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Eliphas Levi, born as Alphonse Louis Constant in 1810, was a French occultist and writer who made significant contributions to the field of magic. Levi's work in magic and occultism was influenced by various traditions, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Masonry. **His writings and teachings played a crucial role in the development of modern Western occultism**, and he is considered one of the founders of the occult revival in the 19th century. Levi's interest in the occult began at an early age, and he dedicated his life to the study and practice of magic. **He believed that magic was a science that could be understood and harnessed through the use of symbols, rituals, and the manipulation of spiritual forces**. Levi's approach to magic was highly intellectual and philosophical, and he sought to bridge the gap between science and spirituality.

Overall Verdict: Some kind of plot happens, but really, who cares? It's a fun romp that takes some unexpected twists, and Sandra Bullock is utterly charming. It's a shame she hasn't made more movies over the years. But I guess she's ruling the film world in her own way, which is pretty awesome too. Also, it passes the Bechdel test, again and again. If only more movies would realize that female relationships don't revolve entirely around men.

The focus is more on the characters themselves, on who Sally and Gillian grow up to be, the decisions they make, because of the upbringing they had with their strange, eccentric aunts. However, if when we look around to see what has not changed or has changed very little, it makes sense to stop what we re doing and think about what is actually at the bottom of enterprise information.

Levi's approach to magic was highly intellectual and philosophical, and he sought to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. One of Levi's most famous works is "The Dogma and Ritual of High Magic," published in 1855. In this book, he presented his system of ceremonial magic, which combined elements of traditional rituals with his own unique ideas and interpretations.

The Oncoming Hope

Welcome back to Filling the Gaps, our little series on films we should have seen, but didn't.

Now, you may feel that Practical Magic may not be a gap that necessarily needs to be filled, but I suspect it's more of a personal gap. No movie classic, it has nonetheless hovered in my brain as something I know I'd love (I loved all supernatural shows on the WB. even Charmed). And guess what? I did.

As if there was any chance of failure, with a cast that not only includes Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, but Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing and Aidan Quinn. And of course a terribly homely European named Goran Visjnic.

I'll be honest, I expected a sort of "quirky romantic comedy," so I was pleasantly surprised at the dark undertones present from the start, and how quickly things veered completely off the rails. Well done, Bullman (seriously, can we have more Nicole Kidman/ Sandra Bullock movies? I'm overcome by the CHARMINGNESS of it all).

If you're on the fence about seeing this, I can only recommend this scene of total insanity (and coconuts):

THOUGHTS

The intro pretty much sums up the entire film: "La la la, I know the music's exceptionally jaunty, but really, there's quite a serious curse that killed your family," said Mother Goose-witch. "There may be no males, but you can have all the sweets you want! Da ha!"

There can never be anything more delightful than Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest trading barbs in strange Southern accents, like a cantankerous old married couple that can cut you down with a yeehaw spell. They spark wonderful conversations like this:

"Oh good, we can take them to the summer solstice!"

"Fine, but I don't want them dancing naked under the full moon."

"As you remember, nudity is completely optional!"

There was this great period in the mid-90s where children weren't always portrayed as cloying, but actually a bit intelligent, and sort of interesting in their own right. I miss those days. I also miss the days when said children morph into insanely hot Sandra Bullocks.

The movie's not perfect, by any means. But I forgive everything for this piece of dialogue:

"She just keeps going through all these guys!"

"One day, a guy will go straight through her."

[Cue Nicole Kidman's character, weeping into her ovaries.]

Practical Magic reminds me that another thing the 90s had was Faith Hill, teaching pop-country fans everywhere about centripetal motion and perpetual bliss. Which explains why the movie sometimes feels like an extended remake of one Amy Grant video you may recall:

In more serious news, Nicole Kidman's a remorseless psychopath, which is kind of a nice twist for this sort of movie to take. I sincerely love how Sandra Bullock plays the bookish, uptight sister, while Nicole Kidman plays the wild one. We forget today, but Kidman once made quite a career as a firecracker before she became a "serious actress."

Favorite thing in the entire movie: Bath salts that transmit Joni Mitchell through the air! Ok, I wouldn't turn that down. Nicole Kidman, why don't you know the lyrics to your magical crystals?

Overall Verdict: Some kind of plot happens, but really, who cares? It's a fun romp that takes some unexpected twists, and Sandra Bullock is utterly charming. It's a shame she hasn't made more movies over the years. But I guess she's ruling the film world in her own way, which is pretty awesome too. Also, it passes the Bechdel test, again and again. If only more movies would realize that female relationships don't revolve entirely around men.

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THOUGHTS

**Levi emphasized the importance of the will and imagination in magical practice**, and he believed that individuals had the potential to transform themselves and the world through the power of their thoughts and intentions. Another notable aspect of Levi's work is his depiction and interpretation of the tarot. He saw the tarot as a powerful tool for divination and self-discovery. **Levi believed that the cards represented archetypal symbols and universal truths**, and he developed his own system of correspondences and meanings for each card. His book "The Key of the Mysteries" delves deep into the symbolism and spiritual significance of the tarot. Despite his contributions to the field of magic, Levi's life was not without controversy. **His association with secret societies and his public criticism of the Catholic Church led to his persecution and imprisonment**. However, his writings and teachings continued to inspire and influence generations of occultists and magicians long after his death in 1875. In conclusion, Eliphas Levi was a pivotal figure in the history of magic and occultism. His intellectual approach, emphasis on symbolism, and exploration of the tarot have left a lasting impact on the field. **His ideas and teachings have helped shape the modern understanding and practice of magic and continue to be studied and revered by occultists to this day**..

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