"The Rules of Magic Book" Magic has always been a subject that has fascinated and captivated people throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the belief in magic and its powers has remained strong. For those who are interested in delving into the world of magic and harnessing its abilities, there are certain rules and guidelines that must be followed. 1. Respect for the Magic: The first and foremost rule of magic is to have respect for its power and the responsibility that comes with it. Magic is not to be taken lightly or used for malicious purposes.
Compact Disc - 978-1-78706-964-0
I highly recommend Rules for a cozy and emotional autumn read; I felt my throat tightening as I reached the end because I didn t know how to say goodbye. I get it What s to love about a holiday where you put on cheap costumes, get drunk, do stupid things dressed as a sexy Pokemon and then regret them hungover at your desk the next morning.
Magic is not to be taken lightly or used for malicious purposes. It should always be practiced with good intentions and in harmony with nature. 2.
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman review – an enchanting prequel to Practical Magic
T he almost supernaturally prolific American author Alice Hoffman has taken a busman’s holiday this year to pen a little fan fiction: a prequel to her own bestselling novel Practical Magic. The original book became the 1998 Hollywood romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witchy sisters Gillian and Sally Owens. Now, in The Rules of Magic, set in 1950s New York, we are treated to the backstory of Gillian and Sally’s great-aunts, Frances and Jet.
Like all the females in the Owens family tree, Frances and Jet are witches descended from Salem escapee Maria Owens. More than 300 years ago, the teenage Maria was seduced and abandoned by Salem trial judge John Hathorne (real-life great-great-grandfather of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who added a “w” in his name to deflect the inevitable question).
The fact that Maria’s lover was a state-sponsored serial killer of women led the young witch to conclude – erroneously, one hopes – that all men are a bad thing. Thus before she went to her grave Maria decided to protect her female descendants by casting a spell to ensure that every male who loves an Owens woman will die, horribly and fast.
This spell makes life difficult for Frances and Jet, especially when they become sexually aware teenagers. In the summer that they go to stay with their Aunt Isabelle, at least four local lads – including an adorable pair of 17-year-old twins – come to shocking ends. Aunt Isabelle is sanguine about the whole thing, and encourages the girls to keep on loving boys anyway, saying wisely: “When you truly love someone and they love you in return, you ruin your lives together. That is not a curse. It’s what life is, my girl.”
It’s all the great circle of death, we comfort ourselves, as we stroll through the scented garden of Hoffman’s prose
The girls’ brother, the irresistible wizard Vincent Owens, has a different problem. As a youth, he breaks the hearts of endless girls, before realising that he is gay. Yet just as he’s starting to enjoy himself, he remembers that he too is cursed to die young.
Hoffman has a soothing touch, so we quickly get over the various horrific tragedies with which her latest book is littered – any one of which would pole-axe us personally for life. It’s all the great circle of death, we comfort ourselves, as we stroll through the scented garden of Hoffman’s prose. In the book, Aunt Isabelle trades love remedies for women’s diamond rings. Hoffman herself has a spell for which any writer would trade a crate of diamonds – the ability to turn out one enchanting bestseller after another, more than 30 novels to date, and probably more by the time I have finished this review.
She seems to have been a sad child – “Unhappiness was trapped in the house like a bubble”, she once told the New York Times. So maybe it’s not surprising that so many of her works deal with dead or abducted children as well as with magic – it’s a sort of fascinated grave-digging with bucket and spade, followed by the planting of flowers that bloom overnight . while inside the house, the cauldron bubbles o’er with tiny finger bones.
Fun fact learned from this book: “Abracadabra” is a word from Aramaic, the ancient language spoken by Jesus, and it means “I create what I speak”. A good incantation for writers, I assume. Hoffman must say it every morning.
- Helen Falconer’s latest YA novel is The Hawthorn Crown (Corgi). The Rules of Magic is published by Scribner. To order a copy for £14.44 (RRP £16.99) go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99.
T he almost supernaturally prolific American author Alice Hoffman has taken a busman’s holiday this year to pen a little fan fiction: a prequel to her own bestselling novel Practical Magic. The original book became the 1998 Hollywood romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witchy sisters Gillian and Sally Owens. Now, in The Rules of Magic, set in 1950s New York, we are treated to the backstory of Gillian and Sally’s great-aunts, Frances and Jet.
Knowledge and Study: Magic is a complex and intricate art, requiring a great deal of knowledge and study to master. It is important to dedicate time and effort to learning about the different aspects of magic, including spells, rituals, and the principles that govern its functioning. 3. Intention and Focus: Magic is driven by intention and focus. It is important to have a clear and specific intent when performing magic spells or rituals. Additionally, maintaining focus and concentration during the practice of magic is crucial for achieving desired results. 4. Tools and Ingredients: Magic often involves the use of various tools and ingredients, such as candles, crystals, herbs, and incense. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of their symbolism and properties and to use them appropriately in accordance with the desired outcome. 5. Timing and Astrology: Timing plays a significant role in magic. The moon phases, planetary alignments, and astrological signs can greatly influence the effectiveness of spells and rituals. It is crucial to be aware of these timings when practicing magic. 6. Protection and Cleansing: Magic can open doors to unseen forces and energies, which is why it is important to have proper protection and cleansing rituals in place. This includes using protective talismans, creating sacred spaces, and regularly cleansing oneself and one's tools. 7. The Law of Threefold Return: The Law of Threefold Return, also known as the Rule of Three, states that whatever energy or intention is put out into the world will return threefold. This is a universal law that serves as a reminder to always practice magic with good intentions and avoid using it for harm. 8. An Open Mind and Spirit: Magic is a realm that thrives on open-mindedness and a willingness to explore new possibilities. It is important to approach magic with a spirit of curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from experiences and others. In conclusion, diving into the world of magic requires a deep understanding and respect for its power and principles. By following these rules and guidelines, aspiring practitioners can embark on a magical journey filled with wonder, growth, and transformation..
Reviews for "The Wizard's Guide to the Rules of Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "The Rules of Magic," especially after hearing so many positive reviews. However, I found the book to be slow-paced and lacking in excitement. The plot seemed predictable, and the characters were not well developed. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating read.
2. Andrew - 1 star - I struggled to finish "The Rules of Magic" as I found it to be incredibly dull. The writing lacked depth, and the story felt disjointed. The magical elements that were supposed to be enchanting fell flat and failed to capture my interest. I was hoping for a captivating tale of magic and family, but sadly, this book didn't deliver.
3. Emma - 2 stars - While I appreciate the author's attempt to create a magical world in "The Rules of Magic," I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was off, with long stretches of monotony interspersed with sporadic moments of action. Additionally, the characters felt one-dimensional, and I struggled to connect with them on any meaningful level. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointment and didn't enjoy the reading experience.
4. Mark - 1 star - "The Rules of Magic" was a letdown for me. The storyline lacked coherence and felt meandering. I couldn't invest in the characters, as their motivations and emotions seemed inconsistent throughout the book. The author's attempt at magic and mystery fell short, leaving me unsatisfied. I had high hopes for this novel, but it failed to live up to my expectations.