film). Finally, Shirley MacLaine is PERFECTLY cast as the
actress/witch playing Endora...I just wish she had more screen
time!
There are a few plot inconsistencies
with the movie...Jack's ex-wife shows up for one brief scene and
a potential love triangle is hinted at, but then she just kind
of disappears. Also, a cute romance blooms between Caine and MacLaine's
characters, but we never really get to see what comes of it. These
are little things, though, and overall, it's a really fun movie.
There are some clips from the original "Bewitched" series
in the beginning of the film, which is a lot of fun to see. I
wish we were treated to more scenes of Jack and Isabel playing
Samanth and Darren, because they're so good at it! In that respect,
the film is a little disappointing because although the plot is
centered AROUND "Bewitched," it's not a "Bewitched"
movie...it's a story about two actors who fall in love while they
are working together. The fact that Isabel is a witch in real
life isn't even the couple's biggest challenge. I would have enjoyed
seeing more actual witchcraft, spells, and broom-flying...but
that's just me.
All in all, though, "Bewitched"
is a fun little movie. I hope it will attract a new generation
of fans to the classic TV series.
Review: BEWITCHED...BOTHERED...AND
BEWILDERED..
This is a take-off of the popular television sit-com, "Bewitched",
that originally starred the adorable Elizabeth Montgomery as a
witch, Samantha Stevens, who is married to a mere mortal, Darrin
Stevens, played by Dick York. The television show was a huge hit,
and not even the eventual replacement of Dick York with another
actor in the role of the husband made it lose any ground with
its devoted audience.
So, I looked forward to seeing this
film, which, to its credit, tries to give the original premise
a fresh look. So, the film is actually about a re-make of the
original sit-com, with funny man Will Ferrell playing the part
of Jack Wyatt, a down on his luck actor looking to give his faltering
career a boost. When he is offered a chance to play the part of
Darrin Stevens in a television re-make of "Bewitched",
he leaps at the opportunity, on the condition that an unknown
is cast in the part of Samantha, so that his own role is not eclipsed.
When he spots gorgeous Isabel Bigelow
(Nicole Kidman) twitching her nose in public, Jack is positive
he has found the perfect unknown for the role of Samantha. Unbeknownst
to Jack, however, Isabel really is a witch who is just trying
to live an ordinary life, doing the things that mere mortals do.
She is trying very hard not to use her unusual abilities and is
looking for someone who wants her just for herself. When she meets
Jack, she misreads his intentions and finds herself on cloud nine.
She does the show, playing the role of Samantha, only to discover
that Jack is not really the person she thought he was. Then, let
the games begin!
Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell are
both good in their respective roles, and Nicole Kidman really
does have that nose twitch down pat, though her ostensible naivet
is a bit cloying. It is the supporting cast, however, that nearly
runs away with the film. Michael Caine is wonderfully droll as
Nigel Bigelow, Isabel's warlock father, who pops up when she least
expects it. Shirley MacLaine gives a terrific, over the top performance
as actress Iris Smythson, who is cast to play Samantha's television
mom, Endora. Jason Schwartzman is excellent in the role of Ritchie,
Jack's smarmy, sleazy agent. Kristin Chenoweth is adorable as
Isabel's perky neighbor and new found friend. David Alan Grier,
Heather Burns, and Steve Carrell round out the notables in the
film.
The film has plenty of star power
and enough laughs to keep it plodding along, but its downfall
lies in the script, which screenwriter Nora Ephron wrote, together
with her sister, Delia. While I have to give them kudos for the
new twist, in the end the film fails to fully satisfy the viewer,
as it tries too hard to be all things to all people. The original
"Bewitched" was a simple fantasy comedy. Now, the screenwriters
have tried, unsuccessfully, to interject romance into the formula,
making it a fantasy comedy with romantic overtones. Not only is
there not enough chemistry between the two leads, the romance
is simply unnecessary. Perhaps they should have stuck to the original
premise. After all, if it ain't broke, why fix it?
In any case, this is still a moderately
enjoyable film that is certainly worth a rental.
Review: Underrated
I didn't know anything at all about this movie when we rented
it. I expected the usual retreat of an old favorite. Instead,
I was pleasantly surprised by a fresh take on the old-TV-show-converted-to-movie
genre. "Bewitched" is a movie about people making a
movie from an old TV show. And it succeeds. Nora Ephron is on
top of her game, writing a great script and directing with style.
And having great improvisational comedians like Will Farrell and
Steve Carell in the cast adds another dimension to the movie as
well. I laughed a lot, and really enjoyed the film.
Give this a shot as a rental, at least.
Review: Way too much
reactionary "girl power" in this post modern mess.
This schizophrenic movie adaptation of the beloved sitcom is disappointing
on many levels. The cast is fine and hit their marks, but they
don't have much in the way to inspire them.
Basically this interpretation is almost
too clever for its own good. It revels in a deconstructive approach
and although it's fairly entertaining at times, I would have preferred
a straight rendition of everyone's favorite magical suburban housewife.
When generous clips of Elizabeth Montgomery and the original cast
are shown, you can't help but get nostalgic about the old show.
The delightful banter and familial friction between Endora &
'Derwood' was one of the many reasons the show worked so well
and it's sorely missed here. When you throw out so much of the
old, to bring in the hipper new, something is definitely lost
in the transformation. And not to be overly cynical, but with
today's TV DVD sets outselling many films, you can't help but
wonder if a lot of this production wasn't dressed up as a big
commercial for the classic sitcom with so much product placement
served up as legitimate story fodder. Indeed, the recently released
DVD is packaged with an "exclusive separate disc with 4 episodes
of the TV series." Isn't marketing wonderful?
When Michael Caine turns to Nicole
Kidman and says something about him being a witch, it's just one
of those little things they forgot. Isn't he a Warlock? Didn't
Isabelle go on and on about the horrors of dating those bad, egotistical
Warlocks? Oh, I know it's the SAME THING only a different NAME
- gender roles and all that being considered.
Bewitched is just the opposite. It's
the SAME NAME - but a different THING from the TV show. It may
be your cup of tea or witch's brew as the case may be. For me,
I'll stick with the old sitcom anytime.
Review: Surprisingly
Good
I didn't have high hopes for this film, but I was curious. The
title lead me to believe that the studio was going for a literal
remake with star casting and a familiar plotline. How refreshing
it was, then, to see a film that was smart and funny, charming
and silly, innovative while paying respects to it's source material.
I must say that, after reading the reviews by people who were
obviously looking forward to a play-by-play take on "Bewitched",
I stayed away from renting it. Then, fortunately, I was channel
surfing and came across a truly, hysterically funny Will Ferrell
riffing with a terrific support cast (Steve Carrell as Uncle Arthur
is definitely worth your time) and a pretty darn good script.
