Season 2, Episode 3: Folk Magic

This month’s episode is all about folk magick - in particular Slavic folk magic.  Often when you hear the term “folk magic” people are referring to Appalachian folk magic.  So let’s talk about some of the differences between the two before we dive in.

Appalachian folk magic is influenced by a blend of indigenous, European, and African American traditions. Slavic folk magic draws primarily from Slavic, Baltic, and Ural cultural influences.

The Appalachian region, located in the southeastern United States, has a distinctly different landscape and climate compared to the Slavic countries of Eastern Europe. This of course impacts the types of plants, animals, and natural elements that are incorporated into these folk magic practices.

While both Appalachian folk magic and Slavic folk magic may incorporate elements of Christian, pagan, and folk religious beliefs, Appalachian folk magic often reflects Protestant Christian traditions, while Russian and Slavic folk magic incorporates elements of Orthodox Christianity, paganism, and even shamanism.

The practical applications of folk magic practices differ between the two traditions as well. For example, Appalachian folk magic places greater emphasis on folk healing, plant-based remedies, and protection against natural hazards such as storms or wild animals, whereas Slavic folk magic focuses on protection against supernatural forces, divination, and rituals related to household and nature spirits.

There are mythological figures that are specific to Appalachia, such as the Jack Tales, Granny Women, and local spirits or monsters like the Wampus Cat.  Slavic folk magic draws upon folklore and mythical creatures that are unique to Slavic culture, such as Baba Yaga, the Domovoi, and the Firebird.

But there are many commonalities between the two traditions as you will see. And for me, living in the Americas as I do, I can’t help but be influenced by both traditions.  Slavic because I have specifically sought out my cultural heritage, but also Appalachian because of my love of herbalism and folk stories.  And, living in the American West, I can’t help but also be exposed to touches of Mexican and Native American magical tradition.  So, I want you to know it is perfectly OK to practice a blend of traditions, based upon your unique situation.

And at the end of the day, regardless of what traditions you prefer to draw upon, I encourage you to look into your own heritage and cultural influences.  The world is rich and diverse, and our magic so personal to each of us.  Why not explore your roots and see what wisdom lies there waiting for you to tap into its power?

Let today’s podcast serve as a glimpse into some magical traditions you may not be as familiar with. I hope it inspires you to dig deeper, keep learning, and look beyond the highly commoditized (is that a word?) Celtic traditions we are all so familiar with.

Let’s get into it.

Each episode, released on the full moon, is a guide to what to look out for this month - from the sky above to the land below as well as deep within ourselves.  I’m your host Wind Moon, and here is everything making me feel magical this month.

March is a month of metamorphosis, where nature awakens from the quiet of winter's slumber and the garden begins to burst forth with new life. As the frost yields to the strengthening sun, the air carries the heady perfume of earth awakening, and the chorus of songbirds heralds the changing seasons. If we watch closely, we witness the emergence of life from the dormant soil, as buds unfurl and shoots pierce the ground with determined vigor. The general mood of the month is a sense of vitality and potential, urging us to harness the transformative magic that swirl through the awakening earth.

The Moon

The full moon of March is commonly known as the "Worm Moon," a name inspired by the earthworms that begin to emerge from the thawing ground as winter gives way to spring. This moon represents the earth's reawakening and the return of life to the soil. The Worm Moon is associated with renewal, regeneration, and the promise of new beginnings. Often referred to as the "Spring Full Moon" or "Spring Equinox Moon." It holds special significance as it marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the agricultural season.  This full moon carries the energy of growth and transformation and is associated with the element of Earth, linking it to the fertile and grounding energies of the natural world. Harness the momentum of this lunar phase to work on spells for abundance, fertility, and connecting with the Earth's life force.  It is a time to plant seeds, nurture the soil, and prepare for the abundance of the coming months.

This Month’s Magical Creature

You’re probably familiar with the idea of Brownies.  But have you heard of Domovoi?

In Slavic folklore, the Domovoi is a guardian spirit deeply woven into the fabric of household traditions and beliefs. As a prominent figure in folk magic practices, the Domovoi possesses a complex and multifaceted nature, embodying both protective and mischievous qualities.

Domovoi share similarities with various household spirits found in different folk traditions around the world, such as brownies in Celtic folklore, hobgoblins in English folklore, and tomten in Scandinavian folklore. These similarities stem from shared cultural beliefs about the spiritual guardianship of the home and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

For myself, when I find a theme or an idea that carries across so many different traditions, I tent to take note.

Like brownies and other household spirits, Domovoi serve as guardians of the home, ensuring its protection and well-being. They are deeply connected to the physical space of the home and its inhabitants, forming a symbiotic relationship with the family.

