I recently watched a fascinating documentary on the History Channel about the witchcraft trials that took place in Salem. The documentary delved deep into the history of the trials and provided a compelling analysis of the events that unfolded during that dark period in American history. The main idea put forth by the documentary was that the witchcraft trials in Salem were a result of widespread fear, superstition, and religious fervor. The film highlighted how the Puritan society of colonial Massachusetts was deeply religious and believed in the existence of witches and the devil. The documentary also examined the role of teenage girls in igniting the hysteria that led to the trials. It shed light on how the girls, who initially claimed to be under the influence of witchcraft, accused their fellow villagers of practicing witchcraft as well.

Your Guide To: Shopping in Downtown Asheville

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, showing your love your Asheville has never looked so good. Our approach to design — incorporating Asheville’s history and culture — is inspired by how shoppers and travelers want to dress and celebrate their favorite city.

2. Fox and Beaux Boutique

Instagram: @foxandbeaux

Fox and Beaux Boutique is Asheville's Premier Handcrafted and Custom Jewelry Destination. We specialize in unique, one-of-a-kind Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Everyday Rings, Necklaces, Earrings & more! Stop by, say hi and meet our amazing team next time you're in Downtown Asheville.

3. Swahili Coast

Location: 88 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC

Swahili Coast partners with artisans in East Africa to craft ethically handmade, fair trade, adventure-ready accessories. Our mission is to connect the incredible artistry and talents of East African Artisans to global markets using principles of fairness, dignity, and respect.

4. Shady Grove Flowers

Location: 65 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC

Our shop is not only the site of amazing floral artistry but a trove of botanical treasures. We truly believe in the power of green and the ability of plants to enhance and enrich our lives with fresh air and a sense of natural wonder and beauty.

5. Earth Magick

Location: 80 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC

Earth Magick is a modern boutique with a spiritual twist; specializing in local and global treasures to awaken the divine within. Our curator aims to fill our store with lovingly handmade tools and empowerment pieces from Asheville and the surrounding areas.

6. Nest Organics

Location: 51 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC

Nest Organics is an environmentally-driven boutique in downtown Asheville, North Carolina dedicated to offering organic and non-toxic goods for kids and the home with an emphasis on local makers.

7. Curated by Yesterdays Tree

Location: 58 College Street, Asheville

Asheville furniture store specializing in high-quality furniture, in-home design and consultation services, unique lighting, window fashion, gifts and accessories.

Family-owned since 1985

8. Mast General Store

Location: 15 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC

The Mast General Store was started by Henry Taylor in 1883. We're a family-owned retailer offering general goods and outdoor apparel. Our extensive selection is sure to have something for everyone!

Tarot Magick: Discover yourself through tarot. Learn about the magick behind the cards. (The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to…) (Paperback)

In the fourth instalment in ‘The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to…’ series, explore the magickal and powerful world of tarot.

• Interpret all 78 cards in the modern tarot deck,
• Understand the difference between the ‘ Major ’ and ‘ Arcana ’ cards, including the difference between a pentacle, wand, sword and cup card,
• Note the importance of the element, zodiac signs and planet in astrology associated with each card
• Explore the significance of numerology in tarot ,
• Practice a tarot ‘spread’ and give yourself a tarot reading,
• Incorporate tarot into your witchy and wellbeing practice,
• Give a tarot reading for friends and family,

With recipes, rituals and tips and tricks taken from The Witch of the Forest’s personal grimoire, learn how to use the cards as part of spells, to help you understand yourself better, and to improve your self-love practice .

Enchanting, empowering, and bursting with spellbinding artwork, The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to… series covers everything you need to know to begin and thrive on your witchcraft journey.

From embracing and working with nature to learn more about green magick, to harnessing the magickal power of the moon and the stars, explore the life-changing world of witchcraft for wellbeing in Natural Magick , Earth Magick , Astrology Magick and Tarot Magick .

Also available, the Tarot Magick deck , the ultimate tarot deck for the modern witch.

Lindsay Squire aka The Witch of the Forest is a practitioner of eclectic Witchcraft and is the Witch behind the popular Instagram account, @thewitchoftheforest. She has been walking her own spiritual path for over a decade, and is passionate about helping and empowering Witches at the beginning of their Witchcraft journeys. She is the author of several titles on witchcraft and astrology, including those from the Witch of the Forest's Guide to. series, such as Astrology Magick, Natural Magick, Earth Magick, and Tarot Magick . Lindsay lives in her home county of Yorkshire with her husband and their mischievous cats, Luna and Merlin.

