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 …
Read more “Pagan and Christian Syncretism in English Folk Magic”
The practice of folk magic in the British Isles is vast and rich, with each country having such diverse and culturally nuanced customs. The magical history of England encompasses a large variety of sources to gather insight from, but one main example is looking to the cunning folk and their practices we have records of. …
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; …
A common practice within pagan and magical traditions is the use of natural materials. In our spells, rituals, offerings and general magical practices, we utilise a lot of ingredients. Be this herbs, essential oils, or crystals, etc., we enjoy them for their inherent magical qualities. Whilst magical traditions, such as witchcraft, do not need to …
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, …
Read more “Popular Magic: Cunning-folk in English History by Owen Davies”
One of the aspects of performing spells, rituals or making offerings to spirits that isn’t talked about enough, is what to do with the items when they’re done or you’re finished with them. There’s a lot of focus in books and online about how to craft certain spells and what ingredients to include, but not …
