Ep. 203: Cunning Folk, Unbewitiching Herbs, and Geomancy with Dr. Al Cummins

Today we dive into the world of the cunning folk with the knowledgeable and charismatic Dr. Al Cummins. Dr. Cummins, a historian and practitioner of magic, shares his journey from Birmingham, UK to the United States and his extensive research on service magicians, folk magic, and modern adaptations of these ancient practices. Join us as we explore the use of medicinal herbs like rosemary for spiritual and physical healing, the intricacies of geomancy, the ethics of divination, and Dr. Cummins' hands-on experiences with necromancy. This episode is packed with insights into the modern-day application of traditional magic, methods for diagnosing and protecting against negative influences, and unbewitching herbs. We hope you enjoy the show!

Dr Alexander Cummins is a consultant, diviner, writer, contemporary cunning-man, and historian of magic. His magical specialities are the dead (folk necromancy), divination (geomancy) and the grimoires.

Dr Cummins’ published works include An Excellent Booke of the Arte of Magicke (Scarlet Imprint, 2020) with Phil Legard, The Starry Rubric: Seventeenth-century English Astrology and Magic (Hadean Press 2012), A Book of the Magi: Lore, Prayers, and Spellcraft of the Three Holy Kings (Revelore Press, 2018), as well as contributions to collections by Three Hands Press, Scarlet Imprint, and Hadean Press. He is a founding editor of Revelore Press’ Folk Necromancy in Transmission series, and co-hosts the podcast Radio Free Golgotha.

The Good Doctor is a frequent speaker on the international circuit, consults for clients and organisations, and provides training, workshops, and coaching in many aspects of magical theory, history, and practice. Originally from the Midlands of the UK, Al now makes his home in New Hampshire.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:31 Meet Dr. Al Cummins: Scholar and Practitioner

01:28 Al's journey to the US and His Background

03:28 Exploring the History and Practice of Cunning Folk

07:18 Astrology, Magic, and the Role of Cunning Folk

19:05 The Intersection of Learned Magic and Cunning Craft

25:56 Astrological Magic and Practical Applications

33:30 Geomancy: The Earthy Sister of Astrology

41:53 Unbewitching Herbs and Plant Magic

45:44 Exploring Humoral Theory and Herbal Combinations

46:08 Astrological and Folk Charm Practices

46:42 The Power of Rosemary in Magic

47:32 Purifying Herbs and Their Significance

49:02 Working with Spirits and Rituals49:45 Practical Uses of Rosemary and Other Herbs

51:27 Dealing with Curses and Spiritual Protection

01:02:01 Divination and Its Importance in Magic

01:17:26 The Evolution of Cunning Traditions

01:22:26 Working with Spirits and Ancestors

01:27:05 Navigating Relationships with Spirits

01:28:33 Upcoming Events and Resources