Leave it to the talented Nora Ephron to bring an air of smart
sophistication to what is essentially a bunch of funny people
being funny in the midst of a romantic comedy. Good show!
Review: Advocating!
Bewitched was not the first film I saw done by Nora Ephron. Since
I started to study abroad in California in 1996, her scripts have
produced lucid imagery. In it, Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell
took successful intertwining roles over the whole experimentalism
scheme.
Witches of Eastwick - 1987
Amazon.com
Jack Nicholson was born to play the devil, and in George Miller's
adaptation of John Updike's novel he plays it for all he's worth.
As a wolfish womanizer summoned by three bored women in a picturesque
New England town, he's sating all of his appetites with a rakish
grin. Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer play the women
who discover their untapped magical powers by accident. The smart
and sexy singles, out of place in the conservatism of their village,
find happiness, however briefly, in the arms and bed of the libidinous
devil, but he's got his own ulterior motives. Miller revels in
the sensual display of sex, food, and magic, whipping up a storm
of effects that finally get out of hand in an overblown ending.
It's a handsome film with strong performances all around, but
the mix of anarchic comedy and supernatural horror doesn't always
gel and Miller seems to lose the plot in his zeal for cinematic
excitement. The performances ultimately keep the film aloft: the
hedonistic joy that Nicholson celebrates with every leering gaze
and boorish vulgarity is almost enough to make bad form and chauvinism
cool. --Sean Axmaker
Product Description
Need someone with demonic dash to portray the Devil? There are
only two choices. Old Ned himself. And Jack Nicholson. The Witches
of Eastwick to the better actor-and came up with the sleekest,
sexiest supernatural comedy/thriller to emerge from this or any
other world, earning Nicholson 1987 Best Actor Awards from the
New York and Los Angeles Film Critics. The "witches"
are in three modern-day women yearning for Mr. Right in a quaint
New England town full of Mr. Uptights. Played glowingly by Cher
(Moonstruck), Susan Sarandon (Lorenzo's Oil) and Michelle Pfeiffer
(The Age of Innocence), they're lovely enough to tempt even the
most jaded netherworld denizen. Soon, wealthy Daryl van Horne
(Nicholson) arrives. Is his sudden appearance a coincidence? Or
the outcome of the women's unconscious sorcery in this smooth
adaptation of John Updyke's novel? Conjure up an evening's entertainment
with The Witches of Eastwick. And have a devil of a good time.
Review:
An entertaining exploration into the true nature of evil, December
30, 2005
Reviewer: Ronald L. Russell (Pangaea) - See all my reviews
The film "The Witches of Eastwick" attempts to answer
two questions which have troubled humanity for thousands of years.
The first question is "What is the nature of evil?"
and the second is "Can human beings triumph over evil, whatever
it is?" While there are flaws and inconsistensies, I enjoyed
watching the film as it explored these issues.
In this film, three friends (Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle
Pfeiffer) are "without men" for various reasons (death,
desertion, and divorce), and hang out together to entertain themselves.
It is shown that when they all wish for the same thing, their
wishes reinforce one another and come true (although they are
not aware of this). The film generally takes a traditional, and
somewhat patriarchal view, that magic generally attracts evil.
During one particular evening, they discuss what qualities they
would like their "dream man" to have, and the next day,
he appears in town, in the form of Jack Nicholson, aka Daryl Van
Horn, who says he was "drawn" to Eastwick. Once one
has, for the purpose of being entertained, suspended disbelief
in such a being of pure evil who leads people into "sin",
it seems reasonable that, if such a being did manifest themselves,
they might actually be something like Daryl Van Horn, who manifests
all of the traditional "seven deadly sins" i.e. lust,
gluttony, sloth, envy, etc.
The town of Eastwick, as depicted in the film, is very idyllic,
almost a "Garden of Eden", that is, until Daryl shows
up. He soon seduces the three friends, somehow knowing exactly
the right things to say to them. Suddenly, the good people of
the town become gossips, involving themselves in the lives of
the three friends, porn magazines begin showing up on the shelves
at the newstand, and the relationship of the three friends to
Daryl becomes common knowledge. The most striking change takes
place in the character of one of the towns leading citizens, Felicity
Alden (played by Veronica Cartwright). As soon as she learns of
Daryls presence in town, she begins to experience uneasyness,
which progresses to broken bones, screaming fits, drooling food
from her mouth, slanderous accusations against the three friends,
an extremely bi-polar personality, and other unpleasant side effects,
including her eventual demise at the hands of her long-suffering
husband.
The three friends realize what is happening and resolve to not
only resist Daryl, but to defeat him. First they shut him out
of their lives, with discouraging results, as he knows their deepest
fears, and uses these against the friends. However, they then
use his own desires to work their way back into his good graces,
using their own powers to degrade and ultimately defeat him, in
a very humorous manner.
I would expect that anyone who sincerely believes in the existence
of an actual devil would enjoy seeing him so resoundingly whipped.
The two questions are answered as the film unfolds. The nature
of evil is identified when, at one point during the film, Daryl
asks the townspeople if God made a mistake in creating women (patriarchal
attitude showing through here). He then explicity defines "evil"
for everyone as "when people make mistakes", and contrasts
that to Gods mistakes, which he defines as "nature".
So, the nature of evil is essentially defined in the film, not
as a corporeal devil, but as people making mistakes, or incorrect
choices. Daryl is here essentially admitting that he is nothing
more than a personification of the sum total of all the improper
choices which people sometimes make. Evil exists because people
sometimes choose wrongly.
The second question is answered as the viewer is shown that people
can CHOOSE to turn away from evil (whatever one believes evil
to be) and ultimately succeed, although not neccessarily without
effort. In other words, correct choices can be made, rather than
incorrect choices. So the final message of the film is an encouraging
one, namely that evil CAN be conquered.
"The Witches of Eastwick", and other movies about witches,
such as "Practical Magic" and "The Craft",
require one to suspend belief in natural laws, and accept the
premise that, ok, some people are special and DO have certain
powers. Once this premise is accepted, anything is possible, and
the films can be quite entertaining.
In this film, Daryl has supernatural abilities, but only up to
a certain degree, and this is the first clue that he isn't an
actual being, but representative of something else. He can harm
others at a distance, can magically control the flight of a tennis
ball, and can even levitate people. However, when the girls want
bagels and ice cream, he cannot produce them magically, but must
drive into town to go shopping. He apparantly cannot magically
teleport himself from downtown Eastwick back to his residence,
but must drive his car. He is also not immune to the magical efforts
of the three friends, who can also make things happen through
simultaneous application of their willpower (similar to the "power
of three" frequently shown on the television show "Charmed").
