Folkways - Patricia Telesco

This text is an encyclopaedia of folk beliefs. The book features a history of superstitions and customs concerning folk medicine, nature and magic. It also includes definitions, origins of belief and suggested magical usages for over 650 folkways, grouped alphabetically by subject.;Within each subject category of this book are practical suggestions for applying these folkways in magical workings. If the reader is looking for an idea for creating an effective spell, he or she will find hundreds of ideas for personalizing and enriching their practice. This text contains lost wisdoms which can be dismissed as old wives' tales or village customs, and blends this knowledge with a modern sensibility.;The 30 catagories are: amulets and talismans; animals and insects; birds; celestial objects; colours; crystals, gems and metals; dance; dreams; elements; faeries; gardens and farming; health and medicine; holidays; kitchen and household lore; knots; luck; magic and the supernatural; mannerisms; mirrors; miscellaneous; numbers; personal care; plants; pregnancy, childbirth and children; relationships; the sea; sacred sites; sounds; trees, bushes and woods; and weather.