Folk magic

Folk magicplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigMagic

In common terms, magic is the art of producing a desired outcome through occult means. Various arts are described as magical, from common street illusionists, village herbalists, and rituals for the intercession of deities. However, true magic is the art and science of elemental mastery, harnessing elemental creatures and instructing them to perform simple or complex tasks. is the traditional practice of usually rural peoples, involving herblore for healing, as well as various minor rituals supposed to bring good luck, wealth or fertility.

Folk magic is considered folkloreplugin-autotooltip__small plugin-autotooltip_bigFolklore

Folklore

This is in a series of articles about oral traditions, tales, folk practices, and folklore.

topics cult1 rather than magic proper, since it rarely has any practical effects except through psychology, placebo, or by chemical effects. Some folk herblore is effective by trial and error, passed down by oral tradition. Moreover, some tricks or “knacks” of folk magic practitioners can involve the inadvertent summoning of wild elementals, performing minor feats like moving objects or lighting fires.

Folk magicians often promise to bring love, wealth, power, predict the future or speak to loved ones. None of these are practically achievable using magic, and so educated people dismiss folk magic as charlatanism and wishful thinking.