Daryl himself admits that he "only wants peoples attention
and respect", thus revealing the true source of his influence
and power, and explaining why his powers are so limited. If he
were meant to be understood as a real being, his powers would
be much greater. But because he is an representation for the mistakes
which people make, his powers do have definite limits, and they
become weaker as people learn to make fewer mistakes.
The films answer regarding the nature of evil highlights the primary
failing of the alternative, traditional answer. Namely, if an
actual supernatural entity were responsible for the existence
of evil, then humans are not reasonably accountable for their
evil actions. The films answer to the second question shows that
the contemporary view is the correct one, i.e. rather than blaming
evil on "the devil", humans are shown to be free moral
agents with the ability to choose their course, which places blame
where it belongs, on the person performing the "evil"
action, rather than on an invisible "devil".
The word "witch" is a charged word in western culture,
and centuries of misinformation have led people to have certain
expectations. As a result, any movie about witches has a daunting
task: In order to prevent viewers from being disappointed, the
film must provide viewers with what they expect, regardless of
how far from the truth it may stray.
The unfortunate people who were actually charged with being "witches"
in the medievel period were accused of, and confessed to, amazing
things which defy common sense, let alone scientific and physical
laws. Of course, most people WOULD confess to just about anything
if, for example, a red hot piece of iron were being held against
their body, over and over again. It is safe to say that no one
ever really flew on a broom, or turned anyone into a toad, or
had sex with Satan. Ever. The people who were accused of such
things were usually women, usually older and without a husband,
and often had some property which automatically defaulted to the
Church upon their death. Often, they were "healers"
who used their knowledge of herbs to cure sickness and ease discomforts,
or midwives who helped deliver children at a time when there were
few doctors available.
Taken as a whole, "The Witches of Eastwick" is entertaining
and to a great degree, an accurate reflection of human nature.
Some other reviewers have claimed that the acting was poor, but
I believe that they are confusing their own dislike of the content
with poor acting. I found that the acting was completely believeable,
and have in fact known many people who behaved exactly like some
of the characters in the film. How much more realistic can acting
be? And some of the poor reviews are a result of the viewer either
not understanding exactly what they were seeing, or understanding,
but refusing to accept the films message. This is a film, not
to be viewed as a literal historical event, but at another level,
with understanding that what one sees on screen is actually representative
of something deeper. Those who enjoyed other movies with supernatural
themes such as "Practical Magic" would probably enjoy
"The Witches of Eastwick".
If You Want To Be A Witch (Paperback)
Review:
From Publishers Weekly
According to self-initiated witch McCoy (Witta; 16 other related
titles), "some researchers and pollsters have dubbed the
Craft and its many expressions to be the fastest growing religious
movement in the western world." Whether it is indeed the
fastest-growing religion or not, many people will find this straightforward,
clearly written primer a useful tool in helping them decide if
this is their spiritual calling. McCoy makes clear from the outset
that witchcraft is a religion whose "primary purpose is the
worship of and the seeking of reunion with the being or beings
who created all life." The first three chapters delineate
the history of Wicca and are embedded with unexpected etymological
nuggets, e.g. "mantra" is Sanskrit for "instrument
of thought." Never stuffy or academic, the tone is suitable
for teenagers and adults. Five chapters address material found
in many other books: the sabbats and esbats, divination techniques,
the place of ritual, etc. Chapter seven stresses ethical standards
within the Craft and also emphasizes the need for mature personal
responsibility. While containing a fair amount of commonly found
information, this work distinguishes itself by continuing to ask
readers if they want to be witches, and then providing a variety
of touchstones to guide them to an honest answer. One hundred
questions in a final chapter probe psychological, intellectual
and moral dimensions for adherents to ponder. A solid appendix
contains information on herbs and gemstones, astrological connections,
supply sources, publications, online contacts and a glossary of
terms.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Book Description
Choosing the right book to learn about the Old Religion can be
quite challenging. If You Want to Be a Witch is dedicated to those
who want an easy-to-read, yet thorough, introduction to the Craft
and its practices.
Filling in the gaps often found in other Wiccan guides, this primer
explains the basic tenets of Witchcraft, detailing Wiccan history,
philosophy, common traditions, and modern-day ethics. Learn about
cyclical time, Wiccan magick and festivals, and how to keep a
Book of Shadows. Soon, you'll discover if Witchcraft is the right
spiritual path for you and the next steps you can take in the
learning process.
There appears to be considerable
confusion about whom or what is a real witch? With all the assorted
media coverage and so much Hollywood hype, what are real witches
and what are not?
What is a witch? Very simply put,
a witch is one who has chosen a lifestyle that compliments nature
at its very core level. They live in cycle with the earth, the
seasons, the moon and nature itself. Yes, it is a lifestyle, not
a religion. While there are witches who practice a very personal
spirituality, it is not necessary to being a witch. As for magic,
yes, witches practice magic. Magic is a form of "proactive prayer",
and does not require you to address Deity, but is based on the
idea that we all have the ability to make what we need happen.
And we can do so with the energy of the universe or the energy
of our Deities. In other words, we do not wait for something to
happen, we make it happen ourselves. By the way, males and females
are all called “witches”.
Notice that I am not mentioning what
we are NOT. Nor am I going to go into further details, as it would
take more than just this space I have here. Again, this is a lifestyle,
not a religion. That eliminates so many of the misconceptions
about us. If you want to know about witchcraft, go to a witch
and ask.
This is what this SYLT is all about.
Ask a Witch… and you will get volumes of works that you can look
into yourself and make your own informed decision.
Start with a few good books on basic witchcraft
These are simplistic in their approach and very general, but do
provide a good overview of the topic:
'Craft'
A good starting place
'Grimoire
For The Green Witch'
Follows a specific type of witchcraft
'The
Truth About Witchcraft'
An older title but still valid and Cunningham’s simple style of
writing makes this easy to understand
'Witchcraft
for Tomorrow (Illustrated)'
Another older title but again, good writing from an Elder in our
community
'To
Ride A Silver Broomstick'
Mostly harmless and very popular but still has value
Want to know about magic and spells?
'Everyday
Magic'
One of the best on modern day spells and magic
'Spells
for the Solitary Witch'
Another good source
'2007
Witches' Sad Alm (Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac)'
This annual publication is chock full of great little spells and
ideas
These are the basics. I have chosen
these books because they present us as we are, in a simple and
easy to understand format, do not go into a lot of detail but
do give a general grounding in the topic. For the casual reader
who is looking at just getting an idea of who we are and what
we do, these are a good starting place. These are starting books.
There are more advanced books that go into more details, and some
will feel I am not approaching that here, and they are right.
This is a basic list.
