The practical witchcraft manual by Pamela Ball is a comprehensive guide to practicing witchcraft in a practical and accessible way. The book provides step-by-step instructions and explanations for a wide range of magical practices and rituals. It covers everything from spellcasting and divination to herbalism and potion-making. One of the main ideas in the book is the importance of understanding the ethical considerations and responsibilities that come with practicing witchcraft. Ball emphasizes the need to always consider the potential consequences of one's actions and to use magic in a responsible and respectful manner. She also provides guidance on how to protect oneself from negative energies and unwanted spiritual influences.
Houston's Magic Island
Kathy and I were into our second week of our stage performance at Houston's Magic Island with our comedy show and two-person mind reading act. It was on Friday afternoon, September 12, 2008 that I received a call from the Magic Island saying that they would be closed that evening due to Hurricane Ike that was expected have landfall in Houston that night. They would notify me the next day if they would reopen for guests on Saturday night.
I knew that the dressing room already leaked so I went down to pick up our costumes. While I was there I thought I should go ahead and pack up my props and take them home. I live less that three miles from the Island so it is an easy chore to pick up and drop off props.
I awoke early the next morning around 2:00 when the sound and the fury of Hurricane Ike as it came through. It rocked our three story townhouse like we were back out to sea on one of our cruise ships. It tossed buckets of water against our windows sounding like waves against our portals. After things calmed down later that morning, we breathed a sigh of relief and gave a prayer of thanks that our neighborhood was spared except for the power outage that lasted about three weeks and affected hundreds of thousands of local residents. But there were certain parts of Houston that still had electricity including the Magic Island.
Later that Saturday afternoon, Kathy and I were watching the news on a battery powered portable television set. To our shock and surprise, the Houston Fire Department's (HFD) Hook and Ladder team were responding to a fire at the Magic Island. Apparently there was standing water on the flat roof that leaked into the neon lights on the outside of the building. The HFD arrived in time to save the Island from significant damage, but the high pressure hoses did more damage than the hurricane.
Empty and Abandonded places in Houston: The magic Island from a Flikr account. Click on the graphic above to see the current state of the Magic Island as of 2017.
Insurance agents fanned out across the region and told people to clean up the damage as best they could because if left unattended, more mold and mildew damage could occur. Well, the Magic Island was long overdue for basic repairs (remember the leak in the dressing room I mentioned?) so all of the carpeting was removed. When the insurance adjuster arrived, I understand that they said they would pay for that portion that was damaged but not all of the carpeting throughout. Unfortunately their insurance would not pay for enough to bring the Magic Island back up to its former glory so it has sat vacant for all these years. I understand that some have looked into reviving the once fabulous landmark, but you can imagine how much repair would be needed now, nearly five years after Hurricane Ike. So, I believe that the property is worth far more than the building and it's now a "tear down". Hopefully someday someone will rebuild it. It is proven that such an entertainment facility can make it in Houston.
But the delightful thing is that before its demise, I had a chance to sit down with the Entertainment Director, Scott Hollingsworth to talk about the history of the Magic Island. And perhaps more importantly, I video taped the interview following his guided tour through the Island. Enjoy this one hour "never to be seen again" piece of history from the Magic Island:
Magic Island (Houston, Texas)
Originally opened in 1984, Magic Island was an upscale Egyptian-themed dinner theater that featured magic and comic performances; after Hurricane Ike in 2008, it suffered water and fire damage and hasn't reopened since. Plans are underway to renovate and reopen the facility.
abandoned / shut downunder construction
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 29°43'48"N 95°24'49"W
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Magical Houston club conjures up improbable comeback
It's one of Houston's most well-known landmarks, left abandoned for years. But now, Magic Island will cast a new spell.
Known for its giant pharaoh's head rising just above the Southwest Freeway, Magic Island has sat vacant since a 2008 fire caused by Hurricane Ike.
"Magic Island has been asleep for about 10 years," explains architect Russell King. "It was pretty much destroyed in the hurricane. So it sat here and it's in pretty bad shape. But everybody realizes if we're going to do it, let's do it right, and it's going to be brought back bigger and better than ever."
The legendary private dinner theater club will be reimagined. King says the new-look Magic Island will focus on first-class entertainment and dining at its finest: "The motif is still the magic of ancient Egypt but not quite as circusy as it was," he said. "[It will be] a much more sophisticated type of design."
Some of the changes expected for the entertainment venue include a large outdoor terrace, as well as Las-Vegas-style magic shows in an indoor theater that seats up to 150 people.
"It's a new Magic Island. But it's the same Magic Island. We're keeping a lot of the old stuff so you can recognize it when you walk in, but it's not quite the same," says business manager Sue Smith.
Owners say they are aiming to re-open by November 15, but have already begun taking party reservations.
For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.
She also provides guidance on how to protect oneself from negative energies and unwanted spiritual influences. Another key idea in the book is the focus on harnessing natural energies and working with the elements. Ball explains how to establish a connection with the natural world and how to channel these energies into spells and rituals.
She provides guidance on using herbs, crystals, and other tools to enhance one's magical abilities and create a sacred space. The book also covers various forms of divination, such as tarot reading and scrying, as well as different types of spellcasting, including candle magic and ritual baths. Ball provides detailed instructions and tips for performing these rituals effectively. She also emphasizes the importance of intention, visualization, and focusing one's energy in order to maximize the effectiveness of spellwork. In addition to these practical instructions, Ball includes information on the history of witchcraft and its various traditions. She explores different cultures and belief systems, giving readers a broader understanding of the diverse world of witchcraft. Overall, "The practical witchcraft manual" by Pamela Ball is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of practicing witchcraft in a practical and accessible way. It provides step-by-step instructions, tips, and explanations for a wide range of magical practices, while also emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the connection with nature. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in witchcraft..
Reviews for "Practical Witchcraft for Beginners: How to Start Your Journey"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I found "The Practical Witchcraft Manual" by Pamela Ball to be incredibly disappointing. The book promised to offer practical tips and techniques for practicing witchcraft, but it fell short in delivering on that promise. The information provided was extremely basic and seemed more suited for beginners rather than those seeking a truly practical approach. Furthermore, I felt that the author's writing style was dry and lacked any sort of depth or personal insight. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a practical and engaging guide to witchcraft.
2. James - 2 stars
As someone who has been practicing witchcraft for a while, I had high hopes for "The Practical Witchcraft Manual." However, I found the book to be quite lacking in substance. The information provided felt outdated and did not offer any new or unique insights. Additionally, the writing style was monotonous and lacked any sort of passion or enthusiasm. I was also disappointed by the lack of practical exercises or hands-on techniques. In my opinion, there are much better and more comprehensive guides available for those interested in practicing witchcraft.
3. Emma - 2 stars
I purchased "The Practical Witchcraft Manual" hoping for a comprehensive guide that would help me further develop my practice. Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was very basic and did not offer any new or insightful perspectives. I also found the writing style to be dry and lacking in creativity. Additionally, I was disappointed by the lack of practical exercises or rituals that could be implemented in one's practice. Overall, I cannot recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of witchcraft and expand their skills.