#FolkMagic

[findingthe-stillpoint-blog]

When in doubt, just draw a lil man. A lil dude. Just a lil guy.

[wytchwyse]

So now that I've calmed down a little bit, I want to talk about what prompted my previous Post. I had recently joined the most ridiculous group on Facebook called "all things occult". And there was just the strangest environment in there, but I was just curious and wanted to see if I can engage with people on there in a healthy way, I learned very quickly You cannot lol. Now I probably talk a lot about folk magic on here, folk magic is very important to me. I grew up with bits of folk magic from both Appalachia and Italian-American culture. Pretty sure I said this before but I'll say it again. My father is Appalachian, my mother Italian American. My father would often have all sorts of stories and little bits of mountain wisdom for me when he was having a good day. He taught me a lot about respecting nature and animals, he taught me that you don't just take from nature essentially saying that nature could get back at you. He talked a lot about dreams and having the sight. On my mother's side there was always talk of the Dead visiting my family After funerals.there could be found Catholic talismans hidden around the house for Protection, my grandmother kept a St. Michael pendant by the hot water heater because she was always afraid of fire. And you want to know something,We never had a fire. This growing hate boner for folk magic is incredibly problematic. It is incredibly culturally insensitive, And without even meaning to it's classist. Religious trauma, particularly at the hands of Christianity, is a massive problem. But here's the thing about christian folk magic traditions. Folk magic cannot be separated from Christianity, but folk magic is sorcery and animism and is not sanctioned by any church or any Christian authority. It is still heretical and blasphemous to them. You can hate Christianity, and you do not have to practice folk magic , but folk magic belongs in Pagan And occult spaces no matter your feelings on the issue. There are plenty of trad witches and folk practitioners who are dual faith, and there are many who Care very little about religion and more about the relationships we build with spirits and the religions that they come from.

[vintagerpg]

What Happened at Wyvern Rock? (2020, I think) feels like a companion to Other Magic. Perhaps that’s just because I bought them at the same time as part of the same collection. Perhaps because they are both illustrated with lovely woodcuts (though with very different styles). But I think thematically, too. Where Other Magick imports folk magic to RPGs, the stated intention of Wyvern Rock is to bring Strangeness to D&D.

Drew Meger defines Strangeness as an experience or encounter that seems to challenge or defy our underlying understanding of the real world. That seems a touch broad to me, but in practice, Meger is essentially talking about the specific sense of strangeness attached to UFO sightings, cryptids and the fog of mystical and quasi-scientific oddness that tends to surround both. UFOs and Grey Aliens and the Moth Man are concepts that feel very much rooted in the 20th century, but in a weird way, they work extremely well in the context of D&D.

The zine is mostly interested in the Greys and in portraying these aliens and building adventures around them, I can’t help but be reminded of Delta Green, where they, and the Fungi from Yuggoth that control them, work in a similar way. I would not have thought that recontextualizing alien abduction folkore into D&D would work so well, but then I was kind of dubious about Call of Cthulhu meets X-Files, and I love that game now, so really, what do I know?

The main zine is accompanied by a bit of fiction called On Tattered Wings. It’s a fun little bit of cryptids meet D&D cotton candy with some fantastic art. I love Meger’s fusion of UFOs, Lovecraftiana and D&D imagery generally, but it really comes together for me in the fiction zine.

[revpapaj]

What is Hoodoo? Unpacking This Unique Spiritual Practice and Its Christian Roots.

This Art was created by me Rev PapaJ.

in this post I truly want people to understand what this really is buy someone who was tough but not read up on.

Hoodoo Explained: More Than Just Magic, It's Faith in Action.

Ever heard the term "Hoodoo" and wondered what it truly means? I bet you heard that it's just a practice because voodoo is the religious part. WRONG... Hoodoo is a traditional African American folk spiritual practice that originated in the Southern United States. It's a rich blend of African spiritual traditions and Christian Practices.

1 To me It's vital part to help you understand that Hoodoo was not created by the initial African men and women who were brought here in boats, but rather by their descendants, African Americans born and raised in the American South. It emerged out of a profound and urgent need to help its people to challenges the oppression, and daily struggles they faced. For many who practice it, especially those from traditional Southern Black communities, Hoodoo is not merely a set of spells or workings. Instead, it is deep interwoven with their Christian faith, often described as an version Africanized of Protestant Christianity, particularly Southern Baptist.

