I find that The Craft depicts members of the neo-pagan religion in an unreal way. The girls in the movie, aside from Sarah, are depicted as outcasts or freaks. They are depicted as having to use magic to fit in. They use magic to fulfill their whims. However, after listening to the guest lecturers in class it seems to me that Pagan followers are normal people who chose to

In the second ritual scene of the movie the girls chant around an open fire and call the elements to them. This time the chanting is more powerful and results in Nancy’s ability to walk on water and the death of sea animals. These two scenes reminded me of the ritual in class. The calling of the elements, chanting, and circle were all present in the movie as in the pagan ritual. However, that is where the similarity stopped. In class the calling of the elements seemed to be more for peace than for power. The movie creates the typical Hollywood over dramatization atmosphere. There is immediate power, control of life and the ability to create or destroy anything that they want. It appears to me that the real Pagan rituals are more to express their beliefs and call to the elements in a non-threatening way. Hollywood depicts the ritual as an activity people only use when they want power. The real Pagan rituals would not be held in order to ask for control of life. The rituals are for protection and peace. The film definitely over exaggerates the ability of the Pagan followers. Walking on water and killing seals is not something that readily happens in the Pagan community.

Overall, The Craft is entertaining. It portrays witches in a spooky, Halloween-like fashion. However, some parts of the ritual are taken from true Pagan ritual elements. The Craft does not create a true portrait of a witch, but it is meant to be entertainment. It is sad that many people will never understand that Pagan followers are not the scary people portrayed in movies such as this, but for those who understand, this is a very good movie. It

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