Practical Magic Discussion Topics
- Curses: An over-riding theme in the movie is cursing. The curse "on any man who dares marry an Owen's woman." To which eventually Gary tells Sally "Curses only have power when you believe in them, and I don't." And of course, Kylie, Sally's daughter lifts her finger towards a taunting child and says "I hope you get Chicken Pox." What are your feelings about curses? Ethics? Efficacy? Overlooking the ethical aspects, do they only have power if you "believe in them?"
- Spells for love: Another theme in the movie is the use of spells for love? How do you feel about casting a spell for love?
- Spells in return for money: The Aunts take money for spells. This seems to be a no-no in some circles. How do you feel about getting paid for making magic?
- "Be careful what you wish for" is a quote from one of the aunts to the lady coming for a love spell. What is your interpretation of this sentiment?
- Happiness equals Love: "It was just a little push. You wanted so much to be happy. We never expected that you would truely love him." Say the aunts to Sally. Do you think that love is necessary for happiness?
- Superstitions? How do you feel about all of the "signs" that were being interpreted throughout the movie? For instance: "Blood on moon," "Lucky tiger's eye," and "Broom fell... companies coming."
- Ghosts and possesion: What are your feelings about this? I thought the possession aspects were very well portrayed. Does anyone have experience with ghosts?
- Symbols: Sally says to Gary, "Your badge. It's just a star, another symbol or talisman. it can't stop criminals in their tracks. It has power because you believe it does." There are other symbols that I am not familiar with. The use of the toad as a tool of the now dead Jimmy. His ring comes from the toad's mouth. Toads are left behind Gillian when she is possessed by Jimmy. Do any of you know what the toad symbolism might be? Another symbol that I couldn't quite reconcile were the roses that grew over Jimmy's grave. Any thoughts?
- I am including this line cause I love it: "You can't practice witchcraft while you look down on it." What do you think about it?
- Another line that I think is significant is: "There's a little witch in all of us." Do you think that some people are more "gifted" in "craft" ability than others?
- Strangers and Ritual: I know they needed to include the townswomen in the final act of exorcism in order to bring closure to the conflict between town and the Owenses. How do you feel about the idea of including "outsiders" in a ritual?
- Stereotypes:
What do you think of all of these stereotypes? Where they offset enough by the speech made by the woman in Sally's shop and Sally's own words: "There is no devil in the craft"
- Witches cast spells: they cast spells to seduce men, to curse those who anger them, to raise the dead. They can also apparently cure baldness.
- Witch are poisoners: poisoning (and eventually killing) Jimmy with Belladonna, Poisoning the syrup to banish Gary.
- Witches can fly.
- My Favorite Lines or Scenes: Sally: "Fine, but I do not want them "dancing naked under the full moon." Aunt Jet: "Of course not dear. The nudity is entirely optional. As you well remember."
What is yours?
Last updated: May 7, 2004 
