Podcast Summary: "Practical Magic: Spells, Prayers & Cunning Folk"
Not Just the Tudors
Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Tabitha Stanmore, Historian of Medieval and Early Modern English Magic and Witchcraft
Release Date: November 21, 2024
Introduction to Cunning Folk
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb opens the episode by framing the discussion around the often-overlooked practitioners of everyday magic in medieval and early modern England: the cunning folk. These individuals provided practical magical services such as healing, finding lost objects, and casting love spells, distinguishing themselves from the malevolent witches commonly associated with the era.
Notable Quote:
"Cunning folk were woven into the fabric of medieval and early modern life, offering solutions to everyday problems."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [00:00-02:52]
Defining Cunning Folk vs. Witches
Dr. Tabitha Stanmore elaborates on the distinction between cunning folk and witches. While witches were often feared as practitioners of harmful magic, cunning folk were viewed as benevolent figures who used their skills for positive and practical ends.
Notable Quote:
"A cunning person... would often be seen as doing positive, practical, useful magic, often working with God or angels."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [02:54-04:26]
Magic, Supernatural, and Religion
The conversation delves into the intricate relationship between magic, the supernatural, and religion. In a deeply religious society, magic was intertwined with beliefs in divine and demonic forces. Cunning folk operated within this context, using supernatural means to achieve practical outcomes aligned with Christian values.
Notable Quote:
"Magic takes something which should be relatively normal and uses supernatural power to make that happen in a way that nature shouldn't normally intend."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [04:40-05:53]
Common Uses of Cunning Folk
Dr. Stanmore shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting that people sought the help of cunning folk for a variety of reasons that are relatable even today, such as healing, divination, treasure hunting, love spells, and locating lost or stolen items.
Notable Quote:
"Healing was probably one of the most common things that magic was used for, as was telling the future or divination."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [06:07-07:04]
Practices and Rituals
The guest describes the methods employed by cunning folk, emphasizing the use of sympathy magic and everyday household items in their rituals. Items like sieves and scissors were commonly used for divination, while Bibles and psalm books were adapted for various magical purposes.
Notable Quote:
"A common divination method was to take a sieve and a pair of shears... and ask yes or no questions, seeing which way the shears tilt."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [07:13-08:20]
Tools of the Trade
Contrary to popular imagery, cunning folk rarely used elaborate magical tools. Instead, they relied on readily available household items, making their practices accessible and discreet.
Notable Quote:
"Everyday household items definitely feature strongly; magic wands don't feature very strongly at all."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [08:26-09:19]
Integration of Prayers as Spells
Given the Christian context of the time, prayers often served as spells in the practices of cunning folk. These prayers were used for healing, finding lost objects, and seeking divine justice, blurring the lines between religious devotion and magical intervention.
Notable Quote:
"Prayers do feature a lot in healing... invoking God in a spell to restore cosmic justice makes a lot of sense."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [09:28-10:40]
Profession as Cunning Folk
While many cunning folk held other occupations, some specialized entirely in magical practices. Dr. Stanmore highlights individuals who dedicated their lives to magic, earning their livelihoods through their services.
Notable Quote:
"If you were particularly good at the spells that you could offer, then some people made their living out of it."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [10:45-11:28]
Gender Dynamics in Magic Practices
Challenging common perceptions, Dr. Stanmore reveals that both men and women practiced magic in nearly equal numbers. However, the type of magic often differed by gender, with men sometimes engaging in higher-status magical practices due to their education and access to occult knowledge.
Notable Quote:
"Cunning folk were practicing magic, and it was males and females in roughly equal numbers."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [11:55-14:38]
Societal Perceptions of Cunning Folk
The societal view of cunning folk was complex. While they were often seen as beneficial, their association with supernatural powers sometimes bred paranoia. The Church's skepticism added to the nuanced perception, leading to a liminal status where cunning folk were both valued and viewed with suspicion.
Notable Quote:
"Cunning folk inhabit a liminal space between acceptable and helpful and problematic and harmful."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [17:48-20:09]
Legal Challenges and Fraud Cases
Dr. Stanmore discusses instances where cunning folk faced legal repercussions, primarily due to fraud when their magic failed. These cases highlight the precarious position of magical practitioners, who could easily fall out of favor if their services did not yield the desired outcomes.
Notable Quote:
"We have records... going to a local cunning man and it not working... leading to prosecution for fraud."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [20:15-21:30]
Specialization Among Cunning Folk
Cunning folk often specialized in specific types of magic, such as cattle charming or pediatric healing. Others, especially those with higher education, offered a broader range of services, including complex divinations and illusions.
Notable Quote:
"Cunning folk is a very broad term for a lot of different magical activity that was going on."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [21:38-22:44]
Magic in the Aristocracy and Court
Magic was not exclusive to the lower classes; the aristocracy and court members also employed cunning folk. Their motivations included enhancing personal status, securing advantageous marriages, and obtaining foresight into political matters. The demands at court were more sophisticated, often requiring highly trained practitioners.
Notable Quote:
"The demands are strikingly similar, despite the stakes being quite a lot higher in the demands themselves."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [23:03-24:45]
Divination and Political Influence
Divination played a significant role in the political maneuverings of the time. Figures like Elizabeth I utilized astrologers and diviners to gain insights into their reigns, while others feared such practices as potential threats to their power.
Notable Quote:
"Divination was seen as very useful if you were in control of it and very dangerous if the monarch wasn't."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [26:19-27:10]
Persecution and Risk for Cunning Folk
While many cunning folk operated without incident, some faced severe persecution, especially when their practices intersected with high-stakes politics. The episode recounts the case of Eleanor Cobham and Marjorie Geormaine, illustrating the dangers involved in practicing magic during turbulent times.
Notable Quote:
"It could be very, very dangerous to be a cunning person, especially if you were dealing with high politics."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [27:21-29:28]
Cunning Folk as Agents Against Witchcraft
Interestingly, cunning folk also acted as counteragents against perceived witchcraft. During witch trials, they were often consulted to identify and remove curses, positioning themselves as protectors against malicious magic.
Notable Quote:
"Cunning folk styled themselves as on the side of good and able to stop the dark magic in its tracks."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [29:52-31:53]
The Decline and Persistence of Practical Magic
Contrary to the belief that magic faded with the Enlightenment, practical magic persisted, evolving over time. Dr. Stanmore emphasizes that while legal scrutiny lessened, everyday magical practices continued, adapting to societal changes and maintaining a presence into the modern era.
Notable Quote:
"Magic never really went away... People still turn to magic for the same purposes they ever did."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [31:53-33:37]
Conclusion
The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of cunning folk in English history, highlighting their significance beyond the stereotypical image of witches. Dr. Tabitha Stanmore sheds light on the nuanced practices, societal perceptions, and enduring legacy of these everyday magical practitioners.
Final Notable Quote:
"We've got a pretty strong continuity of belief, even if the official stance changes."
— Dr. Tabitha Stanmore [32:15-33:37]
For more insights into the fascinating world of magic and witchcraft, explore additional episodes in the Not Just the Tudors archive, including discussions on the Basque Witch Hunt with Dr. Jan Michelson and the Witchfinder General with Professor Malcolm Gaskell.