In the heart of Russia, old ways of perceiving the spirits of home and nature still prevail. Fairy stories, folk art, and calendar customs carry hints of the old gods and offer a now rare way of linking human life to the landscape. This is as true for city dwellers and villagers, for the Russian soul is open to the power of myth and the mysteries of the universe. This book explains how Russia's concept of soul ("dusha") and sensitivity to the landscape extends to archaeologists, scientists, and doctors in Russia, who retain an open-minded approach and a keen interest in psychic phenomena, along with folk traditions and faith healing. Author Cherry Gilchrist has traveled often to Russia and researched its traditional lore, gaining knowledge she interweaves into this book. She blends that first-hand knowledge with serious research to paint a lively picture of these remarkable magical traditions and their enduring power.

A series of psychological and anthropological studies about the oldest and the most fascinating religious tradition of Korea.

Get creative with the Scandinavian concept of hygge (hoo-gah) and create your own whimsical, colorful artwork inspired by folk art with Creative Folk Art and Beyond! Continuing the hugely popular Creative… and Beyond series, Creative Folk Art and Beyond features the whimsical and colorful folk-art style of Scandinavia… and beyond! Inspired by the concept of hygge (an idea similar to coziness), Creative Folk Art and Beyond includes creative prompts,easy exercises, and step-by-step projects that embrace all things Scandinavian. No matter your skill level, you can learn how to draw and paint beautiful, colorful art using a variety of accessible, affordable supplies. Starting off with basic tools, materials, techniques, and color basics, Creative Folk Art and Beyond then jumps into tips and exercises that will have you drawing and painting your favorite folk-art designs in no time. This book is a must-have for any "Scandophile" or folk-art enthusiast!

Cunning-folk were local practitioners of magic, providing small-scale but valued service to the community. They were far more representative of magical practice than the arcane delvings of astrologers and necromancers. Mostly unsensational in their approach, cunning-folk helped people with everyday problems: how to find lost objects; how to escape from bad luck or a suspected spell; and how to attract a lover or keep the love of a husband or wife. While cunning-folk sometimes fell foul of the authorities, both church and state often turned a blind eye to their existence and practices, distinguishing what they did from the rare and sensational cases of malvolent witchcraft. In a world of uncertainty, before insurance and modern science, cunning-folk played an important role that has previously been ignored.

A book of the folklore, history and healing properties of common plantsHedgerows are a vital part of the British countryside. Home to thousands of species of animals, insects, and plants, they've long become ingrained in the myth and lore of the country and its people. Many old wives' tales about the plants that grow there were created to spread knowledge of their healing properties, and many have become entwined with stories of local spirits, deities, and more ancient legends. This stunningly illustrated treasury of the folklore of flora is packed with insight, lore and the revealed mysteries of everyday plants is, ultimately, a collection of many of these beliefs, aiming to inspire a greater appreciation of hedgerow plants before they disappear completely. Folk Magic and Healing: An Unusual History of Plants is perfect for gardeners, writers, folklorists, witches and general knowledge buffs alike