Black Magic Ectoplasm: Origins and Folklore

Black magic is a practice that has fascinated humans for centuries. It is often associated with the occult, mysticism, and supernatural forces. One aspect of black magic that captivates people is the concept of ectoplasm. Ectoplasm is a substance believed to be produced by mediums during a séance. It is said to be a physical manifestation of spiritual energy, which can be visible to the human eye. In the context of black magic, ectoplasm is seen as a tool or medium for summoning and communicating with spirits.

My first impression of this deck is that it’s charming and accessible. Despite the modernizing twists, this deck is so strongly influenced by the RWS—even down to the background colors of individual cards—that I’d go so far as to call it a RWS clone. This makes it a great deck for beginners, as the imagery will work well with just about any introductory Tarot book on the market. And there’s certainly a place in the Tarot world for decks with a more modern flair. (Other decks in this vein include the Vanessa Tarot, Urban Tarot, and the Tarot of the Boroughs.) Not all readers, and certainly not all clients, want a deck that feels like it’s set in the distant past. A deck like the Modern Witch Tarot presents its central themes in a clean, accessible way without a veneer of anachronism. I suspect that this quality will make the deck a crowd pleaser, and this is probably an especially good deck to whip out with new querents who are unfamiliar with (and perhaps intimidated by) Tarot. The imagery is clear, understandable, and non-threatening.

I suspect that this quality will make the deck a crowd pleaser, and this is probably an especially good deck to whip out with new querents who are unfamiliar with and perhaps intimidated by Tarot. In the case of the Chariot, the modernizing twist feels like it really adds something to the card; in some other cards, it doesn t feel purposeful, and can end up feeling like more or less the same card as before, just with a different costume.

In the context of black magic, ectoplasm is seen as a tool or medium for summoning and communicating with spirits. The term "ectoplasm" was coined by the French physiologist Charles Richet in the late 19th century. He used the term to describe a substance that appeared during séances, usually in the form of a whitish or milky cloud or mist.

A Review of the Modern Witch Tarot

I’ve been anticipating the Modern Witch Tarot for quite some time. From creator Lisa Sterle, this is a traditional RWS-style Tarot deck set in the modern day. It features contemporary dress (rather than the slightly off-putting faux Renaissance garb of the original RWS), the inclusion of modern-day technology like laptops and cell phones, and a somewhat more diverse array of body types and ethnicities than given in the Waite-Smith deck.

My first impression of this deck is that it’s charming and accessible. Despite the modernizing twists, this deck is so strongly influenced by the RWS—even down to the background colors of individual cards—that I’d go so far as to call it a RWS clone. This makes it a great deck for beginners, as the imagery will work well with just about any introductory Tarot book on the market. And there’s certainly a place in the Tarot world for decks with a more modern flair. (Other decks in this vein include the Vanessa Tarot, Urban Tarot, and the Tarot of the Boroughs.) Not all readers, and certainly not all clients, want a deck that feels like it’s set in the distant past. A deck like the Modern Witch Tarot presents its central themes in a clean, accessible way without a veneer of anachronism. I suspect that this quality will make the deck a crowd pleaser, and this is probably an especially good deck to whip out with new querents who are unfamiliar with (and perhaps intimidated by) Tarot. The imagery is clear, understandable, and non-threatening.

That said, I do feel that some attempts to modernize are more successful than others. The Chariot as a motorcyclist is absolutely brilliant, as is the Fool listening to her headphones and not paying attention to where she’s going. But I don’t entirely understand the adaptation of the Wheel of Fortune, for instance, or of the Hanged One. In the case of the Chariot, the modernizing twist feels like it really adds something to the card; in some other cards, it doesn’t feel purposeful, and can end up feeling like more or less the same card as before, just with a different costume. This isn’t necessarily damning—I think there’s genuine virtue in how closely this deck adheres to its RWS predecessor—but Sterle’s creative vision shines through more clearly in some cards than in others.

The same is true of the Minor Arcana. The single most standout card in this deck (and the one that Sterle designed first) is the Ten of Swords, which shows the traditional backstabbed figure staring at her phone; the deck even comes with an additional copy of this card, labeled “EVERYTHING IS FINE”. Which, come on. How delightful. It makes me giggle every time.

Likewise, some cards in the Minors feature additions that expand upon and deepen traditional imagery; e.g. the motorcycle in the Eight of Wands and the “OVER IT” sweatshirt worn by the figure in the Four of Cups. Other cards feel much more like standard RWS reproductions. In places, where the modern revamp doesn’t quite make sense to me. (I stared at the Seven of Wands for a good two minutes trying to imagine how anyone could do martial arts while wearing those heels.) But on the whole, I think that’s a matter of personal taste, and there are people who will find the costuming of the characters in this deck much more relatable.

