In many cultures and mythologies, witches are often portrayed as solitary creatures, living in secluded cottages deep in the woods. However, there is also a long-standing tradition of witch kinship, where witches come together in supportive communities to share their knowledge, resources, and experiences. This form of kinship among witches has been instrumental in creating a network of helpful and empowering connections. One aspect of witch kinship is the exchange of knowledge and skills. Witches who come together in these communities often have different areas of expertise, such as herbalism, divination, or spellcasting. By pooling their knowledge, they can learn from each other and expand their understanding of the craft.
Blinded by the excitement of meeting his idol, it takes Onyx and his new friends a bit longer than it should for them to realize the intentions of their host and his assistant (Olivia Taylor Dudley) are far more nefarious. A weekend of personal enlightenment turns into a life-or-death situation of eternal damnation, and Onyx may have to muster the courage and confidence to step up and become the world’s savior.
He knows that he s destined for something greater, a feeling that becomes reality when he gets some surprise news a personal invitation to Bartok the Great s Jeffrey Combs dark mansion, where he will participate in a special ritual along with four other carefully chosen souls. This isn t a problem considering the focus on the strength of the characters and the tone and style of the movie versus the director s skill and visual prowess.
By pooling their knowledge, they can learn from each other and expand their understanding of the craft. This exchange of knowledge not only benefits the individual witches but also contributes to the preservation and growth of traditional and alternative forms of magic. Another important aspect of witch kinship is the support and camaraderie it provides.
“Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls”
It’s been a long, long time since I have laughed as heartily at a film as I did when I watched “Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls,” an absolutely hysterical project from start to finish. Based on a viral internet character created by writer, director, and star Andrew Bowser and financed by a Kickstarter campaign, all signs point to something disastrous that should be a completely terrible stinker at best and thoroughly unwatchable at worst. But there’s magic afoot here, and this surreal, cartoonish, and goofy movie is destined to become a cult classic among midnight audiences.
Satanist Marcus J. Trillbury, aka Onyx, (Bowser) works the grill at the town’s local fast food joint. He knows that he’s destined for something greater, a feeling that becomes reality when he gets some surprise news: a personal invitation to Bartok the Great’s (Jeffrey Combs) dark mansion, where he will participate in a special ritual along with four other carefully chosen souls.
Blinded by the excitement of meeting his idol, it takes Onyx and his new friends a bit longer than it should for them to realize the intentions of their host and his assistant (Olivia Taylor Dudley) are far more nefarious. A weekend of personal enlightenment turns into a life-or-death situation of eternal damnation, and Onyx may have to muster the courage and confidence to step up and become the world’s savior.
It’s so silly and absolutely bonkers, but the larger than life characters make the story. Bowser is just a funny guy, and his co-stars (Terrence ‘T.C.’ Carson, Arden Myrin, Rivkah Reyes, and Melanie Chandra) are perfectly cast and extremely likeable. Everyone’s comedic timing is pitch perfect, and nearly every single joke attempt actually lands successfully. From Meatloaf musical interludes and secret passageways to supernatural hijinks, there’s never a dull moment.
Bowser’s direction feels like it’s better suited to a YouTube video, and it’s very straightforward and not all that cinematic. This isn’t a problem considering the focus on the strength of the characters and the tone and style of the movie versus the director’s skill and visual prowess. There are some mediocre computer generated special effects that are thankfully overshadowed by some terrific puppetry, but both still make the film a lot of fun.
While this movie is a wacky one-of-a-kind affair, it did remind me of other cult greats that revel in their celebration of the oddball weirdo, like “The Greasy Strangler,” “Willy’s Wonderland,” and “Napoleon Dynamite,” but with an even more unique, offbeat brand of absurdity. I can guess that this one will divide audiences into one of two camps: they’ll either view is as the midnight masterpiece that it is, or a complete and total disaster.
Yes, “Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls” is absolutely silly and ridiculous, but if you share Bowser’s, I dunno, sense of humor, this is a movie that will have you crying tears of joy through side-splitting laughter. I absolutely loved this outlandish, hilarious horror comedy.
By: Louisa Moore
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Satanist Marcus J. Trillbury, aka Onyx, (Bowser) works the grill at the town’s local fast food joint. He knows that he’s destined for something greater, a feeling that becomes reality when he gets some surprise news: a personal invitation to Bartok the Great’s (Jeffrey Combs) dark mansion, where he will participate in a special ritual along with four other carefully chosen souls.
Witchcraft can be a solitary path, and many practitioners may feel isolated or misunderstood in their daily lives. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. In these communities, witches can discuss their experiences, seek advice, and find understanding without the fear of judgment or ridicule. Witch communities also often engage in collective rituals and celebrations. These gatherings allow witches to come together and harness their collective energy for healing, protection, or other shared goals. Whether it is a full moon ceremony or a seasonal celebration, these rituals can be powerful and transformative, enhancing the practices of individual witches and strengthening their bonds with each other and the natural world. Additionally, witch kinship often involves the sharing of resources and support during times of need. Whether it is lending a cauldron or offering a helping hand in spellcasting, witches within these communities are often there to assist each other. This spirit of mutual aid and generosity creates a sense of reciprocity and fosters a culture of giving within the witch community. In conclusion, witch kinship plays a vital role in the practice of witchcraft. By coming together in supportive communities, witches can exchange knowledge, find support and understanding, engage in collective rituals, and share resources. These bonds of kinship help create a network of helpful witches, empowering each other and collectively furthering the practice of the craft..
Reviews for "The Healing Power of Witch Kinship: How Family Support Benefits Witches"
1. John - 1 star: I found "Helpful Witch Kinship" to be incredibly dull and uneventful. The plot was stagnant, the characters lacked depth, and the writing style was monotonous. I had high hopes for this book, given the promising premise, but I was sorely disappointed. It felt like a chore to get through each chapter, and by the end, I couldn't wait to put it down. Overall, I wouldn't recommend "Helpful Witch Kinship" to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating story.
2. Emily - 2 stars: While "Helpful Witch Kinship" had an interesting concept, the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed, unsatisfying resolutions. The characters were one-dimensional, lacking any real development or depth. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which made it difficult for me to connect with the story. Ultimately, I felt disconnected from the narrative and found it hard to invest in the book. Sadly, "Helpful Witch Kinship" just didn't live up to its potential.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: "Helpful Witch Kinship" had potential, but it failed to deliver. The writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow the plot. The world-building was lacking, leaving many unanswered questions about the magical elements. The main character's motivations were unclear, and her actions often seemed illogical. Overall, the book felt messy and unfinished, leaving me unsatisfied and disinterested. I was hoping for an enchanting witchy tale, but instead, I was left disappointed and underwhelmed.