Domovoi perform various domestic chores while the family sleeps, such as cleaning, tending to the hearth, and assisting in the garden or with farm work. These helpful actions are performed out of sight.

In exchange, offerings such as food, drink, or tobacco are left as tokens of respect and gratitude, while rituals include prayers, incantations, and setting up an altar or designated space within the home.

While generally benevolent, Domovoi can sometimes exhibit mischievous behavior if they feel neglected or disrespected. They may play harmless pranks on the family or cause minor disturbances to draw attention to their presence and remind the household of their importance.  The worst thing that can happen is for a Domovoi to leave a household.  Their lack will soon be felt as things begin going wrong for the household members - burst pipes, leaky roofs, crop failures, infestation, poverty, and eventually, the abandonment of the home by that family.  So keep your Domovoi happy!

As creatures of the natural world, Domovoi possess the ability to communicate with animals or control natural elements. This connection to nature mirrors the beliefs surrounding brownies and other household spirits, who are often depicted as beings deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the earth and its seasons. They will befriend your pets too, so it behooves you to take good care of your animals too.

The Domovoi is often depicted as a small, elderly man or woman dressed in traditional peasant clothing. However, its appearance may vary, and it can also take the form of an animal or a shapeless entity. With glowing eyes and a wrinkled face, the Domovoi exudes an aura of ancient wisdom and mystery.  They are said to look after multiple generations within a family, almost like ancestral guardians.

They form a spiritual connection with the family, acting as a loyal companion and guardian of the home's prosperity and well-being.

Working with the Domovoi involves establishing a respectful and harmonious relationship through rituals and offerings. Offerings such as bread, milk, honey, or tobacco are commonly made to appease the spirit and maintain its favor. Rituals may include setting up an altar or designated space within the home for the Domovoi, where offerings are placed and prayers or incantations are recited. Additionally, acts of kindness, such as keeping the home clean and well-maintained, are considered essential in honoring the Domovoi and ensuring its continued protection and blessings.

Folk Magic

Folk magic provides a tangible connection to the past and offers a reservoir of practical, earth-centric wisdom. Drawing inspiration from age-old traditions, you can infuse your craft with the simplicity, resourcefulness, and authenticity so characteristic of folk magic.

I love folk magic with its emphasis on practicality and everyday solutions. Using what I have on hand, and what is local to me. Folk magic often involves using readily available materials and incorporating practices with minimal effort into daily life. In a world driven by over consumption and capitalism, this really resonates with me.  How can I use what I have to work my magic?

For example, I love to use local river stones in my practice rather than just rare crystals mined from around the world.  Believe me, no judgement, I have plenty of those too, and they are beautiful.  But don’t underestimate the power of what you have on hand locally.  We even got a rock tumbler recently to give some of these special finds a lovely polish - you would not believe what beauty has been revealed in even the simplest of river stones!  They have become some of my favorite decor and alter pieces.

Herbalism plays a central role in folk magic, and knowledge about the magical and medicinal properties and uses of local plants.  Learning herbalism was actually my primary gateway to magic - moving me from an occult curious teen to a full time practitioner. And it was through plants that I found my power.  I was fortunate to work in person with an experienced witch and herbalist for many years in my mid twenties.  What she taught me had been passed to her by another.  And it is my sincere hope that I can continue to transmit the knowledge to others - keeping that wisdom alive and flowing through the population.  It’s so important that we not loose this knowledge.

In folk magic, herbal correspondences, are passed down through generations, and provide a guide for selecting plants aligned with specific intentions or needs.  We’re probably all familiar with at least a few different folk remedies such as garlic oil for an earache or honey for a cough.  It’s worth learning a few of these, and keeping the necessary ingredients on hand.

So that’s a bit on the herbalism piece, but folk magic also often involves rituals and charms focused on protection, luck, and healing. From creating charm bags for protection to crafting poppets for sympathetic magic, the simplicity and effectiveness of folk magic rituals make them accessible and adaptable for modern magical practitioners.  Again, common household and natural objects are preferred ingredients for spell work - items such as coins, feathers, nails, twine, eggshells . . . . you name it, it can be used.  The real key to spellwork and rituals in the folk traditions is innovation and intention.  Use what you have and shape it into what you need.

If you eat eggs, I recommend washing the shells and saving them to make eggshell powder. In some traditions this is called cascarilla powder.  It’s super easy to make and keep in a jar for protection magic.  You can also add herbs to your powder or make it into a chalk like substance to draw a barrier or sigil with.

Eggs themselves are full of magical symbolism - fertility, life, transformation,. . . And If the shell is a protective barrier between the inside of the egg and the outside world, why can’t it create a barrier between you and all the things you don’t want to get in?

That’s how folk magic thinks.

The final piece to talk about today is divination.