• Body, Mind & Spirit / Divination / Tarot
• Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
• Body, Mind & Spirit / Divination / Fortune Telling

"Providing the perfect introduction to Tarot and underscored by enchanting, empowering, and featuring spellbinding museum quality artwork, Tarot Magic is part of The Witch of the Forest's Guide to. series from Leaping Hare Press covering everything you need to know to begin and thrive on your own tarot driven Wiccan and metaphysical journey."—Midwest Book Review

Earth magick asheville

Greg Stewart, Scupture collodion tintype, 6" x 4" 2016

Lilia Murry, Web Manager collodion tintype, 6" x 4" 2017

Corinne Diop, Photography collodion tintype, 6" x 4" 2016

Over the course of the summer of 2016, the studio faculty in the School of Art, Design and Art History at James Madison University collaborated in making a series of collodion portraits based on the sitter’s studio practice. Greg Stewart , the sculptor in the studio program, assisted in building a moveable set which could be rolled out into a courtyard area into the sunlight at the photo building, Memorial Hall Arts Complex. The series was an opportunity to fine-tune technique while having fun talking about ideas and collaborating with colleagues .

installation detail; processes include pinhole, tintype, Holga negatives printed on silver gelatin paper, Van Dyke and cyanotype

installation detail; processes include pinhole, tintype, Holga negatives printed on silver gelatin paper, Van Dyke and cyanotype

installation detail; processes include pinhole, tintype, Holga negatives printed on silver gelatin paper, Van Dyke and cyanotype

installation detail; processes include pinhole, tintype, Holga negatives printed on silver gelatin paper, Van Dyke and cyanotype

installation detail; Holga negatives, double exposed and printed on Hahnemühle silver gelatin paper by Lyndsay Crump

installation detail; Holga negatives, double exposed and printed on Hahnemühle silver gelatin paper by Lyndsay Crump

The Sisters of MythOfUs

On August 21, 2017 , three members of The Metal Shed CoLab, who had traveled separately to view and photograph the totality of the solar eclipse in and around Asheville, North Carolina, encountered a collection of eclipse study materials of local mystical practices unprecedented in modern times. The three photographers, Lyndsay Crump, Sarah Phillips, and Rebecca Silberman, who had initially traveled independently to the path of the totality, decided to meet after R. Silberman made a startling discovery of an apparently old hand-written dedication in a used book at a downtown shop called Earth Magick. The title of the volume was A History of Asheville, Keepers of the Oracle and the inscription read, “To Sisters Rebekah, Sarah and Lindseigh, On The Eclipse.” Shocked by the coincidence of the names written on the flyleaf (although with alternate spellings), Silberman asked at the counter where the book originated. She was informed that it was a reproduction of a guide of sorts to ancient lore and practices of the area, carried forward from mythologies recorded in some of the oldest known tracts in history. Since the unlikelihood of the inscription was far too astonishing to deny, the shop attendant, a Ms. Cottingley, invited Silberman to an exclusive eclipse ritual taking place later that afternoon. With Crump and Phillips within hours of the same location (another stunning coincidence), Silberman was able to secure permission for them to travel with her to the given location in the nearby foothills. Ms. Cottingley insisted it was to remain entirely private for its proper and eminent execution. In the hours following, however, Crump, Phillips and Silberman would find a collection of work, research, and monument to the eclipse and those who perform it--by will or, as Ms. Cottingley stated, by that which binds them--the rituals related therein.

Upon arrival at the indicated site, (notably and without explanation relayed by locals as “sankewa adallah,” an apparent bastardization of a native American term for something like “witches’ copse”), Crump, Phillips and Silberman discovered a seemingly deserted grove, sparsely but notably inhabited by monuments of collected items placed with some intention, along with a white sheet and three glassy figures with crystal tears trailing off their faces, chests and arms (later described as effigies likely representing the Sisters of MythOfUs). On arrival at approximately 3:56 pm, just after the proliferation of the totality, local time, the figures were placed under an opening in the trees above, just large enough to reveal the now-partially obscured sun. The figures glowed with the leafy partial eclipse projected onto them--and through--their translucent surfaces. Next to the figures, slightly adjacent to the left, was a lens made of what would appear to be a large glass bowl, filled with water (saltwater specifically). Object sculptures, in an arrangement later discovered to be of an astronomical from, were dispersed about the grove as well. Ms. Cottingley, notably, was nowhere to be found. It would be below the surface, however, that they’d make their greatest discovery.

To the western side of the apparent site of said ritual sat a single shack. After about an hour of encountering no one in the immediate or expanded vicinity, the three, who had carefully documented the artifacts, decided to enter the door, left ajar. It was in this structure, which led to a sizable opening underground, that many of the artifacts included or replicated here, were found. The underground seemed to include primitive living amenities and a massive store of eclipse-related artifacts, records, and monuments. Most notable among the findings was a much older copy of the book discovered in the Earth Magick shop, clearly well over 200 years old containing an unidentified language, roughly, it appears, transcribed into English, the text of the story of the Sisters of MythOfUs, included below (Footnote 1). It is this story, it is believed, that Ms. Cottingley and presumably unseen others, were attempting to replicate for the totality period. Additional findings would include star charts, a topographic map of the region, many archaic books (and some untranslated texts,) and notably, missing persons reports for no less than 42 women from the region surrounding Asheville from 1642-1912, annotated and pinned together. It was also discovered through these texts that the name of the city of Asheville originates in the story of the Sisters of MythOfUs, who must shed their tears to fill a giant lens that sets the world ablaze each day, creating a (symbolic) landscape of ashes.

