The magic serpent is a popular theme found in myths and legends from different cultures around the world. Often portrayed as a powerful and wise creature, the magic serpent is believed to have special abilities and is associated with various supernatural powers. In many cultures, the magic serpent is seen as a symbol of transformation and renewal. It is often depicted shedding its skin, representing the cycle of life and death, and the concept of rebirth. It is believed that the magic serpent has the ability to heal and bring about positive change. In some myths, the magic serpent is seen as a guardian or protector, defending against evil forces and bringing good fortune.
In some myths, the magic serpent is seen as a guardian or protector, defending against evil forces and bringing good fortune. It is often depicted with a crown or an ornament on its head, symbolizing its royal status and divine nature. The magic serpent also plays a significant role in religious and spiritual beliefs.
Deck Interview: Inner Witch Oracle
I love Practical Magic, both the book and the movie, but I never bought the first edition of the Inner Witch Oracle by Joseph of GroundedByTheMoon. At the time I did not want a lot of decks, especially not as many decks as I now have, and I wasn’t working as much with oracle decks. But it is definitely a fun deck for someone who knows the movie. And although I actually don’t love the genre of artwork, there’s something about the decks’s color choices and the cards’ black background that bring the cards to life. When I pulled Lavender for the first time, I could see the stalks blowing in the wind (in my mind). And as you will read in the deck interview, it and I will get along well.
Interviewing the Inner Witch Oracle
What major lesson are you here to help me learn? Water
Through which divine energy can we best communicate? Inner Circle
In what area can you aid me to help others? Midnight Margaritas
In what area could your guidance be easily misunderstood? Black Kitten
What can I do to keep our communication clear? Belladonna
How can I use your guidance for the highest good? The Garden Gate
How will I know when we’re ready for a new lesson? Spilled Salt
First and foremost, the deck promises to teach me about being in my emotions, which is often a hard place for me to sit in balance. I love the water, which is the only downside of living in the desert now, but it is easier to walk it off, to contain it. And you can’t contain the ocean. For this Jupiter in Pisces season, it is an apt opportunity to dive in.
To connect with the deck’s divine potential, I need to tap into my spirit team, including ancestors and elements. I felt this instantly on seeing the Inner Circle. It was a literal Inner circle of spirit guides in my knowing, even though I also knew logically that the image derives from a scene of friends (and minor enemies/acquaintance contacts) coming together, not a literally inner circle. That discrepancy between what I knew as a movie fan and what I knew as a reader helped me see the full potential of the deck for me. And the ancestral connection felt like a nod to my sister and mother’s shared love of the movie, as well as my friends’. Also, the spell for this card—the cards also have spells and/or affirmations—involves knot magic, so there’s a literal divine/magical connection in this card pointing to divine connection.
Then came the other aspects that are almost too perfect for me. In the third position is Midnight Margaritas, which recalls one of the most famous and fun scenes in the movie (at first), and it is a nod to my own (and I’m sure many others’) rituals of making margaritas during a watch party (I don’t remember if it’s in the book). It is so pivotal that I had actually prepared this photo arrangement with tequila and limes before pulling cards. But the message comes through as connecting with others and this deck as friends and as truth-tellers, sometimes the salty truth. (And if you’re not a fan of tequila, Joseph includes a water-based spell to use as a “shot.”) I sometimes get into trouble for not editing myself, so I have learned to edit. A lot. I limit myself by editing. And this was a reminder that I don’t help anyone by doing that. Sometimes the truth is uncomfortable, and you can try to make it more palatable, but the sting (or burn) hits eventually.
Complementing this card were the fourth and fifth cards, which speak to the impossibility of me trying to stay safe and protected in a little bubble with this deck. There are a lot of references and there is some definite baggage that follows along with it. It is tied to my adolescence, yes, but also to my maturing mind that would put new pieces together over the years. (The short version is that I was always Sally/Sandra Bullock—shocker—but I have realized that I should have tried to be a little more Jillian/Nicole Kidman.) To correct any tendency toward childish tenderness comes Belladonna, the toxin that can provide a temporary escape or more permanently change your fate. No safety here.
And that’s okay. The Garden Gate is open, and that’s relevant now for where I’m going spiritually. To help others to dream and to dare are part of my mission and my role as a reader and coach and teacher. But there is more there, for my clients and for me.
Finally comes the salt, the purifier of the margarita, and the release of negative ties. I posted to my Instagram stories that leaving Texas felt like such a release, even though I loved my time there. And according to the year-ahead Portals of Being reading I did for myself, release my theme for this year.
This deck and I have found each other at just the right time. If I had bought the first version earlier, I don’t know if it would have been right. I wouldn’t have been as open a channel for its oracular messages. But now it’s like a straight shot, no chaser. I might prefer the sugary margarita to hide the sins of the salt and tequila, but it’s not what I need anymore.
And Happy Pride to all the queer witches out there, in or out of the various closets! 🌈
To connect with the deck’s divine potential, I need to tap into my spirit team, including ancestors and elements. I felt this instantly on seeing the Inner Circle. It was a literal Inner circle of spirit guides in my knowing, even though I also knew logically that the image derives from a scene of friends (and minor enemies/acquaintance contacts) coming together, not a literally inner circle. That discrepancy between what I knew as a movie fan and what I knew as a reader helped me see the full potential of the deck for me. And the ancestral connection felt like a nod to my sister and mother’s shared love of the movie, as well as my friends’. Also, the spell for this card—the cards also have spells and/or affirmations—involves knot magic, so there’s a literal divine/magical connection in this card pointing to divine connection.
In Hindu mythology, the serpent god Nagas is worshipped as a protector and a bringer of rain. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is one of the twelve animals that represent the lunar calendar and is associated with intelligence and wisdom. In popular culture, the magic serpent is often portrayed as a mystical creature, with the ability to grant wishes or possess great knowledge. It is commonly featured in fantasy literature and movies, captivating audiences with its mysterious and enchanting presence. Overall, the magic serpent is a fascinating creature that has captured the imagination of people throughout history. Whether seen as a symbol of transformation, a guardian, or a mystical being, it represents the allure of the unknown and the possibility of the extraordinary..
Reviews for "The Magic Serpent: A Journey into the Unknown"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - The Magic Serpent was a huge disappointment for me. The story was confusing and hard to follow, with a jumbled narrative that jumped around too much. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the special effects were cheesy and outdated, detracting from the overall viewing experience. Overall, I found The Magic Serpent to be a lackluster film that failed to live up to its potential.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I couldn't stand The Magic Serpent. The acting was incredibly over-the-top, with exaggerated gestures and facial expressions that bordered on ridiculous. The plot was convoluted and made little sense, leaving me feeling confused and disinterested throughout the entire movie. The visual effects were laughable, which further added to the overall disappointment. I would not recommend wasting your time on The Magic Serpent unless you're a fan of unintentionally comical and poorly executed films.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for The Magic Serpent, but unfortunately, it fell short. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was uneven, with slow moments and then sudden bursts of action that didn't flow well together. The dialogue was clunky and lacked naturalness, making it hard to fully engage with the film. The production values were also subpar, with cheap-looking sets and unconvincing effects. While it had its moments, The Magic Serpent ultimately failed to captivate me and left me feeling underwhelmed.