Oh yeah!

So excellent to see us portrayed as the cool raving beauties that we are!! A few liberties yes, but -hey it's a movie
Julia Walkinfish
Date Added: 12-11-00

I think this movie is wonderful. Although it was made to entertain, it had a lot of positive messages behind it. I do believe the movie is actually better than the book (rare occurrence), the book left me feeling drained of all the positive energy that could have been. Do I dare to dream that someday, we all will be accepted as much as the movie was? I really think the Aunts stole the show in this one. Two women who have lived their lives as they wanted, with no outside interference. The courage to be different and not give a damn. My role models for the next thirty years. I am so pleased that someone had the insight to make this movie. I think it's almost an anthem for witches. "Witch, witch, you're a witch!", damn right and proud of it!
Eireannestar
Date Added: 12-11-00

I know this has been out for a while, but I just had to add my two cents worth.
I loved this movie. What a positive portrayel for witches. Yes, there was hollywood magic added but the bottom line was that witches are good!!!!!!! I absolutely loved the house and its gardens. I agree that this would be a lovely place for us to study. It has it all - the ocean, the grounds and the view of the beautiful sky!!!!!!! Wow!!! I just get a nice feeling after watching this movie (of which I own a copy). It shows us as normal day to day kind of people who just happen to believe in something a little different. We all are the same. We all worry, love, laugh, cry, hope and dream.

Ahhhhhhh, to dress like the aunts!!!!!!!! I love Victorian things!!!!!!
Amy
Date Added: 12-11-00

I too love this movie. I love the fact that in the end it brings all the whisperers to an understanding of the craft, they learn it isn't evil and they learn to celebrate their sister-hood. I can't stop watching it. It is my favorite witch movie.
Rhonda
Date Added: 12-11-00

I loved the movie as well, however I do believe that Hollywood has a warped view of what Wiccan is all about and that should stop. None the less any movie with a overall positive outlook is good. I hope someday that a proper portrayal can be done, until then lets hope they continue to produce movies that do not show Wiccans as evil devil worshipers.

I have not had too much negative experiences with people about who I am. I also am very selective to whom I share it with. I believe being Wiccan is a personal choice we all make and it is not something that should be shared with all, after all we must understand that their is prejudice everywhere and that there are those who accept and those that do not. Positive energy should never be wasted on the narrow minded- we should share it with those who will return the flow of energy
Ravenos
Date Added: 12-11-00

I loved "Practical Magic". While not exactly a "realistic" portrayal of modern witches, it had much to recommend it. The message that being different is NOT a bad thing. The message of being true to yourself. What I always kept in mind is that it was a work of fiction, and was never intended to be an accurate portrayal. My computer is capable of playing DVD's and I own one DVD...."Practical Magic".
wolfsine (recently moved to South Dakota)
Date Added: 12-11-00

ABSOLUTELY loved it. Was drawn to it just from previews. have a copy, pop it in whenever the mood strikes me for an uplift! great actresses, great portrayal of wicca. particularly loved, and use, the phrase "dancing under the full moon naked is an option"!!!
C.L.
Date Added: 12-11-00

