Black Magic: Superstition or Secret Power in 1949?

In 1949, the concept of Black Magic had a significant presence in various societies, cultures, and religions. Often associated with supernatural or dark forces, black magic involved the use of spells, incantations, and rituals to manipulate or harm others. It was believed to possess a destructive and malevolent power that could be harnessed for personal gain, revenge, or control. The year 1949 saw a heightened interest in black magic due to the popularization of occult practices and the rise of various mystical movements. Many individuals sought to learn and practice black magic to exert their influence over others or to solve personal problems. As a result, the year witnessed an increase in the demand for books and literature on black magic, leading to the publication of numerous manuals, grimoires, and spellbooks.

But in “Beatriz at Dinner,” Hayek turns down the thermostat and assumes a cool, calm and, yes, beatific demeanor as an L.A.-based Mexican-born masseuse with magic fingers and holistic healing abilities whose connection to her ailing clients at a touchy-feely cancer clinic is almost empath-like. She is also at one with the universe, as signified by the dogs and bleating goat (the better to protect it from an angry neighbor) that crowd her bedroom at night or the image of the Virgin Mary and a toy Buddha that decorate her car. With a fringe of baby bangs, minimal makeup and a functional wardrobe, Beatriz obviously values the spiritual over the material. The serene sight of a de-glammed Hayek, beautiful and miraculously youthful at age 50, is a compelling one indeed.

That causes the rich folk to gradually expose the cesspool depths of their corrupt lifestyles while celebrating their financial gains at the expense of other living beings. Probably my pie-in-the-sky dream for my writing career is that someone would make a movie or television show of my books and I could be a part of the production.

As a result, the year witnessed an increase in the demand for books and literature on black magic, leading to the publication of numerous manuals, grimoires, and spellbooks. However, black magic also faced considerable opposition and condemnation, particularly from religious institutions and conservative societies. Many religious leaders and authorities warned against the dangers of indulging in such practices, emphasizing the potential moral and spiritual consequences.

Rogue Retribution

After the capture and daring rescue of her teammate – bullets flying - Diana Sheen is focusing on a new mission. Push back the cult emerging around Rhazdon artifacts.

Some Oriceran evil just can’t stay dead.

The legacy of the half-Atlantean’s magic is a dark and ancient magic that must be collected and hidden away forever – from everyone.

Kevin Serrano has the same idea with a twist. He wants to shepherd the powerful artifacts while gunning for Diana and her team. Talk about twisted.

Even the Army wants the artifacts to create magical super-soldiers. Leira Berens beat that idea back once before. Can Diana and her crew do the same?

The race is on. Will another troll make all the difference?

Can Diana and her team emerge from the scrum on top? Only one way to find out.

For action, magic, snarky banter, martial arts, mystical creatures, and high intrigue, join Diana, Rath, and the rest on their new adventure!

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2021

About the author

I’m TR Cameron, science fiction author. I’ve been an avid consumer of the genre since I was six, I think, when I broke the seal on my Dad’s copies of the Asimov Foundation books. It’s been all downhill since then.

I have a day job that I love most days, and writing is pretty much my only consistent hobby. When I find time that’s not already filled with my wife, my daughter, my writing, my work, or dodging the affections of our clowder of cats, you can find me playing video games (currently Dishonored 2 – I’m a little behind the times on this one), watching things (Marvel movies, American Gods, Agents of Shield, Justified, The Expanse, Gotham), playing board games, or, naturally, reading.

My favorite authors in Sci-Fi are David Weber, Jean Johnson, John Scalzi, CJ Cherryh, and the giants: Asimov, Pohl, Bear, Heinlein, etc. I read a lot in other genres too, and am a big fan of Matthew Woodring Stover, Michael Anderle, Jim Butcher, and I could go on and on and on. If I had to choose one favorite, though, it would be Stephen R. Donaldson, whose Thomas Covenant series was transformative for me.

Probably my pie-in-the-sky dream for my writing career is that someone would make a movie or television show of my books and I could be a part of the production. Sure, unlikely, but a clowder-dodger can dream, right? My more practical dream is that I can keep writing and both entertaining and connecting with my readers for years and years to come.

While it is a high-quality food that especially benefits from the use of animal proteins, there are some concerns over high phosphorus levels in the foods.

In some jurisdictions, black magic was even considered illegal, leading to the prosecution of individuals involved in its practice. The year 1949 also marked a turning point in the perception of black magic as the world increasingly became fascinated with the supernatural and occult. Popular culture, movies, and literature began depicting black magic as a subject of intrigue and fascination. This portrayal further contributed to the mystique surrounding black magic and fueled its popularity in society. Despite its controversies and negative connotations, the allure of black magic persisted through the year 1949 and beyond. It continues to captivate the human imagination, triggering a fascination with the unknown, and reflecting humanity's desire to control and understand the forces beyond our comprehension..

Reviews for "1949: The Dark Arts and the Shadows of Black Magic"

1. Susan - 2/5 stars - I found "Black Magic 1949" to be confusing and lacking in depth. The plot seemed scattered and went off on tangents, making it difficult to follow. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and their motivations were unclear. Overall, I was disappointed with this film and would not recommend it.

2. John - 1/5 stars - "Black Magic 1949" was a complete waste of my time. The acting was terrible, the dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the special effects were laughable. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and the story felt disjointed. It felt like a poor attempt at a supernatural thriller. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was looking forward to "Black Magic 1949" based on the intriguing premise, but it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow and the movie failed to build any real suspense. The climax was underwhelming and left me feeling unsatisfied. The potential was there, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to it.

4. Michael - 2/5 stars - While the concept of "Black Magic 1949" was promising, the execution was lackluster. The film lacked coherence and failed to explain the supernatural elements properly. The ending was unsatisfying and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing viewing experience.

1949: A Year of Black Magic Unleashed