Brilliant witch wordsmiths are individuals who possess exceptional linguistic skills combined with magical abilities. These witches have the power to weave spells and incantations, using words as their primary tool. These wordsmiths are adept at manipulating language and utilizing it to create powerful magical effects. From casting protective enchantments to creating illusions, their linguistic prowess allows them to bend reality to their will. They have a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of language, knowing how to tap into its hidden potentials. In addition to their magical abilities, brilliant witch wordsmiths often possess a deep love for literature and storytelling.
The incident also drew attention to the fact that despite its widespread popularity, fortune-telling and related arts are indeed illegal in Pennsylvania, punishable by 6-12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Pennsylvania statute forbids residents from “pretend[ing] for gain or lucre, to tell fortunes or predict future events, by cards, tokens, the inspection of the head or hands of any person,” and from promising “to stop bad luck, or to give good luck … or to win the affection of a person, or to make one person marry another.” Selling astrology readings and tarot readings are illegal, too.
A practicing witch for 13 years, Lawrence has started jokingly referring to themself as Goody Proctor, the accused witch in Arthur Miller s The Crucible. The incident also drew attention to the fact that despite its widespread popularity, fortune-telling and related arts are indeed illegal in Pennsylvania, punishable by 6-12 months in jail and a 2,500 fine.
In addition to their magical abilities, brilliant witch wordsmiths often possess a deep love for literature and storytelling. They appreciate the power of words to inspire, captivate, and convey emotions. Their knowledge of various languages and dialects enables them to draw upon a wide range of linguistic techniques and wordplay, making their spells even more potent.
Police warn witchcraft shop in rural Pa. that tarot is illegal
According to Pennsylvania law, fortune-telling is a crime.
Beck Lawrence has been practicing witchcraft for 13 years. They opened the Serpent's Key Shoppe & Sanctuary, a metaphysical shop, in Hanover this year.Read more Courtesy of Beck Lawrence
Published Oct. 13, 2023, 5:00 a.m. ETIn honor of spooky season, Beck Lawrence talked up their new “eclectic, metaphysical shop” in a short, upbeat interview for the “Meet the Merchant” section of a local Hanover newsletter. They said they would be selling candles, crystals, and other witchy objects, as well as reading tarot cards, and encouraged everyone to “come on in!”
A few days later, the police chief of Hanover, Chad Martin, paid Lawrence a uniformed visit at the Serpent’s Key Shoppe & Sanctuary. The shop features a community altar to Hekate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft, alongside artfully arranged candles, oils, herbs, jewelry, and incense.
He told Lawrence that fortune-telling in Pennsylvania is illegal — and that any complaints against them would have to result in a police investigation. Martin did not respond to The Inquirer’s requests for comment.
Lawrence immediately posted about the experience to their nearly 200,000 followers on TikTok (wearing “all black and all of my protective jewelry, to deal with the cop”).
Advertisement“It was kind of intimidating,” Lawrence, 26, said in an interview with The Inquirer. Over the last week, the police visit rallied the pagan community in their support and led to a spike in business. A practicing witch for 13 years, Lawrence has started jokingly referring to themself as Goody Proctor, the accused witch in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.
The incident also drew attention to the fact that despite its widespread popularity, fortune-telling and related arts are indeed illegal in Pennsylvania, punishable by 6-12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Pennsylvania statute forbids residents from “pretend[ing] for gain or lucre, to tell fortunes or predict future events, by cards, tokens, the inspection of the head or hands of any person,” and from promising “to stop bad luck, or to give good luck … or to win the affection of a person, or to make one person marry another.” Selling astrology readings and tarot readings are illegal, too.
Lawrence does tarot readings with an Ethereal Visions deck they purchased from a witchcraft shop in Salem, Mass.; prices on their website range from $10 to $100. Even before the police visit, they had posted disclaimers throughout their shop and online, informing customers that readings are “for entertainment purposes only.” Martin told them such disclaimers would not hold up in court, they said.
On the day of the incident, the police chief defended his visit to the shop on legal grounds.
“There was never an investigation, nor was there any threat of arrest in this matter,” Martin wrote on the police department’s Facebook page. “With that being said, if a complaint was made against someone for engaging in acts qualifying as ‘fortune telling’ in the Borough of Hanover; this department would be obligated to conduct an investigation.”
The anti-fortune-telling law was recodified in 1972 but likely dates to earlier, said Matt M. McClenahen, a criminal defense lawyer based in State College who has written on the subject. It is intended to prevent scammers from duping people into giving away thousands of dollars.
“It’s just as illegal as prostitution,” McClenahen said. “It’s just a low law enforcement priority.”
That hasn’t stopped hundreds of shops from dealing in forbidden fortunes across the state. In Hanover alone, there are at least three other metaphysically-inclined stores near Serpent’s Key. Johnny White, the co-owner of the Sacred Moon Circle Apothecary two miles away, said he did not understand why only Serpent’s Key received a visit from the police chief.
“Is he popping into every bar or restaurant and just telling the staff, ‘Hey, by the way, it’s illegal to serve people under 21?’” White asked.
Though Lawrence was distressed by the visit, they have been heartened by the online and real-life support for their shop.
They said they have dealt with reactions to their witchcraft since they were 13 when, as they put it, they “started listening to Evanescence and wanted to be a vegetarian.” In response, their grandparents attempted to perform an exorcism.
“They thought I was possessed by the devil,” Lawrence said. “So I guess I just give off that vibe.”
Lawrence does tarot readings with an Ethereal Visions deck they purchased from a witchcraft shop in Salem, Mass.; prices on their website range from $10 to $100. Even before the police visit, they had posted disclaimers throughout their shop and online, informing customers that readings are “for entertainment purposes only.” Martin told them such disclaimers would not hold up in court, they said.
These witches are highly sought after for their unique skill set. Governments, organizations, and individuals often seek their services to create powerful spells, charms, and enchantments. From crafting magical contracts to deciphering ancient languages, their linguistic prowess is invaluable. However, being a brilliant witch wordsmith is not without its challenges. Manipulating language and magic requires immense concentration, precision, and control. One wrong word or misplaced inflection can have disastrous consequences. Thus, these witches must remain ever-vigilant and attentive to the words they use in their craft. Overall, brilliant witch wordsmiths are a rare and treasured breed. Their ability to intertwine magic with language gives them a unique and awe-inspiring power. Through their words, these witches can create wonders, reshape the world, and leave a lasting impact..
Reviews for "Mystical Manuscripts: Celebrating the Brilliance of Witch Authors"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I didn't really enjoy "Brilliant witch wordsmiths". I found the plot to be quite predictable and the characters felt very one-dimensional. The pacing of the story was also quite slow, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. While the concept of witches and their magic was interesting, the execution fell flat for me. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating and well-developed story.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - "Brilliant witch wordsmiths" had a lot of potential, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The writing style felt sloppy and filled with cliches, making it hard to truly enjoy the book. The world-building was also lacking, leaving many unanswered questions about the magical system and its limitations. Additionally, the dialogue between characters often felt forced and unnatural. While there were some interesting ideas within the story, they were overshadowed by the book's overall flaws. Overall, it was an average read that didn't leave a lasting impression.
3. Jason - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Brilliant witch wordsmiths" but was ultimately disappointed. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with many loose ends left unresolved. The characters lacked depth and I found it difficult to connect with them or care about their stories. The writing style was also lackluster, lacking the vibrant and captivating prose that I expected from a book about witches. Overall, it fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a well-crafted and engaging fantasy read.