"The Naked Witch Project 2000" is a controversial film that gained attention for its unique approach and subject matter. Released in the year 2000, the movie draws inspiration from the found footage genre made popular by "The Blair Witch Project." However, it takes a different twist by incorporating the element of nudity and witches. The core idea behind "The Naked Witch Project 2000" is exploring the concept of supernaturalism and sexuality in a realistic and unguarded manner. The film follows a group of young adults who venture into a supposedly haunted forest known for its dark history of witchcraft. As they document their experience, the characters gradually find themselves entangled in a web of witchcraft.
both genders, the three arrows,
At higher scores she is able to even seize control of whatever remote weapons the opponent might have and, in the case of an opposing Gundam, even the suit itself. Both the Lupus Rex and the Calibarn have extremely dangerous and taxing versions of the in-universe piloting systems installed, and utilize both a large, handheld weapon and remote armaments that initially belonged to other Gundam units.
As they document their experience, the characters gradually find themselves entangled in a web of witchcraft. What sets the film apart is the use of nudity as a thematic device. The decision to showcase the characters in their natural form aims to challenge societal taboos and convey a sense of vulnerability.
Archetypal Magic- The Psychopomp
As I'm writing this, the planet Mercury is about to station direct (Mercury stations retrograde about three times a year). It will hang out in a kind of liminal space for a few days before it starts moving forward again. Mercury is my ruling planet (I'm a Gemini rising, to figure out your ruling planet see which planet rules your rising sign) and I've really been embracing my mercurial nature lately. Though it's something we aren't necessarily taught to work with.
Capitalism has taught us to goooo go go, always, and it's a challenge to unwrap the binds of this lesson. Working with the Moon has been a huge tool for me in my efforts to slow down and live cyclically- but Mercury seems to also have some lessons for me. And perhaps for you too.
Mercury, as an archetype, is related to the Greek god Hermes (derived from the Roman, Mercury), channeling, moving through realms, and generally presiding over communication between the otherworld and the material world.
Hermes is a psychopomp. They are one of many psychopomps throughout mythology. But this isn't just a mythological character.
Let me back up- a psychopomp is a “conductor of souls” and is said to guide recently departed souls to the otherworld. They are the bridge between this world and the next. As a Westerner, I immediately think of Hermes or the “Grim Reaper” character with his scythe. But this figure appears throughout history and in many cultural mythologies.
We have Charon who ferries recently departed souls over the river Styx into the underworld (this is the ferryman imagery we see sometimes in art or stories, he requires payment for passage. Often a gold coin under the tongue.) This is also Greek mythology from my understanding which is perhaps why we in the West are so familiar with this image.
Anubis presides over the purification and mummification of the recently departed. This is a dedicated and sacred act. He acts as psychopomp in this way. I've also read (and felt) that Hathor is a guide for the souls who are making their way into the afterlife. Both of these deities come from Egyptian mythology.
One of the primary archangels from Muslim traditions is Azrail who watches over a sacred tree in paradise. When someone is born, a new leaf grows. When it is time for them to pass, the leaf falls from the tree and Azrail comes to collect their soul.
But these messengers don't just come in the form of deities. We often hear cultural stories of bees, birds, and dolphins acting as messengers from the otherworld. They may guide us in our crossing or bring us messages from our ancestors or beloved dead.
Something that isn't explicitly stated in a lot of texts (or I just haven't found this yet, and if you have please send it on over!) is that, not only are these archetypes the ones that cross the dead into the underworld- but they are the conductor of souls into this world as well. It's all the same realm. I felt this very deeply when I was actively doing birthwork. Those that guide the souls out are also the ones that guide the souls in.
Which brings me to embodying these archetypes. Deathworkers, birthworkers, dreamwalkers, and spirit workers all fall under the category of psychopomp in my mind. These are all real world embodiments of this archetype.
A psychopomp is someone who walks between realms. A psychopomp is a mediator between the conscious and the subconscious (something Jung has written about). This figure exists in our modern world and in our day to day.
Bringing it back to Mercury- there is an opportunity to work with the energy of this planet or this archetype to start exploring your own psychopompic depths. In order to do this work or understand this archetype, we need regular periods of withdrawal. Regular periods of going under, going deep, stealing away. In this, I'm also describing the planet's retrograde patterns. When do you need to retrograde? When do you need to go underground?
