Essenaon magic, also known as xkay, is a fascinating and mystical practice that originates from the ancient land of Essena. This ancient form of magic has been passed down through generations, preserved and cherished by its practitioners. It is said that the Essenaons were bestowed with this extraordinary gift by the gods themselves, granting them the ability to manipulate the energies of the universe. Essenaon magic encompasses a wide range of practices, each with its own unique focus and purpose. One of the fundamental aspects of this magic is the connection to nature and the elements. Essenaons believe that all living beings are interconnected, and by aligning oneself with the natural forces, they can harness their power.
In the 15th century, drawings began to depict nude witches, astride their broomsticks, flying through the air. According to some historians, this image was suggested by the practice of rubbing a broomstick with belladonna extract and maneuvering it in such a way that the active hallucinogenic ingredient, atropine, would be absorbed into the bloodstream through the sensitive genital tissues. So, in a fashion, witches really did fly!
In the beginning of the film, we see the characters exiled to New England s frontier a new and harsh environment, lacking in community support, that ultimately sets up the story s main conflict. Reverend Parris s delay of his acceptance of the position increased the village s divisions, and he was not seen in a good light by his own congregation.
Essenaons believe that all living beings are interconnected, and by aligning oneself with the natural forces, they can harness their power. The practice of Essenaon magic involves rituals, spells, and incantations that are designed to channel and direct these energies. These rituals can be conducted individually or in groups, depending on the intention and magnitude of the desired outcome.
Bewitching Environments in 2016’s The Witch
Every October we can expect a lineup of new thrillers and horror films designed to frighten and intrigue audiences. Often these films (consciously or not) present a veiled but hyper-realised version of a modern “threat.” Vampire movies, for instance, have represented a myriad of fears through the ages—like how Count Orlok’s character in the 1922 German film Nosferatu, had anti-Semitic features.(1) Usually these films present fear of an “other,” an out-group that causes havoc for the members of the in-group. In horror films about witches, the witch is usually a bloodthirsty old crone with a vendetta against average people. Unlike most horror films, 2016’s The Witch seeks to be historically accurate and does not present an “other” as the driving evil. Rather, the film’s characters turn on one another and ultimately create their own demise.
The Witch: A New-England Folktale, set in 1620 New England, is unique among horror movies about witchcraft in that it makes an effort to portray witches as they would have been understood in the 17th century. Robert Eggers’ film represents, in several respects, a better direction for historically-based thrillers. The film is well-researched and (though some non-academic viewers may find its attention to detail tedious,) is more responsible in how it builds suspense and conflict between its characters. Indeed, the film’s credits state directly that “This film was inspired by many folktales, fairytales and written accounts of historical witchcraft, including journals, diaries and court records. Much of the dialogue comes directly from these period sources.”
Eggers’ attention to the historical record shows, as his film’s witch complies with 17th-century beliefs. Historically, witchcraft was perceived as a very real and tangible representation of evil and the devil. Contemporaries believed that witches inherited their magical or supernatural powers (like flying or shape-shifting) by making a pact with the devil and signing his book. “Witches” were usually outsiders or individuals who lived on the fringes of society. They were usually lower class, didn’t fit into normative society, and often had physical or mental disabilities, or disfigurements. Because it was thought that women were intellectually weaker than men, it was also believed that they were more susceptible to the temptations and persuasions of the devil. These Western views on witchcraft originated in Europe and migrated across the Atlantic with North America’s first European settlers, and this is evident in The Witch.
*Warning: Plot Spoiling Ahead*
In the beginning of the film, we see the characters exiled to New England’s frontier—a new and harsh environment, lacking in community support, that ultimately sets up the story’s main conflict. After the loss of the baby Samuel, environmental stressors including a crop failure and the family’s inability to sustain themselves on limited game provoke familial strain. William acknowledged the impact of these environmental factors when he declared that, “We will conquer this wilderness, it will not consume us!” Little did he know that the drama incited by “this wilderness” would ultimately be the family’s downfall.
Soon after the family begins their new life on a frontier farm, the baby Samuel mysteriously vanishes under the care of the eldest daughter, Thomasin. The family attributes this disappearance to a wolf, but the audience knows that a witch who has taken him. Samuel’s kidnapping increases the family’s sense of vulnerability on the frontier. This unease, in addition to a sense of distrust among the characters after a silver cup goes missing, creates tension and conflict within the family that is exacerbated further by growing concern over their crop failure and difficulty trapping game. One by one, each family member is targeted by the witch and the family goat called Black Philip (who is actually Satan), who intensify existing pressures in order to drive them apart. As the film goes on, the family becomes more convinced that something evil is at play and causing their problems even as they continue to plunge deeper into a pattern of self-destructive behaviour.
By our summary, it is clear that (for a film called The Witch) the witch makes very few visual appearances throughout. Rather, much of the focus is placed on the tensions and “infighting” within the family. In the film’s canon, witchcraft is real and dangerous. However, even before the characters have reason to believe a witch is responsible for their recent troubles, their attention is placed on “the witch” rather than on the problems that they know exist. For instance, Katherine, the mother, describes the farm as “unnatural” and describes her son’s illness as looking like “witchcraft.” Blame is placed on a witch before the characters have evidence that supernatural forces are at play.
Eggers’ storytelling falls strongly in line with the kinds of climatic stressors historians know to have been attributed to witches in the past. In the 1990’s, Wolfgang Behringer found that German witch hunts escalated during periods of climactic change, especially those causing food shortages.(2) More recently, Edward Miguel, similarly, concluded that witch trials in rural Tanzania intensified in times of drought or flooding.(3)
In The Witch…environmentally-driven anxieties manifest themselves as fears about witchcraft.