When the three finished their documentation and subsequent search for Ms. Cottingley herself, upon exiting the underground structure, found all evidence of the outside collection and ritual remains (casts, monuments, footprints, even) to have been entirely eliminated. After a search for more than an hour, and an inquiry with the local police, Cottingley was never found, nor were any records of substance of her existence at all. After a month of searching, the local police deemed that no death certificate could be issued as no birth certificate existed on record, nor tax or residency records. Papers found in the underground structure indicate a history of hospitalization in the local mental institution under no fewer than seven different forenames, to include “Lilith,” “Azalea,” and, most recently, “Craig.” In September, an Agnes Cottingley of Chapel Hill claimed kinship with Ms. Cottingley as her niece, and was awarded full custody of her supposed property. It is with the permission of Agnes Cottingley that we have some of the works shown here in replicated form or on loan from the late Ms. Cottingley’s personal collection.

1. The Sisters of MythOfUs are identified with the Oracle of Delphi. They are sometimes called the Graiai or Grey Sisters or the Three Witches (as from Macbeth). A transcription of an obscure ancient scroll seems to indicate that the Sisters of MythOfUs, the matriarchal version of another incarnation of this tale, predates its better known brethren, The Myth of Sisyphus. In the original version of this otherwise familiar patriarchal myth, the Sisters have created a giant salt water lens, into which they weep tears of regret each night (but they also use the lens as an observatory by which to chart and celebrate the night sky). At day break, however, when they witness the hubris of man, their fury is reawakened and the salt water lens focuses the sunlight from sunrise to sunset, scorching the earth and leveling all prospect for change. Each night they return to the regret of their daily fury and destruction and refill the lens with their tears anew, while also contemplating the heavens for a few brief moments of restored hope for the future. And then without fail, the following dawn, they resume the cycle of wrath and obliteration, burning the world to ashes once more, their unfortunate fate perpetuated for all of eternity.

It shed light on how the girls, who initially claimed to be under the influence of witchcraft, accused their fellow villagers of practicing witchcraft as well. This sparked a wave of accusations and arrests, ultimately resulting in the execution of twenty innocent individuals. Moreover, the film explored the social and political dynamics that may have contributed to the trials.

It discussed how societal tensions, such as conflicts between landowners and poorer villagers, may have been channeled into the witchcraft accusations. The documentary featured interviews with historians, scholars, and descendants of those involved in the trials. These expert opinions added depth and credibility to the analysis presented in the film. It was evident that the experts agreed on the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context within which the trials occurred. The documentary also touched upon the aftermath of the trials and how they impacted American society. It highlighted how the Salem witch trials became a cautionary tale and symbol of injustice, prompting later generations to reflect on the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process. In conclusion, the documentary on the History Channel provided a comprehensive exploration of the witchcraft trials in Salem. It emphasized the role of fear, superstition, and religious beliefs in triggering the trials, while also examining the social and political factors that may have fueled the hysteria. The film served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked prejudice and mass hysteria, and its lasting impact on American history and society..

Reviews for "The Salem Witchcraft Trials: A Documentary Journey"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to watch this documentary about the witchcraft trials in Salem, but I was left feeling disappointed. The narration was monotonous and lacked any real depth or emotion. The reenactments were poorly done and felt more like cheesy acting than a serious depiction of historical events. The pacing was slow, and the documentary did not dive deep enough into the complexities of the trials. Overall, I felt that it failed to capture the true essence and significance of the witchcraft trials in Salem.

2. Emily - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for this documentary, considering the fascinating topic of the witchcraft trials in Salem. However, it turned out to be a complete letdown. The narration was dull and lacked any enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged. The visuals were lackluster, with low production value. I was hoping for a detailed exploration of the events, but the documentary barely scratched the surface. It felt more like a rushed overview rather than an in-depth analysis. I would not recommend this documentary to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of the witchcraft trials in Salem.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a history enthusiast, I was eager to learn more about the witchcraft trials in Salem. Unfortunately, this documentary fell short of my expectations. The information presented was basic and lacked any new insights or perspectives. The interviews with experts were brief and uninformative. The pacing of the documentary was uneven, with some sections dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster and superficial portrayal of such a significant historical event. I would recommend seeking out more in-depth documentaries or books on the subject instead.

Salem's Lost History: Documenting the Witchcraft Trials