Sheer Magic Farragut Farragut, Tennessee is a small town in the United States that may seem unassuming at first glance, but it holds a secret that has captivated locals and tourists alike. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, Farragut is home to a hidden gem known as Sheer Magic. Sheer Magic is an annual festival that takes place in Farragut, celebrating the arts and the wonders of the natural world. It is a unique event that combines live performances, art exhibitions, and interactive experiences, creating an enchanting atmosphere that is truly magical. One of the main highlights of Sheer Magic is the live performances. Artists from all over the world come to Farragut to showcase their talents in music, dance, and theater.

Is There a Witch Bottle in Your House?

In the 16th-18th centuries, vessels filled with nails, thorns, hair, and other materials, were used as a form of ritual protection against witches.

In 2008, a ceramic bottle packed with about fifty bent copper alloy pins, some rusty nails, and a bit of wood or bone was discovered during an archaeological investigation by the Museum of London Archaeology Service. Now known as the “Holywell witch-bottle,” the vessel, which dates between 1670 and 1710, is believed to be a form of ritual protection that was hidden beneath a house near Shoreditch High Street in London.

“The most common contents of a witch-bottle are bent pins and urine, although a range of other objects were also used,” writes archaeologist Eamonn P. Kelly in Archaeology Ireland. Sometimes the bottles were glass, but others were ceramic or had designs with human faces. A witch bottle might contain nail clippings, iron nails, hair, thorns, and other sharp materials, all selected to conjure a physical charm for protection. “It was thought that the bending of the pins ‘killed’ them in a ritual sense, which meant that they then existed in the ‘otherworld’ where the witch travelled. The urine attracted the witch into the bottle, where she became trapped on the sharp pins,” Kelly writes.

Akin to witch marks, which were carved or burned onto windows, doors, fireplaces, and other entrances to homes in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, witch bottles were embedded in buildings across the British Isles and later the United States at these same entry points. “The victim would bury the bottle under or near the hearth of his house, and the heat of the hearth would animate the pins or iron nails and force the witch to break the link or suffer the consequences,” anthropologist Christopher C. Fennell explains in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. “Placement near the hearth and chimney expressed associated beliefs that witches often gained access to homes through deviant paths such as the chimney stack.”

And much like witch marks, which tended to proliferate in times of political turmoil or bad harvest, the rather unpleasant ingredients in witch bottles reflected real threats to seventeenth-century people even as they were concocted for supernatural purposes. It’s probable many were made as a remedy at a time when available medicine fell short. “Urinary problems were common both in England and America during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and it is reasonable to suppose that their symptoms often were attributed to the work of local witches,” scholar M.J. Becker notes in Archaeology. “The victims of bladder stones or other urinary ailments would have used a witch bottle to transfer the pains of the illness from themselves back to the witch.” In turn, if a person in the community then had a similar malady, or physical evidence of scratching, they might be accused of being the afflicting witch.

Weekly Digest

Like other counter-magical devices, the bottled spells eventually faded out of popular folk practice, but not before immigrants to North America brought over the practice. “The witch-bottle tradition originated in the East Anglia region of England in the late Middle Ages and was introduced to North America by colonial immigrants, the tradition continuing well into the 20th century on both sides of the Atlantic,” writes historian M. Chris Manning in Historical Archaeology. “While nearly 200 examples have been documented in Great Britain, less than a dozen are known in the United States.”

Researchers with the Museum of London Archaeology and the University of Hertfordshire are now hoping to identify more. In April of 2019, their “Bottles concealed and revealed” project launched as a three-year investigation of witch bottles that will bring disparate reports together into a comprehensive survey of all the known examples in museums and collections around England. Through this project, they aim to better understand how these curious bottles spread as a popular practice, and how they convey ideas around medicine and beliefs. Part of this exploration is a “Witch Bottle Hunt” calling on the public to share any discoveries with their specialists. While they don’t want anyone breaking down the walls of historic homes, they are asking that any finds be treated as archaeological objects and left in situ for a specialist to examine. Most importantly, they advise, leave the stopper in. Let the experts deal with these containers of centuries-old urine and nail clippings.

