"Every Witch Way" is a popular television series that aired on Nickelodeon between 2014 and 2015. The show revolves around a teenage girl named Emma Alonso, who discovers that she is a witch with special powers. She attends a special school for witches, where she learns to navigate her newfound abilities and the challenges that come with them. The main idea of "Every Witch Way" is the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. As Emma learns about her powers and the world of witches, she also learns more about herself and what it means to be true to who she is. Throughout the series, she faces various obstacles and conflicts, both magical and otherwise, that test her courage, loyalty, and integrity.
Throughout the series, she faces various obstacles and conflicts, both magical and otherwise, that test her courage, loyalty, and integrity. One of the central themes of the show is the struggle between good and evil. Emma must navigate the complexities of friendships, romantic relationships, and her own desires, all while making choices that will ultimately determine whether she aligns herself with the forces of good or succumbs to the darker side of her powers.
The Personal Politics behind the Salem Witch Trials
Today is the first day of autumn. A beautiful time of year. But historically speaking, in an age of superstitution, people associated this season with darker things. There was much for a colonial New Englander to fear during lengthening autumn nights.
Fall always makes me think of Salem. And clearly, judging by the throngs of people who pack into the town as Halloween approaches, I’m not the only one. The Salem witch crisis began in late winter and continued for more than a year, so there is no particular reason to associate it with October. But the reasons for that are self-evident, I suppose.
It seems there’s always more to learn about the Salem Witch Trials. My interest in this episode is derived primarily from the complex historical events but also from the sometimes outlandish explanations advanced by historians and scientists seeking to explain those events. Take, for example, the theory advanced by an accomplished behavioral scientist who argues that the people of Salem Village suffered from ergot poisoning–the results of a fungus in rye bread that produces hallucinations similar to LSD. That seems to me to be making things rather more complicated than they need to be. There is ample evidence that the Witch Trials (or at least the manner in which the crisis began) were personal. One need not seek any further than that for explanations.
I’ve always felt that history is driven largely by personal politics. Larger economic, social and cultural factors do come into play. But when people do things, they are rarely thinking about the bigger picture. We generally do what is best for ourselves, our families and friends. For reasons that are quite personal, we tend to cooperate with the people we like, and we work against the people we don’t like. In some cases, our personal actions can have a ripple effect that affects history. The Salem Witch Trials are one of those cases in which personal choices, what at first seemed like small actions, had a tremendous impact on historical events.
Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum explored the bitter factionalism within Salem Village (now Danvers, Massachusetts) in their groundbreaking work Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft, demonstrating the manner in which the Putnam and Porter families were at odds throughout the 1670s and 80s. Their thesis has been reinforced by other historians including Frances Hill in A Delusion of Satan. The Putnams were farmers, conservative, and disliked change. The Porters an up and coming family, branching into maritime trade in adjacent Salem Town. They had a more worldly view and were a bit more liberal in politics and religion.
The two families had locked horns over land disputes, but things became hotter when it came time for Salem Village to pick a new minister in 1689. The Putnams and their camp wanted Rev. Samuel Parris, a conservative minister who did not tolerate unorthodox views on religion. They got their wish, but in 1691, just months before the hysteria burst, the Porter camp managed to take control of local affairs and took steps to cut Parris’s salary.
Now we come to February 1692 and nine year-old Betty Parris (the minister’s daughter) playing games with her friend Abigail Williams. The girls fancied that they could foretell who their husbands would be by dropping an egg into a glass of water and interpreting its shape…a trick they may or may not have been taught by Parris’s slave Tituba. The minister caught them in the act, Betty went catatonic, and the local physician proclaimed that they had been bewitched.