The Foundation, of God, The Bible, and Ancestors: At its core, Hoodoo relies on these three pillars and nothing else from other spiritual systems. There are no moon phases, no "head workings" (or any other concepts from other practices), no complex astrological charts, or anything else adopted from unrelated spiritual traditions.

2. Passed It Down, Not Reading It Up: Crucially, one cannot learn traditional Hoodoo solely from a book. Just like any other form of religion or deep spiritual practice, it must be learned directly from a seasoned teacher. This oral tradition ensures the proper understanding, ethical application, and spiritual integrity of the practices, which are imbued with layers of communal history and personal experience.

Important Port of Hoodoo Is Christian Religion in it's Practice: For these Southern men and women, Hoodoo is their religion, no different in its core belief in God than other Christian denominations. 'They believe in God, engage in prayer, attend church services, become pastors, and participate in baptisms'. The "workings" or "spells" are seen as direct applications of their faith, prayers in action, empowered by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Bible.

The Key To Practicality: Hoodoo is all about bringing about results. Whether it's for luck, protection, love, money, health, or even justice, Hoodoo practitioners use various methods to influence their circumstances, always with God at the center.

Q. What's The Original Meaning Of Hoodoo: If you've ever read my old post, you'd know what the term Hoodoo really means? What is was tough years ago is that over the last twenty-something years, this term has become a catch-all, used to identify a lot of different root workers. But down South, among folks who are considered real root workers, the word "Hoodoo" has a much more specific meaning: "to delete someone". Some Southern folks might say "to send them down the river," while others say "to send them to the upper room." Either way, it's a term that means to seriously hurt or even kill. It's not about healing or helping; it's about making someone disappear, one way or another.

The Bibles Resource: The Bible is an incredibly important spiritual text in Hoodoo. Biblical Psalms, verses, and Christian prayers are frequently incorporated directly into Hoodoo workings and spells. It's seen as a book of power, divine instruction, and a source for spiritual remedies and blessings.

Q. Is There A Place for Catholic Saints or Idols? Not really. With its strong Protestant and particularly Southern Baptist roots, Hoodoo generally does not venerate Catholic saints. For many practitioners, the Bible is taken literally in its teachings on sainthood, where all believers are considered saints (as in the Pauline epistles). Furthermore, the Bible's commandments against worshipping or praying to " images" or "false idols" are deeply respected. Therefore, prayer is directed to God alone, and objects used in Hoodoo are seen as tools or conduits for intention, not as deities or objects of worship themselves.

The Bibles Description Of The Saint, "Saints" refers to all Christians, both living and deceased, who are united with Christ. Catholics.

Your Ancestors: Honoring and working with ancestors is a significant part of Hoodoo. Ancestors are seen as guides and protectors who can assist in spiritual workings, always under God's ultimate authority.

The Misconceptions in Hoodoo: Is That Hoodoo is simply a secular folk practice. This is not true for traditional Hoodoo. For many practitioners, it is profound a spiritual and religious expression of their Christian faith.

Doing Dark Magic": This is a common misconception often fueled by stereotypes. Hoodoo, like any spiritual practice, can be used for good or bad, However, the majority of it's workings focuses on the positive, protection, and self-improvement, always seeking divine favor. It's about influencing circumstances and seeking God's will, not inherently causing harm.

At its core, Hoodoo is about empowerment and agency – giving individuals tools to navigate life's challenges and manifest their desires through spiritual means, all within the comprehensive framework of their Africanized Christian faith. It's a testament to resilience and ingenuity, born from a unique historical context it doesn't mean you need to be a Christian but you do need and have a profound respect for the Bible and that it's apart of this religion. So If you don't believe I'm the word of God and his son this isn't for you.

End Quote: "For those who walk its path, Hoodoo is not just something they do; it's a living, breathing faith, rooted in struggle and sustained by a profound connection to God, the Bible, and the guiding hands of their ancestors."

[666candies]

I am the Void 🌑✨

"Exile: Redux" by Clayshaper (2023) based on "Modesty" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1902).

[transitfever]

Cyberwitchery 101: How to Build a Temple out of Spotify and Regret

How do Spotify shrines work? What’s the principle behind Pinterest altars? Can you stretch your magical practice over a goddamn video game? (Short answer: yes.)

