Aunt Jet, a character from the movie Practical Magic, is a strong and wise woman who plays a significant role in the lives of the Owens sisters. Although portrayed as a curious and unconventional woman, Aunt Jet is someone who possesses deep knowledge and understanding of magic, as well as the complexities of love. Aunt Jet, along with her sister Aunt Frances, is the matriarch of the Owens family. Both sisters are witches, and they live together in a small town, secluded from the rest of society. They are known among the townsfolk for their mysterious and enchanting nature. Aunt Jet is depicted as the more lively and outgoing of the two sisters.
From the day she was born, Bridget had inky black tresses which led to her being nicknamed Jet. While visiting her great-aunt Isabelle in the summer of 1960, she came to possess a magical beauty, causing many boys to fall in love with her. However, after a taxi accident on her seventeenth birthday, Jet's face was marred by a long scar. Her long dark hair was cut short in the midst of her grief. Later, at the funeral of her younger brother Vincent, Jet's hair turned snow-white and remained that way till her death.
But four boys died, as their attraction to Jet instigated the curse, with two being struck by lightning while out with Jet and Franny, and two committing suicide. Like her siblings, she knew she possessed something that made her different from everybody else, and often defied her mother s strict rules to test her capabilities.
Aunt Jet is depicted as the more lively and outgoing of the two sisters. She is often seen gardening, tending to herbs, and making potions for various purposes. Her knowledge of herbs and spellcasting is extensive, and she passes down her wisdom to the younger generation, particularly her nieces Sally and Gillian Owens.
The PRACTICAL MAGIC Aunts Are the Perfect Spinster Role Models
Once upon a time, I was a little girl surrounded by eccentric single women. My paternal grandmother got divorced before I was born, and two of her sisters were spinsters as well. I lost my mother quite young, and so my extended relatives raised me and my younger sister. I loved and appreciated all of their efforts, but now—as a grown woman reflecting—I miss those kooky single aunts most of all.
Together, we got into trouble. They encouraged dessert eating at odd hours, loud outerwear, and pranks played on unsuspecting bystanders. (We once put whoopee cushions under seats at a movie theater and cackled at the chorus of toots as the lights went down.) Halloween was holier than Christmas. One aunt taught me the trick to her vitality: She wore a mask and went trick-or-treating every October 31st. She was in her 50s.
They are all long gone, but I am reminded of them every time I revisit Practical Magic, one of my favorite movies. (Based on the novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman.) My trick-or-treating Aunt Nancy showed me the film at a young age, and it left an indelible mark. The beautiful East Coast home near the water. Black cats slinking through ankles. That gorgeous kitchen and adjoining greenhouse where potions bubbled to life and midnight margaritas overflowed. As a kid, I loved the story of Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman), two orphaned sisters who move in with their aunts and reconcile with the fact that they’re witches. It was the ultimate fantasy. I, too, was lacking my real parents. And I, too, dreamed of secret generational promises. I wanted so desperately to be a witch.
But these days, I watch Practical Magic through a different set of eyes. These days, I see myself in the aunts most of all. Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Frances (Stockard Channing) take the girls into their home, that aforementioned East Coast home that is alive with imagination. It is light and majestic and surrounded by nature. The aunts live out an idyllic life in their home, casting spells for local women, making potions in the greenhouse, drinking wine, and eating cake on the lawn. And best of all, there are no men in sight.
I never had “normal” aspirations as a child. Never dreamed of my wedding day. Had no interest in being a mother. As I grow older, I’m at times insecure that I’m in my 30s and single and childless. But it’s not that I haven’t met “the one” or that I’m awkward and uncomfortable in romantic situations. On the contrary, I’ve had many relationships and romances. But I never felt compelled to make them last. I’m simply uninterested in that, and always have been. I prefer my own company and schedule. And that shouldn’t be “odd” or “bad” or “abnormal.” It’s simply who I am and what I like, and I’d like to be respected for my choices the same way I respect and love my married friends.
Still, I feel insecure when I explain my age and living situation to strangers. I wish I didn’t, but it’s the reality of navigating life as a single woman of a certain age in this society. That’s why I love Practical Magic a little extra. Because it provides a solid example of older single women living a fabulous and fulfilling life. Jet and Frances have family and love all around them. They travel with their coven and dance naked under the full moon. The townspeople fear them and judge them, but they don’t mind at all. In fact, they delight in it. After all, as Frances tells Sally: “My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage.”
There’s so much to love about Practical Magic. And there’s a reason it has found a new audience in recent years. It’s a movie about female empowerment and connectedness. It’s cozy and inviting, and also spooky and a bit sinister. Sally learns to accept her power, Gillian learns to stop chasing hers, and the two find freedom in their sisterhood. Something they learned and upheld from their beloved aunts.
I have my own kooky single aunts to thank for some of my favorite parts about myself. My love of antiques and old houses. The boxes of jewelry I inherited from them; bulbous stone rings and droopy earrings and beaded necklaces. The desire to prank snotty children in public spaces. A devious sense of humor that finds the funny in every grim situation. But most of all, the strength and self-fulfillment that come from moving through life on my own and in my own way. And for showing me Practical Magic, which comforts me in their absence as I continue down my path.
One of Aunt Jet's defining characteristics is her belief in the power of love. She firmly believes that true love exists and that it can conquer all, even the darkest forces. Despite having faced heartbreak and disappointment in her own love life, Aunt Jet remains hopeful and encourages her nieces to pursue love fearlessly. Aunt Jet's magical abilities are portrayed with a touch of whimsy. She is known for her ability to communicate with animals, shaping her into the family's designated animal caretaker. She often has conversations with her pet owl, whom she affectionately calls "Hedwig," seeking guidance and advice from the wise creature. As the story in Practical Magic unfolds, Aunt Jet's role becomes particularly significant when one of her nieces, Sally, finds herself in a troubled marriage. Aunt Jet provides not only emotional support but also practical magic to help Sally overcome her challenges. She intervenes with spells and potions to protect her niece and ensure her well-being. Aunt Jet's character exemplifies strength, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of love. She is not only a source of magical knowledge but also a pillar of emotional support for her family. Her presence in the movie adds depth and richness to the story, highlighting the importance of familial bonds and the wisdom that can be gained from older generations..
Reviews for "Mystic Charms and Enchantments: Discovering the Magic of Aunt Jey's Practical Magic"
1. Jennifer - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "Aunt Jey Practical Magic" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was convoluted and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. Additionally, the characters felt one-dimensional and lacked complexity. I was hoping for a more captivating and enchanting experience, but sadly, this book fell short of my expectations.
2. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't bring myself to finish "Aunt Jey Practical Magic". The writing style was disorganized and hard to follow, making it a challenge to stay invested in the narrative. The pacing was also quite slow, and I found myself losing interest early on. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of coherence and depth in the story, and I would not recommend it to others.
3. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - "Aunt Jey Practical Magic" had an interesting premise, but the execution was lackluster. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the plot dragged on without offering many surprises or twists. I was hoping for a more enchanting and captivating read, but unfortunately, this book did not achieve that for me.
4. Emily - 2.5 out of 5 stars - While "Aunt Jey Practical Magic" had some promising elements, overall, it failed to fully capture my attention. The pacing was uneven, with certain parts feeling rushed while others dragged on. The characters, although quirky, lacked depth and growth. The writing style also felt repetitive and uninspired. Although this book had potential, it fell short in delivering a truly engaging story.