Magic Springs mix delphiniums are a popular choice among gardeners for adding vibrant colors and vertical interest to their gardens. Delphiniums are tall, elegant perennial flowers that bloom in a variety of shades, including purple, blue, pink, and white. The Magic Springs mix is a specially curated blend of these dazzling delphiniums, creating a stunning display of color in the garden. The main idea: Magic Springs mix delphiniums are a popular choice among gardeners for adding vibrant colors and vertical interest to their gardens..
.
Real witches cry foul at portrayal on "True Blood"
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Critics of bloody violence and excessive sex on TV have long had HBO’s vampire drama “True Blood” in their cross hairs, but now the popular series has another group of wary citizens -- witches, real ones.
A woman dressed as a witch walks along the street during Halloween celebrations in Port Washington, New York, October 31, 2007. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
The series’ fourth season has focused on Marnie Stonebrook (Fiona Shaw), a seemingly harmless medium and leader of a Wiccan group who becomes the physical conduit for Antonia, a long dead witch who is hellbent on vengeance against vampires who persecuted and burned her at the stake.
Marnie winds up as the mouthpiece for Antonia’s spell to drive the bloodsuckers of fictional “True Blood” town Bon Temps into the daylight. And that sort of deadly revenge, say some modern-day witches, is what gives witchcraft a bad name.
“I’m absolutely disappointed with the portrayal of Marnie,” said one witch -- and professor of biology at a college in New England -- who goes by the magickal name Taarna RavenHawk.
“When Marnie gives up her ‘power within,’ which is a witch’s ability to practice the craft without harming others, it allows possession by Antonia who becomes the controlling entity. Marnie lets it happen. It’s unconscionable a witch would act this way.”
Elaanie Stormbender, a witch and mother of five who lives in Jackson, Mississippi, said all the members of the small community of witches to which she belongs are displeased with Marnie’s behavior. “When witches invoke a spirit, they take precautions and retain full control to banish,” she said. “Marnie didn’t stay in control, so she’s entirely to blame for giving herself over to being possessed.”
Marnie’s behavior also feeds into some people’s fears about witches tampering with forces beyond their control, and the character’s recklessness only reinforces this fear, said Stormbender.
Christopher Penczak, co-founder and president of The Temple of Witchcraft, a religious nonprofit organization based in southern New Hampshire that teaches witchcraft to students worldwide, also had concerns about Marnie’s negative impact on the overall reputation of witches.
“Marnie does communicate with the dead but she comes into witchcraft lacking groundedness,” said Penczak, author of “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development. “A witch who gets good training usually learns to balance that with discipline, strength and focus. I would have liked to see a witch who was more competent and had a clearer sense of will and purpose.”
Another red flag for Penczak is how Marnie has begged spirits to enter her. He said modern-day witches don’t look for spirits indiscriminately. In fact, they are very specific about what they want to summon. “They’d never say ‘I’m opening the door to whoever wants to come through,’” Penczak said.
Being a witch is hard work, too, and a key complaint about Marnie is that she makes her job seem way too easy. Moreover, she actually raised the dead -- something real witches don’t do. They just communicate with those who have passed on.
“Ethical witches communicate with the dead, not bring them back to life. Crossing these lines was very grave and not something any of us would advocate. She went overboard,” said RavenHawk.
Of course, going overboard is exactly what “True Blood” does best with not just its vampires, but its shapeshifters and werewolves and even were panthers. It’s the sort of behavior that spikes ratings and lures viewers.
Suzanne, also known as Moon, a witch in Atlanta, Georgia, who declined to give her last name, has observed Marnie’s huge appeal through the local online forum for solitary pagan practitioners that she created and manages.
“Since the new season of ‘True Blood’ began, I’ve seen an increase in new members who are in their teens and may be easily impressed by Marnie’s display of power,” she said. “It’s dangerous when viewers think witchcraft, as Marnie does it, is so easy. For this reason she’s a bad example.”
Still, all that complaining doesn’t seem to make the witches want to cast their own spell to hurt the “True Blood” viewership -- not yet, anyway.
“My witch friends are rabid fans of ‘True Blood,’ and watch it every week,” said Ellen Dugan, a witch and priestess of a six-member coven she co-founded in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dugan, the author of “Practical Protection Magick” and “Natural Witchery,” conceded that Marnie’s portrayal contains a sensational element, but noted that her witch friends laughed during a recent levitation scene.
“Most witches have a good enough sense of humor,” she said.
Editing by Bob Tourtellotte
Being a witch is hard work, too, and a key complaint about Marnie is that she makes her job seem way too easy. Moreover, she actually raised the dead -- something real witches don’t do. They just communicate with those who have passed on.
.
Reviews for "Discovering the Healing Properties of Magic Springs Mix Delphiniums in Herbal Remedies"
1. John - 1 star:
I was really disappointed with the Magic Springs Mix Delphiniums that I purchased. Despite following all the instructions for planting and care, the plants didn't grow as expected. The flowers were very small and lacked the vibrant colors that were advertised. I also noticed that the plants were not very sturdy and required a lot of extra support to keep them upright. Overall, a very disappointing experience and I would not recommend these delphiniums to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars:
I had high hopes for the Magic Springs Mix Delphiniums, but unfortunately, they didn't live up to my expectations. While some of the flowers were beautiful and had vibrant colors, a significant portion of the plants did not bloom at all. The ones that did bloom had very weak stems and required constant staking to prevent them from falling over. I also noticed that the plants were prone to various diseases and pests, despite my best efforts to care for them. It was quite frustrating, and I don't think I would purchase these delphiniums again.
3. Michael - 2 stars:
I bought the Magic Springs Mix Delphiniums hoping to add a pop of color to my garden, but I was disappointed with the results. Although the plants did produce some flowers, they were rather sparse and didn't create the impact I was looking for. Additionally, I found the plants to be quite challenging to care for, as they required constant monitoring and special attention to prevent them from wilting or breaking. Overall, I wouldn't recommend these delphiniums as there are better options available for a more successful and hassle-free garden.
4. Emily - 1 star:
I had a terrible experience with the Magic Springs Mix Delphiniums. The plants were very small and weak when they arrived, and despite my best efforts to nurse them back to health, they didn't survive. They were highly susceptible to diseases and pests, and it was very disappointing to see them wilt and eventually die. I would not recommend these delphiniums as they proved to be a waste of time and money.