I've watched the movie Practical Magic a few times and think it's a great movie in some ways. As a light introduction to what many people would ideally like the Craft to be in their lives (the multigenerational, mutually supportive, family-orientated instruction, etc) the movies scores a hit, I believe, and that's one area that makes it so popular. Granted, the movie could have covered more about just what the Craft itself entails, but I think that, although society at large may be relaxing it's views on witchcraft, the sad fact remains that for many people, the reaction seen in the movie by the townspeople is probably more common than imagined. I personally know of people who, when they hear a lot of the "lore" presented in the movie as "folklore" think that the ideas are "quaint", or "respectable", etc, but when these same ideas are paired with the Craft, then it becomes another matter. I think that society needs to be given infomration about the craft in bites that it can handle. In that regard, I think the movie does a wonderful job. Ideas written about by Raven Grimassi, for example, in his books on multigenerational witchcraft, are subtly explored in the movie, as well as subjects concerning herb lore, moon lore, etc.. No one movie can possibly cover all areas of the 20,000+ year history of the Craft in about 90 minutes. But, through such works that are perceived in such a "non-threatening" manner, people might be more willing to let down their guard, become much less defensive and actually learn more. I found the movie actually inspired me to add some things in my life, actually work on our own herb garden, for example (for which my wife has also gotten involved - like, where exactly does one plant lavender, or rosemary, etc). I've tried to include our son more in my own Craft education, espcially the moon phases, sabbats and esbats, the real meaning behind the days, etc. It's only though education that the Craft will expand and be accepted, and I think that that is one of the main ideas behind the movie - all the education that you see throughout the movie, from the children in the family, to the townspeople, to the store customers, to the Halloween display. Without getting overblown and :"in-your-face" Pagans and Wiccans have many opportunities daily to interact and educate, and I think that this movie provides a good introduction to the Craft in a non-sensationalistic, non-exploitative way. I wish there'd be more!

Blessed Be!
Kevin
Date Added: 12-11-00

This is one of the few movies or shows that actually have some of the basics even talked about. In some ways it did show how things are with most Pagans.

There were of course things that were far from the truth and were funny. But all and all it was a great romance movie.
Rande
Date Added: 12-11-00

ok, about the movie...
i've read all the comments posted about the movie and some of them were rather dissappointing, i loved the movie myself, and i don't expect everyone to love it to.. but the part about flying...... hey in my heart i still believe there are absolutely no limits except the ones we put on ourselves...and when you don't believe in every possibility your limiting yourself and limitations is something "most" wiccans do not believe in ,think about it...
blessed be
..DeSsTeNi*
Date Added: 12-10-00

Deffinately the best ever film made, i watch it constantly, the special effects and the overall plot where fantastic, absolutely brilliant film
kat xx
Date Added: 12-10-00

Bright Shiny Funkadelic Blessings! I think so many of you have eloquently stated your reasons for enjoying the movie. My post reflects what happened after "accidently" ordering the videotape (yeah, like I actually believe in accidents!). This movie forced me back out of the broom closet where I've been hiding for many a year. I could really relate to Sally wanting a "normal" life and living in denial while I was watching this film. Then, a few hours later, I was just overcome with who I am and the futility in not being a happy little witch. And so here I am again!
Trilliam@aol.com
Date Added: 12-10-00

Merry meet & blessed be!

I think that practical magic is one of the best movies EVER made!!! I can not stop watching this movie!! Most of my fellow pagans/wiccans on this page can not agree with me. i think the special effects are cool. I am so glad that a positive movie about witches, and if they didn't throw in fantastical effects.... the special message(There are many of these) that the movie sends to non-pagan/wiccans ( that witches are not horrible & that they have lives & they love) wouldn't have reached the appropriate audience. I know the feeling of not being accepted as a wiccan very well . I go to high school where there is no limit to the shallowness & intollerence (I know the term "Devil worshiper" very well) this movie helps me alot.

Why do i love it so much? It sends a great message about the purity of paganism and the message that love, hope , and peace is in abundance in our beautiful religion(not to mention that it includes stevie nicks songs, Nichole Kidman & Stockard Channing All of which i adore). I watch this every night before bed for hope for the next day. It's my little habit.

Remember: Being normal is not neccaserily a virtue, it rather denotes a lack of courage! LOVE is the greatest power of all!!

Please feel free to e-mail any time

Blessed be ,
Lukela Soma (My spiritual name)

Once again they weren't eating small childern so I'm cool with it, and I really do see my self as one of the two aunts execpt I think I'll have one more sister witch. Anyways it wasn't Bett Midler singing "I put a spell in you." and I loved all the Little witchs in that movie and the stories behind the stories it was fiction, and it was damn good fiction at that. That did a really good job of not only portarying Witchs but just women I think. SOoo...
Bless'd be!
Lilith Hazerd