It doesn’t matter what you believe in — Asgard, Orun, rebuilding Shaolin, or a first-class return ticket to Eden. The masses aren't going to sign up for your utopian ideas anyway. Witches riot. That’s what they do. 🔥

The Birth of a Cybercult

Grab a bit of trickery, sprinkle in some time, and you can spawn a cult of Daozi (the Chinese god of crazy harmony) based on Twin Peaks memes. Or you can build an Ishtar shrine... on OnlyFans. (Your mileage may vary.)

There’s this thing — a symbolic field. You snag something from it — a fap-worthy or terrifying or just emotionally-charged image. It could be a song, a poster, a damn book. It strikes you. It owns you. You stuff it into your personal pantheon. Boom — you’re a fan of Avril Lavigne now. (nevemind.)

From Worship to Priesthood

Eventually, it’s not enough. The "deity" calls you to priesthood. (No, actually, it’s your own inflated mental fragment pulling you into that mess.)

Take it from someone who’s initiated in Ifá: Without inner resources, no spirit calls you anywhere.

You build a shrine: your rack of albums, your Pokémon Genji poster wall, or that classic Catholic flex — Sacred Heart of Jesus watching you stay a virgin till marriage.

You start preaching: "New Testament of Clíodhna", "Apocalypse of Nergal", "Psalms of Avril"... whatever trips your trigger. If you can admit it’s all your own need for meaning — congratulations, you have critical thinking skills.

Going Viral (and Suicidal)

And then... You go viral. Likes. Reposts. Outrage: “Where’s Jesus’ Heart, why are there dildos?” The hurricane begins. Your inner narcissist is delighted. Your wounded radical is healing. The Divine Blessing™ descends.

You might even get serious about your cult:

Like Wiccans grinding through the Wheel of the Year before calling themselves witches.

Folk witches posting cryptic graveyard shots with a bottle of cognac and bleach-blonde hair.

Occultists writing grimoires and masturbating intellectually over "traditional craft." (All equally valid coping mechanisms.)

Eventually, entropy wins. You get enough fans and haters. You implode under the weight of your own ego. You feel like dying for your "god."

(But hey, at least Pinterest makes it easy to hide your shame.)

How to Dismantle Your Cybercult

Pinterest board? Set it to private.

Spotify playlist? Archive it.

Tumblr blog? Nuke it from orbit.

Sims 4 Loki family? Delete them from your library, break your pact with the northen trickster.

Physical altars? Way harder. You have to atomize every artifact, spread them like meaningless trinkets across your home.

Pro-tip: Always have a quick exit strategy. It's all performance art in the end, darling. 🎭

Final Blessing

Cyberwitchcraft in a post-consumerist world is a treasure. It saves you (and your friends) from doing dumb stuff in public. It turns your random fandoms into sacred rites. It sanctifies your trash with the golden spit of the plebs.

Drink your Tie Guan Yin, darling. The goddess who hears the world's screams is busy tonight — somewhere, another rad-trad is having a meltdown. 🌚

[magpiethepunkfairy]

Having feelings about witchcraft and my identity or lack there of again

I want to get back into witch craft and get into specifically folk magic but I keep getting caught up in what I should be practicing and how and what I can*

I've made another post talking about feeling disconnected from any form of community, literally/spiritual/familia(?) wise, and I think that's part of it

And so I'm just not doing anything, which is obviously not helping or what I want to do

I feel like I need to be able to prove I belong before I can actually start anything, but that's hard to do when my family doesn't have any ties to any kinda culture or traditions. I don't even think we have any just basic family traditions

And I know one of the big parts of folk magic is the folk, so where do I start if I don't have that component??

And this feels like it also ties into my like, in a glass jar feeling I get, I have a hard time connecting and believing in anything even if I really want to cause it all just feels to far away or, like "fake", and I also have similar issues connecting to the real world and people in general

I don't think I've ever wished I was Christian more cause if I was I could just talk to a priest or something but who do I talk to for this shit

*this is Not about anything closed to me, I don't want that

[grimoireofholding]

The Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes. 📖✨

[starry-skies-tell-no-lies]

Birdie and their relationship with religion (version 1)

One of the things I really want to dig into is Birdie's relationship with religion. They were raised Roman Catholic, and that always came with some questions.

Then they started to realize that maybe secretly something over the course of time had started to chip away at their faith. They start to think about how if there's a plan for everyone then plans include other people doing bad things and it affecting you, and that can't be right.

It only gets worse when they start to realize that they are a they and don't fit nicely into the binary the church enforces.