Soon some of Betty’s friends started throwing fits and claiming that they, too, were bewitched. One of the most convincing at this game was 12 year-old Ann Putnam, Jr., daughter of Thomas and Ann Putnam. Before long, the girls were singling out people in Salem Village as witches. These people included Rebecca Nurse (the Putnams had been embroiled in a bitter land dispute with her family), the previous minister Rev. George Burroughs (the Putnams had had him imprisoned back in 1683 because he owed their family money) and three of those who voted against collecting the revenue for Parris’s salary–Philip English, Daniel Andrew and Francis Nurse.
Shrieking accusations from hysterical children weren’t enough to begin investigations, however. Written complaints had to be registered with the magistrates for the accused to be questioned and/or imprisoned. The majority of these, at least in Salem Village before the hysteria spread, were signed by brothers Thomas and John Putnam.
It seems the crisis evolved into a means for Parris and the Putnams to take out their rivals. One can only wonder to what degree the girls might have been coached to do what they did. It’s a terribly sad thing. Their rivals, the Porter camp, tried to put a stop to the hysteria. As a result, many of them were singled out as witches. It snow-balled from there, and became much bigger than the Putnams. But it certainly started with them.
Rev. Parris House foundation
It’s been a few years since I’ve managed to get to Salem and Danvers. I want to get there this year. Last time I was in Danvers, I was with a group of friends and we managed to find a site that had eluded me on prior trips as it’s hidden well off the road…Rev. Parris’s house…or what’s left of it. There’s just a foundation now.
There’s so much mythology around the Salem Witch Trials that at times the whole thing can seem like fiction. When sitting by this foundation, it seemed difficult to believe that this was the spot, a very real and tangible place where Rev. Parris caught his daughter practicing “magic.” Ground zero, as it were, for the Salem Witch crisis.
Note: In addition to Salem Possessed and A Delusion of Satan (from which the above interpretation is taken), I recommend Frances Hill’s Hunting for Witches, for those seeking a succinct version of the events. It also serves as a great guidebook to the historical sites in Salem and Danvers.
Note: In addition to Salem Possessed and A Delusion of Satan (from which the above interpretation is taken), I recommend Frances Hill’s Hunting for Witches, for those seeking a succinct version of the events. It also serves as a great guidebook to the historical sites in Salem and Danvers.
Another aspect of "Every Witch Way" is its emphasis on the importance of friendship and teamwork. Emma forms close bonds with her fellow witches, who support and guide her through her journey. Together, they work to protect their magical realm and keep it safe from those who wish to exploit its powers for their own gain. The show also touches on the idea of balance and the need for harmony in the world. Emma must learn to use her powers responsibly, not just for personal gain but also for the greater good of the magical realm and its inhabitants. In conclusion, "Every Witch Way" is a captivating and entertaining series that explores the themes of self-discovery, good versus evil, friendship, and the importance of balance. It offers viewers a unique and magical world filled with relatable characters and exciting adventures. Overall, the show reminds us that embracing who we are and using our powers for good can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life..
Reviews for "The Role of Magic in "Ever Witch Way": More than Just Spells and Potions"
1. Sarah - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
I found "Ever Witch Way" to be extremely dull and uninteresting. The plot was predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The acting was mediocre at best, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout each episode. Overall, I was disappointed with this show and would not recommend it to others.
2. Tom - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for "Ever Witch Way" based on the concept and initial reviews, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The dialogue was cheesy and the storyline felt forced. The humor seemed forced and didn't land well with me. Additionally, the special effects were underwhelming and didn't add any excitement to the show. I wouldn't watch it again.
3. Emily - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
While "Ever Witch Way" had its moments, overall, I was not impressed. The acting was average, and the writing felt weak. The show had potential, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The characters lacked depth, and the plotlines felt repetitive. I found myself losing interest as the episodes progressed. Overall, it was a decent show, but nothing extraordinary.
4. James - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
I had a hard time getting into "Ever Witch Way." The storyline felt cliché, and the acting was subpar. The show lacked originality and failed to captivate me. The teenage drama aspect felt forced and unrelatable. I was hoping for a more engaging and unique show, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you're looking for something fresh and exciting.