Practical Magic is a novel written by Alice Hoffman, which was later adapted into a film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The story revolves around the lives of two sisters, Gillian and Sally Owens, who come from a long line of witches. Gillian Owens, portrayed by Nicole Kidman in the film adaptation, is a free-spirited and impulsive character who often finds herself in trouble. Gillian's character is known for her magnetic charm and allure. She is portrayed as a seductive and adventurous woman, always seeking thrills and excitement. Despite her chaotic lifestyle, Gillian possesses an inherent vulnerability that makes her relatable to the audience.
“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.
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. The climax of the film is when Sally, the aunts, and a group of women from the town who are on the school phone tree help empower the spell so that the haunting ends, and Gillian breaks free of Jimmy s hold on her.
Despite her chaotic lifestyle, Gillian possesses an inherent vulnerability that makes her relatable to the audience. Gillian's magical abilities are showcased throughout the story, as she uses her powers to attract men or to manipulate situations to her advantage. However, it becomes evident that her magic is a double-edged sword, as it often leads her into dangerous situations.
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
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This aspect of her character emphasizes the idea that magic, like any power, must be used responsibly and with caution. Furthermore, Gillian's relationships with men play a significant role in her character development. She is depicted as someone who seeks love and connection but often struggles to hold onto it. Her tumultuous romantic encounters reflect her internal conflicts and desire for true love. In the story, Gillian's bond with her sister Sally is explored in depth. They have a complex relationship, marked by love, loyalty, and rivalry. Gillian's actions often affect Sally's life, forcing her to confront the consequences of both her own choices and her sister's actions. Ultimately, Gillian's journey is one of redemption and growth. She learns to embrace her own strength and identity, moving away from the impulsive and destructive choices she made in the past. Through her experiences, Gillian demonstrates the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness. In conclusion, Gillian Owens' character in Practical Magic is a multifaceted and complex depiction of a modern witch. Her charm and impulsiveness make her alluring, while her journey towards self-redemption illustrates the importance of personal growth and development. Gillian serves as a reminder that even those with extraordinary abilities face challenges and must learn from their mistakes..
Reviews for "Connecting with Ancestors: Gillian Owens' Practical Magic Rituals for Spiritual Guidance"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Gillian Owens Practical Magic" as I am a big fan of the film adaptation. However, I found the book to be overly melodramatic and lacking in plot development. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions seemed contrived. Additionally, the writing style was overly flowery and hard to follow at times. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Lisa - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Gillian Owens Practical Magic" because I found it incredibly boring. The story dragged on and there was no real suspense or excitement. I also couldn't connect with any of the characters as they lacked depth and complexity. The writing felt forced and the dialogue unrealistic. I was hoping for a thrilling and magical read, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver.
3. Peter - 2 stars - "Gillian Owens Practical Magic" was a letdown for me. The story had potential, but it fell flat due to the lack of character development. I couldn't invest in the protagonists and their struggles, as they were not relatable or fleshed out. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving me unsatisfied. The magical elements were underutilized, and the romance felt forced. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre and far from the enchanting tale I was expecting.
4. Sarah - 2 stars - "Gillian Owens Practical Magic" was a disappointment for me. The magical elements were interesting, but the execution fell short. The pacing was slow, and the story lacked a clear direction. Additionally, the romance between the main characters felt forced and unnatural. The writing style was overly verbose, making it difficult to stay engaged with the narrative. While the concept was promising, the execution left much to be desired.