It is my hope this answers some basic
questions. Next time someone says... I’m a witch... hopefully
you don’t shutter and quake but rather embrace them with tolerance
and understanding.
Boudica
Pop! Goes The Witch : The Disinformation Guide to 21st
Century Witchcraft (Paperback)
Book Description
Fiona Horne-best selling author and
popular media personality-has compiled the ultimate insight into
modern Witchcraft. Continuing the successful, oversize Disinformation
Guide anthology format, an all-star cast of Witches and Wiccans
cover an amazing array of topics, including:
Which Witch Is Witch?
Introduction to modern witchcraft in the 21st century.
Professional Witch
Interviews with and contributions from some of the most influential
Witches in the 21st century.
Can Guys Be Witches Too?
Some high-profile and accomplished male Witches speak out.
Teen Witches of America
Interviews with and contributions from teen Witches across America.
.
Witches Around the World
Contributions from the four corners of the Earth-people living
a life steeped in magick and Witchcraft whilst immersed in vastly
different cultures. .
The Pink Witch
Gay and Lesbian Witchcraft. .
Living La Vida Wicca
The everyday life of a Witch, including articles on Witchy nutrition,
environmentally conscious living, and Witchy Feng Shui. .
Spelling It Out
Some of the world's most popular Witches offer their best tried-and-tested
enchantments. .
Beds Knobs and Broomsticks
The important role that positive personal body image and a healthy
approach to sexuality plays in Witchcraft. .
Christianity vs. Wicca . . . or not
Contributions from Christians who are pro-Wicca and highlighting
the similarities between modern Wicca and the teachings of Christ.
.
21st Century Goddess
Three 21st century archetypal Goddesses reveal their inner divinity
and innate Witchiness. .
Witchcraft and the Law
Legalization of Witchcraft and its current status as a recognized
religion in the USA. .
Pop Goes the Witch
Witches in popular culture. .
Cyber Sorcery
Witches on the Web. .
About the Author
Fiona wrote the first of her seven best selling books on Witchcraft.
She is now the number one selling author on modern Witchcraft
in the world, being published by Random House in Australia, Thorsons/HarperCollins
in the UK and USA and Bauer in Germany. Her books have been featured
repeatedly on the international hit TV show ‘CHARMED'.In
the USA Fiona is represented by the William Morris Agency and
is producing/hosting her own television show on Witchcraft. Based
in Los Angeles, she is a regular guest on primetime American variety
and news television and radio programs.
"Even with such a plethora of diverse voices within this
book, its 311 fascinating pages are successfully brought together
into a coherent whole that displays honesty, creativity and an
obvious love of the Craft. Highly recommended."
Review: Fiona Horne's Witchcraft
Disinformation
After a horrible performance in Sci Fi's Mad Mad House, it would
seem obvious that readers would stay away from books by Fiona
Horne. What the reader quickly discovers is that Fiona Horne did
not write "Pop!", or at least the entire thing. Instead
she called upon a variety of well known authors to contribute
essays including Phyllis Currot, Christopher Penczak, Ray Buckland,
and Iya Ta'Shia and David "Avocado" Wolf who co-stared
in Mad Mad House.
From beginning to end, Fiona presents
essays from a variety of authors on a variety of topics. Chapter
one provides essays dispelling myths about Wiccans, the history
of Wicca, and the differences between Wicca and Satanism. The
first Chapter is always important because it sets a tone for the
rest of the book. "Pop!" starts out great and doesn't
quite.
The next two chapters deal with magick
and healing. Essays in these sections also include topics such
as spells, divination, totem spirits, and the philosophy of healing.
There are also a few articles that accurately describe the daily
life of a modern Witch. I thought Fiona's article, "How Spells
Work", was interesting and gave a number of helpful spells,
but never really told how spells work.
Next we enter what I think is the
most interesting section of the book. Among other things, the
reader learns the religious rights of Wiccans, paganism in pop
culture, and the similarities and differences between Witchcraft
and a number of other religions. A particularly interesting article
titled "Invoking Buffy", introduced an interesting idea
of using pop icons as god-forms. A group of interesting articles
discusses the similarities between Wicca and Christianity, Voodoo,
Aboriginal magick, and Bali magick.
The next section, "Gender Bending",
discusses Wicca's view on sexuality and love. Included in this
chapter are topics such as how to deal with lovers who are not
Wiccan, homosexuality, sex magick, and males in Witchcraft. An
interesting article by Christopher Penczak, "Coming Out of
Two Closets", describes the life and path of a gay Witch.
The last parts of "Pop!"
include an interviews with Ly De Angeles and Wendy Rule as well
as "The Meaning of Witchcraft to Me" by Ray Buckland.
The final section includes an index of traditions, websites, recommended
reading, and glossary. More than any other contributor, I thought
Phyllis Currot's articles were very informative, well researched,
and well written. I think Fiona picked a great bunch of contributors
and successfully achieved an accurate 21st century guide to Witchcraft.
Highly recommended!
Review: Pop! Goes the Witch
This work serves as an excellent introduction to the world of
modern
wicca. It is 307 pages packed full of every thing you could want
to know about witchcraft in the 21st century and then some. I
found
this work easy to understand and it provides valuable insight
into
the workings of modern day covens as well as the path of the lone
practitioner.I found the indexes of wiccan and pagan traditions
very informative and the
listing of web sites and other resources very concise. I would
recommend this
book to anyone interested in learning about modern witchcraft
and it is a must for the serious student of the occult.
Review: Lots of interesting material
here
This is the sort of book I would choose for someone who already
knows a little bit about the Craft and wants to find out more.
What we find here is an enormous collection of different voices,
thoughts, experiences, facts, and possibilities, which someone
totally new might find intimidating. But in this extraordinary
variety, hopefully nearly everyone will find something to catch
their attention and interest.
This is more of an anthology of lots
of different author's work, rather than a sustained exploration
of Fiona Horne's own ideas. I must admit I found a little bit
disappointing. How much of the work was Fiona's? So it would seem,
very little. Surely Fiona could have told us more about what life
is like for someone in the public eye who practices a strange
minority religion, and what possibilities for the future of the
craft in popular culture exist. I ended up wanting to know more
about the other contributors. I suppose that is good for the community
as a whole, but at the same time it was not quite what I expected.
But overall, and after my second look,
I was happy with it. I hope Fiona continues to write, to make
music, and to empower new young witches by presenting herself
as an example of an empowered young witch.
Review: Fiona Horne is ONLY ONE AUTHOUR
in this book..,
Hey.. just wanted to say that Fiona Horne simply EDITED this book,
contributing a couple of articles. It has many good articles in
it from other Pagans and those who walk Paths similar to Pagan
in style, including Iya Ta'shia and David Wolfe (Avocodo) from
the Mad Mad House series. This is a good compilation of material
and DISINFORMATION ROCKS. I would recommend this book, but I do
agree that Fiona's whole pop-icon image in association with the
Craft is aggrivating, though she is playing her part in the evolution
of human consciousness nonetheless.
