The formal, often imposing medieval and early modern grimoires - handbooks of spirit summoning – are but one set of instances of the spiritworking protocols of the Old Countries of  pre-modern Europe. From stories of haunted books, and even the Devil’s own tome of wicked magic, to magical ledgers from which spirits  could be called, commanded, and even bound, there are many mythic and magical  ways text and spirit interact.

Perhaps no other sources present so clearly the personal practices of early modern spirit conjurors as the ‘working-books’ of the various wise-women, fairy doctors, and village sorcerers collectively referred to as ‘cunning folk’. These working-books formed “personal grimoires” for these folk practitioners: indeed, these spellbooks were often piecemeal compiled through extensively copying and frequently shortening lengthy formal grimoire instructions down to a streamlined less “flashy” practice.

Such practical conjuring texts often include most everything needed to conjure spirits: from incense recipes and magic circle diagrams, to protective charms and knife consecrations, all the way to the correct words of conjuration, holy names, and nomina barbara to call forth angels, devils, the Good Folk, and the dead.

In this class, contemporary cunning man and historian Dr Alexander Cummins will present not only the history and theory of such practices, but also share some insights from his own professional practice – from what sigil to draw when you don’t know a nature spirit’s sigil, to how long you should let a spirit sit in a shewstone, etc – that today’s conjurors, callers, and charmers may find helpful in their own works.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Alexander Cummins (@grimoiresontape) is a professional diviner,  consultant sorcerer, and historian of magic.  His work focuses on  grimoires, divination, and folk necromancy. He co-hosts Radio Free  Golgotha, and can be booked for talks, workshops, readings, coaching and  consultation at www.alexandercummins.com/. His recorded classes can  also be obtained from The Cauldron Black archives.

THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! If you are unable to make the live   streaming of this class, don't worry  - the recording will be available  for you. The class link will be  emailed to you in your registration  confirmation. The class recording  link will be emailed to you within 3  business days of the conclusion of  the class and will be available to  you for 30 days after the conclusion  of the series.

By purchasing this class you agree to the following Non  Disclosure:This Agreement is between The Cauldron Black (“OWNER”); and  the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through  substantial effort, research, time, and expense certain inventions,  design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable  material and trade secrets directed and related to this class.  (“INFORMATION”); WHEREAS, OWNER desires to disclose the INFORMATION on a  confidential basis to RECIPIENT. The OWNER wishes to maintain the  confidentiality of the INFORMATION and the protection of OWNER'S  intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the  mutual promises, covenants, and conditions contained herein, the  sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as  follows: I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION A. OWNER agrees to disclose  INFORMATION to RECIPIENT for the purposes of an online class. B.  RECIPIENT agrees to receive such INFORMATION and to refrain from   copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any and all  of  said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential and refrain  from disclosing any and all of the INFORMATION, and to take all  necessary and reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use  of any and all of the INFORMATION. Failure to uphold this NDA may  result in legal action.