Magic and liberty are two concepts that seem to contradict each other. Magic is often associated with control, mystery, and a sense of power, while liberty evokes feelings of freedom, independence, and the absence of constraints. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that magic and liberty can coexist and even enhance one another. Magic, in its essence, is the manipulation of energy and forces beyond conventional understanding. It involves tapping into unseen realms, harnessing the power of nature, and creating changes in the physical world that defy rational explanation. This ability to transcend the limitations of the natural world aligns with the idea of liberty, as it allows individuals to break free from the confines of ordinary existence.

What Charms Did Witches Use In Their Magic Spells?

Charms and rhymes characterise our memories of witchcraft from fairy tales, classic literature, and fantasy films. Do “Mirror, mirror, on the wall” or “Hubble bubble, boil and trouble” ring a bell?

Many of these famous examples are invented for the purposes of fiction. But charms occupy a real place in the historical record, used as proof of witchcraft during trials.

According to a short article in the Newcastle Daily Chronicle, a woman believed an imp plagued the tenement where her husband lay in his sick bed. She bought a charm to chase the imp away but “[t]he charm did not work as was predicted. It was not in nature to suppose that a sixpenny charm could suffice in such a serious case. A change in the form of incantation was characterised by a considerable rise in the price of charms” (1869: 2).

As with everything else, you get what you pay for!

Charms are often short rhyming verses, recited to accompany an action or in the making of a talisman. You might think they sound similar to spells, and in some ways they are. Spells tend to refer to the overall piece of magic, whereas the charm refers to a smaller part of it.

But we’ll be looking at the shorter, less complex charms in this post. Let’s explore some charms from the historical record!

This ability to transcend the limitations of the natural world aligns with the idea of liberty, as it allows individuals to break free from the confines of ordinary existence. In the realm of magic, individuals have the freedom to explore their own potential and push the boundaries of what is considered possible. Through spells, rituals, and incantations, practitioners of magic can shape their reality and manifest their desires.

Charms to Steal Milk

In Scotland, some people accused witches of stealing milk from their cattle. Robert Chambers, quoted in an 1890 edition of the Newcastle Courant, explained that the witch made a rope from hair plucked from cows’ tails.

She tied a knot in this rope for each cow. The witch apparently held the rope above a bucket, using it to mime the act of milking. While doing so, she would recite:

“Meare’s milk and deer’s milk
And every beast that bears milk,
Between St. Johnston and Dundee,
Come a’ to me, come a’ to me.”

This would apparently cause the milk to appear in the bucket of its own accord. Some cows apparently knew when this was going on and alerted their owners by lowing. According to Chambers, “[a]n acute old woman could easily distinguish this low from any other, as it bore a peculiar expression of pain” (1890).

Laying rowan twigs, bound together with red thread, across the door to the barn could stop the witch’s power. In Aberdeenshire, farmers tied a red thread around the tails of their cows.

This pursuit of personal power and agency is closely related to the concept of liberty, as it allows individuals to take control of their own lives and determine their own destiny. Furthermore, magic can also be seen as a tool for liberating oneself from oppressive forces or circumstances. In folklore and literature, magic has often been associated with those who are oppressed or marginalized, providing them with a means to overcome their struggles and achieve a sense of liberation. For example, the story of Cinderella features a fairy godmother who uses magic to help Cinderella escape her life of mistreatment and find freedom and happiness. On a broader scale, magic can also be used as a means of social and political liberation. Throughout history, there have been instances where magic and witchcraft have been employed as a form of resistance against oppressive regimes. From the witches of Salem who defied societal norms to the voodoo practitioners of Haiti who fought against slavery, magic has been utilized as a tool to challenge power structures and fight for liberty. In conclusion, while magic and liberty may initially appear to be at odds with one another, they are actually intertwined concepts that can enhance and support each other. Magic provides individuals with the freedom to explore their own potential, shape their reality, and liberate themselves from oppressive forces. At the same time, the pursuit of liberty can inspire individuals to tap into their own inner power and harness the magic within themselves. Together, magic and liberty have the potential to foster personal growth, empower individuals, and create a world where freedom and wonder coexist..

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