'A detailed, comprehensive, fascinating, and accessible book of folkways and magical traditions. Featuring both historical and practical material, this book will be of interest to those seeking information not only about Hungary's ancient Pagan traditions, but also its unique Catholic folk magic. Toth is a warm, friendly presence, as she guides us into the realms of Magyar magic and spirituality...So much of the material in this book has not been available to English readers until now, making Magia a must-have for all who love folk magic.' Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Encyclopedia of Spirits. 'I so loved this book! Margit Toth has given us a wonderful gift, a treasure-trove of folklore from her own Hungary, much of which has not been available in English translation. Her words evoke a pre-modern time when every aspect of life was intrinsically embedded in the seasons of the year, and magic was the way one lived each day.' Holli Emore, executive director of Cherry Hill Seminary. 'An astounding work of both research and personal dedication, Margit Toth s Magia introduces readers to the robust world of Hungarian folk belief and practice. This book is deeply scholastic, but aims for cultural connection and understanding. The author has parsed original Magyar (Hungarian) source materials, but also works to make the notoriously complex language readable for those who haven't grown up speaking it....So much wonderful lore fits within this book's pages, and those wanting to know more about these practices finally have a stunningly rich guidebook in English to help open up the enchanted world of Hungarian folk magic.' Cory Thomas Hutcheson, editor of Llewellyn's Complete Book of North American Folk Magic.
Contents
Acknowledgments • xi
Disclaimer • xiii
Introduction • 1
Part I: MYTHOLOGY
1: The World of Spirits • 11
2: Religious Practice • 25
3: Spirits of the Skies • 35
4: Fairies and Nature Spirits • 43
5: The Rosszak • 53
6: Sacred Animals • 65
Part II: DAILY LIFE
7: The Village • 79
8: The Homestead • 87
9: Sacred Food and Drink • 101
Part III: MAGIC
10: The Witch • 113
11: Other Magical Persons • 121
12: Magical Techniques • 129
13: Talismans and Beyond • 139
14: Divination • 149
15: Healing Magic • 157
Part IV: YEARLY CELEBRATIONS
16: Sacred Time • 167
17: Winter • 175
18: Eastertide • 183
19: Spring • 193
20: Summer • 203
21: Autumn • 211
22: Advent • 219
23: Christmas • 227
Part V: RITES OF PASSAGE
24: Coming of Age • 237
25: Love and Marriage • 245
26: Pregnancy and Childbirth • 255
27: Postpartum and Infancy • 263
28: Death: The Final Passage • 273
Conclusion • 285
Appendix A: Pronunciation Guide • 287
Appendix B: Traditional Month Names • 291
Appendix C: Select Festivals and Holidays • 293
Glossary • 297
Sources Consulted • 305
Bibliography • 329
Index • 347