Candle magic is a form of spellcasting and ritual practice that utilizes the energy and symbolism of candles to manifest intentions, desires, and goals. It is believed to be one of the oldest and simplest forms of magic, dating back to ancient times. The basic principle of candle magic is to focus one's intentions and energy through the act of lighting and burning candles. The candle acts as a tool to help channel the practitioner's thoughts and desires into the universe, allowing for the manifestation of the desired outcome. Before performing any candle magic, it is important to prepare oneself and create a sacred and focused space. This can be done by cleansing the area with sage or incense and setting an intention for the magic being performed.
Bette Midler stirred up quite a bit of confusion over a famous line in Hocus Pocus last week, all thanks to a social media gaffe.
As the foremost of three sisters from 17th-century Salem who are magically transported forward three centuries to bedevil modern trick or treaters, Ms. Take one of my favorite moments from the 1993 film, for instance After the witches have been tricked into thinking that the water coming from a sprinkler system is the burning rain of death, Winifred tests the liquid by holding out her palm and then licking it.
This can be done by cleansing the area with sage or incense and setting an intention for the magic being performed. It is also important to choose the correct type of candle for the desired outcome. Different colors of candles have different symbolic meanings and energies, so it is essential to choose the color that aligns with the desired intention.
Don’t Question the Magic of Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus, as a film, makes little sense. The plot, about a coven of witches who seek to eat children, involves a talking cat, a boy who despises trick-or-treating, and far too many mentions of virgins lighting candles. Released inexplicably in the middle of summer 1993, it was a box-office failure that put off critics.
But Hocus Pocus, as a cultural phenomenon, makes perfect sense. The costumes are easily replicable, the one-liners fantastically quotable. The movie is campy, with a catchy musical number and exaggerated performances. Given its Halloween setting, Hocus Pocus has become as ubiquitous come autumn as pumpkin-spice lattes. The biggest fans watch it every October, when it airs almost daily on TV.
So of course Disney made a sequel. Hocus Pocus 2, which started streaming on Disney+ yesterday, revives the reviled Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah (played respectively by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker)—nearly 30 years after the original. Like the trio of eccentric spell-casting divas at its center, this follow-up is bizarre, flashy, and chaotic. And yet, it’s also satisfying to take in.
I’m not a die-hard Hocus Pocus fan—it’s never been an annual viewing event for me, more of a catch-it-on-in-the-background kind of thing—but I nevertheless found myself charmed by the new entry. The film wears its ridiculousness so proudly, it’s impossible to disdain. It is both a diverting watch and a sly commentary on its predecessor’s strengths. Hocus Pocus 2 understands that Hocus Pocus has a lot that doesn’t work, including an overstuffed plot, hokey dialogue, and chintzy effects. But what the original did have was a uniquely cartoonish raucousness, the kind of unpretentious silliness that can turn a mediocre movie into a cult favorite.
Hocus Pocus 2 grasps, in other words, that the first film isn’t exactly sacred storytelling—and so, as a sequel, it has more than a little fun with the material. It strips the plot to its bare bones, largely ignoring the events that came before in favor of sequences that allow the actors to chew as much scenery as possible. A flashback to the Sandersons’ childhood years in the 1600s, for example, features Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham as a fabulously hammy witch who grants them their sentient spell book, along with a wiggy Tony Hale as an arachnophobic reverend. The teenagers involved this time around play a part in the magic, instead of just gawking at the sisters. And the script pokes fun at its own ludicrousness. “Who are they performing for?” one character asks early on when Winifred, Mary, and Sarah arrive and immediately burst into song.
Speaking of the pesky threesome, none of this works without the witches themselves getting to run amok even more than they did in the original. Midler, Najimy, and Parker reprise their roles with an enthusiasm that radiates off the screen; all of them are absurdly overqualified for their parts but appear to be having the most fun they’ve ever had. Midler in particular seems to delight in every over-the-top antic, including one in which Winifred tries to navigate her way past a set of automatic doors. Instead of walking through them as they open, Midler twirls slowly, looking terrified with every degree spun. That character beat left me in stitches.
