American folk talismanic magic is a practice that has been passed down through generations in American culture. It involves the use of objects, also known as talismans or charms, that are believed to have mystical powers or bring good luck to the wearer. These talismans can include anything from horseshoes and rabbit's feet to dreamcatchers and spiritual symbols. One of the main ideas behind talismanic magic is the belief in the power of objects to influence and protect individuals from negative energies or forces. Whether it is for personal protection, success in business, or love and relationships, talismans are thought to provide a sense of security and allow the wearer to tap into positive energies. Talismans are often created with specific intentions and rituals in mind.
"This new and exciting tome covers many of our major American folk magic traditions on topics such as divination and spirit communication. Each section is presented by a recognized authority and/or scholar within the tradition. Traditions like Conjure and Powwow are treated in a respectful, thorough manner to provide an insider's perspective that will be accessible to the novice as well. Anyone who wants to explore these often hidden, magical sides of American folk culture would do well to immerse themselves in Llewellyn's Complete Book of North American Folk Magic. I have been involved in American folk magic academically and personally for almost fifty years and I find that I have benefited greatly from reading it. The chapters are exciting, affirming and will expand your knowledge and vision of our world and your life within it."—Jack Montgomery, author of American Shamans
Focus will also be placed upon ways of applying practical magic to everyday life, as well as enriching our personal practice through the research and incorporation of ancestrally relevant and or regional folk traditions. We will also have periodic live sessions to answer any questions from students as well as an optional course forum on Facebook where students can ask questions, share, and connect with eachother.
Talismans are often created with specific intentions and rituals in mind. For example, a horseshoe is believed to bring good luck and is often hung on the door of a home to ward off evil spirits. Similarly, a rabbit's foot is considered a lucky charm and is often carried in a pocket or worn as a necklace.
Foundations of Folk Magic
*Begins May 28th 2023* Foundations of Folk Magic is a 13 part course in Modern Conjure which has been designed to:
-Give students instruction and demonstration on practical, hands-on, and effective forms of Folk Magic and Conjure.
-Inspire and empower students towards developing a practical, personally relevant, and ancestrally aligned modern folk magical practice.
-Couple our firsthand experience along with historical resources in order to illuminate and demonstrate the role, importance, methodologies, and transmission of folk magical practices throughout various cultures, time periods, and locales. At its core ‘Folk Magic’ references practical and effective forms of magic which are culturally relevant and often draw upon easily accessible materials and common household objects in order to achieve miraculous results. This is the magic of everyday needs, desires, and survival which has been employed by common folks and magical specialists alike throughout history. Far from being relics frozen in time, folk magical traditions adapt and persist in response to the changing needs of both individuals and the larger community. Many of these practices are still alive, still relevant, and still evolving in the current era. In this course, informed by firsthand experience within conjuring traditions and extensive historical research we seek to explore what folk magic looks like to the modern practitioner. And further, to empower students with practical knowledge and hands on demonstrations to assist them in crafting a practice which is personally meaningful, ancestrally aligned, and magically effective. Sessions of this course are prerecorded and released every other week. Which will allow you plenty of time to watch the class videos at your leisure.
We will also have periodic live sessions to answer any questions from students as well as an optional course forum on Facebook where students can ask questions, share, and connect with eachother. Classes in this course will explore the following topics: Session 1 – The Origins of Conjure . Introduction, Definitions, and History. The role of Folk Magic in the modern world. Session 2 – Building Ancestral Practices. Working with Spirits and Saints. Session 3 – Books of Magic and Methods of Divination Session 4 – Herbs, Charms, and Cures Session 5 – Crossroad and Graveyard Work. Dirts, Powders, and Foot Track Work Session 6 – Incense, Oils, and Perfumes Session 7 – Psalms, Name Papers, and Magical Seals Session 8 – The Evil Eye, Protection, Court Case and Justice work Session 9 –Witchcraft, Crossing and Cursing Session 10 – Effigies, Poppets, Doll Babies, and Image Magic Session 11 – Candle and Lamp Magic Session 12 – Charm Bags, Packets, and Mojo Hands Session 13 – Magic for Money and Love This course will also provide:
– Suggested homework and reading materials for expanding their knowledge and experiences.
