It is sometimes quipped that wisdom is, among other things, “knowing when to duck”. Taking seriously this importance of knowing when something can be most usefully done (or not done) can encourage us to look anew at traditional concepts of time, the turn of the seasons, and timing considerations for various folk magical operations and observances. Doing so allows us to engage with both illuminating and practical understandings of how we might attend to and work with our spirits, commune with nature, and live our best cunning lives.

In this class we will therefore investigate traditions of seasonal festivals marking the changing of the tides of the year; from astronomical events such as solstices to the economic realities of harvest celebrations.

We will examine the rich folklore of saint feasts, marking not only church calendars but social events and potent points of the year at which certain magics – including dream incubation, gathering herbs, and much more – could be most efficaciously observed.

We will of course consider the popularity, roles, and functions of the various folk astrologies of moon phase and planetary charms, as well as the planetary timings of hours and the days of the week.

Our examination of cunning timing will also investigate the ‘dog days’ and other ranges of times considered unlucky – to begin a venture, cut one’s hair, plant crops, go on a journey, and much more.

We will explore the folklore of powerful times of day and night, marking the occult virtues of dawn, the morning dew, the midday sun, the crossroads at midnight, and what is done at a waxing moon.

Finally we will analyse folk grimoiric techniques of timing considerations for calling and loosing spirits, as well as examining traditions of using secret seasonal names of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and the days and hours of the week in one’s cunning work.

About the Presenter:

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

THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! The class link will be emailed to you in your registration confirmation. The class recording link will be emailed to you within 3-5 business days of the conclusion of the class and will be available to you for 30 days after the conclusion of the class.

By purchasing this ritual 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.