Gillian Owens is a character from the novel and movie "Practical Magic" who is known for her expertise in esoteric magic. Esoteric magic refers to a form of magical practice that delves into the mystical, hidden realms of existence. Unlike more traditional forms of magic, which focus on practical spells and rituals, esoteric magic explores the deeper spiritual and metaphysical aspects of the magical arts. Gillian is portrayed as a free-spirited and intuitive witch, using her knowledge of esoteric magic to tap into the unseen forces that shape the world around her. She has a deep connection with nature and draws upon the power of natural elements in her spells and rituals. Gillian's understanding of esoteric magic allows her to harness the energies of the universe, transforming them into tangible effects.
People don’t often associate Judaism with magic or witches — but there is magic in our history, in some sense. I’m curious what your thoughts are on Jewish magic?
I grew up in a very Jewish town, and I went to college at a very non-Jewish school, and I was really drawn to studying Jewish history, because I felt like I was like trying to claim myself, claim my identity so that really resonates with me. When I talk to the girls that I grew up, I say I can t remember what I was like, and they always say, You were always reading, you were always going to the library.
Gillian's understanding of esoteric magic allows her to harness the energies of the universe, transforming them into tangible effects. One of the key characteristics of Gillian's esoteric magic is her ability to work with the energies of love and desire. She uses her understanding of the esoteric aspects of love to create potent spells that attract and enhance romantic relationships.
The Unflinching Warmth of ‘Practical Magic’
Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), with all of her chaotic confidence, and Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock), with her acute tenderness, are somehow both very much like me and both deeply unlike me. There are bits and pieces of both that I see in myself, and pieces I reach towards. Gillian and I both carry tiger’s eye as a warden of good luck and safety, although mine is a palm stone, not a necklace; I often appear more sure of myself than I actually am just as she does. I have some of Sally’s sadness, the kind that floats around without ever really going away and I both fear and crave love with the same amount of ferocity.
Sally and Gillian’s affection for each other is deep and enviable, the kind of whole love that most people long for their entire lives. I adore their dynamic; how sweet, earth-defying, playful and caring they are together. Gillian swears that they will die on the same day, so she slashes into both their palms with her pocket knife, and, pressing their hands together, they chant, “My blood. Your blood. Our blood.” A spell and a promise to never lose each other. They kill and practice dark, untouchable magic to protect each other, regardless of the consequences. Their sisterhood and their family is invincible, and that’s part of what allows the film to be so easy and comfortable. Sally’s daughters Antonia (Alexandra Artrip) and Kylie (Evan Rachel Wood) are sweet reflections of her as they dance around the town dreaming up charms. Their spinster aunts Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Frances (Stockard Channing) are constants, spouting age-old wisdoms, passing down spells, and tethering their girls to the Owens’ matrilineal line.
The witchcraft in Practical Magic is light, spiritual and unabashedly feminine; it thrums through the Owens sisters just as constantly as blood slides through their veins. Their magic is all intuition and herbalism and a dash of telekinesis. It’s telepathy between all of the sisters, lighting candles with a soft breath, and making wishes on leaves and rose petals. It’s the breeze coming in over the ocean and Gillian and Sally breaking curses and banishing evil. It’s about life and revival and the curative power of sisterhood.
Somehow, this film has become a natural point of healing and recovery for me. I tend to drift towards it every time I get particularly trapped within my own mind and mental illness. Every time I go through flare-ups of my depression and unintentionally shut myself down; I mostly stay in my room, or at least at home, and get all empty. I’m not entirely certain why I so often reach for this film during those moments of melancholy. Maybe it’s Gillian singing Joni Mitchell as she drives through indigo desert nights or young Gillian and Sally crouched on the table wearing angel wings as they practice their spells. Or Jet and Frances making brownies for breakfast and midnight margaritas. Maybe it’s Gillian telling Sally that she won’t forgive herself if she doesn’t “get up and get dressed”. Or it’s just two sisters saving each other over and over. Something about it mends my soul and reminds me of all the good that there is despite the bad. The sisters heal simultaneously – though from different injuries – and reach for warmth and strength within the other. They stumble and sob and occasionally make messes of themselves and their lives, but they dutifully continue on their restorative path.
