Wiccan powers are a central concept in Wicca, a modern pagan religious movement. Wiccans believe in the existence of supernatural abilities and energies that can be harnessed and utilized for various purposes. These powers are often referred to as magick or witchcraft. According to Wiccan beliefs, magick is the manipulation of energy in accordance with one's will to bring about desired outcomes. It is seen as a natural force that can be controlled and directed by those with the knowledge and understanding of how to do so. Wiccans view magick as an inherent part of the natural world and believe that all individuals have the potential to tap into and use these powers.
Wiccans view magick as an inherent part of the natural world and believe that all individuals have the potential to tap into and use these powers. Wiccan powers are not exclusive to a select few but are accessible to anyone who undertakes the study and practices of Wicca. However, it is important to note that Wiccans do not claim to possess supernatural abilities without limitation.
Sushi is delivered by ‘bullet train’ with a Magic Touch in Cerritos
I recently spent a couple of weeks in Japan, where I rode a bullet train many times, a wonderful trip, made all the better by the amazing bento boxes sold in even the smallest of train stations.
Bento — more properly referred to as ekiben — are wonderful things. They’re edible Joseph Cornell boxes of tasty treats and happy bites, going for about $10 a box.
Curiously, when I got back, I went to the newly opened Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi restaurant, situated in yet another of the many South Street Cerritos food malls, where they do not offer ekiben. Which is a pity, because it would certainly add to the sense of being Over There.
But still, the high-tech style of the eatery does have a Tokyo Modernist/Robot Restaurant sense to it. Though in this case, the food isn’t served by robots. It’s served by miniature “bullet trains” (properly shinkansen) that come zipping out of the kitchen (or whatever is in the unseen back of the restaurant) bearing your nigiri, your sashimi and your rolls along with a sundry of appetizers and small dishes.
I should explain that there are humans working in Magic Touch. They bring you beverages and other items that might not do well on a miniature train. But for the most part, you’re on your own, following the “Easy Steps for the 1st Time Comer” on the plasticized menu, which guides you to the iPad in front of every diner, from which you order your food.
A fun way to dine
The order is then transmitted to the back, where the dishes are loaded on the train and shot out (well, not really shot; they move a lot slower than the full-sized bullet train), somehow stopping right in front of where you’re sitting.
It’s a clever system, allowing you to keep track of what you’ve ordered on the iPad, though there is something a bit alienating about sitting at the counter, staring ahead at the very brightly lit “track,” waiting for your food to arrive. There are several tables where you can interact with others. Otherwise, this is dining in a world of white space, a bit lonely, a bit cold. Once I got past the novelty, I fell into a bit of existential angst.
And I do need to mention that the food doesn’t come out especially fast. Unlike Magic Touch’s cousin restaurants, the somewhat less mechanistic revolving sushi bar (of which there are many in Japan, where it was invented, and where the proper name is “kaikan”), you don’t have the fun of watching an endless parade of dishes march on by. In this case, the train arrives, the food is taken, the train withdraws. In between, you’re on your own. It’s Concept Uber Alles, or however that would be said in Japanese.
Priced well
But there is a good side to all this high-tech obsessiveness: the prices are low, really low. Nigiri sushi — the slices of fish atop rice — run from $1.75 to $2.75. Sushi rolls fall into the same range. Hand rolls are $2.25. You want a sushi combo, it will run between $6.25 and $10. The sashimi combo is $5.25. Which is so far below the usual price, it’s hard to cavil about the lack of humanity.
Indeed, nothing costs much: edamame is $1.75, miso soup is $2.25, seaweed salad is $2.25, so is seafood gyoza. Fried chicken is $2.75. Fried soft shell crab is $5.25. All of which is way below market. Even discount sushi shops, like the Sushi Stop chain, cost more.
And the quality is better than you might expect. The 16 rolls are well-assembled, if not elegantly so. For $2.75 you can sample exotica like the Tiger Roll, the Hamachi Roll, the Dragon Roll, the Soft Shell Crab Roll.
The fish is fresh. The turnover is fast. The restaurant is busy most of the time. And when you’re finished, you clock “Check Out” on the iPad, and a human will bring you your check. Or as the menu says, “Your servers will bring you the cheek (sic).” Check or cheek, it won’t add up to much.
Merrill Shindler is a Los Angeles-based freelance dining critic. Send him email at [email protected].
Magic Touch Bullet Train Sushi
Rating: 2 stars
Address: 11900 South St., Cerritos
Information: 562-402-5177
Cuisine: Japanese
When: Lunch and dinner, every day
Details: Soft drinks; no reservations
Atmosphere: High-tech setting, where you order from iPads and watch in wonder and puzzlement as your sushi zips out of the kitchen on a Bullet Train. Not as efficient as you’d expect but still fun. And very inexpensive.
Prices: About $20 per person
Suggested dishes: Sushi Rolls ($1.75-$2.75), Hand Rolls ($2.25), Nigiri Sushi ($1.75-$2.75), Combo Platters ($6.25-$10)
Cards: MC, V
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Instead, they see magick as a tool to facilitate personal and spiritual growth, influence events, and create positive change in the world. Wiccan powers are often categorized into various types, such as elemental magick, divination, healing, and spellcasting. Elemental magick involves invoking and working with the energies of the natural elements, such as earth, air, fire, and water. Divination is the practice of gaining insight or foretelling the future through various methods, such as tarot cards, pendulums, or scrying. Healing is another aspect of Wiccan powers, where practitioners focus on promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through energy work and herbal remedies. Spellcasting is the use of spoken words, gestures, and focused intention to bring about specific outcomes. Wiccan powers are commonly performed within the framework of ritual ceremonies and practices. These rituals often involve the use of tools and symbols, such as a wand, athame (ritual knife), candles, herbs, and crystals. By utilizing these tools and performing rituals, Wiccans believe they can align themselves with the natural energies of the universe and manifest their intentions. It is important to note that Wiccans do not view magick as a substitute for personal responsibility or as a means to manipulate or harm others. Most Wiccan traditions emphasize ethical considerations and promote the use of magick for positive purposes, such as personal growth, healing, and helping others. In conclusion, wiccan powers are the supernatural abilities and energies believed to exist within the framework of Wicca. Wiccans view magick as a tool for personal and spiritual growth, and it encompasses various practices, such as elemental magick, divination, healing, and spellcasting. By studying and practicing Wicca, individuals can tap into these powers and use them to create positive change in their lives and the world around them..
Reviews for "Wiccan Powers: From Historical Witch Trials to Modern-Day Magick"
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