Methods of divinations such as scrying, reading tea leaves, or employing simple divinatory tools like tarot cards align with the practices passed down through generations.  But beyond these traditional forms, folk magic also calls on the reading of signs, listening to the wind and trees, augury - the reading omens through the observation of birds, and the casting of bones.

This gets to be a really fun topic to explore.  And I’m not going to go too deep on these today as they will make excellent content down the road and are big enough that I want to give them adequate time.

But if you are curious, read up on these alternate forms of divination and give some a try.

So how does one learn folk magic? There are a few options, and I’d recommend you exploring them all.

Number one, research and study: Start by researching the folk magic traditions that interest you or relate back to your own cultural heritage or geographic region. Look for resources that discuss the history, practices, and beliefs associated with the specific folk magic traditions you're drawn to.  I’m a big believer that a lot of healing happens when we learn about our own origins.  However, when it comes to folk magic I highly recommend you also learn about local traditions - they will give the best inside into local animals, plants, weather, . . . .

Number two, connect with practitioners: Seek out practitioners or communities who are knowledgeable about folk magic. Attend workshops, seminars, or local gatherings, join online communities (like the Inner Circle membership!) where you can learn from experienced individuals and share experiences with like-minded people.

Number three, practice honing your intuition: Folk magic often relies on intuition and awareness of natural energies and the world around you. Practice mindfulness techniques to enhance your intuition and sensitivity to the energies around you.

Number four, start with the basics: Begin with simple practices and rituals to build your understanding and experience. Focus on foundational skills.  In herbalism, the example I often give is learning to make tea before making tinctures.  There is a great deal of power in the foundational skills of any system of magic and often we are too hasty to really hone them, skipping ahead without true competency and understanding.

Number five, experiment and adapt: Folk magic is highly adaptable and often evolves through personal experimentation and adaptation. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, rituals, or variations of existing practices to find what resonates best with you or best suits your local resources.

Number six is a big one - respect tradition and ethics: While experimentation and adaptation are encouraged, it's essential to respect the traditions and cultural origins of folk magic practices. Practice with integrity, and always consider the ethical implications of your actions.  Be respectful.

Number seven, document your journey: Keep a journal or grimoire to record your experiences, observations, and insights as you explore folk magic. Documenting your journey can help you track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and refine your practice over time.

And finally, seek guidance and mentorship: If possible, seek guidance from experienced practitioners or mentors who can offer advice, support, and feedback as you navigate your journey into folk magic.

Remember that learning folk magic is a personal and ongoing process. Stay open-minded, curious, and respectful as you explore this rich and diverse tradition.

Tree of the Season

In Slavic folk magic, trees are deeply revered for their spiritual, medicinal, and magical properties. Trees serve as conduits between the earthly realm and the spiritual world, embodying wisdom, strength, and vitality.

Certain trees are considered sacred in Slavic folklore and possess powerful protective and healing properties. These sacred trees are revered as dwelling places for the spirits, and rituals and offerings are performed under their branches to invoke their blessings.

In divination, methods such as "reading" the shapes of branches or interpreting the sounds of the wind rustling through the leaves are employed to gain insights into the future or to seek guidance from the spiritual realm.

Many trees in Slavic folklore are valued for their medicinal properties, with various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and sap, used in herbal remedies and potions. Trees such as birch, pine, and rowan are particularly prized for their healing properties and are believed to possess the ability to ward off illness and negative energies.

Trees can be used in rituals and charms for protection and warding against evil spirits, malevolent forces, and negative energies. Hanging protective amulets or talismans from tree branches or planting trees around the perimeter of the home are common practices in Slavic folk magic to create a protective barrier.

Rituals and offerings are often performed at sacred trees or groves to honor the spirits of the land and seek their blessings. Offerings such as bread, honey, or wine may be left at the base of a tree, while prayers, incantations, and rituals may be performed to invoke the tree's protective and healing energies.

Trees are living beings with their own consciousness and spirit in Slavic folklore. They possess the ability to communicate with humans and other beings, offering wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insight to those who seek their counsel. In some of the Baba Yaga stories, the trees of the forest part for Marishka or Vasalisa as she flees the witch, and close up behind her, slowing Baba Yaga’s pursuit.

I do not have easy access to birch, pine, or rowan trees to use in my practice.  But one of the most special trees here in Southern California is the Black Walnut, a deciduous tree native to the coastal and foothill regions.

It’s a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of 30 to 60 feet with a broad, spreading crown of compound leaves arranged alternately along the branches.  The dark green color is distinct as are the large, round nuts encased in a thick, green husk. The nuts have a hard, wrinkled shell and are delicious. But the outer husks are also special, containing a dark dye that is a wonderful ink ingredient and fabric dye. The husk has been traditionally used for staining baskets, textiles, and other items.