Artists from all over the world come to Farragut to showcase their talents in music, dance, and theater. From breathtaking ballet performances to awe-inspiring acrobatics, the stage comes alive with a diverse range of acts that leave the audience spellbound. The art exhibitions at Sheer Magic are another draw for visitors.

Resources

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The Use of Iron Nails in Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Paganism and In Film

Iron nails, in their various forms, have played a significant role in many mystical and spiritual practices throughout history. From voodoo to hoodoo and paganism, these seemingly ordinary tools have been utilized for their symbolic and metaphysical properties. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted use of iron nails in these belief systems, examining their significance and the meaning they hold for practitioners. In voodoo, iron nails are often employed as a means of protection and defense against negative energies, curses, and evil spirits. According to voodoo practitioners, the iron’s inherent properties of strength and durability serve as a suitable barrier against malevolent forces. Nails are frequently used in the construction of voodoo dolls, also called poppets, representing individuals whom one seeks to ward off or influence. The insertion of iron nails into these dolls is believed to enhance their power and effectiveness, as iron is thought to possess the ability to repel negativity and harm.

Similar to voodoo, hoodoo, a form of folk magic originating from African American slave communities, incorporates the use of iron nails for their protective qualities. In hoodoo traditions, iron nails are often buried beneath doorsteps or thresholds to guard against unwanted visitors, harm, or malicious spirits. These nails are believed to possess the power to ward off evil and create a protective barrier around the home. Additionally, hoodoo practitioners might employ iron nails in spellwork, where they serve as conduits for releasing intentions and directing energy towards specific outcomes. Moving beyond voodoo and hoodoo, iron nails also find a place in various pagan belief systems. In paganism, iron is associated with the element of fire and is often seen as a conduit for channeling spiritual energy. Nails are utilized in rituals and ceremonies to symbolize strength, transformation, and connection to the divine. Pagans may hammer nails into trees, rocks, or offerings, believing that this action solidifies and anchors their intentions in the physical realm.

Moreover, iron nails hold particular significance in Norse paganism, where they are associated with the god Odin. As the All-Father and head of the Norse pantheon, Odin is commonly depicted as a being with a spear, Gungnir, which is often adorned with iron nails. These nails represent Odin’s magical presence and his domain over battle, prophecy, and divine knowledge. They also serve as talismans for individuals seeking Odin’s guidance, wisdom, and protection. The use of iron nails in voodoo, hoodoo, and paganism is not solely limited to their protective attributes. In certain instances, they might be employed for purposes of binding, cursing, or hexing. Much like the practice of sympathetic magic, whereby an object is used to represent an individual, nails may be driven into objects such as photographs, personal belongings, or even specific body parts, signifying the intent to control or harm the targeted person.

Local and international artists display their works in various mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photography and digital art. The exhibits are carefully curated to showcase the beauty and creativity of the art world, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the talents of both established and emerging artists. Interactive experiences are a key element of Sheer Magic. Attendees can participate in workshops led by artists, learning new art techniques or trying their hand at creating their own masterpiece. There are also interactive installations where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and wonder, experiencing art in a tangible and interactive way. The natural surroundings of Farragut add to the allure of Sheer Magic. The festival takes place in a sprawling park, with pathways leading through lush gardens and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can meander through the park, taking in the beautiful scenery and finding hidden surprises along the way. It is an opportunity to connect with nature while being surrounded by the magic of the arts. Ultimately, Sheer Magic is a celebration of the transformative power of art and nature. It is a place where imagination knows no bounds and where dreams are brought to life. Each year, Farragut comes alive with the sheer magic of this festival, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Sheer Magic in Farragut is an event not to be missed. Its unique blend of live performances, art exhibitions, and interactive experiences truly creates a magical experience that will transport you to another world..

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