– Optional quizzes for students to complete in order to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course Cultural Preservation: In an effort to preserve cultural heritage and support communities which have been keepers of, and contributors to the rich tapestry of American folk magical traditions, 10% of all profits from this course will be split three ways and donated to the following organizations:
Foxfire
African American Heritage Preservation Foundation
Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness Though the breadth of what might be called folk magic inarguably spans many countries and continents, the historical focus of Foundations of Folk Magic is primarily centered upon the conjure and folk magical traditions of the United States, p articularly those traditions from the Eastern to the Midwest regions of the country, as well as our personal experiences and study within them. That said, this course is designed for the contemporary practitioner living within, and adapting to the modern world. Focus will also be placed upon ways of applying practical magic to everyday life, as well as enriching our personal practice through the research and incorporation of ancestrally relevant and/or regional folk traditions. I’m also very happy to announce that this course will feature an additional teacher. As the former TA for the course, fellow folk magician Devin McElderry joins me to present expanded materials and add his perspectives. About the Presenters: About the Presenters: Matthew Venus:
Matthew is an artist, folk magician, and witch. He is the owner of Spiritus Arcanum and has been a student and practitioner of the magical arts for 30+ years. He has been a presented teachings on various magical subjects throughout the country publicly, privately, and online for over two decades. With an animist approach towards spirit work and ancestral veneration at its center, his personal practice revolves primarily around folkloric traditional witchcraft and the folk magical, herbal, and conjure traditions of North America and the UK. Devin McElderry:
Raised on a family farm in rural Arkansas, Devin is an herbalist and amateur folklorist. Descended from a lineage of Appalachian coal miners, moonshiners, preachers, and granny women, Devin has devoted the past 17 years to preserving the folk customs, spiritual practices, and healing modalities of Appalachia, the Ozarks, and the cultures that inform their traditions.
Dreamcatchers, which are commonly associated with Native American cultures, are another form of talismanic magic. They are believed to ward off bad dreams and protect the individual during sleep. Dreamcatchers are typically made of a hoop with a woven web and feathers hanging below. Spiritual symbols, such as the pentacle or the evil eye, are also commonly used as talismans. The pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle, represents balance and protection. The evil eye, a symbol of protection found in various cultures, is thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. While talismanic magic is deeply rooted in American culture, it is important to note that its effectiveness is largely a matter of belief and personal interpretation. The power of talismans lies in the faith and intention of the individual who uses them. In conclusion, American folk talismanic magic is a belief system that revolves around the use of objects believed to possess special powers or bring good luck. Whether they are horseshoes, dreamcatchers, or spiritual symbols, talismans are thought to provide a sense of protection and tap into positive energies. However, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the faith and intention of the individual who uses them..
Reviews for "The role of moon phases in American folk talismanic magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "American folk talismanic magic". I was expecting more mystical and awe-inspiring stories, but instead, it felt like I was reading a history book. The writing style was dry and lacked any sort of magic or excitement. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an enchanting experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't even finish reading "American folk talismanic magic". The stories were so dull and uninteresting. There was no depth or complexity to the characters, making it hard to feel any connection or engagement with the tales being told. I found myself constantly checking the page count, hoping it would be over soon. Save your time and skip this one.
3. Mark - 2 stars - "American folk talismanic magic" had so much potential, but it fell flat. The stories lacked imagination and failed to transport me to a world of wonder and enchantment. The descriptions were lackluster, leaving me unable to visualize the magical elements being described. I expected more from this book, but unfortunately, it did not deliver.
4. Laura - 3 stars - "American folk talismanic magic" was okay, but it didn't live up to my expectations. While some stories had their moments, overall, they felt repetitive and predictable. The reliance on clichéd magical elements made it hard to find anything unique or refreshing in this collection. It's an average read if you're looking for something light, but don't expect to be blown away.