Boy, was I EVER so completed dissappointed by this movie!!! My partner and I nearly walked out about 1/4 of the way through. I already have enough trouble with people telling me I do evil things and worship Satan---the bringing back the dead part of this movie should go over real big with my neighbors. The ONE part in the movie that even ever so slightly made it not 100% painful was the beautiful moment when Sandra Bullock's character was explaining how a Pentagram will only have the power you give it. Hollywood just can't seem to bring itself to do a basic, real portrayal of Positive Witchcraft...it's just not sensational enough.
Lilith :)

I loved the movie and it showed a wonderful portrayal of sisterly love. It was a love story surrounded with obstacles as such as the craft, but you always need some kind of obstacle in life.
SALIMA123

I must say this movie could really move your heart in the right direction. In spite of some of the innocent liberties taken, (Flying, raising the dead,etc.) Practical Magic tends to bring the viewer to a place that just plain feels good and that's really what the Craft is all about when you look around the spells, books, rituals and so on.

We've been trying for so long to regain acceptance and movies like this one may be an important factor. If young people (or old for that matter!) see this movie and think that just maybe they'll be able to fly or shoot lightning from their fingertips in to the Heavens, they'll investigate.

Okay, so maybe they're a little disappointed that they won't be flying off to their boyfriend's (or girlfriend's) but at least they took the time to really look in to the truth about witchcraft and, hey!, that's one less misinformed person.
Sandy

I love the movie. It is one the best portrails of Withcraft today. Although being a movie it does gives people false illusions about the craft. We can't make things float or bring people back from the dead. We can't stir things by themselves or can we blow candles either. But it is a positive sign that maybe poeple are starting to except the craft as a legitiment religion and not as evil or wrong. More people are starting see that now the new milliniam is almost here; although the religion was around 3000 years before christianity or any other religion, it has just taken people 10,000 years to realise this. Hey I can,t help it if people are slow.

Bless Be,

In the name of the Mother Goddess,
Cheri

I went in to see Practical Magic knowing that it would one: Probably be quite different from the novel by Alice Hoffman which it was based on ( I loved the book, btw), and two: That this was coming from Hollywood, a place that's NOT known for accurate documentaries but for its penchant for churning out big money makers that appeal to the masses. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. As someone who has been a practicing witch for over a decade it was nice to finally see a film that made an attempt to portray witches in a positive light and, for the most part, as pretty normal and modern women. From a fantasy point of view I would love to have that awesome wedding cake of a house and garden, these alone were worth the price of admission and the dvd I picked up the first day it hit the stores! Can you see that place as the perfect "School of Witchcraft"... one could maybe live there for a year and a day while pursuing an education in the Craft. If I ever win the lottery, I think that's what I would do -- open a school in that exact same place (San Juan Islands in Washington state). Overall, I have to admit that this easily rates as one of my favorite movies. Since I'm a witch in my thirties it was nice to see "cool" witches that weren't like the current crop of teeny-bopper witches that Hollywood's been dishing out. Remember: it's a work of FICTION! For acuurate information on the craft read Scott Cunningham.

Blessed Be,
hedgewytche

I truly enjoyed the movie, and watched it a couple of times. I loved the characters, especially the aunts. I see myself that way someday. The movie had a positive attitude toward Wicca and witchcraft, I can overlook the +ACI- movie magic+ACI- they must put in to keep the audience interest. The one thing that I did get out of the movie, was a statement made by one of the aunts +AHs-Diane Weist+AH0-, to Sandra Bullocks character, that struck me, and now is my motto, my outlook on life. It was: +ACI- Being normal is not a virtue, it shows a lack of courage+ACI- I hope more movies come out like this one.
CatDancer

I agree that Practical Magic was a terrific movie; although some things were far fetched, it was the fact that Witchcraft was finally put into a positive light. The fact that there was over-dramatization does not offend me. After all, look at some of the movies out there that exaggerate Christianity. Look at the Exoricist! If there wasn't something fictional added in, it wouldn't be as captivating to an unknowledgeable audience. Definitly an empowering movie.

blessings!
-lunakimm

I saw Practical Magic with my dad and stepmom,they don't believe in witchcraft, but I do. I thought it was a good movie.The part with the flying, uhhh-uh, big NO.ehhh wrong.sorry, I exaggerating.but everything else was cool.I espeecially loved the moon tale.But the only thing that really sucked was the fact that they chose Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock to play the parts of the witches. I thing they both suck.

