The final scene shows Nana giving the Hand to her family to kiss before they leave. Viola starts crying about how it isn’t right because it goes against her Christian beliefs, but eventually she accepts and kisses the hand (Daughters of the Dust 1991, 1 hour 44 min).

The article talks about appropriation, but also about keeping the history of Hoodoo alive and how it is practiced today. This is a great example of how the rich history of these religions plays a part in how they are practiced today.

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This is one of the many examples of how the movie entwines the past, present, and future. The theme connects to the article “Black Magic: Hoodoo Witches Speak Out on the Appropriation of Their Craft” (Bess 2015).

The next scene depicts a child running along the beach. The narrator is the unborn child, who is talking about answering Nana’s prayers and getting there “just in time” (Daughter of the Dust 1991, 26 min).

This relates to Romberg’s argument that African diaspora religions that are usually seen as historic have actually adapted to change (Romberg 2003, 2). The family might be moving to a new place to chase new dreams, but they will take their religion with them and adapt it.

This scene goes against the argument made by Dakota Bracciale, who helped organize a hex on a man who abused women (David 2018). Dakota believes that hexing Kavanaugh helped her and other women heal from a deeply hurtful experience.

Later in the movie, around 50 min, is the more graphic scene in the movie that I am not going to describe in too much detail. Basically, Rosemary is drugged so that the cult can offer her to Satan. (Rosemary’s Baby, 1968).

Romans point about religion seems to provide evidence for Cusack’s argument that these religions are just as valid as any other; Mainstream religions may seem like they are all that, but they are just acting it up. In principle, they are the same as any other religion.

The point Cusack is trying to make is that the distinction between “invented” religions and mainstream religions is that mainstream religions are rooted in their divine history, while invented religions admit to being made up. (Cusack 2010, 9).

This argument provides interesting evidence for Cusack’s argument that “invented” religions are not well studied because the idea of them goes against the traditional definition of religion (Cusack 2010, 9).

Guy says “that’s showbiz” to which Roman reply’s “that’s exactly what it is. All the costumes are rituals, all religions.” I interpret this scene as arguing that all religion is a show (although the Castevets themselves are devout followers of a cult).

It’s interesting seeing Guy tell Rosemary she can’t go see another doctor and that he won’t pay for it. I’m used to women having access to their own money and doctors. Of course, there are still situations where that isn’t the case, but still.

Rosemary’s smart in not accepting drinks from Minnie anymore. She definitely is starting to suspect something.

Hutch is in a comma, just like the old woman that lived in the apartment before them. I like the parallel.

Rosemary has the good luck charm that Terry had in the beginning before she died. That’s not a good sign!.

And Guy is the one who initiated having a baby. .

Donald baumgart went blind. I have a feeling the Castevets have something to do with it. The question is, is Guy in on it too? He DID go over to their place without Rosemary.