The benefits of spell-craft and magic

Magic isn't just found in fairy tales or fantasy novels. It is alive and all around us, if you know where to look. For many people today, spell-craft and magic are deeply personal spiritual practices that bring clarity, connection, and healing in an increasingly chaotic world. The most recent census of England and Wales saw 74,000 people writing in their religion as "Pagan", 13,000 as "Wicca", 2,500 as "Druid", and 8,000 as "Shamanism". These spiritual and religious traditions that incorporate expressions of magic and spell-craft are on the rise; for example, the number of people describing their religion as "Pagan" increased over 130% between 2001 and 2021. As part of our larger Spirits and Sources project, we're starting a new study focusing specifically on how magical practices are helping individuals navigate life in the 21st century.

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And where better to begin than Glastonbury?

This Beltane season (April 28th to May 3rd), our research team will be in Glastonbury, UK—the home of diverse, welcoming, and vibrant spiritual and religious communities. We’re inviting local or visiting practitioners of magic and spell-craft to share their stories and help us understand: personal histories with these practices (e.g., how you were introduced to these practices, how you've learned and developed your practice) and how these practices affect people's lives (e.g., how magic and spell-craft have affected your life, your relationships and community).

Why Magic, and Why Now?

In times characterised by increasing challenge and uncertainty, more people than ever are turning toward alternative forms of healing and self-expression. For some, it’s yoga or meditation. For others, it’s a return to the elements, the lunar cycle, the sacred space of ritual. Spell-craft can offer a sense of empowerment, connection, and control—a way to engage with life intentionally.

In conversation with modern practitioners of spell-craft and magic, we've learned that practicality and accessibility are important. While many rely on extensive research and study, including reliance on historical texts and grimoires, they describe the importance of adapting practices derived from their research to reflect the nature and demands of modern life. Practitioners are encouraged to do what works for them, to ensure these traditions help those who need them, and remain vibrant and alive in the modern world. Magic and spell-craft, we've been told, can fit and enrich your life as it is.

Others have shared with us that they wish they could break the stigma and stereotypes associated with the use of spell-craft and magical practices - that conceptually, magic is neither bad nor good. It is a tool, and it's value is determined by how it is used. In fact, we learned that these practices are often used to support others, to give back to and share reverence for nature and spiritual forces around us, and to bring people together.

These are just glimpses of the rich, emotionally resonant practices that exist within the world of modern magic.

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What We’re Studying

Our current study focuses on how people use spell-craft and magical rituals in their lives. We’re particularly interested in the benefits you experience: How has magic and/or spell-craft affected your life? What are the benefits you experience, and do these benefits extend to other people?

To find out, we’re conducting 60-minute interviews with people who:

·       Are 18 years of age or older

·       Have been practicing some form of spell-craft and/or magic for at least two years

These interviews are one-on-one conversations where participants can share their personal history with magic, how their practice has evolved, and how it affects their daily life.

Come Talk to Us in Glastonbury

If this sounds like you, or someone you know, we would love to speak with you. We’ll be in Glastonbury from April 28th through May 3rd for Beltane celebrations and community connection. If you’d like to schedule an interview, or even just have a conversation about the research, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Get in Touch

To express interest, ask questions, or arrange a meeting during Beltane, please contact Lora or Aiyana at lora.adair@brunel.ac.uk and aiyana.willard@brunel.ac.uk

Your story matters. Your magic matters. And we can’t wait to hear from you.