In feeling in to this archetype, I'm also thinking about tarot (which I read as a series of archetypes we all hold within us). The Death card and The Hermit come to mind for sure, but so does The Fool. The Fool is ether, spirit, and exists in the in-betweens. The Fool is the bridge between one card to the next. The Fool is everywhere and always right around the corner. They absolutely feel mercurial and carry a certain amount of trickster energy to them. Is this an energy you're familiar with? What does it feel like for you?
I also think about the 8 of cups- this card features a cloaked character turning their back on what they've known- in the form of 8 neatly lined up cups- in search of something unknown. They appear to me to be walking into the in-between. Perhaps into unconscious depths. Or maybe into the otherworld or the dreaming.
Here are some reflection questions for you if you'd like to explore this archetype within yourself and within your world.
Do you have a dream practice? How do you dream?
How do you appear in other people's dreams?
Do you have any cultural birth or death practices that feel like they fall under the realm of the psychopomp? What are they?
What are your ancestral or lineage traditions around death and birth?
How do you connect with your ancestors, or guides, or God?
What is your relationship to your subconscious? To the emotions woven throughout your body? To the otherworld?
When do you give yourself time to steal away? Is there a pattern to this?
I'll leave you with a poem written by Leonora Carrington when she worked with Octavio Paz on a stage play called “La Fille de Rappaccini” (based off of a Nathaniel Hawthorn short story- Rappaccini’s Daughter).
It feels very much to me like a poem or a prayer or an evocation to/for the psychopomp.
"My name does not matter
neither my origin
in reality I have no name
I am not man or woman
yesterday or tomorrow
both genders, the three arrows,
the four ages, and the four cardinal directions
converge and dissolve on me"
If this piece resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email if you'd like to be in further communication about this theme.
Sending you warmth and safety.
Stevie Joy Leigh
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By exposing their bodies, the protagonists become a blank canvas through which the audience can witness their journey into the unknown. While the nudity in "The Naked Witch Project 2000" caused controversy and divided opinion, it serves as a metaphorical tool rather than gratuitous content. The vulnerable state of the characters emphasizes their exposure to the supernatural forces at play, ultimately blurring the line between their physical and spiritual selves. In terms of storytelling, the film utilizes found footage techniques to create a sense of realism and immersion. Handheld cameras and improvised dialogue lend authenticity to the characters' experiences, adding to the film's overall suspense. Although "The Naked Witch Project 2000" can be polarizing due to its explicit nature, it is important to recognize its intent to challenge societal norms and conventions. While the film may not be suitable for all audiences, it remains an intriguing exploration of the intersection between supernaturalism, sexuality, and vulnerability..
Reviews for "The Visual Aesthetics of "The Naked Witch Project 2000"
1. John Doe - 1 star
"The Naked Witch Project 2000 is an utterly pointless and tasteless movie. It tries to cash in on the success of The Blair Witch Project, but fails miserably. The acting is terrible, the plot is non-existent, and the constant nudity is simply gratuitous. It is clear that this movie was made with no creative intention, only to satisfy the lowest common denominator. Save yourself the disappointment and avoid this film at all costs."
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
"The Naked Witch Project 2000 lacks any substance and seems to solely rely on shock value. While the Blair Witch Project had a cleverly constructed plot and built tension, this film simply features a group of people running around naked in the woods. The attempts at humor fall flat, and the nudity feels forced and unnecessary. It's disappointing to see a movie that completely misses the mark when it comes to storytelling and fails to offer anything of value to the viewer."
3. Mark Johnson - 1 star
"This movie was a complete waste of my time. The Naked Witch Project 2000 offers nothing more than mindless nudity and cheap attempts at humor. There is no plot or character development to speak of. It feels like a desperate attempt to lure audiences in with sensationalism, but it falls flat on all levels. I regret watching this film and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful or entertaining experience."
4. Samantha Brown - 2 stars
"The Naked Witch Project 2000 is a forgettable and poorly made film. It tries to be provocative and shocking, but it only succeeds in being tasteless and unengaging. The constant nudity becomes tiring and detracts from any potential story or character development. The attempts at humor feel forced and often miss the mark. Overall, this film lacks any redeeming qualities and left me feeling disappointed and unfulfilled."
5. Michael Thompson - 1 star
"I found The Naked Witch Project 2000 to be a complete waste of time. The movie relies solely on nudity and shock value, making it feel like a cheap and exploitative attempt to attract viewers. The lack of a coherent plot or any meaningful story makes it difficult to become invested in the film. I would not recommend wasting your time on this shallow and unfulfilling movie."