Re-release and Update with Professor Maria Carles, HPS!

I recently attended a Grand Opening celebration of Maria's here in Salem.  The Opening is a re-location and expansion of the Hermetic Arts Learning Center at 107 Bridge Street.  She and her partner are offering occult supplies, witchcraft instruction and ceremonial magick at this new location.  Also, for the first time Witch I of the Cabot Tradition is being taught entirely in Espanol, which by the way has made Laurie Cabot very happy indeed!!!  Although Maria is busy with all the above she is also still a Professor at Northeastern University AND a dedicated Mother as well.   MWS would like to congratulate Maria/partner on their new business and we sincerely wish them continued success!  

Another Mystic woman in our area truly making a difference in this world !!!  
R :}

Maria and I reviewing paperwork.

Maria telling me about her magical Father who did not know about 3X3!

Your goofy photog and a lovely Professor and herbalist.

Maria arrived at the studio with cases of fresh and dried herbs, plants, jewelry, and beautiful gowns.  Since she is an herbalist, the theme that I designed for her was based around plants and herbs.  Although the lighting was going to be a real challenge (due to numerous shadows bouncing off the leaves/plants), it was confirmed to me via dreams to forge ahead and make no changes from the original vision.


Since my shoulder (bicep) is pulled and I have torn ligaments from the elbow to shoulder, I knew this was going to be very challenging and painful.  Fortunately, new Mystic woman Dawn, volunteered her whole Saturday off of work to come and assist me.  Thank you so much D, I could not have done it without you!  Not only did she assist, being a photography enthusiast she also shot all the behind the scenes pics!  Job well done D!

Dawn putting the final touches on plants.

Our lovely Mystic Woman, Dawn.

Maria is an exotic beauty with gorgeous blue/black hair down to her hips.  She was a natural in front of the camera after the first round of test shots.  Mid-shoot I put on the music which "brings the big dogs in" and boy did they come!  The air became thick, instincts and guidance kicked in.  At one point I placed the vines of the pothos ivy I brought around her shoulders...within moments the ivy seemed to grow around her and Maria herself became one with the adoring plant.  She was so touched by the emotions shown by the plant that she took a cutting home with her...Ivy really loved Maria.


The shoot was long and quite complex in many areas.  The whole studio was engulfed with spirits, guardians, abundant aroma of sage, rosemary and other spices and herbs.  


Yet another "Mystic" phenomenon to write about!


:}

Re-publish Jacq Civitarese PR 8/2/2016 - A Day In Paris with Jacqie C.

Chances are if you have visited Salem during the Harvest Season you noticed shop owners, witches, locals, etc., gliding around Salem wearing glorious wool capes and cloaks.  These are more than likely the creations of our own Jacq...a tailor and designer in Salem (she also furnishes many clothing items for the local shoppes).  Eternal Stitch is the business name...check it out folks!  Jacq has been very busy since her shoot, not only professionally but personally as well.  We should congratulate our gal on her recent marriage - CONGRATS JACQ!  Read on about her shoot!  :}:}:}

I awoke to a snowy morning and checked to see if my shoot was still on. Rebecca and I, both being brave women, decided it was a "go". The excitement I felt to be a part of "The Mystic Women of Salem" project, that I woke up with, remained and became a power point even after a very difficult moment with my love affairs that morning. Despite a personal let down, my will to serge on with the shoot exploded around me and my closet as I looked for an outfit among all my creations. I then surrounded myself with pink light and did my hair and makeup (which I never do). Velvet, satin, tulle and majick filled my four large shopping bags as I hurried to the train. Rebecca was there to greet me with a great smile and much enthusiasm. We both spoke of the weather and the wild morning we had endured thus far.

We arrived at Salem State University at 1pm and through back doors and dark hallways I got my first look at the studio. The set of my "Shoppe" was displayed in the room. The purple hanging lamp was a beacon for my business, Eternal Stitch. Interestingly, purple and black are my business colors.

Rebecca introduced me to "Mystics" cyber wizard, Brian Miller, who is also a friend and assistant to MWS. After formalities I ate lunch while Brian and Rebecca concentrated on technical preparations and set up. The "behind the scenes" shots came naturally as we hung my creations and admired shoes and vintage hats. The mood was set and the air filled with beautiful music of "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf, the French songstress. Her voice, music, and life were emotional and tragic, much like another favorite of mine...Judy Garland.

Now...it's time for the shoot.

First, Rebecca was attempting to recreate a Eugene Atget portrait, shot in the late 20's, one that is considered a masterpiece. As each shot was explained (to prepare me for the mood she was looking for) I felt more at ease and comfortable in my new "Shoppe". In between shots of strobe flashes, my sight became fixed on the between realms of Salem. Glimpses of objects came in and out of reality as hyper flashes filled my vision. Luckily, I am comfortable with this state of being and the photos that transpired, reflected my loving and far away mood.

As the music ended, Rebecca switched lighting techniques/set ups, focusing on closeup stitchery shots. At times we were frustrated as Rebecca was trying to capture the crystal (which was on the tip of the needle), reflection by zoomed strobe shots. It was like trying to photograph a Faerie...the star burst of light did not want to be revealed to the world without love, patience and timing. Then, it dawned on Rebecca...there was no music! As soon as she put her majick music CD on the spark of the needle lit up and my spirit joined with it throughout the rest of the shots. We were all in bliss as time was quickly passing and the weariness of creating art had set in. The final shots were all together a different lighting setup and process producing a totally different look. Once complete, we reviewed the shoot in it's entirety on a large monitor screen in the photography lab. Rebecca had done it! The Atget shoot was a success and reflected a seamstress in love with her creations and work.

All the textures I brought were displayed by Rebecca's camera brilliantly...yet complexly. Color, texture and star bursts filled each image, our hearts now content.

Rebecca drove me to Salem depot as the sun was retiring for the evening. I was on my way back to reality....feeling beautiful and a sense of accomplishment.

Thank you so much Rebecca and Brian for all your efforts, talent and hard work!

Faerie Blessings...Jacq Civitarese of Eternal Stitch