Stranger things, the talisman, is a popular Netflix TV series that has gained a huge following since its release in 2016. The show, created by the Duffer Brothers, combines elements of horror, science fiction, and thriller genres to create a unique and engaging storyline. Set in the 1980s, the series follows a group of children as they encounter supernatural events in their small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The talisman referred to in the title is a significant plot element in the series. It serves as a gateway between the real world and the Upside Down, a parallel dimension filled with monsters and other horrors. The talisman is a crucial tool for the characters to understand and navigate this dangerous realm, as well as protect themselves and their loved ones from the supernatural forces at play.
She came across Norton’s story in the tabloid papers, while researching 2011’s Recipe for Murder – another documentary set in postwar Sydney.
Her paintings, some of which were seized by police and burned, could loosely be defined as esoteric canvases often filled with hectic images of women embracing the Greek god Pan, snakes and horned demons. Set within the tantric healing community, docu Sex Magic Manifesting Maya centers on the Sedona Temple s sacred sex shaman Baba Dez, forced into self-reflection when his beloved, Maya, leaves him, and fellow therapists accuse him of inappropriate use of his, uh, holy rod, in healing work.
The talisman is a crucial tool for the characters to understand and navigate this dangerous realm, as well as protect themselves and their loved ones from the supernatural forces at play. Throughout the series, the talisman is sought after by both the protagonists and antagonists. It is often the focus of intense and thrilling chase sequences, adding to the suspense and excitement of the show.
Sex magic, occult art and acid: the story of the infamous witch of Kings Cross
They didn’t quite burn witches in Australia in the 1940s and 50s, but they didn’t make it easy for them either.
Take Rosaleen Norton, an artist and self-identified witch who the tabloids called “the witch of Kings Cross”. She was repeatedly arrested, had her artwork burned and was shunned and mocked by society.
Norton eked out a modest living selling her art, and putting spells and hexes on people. Her story has been captured in a new documentary, released online on Tuesday.
Norton, who lived in Kings Cross in the postwar years until her death in 1979, had been fascinated with the occult since she was a child.
Ban on Aleister Crowley lecture at Oxford University - archive, 4 February 1930 Read moreAged 23 and living away from her conservative family in a variety of lodgings and squats in the seedy Sydney suburb, she began to practise trance magic and, later, sex magic. The former involved invoking spells, rituals and taking substances with the aim of achieving a higher form of consciousness; the latter was popularised by the British occultist Aleister Crowley and involved having sex with multiple partners that invoked rituals similar to Tantra.
The fascinating story of Norton’s life may have been lost had it not been for the commitment of Sonia Bible to bring it to the screen.
Made on a shoestring budget, and largely crowd- and self-funded, the documentary is a labour of love. The film-maker managed to track down several of Norton’s contemporaries before they died, and sourced diaries and artworks that were in private hands; she melds the historical documents with dramatic recreations (Norton is played by Kate Elizabeth Laxton).
Film-maker Sonia Bible says the woman dubbed the ‘witch of Kings Cross’ lived life on her terms and in her 60s was still dropping acid and making art
“When I started making the film, I knew this story was on the edge of living memory,” Bible says. “This would be the last film on the late 50s, because the people have died. The oral history of people who were there – that has gone now.”
She came across Norton’s story in the tabloid papers, while researching 2011’s Recipe for Murder – another documentary set in postwar Sydney.
“It was a time of great social change,” Bible says. “A dark noir time before pointy cars and rock’n’roll, but in the lead-up to the counterculture.
‘If she had been launching herself in the 1960s, with the counterculture and feminism in full swing, she would have been like Brett Whiteley’: Bacchanal by Rosaleen Norton. Photograph: Burgess family
All her life, Norton combined her interest in the occult with art. Her paintings, some of which were seized by police and burned, could loosely be defined as esoteric: canvases often filled with hectic images of women embracing the Greek god Pan, snakes and horned demons.
