Practical magic music is a term that encompasses the use of music in the practice of witchcraft, spellcasting, and other magical rituals. Music has long been associated with magic and mystical practices, as it has the power to alter and enhance our emotions, transcend time and space, and connect us to spiritual realms. In practical magic, music is used as a tool to create the desired atmosphere and energy for a ritual or spell. Different types of music are chosen based on their specific properties and associations. For example, slow, soothing music may be used for relaxation and meditation, while fast-paced, rhythmic music may be employed for invocations and energetic rituals. Music can be used to invoke certain energies or deities, as well as to raise personal energy levels during magical workings.
Design and illustration by Richard Gilbert (1970).
It s a surprise finding it so close to Christmas since I first read the story in the only Christmas present that s survived from childhood, a hefty collection of HG Wells short stories that I pestered my parents into buying me in 1973. The music score, by Lyn Murray, is notable, especially in the magic shop scene, because it sounds like early electronic music of the sort that would be utilized by John Carpenter in his films of the late 1970s.
Music can be used to invoke certain energies or deities, as well as to raise personal energy levels during magical workings. Many practitioners believe that certain types of music resonate with specific magical intentions or correspondences. For example, classical or instrumental music is often used for healing rituals, while drumming and chanting may be employed for shamanic journeying or trance work.
The Magic Shop by HG Wells
I discovered this TV adaptation by accident while looking for something else (more about the something else tomorrow). The Magic Shop is a 45-minute drama directed by Robert Stevens in 1964 for The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Writer John Collier adapted a script by James Parish that’s loosely based on the short story by HG Wells. The story is one I know very well, having read it many times, but I hadn’t come across this TV version before. It’s a surprise finding it so close to Christmas since I first read the story in the only Christmas present that’s survived from childhood, a hefty collection of HG Wells’ short stories that I pestered my parents into buying me in 1973. I mostly wanted to read The Time Machine but the other stories seemed promising, especially the ones illustrated by Richard Gilbert on the (miraculously intact) dustjacket: The Sea Raiders (sailors attacked by octopuses), The Flowering of the Strange Orchid (man attacked by tentacular plant), The Valley of Spiders (attacking spiders falling from the sky), and so on. The book as a whole runs to over 1000 pages, and proved to be a revelation with Wells ranging through fantasy, science fiction, horror, and oddities which don’t fit any category other than Robert Aickman’s indispensable label, “strange stories”. The book made me a lifelong Wellsian, and also spoiled me a little when I moved on to more recent science fiction and found many of the alleged greats to be appalling writers. Wells’ prose can’t compete with Robert Louis Stevenson but it’s still well-crafted in that no-nonsense late Victorian manner familiar to readers of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Design and illustration by Richard Gilbert (1970).
The Magic Shop is one of the strange stories, the shop in question being a mysterious establishment somewhere in Regent Street, London, one of those premises one discovers by accident then can’t find again. The narrator is informed by the proprietor that this is a Genuine Magic Shop, as distinct from the kind selling mere conjuring tricks. The meaning of this isn’t clear at first but while the narrator’s young son is being beguiled by the marvels on display we follow his father’s growing alarm when he realises there’s more to the shop than he anticipated, not all of it pleasant or fun. The story was published in Twelve Stories and A Dream in 1903, and can be read here.
The TV version takes the bare bones of the tale—curious shop, indeterminate location, friendly yet sinister proprietor—and blends it with the nasty-child-with-magic-powers theme that was dramatised so memorably by The Twilight Zone in It’s A Good Life. The Hitchcock show was made three years after the Twilight Zone episode so it’s easy to see It’s A Good Life as an influence. Leslie Nielsen is the father who takes his son, Tony (John Megna), to the fateful shop on his birthday. The proprietor informs the pair that Tony is “the right boy” since he found the shop in the first place, the subtext being that he’s also possesses the right character to be the recipient of some heavy voodoo abilities. The boy’s bad seed status has been telegraphed from the outset by a birthday gift from an uncle of a black leather jacket; throughout the scene in the shop he looks like a miniature hoodlum. More American anxiety about its troublesome youth? Maybe, although the episode ends so poorly that the whole thing comes across as a lazy piece of filler. This is, of course, a long, long way from the Wells story which is all the more effective for being elusive, understated and, yes, magical.
In addition to its role in setting the tone and atmosphere for rituals, music can also be used to create spells or charms. Chanting or singing specific words or incantations can help to focus intention and manifest desired outcomes. This is similar to the concept of mantras in Eastern spiritual traditions. Music has the ability to tap into our subconscious mind and bypass our rational thoughts, making it a powerful tool for magic. It can activate our intuition, enhance our psychic abilities, and create a sacred space for spiritual exploration. The vibrations and frequencies of music can also help to align our energy with the natural rhythms of the universe, promoting balance and harmony within ourselves and our environment. In conclusion, practical magic music is a versatile and potent tool for witches and practitioners of magic. By harnessing the power of music, we can amplify our intentions, connect with higher realms, and enhance the effectiveness of our spells and rituals. Whether through listening, chanting, or creating our own music, we can tap into the magical potential of sound and use it to manifest our desires..
Reviews for "Musical Incantations: The Role of Chants and Mantras in Practical Magic"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Practical Magic Music". As a fan of the movie, I was expecting a soundtrack that would capture the magical and enchanting atmosphere of the film. However, the music just fell flat for me. None of the tracks stood out and they all seemed generic and forgettable. It was a missed opportunity to create something truly special that could transport listeners into the world of the film.
2. Emily - 1/5
I couldn't stand the "Practical Magic Music" album. It felt like a compilation of random songs rather than a cohesive soundtrack. The songs didn't have any connection to the movie or its themes. It was such a shame because the movie itself has such an amazing and magical soundtrack. I was expecting the same level of quality, but it just didn't deliver. Save your money and listen to the original movie soundtrack instead.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I was really excited to listen to the "Practical Magic Music" after being a fan of the film for years. Unfortunately, I was let down by the album. The music didn't capture the essence of the movie and didn't evoke the same emotions. It felt like a watered-down version of what could have been a fantastic soundtrack. Some of the songs were incohesive and didn't flow well together. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this album to fans of the movie.