Blessed Be
Tina-Marie

Some may think me ill, but I saw practical magic four times when it was in cinemas.. its being relased on video in a few days time here (australia) and you can bet I will be renting it out in no time at all...

Why?

I love any witchy movie (posotive ones) and Practical Magic was the best yet. Exagerated, yes. Feel good? yes.. I would give anything to light candles how "sally" does!! But the fact that they present the facts as well, when "sally" is talking to the dectective, she tells him staight waht witchcraft is and isn't. (YES!!) Unlike the craft, where they didn't even know the law of three, This movie got most of its facts straight. I gave it a 4.5 stars (lost half a star for hollywood..lol)

Blessed Be
JET

PS, no I'm not Aunt Jet... though it is a remarkable coincidence...

I thought that this movie was excellent. It was fictional in some ways, but aren't they all!!

It gave good light to the craft , so much so that it inspired me to find out more about the craft. I remember as a little girl watching the movie "The Worst Witch". It starred 8 year old faruza balk ( Nancy from The Craft) as a little witch named mildred hubble whom was clumzy and couldn't cast spells right because she didn't believe in herself. and even though it too was fictional it sparked my intrests at age 7. I immediately reconized faruza in "The Craft" and decided to see what that was about and was devistatingly shocked and horrified at what they seemed to portray witches as. Practical Magic portrayed witches as good witches. Sally mentioned to the detective that magik isn't about "potions and spells" but that it comes from within. That they don't kill their husbands and hex people. It was also mentioned that "there's alittle witch in all of us". And I truley do believe that!! I believe that if it is to be, it is up to me and I will be a stone wall to anyone who trys to be cruel to me for being a witch as the people did to the sisters in this movie. At least I have a belief that I'm interested in and not forced to be there.

Blessed Be,
Carrie Marie

saw the movie loved it i went out and purchased the tape. it is fun and lighthearted. maybe not real but it is for entertasinment and not in the nonfiction section afterall. i really enkoyed this movied. also saw the craft and liked it not as well but it was ok.
Midnit1953@aol.com

I know that this movie was not an acurate portrayal of our beliefs--no mention of the Goddess and God, and of course there was the death-and resurrection scene. However, in that scene they did mention the name "Hecate," even if they never explained it and it was used in the offensive context of a "bring-him-back-from-the-dead" ritual. And at one point the aunts and the two little girls attended a Litha festival, which I thought was a nice touch.

I was happy to see the scene where Sandra Bullock tells Aidan Quinn "There's no devil in the Craft," but I wished it had been a little more informative. All she says is, "Magic's not all spells and potions" (Well then, the common person is asking, what is it?) and "I make herbal soaps." I think that scene had a lot of potential to dispel commonly held Craft myths and provide the general public with some real information, but the filmmakers let the opportunity slip.

In general though, I would have to say that I like this movie. Seeing even a pale representation of our religion onscreen is a great validation, and this one is less likely to send Wicca a bunch of new teenage followers wanting to be able to change stoplights from red to green and fly--a la "The Craft"--because it doesn't depict any insane kind of power trip. I think it could be a great springboard for new seekers, and I'll admit it makes even me want to get up and dance a circle dance to my Lord and Lady.

I found it interesting that Stevie Nicks was widely publicized as being on the soundtrack since she has publicly avowed that she's not a Witch (Reader's Digest). But the songs were great, so I guess I can't complain.

