Russian Magic: Living Folk Traditions of an Enchanted Landscape

by Cherry Gilchrist

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Russia, Mythology, Folklore, Witchcraft, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Cherry Gilchrist is a lover of all things ancient and mysterious. Field research for her books has taken her into Russian forests, Silk Road Yurts and to meet stone heads on Easter Island. She has written books on alchemy, mythology, family history and personal relationships. Her latest book, The Circle of Nine relates nine feminine archetypes to everyday lives of women. Cherry has also run a vintage clothes shop, a Russian crafts gallery, taught creative writing and performed as an early music singer. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, and holds a post-graduate diploma from the University of Bath Spa. As a lecturer, she has given many talks at venues ranging from the Temenos Academy to the British Council, the Royal Academy, and the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner. At present she lives near Stroud, with her husband, artist Robert Lee-Wade and two black cats for luck. She has two grown-up children and two granddaughters. Find her at www.cherrygilchrist.co.uk and www.circleofnine.org

Reviews

[Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of bits and bobs of myth and folklore, the author has clearly researched Russian esotericism. The book's main flaw lies in Ms. Gilchrist's attempts at universalizing (a flaw with a lot of esoteric academia) which grates and breaks up the flow of what would otherwise be an enjoyable and informative introduction to Russian folk magic.

[Olesya Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Russian magic, especially for the western reader. It was a good refresher for me, being Russian (and taking for granted some of the traditions I know or have come across), though it didn’t delve into the details as much as I wanted it to.

[Megan Brault]

A lovely overview of Russian folklore and magic.

[Steve Cran]

Welcome to the enchannted landscape of Russia, locked away for almopst seventy years is a land now open to every one revealing a land of deep oppulent treasure. What follows is an interesting book that delves into the sould of the Russian psyche. While the title may say Russian Magic in this book you will find no spells or theory. Instead you will find an analysis of Russian mytgh and lore. Cherry Gilchrist herself is an alchemist who has written several other books. After reading thsi one I am sure that I will want to read more.



Russian Pagan beliefs have stood the test of time surviving from ancient times all the way through the Byzantine Church and communism. To the Russians it isd no big deal to embrace esoteric lore and combine it with modern scientific things. In fact in the Russian mind they can exist side by side without contradiction.



Central to Russian mytholgy is the Oak Tree which for them is the Tree of Life. It is similiar to the Norse Tree of Yggdrasil. The upper part of the branches is the Celestial realms whwere the Gods live. The trunk is the human earthly realm while the roots is where the sould of the dead reside. Russians leave offering for the spirits of the departed and there is no discussion of reincarnation.



In the Celestial realm is where the Sun God Yarilo dwells along with Peron the thunder God dwells along witha host of other celestial stars. Peronm has been combined with Elijah and offering are left to this saint-god in order to avert storms and make for a healthy harvest,



On the trunk level dwells the Deep Earth mother. She is the mother earth. All healing and self regenerating. On the lower level is Vlous the snake god who has a quarrel with Peron. Every time they fight it creates thunder storms.



The building of the Russian house echoes or reflects the design of the great tree. The attic is the realm of the sun god Yarilo. It is here that women do thier spinning and have innocent conversation. It tends to be light and airy with access to the sun. THe living quarters are designed for the people and the Middle Realm. On corner is an icon for saints. The otrher end is the kitchen stove which keeps the

living area warm and is also slept on when winter is in full season. It is also where the eating table is. The eating table is the cneter of Russian house hold life. Hspiatality is verything and in Russia relative can come over at will and stay as long they like and they must be given tea and fed as tradition calls for.



THe basement represents the lower realms of the dead. This is where the spirit of the house lives. The spirit of the house is called the Domovai. The Domovai is supposed to follow the family where wever they go. When moving from house to house you are supposed to invite the Domovai to come with you. Be nice to the spirits as they can wreak havok or be rather helpful. THere is the spirit of the bath hosue where people not only bath but also practice rituals of magic. THe spirit of the house is called the Bannik. Leshi is the nature spirit and there is one for each forest. When going into the forest always be respectful of them.



The book covers lightly some methods of divinition especially with regards for determining what a future mate mate will look like or who will get married first. Animals like the bear and the the firebird are discussed as are some of the figure in Russian mythology. Bears represent wealth and fertility and are connected to the underworld and spring for their hibernation and awakening after the winter. Heros are discussed as are diferent kinds of folk tale. Russian mysticism is very related to Siberian Shamanism.



Over all great book I definitely plan to read more works by the author. However I feel the book discussed mytholgy and folk ways of the Russian nation as opposed to Russian magic. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Jessica Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased Russian Magic when I was doing research for my novel, hoping it would provide additional background on Russian folklore and culture, which it certainly did. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Russian Magic was also an absolute joy to read. Ms. Gilchrist provided so much information that I had to eventually stop underlining items, because I found myself underlining just about everything! From beautiful imagery like the shamanic World Tree where "human souls may hang like leaves, waiting to be born or received back into the 'otherworld'..." to her description of Baba Yaga who stands at the "border country of life and death, darkness and rebirth," Ms. Gilchrist keeps you intrigued while teaching at the same time. The descriptions of folk tales are both delightful and insightful. She does a wonderful job of conveying the Russian spirit by describing the many holidays and traditions, and particularly as they relate to the natural world, the seasons and the wheel of time. On top of everything else, the book gives a great deal of information on folk art as well, which adds another rich dimension. Much of Ms. Gilchrist's knowledge comes from personal experience and reading her first hand accounts was wonderful also. I just can't say enough about the positive qualities of this book! I highly recommend it!

[Cathy Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with England, Russia has many folk customs that can be traced to her pagan past. Traces can be found in all sorts of crafts and folkways--details of home design, altar decoration, "fairy" stories, holiday celebrations. With centuries of dilution, imported along with Christianity and communism, many of these traditions seem to have come to nothing more than an excuse to go out into the forest and kick back a lot of vodka.

Still, it's moderately interesting to read about these traditions, however little survives. Gilchrist's personal experiences form the backbone of the book, and were my favorite part. I could have done with a little less Wicca 101, Russian Style and a little more about her experiences with traditional shamans and herbal healers. I was also hoping for more stories.

All in all, the book is informative, if not very exciting.

[Mary Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting summary of author's personal experiences plus knowledge of contemporary Russian folk beliefs and associated traditions. She observes that unlike most Western countries, Russia really industrialized in the 20th century. This coupled with the vast land mass meant that ancient traditions are still practiced, often in tandem with organized religion. At the same time, the fall of the Soviet system opens the way for resurgence of pagan observances. She has a business importing Russian painted lacquerware produced in the central region, and appears to be involved with cross-cultural new age workshopping. I learned a lot about symbols, tradtitional home design and life, and holiday observances.

[Debby Stassek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. In addition to the usual tales of a witch living in a hut on chicken legs, talking bears, wish-granting fish, a firebird, and Ivan (the underdog), Gilchrist looks at the Slavic heritage with trees and Moist Earth Mother. There are many similarities to the Celtic tradition. Some rituals and charms, such as leaving a bowl of porridge out for the mischievous house spirit's birthday, were also very interesting.

[Natalie Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, relatable, and interesting account of Russian folklore. I feel that reading this book has not only given me a taste of Russian culture, it has also given me new tools with which to interpret and study fairy tales. If this is the type of thing you're looking for, I'd highly recommend it.

[Jessie B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting overview of Russian folklore and magical traditions.