Practical magic is a term often used to describe the application of magical practices in everyday life. It is a concept that has a rich and diverse history, spanning across various cultures and time periods. The origins of practical magic can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people would use rituals, spells, and charms to bring about desired outcomes in their lives. These practices were often rooted in a belief in the supernatural and the existence of unseen forces that could be harnessed for personal gain. In many cultures, practical magic was deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, with individuals seeking the assistance of shamans, priests, or other practitioners to perform rituals or cast spells on their behalf. These rituals and spells were often used to heal the sick, protect against evil spirits, or bring about good fortune in various aspects of life, such as love, wealth, or success.
These rituals and spells were often used to heal the sick, protect against evil spirits, or bring about good fortune in various aspects of life, such as love, wealth, or success. Over time, the practice of practical magic began to evolve and adapt to the changing beliefs and attitudes of different societies. As the influence of organized religion grew, magical practices were often viewed as blasphemous or heretical, leading to their persecution and suppression.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, A Reader’s Advisory
If you’ve seen the film Practical Magic and always wanted to know more about the Owens women, perhaps consider checking out the book, especially since the author, Alice Hoffman just released a prequel, The Rules of Magic, about the aunts learning magic in the 1960’s that provides more details about the Owens family history.
So if you’d like to read Hoffman’s latest tale, why not read or revisit a classic?
Publisher’s Summary:
“For more than two hundred years, the Owens women had been blamed for everything that went wrong in their Massachusetts town. And Gillian and Sally 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 would do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they shared, even into adulthood brought them back–almost as if by magic…”
If you want a more detailed look into the lives of Sally and Gillian Owens or just want a magical tale just in time for the Halloween season, definitely request a copy of Practical Magic.
The setting, especially the Owens family house, with its thick vines crawling up the window, the ever-present smell of cherrywood, and the many black cats that live with them in the house. This is a world Sally and Gillian try to escape only to find themselves reeled back to.
While Practical Magic obviously involves a lot of hometown witchcraft, the main theme of the story is family. Underneath the Owens women’s dark and mysterious exterior is love.
If you’re looking for a more adult book about magic and witches that is definitely not a children’s book, Practical Magic may be the book for you.
Also by Hoffman:
While only just published, this story predates Practical Magic‘s timeline. It is about the aunts and their brother growing up in both New York. Susana, their mother, sets down explicit rules for them to follow, but because of those rules, the magic that runs deep in their family will only call to them stronger.
Only when they realize who they are do they realize they want to break free from their family’s curse.
Green Angel is a novella about a girl who loses everything in a fire, her home, her garden, and her family. She is devastated and doesn’t know how to go on when her whole world is in ashes. In order not to feel so lost, she becomes a new person, cutting her hair and tattooing dark roses onto her skin. Only after experience love and kindness again will she learn to heal.
The Museum of Extraordinary Things
This novel explores the life of Coralie Sardie, daughter of the owner of a freak show in New York City in the early 1900’s. One night she meets a photographer who took pictures of the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory disaster then becomes consumed by a mystery involving a missing involving the disappearance of a young woman.
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While Practical Magic obviously involves a lot of hometown witchcraft, the main theme of the story is family. Underneath the Owens women’s dark and mysterious exterior is love.
Despite this, practical magic continued to be practiced in secret, passed down through generations as a way to preserve cultural traditions and beliefs. In more recent history, practical magic has experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially in New Age and Pagan communities. This resurgence can be attributed to a growing interest in spirituality, self-empowerment, and a desire to reconnect with nature and ancient traditions. Today, many people incorporate aspects of practical magic into their daily lives, whether it be through the use of crystals, tarot cards, meditation, or herbal remedies. The practice of practical magic is often seen as a way to tap into the unseen energies of the universe and manifest positive change in one's life. It encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping their own destiny and empowers them to seek out solutions and opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. Practical magic is about cultivating a deep sense of intuition, connecting with one's inner wisdom, and working in harmony with the natural rhythms of the world. In conclusion, practical magic has a rich and diverse backstory that spans across cultures and time periods. It is a practice that has evolved and adapted to changing beliefs and attitudes, yet continues to be a source of empowerment and spiritual connection for many individuals today..
Reviews for "The Power of Practical Magic: Discovering the Backstory"
- Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read Practical Magic Backstory because I loved the original Practical Magic book. However, I was very disappointed. The story felt forced and unnecessary. It didn't add anything new or interesting to the original book, and it seemed like the author was just trying to cash in on the success of the first one. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, and the plot was predictable. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to fans of Practical Magic.
- Mark - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish Practical Magic Backstory. It was just so boring and slow-paced. The characters lacked depth and the story didn't seem to go anywhere. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. The writing style was also quite dull and didn't hold my interest. I'm a huge fan of the original Practical Magic book, but this prequel was a major letdown.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a fan of Practical Magic, I was really looking forward to reading the backstory. However, I found it to be a bit underwhelming. The story felt disjointed and didn't flow well. It didn't capture the same magic and charm as the original book. The characters also felt less developed and the plot was lacking in depth. Overall, while it was interesting to learn more about the Owens family, I was left wanting more from the Practical Magic Backstory.