Bright Blessings!!
Morgan Silverwynd

Hi! I saw practical magic and I loved it. . . .granted there were a few things that we, obviously, cannot do. . but that is Hollywood for you! It was so positive :-)
Ravn

After seeing this cozy, witchy flick, I immediately jumped to the computer and began to search for ways to affirm my own witchy identity via the connections through the web - it served as a catalyst to get my intuition kicked into gear; keeping eyes, ears and inner visions awake and alive. I also want my red hair to become even redder, and much longer. ;>
Sarah

I liked the movie, but can't we all get together and do a documentary or something that does show the real thing. Let's stop complaining about other's work and create our own. The public doesn't know because we don't show them. Maybe it's time that we do. Seize the Day!

Blessed Be.
Neo

Like many of the other readers and writers here, I loved the movie- I have seen it way to many times and still get a thrill out of it. My brother and I could relate very much to the relationship of Sally and Gillian in our own lives. It was nice too, that the writers pointed out that "there is no Devil in the Carft". What a wonderful experience!

Blessed Be!
Gabriel317@aol.com

I loved this movie so much. I own it on video, and I watch nearly every other day. Even if I wasn't a practicer of the Craft, I think that I would still thoroughly enjoy this movie. I read the book by Alice Hoffman, and I must admit that I didn't find it half as interesting as the movie. I didn't like that in the book, Sally and Gillian didn't have any powers. NOW, granted, no one can really fly, but there is a certain power that all witches possess, be it heightened psychic ability or just sensing when something is wrong. I think that the movie did witches a favor with the line..."There is no devil in the Craft." Many people still make the mistake that witchcraft is associated with devil worship. But any true wiccan knows that our religion is way older than Christianity so there can't be a connection between the two. If nothing else, the movie taught us about family, love, and tolerance. A movie that uses any music by Stevie Nicks is tops in my book..... Blessed Be.
Cleverwtch@aol.com

I really liked the movie but am disturbed by the representation of Witchcraft. Movies and TV always portray it as an inborn supernatural power rather than a belief system and lifestyle. Now I realize that the "magic" aspect is far more intriguing to movie goers, but it still trivializes the Craft and continues to misinform people. Yes, Practical Magic did throw in the line "there is no Devil in the Craft" but it would have been nice to let people know more of the real story.
kdonati@dttus.com

I don't know why all these people are so touchy. I have a great respect for the craft and also the spiritual mood of the film. I simply must rebuttle some of the comments made.

1. Sally (although her resons were selfish) did not try to make someone fall in love against their will. As a young girl she was simply trying to protect herself. It's unfair to judge her, she was a kid.

2. They NEVER flew in the movie. Did you huys see the same version I did? They jumped off a roof. Umbrellas aren't parachutes, but it was a MOVIE. Comic relief.

3. They didn't poison him on perfect. Besides I never considered Ginny a witch. She had her powers, but we all do. She never used magick against Jimmy.

4. Yes, they brought him back to life, yes it can't be done. This movie wasn't made to portray truths in the craft, it was made to entertain. But it was the bridge that brought the movie together. Without evil incarnate haunting them the movie would have ended differently and less satisfactorally (in my opinion).

I understand what's it's like to be labeled unfairly because of the path we choose. I'm a Wiccan and I get it all the time. Would you rather have people believing the image in "The Craft" or "Practical Magic"?
-falcon

Practical Magic was a wonderful movie and it definitely showed witches in a positive light, but there were still stereotypes that made me cringe. Witches don't cast love spells, make human sacrifices, or light candles with their breath. All in all, it portrays witches way better than a lot of movies I've seen, but the interpretation of them was still flawed. ~
-Rose

It was an enjoyable movie of "kitchen" witches with your typical Hollywood enhancements.
Ramsey Greyoak

I bought the book YEARS before I ever saw the movie, or acknowledged that I was a witch. I loved it, which is why I saw the movie. In the book, the witches were much more what I have come to consider "witchcraft", or what happens to many people before (if ever) they realize that they are indeed witches. Witchcraft, IMNSHO, is a natural part of life. Realizing that you are practicing it, and then following up to expand your skills is like realizing that you have a talent to draw, knit, or what have you and then taking it one step further and expanding on your talent.