Review: Not bad
I have not bought Hornes other books because I just find her pop
image and style a bit twee .This one is more interesting and presents
quite a few viewpoints so isnt bad for a quick read .Can entertain
you if you want some pagan news bits but dont get it if you are
seeking new ideas
Witchcraft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The term witchcraft (and witch) is a controversial one with a
complicated history. Used with entirely different contexts, and
within entirely different cultural references, it can take on
distinct and often contradictory meanings. Each culture has its
own particular body of concepts dealing with magic, religion,
benevolent and harmful spirits, and ritual; and these ideas do
not find obvious equivalents in other cultures.
Sometimes witchcraft is used to refer,
broadly, to the practice of magic, and has a connotation similar
to sorcery. Depending on the values of the community, witchcraft
in this sense may be regarded with varying degrees of suspicion
and hostility, or with ambivalence, being neither intrinsically
good nor evil. Members of some religions have applied the term
witchcraft in a pejorative sense to refer to all magical or ritual
practices other than those sanctioned by their own doctrines,
though this has become less common, at least in the West. According
to some religious doctrines, all forms of magic are labeled witchcraft,
and are either proscribed or treated as superstitious. Such religions
consider their own ritual practices to be not at all magical,
but rather simply variations of prayer.
Witchcraft is also used to refer,
narrowly, to the practice of magic in an exclusively inimical
sense. If the community accepts magical practice in general, then
there is typically a clear separation between witches (in this
sense) and the terms used to describe legitimate practitioners.
This use of the term is most often found in accusations against
individuals who are suspected of causing harm in the community
by way of supernatural means. Belief in witches of this sort have
been common among the indigenous populations of the world, including
Africa, Asia and the Americas. On occasion such accusations have
led to witch hunts.
Under the monotheistic religions of
the Levant (primarily Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), witchcraft
came to be associated with heresy, rising to a fever pitch among
the Catholics, Protestants, and secular leadership of the European
Late Medieval/Early Modern period. Throughout this time, the concept
of witchcraft came increasingly to be interpreted as a form of
Devil worship. Accusations of witchcraft were frequently combined
with other charges of heresy against such groups as the Cathars
and Waldensians.
In the modern West, witchcraft accusations
have often accompanied the Satanic Ritual Abuse hysteria. Such
accusations are a counterpart to blood libels of various kinds,
which may be found throughout history across the globe.
Recently, witchcraft has taken on
a distinctly positive connotation among Wiccans and other Neopagans
as the ritual element of their religious beliefs.
A great deal of confusion and conflict
has arisen from attempts by one group or another to canonize their
particular definition of the term.
Contents
1 Practices typically considered to be witchcraft
2 Etymology
3 European witchcraft
4 Middle Eastern witchcraft
4.1 Ancient Middle Eastern and Near Eastern beliefs
4.2 Witchcraft in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, Old Testament)
4.3 Witchcraft in the New Testament
4.4 Jewish views of witchcraft
5 African witchcraft
6 Witches in modern culture
6.1 Distinguishing witchcraft from other forms of magic
6.2 Distinction of The Craft from Wicca
7 Theories of Neopagan witchcraft
8 See also
9 External links
10 Additional Reading
Practices typically considered to be witchcraft
Influencing another person's body
or property:
Practices to which the witchcraft label are applied are those
which influence another person's body or property against his
or her will, or which are believed, by the person doing the labeling,
to undermine the social or religious order.
Some modern commentators, especially
neopagan ones, consider the malefic nature of witchcraft to be
a Christian projection. However, the concept of a magic-worker
influencing another person's body or property against his or her
will was present in many cultures before introduction of monotheism,
as there are traditions in both folk magic and religious magic
that have the purpose of countering witchcraft or identifying
witches from those times. Many examples can be found in ancient
texts, such as those from Egypt and Babylonia. Where witchcraft
is believed to have the power to influence the body or possessions,
witches become a credible cause for disease, sickness in animals,
bad luck, sudden death, impotence and other such misfortunes.
Folk magic of a more benign and socially acceptable sort may then
be employed to turn the witchcraft aside, or identify the supposed
witch so that punishment may be carried out. In some cases, the
folk magic used to identify or protect against witches is virtually
indistinguishable from that used by the witches themselves.
Poppets or effigies:
There are several magical practices that are associated with witchcraft,
to such a degree that those who use them were given the label
'witch' by Westerners, irrespective of the culture in which they
appear. The most immediately recognisable practice is the making
of poppets or effigies. Witches were believed to create figures
in clay, wax, or from rags, to represent people, and the actions
performed upon these figures were believed to be transferred to
the subject.
"To some others at these times
he [the Devil] teacheth how to make pictures of wax or clay. That
by the roasting thereof, the persons that they beare the name
of, may be continually melted or die away by continually sickness."
Source: James I, Demonologie
The making of wax figures was also a means of countering witchcraft
and turning the magic back on the caster.
Conjuring the dead:
Necromancy, the conjuring of the spirits of the dead, is also
regarded as a typical witchcraft practice; the Biblical 'Witch'
of Endor is supposed to have performed it, and it is among the
witchcraft practices condemned by Aelfric.
"Yet fares witches to where roads
meet, and to heathen burials with their phantom craft and call
to them the devil, and he comes to them in the dead man's likeness,
as if he from death arises, but she cannot cause that to happen,
the dead to arise through her wizardry."
Source: Aelfric's Homilies
Other practices:
A host of other powers were said to be received through demonic
compacts, such as those of riding through the air on a broomstick,
assuming different shapes at will, and tormenting a witch's chosen
victims. It was believed that an imp or "familiar spirit"
was placed at the disposal of practitioners, able and willing
to perform any service that might be needed to further their nefarious
purposes. Supernatural aid is also invoked to compass the death
of a particularly undesirable individual, to awaken the passion
of love in those who are the objects of desire, to call up the
dead, or to bring calamity or impotence upon enemies, rivals,
and fancied oppressors. For this reason, "witchcraft"
practices are typically forbidden by law where belief in them
exists (as well as being hated and feared by the general populace)
while "folk magic" is tolerated or even accepted wholesale
by the people, even if the orthodox establishment objects to it.
