Magical Meredith

Reflecting on the witch trial class period from my perspective as one of the judges alongside Ella and Kyla, I must say it was a truly unique and memorable experience. I am proud of how seriously our class took the witch trial, shown by the historical accuracy of each part played and the emotion and intensity behind each interaction. Specifically, one aspect that really stood out to me was watching the afflicted accusers, Lanie, Lexie, and Alyssa, fully immerse themselves in their roles. Their screaming, crying, and dramatized movements were both funny and terrifying at the same time. On one hand, their dedication to getting into character added a layer of authenticity and entertainment to the trial. It was almost like watching a scene from a historical portrayal of the witch trials unfold before our eyes. However, in their "craziness," it was a stark reminder of the hysteria and madness that characterized the Salem witch trials. The way they embodied the fear, paranoia, and ...

As I reflect upon our teachings this semester, I can’t help but draw stark parallels to the content discussed in last semester’s class of Treks and Texts. The importance and usage of the natural world is extremely prevalent when talking about witchcraft and occult practices and has transitioned seamlessly into the course material for this semester. As discussed in class, witches have long been associated with nature in various cultural and historical contexts. In many traditions, witches are depicted as having a deep connection to the natural world, often portrayed as herbalists, healers, and guardians of the environment. This connection to nature is symbolic of their spiritual practices and beliefs, which often revolve around the cycles of life, the elements, and the balance of energies. In folklore and mythology contexts, witches are often portrayed as living in harmony with nature, possessing knowledge of plants, animals, and natural forces. They are seen as attuned to the rhythms o...

Our conversation about the subsequent waves of 'witch trials,' marked by mass hysteria following the events of the Salem witch trials, inspired me to delve deeper into the historical significance of these trials. The one that particularly caught my attention was that of the McCarthy Hearings. Similar to the Salem witch trials, during the Cold War era in the 20th century, the United States experienced a different kind of paranoia, fueled by fears of communist infiltration and espionage. The Soviet Union's development of nuclear weapons and the subsequent escalation of tensions led to a heightened sense of national security and suspicion of anyone with perceived communist sympathies. The government's response included loyalty programs and investigations, such as those conducted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and Senator Joseph McCarthy. These initiatives targeted individuals suspected of communist ties, often leading to unjust accusations, blacklisti...

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana with some fellow frogs. Immediately upon arrival, we were greeted with a myriad of smells on Bourbon Street, both pleasant and unpleasant. I found intriguing parallels between the vibrant culture of the city and the captivating topics explored in class on voodoo and hoodoo, as learned in our reading of A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult. The voodoo shops and palm reading parlors drew tangible connections to the fascinating discussions we’ve had in class. While touring the French Quarter, a classmate of mine, Jaci decided to get a professional psychic reading for $50. She entered a place called Medusa’s Lair, where a man named Dean greeted her as the psychic. Jaci’s description of Dean is as follows: “He had feathers in his ears and was wearing clogs and a long coat.” The psychic reading began with Jaci pulling three tarot cards: Reverse Rock Bottom, Reverse Encouragement, and Ride the Wave. Jaci to...