I loved the movie as well. I think I liked it more due to the relationship between the sisters (throughout the generations) which are similar to what I enjoy with my own sisters. I don't think that the "witchy effects" (lighting candles with breath) are really true to life, although, given that humans have so many unexplored facets of the mind, who's to say? I guess if your talents are highly developed enough, you can do practically anything!
Kina

Ok, one thing I just keep thinking about when I see movies pertaining to the craft is that somehow, they always seem to start off on the right foot, but somehow seem to stray...I absolutely loved this movie and certain aspects of it do hold true...but it can only be seen if you're already knowledged about witchcraft. Any kind of spell does work...however, they don't show you outright that the spell must be for the right reasons and performed the correct way. The answers were pretty much all there in the movie, but you kinda have to be looking for them...such as, performing a spell to bring back the dead....that's not a wise thing to do to begin with, whether it can be done or not. What the Aunt said that "...you don't do magik while you're looking down your nose at it..." is true. That's when you get into trouble. Two things: Be careful what you wish for...you just might get it, and, Do as thou wilt, harm none!

Thanks for the opportunity.
Amethyst Fields

I feel that as far as witch movies go this one is the best one. It really does a good job of illustrating daily life within a wiccan home. My only gripe is that they felt the need to ruin it all by adding that stupid demon/exorcism.
nimowae@juno.com

I Seen the movie when it came out on Pay Per View, and thought it was a pretty good movie. It showed how family life is loving, and yet also showed how everyday life can be so cruel. Hollywood finally put a positive glow on the wiccan religion. And even though the community treated the family like a disease, outcasts, it was nice to see them come together at the end. Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman made beautiful witches.
MeliSSa2811@aol.com

I have become very interested in witchcraft since viewing the movie "Practical Magic" I liked the movie very much. I am curious to find out that witchcraft is a type religion that I would like to research. I have always been very into candles, so much so that my family sometimes wonders about my obsession. I am also researching homepathy etc. I am also very interested in purchasing the type hats the aunts wore, if anyone knows where they can be purchased I would appreciate it if they would let me know. I have researched the Internet for hats but to no avail. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion.
midnight1951@yahoo.com

Merry Meet!

While the movie is definately 'hollywooded' (is that a word?) I think it shows the craft in a positive light and will encourage those 'on the fence' to explore it a bit more, hopefully with positive results.

Because its a movie one expects to see added extra's and stuff we know can't happen....but I think in the end it was an awesome movie!

I'd pay to get my hands on that book of shadows!

I watched the HBO special on the making of the movie and at least I'll give them this much credit - they DID have a Witch as a consultant on the movie.

Blessed be
moonspryte

I loved the movie Practical Magic. It's one of my absolute favorite movies. It shows that not all witches are bad. And that even witches same as regular humans have hearts and have the tendency to make mistakes. I loved the way it showed how sisters will stick together no matter what. It's a wonderful movie for the family to watch whether your pagan or not. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman work great together and I hope to see another movie with those two soon. I loved it and will watch it again and again until either my tape is fried or my vcr breaks!
Amber

I finaly saw this movie, I was unwilling at first but a few pagan friends of mine saw it and sai they loved it, so I rented it, I was so impressed, .....FINALY.... we were not portayed at freaks who pray on the unsuspecting and the helpless, it made my family take a new look at my beliefs and even become interested now in what I have to say...

May your load be ligh, and the Moon guide your path,
silver_ribbons

I'm a practitioner of Celtic Wicca for twenty-five years. As Hollywood's portrayal of witches goes, this was a pretty positive movie. I loved the sweet old aunties! Of course, it had it's silly moments. I could have done without the Mary-Poppins-meets-the-Wicked-Witch-of-the-West routine!
Artio@netzero.net

Practical Magick was a great movie!!! It was more real than other movies like Little Witches, The Witch, Hocus Pocus just to name a few. I was insulted by those movies, but I find Practical Magick a positive Wiccan/Witch movie. It portrays the 3-fold law and other good things/morals to know like never bring back the dead. I give it two thumbs up.
SilverFireWiccan@yahoo.com