Discover the Mysteries of Black Magic Canyon in Big Wood River

Black Magic Canyon, located along the Big Wood River in Idaho, is a captivating natural wonder that attracts visitors from near and far. This stunning geological formation is a result of erosion over millions of years, creating an otherworldly landscape that leaves visitors awe-struck. The canyon gets its name from the unique and mysterious rock formations that resemble ancient symbols and hieroglyphics. These formations have an uncanny resemblance to magic spells and symbols, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the canyon. It truly feels like stepping into a world of mystery and intrigue. As you wander through the canyon, you'll be surrounded by towering walls of colorful rock, sculpted by the forces of nature.

"When you would expect something mystical, there is a young witch with iPhone in her hand taking a selfie picture before a ritual or during," says Ivana Šusterová, a Slovakian ethnologist who contributed research to the Vrajitoare photo series. "Because of the internet, the work of vrăjitoare is much easier and more available to clients."

Photographer Lucia Sekerková Bláhová s series Vrăjitoare documents the digital revolution of Romanian witches, a mystical group that uses social media to advertise services and reach new clients. Richard Lawson, ISG web developer, provided the technical expertise for the new website and graphic design was contributed by Interactive Content Manager Stewart Lamb Cromar.

As you wander through the canyon, you'll be surrounded by towering walls of colorful rock, sculpted by the forces of nature. The layers of sedimentary rock reveal the history of the area, with each layer representing a different era. From deep reds to vibrant oranges, every turn reveals a new palette of colors.

Meet Romania's Very Internet-Savvy Witch Community

Photographer Lucia Sekerková Bláhová's series Vrăjitoare documents the digital revolution of Romanian witches, a mystical group that uses social media to advertise services and reach new clients.

"When you would expect something mystical, there is a young witch with iPhone in her hand taking a selfie picture before a ritual or during," says Ivana Šusterová, a Slovakian ethnologist who contributed research to the Vrajitoare photo series. "Because of the internet, the work of vrăjitoare is much easier and more available to clients."

Consider it globalization of the supernatural: Thanks to the proliferation of the internet, the Romanian witch community—also known as the vrăjitoare—has migrated their ancient practice onto the web. Using social media to livestream rituals or to video chat with clients for fortune readings, witch entrepreneurs are better able to grow their business using self-referential devices (clothing, jewelry, idols) to effectively market the storied mysticism of Roma women to searching souls.

Emma Grey Ellis

Members of the vrăjitoare learn the craft from their mothers at age 7, after careful observation of whether they are capable of continuing the tradition. Other witches claim they were born with a "gift" from God that enables them to communicate with divine energy. Only women are able to join the vrăjitoare. Witchcraft is a respected (and feared) profession in Romania, a country where the president is known to wear purple on certain days to ward off evil. The practice is even regulated: In 2011, a new law required the vrăjitoare to pay a 16 percent income tax, the same as any other self-employed Romanian citizen. The response was twofold. Some supported the tax, arguing that it established witchcraft as a verifiable profession, while others angrily threw poisonous mandrake plants into the Danube River.

In 2013, Slovakian photographer Lucia Sekerková Bláhová discovered the vrăjitoare practice when watching a documentary on the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera. Bláhová employed the help of ethnologist Ivana Šusterová, who specializes in the culture of the Wallachian Roma people, to help gain access to the vrăjitoare for her eponymous photo series. Bláhová contacted witches she found online to arrange visits using their personal websites or Facebook pages. Taking a cue from Šusterová, Bláhová wore traditional Roma clothing and observed certain customs to gain the vrăjitoare's trust in order to photograph them. "Mostly, it was all about making a good first impression, being honest to them," Bláhová explains. "Sometimes, you need good negotiating skills."

Negotiating is central to the vrăjitoare business. Witches don't post prices for their services on the internet, the understanding being that cost will be incurred based on services rendered. Typically, clients meet with the witch for a "diagnosis," which Bláhová says costs between 10 and 20 euros. The remedy, however, comes at another expense. As one witch told Bláhová, "Some [clients] give me 50 euros and some people give me 500 euros because they like my honesty."

Bláhová says most of the magic rituals the vrăjitoare perform are intended to restore health or ignite romance, although some services are aimed to do harm. Many of the women are under increasing pressure to specialize their practice, especially in an era when every witch can have a web presence. "Women said they have been picking flowers in secret places, always in wild nature, far away from civilization, usually during the sunrise," Bláhová says. "The more interviews we had with them, the more we got a feeling of a kind of performance for their clients or a kind of competition between the women." Bláhová says some women, especially older witches, were concerned with how the internet made witchcraft more accessible, pointing out that some younger members of the vrăjitoare were sharing the steps of their secret rituals on Facebook.

Still, most of the vrăjitoare maintain that all business is good business. "When you would expect something mystical, there is a young witch with iPhone in her hand taking a selfie picture before a ritual for her vrăjitoare Facebook profile," recounts Šusterová, a Slovakia-based ethnologist. "Because of the internet, the work of vrăjitoare is much easier and more available to clients."

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Richard Lawson, ISG web developer, provided the technical expertise for the new website and graphic design was contributed by Interactive Content Manager Stewart Lamb Cromar. The interactive maps produced by Emma, including timelines and choropleth maps, can be found at witches.is.ed.ac.uk.

One of the highlights of Black Magic Canyon is the narrow paths and slots carved into the rock formations. These narrow passageways add to the sense of adventure as you slip between the walls and discover hidden chambers. It almost feels like a maze, with surprises waiting at every turn. Photographers are particularly drawn to Black Magic Canyon, as the unique rock formations provide countless opportunities for creative and stunning shots. With each angle, the interplay of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing display of patterns and textures. It's no wonder that this spot has become a favorite among photographers looking to capture the magic of nature. Exploring Black Magic Canyon is an experience that ignites the imagination and allows visitors to connect with the natural world in a profound way. As you walk through the canyon, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the immense power of nature and the passage of time. Whether you're an adventurous explorer or a nature enthusiast, Black Magic Canyon is a place that shouldn't be missed. It offers a unique and otherworldly experience that will leave you in awe. So, take a trip to this enchanting canyon and let yourself be captivated by the magic it holds..

Reviews for "The Unique Geological Formations of Black Magic Canyon in Big Wood River"

1. Rachel - 2 stars - I did not enjoy my visit to the Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River. The hike to reach the canyon was long and tiring, and there were not enough signs or directions along the way. Once I finally arrived at the canyon, I was disappointed by the lack of any extraordinary rock formations or picturesque views. It seemed like a regular canyon to me, nothing special. I had higher expectations based on the hype surrounding this place, but I left feeling underwhelmed.

2. Mark - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed by the Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River. The photos I had seen online made it seem like a hidden gem, but in reality, it was crowded with tourists and there was no sense of serenity or tranquility. The canyon was not well-maintained, with trash scattered around and graffiti on the rocks. The experience was ruined by the lack of respect from certain visitors. I would not recommend visiting this place if you're looking for a peaceful nature getaway.

3. Jessica - 2 stars - My trip to the Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River was not as magical as I had hoped. The trail leading to the canyon was poorly marked, making it difficult to find the correct path. When I finally reached the canyon, it was crowded with people, and it took away from the overall experience. The rock formations were interesting, but not as impressive as I expected based on the photos I had seen. I wish there had been more information available about the geological significance of the canyon. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend prioritizing a visit to this site.

Unveiling the Secrets of Black Magic Canyon in Idaho's Big Wood River