Etymology
The origins of the term witch are highly disputed. That the word
derives directly from the Old English wicca (male shaman) and/or
wicce (female shaman) is hard to doubt, but the origins of the
Old English words are more problematic. Contraction of witega
('wise man, prophet') is possible. Low German contains wicker
(soothsayer). Other possible connections include the Old English
wigle (divination), the Proto-Germanic *wikkjaz (necromancer),
the Gothic weihs (holy), and the English words victim (in its
original meaning for someone killed in a religious ritual) and
wicked. Many neo-pagan sources assert that because the root wik-
is associated with words meaning "to bend", the original
meaning of the word was "one who bends the natural order"
(by using magic). [1].
Colloquially, the term witch is applied
almost exclusively to women, although in earlier English the term
was applied to men too. Most people would call male witches sorcerers,
wizards, or warlocks; however, modern self-identified witches
and Wiccans continue to use the term witch for all who practice
witchcraft.
European witchcraft
Main article: European witchcraft
During the Christianization of Norway, King Olaf Trygvasson had
male völvas (shamans) tied up and left on a skerry at ebb.The
characterization of the witch in Europe is not derived from a
single source. Popular neopagan beliefs suggest that witches were
female shamans who were made into malicious figures by Christian
propaganda. This is an oversimplification and presumes that a
recognizable folklore figure must derive from a single historical
precedent (a female, maligned magic-worker). The familiar witch
of folklore and popular superstition is a combination of numerous
influences.
The characterization of the witch,
rather than being a caricature of a Pagan priestess, developed
over time. [2] The advent of Christianity suggests that potential
Christians, comfortable with the use of magic as part of their
daily lives, expected Christian clergy to work magic of a form
superior to the old Pagan way. While Christianity competed with
Pagan religion, this concern was paramount, only lessening in
importance once Christianity was the dominant religion in most
of Europe. In place of the old Pagan magic methodology, the Church
placed a Christian methodology involving saints and divine relics
— a short step from the old Pagan techniques of amulets and talismans.
Traditional European witchcraft beliefs,
such as those typified in the confessions of the Pendle Witches,
commonly involve a diabolical pact or at least an appeal to the
intervention of the spirits of evil[3]. The witches or wizards
addicted to such practices were alleged to adjure Jesus and the
sacraments, observe "the witches' sabbath" - performing
infernal rites which often took the shape of a parody of the Mass
or the offices of the Church - pay Divine honour to the Prince
of Darkness, and in return receive from him preternatural powers.
The Church did not, however, invent
the idea of witchcraft as a potentially harmful force whose practitioners
should be put to death. This idea is commonplace in pre-Christian
religions and is a logical consequence of belief in magic. According
to the scholar Max Dashu, the concept of medieval witch contained
many of its elements even before the emergence of Christianity.
These can be found in Bacchanalias, especially in the time when
they were led by priestess Paculla Annia (188-186).
In England, the provision of this
curative magic was the job of a witch doctor, also known as a
cunning man, white witch, or wise woman. The term "witch
doctor" was in use in England before it came to be associated
with Africa. Toad doctors were also credited with the ability
to undo witchcraft. (Other folk magicians had their own purviews.
Girdle-measurers specialised in diagnosing ailments caused by
fairies, while magical cures for more mundane ailments, such as
burns or toothache, could be had from charmers.)
"In the north of England, the
superstition lingers to an almost inconceivable extent. Lancashire
abounds with witch-doctors, a set of quacks, who pretend to cure
diseases inflicted by the devil... The witch-doctor alluded to
is better known by the name of the cunning man, and has a large
practice in the counties of Lincoln and Nottingham."
Source: Charles Mackay, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the
Madness of Crowds
Such "cunning-folk" often did not refer to themselves
as witches and objected to the accusation that they were such.
Records from the Middle Ages, however, make it appear that it
was, quite often, not entirely clear to the populace whether a
given practioner of magic was a witch or one of the cunning-folk.
In addition, it appears that much of the populace was willing
to approach either of these groups for healing magic and divination.
When a person was known to be a witch, the populace would still
seek to employ their healing skills; however, as was not the case
with cunning-folk, members of the general population would also
hire witches to curse their enemies. The important distinction
is that there are records of the populace reporting alleged witches
to the authorities as such, whereas cunning folk were not so incriminated;
they were more commonly prosecuted for accusing the innocent or
defrauding people of money.
The long-term result of this amalgamation
of distinct types of magic-worker into one is the considerable
present-day confusion as to what witches actually did, whether
they harmed or healed, what role (if any) they had in the community,
whether they can be identified with the "witches" of
other cultures and even whether they existed as anything other
than a projection. Present-day beliefs about the witches of history
attribute to them elements of the folklore witch, the charmer,
the cunning man or wise woman, the diviner and the astrologer.
Powers typically attributed to European
witches include turning food poisonous or inedible, flying on
broomsticks, casting spells, and creating fear and local chaos.
If a man has laid a charge of witchcraft
and has not justified it, he upon whom the witchcraft is laid
shall go to the holy river; he shall plunge into the holy river
and if the holy river overcome him, he who accused him shall take
to himself his house.
Witchcraft in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, Old Testament)
In the Bible references to witchcraft are frequent, and the strong
condemnations of such practices which we read there do not seem
to be based so much upon the supposition of fraud as upon the
"abomination" of the magic in itself. (See Deuteronomy
18:11-12; Exodus 22:18, "wizards thou shalt not suffer to
live" - A.V. "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live".)
The whole narrative of Saul's visit to the witch of En Dor (I
Samuel 28) implies belief in the reality of the witch's evocation
of the shade of Samuel; and from Leviticus 20:27: "A man
or woman in whom there is a pythonical or divining spirit, dying
let them die: they shall stone them: Their blood be upon them",
we should naturally infer that the divining spirit was not believed
to be a mere imposture.
Witchcraft in the New Testament
The prohibitions of sorcery in the New Testament leave the same
impression (Galatians 5:20, compared with Revelation 21:8; 22:15;
and Acts 8:9; 13:6). Supposing that the belief in witchcraft were
held to be an idle superstition, it would be strange that the
suggestion should nowhere be made that the evil of these practices
only lay in the pretending to the possession of powers which did
not really exist.
There is some debate, however, as
to whether the word used in Galatians and Revelation, Pharmakeia,
is properly translated as "sorcery", as the word was
commonly used to describe malicious use of drugs as in poisons,
contraceptives, and abortifacients.
Jewish views of witchcraft
Almost all modern day Jews view the practice of witchcraft as
idolatry, a serious theological offense in Judaism. Jews believe
that the practices associated with witchcraft and magic are in
vain, as such magic and supernatural forces don't actually exist.
The only supernatural belief Jews still maintain is the belief
in God. It should be noted that a small number of Orthodox Jews
who study Kabbalah (Jewish esoteric mysticism) do believe in magic;
their practices use terminology that varies greatly from witchcraft,
but the basic ideas (using supernatural forces to effect results
in the physical world) are identical. Most Jews find such ideas
ludicrous; since the Enlightenment, most Jewish people have abandoned
a belief in the Kabbalah.
