The links between love and magic, of enchantment and sympathia, have long been considered by poets, philosophers, and magicians alike. This talk explores the variety of pre-modern occult theories and traditional magical practices that seek to grasp both the divinity and madness of love through natural materials, amulets, and magical assemblages: ranging from remedies of the ancient world, through to the love sorcery of Shakespeare’s day, and even offering some compare-and-contrast to various techniques and ingredients of modern African-American folk magic and hoodoo.

Such love magic could take many forms: from complex and sophisticated astrological images to simple charm-bundles of herbs and prayers. They could be constructed from various metals, wax, clay, parchment, or even carved onto an apple.

In looking at such materia magica, we will consider medical ideas about the four elemental Humours, as well as psychological notions of the passions, and both spiritual and physical mysteries of the heart. We will delve into the love magicians’ toolkit, examining means of both therapy and seduction: from aphrodisiacal herbs to conjuring matchmaking spirits to more forceful bindings, leashes, and so-called “erotic malefic” workings. We will also look to beneficent workings of healing the heart, re-kindling the fires of a long-term relationship, and techniques of fostering loving and open communication skills between lovers.

This class-bundle includes:

An illustrated lecture of 1 hour 47 minutes duration
The accompanying slides for this lecture
Primary source documents concerning early modern love magic
Bibliography of primary and secondary source recommended reading