As a final note, all of the characters in this deck appear to be women, or at least female-bodied. While there are a few Barbie Doll figures (like the Seven of Wands above), Sterle has also taken care to depict a few women who are not stick-thin. The all-female cast has also given her the opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ relationships and identities in a few of the cards—most notably the Cups cards and those cards with traditionally male characters (like the Kings and Knights).

All in all, this is a lovely, readable deck. I most highly recommend it for novice readers or for readers who like RWS symbolism and want to remain comfortably in that framework. I’d say it’s also a good deck to pull out at psychic fairs, with nervous clients, or anywhere your querent’s reaction is an unknown quantity and you want to put them at ease.

Note: This deck was provided to me by the deck creator for the purposes of this review. Everything I’ve said here reflects my honest opinion.

That said, I do feel that some attempts to modernize are more successful than others. The Chariot as a motorcyclist is absolutely brilliant, as is the Fool listening to her headphones and not paying attention to where she’s going. But I don’t entirely understand the adaptation of the Wheel of Fortune, for instance, or of the Hanged One. In the case of the Chariot, the modernizing twist feels like it really adds something to the card; in some other cards, it doesn’t feel purposeful, and can end up feeling like more or less the same card as before, just with a different costume. This isn’t necessarily damning—I think there’s genuine virtue in how closely this deck adheres to its RWS predecessor—but Sterle’s creative vision shines through more clearly in some cards than in others.

According to believers, this ectoplasm would ooze from the body of the medium, often from the mouth, nostrils, or other orifices. Ectoplasm is said to have various forms and textures, ranging from a thin, ethereal substance to a more solid and tangible material. In some cases, it is described as a viscous liquid or gel-like substance. Witnesses of ectoplasm often report a cold and slimy feeling when they come into contact with it. The role of ectoplasm in black magic is to provide a link between the physical world and the realm of spirits or supernatural entities. It is believed that through the manipulation of ectoplasm, practitioners of black magic can summon and control these entities for their own purposes. This may involve seeking guidance or assistance, performing rituals, or even casting spells. However, ectoplasm and its association with black magic have been highly controversial and subject to skepticism. Many skeptics argue that ectoplasm is nothing more than a fraudulent trick used by mediums to deceive their audience. They claim that ectoplasm is simply a concoction of various substances, such as cheesecloth, paper, or even animal parts. Despite the skepticism, ectoplasm continues to hold a mysterious and alluring appeal for those who are interested in the occult and the supernatural. It remains a topic of fascination and wonder, with countless books, movies, and other media forms depicting its alleged powers and effects. In conclusion, ectoplasm is a concept closely tied to black magic, which involves the physical manifestation of spiritual energy. It is believed to be a tool for summoning and communicating with spirits, although skeptics argue that it is nothing more than a fraudulent trick. Regardless of its authenticity, the allure and intrigue surrounding ectoplasm continue to captivate the human imagination..

Reviews for "The Ethical Ramifications of Black Magic Ectoplasm"

1. John - 1 star

I really didn't like "Black Magic Ectoplasm". The plot was confusing and didn't make much sense. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. The writing style was also quite dull, lacking any sort of creativity or flair. Overall, I found this book to be a big disappointment and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

2. Sarah - 2 stars

In my opinion, "Black Magic Ectoplasm" fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story dragged on without much happening. I also found the dialogue to be unrealistic and forced, making it difficult for me to engage with the conversations between the characters. Additionally, the ending left me feeling unsatisfied, as it seemed rushed and didn't tie up all the loose ends. Overall, I was hoping for more from this book but ended up feeling let down.

3. Mark - 2 stars

I was excited to read "Black Magic Ectoplasm" based on the description, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The writing was filled with clichés, and the characters lacked depth and development. I found myself predicting the plot twists and wasn't surprised by any of the revelations. The overall story felt unoriginal and didn't offer anything new or exciting. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book, but it just didn't deliver.

4. Jessica - 3 stars

While "Black Magic Ectoplasm" wasn't my favorite book, I didn't completely dislike it either. The concept was interesting, and I appreciated the author's attempt to create a unique world. However, I found some parts to be overly complicated and confusing, making it a bit challenging to follow the narrative. The pacing was uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of slow development. Overall, this book had potential but fell short in execution.

Investigating the Phenomenon of Black Magic Ectoplasm