Exploring New England Folk Magic

My search for New England Folk Magic has been a winding journey that has taken me deep into the depths of the region's folklore and history (though still not nearly as deep as I would like). Over the past few years, I've worked to unearth the complex layers of magic that have been woven into the fabric of this land. This process has been a spiritual experience that has reshaped my understanding of folk magic and my place within this land.

My journey began with learning to live in unity with the seasonal tides, flora, fauna, and spirits of place—which has since become central to my practice. New England, with its diverse seasons and landscapes, offers a fantastic backdrop for magical work that I have always felt myself called to. By attuning myself to these natural rhythms, I learned to work in harmony with the land, recognizing the spirits that dwell here, and the ancient energies that still pulse beneath the surface.

Eventually, I was called to learn more about the folklore of the land and the magical practices of the folk who came before me. This led to an exploration of the Puritan idea of the Witch, a figure both feared and revered in early New England. This archetype, with its associations with the witches' devil and forbidden knowledge, left an indelible mark on the region's magical traditions. These beliefs lent themselves well to my original practice of a more sabbatic craft and I found myself weaving these practices together relatively seamlessly. Yet, as I delved deeper, I found that this image was just one piece of a larger puzzle.