Magical drafts and potions have been a prominent part of folklore and mythology for centuries. These enchanting concoctions are believed to possess mystical powers and are often used in various magical rituals and spells. Magical drafts refer to potions or elixirs that are created by combining various ingredients with magical properties. These drafts are believed to have the ability to enhance one's strength, cure ailments, or grant special abilities. The creation of magical drafts often involves precise measurements and specific methods to ensure their potency. Potions, on the other hand, are magical mixtures that can be used for a variety of purposes.
There is a circulated narrative that science precludes the occult. However, there does exist a marriage between the two beliefs. Many pagans see scientific perspectives as describing the same reality as their paganistic beliefs. A person who finds solace in reading their tarot spread before they start their day does not mean that they cannot also know the validity of the theory of evolution or the Big Bang Theory. Science and occultism do not have to have a relationship akin to the Capulets and Montagues. There can be and often there is a marriage between the two. Worldviews are complex. Belief in science or occultism does not have to be all or nothing. To those that get up in arms at witchcraft because of a steadfast confidence in science, witchcraft is not necessarily anti-science. If someone reads tarot or casually abides by astrology, it does not mean that they cannot simultaneously hold a belief in science.
Living in the 21st century United States, it is difficult to think of a way of creating knowledge and establishing truth that is not based on the scientific method and objectivity. Science has become the dominant epistemology of the Western world since the beginning of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century, or so the conventional historical narrative goes.
Potions, on the other hand, are magical mixtures that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used for healing, protection, or even inflicting harm on others. Potions are typically brewed by combining different ingredients, such as herbs, minerals, and animal parts, in a boiling cauldron.
Don’t hate on the occult
The algorithm that guides the TikTok For You Page really has a way of both discovering and confirming aspects of myself. It confirmed my love of drag as my feed became engulfed with drag-related content. I also came to find that I am a lover of weaponsmithing. One side of TikTok that has always been lurking among my For You Page, but I’ve, for some reason, always tried to ignore is astrology and witchtok. Being a person of science and going through an education system that prioritizes “objective” truth, I’ve been trained to take horoscopes and crystals with a grain of salt.
However, I’ve always been compelled to witchcraft. Something about the methods and ideologies of the practice has given me psychological solace and food for thought when reflecting on my mental health. I’ve realized that the sense of shame I feel for having an interest in the occult comes from the way that epistemologies other than science are discussed with derision. Spiritualist practices do not deserve belittlement and should instead be recognized as one of many ways to gather knowledge from this world.
One mantra that I base many of my opinions on is if someone’s actions don’t hurt me or anyone else, then I do not have the right to dictate what that person should do. Practicing witchcraft, charging crystals and reading tarot hurts no one. One gross misconception of spiritual practices is that it is all hexes and curses. Presumably, most people’s perceptions of what a witchcraft practitioner looks like are the Hex Girls, Aggie Cromwell or the witches from Hocus Pocus.
But witchcraft and other occult practices are much more than a method to siphon out one’s vengeance into the world. Many occult practices are benevolent in nature in the form of healing or daily guidance. If these practices are not putting out anything negative, why go great lengths to berate them? More to the point, if people who practice the occult do not hurt you, there is not a major reason to criticize them. If these people are not a threat to others or public health, then how intensely can one force them to shun their beliefs. Let those who wish to conduct witchcraft conduct it and those who wish to not be involved in witchcraft not be involved.
Practitioners can gain psychological benefits from their craft if one needs to see tangible results backed by science to be convinced of the reasons why people engage in witchcraft. An early 2000s study reported that participants claimed to feel sensations such as heat and vibrations while holding a crystal and meditating. Much of these sensations were attributed to the placebo effect, but that doesn’t mean they should be discounted. Therapeutic benefits from the placebo effect can be genuine and can be considered as an aspect of a treatment’s efficacy. Even the most scientific-backed psychotherapeutic treatments still get most of their effectiveness from being a placebo. Tarot has recently been incorporated into some treatment plans by therapists. Tarot can be combined with evidence-based talk therapy and medication for a holistic approach to mental health. A primary way the cards are used is to galvanize dialogue. A client’s reaction to a card being pulled during a reading can provide an insight and direction to a therapist’s treatment plan.
Science has become the dominant epistemology of the Western world since the beginning of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century, or so the conventional historical narrative goes. Living in the 21st century United States, it is difficult to think of a way of creating knowledge and establishing truth that is not based on the scientific method and objectivity. In school, the scientific method reigned supreme. This is not without warrant. Scientific inquiry has yielded most of the technological advancements that are foundational to contemporary society. However, there needs to be awareness that science cannot answer every question nor can it solve every problem.