It also reminded me of what I enjoyed most about Hocus Pocus as a kid, even when I caught scenes in snippets: the leads’ commitment to making the Sanderson sisters not just odd, but naively so. Take one of my favorite moments from the 1993 film, for instance: After the witches have been tricked into thinking that the water coming from a sprinkler system is “the burning rain of death,” Winifred tests the liquid by holding out her palm and then licking it. Mary, seeing this, immediately licks her own palm too. These moves are objectively gross, yet sweetly endearing at the same time. The sisters are outcasts bewildered by everything going on around them, and that confusion makes them dependent on and devoted to one another. Not much about Hocus Pocus is realistic, except the trio’s anxiety about stepping into a world they don’t know how to navigate. Despite how much they want to eat children, they exude a defiance and obstinacy that can resonate with young audiences also caught in the turmoil of having to grow up.
Hocus Pocus 2 offers the same concoction of heartfelt weirdness. The Sandersons are more determined than ever to succeed now that they’ve been resurrected a second time, but they are even more perplexed by the world they’ve entered. The film follows their lead, playing up their closeness amid the corny jokes and kooky hijinks, rekindling the same spark that turned Hocus Pocus into a hit. So many of Disney’s recent remakes and reboots that mine the company’s back catalog have cared more about exploiting nostalgia through endless references than capturing the allure of the original work. But Hocus Pocus 2 is neither a soulless shot-for-shot re-creation nor an overwrought brand update. It highlights the chemistry that kept viewers spellbound enough to return to the first film time and time again, while dialing up the childlike fun. That’s a kind of magic not every sequel can conjure.
Once the candle is chosen, it can be decorated or anointed with specific oils or herbs that correspond to the desired intention. This helps to amplify the energy and symbolism of the candle. Before lighting the candle, it is important to set a clear and specific intention for the spell or ritual. This intention should be stated clearly and with conviction. Once the candle is lit, the practitioner can focus their energy and thoughts on the desired outcome. Visualization techniques can be used to further enhance the power of the spell. It is important to maintain focus and concentration throughout the burning of the candle, as this is when the magic is said to be at its strongest. As the candle burns, the energy and intention are released into the universe. Some practitioners believe that signs or messages may be received during the burning of the candle, such as the flickering or dancing of the flame, the shape of the wax as it melts, or even the appearance of images or symbols within the wax. After the candle has burned down completely, it is important to give thanks and release the intention to the universe. This can be done through a simple prayer or affirmation. Some practitioners also choose to bury or dispose of the remains of the candle in a specific manner, depending on the nature of the spell or ritual. Candle magic can be a powerful and effective practice when approached with respect, focus, and intention. It is a versatile form of magic that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from manifesting abundance and love to protection and healing. With practice and dedication, candle magic can become a valuable tool in one's spiritual and magical journey..
Reviews for "Candle Magic for Clearing and Cleansing: Releasing Negativity and Inviting Positive Energy"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited about trying out Candle Magic Guide as I've always been interested in different forms of spiritual practices. However, I found this guide to be very basic and lacking in depth. It didn't provide any new or insightful information that I hadn't already come across on the internet. The instructions were also vague and poorly explained, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of substance and would not recommend this guide to anyone looking for a comprehensive resource on candle magic.
2. John - 1/5 - I found Candle Magic Guide to be a complete waste of money. The content was repetitive and lacked any real substance. It felt like a rushed compilation of generic information that could easily be found with a simple Google search. The formatting and layout of the guide were also poorly done, making it difficult to navigate. I would advise anyone considering purchasing this guide to save their money and look for more credible and comprehensive resources on candle magic elsewhere.
3. Emma - 2/5 - As a beginner in candle magic, I was hoping that Candle Magic Guide would provide me with a solid foundation and help me gain a deeper understanding of the practice. Unfortunately, this guide fell short of my expectations. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. It didn't offer any real guidance or practical advice on how to effectively perform candle magic. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on a guide that didn't provide any valuable insights or help me progress in my journey.
4. Mark - 2/5 - I found Candle Magic Guide to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was too general and didn't go into enough detail to truly understand the practice of candle magic. The guide lacked thorough explanations and examples, making it difficult for beginners to grasp the concepts. Additionally, the guide seemed poorly edited, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout. Overall, I would not recommend this guide as there are much better resources available for those interested in learning candle magic.
5. Jessica - 1/5 - I regret purchasing Candle Magic Guide. It was advertised as a comprehensive guide, but it was anything but. The content was shallow and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the practice of candle magic. The instructions were confusing and poorly explained, leaving me feeling frustrated and disappointed. Additionally, the guide lacked any sort of personal touch or unique perspective, making it feel like a generic compilation of information. I would advise against wasting your money on this guide and instead look for more reputable sources on candle magic.