Some Neopagans study and practice
forms of magery based on a syncretism between classical Jewish
mysticism and modern witchcraft. A reference on this subject is
Ellen Cannon Reed's book "The Witches Qabala: The Pagan Path
and the Tree of Life".
See also: Christian views on witchcraft
African witchcraft
Africans have a wide range of views of traditional religions.
African Christians typically accept Christian dogma as their counterparts
in Latin America and Asia. The term witch doctor, often attributed
to African inyanga, has been misconstrued to mean "a healer
who uses witchcraft" rather than its original meaning of
"one who diagnoses and cures maladies caused by witches".
Combining Roman Catholic beliefs and practices and traditional
West African religious beliefs and practices are several syncretic
religions in the Americas, including Voudun, Obeah, Candomblé,
and Santería.
In Southern African traditions, there
are three classifications of somebody who uses magic. The thakathi
is usually translated into English as "witch", and is
a spiteful person who operates in secret to harm others. The sangoma
is a diviner, somewhere on a par with a fortune teller, and is
employed in detecting illness, predicting a person's future (or
advising them on which path to take), or identifying the guilty
party in a crime. She also practices some degree of medicine.
The inyanga is often translated as "witch doctor" (though
many Southern Africans resent this implication, as it perpetuates
the mistaken belief that a "witch doctor" is in some
sense a practitioner of witchcraft). The inyanga's job is to heal
illness and injury and provide customers with magical items for
everyday use. Of these three categories the thakatha is almost
exclusively female, the sangoma is usually female, and the inyanga
is almost exclusively male.
Witches in modern culture
Today, few people believe in witches that can curse enemies, change
shapes, or fly. However, since the emergence of the witchcraft-inspired
religion of Wicca in the 1940s a growing number of people have
called themselves witches. While most of western culture continues
to assign negative connotations to the word, Wiccans do not consider
it a derogatory term, nor do they associate it with Satanism.
In fact, many Wiccans wish to claim the term "witch"
and assign positive meanings to it.
In 1968, a group of radical politically
active women formed a protest organization in the City of New
York called W.I.T.C.H., standing for "Women's International
Terrorist Conspiracy from Hell". This was a short-lived group
that did not have any noticeable impact on the modern development
of witchcraft, except possibly Dianic craft, but is often cited
because of its colourful acronym.
Witches are iconically associated
with Halloween, although Wiccans generally prefer to celebrate
Samhain. Samhain takes place on November 1st, while Halloween
is on the 31st of October. Both holidays are often seen as being
metaphorically similar in meaning. This is not coincidence. Christianity
had a basic contempt for the supernatural overtones of the festival.
The association between "witches" and Halloween possibly
came from vilification of practitioners of the Celtic celebration
of the last harvest.
Witches have come more into the mainstream
in the last few decades, now seen often as common pop-culture
figures. Teenage and young adult witches have been the focus or
appeared in the movies "The Craft", "Practical
Magic", and "Blair Witch Project 2" (the sequel
to The Blair Witch Project), as well as the television programs
"Bewitched", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Charmed",
"Sabrina the Teenage Witch", and some episodes of "The
X-Files". Such neo-Gothic portrayals bear little relationship
to Wicca, or even a Christian view of witches. In almost all cases
witches portrayed in movies and TV shows today are attractive
women who have supernatural powers. In J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter
books, a witch is a female with magical powers.
Recent research does not, however,
support the media's portrayal of witchcraft and Wicca. In Witchcraft
out of the Shadows (2004), Leo Ruickbie presents findings that
demonstrate that Wicca and other forms of modern Witchcraft religion
are not exclusively female nor teenage.
Distinguishing witchcraft from other forms of magic
Among some groups within the modern occult movement, witchcraft
is typically distinguished from folk magic, religious magic, and
ceremonial magic. Modern self-identified witches (especially practitioners
of Wicca) are likely to use the term witchcraft to refer to folk
magic.
Folk magic and witchcraft are not
identical, but they are very similar. Both are concerned with
the producing of effects using supernatural methods which (though
arcane) are held to have power in their own right, whether or
not they involve the invocation of deities, spirits, or other
supernatural beings. In this way they differ from both prayer
and religious magic, which derive not from the ritual elements
themselves, but depend upon the power and consent of a deity or
deities. Ceremonial magic almost always refers to hermetic magic
being practiced in an ornate and precise manner.
Distinction of The Craft from Wicca
Though sometimes used interchangeably, "Wicca" and "The
Craft" are not the same thing. The confusion comes, understandably,
because both practitioners of Wicca and practitioners of The Craft
call themselves witches. In addition, many, but not all, Wiccans
practice witchcraft and likewise not all witches are Wiccans.
From a neopagan perspective, Wicca
refers to the religion; the worship of the God (also known as
the Consort) and the Goddess (or just Goddess), and the Sabbat
and Esbat rituals. Witchcraft, on the other hand, is considered
the craft of magic. Practicing The Craft involves the conscious
manipulation of energy to manifest desired results. This practice
can be learned and perfected separate from any religious ideology,
and thus requires no belief in specific gods or goddesses. It
is a learned skill, not a spiritual path. There are other Pagan
witches, "Hindu witches", "Buddhist witches",
etc. who also practice witchcraft; however, Christians usually
do not practice witchcraft because of their beliefs being against
"sorcery" as noted in the Bible.
The distinctions between neopaganism
and witchcraft can not be clearly distinguished. There is crossover
between the pagan/neopagan religions and witchcraft. For example,
the mention of goddesses in spells and the performance of spells
during Sabbat rituals are found in both. However, the differences
mentioned above are the general distinctions made between the
two terms.
It should be noted that The Craft
as a descriptor for witchcraft is a wholly modern concept, introduced
precisely in order to distinguish the religion of Wicca from other
practices that involve magic. This is a result of the increasing
diversity in modern neopaganism, which was previously dominated
by Wicca.
If Raymond Buckland was the Father
of American Wicca , Sybil Leek was the the mother of the craft.
Sybil Leek: [Born February 22, 1917
in Stoke-on Trent, England. Died October 26, 1982 in Melbourne,
Florida. Aleister Crowley became a frequent visitor to, Sybil
Leek's home when she was only nine years old. Sybil Leek, was
one of the most publicized Witches of the 20th century, Sybil
Leek was one of the first Witches to become public back in the
1960's. Sybil Leek in the 1960's said her witchcraft was different
from Gardner's, and not of Gerald Gardner's line.
