Ep 28: The Dark Crystal (1982)

Hello Friends! Welcome back to episode 28 of The Wytch Files! Today we are extremely pleased to bring you a review of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal movie which was released in 1982. Jim Henson wanted to produce a film that was a lot darker than the show he was most known for at the time which was The Muppet Show. He wanted to create a film that was akin to the old Grimm's fairy tales with their twisted and sometimes scary storylines. Henson kept a sort of daily production diary for the film and his other creative projects in his Red Book.  You can also read the film's script if writing is your jam.

In the episode, we discuss how Jen's journey in the story follows Joseph Campbell's hero's journey. Kayla Spagna's blog post "The Dark Crystal" and Campbell's Heroic Journey goes into detail about Jen's hero journey.  You can also read about all 17 stages of Joseph Campbell's monomyth here.

The Dark Crystal has its share of esoteric symbolism and philosophy within its story and production design.  Matt Auryn has a great post on his Patheos blog "For Puck's Sake" which discusses possible occult influences on the film and it is a delicious read.  The website "JaysAnalysis" also has an interesting post that goes into the esoteric analysis of the film.  Jim Henson was hugely influenced by psychic and author Jane Robert's book "Seth Speaks" which was entirely written from material she channeled from a discarnate being called Seth beginning in 1963. You can read more about it at The Seth Material in a Nutshell post at the Diary of a Mystic blog.

One of the most amazing sights in the film is the first look at Aughra's observatory with its fabulous giant orrery rotating above and around the characters.  You too can build your own orrery with a little help from The Art and Craftsmanship of Zeamon, check out "Building an Orrery" where he takes you through it step by step.  We also mentioned the practice of sun-gazing used for healing and to increase vitality.

Dreamfasting is a psychic bond that occurs between our two Gelfling protagonists Jen and Kira when they touch hands which allows them to share memories.  Science has actually achieved the ability to form brain to brain mind connections between human beings and you can read about it here and here.

The Mystics used sound through vocalization of vowels to create a resonance to aid them with their spiritual and magical workings. These vocalizations or mantras are powerful transformative sounds and this article explains more about mantras and how to use them.  The Science of Mantras explains how mantras can be used for healing and environmental transformation.

Speaking of sound and energy waves, a recent study revealed that The Great Pyramid of Giza can focus electromagnetic energy and its chambers incorporate sound technology.

 We can not talk about The Dark Crystal without speaking a little about crystals.  Judy Hall is a recognized authority on crystals and has written multiple books on the subject, be sure to check out her website for a wealth of information on crystals.  We mention calcite in the episode and The Hood Witch has a informative blog post on calcite and also provides a meditation using the stone.

Lastly, the Dark Crystal cosmology was greatly expanded after the release of the film through books and comic books.  Here is a brief listing of some of those books and comics:

Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, The Complete Collection

Jim Henson's The Power of the Dark Crystal, vol. 1, vol. 2 and vol. 3

Jim Henson's Beneath the Dark Crystal, vol. 1 and vol. 2

Jim Henson's Shadows of the Dark Crystal by J. M. Lee (book 1)

Jim Henson's Song of the Dark Crystal by J. M. Lee (book 2)

Jim Henson's Tides of the Dark Crystal by J. M. Lee (book 3)

Jim Henson's Flames of the Dark Crystal by J. M. Lee (book 4)

The music featured in this episode includes:


Fossils by Kyle Preston
Shimmer by Krackatoa
Under an Ending Sun by Krackatoa
Mad Flutes of Strange Incensed Lands by Javier Frisco
Edge of the Wastelands by Tri-Tachyon
Bewitched Hell by Damiano Baldoni
Courtship Melody by Sidhartha
Elio Contro Atlante by Damiano Baldoni
Bodhidharma at Shaolin by The Gateless Gate
Harph Heaven by Lobo Loco
Bodhi Ambient by Daniel Birch
Tannhauser Gate by Tri-Tachyon
Le Dernier by Blear Moon
Lemon Lime by Breyvn

Theme music X-Files Theme Parody by Mallon Khan. 

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