There can be a blind faith in science. Reducing everything to logic and objectivity can miss much of the human experience. Furthermore, unwavering faith in science can ignore bias that can creep into science and lack of acknowledgement that science is first and foremost a social system and not a supernatural entity that descended from the ether. Religion and occult practices are alternative bases for inquiry. I myself am not a religious person, yet I respect that there are people who use these practices to guide their life. This is, again, if they do not push their beliefs upon me. Science is not the only theory of knowledge that exists and other epistemological methods should be taken into account.
There is a circulated narrative that science precludes the occult. However, there does exist a marriage between the two beliefs. Many pagans see scientific perspectives as describing the same reality as their paganistic beliefs. A person who finds solace in reading their tarot spread before they start their day does not mean that they cannot also know the validity of the theory of evolution or the Big Bang Theory. Science and occultism do not have to have a relationship akin to the Capulets and Montagues. There can be and often there is a marriage between the two. Worldviews are complex. Belief in science or occultism does not have to be all or nothing. To those that get up in arms at witchcraft because of a steadfast confidence in science, witchcraft is not necessarily anti-science. If someone reads tarot or casually abides by astrology, it does not mean that they cannot simultaneously hold a belief in science.
Occult practices have been on the rise in the past decade, but so has scorn against them. The hate that astrology and related practices receive is unwarranted. To embrace astrology is not to reject science. The two co-exist. Spiritualist practices do not deserve condescension. They should be recognized as another way of gaining knowledge and connecting with the outside world. To bring the point home, if the people practicing the occult are harming others and are propagating falsehoods detrimental to the public, they should be criticized and brought to question their beliefs. However, the practices I am discussing are the more innocuous practices that people partake in that only affect themselves. If a person’s witchcraft only affects them, then they should be able to go on their way free from hate and scorn.
Ben Davis is an Opinion Columnist & can be reached at [email protected]
Please consider donating to The Michigan Daily
The algorithm that guides the TikTok For You Page really has a way of both discovering and confirming aspects of myself. It confirmed my love of drag as my feed became engulfed with drag-related content. I also came to find that I am a lover of weaponsmithing. One side of TikTok that has always been lurking among my For You Page, but I’ve, for some reason, always tried to ignore is astrology and witchtok. Being a person of science and going through an education system that prioritizes “objective” truth, I’ve been trained to take horoscopes and crystals with a grain of salt.
The concoction is then allowed to simmer and steep, absorbing the magical properties of the ingredients. In mythology and literature, there are countless examples of magical drafts and potions. For instance, in the world of Harry Potter, potions play a significant role in the magical education of students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students learn how to brew potions with precise instructions and specific ingredients to create powerful concoctions. Magical drafts and potions are often associated with magical beings such as witches, wizards, and alchemists. These individuals are believed to possess the knowledge and skills required to create these enchanting mixtures. Some potions are believed to have long-lasting effects, while others may only provide temporary benefits. While magical drafts and potions are often portrayed in a fictional context, there is a long history of real-world practices related to herbal medicine and alchemy. Many ancient civilizations had their own versions of magical mixtures, using herbs and other natural resources to create potions for healing or other purposes. In conclusion, magical drafts and potions have captivated human imagination for centuries. Whether in folklore, mythology, or literature, these enchanting mixtures have played significant roles in various narratives. While they may be fictional, they reflect humanity's fascination with the possibility of harnessing mystical powers through the creation of magical elixirs..
Reviews for "Beyond the Cauldron: Innovative Ways to Brew Magical Drafts"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical Drafts and Potions" as I'm a huge fan of fantasy books, but I was left extremely disappointed. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. It felt like a watered-down version of other books in the genre, with nothing new or exciting to offer. The writing style was also quite bland and uninspiring. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to fellow fantasy lovers as there are many better options out there.
2. Mark - 1 star - I struggled to finish "Magical Drafts and Potions" and ultimately gave up halfway through. The writing was choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the story. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the world-building was lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the magical elements of the book. I regret wasting my time on this poorly executed fantasy novel.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Magical Drafts and Potions" fell short of my expectations. The pacing was off, with slow and uneventful moments followed by rushed and confusing ones. The main character lacked depth and her actions often felt illogical. I also found the romance subplot to be forced and unnecessary, detracting from the overall plot. The potential for an interesting magical world was there, but it was severely underutilized. I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.