“Don’t be sad Aunt Gillian, I won’t let you fall down,” Kylie promises after her sad and implicitly self-deprecating speech about the consequences of loving too much. It’s a gentle line, swathed in the innocence of Kylie’s childhood, but powerful and honest all the same. Sally and Gillian take turns rescuing the other right before they crumble – picking them up, tucking their hair behind their ears and reassuring them that they won’t let them falter and wither away. Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances do the same for all of their little girls, swooping in at just the right time with some spell, herb or another to wash the heartbreak away. They’ll protect, heal, and love each other as long as the moon still basks in the sky.
Practical Magic fills me with such love and elation. It seals my wounds closed and leads me to a tender catharsis. Fluffy and cliched though it may be, Practical Magic teaches us how we may find warmth and love in all the places we can as long as we have Stevie Nicks playing in the background. “There are some things though I know for certain,” Sally tells us. “Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck and fall in love whenever you can.”
by Jenna Kalishman
Jenna Kalishman is a freelance writer and undergrad film studies student who currently lives in Colorado. She loves comics, films about witches, Kacey Musgraves, and getting lost in the mountains. Her favourite films include Annihilation, anything Star Wars, and Carol. You can find her tweeting about Cersei Lannister and Big Little Lies at @jenkalish and her letterboxd is @chastainly
Somehow, this film has become a natural point of healing and recovery for me. I tend to drift towards it every time I get particularly trapped within my own mind and mental illness. Every time I go through flare-ups of my depression and unintentionally shut myself down; I mostly stay in my room, or at least at home, and get all empty. I’m not entirely certain why I so often reach for this film during those moments of melancholy. Maybe it’s Gillian singing Joni Mitchell as she drives through indigo desert nights or young Gillian and Sally crouched on the table wearing angel wings as they practice their spells. Or Jet and Frances making brownies for breakfast and midnight margaritas. Maybe it’s Gillian telling Sally that she won’t forgive herself if she doesn’t “get up and get dressed”. Or it’s just two sisters saving each other over and over. Something about it mends my soul and reminds me of all the good that there is despite the bad. The sisters heal simultaneously – though from different injuries – and reach for warmth and strength within the other. They stumble and sob and occasionally make messes of themselves and their lives, but they dutifully continue on their restorative path.
Gillian believes that love is a powerful force that can shape destinies and change lives, and she uses esoteric magic to amplify its effects. Another aspect of Gillian's esoteric magic is her knowledge of divination and psychic abilities. She has a natural affinity for the mystical arts of tarot reading, crystal gazing, and palmistry. Gillian uses these tools to gain insights into the past, present, and future, helping her navigate through life's challenges and make informed decisions. Her esoteric understanding allows her to tap into the collective consciousness and receive guidance from higher realms. Overall, Gillian Owens' expertise in esoteric magic sets her apart as a powerful and intuitive witch. Her deep connection with nature, her understanding of love's esoteric energies, and her abilities in divination make her a formidable practitioner of the mystical arts. Gillian's esoteric magic showcases the beauty and power of the unseen realms, reminding us of the vast potential that lies beyond our everyday reality..
Reviews for "Gillian Owens: Empowering through Esoteric Magic"
1. Rachel -
Rating: 1/5
I was really excited to read "Gillian Owens Esoteric Magic" as I am a fan of the genre, but I was extremely disappointed. The book lacked depth and substance; it felt like a rushed and poorly developed story. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot was predictable and uninteresting, and the writing style was mediocre at best. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and money.
2. Mark -
Rating: 2/5
I had high hopes for "Gillian Owens Esoteric Magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story seemed to drag on without any significant development. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused and disconnected from the plot. The characters lacked depth and felt like caricatures rather than real individuals. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat. I found myself constantly checking how many pages were left, hoping it would get better, but it never did.
3. Emily -
Rating: 1/5
I struggled to finish "Gillian Owens Esoteric Magic" as it was filled with clichés and overused tropes. The author's writing style was unengaging, and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. The characters lacked any unique qualities, making them forgettable and uninteresting. The plot was formulaic and didn't offer any surprises or excitement. Overall, this book was a disappointment and didn't live up to the hype or my expectations. I cannot recommend it to anyone looking for an original and captivating read.