Wicca is a modern pagan religion that emphasizes reverence for nature, rituals, and magic. While traditionally practiced in covens, there is also a growing number of individuals who practice Wicca as solitaries. Being a solitary practitioner of Wicca means that one practices Wiccan rituals and beliefs independently, without the guidance or participation of a formal coven. Solitary Wicca can be a rewarding and fulfilling spiritual practice for those who prefer to work alone or have limited access to a coven. It allows individuals to shape their own rituals and practices, focusing on their personal spiritual journey and connection with nature. Solitary practice allows for flexibility and creativity, as practitioners can adapt and create rituals that resonate with their individual beliefs and experiences.
Cast a Deadly Spell (1991) & Witch Hunt (1994) Double Feature Review
Why I took them off the list: After compiling my list of underrated horror, sci-fi, and fantasy of the 90s, I decided to check out a forgotten film from the same period that I’d been meaning to watch for a long time due to its intriguing premise and bizarre mash-up of the horror/fantasy and detective/noir genres: Cast a Deadly Spell.
As a big fan of both H.P Lovecraft (the film features numerous references and nods to his work) and weird alternate history stories, I couldn’t resist checking out a film set in a 40s LA where everyone casually uses magic for long.
When I realized that the film also had a semi-sequel, Witch Hunt (it features many of the same characters but a totally different cast), I decided to make it a double feature review! So, let’s dig in!
Solitary practice allows for flexibility and creativity, as practitioners can adapt and create rituals that resonate with their individual beliefs and experiences. When practicing Wicca as a solitary, it is essential to establish a strong foundation of knowledge. Studying books on Wicca, pagan traditions, and witchcraft can provide a solid understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices associated with Wicca.
Review of Cast a Deadly Spell (1991)
A candidate for dissection on the ace podcast How Did This Get Made? if ever there was one, Cast a Deadly Spell is a pleasingly bizarre mix of 50’s noir with elements of arcane horror with surprisingly high production values. It’s somehow not based on existing IP but the result of an original screenplay.
It was made for HBO as a TV movie so didn’t have to break box office records, but still, this uniquely strange mash-up with its expensive-looking period setting and elaborate practical special effects would probably never get made today (unless Netflix was feeling in a particularly weird mood!)
Still, the film is hugely enjoyable and is pretty effective at setting up its premise from the start, with a simple title that reads “Los Angeles, 1948. Everybody used magic.” Cast a Deadly Spell then goes on to blend these two disparate genres of hardboiled detectives and magic users in pretty smart and impressive ways. The world-building is convincing as you believe the characters inhabit it even as incredibly out-of-place things go on around them: these magical touches are just mundane happenstance to them.
This immersion is helped by some great casting. Fred Ward makes for a fun, grizzled but somewhat goofy gumshoe detective. A very young Julianne Moore (before Safe (1994) gave her a breakout role) does a good femme fatale routine, and both Clancy Brown and David Warner do their familiar but effective sinister villain routines with fun results.
Learning about the different tools, symbols, and correspondences used in Wiccan rituals is also crucial for performing effective and meaningful ceremonies. Creating a sacred space is another important aspect of solitary Wiccan practice. This space can be a dedicated altar or an area in one's home that is set aside for spiritual practices. It is a space where one can connect with the divine, perform rituals, meditate, and reflect. Setting up an altar with meaningful objects such as statues, candles, crystals, and herbs can help create a focused and sacred atmosphere. As a solitary practitioner, it is vital to establish a daily practice that includes meditation, journaling, and connecting with nature. These practices can help deepen one's spiritual connection, develop intuition, and expand knowledge. Spending time in nature, whether it is walking in the woods, tending to a garden, or observing the cycles of the moon and seasons, is an integral part of Wiccan spirituality. Connecting with the natural world can provide inspiration, wisdom, and a sense of awe and reverence. Developing a relationship with the divine is also an essential aspect of solitary Wiccan practice. This relationship can be nurtured through prayer, meditation, and ritual. Honoring the Goddess and God, or any deities that resonate with one's beliefs, can be done through offerings, invocations, and devotion. Solitary practitioners can create their own rituals and ceremonies to celebrate sabbats (Wiccan holidays) and esbats (full moon rituals), tailoring them to their own personal practices and preferences. Joining online communities, forums, or attending local pagan events and gatherings can help solitary practitioners connect with other like-minded individuals, exchange knowledge, and receive support and guidance. It is important for solitaries to remember that they are not alone and that there is a vast network of Wiccans and pagan practitioners who can offer wisdom and assistance along their path. In conclusion, practicing Wicca as a solitary practitioner offers the opportunity for personal growth, spiritual exploration, and connection with nature. It allows individuals to shape their own rituals, beliefs, and practices, and develop a deep and personal relationship with the divine. While it may require dedication, self-discipline, and a thirst for knowledge, solitary Wicca can be a fulfilling and empowering spiritual path for those who choose to walk it..
Reviews for "The Journey of the Solitary Witch: From Novice to Experienced Practitioner"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" as I have been interested in exploring Wicca for a while now. However, I found this book to be lacking in depth and substance. It felt more like a surface-level introduction rather than a comprehensive guide. The rituals and spells included were very basic and I was hoping for more detailed instructions. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to those looking for a serious and comprehensive study of Wicca.
- Mike - 3 stars - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for a few years now, I was hoping to find some new insights and perspectives in "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner." Unfortunately, this book didn't offer much beyond what I already knew. The information provided felt quite repetitive and didn't delve into more advanced topics or teachings. While it may be a good starting point for beginners, I was left wanting more substance and depth. I would suggest looking for more advanced books on Wicca for those with some experience already.
- Jenna - 2 stars - I found "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" to be overly simplistic and lacking in critical information. While it may serve as a basic introduction to Wicca, it didn't provide enough guidance for those looking to deepen their practice. The author seemed to gloss over important concepts and rituals, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would recommend looking for more comprehensive and in-depth books on Wicca before turning to this one.