The curse of wavering belief is an affliction that plagues many individuals throughout their lives. It is a phenomenon that arises from a lack of confidence and certainty in one's own beliefs and convictions. This curse often manifests itself in the form of indecision, uncertainty, and a constant state of questioning. Individuals suffering from this curse find themselves constantly questioning their own beliefs and have difficulty committing to any particular viewpoint. They are easily swayed by the opinions and beliefs of others, constantly second-guessing themselves and their own convictions. This curse can be debilitating, causing a perpetual state of self-doubt and confusion.
This curse can be debilitating, causing a perpetual state of self-doubt and confusion. Individuals plagued by the curse of wavering belief find it difficult to trust themselves and their own judgment. They struggle to make decisions and often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and possibilities that exist.
Practical mgic author
Alice Hoffman is back at Book of the Month – other BOTMs include Magic Lessons and The Book of Magic and The Invisible Hour and The Marriage of Opposites and The Rules of Magic .
by Alice Hoffman Get this hardcover for $5Quick take
It's the cult classic that started it all. Enter the lives of two witchy women attempting to escape their cursed fates.
Good to know
- Feminist
- Family drama
- Now a movie
- Third in series
Synopsis
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.
One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic.
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Superstition
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in town. If a damp spring arrived, if cows in the pasture gave milk that was runny with blood, if a colt died of colic or a baby was born with a red birthmark stamped onto his cheek, everyone believed that fate must have been twisted, at least a little, by those women over on Magnolia Street. It didn’t matter what the problem was—lightning, or locusts, or a death by drowning. It didn’t matter if the situation could be explained by logic, or science, or plain bad luck. As soon as there was a hint of trouble or the slightest misfortune, people began pointing their fingers and placing blame. Before long they’d convinced themselves that it wasn’t safe to walk past the Owens house after dark, and only the most foolish neighbors would dare to peer over the black wrought-iron fence that circled the yard like a snake.
Inside the house there were no clocks and no mirrors and three locks on each and every door. Mice lived under the floorboards and in the walls and often could be found in the dresser drawers, where they ate the embroidered tablecloths, as well as the lacy edges of the linen placemats. Fifteen different sorts of wood had been used for the window seats and the mantels, including golden oak, silver ash, and a peculiarly fragrant cherrywood that gave off the scent of ripe fruit even in the dead of winter, when every tree outside was nothing more than a leafless black stick. No matter how dusty the rest of the house might be, none of the woodwork ever needed polishing.
Why I love it
Isabel Sterling
Author, These Witches Don't Burn
Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on, the more magical the better. Yet on the weekends I spent with my dad, finding a quiet space to read could be tricky. When I couldn’t read, I gravitated to my second favorite love—the Practical Magic movie. For years, every time I visited my dad, I hid myself away and played my recorded VHS, disappearing into a world of magic and loss and sisterhood.
The story follows Sally and Gillian Owens, descendants of powerful women. Women the town blamed when anything went wrong. Orphaned as children, the sisters move in with their elderly aunts, who soothe neighborhood accusations of witchcraft with brownies for breakfast. Fear of the family curse sends the sisters down very different paths as adults, but when things go wrong, their sisterly bond is the only thing that can save them.
Or at least. that’s what happens in the movie. Having watched the film at least 100 times over the past twenty years, it’s overridden my memory of Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel. I remember Teen Me being shocked at some of the differences between the two, but enough years have passed that I think it’s time to revisit the novel that launched a cult classic. If you’re ready to bask in the spooky season this October, I can think of no better read than Practical Magic. I’ll be picking up a copy to read again, too, and I hope you’ll join me.
Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on, the more magical the better. Yet on the weekends I spent with my dad, finding a quiet space to read could be tricky. When I couldn’t read, I gravitated to my second favorite love—the Practical Magic movie. For years, every time I visited my dad, I hid myself away and played my recorded VHS, disappearing into a world of magic and loss and sisterhood.
This lack of conviction can lead to a lack of progress and growth, as individuals are unable to take decisive actions towards achieving their goals and aspirations. The curse of wavering belief can also have a negative impact on personal relationships. Friends, family, and romantic partners may find it challenging to rely on someone who is constantly changing their opinions and beliefs. This can lead to a breakdown in trust and damage the foundation of these relationships. Individuals who suffer from this curse may also find it difficult to form new connections, as they are perceived as unreliable and inconsistent. To break free from the curse of wavering belief, individuals must work on building their self-confidence and trust in their own judgment. This can be achieved through self-reflection, introspection, and seeking out experiences that challenge their beliefs. It is important to develop a strong sense of self and to trust in one's own intuition and values. Surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals can also help to reinforce one's beliefs and provide a sense of security. Ultimately, breaking free from this curse requires a commitment to self-growth and a willingness to embrace change..
Reviews for "Breaking Free from the Curse of Wavering Belief: Tools for Self-Reflection and Growth"
1. John - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Curse of Wavering Belief'. The story was overwhelmingly confusing, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be profound. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, and their motives were never fully explained. The pacing was also a major issue, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden bursts of action. Overall, I found the book to be frustrating and unsatisfying."
2. Emily - 1 star - "I could barely finish 'Curse of Wavering Belief'. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots and a lack of focus. The characters were flat and uninteresting, with no development or depth. The writing style was overly verbose and pretentious, making it a chore to read. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell way short of my expectations."
3. Sarah - 3 stars - "While I didn't hate 'Curse of Wavering Belief', I also didn't love it. The story had potential, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was inconsistent, with too much time spent on minute details and not enough on key plot points. The writing style was overly descriptive and dragged the story down. Overall, it was an okay read, but not something I would recommend to others."
4. Michael - 2 stars - "I struggled to find any enjoyment in 'Curse of Wavering Belief'. The story lacked coherence and left too many loose ends. The characters were unlikable and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The constant shifts in perspective also added to the confusion, and I often found myself having to reread passages to understand what was happening. It felt like a wasted opportunity, and I would not recommend this book."