Hunting magic Deels are traditional Mongolian garments that are believed to possess magical powers to enhance the skills and abilities of hunters. These Deels are an important part of Mongolian culture and have been used for centuries by nomadic tribes living in the region. The design of the hunting magic Deels varies depending on the tribe and region, but they are typically made from high-quality fabrics such as silk or cashmere. They are adorned with intricate embroidery and often feature symbols and patterns that are believed to bring luck and protection during hunts. The magic aspect of these Deels lies in the belief that they can enhance the hunting skills and connections with nature. It is believed that the symbols and patterns on the garments can communicate with the spirits of the animals, guiding the hunter to their prey.
And in case you fear this is some progressive mumbo-jumbo, the book also explores how to seek out an enchantment that is able to challenge you to grow and get better rather than just reassure you that all your opinions and actions are perfect.
These are the questions we have to ask when we seek to discern the spirits, when we want to determine if the voice we are hearing is from God or from our own egos. When the Christian experience shifts away from the mystical toward being a good person, the foundation of faith is relocated and placed in a very vulnerable location, like a cup set dangerously close to the edge of the table or a rock pushed to the edge of a cliff.
It is believed that the symbols and patterns on the garments can communicate with the spirits of the animals, guiding the hunter to their prey. The wearer of the Deel is said to gain increased speed, agility, and accuracy during the hunt through the magic imbued in the garment. Hunting magic Deels are not only functional but also considered a symbol of prestige and status.
Hunting magic Deels
I recently finished reading Richard Beck’s latest book, Hunting Magic Eels. It was a fantastic read and a book I’d recommend to anyone. The subtitle explains his premise well: “Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age.”
I was initially drawn to this book as this topic seems to be an underlying premise of so many of our conversations on the Forest and Trees podcast (see: podcast page). In addition, I still think about things Beck wrote in his book Unclean many years after I read that one. Beck writes deeply about the Christian experience from the perspective of psychology (he’s a professor).
One of the themes throughout the book is that we need to be mindful of what gets our attention. And if we want to experience more of God, we need to find ways to aim our attention in that direction.
Faith is a matter of perception. Faith isn’t forcing yourself to believe in unbelievable things; faith is overcoming attentional blindness. Phrased differently, faith is about enchantment or, rather, a re-enchantment: the intentional recovery of a holy capacity to see and experience God in the world.
After his flight from Egypt, Moses is tending his father-in-law’s sheep in the middle of the desert near Mount Horeb. There, in the middle of nowhere, he catches sight of a bush that’s caught fire. Strangely, the bush isn’t being burnt up. Intrigued and fascinated, Moses says, “I must turn aside and see this strange sight.” I must turn aside. This is the key point. Encountering God’s presence requires a shift of attention. Moses must intentionally direct his attention to behold the strange sight.
When faith is a matter of attention, we need visual cues to capture and captivate our hearts and minds.
One of the most profound ideas in the book is how we’ve reduced Christianity to something that has inherently moved us away from experiencing God. Beck says it this way:
When the Christian experience shifts away from the mystical toward “being a good person,” the foundation of faith is relocated and placed in a very vulnerable location, like a cup set dangerously close to the edge of the table or a rock pushed to the edge of a cliff. Why? Because you don’t have to believe in God to be a good person. There are many people who don’t believe in God who are amazing, generous, and loving people. And once you make that observation, that you don’t need God to be good, the whole reason many of us have for believing in God simply evaporates. The glass falls off the table and shatters, and the rock tips over into the abyss.
He also does a great job—as a skeptic himself—showing how we need to challenge our own skepticism.
We still believe in the soul, even in this skeptical age. And we’d be horrified if anyone claimed otherwise. More and more people might doubt the existence of God, but God still haunts us. We crave the magic. We resist reducing our lives to biology. We are convinced that we are “more” than the sum total of our organs, bones, and tissues.
As Dostoevsky once said, “Beauty will save the world.” Music, art, poetry, and architecture, along with the wonders of the natural world, are much better equipped to capture and communicate the ineffable nature of spiritual insights and truths.
If you’re struggling with disenchantment, odds are you’re thinking rather than paying attention.
And in case you fear this is some progressive mumbo-jumbo, the book also explores how to seek out an enchantment that is able to challenge you to grow and get better rather than just reassure you that all your opinions and actions are perfect.
The critical issue, then, for both the religious and the spiritual alike, is this: Can your enchantment judge, criticize, and unsettle you? Can your enchantment point out your selfishness and self-indulgence? Can your enchantment, be it burning sage for your spell or singing “God Bless America” in your pew, hold a mirror up to your hypocrisy? Can your enchantment weigh your nation or political party on the scales and find it wanting? Does your enchantment create sacrificial obligations and duties in your life that you cannot avoid or ignore? Does your enchantment call you to extend grace to people you’d prefer to hate? Does your enchantment bust up your cozy self-satisfaction and dogmatic self-righteousness? These are questions that won’t be asked by an enchantment bought on Amazon. This fierce and honest moral examination can only be conducted by an enchantment that is “over and above” us, an enchantment that can judge us and hold our feet to the fire, an enchantment that cannot be avoided or blown off like the latest fad. These are the questions we have to ask when we seek to “discern the spirits,” when we want to determine if the voice we are hearing is from God or from our own egos.
This is a book that gave me lots to chew on while also nudging me closer to experiencing Jesus in new ways. What a gift to find both in one book.
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The more elaborate and intricately designed the Deel, the higher the social standing of the wearer. These garments are often passed down through generations, with each new owner inheriting the hunting skills and cultural knowledge associated with the Deel. In addition to their magical properties, hunting magic Deels also serve practical purposes for hunters. They provide protection against the harsh weather conditions in the Mongolian steppe, with their long sleeves and thick fabrics keeping the wearer warm and insulated. Despite the modernization of Mongolian society, hunting magic Deels continue to be worn and valued by hunters. They are seen as a connection to the ancestral spirits and a way to honor traditional beliefs and customs. The art of making these Deels is also passed down from generation to generation, ensuring their preservation in Mongolian culture. In conclusion, hunting magic Deels are traditional Mongolian garments that hold a significant cultural and spiritual role. They are believed to possess magical powers to enhance hunting skills and are adorned with symbols and patterns associated with luck and protection. These Deels not only serve practical purposes but also carry a sense of prestige and status. Their continued use and preservation demonstrate the importance of tradition and belief in Mongolian culture..
Reviews for "Connecting with Ancestors and Spirits through Hunting Magic Deels"
Jane - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Hunting Magic Deels" after hearing all the buzz, but I was sorely disappointed. The story lacked depth and the characters were underdeveloped. I couldn't connect with any of them, and as a result, I didn't care about their fate. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. Overall, it was a letdown.
Mark - 3/5
I found "Hunting Magic Deels" to be just average. The plot was interesting, but it lacked originality and felt a bit predictable. The pacing was off too, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The world-building was also underwhelming, as I never felt fully immersed in the fantasy setting. It had the potential to be great, but it fell short for me.
Emily - 2/5
I couldn't get through "Hunting Magic Deels". The writing was dry and lacked any sort of excitement. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot was uneventful. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end. It was a struggle to finish, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging fantasy read.