In The Witch, as in the historical examples Behringer and Miguel describe, environmentally-driven anxieties manifest themselves as fears about witchcraft. As stress builds in the film, the characters become more convinced that there is a witch in the area, if not among them. This stress is caused by several factors, including their isolation and failing crops, exacerbated by Samuel’s disappearance and the character’s attempts to place guilt or to understand God’s punishment. In Simon Abrams’s review of the film, he suggested that “Eventually, Thomasin’s family personify their fears of nature… [and their] day-to-day troubles—almost all of which stem from the fact that their land seems cursed—[in] the form of a fairy tale witch.”(4)
Screenshot from The Witch.Because The Witch is not based on one particular event or family, it’s successful in giving audiences a sense of how contemporaries experienced witchcraft during the 17th century. While films or documentaries about specific trials often focus on the particular phenomena that experts speculate caused fear of witchcraft at that time and in that place, The Witch tells a more standard story. “Witches” were blamed for ordinary things going wrong that contemporaries simply could not explain at the time.
The Witch brings this history, or the trend to blame environmental change (like crop shortages) on individual people, to life. The title character is a tangible threat in the film, however, in history witchcraft was a scapegoat. But—if the witch isn’t the threat–how can the danger be mitigated or controlled? As we enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of scary movies this Halloween, let’s also remain conscious of what these films are telling us to fear…
Erin Isaac is a Master’s student in history at the University of New Brunswick. Her thesis Conflicting Christianities: Anglo-North American Anti-Catholicism and Its Exceptions, 1763-1780 considers the legacy of imperial anti-Catholic traditions as expressed during the Seven Years’ War (1754-63) among British North Americans and its effects on politics and culture between the Quebec Act (1774) and the Franco-American alliance (1778).
Kapri Macdonald is a first year Master’s student in history at the University of New Brunswick. Her research interests include witchcraft and women’s experiences with the supernatural and preternatural.
Notes
(1) For more, refer to Rolf Giesen, The Nosferatu Story: The Seminal Horror Film, Its Predecessors and Its Enduring Legacy (Jefferson: McFarland & Company, Inc, 2019), esp. 103-110.
(2) Wolfgang Behringer, “Climactic Change and Witch-Hunting,” Climate Change 43 (1999): 335-351.
(3) Edward Miguel, “Poverty and Witch Killing,” Review of Economic Studies 72 (2005): 1153–1172.
(4) Simon Abrams, Roger Ebert Reviews, February 18, 2016, https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-witch-2016.
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Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne were among the first to be accused and arrested for affecting Betty Parris, Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam Jr., and Elizabeth Hubbard. At the time, a vicious rivalry was underway between the Putnam and Porter families which resulted in polarizing the people of Salem. These disagreements often escalated into full-fledged fighting based on their opinion of the feud. I suppose an accusation of witchcraft was an easy way to get rid of an enemy, considering the gullible and superstitious nature of the people in this town.
The Essenaons believe that through these rituals, they can communicate with the spirits and entities that reside in the ethereal realms. Furthermore, Essenaon magic places great importance on crystals and gemstones, considering them to be vessels of energy. Each crystal is believed to hold unique properties and vibrations, which can enhance or amplify specific intentions when used during spells or rituals. The Essenaons carefully select and use these crystals in their practices, ensuring that they are aligned with the desired energy. Another significant aspect of Essenaon magic is the use of symbols and sigils. These intricate and intricate designs are believed to hold immense power and can be used to activate specific energies or call upon different entities. The Essenaons create these symbols through intricate and precise techniques, imbuing them with intention and purpose. It is important to note that Essenaon magic is not solely about the manipulation of external energies; it is equally focused on self-discovery and personal growth. The Essenaons believe that through their magical practices, they can delve into their own subconscious mind, unlocking hidden potentials and gaining greater self-awareness. In recent years, Essenaon magic has gained popularity and interest among individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the mystical arts. Many are drawn to the ancient wisdom and practices, striving to align themselves with the universal energies and unlock their true potential. In conclusion, Essenaon magic, also known as xkay, is a mystical and ancient practice that involves the manipulation of energies and connection to the natural world. It encompasses a wide range of rituals, spells, and symbols, all aimed at channeling and directing these energies for desired outcomes. As individuals continue to explore the depths of this extraordinary practice, Essenaon magic will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire those who seek its wisdom..
Reviews for "The Importance of Meditation in Essenaon Magic"
1. Sarah - 1/5
"Essenaon magic xkay was a huge disappointment for me. The story was poorly written and the characters lacked depth. I found it hard to connect with any of them, which made it difficult for me to become invested in the plot. Additionally, the pacing was all over the place, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of dullness. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a thrilling read."
2. Michael - 2/5
"I was really excited to read Essenaon magic xkay, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult to fully grasp the setting and the rules of the magic system. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, often taking me out of the story. While there were some interesting ideas, they were poorly executed, leaving me feeling underwhelmed. I was hoping for a captivating and immersive read, but this book just didn't deliver."
3. Emily - 2/5
"The characters in Essenaon magic xkay were one-dimensional and cliché. They lacked depth and had very little development throughout the story. The plot felt predictable and lacked originality, making it hard for me to stay engaged. Additionally, the writing style was weak, with repetitive phrases and grammatical errors. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and found it to be a forgettable and mediocre read."
4. David - 1/5
"Essenaon magic xkay was a complete waste of time for me. The storyline was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow. The pacing was incredibly slow, with unnecessary descriptions and filler scenes that added little to the plot. The constant switching between perspectives was disorienting, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The lack of proper editing and proofreading was also evident, as the book was riddled with errors. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging story."