A History of Magic

About A History of Magic

This Podcast is not about Harry Potter! Instead, I take a look at the origins of magic, it’s impact on religion and science through history, and spend a little time on magic in media and how it has evolved over time. Join me, Lavendar Moon, as we explore the History of Magic.

Publisher

Lavendar Moon

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jan 2021

Latest episode

27 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Dolls Use in Magic: The Witch Trials

   Here is a brief overview of some of the ways poppets showed up in the witch trials in both England and the US. I touch on some of the misconceptions and go over some examples of their use as evidence. I apologize for the decrease in audio quality, but I was running late with this episode and using a new mic. Sources: amanda. “Haunted Dolls of Salem: From Poppets to Possession - Salem Ghosts.” Salem Ghosts, 12 Aug. 2025, https://salemghosts.com/haunted-dolls-of-salem-from-poppets-to-possession/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026. BOGDAN MIGULSKI. “Poppets in Folk Magic: Cursed Dolls and Witchcraft.” The ART BOG - Art, Design, Photography, Music and Culture. Since 2003., Oct. 2025, https://theartbog.com/poppets-in-folk-magic-cursed-dolls-and-witchcraft/. Accessed 27 July 2026. Jack, Sarah, and Josh Hutchinson. “The Salem Witch Trials Judges Played With Poppets – the Thing About the Salem Witch Trials Podcast.” Aboutsalem.Com, 7 June 2025, https://aboutsalem.com/the-salem-witch-trials-judges-played-with-poppets/, disc 2. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026. Lauren Moss. The Pendle Witch Trials | History, Folklore & Tragedy. YouTube, 10 Oct. 2025. Sutton-Butler, Aoife. “The Archaeology of Witchcraft in England: An Examination of a Dark History Through Five Objects.” Pathological Bodies Project, 2 Aug. 2020, https://pathologicalbodiesproject.home.blog/2020/08/02/the-archaeology-of-witchcraft-in-england-an-examination-of-a-dark-history-through-five-objects/. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

2. 

   23 Aug 2026

   Dolls Use in Magic: Europe

   In this episode I go over more of the uses of magic dolls specifically across Europe, starting with their use in ancient Greece as Kolossoi and the use of dolls made by a couple different plants; mandrake roots and corn dollies. I look very briefly at the different uses and purposes of each one, as well as some notable aspects of their history, though there is always so much more to learn, so also check out the following sources if you would like to learn more about anything I cover today. Sources: Badwitch. “Magical Dolls: A History of Poppets & Effigy Spells.” Badwitch.Co.Uk, 15 Mar. 2026, https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/11/magical-dolls-history-of-poppets-effigy.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026. ---. “Pagan Eye: Magical Mandrake, or Mandragora.” Badwitch.Co.Uk, 17 Aug. 2026, https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-magical-mandrake-or-mandragora.html?m=1#google_vignette. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026. BOGDAN MIGULSKI. “Poppets in Folk Magic: Cursed Dolls and Witchcraft.” The ART BOG - Art, Design, Photography, Music and Culture. Since 2003., Oct. 2025, https://theartbog.com/poppets-in-folk-magic-cursed-dolls-and-witchcraft/. Accessed 27 July 2026. Burbage, Lacey. “Poppets In Witchcraft - Naturally Modern Witch.” Naturally Modern Witch, 2 May 2024, https://naturallymodernlife.com/poppets-in-witchcraft/. Calabrese, Angelica. “The History and Uses of the Magical Mandrake, According to Modern Witches.” Atlas Obscura, 12 Jan. 2016, https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-history-and-uses-of-the-magical-mandrake-according-to-modern-witches. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026. Dugan, Ellen. “The Magical Uses of Mandrake - Mother Earth Living.” Www.Motherearthliving.Com, 4 Feb. 2011, https://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/magical-uses-of-mandrake-ze0z1102zdeb/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026. Ferre, Lux. “Corn Dolly.” Occult World, 25 July 2017, https://occult-world.com/corn-dolly/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026. Hearth of Haemonia. “Kolossoi: Dolls in Ancient Magic.” 20 Jan. 2023. Knowles, George . “Poppet Magick.” Controverscial.Com, 2026, https://www.controverscial.com/Poppet%20Magick.htm. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026. Kolle, Ruthie. “The Corn Dolly - Origins and How-To - Mother Hylde.” Mother Hylde, 19 Oct. 2022, https://motherhylde.com/the-corn-dolly-origins-and-how-to/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026. Simpson-Urrutia, Julia. “Poupées Médiévales – a Different Doll.” A Different Doll, 14 July 2011, https://adifferentdoll.wordpress.com/tag/poupees-medievales/. Accessed 26 July 2026. The Pagan Federation. “Sympathetic Magic - the History of Magical Poppets by Elisa Gray.” 29 July 2021. Wigington, Patti. “How to Make and Use Magical Poppets.” Learn Religions, 25 Sept. 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/all-about-magical-poppets-2562563. Accessed 18 July 2026.

3. 

   19 Jul 2026

   Dolls Use in Magic: Ancient World

   First part in a series on dolls used in magic and religions, looking at the use of Shabti in the Ancient Egyptian funerary practices. I’ll look at their use over time and provide a couple archeological examples for you to check out later. If you are curious check out this episode on this one piece of the Ancient Egyptian funeral practices that have drawn so much fascination with their mummies and tombs filled with riches. Works Cited Badwitch. “Magical Dolls: A History of Poppets & Effigy Spells.” Badwitch.Co.Uk, 15 Mar. 2026, https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/11/magical-dolls-history-of-poppets-effigy.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026. Edu, World History. “Shabti Dolls in Ancient Egypt - World History Edu.” World History Edu, 27 Oct. 2024, https://worldhistoryedu.com/shabti-dolls-in-ancient-egypt/. Lubow, Arthur, and Sonja Anderson. “What You Need to Know About China’s Terra-Cotta Warriors and the First Qin Emperor.” Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-you-need-know-about-chinas-terra-cotta-warriors-first-qin-emperor-30942673/. “Shabti: The Magical Ancient Egyptian Servants Created to Work for Eternity in the Afterlife.” History Skills, 2026, https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/ancient-history/shabti/?srsltid=AfmBOoqu4tOgkNSk2j93XNZDSSYG4HoDuiBCXsExujKojBmQ-IAKSosg. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.