For awhile they reject all religion. Yes, it is important to other people, but its only for other people. They don't really find meaning in any of the religions that they've heard of. The closest thing is maybe maybe witchcraft

(but they don't want to work with gods or spirits, and they don't want to cast spells, and slowly they come to realize that what they really like about it is taking time to slow down and think, and sense, and pay attention to the world and what makes you happy.)

They like the little rituals, not because they believe that it will work yet, but because they don't and sometimes 'just in case' is enough of a reason. And because it keeps them present and in the moment. It's just making a reason to actually enjoy life.

So, they decide that religion is allowed to be what they make it. They decide that it matters how they do things sometimes. They decide that sunrises are spiritual, and the stars are holy. They decide that sometimes talking to the moon in their head to thank her for light is a worth while thing to do.

They decide that all the things that catch in their chest and remove just a little bit of weight, the things that make them smile, well they can be religion too.

(and if its all the placebo affect, well the placebo affect works doesn't it? and they are so much happier having decided that things matter)

So they don't really believe in a god or gods, and they don't really believe in spirits, but they decide that they can treat everything like its alive like a stuffed animal. They may know that a tree won't really hear if they apologize when they bump into it, and that the moon will shine whether or not you thank it, but it feels like they have company if they acknowledge it, so they do. (and its just nice to be nice to things so there's that too)

[whispersoflysagora]

Exploring the Mysteries of Slavic Witchcraft with Ewa Sobczak

Dive into the mystical world of *Slavic Witchcraft* by Natasha Helvin with Ewa Sobczak, our gothic artist guide. In this captivating book review, Ewa unveils the rich tapestry of Slavic culture and the intertwining of pagan traditions with Orthodox Christianity. Explore powerful spells for love, protection, and wealth, including the revered *Amulet to Protect the House*. Watch as Ewa meticulously crafts this protective talisman using sacred ingredients like garlic and dried herbs, emphasizing the importance of intention in magic. Discover how this amulet connects her to her ancestors and transforms her home into a sanctuary. Join us on this enchanting journey and don't

[wytchwyse]

Have you worked with Hellebore (Helleborus ×hybridus) ?

What was your experience like mundanely speaking? dried, did it still cause skin irritations? im working on an Obfuscation Dust but i want to be safe as Hellebore is a poison.

PS I have experience working with other plant toxins, such as water hemlock, and foxglove. I also use flying ointments in my personal practice as well. So I don't want anyone to think that I'm getting in over my head or anything. Although I totally appreciate all of the cautious reminders. 🤗

[blackandthemoon]

🎄🪦21 Days of Yule: Day 09 — Oracle Garland🪦🎄 In the spirit of non-traditional Yule decorations, I wanted to share this oracle garland I created out of cards from the Memento Mori Oracle deck. Each one symbolizes a “wish” I have for 2024. If you want to make this but don’t want to punch holes in your decks (can’t blame you), try using clothespins instead.

[saturninemysticthreads]

Tell us a story that this reminds you of!

[cantva190]

Round or oval stones symbolize the feminine as they represent the female reproductive system, and pointed stones symbolize the masculine as they represent the male phallic side. ............................................................................................ Make a Wish: While you are in the river you can grab a stone and make a wish, while you do so focus on your wish and visualize how it has already materialized. After this, throw the stone with all your strength, go and don't look back.

[sitting-1n-silence]

I came across it when reading southern folklore! In one story, it was used to keep a Boo-Hag from following someone home after performing a counter-curse on them. It's a great protection against witches and evil spirits

Graveyard etiquette from a cranky traditional witch:

-Leave shit at the gate (coins, cigarettes, eggs, flowers)

-If alone go in silence, if with others speak in a hushed tone

-Wear a hat or head covering to prevent possession or bringing home unwanted spirits.

-Bring bells and/or rattles to wake the dead if desired

-Smoking in the graveyard or carrying a flame is an easy way to get the attention of the dead at night.

-Bring a knife or object made of iron should things get hairy (always bring a knife). Canes are also excellent tools for working with the dead

-have a way of gathering occult materia without being noticed by people or spirits (invisibility charms work best)

-If you're bringing spirits home with you (intentionally), don't turn around until you're across the threshold of your home

-Upon leaving the cemetery, say a prayer for the dead and wild things that inhabitant there

-When home, spread white powder (flower, salt, ect...) at the door to keep unwanted spirits out. A colander over a key hole works too.