Portuguese folk magic refers to the traditional practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations in Portugal. This form of magic encompasses various rituals, spells, and charms that are used to attract luck, protect against evil, and heal different ailments. One of the most common practices in Portuguese folk magic is the use of amulets and talismans. These objects are believed to hold protective powers and are worn or carried to ward off negative energies or bring good fortune. Popular amulets include the hamsa hand, the evil eye, and the St. Cyprian's brass coin.
My co-founders (Christine and Jeff) and I were a bit dumbfounded. or maybe we were just dumb founders (excuse the humor). What do you do when 98% of your business is international travelers, many of them—due to age or medical condition—part of the more vulnerable demographic? How do we keep the thirty local families working with us here in El Pescadero, Mexico, financially secure during a time when we may have no revenue coming in for the next who-knows-how-many months (turns out it was six and a half months before we had guests again)?
What do you do when 98 of your business is international travelers, many of them due to age or medical condition part of the more vulnerable demographic. It is with deep gratitude that I wanted to share with you 12 separate pandemic projects that sprouted from this period, not to gloat, but to observe how a crisis can be an opportunity.
Cyprian's brass coin. Candle magic is another significant aspect of Portuguese folk magic. Different colors of candles are used to represent different intentions and desires.
MEA: A One-Year Pandemic Retrospective
It was exactly one year ago when MEA had to close for business. It all happened so abruptly, with the World Health Organization announcing that we’d slid into a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. We had our 50th MEA cohort of 18 mid-lifers on campus at the time, scheduled to leave on March 15, with another cohort scheduled to arrive that same day.
My co-founders (Christine and Jeff) and I were a bit dumbfounded. or maybe we were just dumb founders (excuse the humor). What do you do when 98% of your business is international travelers, many of them—due to age or medical condition—part of the more vulnerable demographic? How do we keep the thirty local families working with us here in El Pescadero, Mexico, financially secure during a time when we may have no revenue coming in for the next who-knows-how-many months (turns out it was six and a half months before we had guests again)?
Yet here we are 12 months later, feeling stronger than ever. The past year has proven that—with resilience and adaptability—a fledgling, young business can flourish even against the odds. As it turned out, we were able to pay all of our local employees 75% of their normal salaries and wages during this more than half-year shutdown period. While it wasn’t easy, we were helped mightily by our MEA alumni community that contributed nearly $300,000 to what many call their alma mater to help support MEA in our time of need.
Our small but mighty team rallied to not only “build the seats while flying the plane” but also to envision a bright future. We all wear many hats at MEA and pushing up our sleeves while holding each other up is how we roll. I’m so proud of this team.
It is with deep gratitude that I wanted to share with you 12 separate “pandemic projects” that sprouted from this period, not to gloat, but to observe how a crisis can be an opportunity.
Thanks to so many of you who helped us get through this period.
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In tandem with MEA alum Jenn Maer, we rebranded the Modern Elder Academy as MEA with a new logo and website.
12 months. 12 projects. And to think, last spring, we were wondering if we needed to “Snow White” MEA and let the organization sleep for a year or more during the pandemic. Quite the opposite. While it’s been a scary time, it’s also been one of intense innovation and productivity.
I want to give a special thanks to Neel Sharma, our Head of Strategic Marketing, who has been intimately involved with much of this and was the inventor and producer of Wisdom Well, and MEA alum Bill Apablasa (Wisdom Well editor), who makes my writing sound so much better. Neel, in tandem with alum Laura Alfano, also helped with our Happy Hour series in concert with AGEIST founder David Stewart in which we got to interview midlife celebs like Danny Meyer, Norma Kamali, and Michael Franti and the 18 episodes being available here.
I have no idea what the next 12 months will bring, but I do know that Winston Churchill said during World War II, “When you’re going through hell, just keep going.”
Yet here we are 12 months later, feeling stronger than ever. The past year has proven that—with resilience and adaptability—a fledgling, young business can flourish even against the odds. As it turned out, we were able to pay all of our local employees 75% of their normal salaries and wages during this more than half-year shutdown period. While it wasn’t easy, we were helped mightily by our MEA alumni community that contributed nearly $300,000 to what many call their alma mater to help support MEA in our time of need.
For example, green candles are associated with money and abundance, while red candles are used for love and passion. Specific rituals and prayers are performed while lighting the candles to channel the desired energy. Herbs and plants also play a crucial role in Portuguese folk magic. A wide range of herbs and flowers are believed to possess different magical properties and can be used in potions, baths, or herbal teas. For example, lavender is associated with relaxation and sleep, while rosemary is believed to bring protection and enhance memory. Divination is another common practice in Portuguese folk magic. Tarot cards, playing cards, and pendulums are often used to gain insights into the future or to seek guidance. The interpretation of dreams and the reading of signs and omens are also deeply rooted traditions in Portuguese folklore. Furthermore, folk healers, known as healers, hold a revered position in Portuguese folk magic. These individuals have knowledge of traditional remedies and healing techniques that have been passed down through generations. They use a combination of prayers, herbs, and rituals to help treat various ailments, both physical and emotional. Overall, Portuguese folk magic reflects the rich cultural heritage and beliefs of the Portuguese people. It is a practice deeply connected to nature, spirituality, and the collective wisdom of past generations. The use of amulets, candles, herbs, divination, and the expertise of healers all contribute to the intricate and diverse tapestry of Portuguese folk magic..
Reviews for "Portuguese Folk Magic: The Art of Hexing and Cursing"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about Portuguese folk magic, but this book was a huge disappointment. The information was vague and not well-researched, and there were hardly any practical tips or techniques provided. It felt more like a collection of personal anecdotes rather than a guidebook on the subject. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of Portuguese folk magic.
- Mark - 1 star - Honestly, I couldn't even finish this book. The writing style was incredibly dry and boring, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the author seemed more interested in talking about their personal experiences than actually teaching anything about Portuguese folk magic. I was hoping to gain some new knowledge and insights, but all I got was a dull read that left me extremely disappointed.
- Anna - 2 stars - As someone who has studied and practiced witchcraft for years, I was intrigued by the title of this book. However, the content did not live up to my expectations. The author seemed more focused on self-promotion rather than providing valuable information. The rituals and spells presented were basic and nothing I hadn't already come across in other books. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would advise others to look for more comprehensive resources on Portuguese folk magic.