Her psychic predictions of the Kennedy
assassinatons, and the election of Richard M. Nixon as president
of the United States are documented. Sybil Leek wrote approximately
60 different books covering a wide range of subjects including
:Astrology, Witchcraft, Curses, Dreams, Fortune Telling, Healing,
Numerology, Phrenology, Reincarnation, Spells, Telepathy "All
human beings have magic in them. The secret is to know how to
use this magic,.... ".~ Sybil Leek, 1972.
It was Buckland who was responsible for introducing Gardnerian
Witchcraft into America in 1964. Known as "The Father of
American Wicca He is also the founder of his own tradition of
Witchcraft called Seax-Wica. After 28 years working in leading
the craft in America, Buckland retire from active participation
in 1992
Books By Sybil Leek
Costume
Design
Review
"fascinating compliation of costume designers' sketches and
photos of the finished products..." - Express News
"looks at what actors wear on
screen. Interviews with costume designers chronicle the creation
of elaborate get-ups..." - Erin Hanafy, Associated Press
Book Description
Dressing actors to suit character, place and period is more crucial
to the filmmaking process than many realize. Costume Design provides
compelling insight into this fascinating craft, featuring interviews
with 14 world-class international costume designers, including
the designers of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Batman, Shakespeare
in Love, and many more.
*Vast cultural and artistic range
of costume design brought together in one publication for the
first time
*No other book uses so much visual content from the designers
*Contains interviews with some of the most celebrated costume
designers in the world
This book is invaluable for anyone interested in learning about
costume design--from the designers themselves. Fourteen highly
accomplished designers discuss their craft in highly engaging
and informative interviews, conducted by the author, Deborah Nadoolman
Landis, herself an Academy Award-nominated costume designer. This
is the kind of stuff that is usually neglected in "Making
Of" film books and Hollywood history tomes. The interviews
are augmented by hundreds of color and black-and-white photographs
and costume sketches, which in themselves are more than worth
the price of the book. Highly recommended!
This book is ideal for anyone interested in fashion or costume,
and the creative process that goes into the creation of design.
Landis, a costume designer herself, interviews most of the best
costume designers working in film today. So unlike other books
on costume design, where you get one person's opinion on the craft--and
that person is usually a critic or academic who doesn't really
have experience working in the field--here you get straight information
direct from the creative people themselves.
The pictures are fabulous, so I think this book has appeal for
anybody interested in clothes, movies, or design. Obviously, it
will be a necessity for anyone interested in costume design or
interested in being a costume designer.
Although there is a section on Landis'
work on such movies as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Coming to America,
she has obviously expertly edited the interviews that make up
the text of the book. It seems as if the reader is sitting in
the living room of these famous costume designers, chatting casually
about how they got started, what inspires them, and some of their
most interesting professional experiences.
Besides Edith Head, how many costume designers can you actually
name? This book is a phenomenal collection of interviews with
some of the best working film costume designers. You get a rare
insight into what it's like to design for the stars, collaborate
with the director and other craftsmen/women on a film set. Hollywood
is well represented, but international designers get their due
here as well. Designers describe what it's like to design for
the much-lauded period films and the often-overlooked costumes
of contemporary films (the author is herself an Oscar-nominated
costume designer for "Coming to America"). The book
includes lots of color photos and illustrations. You don't have
to be a film historian to appreciate it.
The most recent book in Focal Press' Screencraft series, this
book is a revealing look at the job of a film costume designer,
told from the point of view of the practitioners. The names, faces
and stories behind the most famous costumes from cinema are represented.
From period films to contemporary, from mainstream to art films,
from stylized costumes to naturalistic, the designers interviewed
reveal their design process and the purpose of costume design,
as well as what it's like working with stars and directors. The
Academy Award nominated (if not winning) designers interviewed
include: Theodora Van Runkle ("Bonnie and Clyde"), Italian
designer Piero Tosi ("The Leopard"), Jeffrey Kurland
("Erin Brokovich"), the books author Deborah Nadoolman
("Raiders of the Lost Ark"), Ann Roth ("The Hours"),
Japanese designer Eiko Ishioka ("Bram Stoker's Dracula"),
Anthony Powell ("Tess"), Albert Wolsky ("All That
Jazz"), Sandy Powell ("The Crying Game"), Gabriella
Pescucci ("The Age of Innocence"), Ruth Carter ("Malcolm
X"), Milena Canonero ("A Clockwork Orange"), James
Acheson ("Dangerous Liaisons"), and Bob Ringwood ("Batman").
A fascinating behind the scenes look at a craft typically invisible
to the audience. All of the designers deserve this long overdue
recognition, and this book celebrates their work with interviews,
color photos, and costume illustrations. Perhaps a future second
volume might include interviews with designers Colleen Atwood,
Patricia Norris and the design team of Jenny Beavan and John Bright?
Elegantly Frugal Costumes
Book Description
This wonderfully practical book literally shows you how to make
costumes for plays, pageants and musicals at the lowest possible
expense! Over 150 detailed illustrations work with the easy-to-follow
text to walk you through every step of the process. Just about
every basic period is covered: Biblical to Medieval, Renaissance,
Angels, the Fabulous Fifties, 1800s to World War I, The Roaring
Twenties and more. Many helpful hints on making or buying realistic
period theatrical costumes on a shoestring budget from cast-offs,
donations, scraps, and other easily-obtained materials. Also included
are "special effects" costumes, helpful hints for getting
into and out of costumes, and a glossary of costuming terms A
book that will pay for itself with its first use.
About the Author
Shirley Dearing holds degrees in music and art and has sung and
designed costumes for several operas. She lives in Colorado Springs,
Colorado.
Review:
What I like about this book is that it foregoes any esoterica
and costuming theory in favor of good old fashioned practicality.
The reader doesn't have to sift through the excruciating snobby
details, but instead is given the real lowdown as if visiting
with a best friend who happens to be a costume mistress.
This book focuses mainly on costuming for low-budget productions
(such as community theatre or a school play), providing useful
information and advice on making good-looking costumes from already
existing garments and/or thrift store offerings. Information abounds
about time period, costume cuts & styles, ways to splurge
or skimp on your costumes and still have them look fabulous, as
well as details that an inexperienced costumer might overlook
(such as using velcro instead of buttons for ease in costume changes).
I would highly recommend this to anyone
who is involved in costuming for a production, or anyone who simply
loves costumes and loves to recycle old clothes into great new
ones. I love this book and have read through it several times
just for inspiration.
An excellent book of ideas and help for someone wanting to learn
to costume for community theatre. It contains excellent examples
of her own work that is easy to follow. It does not overload your
brain with useless information. A good starting out book, that
aids a person in organizing the information , and research problems
needed to suceeded in this field. Also a good read for veterans
of the design buisness to give fresh ideas and back up what they
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