Exploring your relationship with magic

Our study into people's spell-craft and magical practices is taking shape - and we'd love to share a bit about what we've learned so far and to invite you to take part (if you haven't yet)!

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Let's start with what we've learned - 1) a magic and spell-craft practice takes time, dedication, and sacrifice to develop and 2) magic and spell-craft can bring about significant psychological and emotional benefits to practitioners.

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Developing your magical practices

In our interviews and ethnography, we've learned that developing your relationship with magic, and your own magical practices, takes time, dedication, and sacrifice. Getting started is not as easy as it may seem - there is so much to learn, and there are so many people to learn from, it can be tricky to find the right teachers and the right resources for you. In fact, #witchtok has over 31 billion views on Tiktok and #witch has over 21 million posts on Instagram. Some describe working their way up in a coven, starting on the fringes, paying their dues and demonstrating their commitment over years, before being initiated into the mysteries of their magical community. Others describe the lessons they've had to learn along the way - for example, the karmic costs that can come with casting spells on others (even with the best intentions). What seems clear is that magic comes to you through a highly individualised, personal process and for many, this means showing up every day in ways that deepen their connection to source, their relationship with divine figures and/or spirit guides, and in ways that keep themselves energetically safe (protection is important!) yet open.

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The benefits of a magic practice

We've also learned the transformative power that magic and spell-craft can have in someone's life. For those experiencing significant change or disruption in their lives - transitioning into adulthood, parenting children who are growing up and becoming more independent, leaving a marriage or long-term relationship, starting a healing journey following a loss or trauma - magic can provide a critical tool for self-exploration, expansion, and connection. Many find acceptance among other magic and spell-craft practitioners that they had not felt in other areas and domains of their lives. For some, magical practices can add joy and adventure into their daily lives - like one practitioner who shared a story with us about setting an intention to find treasure on a hike and casting an abundance spell, and how this helped them notice, enjoy, and appreciate all of the beauty (and treasure!) around them (and led them to find several £20 notes!). For others, magical practices help them access comfort when they need it most - like another practitioner who described imbuing their wands with all of their best thoughts and memories, and then using this wand to call those memories to mind when you need them. Overall, it seems like magic and spell-craft can powerfully enrich the lives of those who walk this path.

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Get involved

If you use magic and/or spell-craft in your own spiritual practices, we'd love to hear from you! We can have a chat in person - Lora and Aiyana are going to be in Glastonbury from 15/09 - 17/09 - or we can book a call online via Teams. We would be honoured to hear your story, and explore your magical path with you.

You can get in touch with Lora (lora.adair@brunel.ac.uk) or Aiyana (aiyana.willard@brunel.ac.uk) via email, or you can click this button to learn more about the project!

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