The Craft Hail To The Guardians Of The Watchtowers
The Craft is a 1996 American supernatural horror film directed by Andrew Fleming and starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True. It tells the story of four teenage girls who pursue witchcraft and deal with its consequences.
The Watchtowers
The Watchtowers are an important concept in The Craft. They are the four directional guardians that are invoked during rituals and spells to protect the witches and their workings. Each guardian is associated with an element, a color, and a specific set of powers.
The Guardians
The guardians of the Watchtowers are the spirits that inhabit each tower. They are called upon to lend their power and protection to the witches during their rituals and spells. The guardians are also associated with specific deities and mythological beings.
The North Tower
The North Tower is associated with the element of Earth, the color green or brown, and the powers of stability, strength, and grounding. The guardian of the North is the spirit of the earth itself, and its associated deity is the goddess Danu.
The East Tower
The East Tower is associated with the element of Air, the color yellow or white, and the powers of communication, intellect, and inspiration. The guardian of the East is the spirit of the wind, and its associated deity is the god Lugh.
The South Tower
The South Tower is associated with the element of Fire, the color red or orange, and the powers of passion, transformation, and creativity. The guardian of the South is the spirit of fire, and its associated deity is the goddess Brigid.
The West Tower
The West Tower is associated with the element of Water, the color blue or black, and the powers of emotion, intuition, and healing. The guardian of the West is the spirit of water, and its associated deity is the god Manannán mac Lir.
Invoking the Guardians
When invoking the guardians of the Watchtowers, the witches typically stand facing the direction of the tower they wish to invoke. They raise their arms and call out to the guardian, asking for its power and protection. They may also offer a sacrifice or gift to the guardian as a sign of respect.
The Consequences
The Craft portrays witchcraft as a powerful tool that can be used for good or evil. The consequences of using magic without care or responsibility are also explored in the film. The main characters all experience negative consequences as a result of their use of magic, including physical harm, mental distress, and social isolation.
The Legacy
The Craft has become a cult classic and has influenced popular culture in numerous ways. It has inspired fashion trends, music, and other films and TV shows. In 2020, a sequel to the film, titled The Craft: Legacy, was released.
Conclusion
The Craft is a film that explores the power and consequences of magic. The concept of the Watchtowers and their guardians is an important aspect of the film's portrayal of witchcraft. While the film may be fictional, it has had a significant impact on popular culture and has inspired many to explore the world of witchcraft and magic.