The phony witch project is a term that refers to the phenomenon of people claiming to be witches or practicing witchcraft for personal gain or attention, without actually possessing any real supernatural abilities. These individuals often use deceptive tactics and tricks to create the illusion of magic, such as performing staged rituals or using props and illusions. The phony witch project has gained popularity in recent years, particularly through social media and reality television shows. One of the main reasons for the rise of the phony witch project is the increasing interest in witchcraft and spirituality. With the popularity of books like "Harry Potter" and TV shows like "Charmed," more and more people are becoming curious about the world of magic and witchcraft. However, instead of studying and practicing genuine witchcraft, some individuals choose to exploit this interest for their own personal gain.
In “Hivemind Elegy (There are Things Coming)”, Stoddard enlists the imagery of that fatal mythical apple to speak of a surging ecological grief that is attending our descent from fossil fuel civilization. She writes, “Migration patterns may soon / become escape routes,”. We all know something is coming. We don’t know how bad it will be. Satan stands before us offering two temptations: embrace technological optimism or give up hope completely. I hear Stoddard facing her anxiety, tapping into her grief, but not making any sweeping claims about where this journey will take her.
The bishop intones a chant in the dark, lights the bonfire, and then lights a single candle whose light spread outward through the congregation s huddled candles. In Inheritance Rosarium , we trace the contours of a multigenerational shawl knit from the bodies and hearts of a grandmother, a mother and the author.
However, instead of studying and practicing genuine witchcraft, some individuals choose to exploit this interest for their own personal gain. While it may seem harmless and entertaining to some, the phony witch project can have negative consequences for those who genuinely practice witchcraft. It undermines the legitimacy and credibility of true witches, as well as discourages serious study and practice of the craft.
REVIEW: DIVINATION WITH A HUMAN HEART ATTACHED – EMILY STODDARD (GAME OVER BOOKS)
With flair rooted in a provision of cultural context and historical footing, Emily Stoddard shines in her debut collection of poetry. Going through the introductory portions of this book, one will easily see why Divination with a Human Heart Attached ( Game Over Books ) has attracted a commendable number of literary prizes. With such feats trailing this manuscript, in the nearest future, the author of this book will certainly come to be associated with the best.
Writing on themes of myth, surrealism, magic, and memory, the author proves they are at home with their chosen subject matter, easily helping us make sense of things that are difficult to understand and explain, such as love, loss, and the passage of time.
This body of work is stunning in the way it reimagines historical events, by adapting storylines from antiquity, and bending it to suit a grander purpose. It does this effortlessly by employing humor and incisive wit, dismissive of the temptation to play safe, thereby uncovering the Achilles heel of the divine, and left with the sole decision to tickle, or to stab it. The portrayal of “god”, who is a non-human entity, given human attributes is interesting and powerful, allowing access to an existence behind the blur.
“in those days, god
spoke in fish and flower
ran to us with heavy baskets
so we could not miss him
so we could not confuse him
with lesser forms
The poet’s ability to reimagine traditional myths, in a fresh and original way, is remarkable. The skillful use of elements such as language, imagery, and form, contribute to the overall impact of the collection. Emily writes with a grace that charms the curious mind to the otherworldly. With lyricism and emotion, they make the unfamiliar familiar, sharing their lens with readers through which they can study closely, the human condition.
Armed with surrealism, Stoddard breaks free from the constraints of reality in order to tap into the realm of the irrational and dreamlike. Another notable highlight is memory playing a big role in this book, as it helps us better understand ourselves and our past, for it provides a sense of continuity and connection, and can shape our personal and cultural narratives in unimaginable ways.
In the opening poem, “More & More”, we meet a persona who is in touch with their environment, and are not shy to mention its denizens, namely; the peacock, the sandhill crane, the hummingbird, the wolf and the bear at whose existence they “do not turn away”, given to “violent /reverence.” Emily Stoddard employs line breaks, giving a significant impact on the rhythm, sound, and meaning of the poem, as well as the others that follow. Dividing the poems into discrete units, line breaks often indicate a pause, or hesitation in the poet’s thought or speech, and can be used to create a sense of rhythm, or musicality in poetry.
In, “I was running to him”, we find imageries implying the relationship between “god” and “my father”, by a childlike dependence on their care and support. Both figures in the persona’s life also share a heartbreaking form of denial, after the persona helplessly “collapsed at his feet” in the act of seeking.
In “Inheritance Rosarium”, we find “a girl” with a will behind her own survival:
“As a girl, my mother overheard her grandmother praying
Every night after the little girl composed
counterweight prayers of live, live, live. “
For obvious reasons, I am tempted to consider this poem the centerpiece for its evocative tone, vivid recollections, distinct structure, stark imagery with resonance, among several other features that leave a lasting impression on the mind. Other poems, like “Swoon Hypothesis”, “Where did I leave my god”, “Here, amen is not amen”, and “Gallows Humor— or, The Trouble with Kingdoms” will call for my head if I fail to mention them as favourites.
This book, which charts the depths of feeling and humanity in a way that is both lovely and profound, is a well-deserved triumph. A portal into a world where everything sings to any ear that will listen, this book offers an uncompromising look at the human experience. It is therefore safe to join Emily in expressing gratitude in her very own words, “Thank you to the ancestors who helped me listen”. Undoubtedly, it is in this body of work she joins the choir of “Women in Praise of the Sacred”.
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Along the way there is an exquisite handling of imagery and motifs from nature which bring the reader fully into a vibrant landscape. And there is a collision between Babel and Pentecost and a probing of our longing for fulfillment in self-expression and language (Descendants).
Additionally, it perpetuates stereotypes and misrepresentations of witches, reinforcing the idea that witchcraft is nothing more than a form of entertainment or a hoax. The phony witch project also raises ethical questions. Is it ethical for someone to claim to possess supernatural abilities or to offer services such as spellcasting or psychic readings, when they know it's all just an act? Many argue that it is not, as it deceives and exploits those who seek genuine guidance or assistance. In conclusion, the phony witch project is a concerning trend in the contemporary world of witchcraft and spirituality. It involves individuals posing as witches or practicing witchcraft for personal gain or attention, without possessing any real supernatural abilities. This phenomenon undermines the legitimacy of true witches, perpetuates stereotypes, and raises ethical questions about deception and exploitation..
Reviews for "The Dark Arts Charlatans: How Phony Witches Exploit the Vulnerable"
1. John - 1/5 stars - "I found 'The Phony Witch Project' to be a complete waste of time. The acting was terrible, the plot was predictable, and the supposed scares were laughable. It felt like a poor imitation of other found footage films, lacking any originality or genuine fear. The characters were unlikable and the overall story lacked depth. I highly recommend skipping this movie and finding something better to watch."
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'The Phony Witch Project' but was left disappointed. The movie started off promising with an intriguing premise but failed to deliver. The found footage style was overused and at times confusing. The scares were too predictable and relied heavily on cheap jump scares. The characters were poorly developed and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly terrifying witch-themed movie."
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - "I was eager to watch 'The Phony Witch Project' based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The acting was mediocre at best, and the plot lacked coherence. It tried too hard to be a mix of horror and comedy but failed to strike the right balance. The scares were more comical than frightening, and I found myself rolling my eyes instead of being on the edge of my seat. It's not the worst movie I've seen, but I wouldn't recommend it to any serious horror fans."