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! The class recording link will be emailed to you within 3 business days of your purchase and will be available to you for 30 days after the conclusion of the series. You must be 18 years old to purchase this class recording. There are no refunds or exchanges.
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