The edible nuts and the tree's role in supporting local ecosystems symbolize abundance and fertility in local spiritual traditions. The dark dye produced by the walnut husks is an excellent tool of transformation and change. Work with the black walnut tree to invoke energies associated with transformation, growth, and the cycles of nature.

Here are some of the ways I incorporate Black walnut into my folk magic practice:

The dark dye derived from its husks symbolizes transformation and renewal. I work with the Black Walnut to facilitate personal transformations, shedding old energies and embracing new beginnings. One way I do this is by using homemade ink, made from the black walnut and gum arabic in my practice of creating sigils and writing in my book of shadows.  Making inks, be it from rusty iron nails, copper shavings, for various plant materials is a deeply fulfilling part of both my art and magic practice.

The deep-rooted nature of the Black Walnut tree, its sturdy growth, and its presence in the landscape connect it with the earth element. I have at times sought its grounding energy in rituals to establish a strong foundation and enhance stability.  We have a local hiking spot, where an ancient black walnut stands just a bit off the trail.  It’s seen trouts and fires, endured flash flooding, and definitely shows the passage of time.  On the full moon, in the warmer months, I’ll go out there, just to sit quietly for 30 minutes or so, soaking up its stabilizing energy and thinking through the month to come.

Poem

Ostara was a few days ago no, but I thought I’d share this anyway.  We are still in the season of Ostara, if not the exact date.

Monthly Ritual

In folk magic, particularly in various European traditions including Slavic folk magic, iron holds significant protective properties and is commonly used in rituals and charms for warding off negative energies, spirits, and spells. Iron has long been associated with strength, durability, and resilience, making it an ideal material for creating protective talismans and barriers.

I mentioned making black walnut ink, but I thought I’d share how to make iron ink, and some ideas for its use, this month.

The significance of iron in folk magic can be traced back to ancient beliefs and superstitions surrounding its perceived ability to repel malevolent forces and evil spirits. Iron has innate spiritual qualities that make it an effective tool for combating supernatural threats and providing physical and metaphysical protection.

Iron nails, in particular, are frequently used in protection magic due to their sharp, pointed shape, which is believed to act as a barrier to unwanted energies and entities. Nailing iron nails into door frames, windowsills, or thresholds is a common practice in folk magic for creating a protective boundary around the home, known as "iron warding" or "iron protection."

Iron is also associated with the planet Mars and the element of fire, further reinforcing its protective qualities and its ability to ward off danger and aggression. In Slavic folklore, iron is often used in rituals and charms for protecting against malevolent spirits, witches, and other supernatural threats, as well as for promoting strength, courage, and vitality.

You’ll have to be patient with this process, but I promise, the results are well worth the wait.

To make the ink, you will need a handful or iron nails, a glass jar with a lid, a coffee filter, white vinegar, and gum arabic - an ingredient you can pick up in the paint section of any craft store.  You’ll also want some sort of small bottle to keep your finished ink in.  I like to use one with a glass dropper so that I can easily drop the ink out onto a dish to use with a brush.  However, you could also get refillable ink cartridges for a fountain pen.

To make the ink, place the nails in the jar, and cover with the vinegar.  Close up tightly and allow this to sit, shaking it every few days for at least a month - longer is better!

In a well ventilated space, once the ink is a dark, rich red slurry to your satisfaction, strain the liquid through the coffee filter and a funnel or sieve into your final vessel.  Mix 1tsp gum arabic per ounce of liquid.  It’s that easy.  Give the ink a good shake before each use.  And you can reuse the original nails over rand over to make additional batches of ink.  Or use them in other kinds of magic.

You can then use this ink to draw sigils, write out spells, create symbols, . . . I used mine to paint a sigil of protection and warding under the front and back door mats. I also use it along with walnut ink, copper ink, ink from charcoal, in my Book of shadows and grimoire work.

Give ink making a try - it really could not be easier and you can infuse the ink with your own spells and intentions.  This is just one form of potion making I’d encourage you to try out.

What’s happening in the Inner Circle

This months content bundle for Inner Circle members is all about folk magic - including recipes, rituals, animal symbolism, and color magic.  You can get that as well as last month’s Bonus content when you join.  Membership is month to month and grants access to everything I’ve created thus far to share my own knowledge of folk magic, hedge witchery, and herbalism.  There’s lots there if you are interested in learning any more about the topics discussed today.  Check it out!  Inner Circle membership is just $11 per month - it always has been and always will be.  This is a community crafted to be not only open and inclusive, a safe place, but also accessible and reasonably priced.

Closing

Thank you for joining me today.

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On the website you'll also discover the full transcript for every podcast episode along with a treasure trove of resources.

You can find me on Instagram @wind_moon_magick, again, with a 'k' and underscores between each word.

That’s it for today’s episode.  See you next month.