The use of herbs for magical purposes has a long history that goes back centuries. Throughout different cultures and traditions, certain plants have been believed to possess magical properties and have been used for various purposes such as healing, protection, love spells, and divination. One of the most common magical properties attributed to herbs is their ability to heal. Many herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint, are known for their soothing and calming effects on the body and mind. These herbs have been used in various magical rituals and spells to promote health and well-being. Some herbs are also believed to have protective properties.
THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH explores this Southern tale of terror to the fullest. Throughout the documentary, the filmmaker’s interviews and consult with academics, folklorists, local historians, and tour guides as they go on a deep dive into the story.
With The Mark of The Bell Witch, Small Town Monsters have brewed up a perfectly blended concoction of history, folklore, expert input, and reenactments, to create what is, in my opinion, the best Bell Witch film interpretation to come along thus far. December 20, 2020 marked the 200th anniversary of the death of Tennessee farmer, John Bell, allegedly by the hand of a malevolent entity called the Bell Witch.
Some herbs are also believed to have protective properties. For example, sage has been used for centuries in Native American traditions to cleanse and purify a space and ward off negative energies. Other protective herbs include rosemary, basil, and bay leaves, which can be used in rituals and spells for protection against evil spirits or negative influences.
Movie Review: “The Mark of the Bell Witch” Is A Great Treatment of a Silly Subject
Before this review begins, it should be noted that I do not believe in ghosts. I do not believe in spooks or specters, either. I do not believe in UFOs, astral projection, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster, or the theory of Atlantis. That being said, a lot of unexplained and spooky bullshit went on at the Bell Residence in the 1800s, and the whole mess has become such a blurred mixture of myth and legend that, at this point, there’s really no telling what the fuck went on back then. Despite that, Seth Breedlove brings his authentic and skilled director’s eye to the legend, breaking down the so-called events in THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH.
For those unfamiliar with the legend of the Bell Witch (an annoying name because it’s a goddamn ghost, but common sense hadn’t been invented yet) it’s actually all kind of interesting. In 1817 a family sees a bunch of weird animals around their house. Shortly after that, they start experiencing wacky stuff like the sound of invisible dogs fighting, an unseen entity gnawing at bed legs, chains rattling around the house, and something yanking them out of bed. The patriarch of the family also begins to have health issues, like “paralysis of the mouth” which sounds like pilgrim-times speak for “having a stroke.” Bad gas travels fast in a small town, and people from all over begin to visit to see the “witch.” They ask it questions, which it somehow answers, before beginning to flex some serious ethereal muscle…
I don’t want to go through a blow-by-blow of the whole affair, since that’s what THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH is all about. What’s especially cool is how the documentary is handled. Firstly, the re-enactments are nothing short of masterful. If you were expecting some phoned in half-assery like Unsolved Mysteries slaps you in the face with, guess again. The actors go all-in, like those weirdos who never break character at the Renaissance Faire. You actually begin to feel a little bad for the characters, momentarily forgetting that they were dreadful slave owners who likely made up the whole thing to rake in coin.
What really stands out is the direction of these re-enactments. Breedlove does some serious filmwork with continuous takes, leading lines, clever shadow play, the whole nine yards. You go into the film expecting to make fun of a documentary that is giving credibility to a case of mercury filled well-water causing a family to go bananas, and you end up witnessing a genuine artist show off their skill in retelling a creepy legend.
The other thing that makes the documentary stand out as not just another investigation into the unverifiable paranormal are the modern day interviews. All too often, ghost hunting docu-dramas end up filling the screen with zealots and psychics: people so invested in this invented reality that their desperation bleeds through the screen. THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH instead features average folk who are simply interested in compiling the accounts of what happened back then – amateur historians who enjoy a bit of myth. There are a few instances of someone who’s a little too keen to latch onto he unexplained, but hey, loading the documentary with jaded cynics like me wouldn’t make for interesting screentime, right?
Overall, THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH manages to offer up something for believers and skeptics alike. You can come for the story, stay for the artistic re-enactments, and come away with a better understanding of a weird moment in history. You’ll probably leave with some of your own conclusions, too.
THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH is out now on Blu-Ray and VOD.
Before this review begins, it should be noted that I do not believe in ghosts. I do not believe in spooks or specters, either. I do not believe in UFOs, astral projection, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster, or the theory of Atlantis. That being said, a lot of unexplained and spooky bullshit went on at the Bell Residence in the 1800s, and the whole mess has become such a blurred mixture of myth and legend that, at this point, there’s really no telling what the fuck went on back then. Despite that, Seth Breedlove brings his authentic and skilled director’s eye to the legend, breaking down the so-called events in THE MARK OF THE BELL WITCH.
Love spells are another popular use for herbs in magic. Certain herbs, such as rose petals, jasmine, and yarrow, are believed to have the power to attract love and enhance romantic relationships. These herbs can be used in spells or rituals to promote love, passion, and fertility. In addition to their healing, protective, and love-enhancing properties, herbs are also used in divination practices. For example, mugwort is believed to enhance psychic abilities and is often used in rituals and spells for divination and dreamwork. Other herbs such as rosemary and thyme are believed to enhance clarity and focus during divination practices. It is important to note that the magical properties of herbs are largely based on folklore, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences. While herbs can be a powerful tool in magic, it is essential to approach their use with respect and caution. It is also important to research and understand the properties and potential risks associated with each herb before using them in magical practices..
Reviews for "The Witch's Apothecary: Exploring the Magickal Uses of Herbs"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to learning about the magical properties of herbs, but this book was a huge disappointment. The author barely scratched the surface and didn't provide any in-depth information or practical tips. The content felt rushed and lacked depth. Overall, it was a shallow read that left me wanting more.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Magicak properties of herbs" didn't live up to its title at all. The author seemed more interested in telling personal anecdotes and stories rather than providing useful information on the magical properties of herbs. It felt like a wasted opportunity to learn something new and exciting. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on the topic.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I found "Magicak properties of herbs" to be quite underwhelming. The author seemed to focus more on promoting their own beliefs and experiences rather than presenting a well-researched and objective view on the subject. There was a lack of evidence-based information and the inclusion of personal opinions made it difficult for me to take the content seriously. I was hoping for a more factual and enlightening read, but unfortunately, this book fell short.
4. Emily - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of time. The information provided was vague and lacked depth. The author didn't provide any references or sources to support their claims, making it hard to believe in the magical properties they were discussing. The lack of practical application and scientific backing made this book nothing more than a collection of baseless claims and empty promises. I would not recommend "Magicak properties of herbs" to anyone looking for a credible and informative resource on the subject.
5. David - 2 stars - I was left feeling unsatisfied after reading "Magicak properties of herbs". The writing style was confusing and hard to follow, often jumping between unrelated topics. The book lacked organization and failed to provide a clear structure for the information being presented. It felt like a jumbled mess of random thoughts and ideas. Overall, it was a disappointing read that failed to deliver on its promise of exploring the magical properties of herbs.