Tula Mineral Magic is a skincare product that claims to provide several benefits to the skin, such as improved hydration, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more radiant complexion. However, when critically analyzing the product, there are a few key points that deserve attention. Firstly, the main ingredient in Tula Mineral Magic is supposed to be "probiotic extracts," which are said to enhance the skin's natural barrier and overall health. While probiotics have been shown to have some positive effects on the skin, it's important to note that the specific strains and concentrations used in this product are not disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the potential effectiveness of the probiotic extracts in Tula Mineral Magic. Additionally, Tula Mineral Magic claims to contain essential minerals that nourish the skin.
Witchcraft and women
The common kind of magic required no formal training, was widely known, could be practised by both men and women and was usually associated with love, sex and healing. Part of the answer comes from medieval attitudes towards magic, and the particular behaviours attributed to men and women within the crime of witchcraft.
Additionally, Tula Mineral Magic claims to contain essential minerals that nourish the skin. However, the specific minerals and their concentrations are not specified, making it challenging to evaluate their potential benefits. Without this information, it's challenging to determine whether the product truly delivers the claimed mineral nourishment to the skin.
How the medieval witch image has evolved over centuries
F lying through the skies on a broomstick, the popular image of a witch is as a predominantly female figure – so much so that the costume has become the go-to Halloween outfit for women and girls alike. But where did this gendered stereotype come from? Part of the answer comes from medieval attitudes towards magic, and the particular behaviours attributed to men and women within the “crime” of witchcraft.
Taking one aspect of the witch’s characterisation in popular culture – her association with flight – we can see a transformation in attitudes between the early and later middle ages. In the 11th century, Bishop Burchard of Worms said of certain sinful beliefs:
“Some wicked women, turning back to Satan and seduced by the illusions and phantasms of demons, believe that in the night hours they ride on certain animals with the pagan goddess Diana and a countless multitude of women, and they cross a great span of the world in the stillness of the dead of night.”
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According to Burchard, these women were actually asleep, but were held captive by the devil who deceived their minds in dreams. He also believed that none but the very “stupid and dim witted” could think that these flights had actually taken place.
But by the end of the 15th century views of magic had changed considerably. While many beliefs about women flying through the skies persisted, the perception of them had transformed from one of scepticism to one of fear. The magic night flight became associated with secret gatherings known as “the witches’ sabbath”, involving nefarious acts such as killing babies, taking part in orgies and worshipping the devil.
This suggests that what was originally considered to be a belief held only by women and foolish men was now being taken much more seriously. So what happened to cause such a transformation?
Champion des Dames, broom sticks from the 15th century (Wikimedia Commons)One explanation offered by historian Michael D Bailey is that at some point during the 14th and 15th centuries, religious officials perhaps unwittingly conflated two distinct traditions: “learned” magic and “common” magic. The common kind of magic required no formal training, was widely known, could be practised by both men and women and was usually associated with love, sex and healing.
By contrast, learned magic came to Europe from the east and featured in the “magic manuals” that circulated among educated men whom American medievalist Richard Kieckhefer described as members of a “clerical underworld”.
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Voodoo: The old religion rises from the rubble in Haiti
Voodoo: The old religion rises from the rubble in Haiti
Voodoo: The old religion rises from the rubble in Haiti
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Interestingly, descriptions of humans in flight do appear in these manuals – but in relation to men rather than women. One example is found in a 15th century notebook in which the male author describes riding through the skies on a magically conjured “demon horse”.
Two key differences between this account and the ones associated with women are that the person flying is an educated male and demons are now explicitly involved in the act. By conflating popular beliefs about the night flights of women with the demon-conjuring magic of the clerical underworld, medieval inquisitors began to fear that women would fall prey to the corruption of demons they could not control.
The witch hunter’s handbook (Wikimedia Commons)Witchcraft and women
While men also feature in the infamous 15th century witch-hunting manual Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of the Witches), the work has long been recognised as deeply misogynistic. It suggests that women’s perceived lack of intelligence made them submissive to demons. One section reads:
“Just as through the first defect in their [women’s] intelligence they are more prone to abjure the faith; so through their second defect of inordinate passions … they inflict various vengeances through witchcraft. Wherefore it is no wonder that so great a number of witches exist in this sex.”
By the end of the middle ages, a view of women as especially susceptible to witchcraft had emerged. The notion that a witch might travel by broomstick (especially when contrasted with the male who conjures a demon horse on which to ride) underscores the domestic sphere to which women belonged.
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The perceived threat to established norms inherent in the idea that women were moving beyond their expected societal roles is also mirrored in a number of the accusations levelled against male witches.
One example, a 13th-century letter by Pope Gregory IX, described a gathering of heretics which was very similar to the later descriptions of the witches’ sabbath. It stated that at orgies, if there were not enough women, men would engage in “depravity” with other men. In doing so, they were seen to become effeminate, subverting the natural laws believed to govern sexuality.
Magic was then, in many ways, viewed by the church as an expression of rebellion against established norms and institutions, including gendered identities.
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent eventsThe idea that women might have been dabbling with the demonic magic previously associated with educated males, however inaccurate it may have been, was frightening. Neither men nor women were allowed to engage with demons, but while men stood a chance at resisting demonic control because of their education, women did not.
Their perceived lack of intelligence, together with contemporary notions regarding their “passions”, meant that they were understood as more likely to make pacts of “fidelity to devils” whom they could not control – so in the eyes of the medieval church, women were more easily disposed to witchcraft than men.
Jennifer Farrell is a lecturer in medieval history at the University of Exeter. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
Moreover, Tula Mineral Magic is marketed as a multitasking product that can replace multiple skincare steps, such as moisturizer, primer, and foundation. While this may sound convenient, it's important to consider whether a single product can effectively provide the same level of benefits and results as a dedicated moisturizer, primer, and foundation. Each of these skincare steps typically serves a specific purpose, and it's worth questioning whether Tula Mineral Magic can fulfill all those purposes adequately. In conclusion, while Tula Mineral Magic promises multiple benefits to the skin, such as improved hydration and a more radiant complexion, it is essential to critically analyze the product before forming any conclusions. The lack of transparency regarding key ingredients and concentrations, as well as the feasibility of replacing multiple skincare steps, raises questions about the product's effectiveness. As with any skincare product, it's always advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before incorporating it into your routine..
Reviews for "Achieving Flawless Skin with Tula Mineral Magic"
1. Emily - 1 star - I tried the Tula mineral magic and it was a complete waste of money. The product claims to provide a flawless finish and minimize the appearance of pores, but it did neither for me. Instead, it made my skin look cakey and emphasized every fine line and wrinkle. I also noticed that it caused my skin to break out, which is very disappointing. Overall, this product didn't live up to its promises and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Tula mineral magic, but it ended up being just average. The coverage was sheer and didn't do much to hide my blemishes. It also didn't last very long and started to fade throughout the day. Additionally, the shade range is quite limited, which made it difficult for me to find a color that matched my complexion perfectly. Overall, I don't think this product is worth the price and there are definitely better options out there.
3. Samantha - 1 star - I was so excited to try the Tula mineral magic, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment. The product felt heavy on my skin and didn't blend well at all. It also settled into my fine lines and made them look more pronounced. I didn't notice any improvement in the appearance of my pores either. Additionally, the packaging is quite flimsy and the product tends to spill out easily. Overall, I regret purchasing this product and would not repurchase or recommend it to others.