Pagan and Christian Syncretism in English Folk Magic

In many systems and cultural traditions of folk magic, there are themes of Christianity found in the core structure of the practice. Within the spells, charms or incantations recorded in folklore, old cunning folk practices or witch trial records, we see the use of Psalms, Divine names for example – something which I outlined in …

Sacred Actions: Living the Wheel of the Year through Earth-Centered Sustainable Practices, by Dana O’Driscoll

Paganism by definition is often regarded to as “Earth-based”, with many pagans feeling close to nature on a spiritual level. But does this mean that pagans are automatically more sustainable and environmentally-friendly people? The story that Dana O’Driscoll gives at the start of this book is one that I’m sure many pagans can relate to; …

Popular Magic: Cunning-folk in English History by Owen Davies

Much of modern English folk magical practice or folk and traditional witchcraft is rooted in the practices of the historical cunning folk of England. The cunning folk were folk medicinal and magical practitioners who were employed for services such as healing, finding lost goods, divination and fortune-telling, for matters of love, communicating with the dead, …