In this illustrated talk Thomas Waters tells the visual story of the magical arts, from personal and community-based folk magic to ceremonial magic, illusionists, and the paranormal.From 30,000-year-old magic wands unearthed in Wales to the sixteenth-century talismanic daggers used in Indonesian ceremonies and horseshoe good luck charms worn by modern Europeans, magic can be found in every era and culture. Waters scrutinizes the compelling visual and material culture of magic in all its variety and power, from personal superstitions and protective markings to cunning folk and enchanted forests, and from mystical spellbooks and secret ceremonies to psychic self-defense and New Age therapies.
The magical beliefs and traditions explored are illustrated with spellbinding images of elaborate grimoires, wise magicians, and esoteric diagrams together with select artifacts, such as amulets, crystal balls, and magic mirrors
This talk will reveal how magic has evolved from ancient times through the ages of science and technology to the present-day era of doublethink and conspiracy theories.
Refreshments included.
Dr. Thomas Waters is a history professor at Imperial College London and author of Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times, along with numerous articles about the history of witchcraft and magic.
His new book – to which he will be speaking – has 437 illustrations. We don’t think he will show them all…
Event venue
14A Long Row, NG1 2DH Nottingham, United Kingdom, 14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 2DH, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.