Australia in the postwar years was almost 90% Christian, and Norton was made a target for her beliefs. Surveillance and raids from the vice squad, and seizure of her work, criminalised her, and turned her into a notorious and shocking tabloid figure. One of her sex magic partners, the celebrated Sydney Symphony Orchestra conductor Sir Eugene Goossens, was forced to flee Australia when his luggage at Sydney airport was found to contain pornography. The pair each suffered in their own way for transgressing the strict moral boundaries of the time.
“There was a rapid change in relationships between men and women, social conventions and politics,” Bible says. Right now we are also living in a time of great change, but when you are in it, you can’t analyse it.”
Norton with her painting The Adversary in 1949. Photograph: Fairfax Media
Part of the tragedy of Norton’s story is that she was born too soon – in 1917. If she were alive now, there would be a whole community of witches to connect with on TikTok – but even being born 10 years later would have made a difference, according to Bible.
“If she had been launching herself in the 1960s, with the counterculture and feminism in full swing, she would have been like Brett Whiteley … She was at the vanguard and she did have an impact and inspired people. Young people went up to the Cross looking for her.”
But even though Norton’s life was hard, Bible cautions about viewing her with pity.
“She lived the life she wanted. She didn’t value money. She was very happy. She had her art and her religion. She lived life on her own terms and towards the end she had a flat in Kings Cross, given to her by the church.
“People felt sorry for her, this old woman living in the Cross with her cats. But in her 60s she was dropping acid and still making art. She was very happy.”
The Witch of Kings Cross releases worldwide on 9 February on Amazon, iTunes, Vimeo and GooglePlay; it will be in selected cinemas from 11 February
The talisman acts as a symbol of power and knowledge, representing the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Upside Down and ultimately saving their town from destruction. In addition to its significance to the plot, the talisman also has a deeper meaning for the characters in the series. It represents the inherent courage, bravery, and friendship that the group of friends must rely on to overcome their challenges. The talisman becomes a reminder of the bond they share and the resilience they possess in the face of unimaginable danger. The popularity of Stranger Things and the talisman has led to a huge fanbase and numerous discussions and theories about its true nature and significance. Fans have speculated on the origins of the talisman, its connection to other elements in the show, and its potential role in future seasons. The presence of the talisman has become a defining feature of the series, adding to its allure and captivating viewers around the world. In conclusion, Stranger Things, the talisman, plays a vital role in the TV series by serving as a gateway to the supernatural realm and symbolizing the characters' courage and friendship. It has become an iconic element of the show, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans. The talisman's presence adds depth and intrigue to the storyline, ensuring that viewers keep coming back for more..
Reviews for "Stranger Things: The Talisman's Links to Historical Occult Practices"
Name: Sarah
Rating: 2/5
Review: I just finished watching "Stranger Things: The Talisman" and I have to say, I was really disappointed. The storyline felt convoluted and confusing, and it didn't hold my attention like the previous seasons. The new characters introduced lacked depth and it didn't feel like they fit in with the existing cast. Additionally, the pacing was off, with some episodes dragging on and others feeling rushed. Overall, it just didn't live up to the standards set by the previous seasons, and I was left feeling unsatisfied.
Name: Mark
Rating: 2/5
Review: As an avid fan of "Stranger Things," I was eagerly anticipating the release of "The Talisman." Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot felt forced and predictable, with little surprise or suspense. The character development was weak, and I found it difficult to connect or care about what happened to them. Additionally, the special effects were not as impressive as in previous seasons, which added to my overall disappointment. "The Talisman" just didn't capture the magic of the earlier seasons, and it left me feeling underwhelmed.
Name: Laura
Rating: 1/5
Review: I can't believe I wasted my time watching "Stranger Things: The Talisman." The storyline was all over the place and I couldn't keep up with the constant twists and turns. The new characters introduced were forgettable and I didn't feel invested in their stories. The writing seemed lazy and the dialogue felt forced. Overall, it was a complete letdown, and I wish I hadn't bothered watching it. I hope the next season of "Stranger Things" can redeem itself from this mess.