Humans have gathered to tell stories and tales for time immemorial. We are a species of playful, pattern-seeking storytellers, and within the myths, legends, and tales told from one person to the next, magick intertwines with the telling.
These magickal stories shape thoughts, ideas, and beliefs, which in turn shape how societies, cultures, and individuals perceive their reality and daily lives.
The significance of storytelling has also shaped oral history traditions around the world. For instance, the indigenous peoples of Australia pass down their stories and histories word-for-word, breath-for-breath, without variation. European bards and troubadours, on the other hand, traveled around and exchanged lyrical stories, news, and histories for food and shelter. In various cultures, stories and histories passed down from generation to generation have subtly changed to meet the demands and concerns of the current community.
Stories and the act of playing are how we learn best as a species, so it's no surprise that our fiction, science fiction, and fantasy stories have inspired our realities, our magicks, and our paths—even creating self-fulfilling prophecies in the case of science fiction.
Yet, even today, society often shames fiction and stories, teaching children in schools that non-fiction is fact and fiction is fake. This overlooks the fact that fiction inspires the future, develops the imagination, and strengthens empathic abilities and potential.
Thankfully, fiction and storytelling have advocates to flag their significance and importance within society. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer and Dr. Susan Andrews coined the term Restoryation—a process designed to revitalize, reinvigorate, and reconnect the natural ecosystems and human society through weaving indigenous wisdom and stories to form healthier bonds and awareness between humans and nature.
Restoryation recognizes the integral role humans play in their natural environments just as nature plays an integral role in human life. Not only does this concept acknowledge the knowledge and traditions of the indigenous people native to the ecosystems, but it also advocates for holistic, sustainable stewardship of the land instead of our current dominance and control over nature.
“Braiding Sweetgrass'' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, PhD introduced me to the Restoryation concept. Since then, more concepts and movements to reclaim and restory the tales told to reflect the changes in values and connections have increased. For instance, National Tell A Fairy Tale Day in the United States occurs every year on February 26th—this year it’s today, Monday February 26, 2024.
Personally, I've woven several fictional worlds into my craft, practice, and path. Drawing inspiration from sources like the Legend of Zelda franchise, the Addams Family, and Tolkien's works—among others—I've found stories to be powerful tools for spiritual exploration and growth.
One of my favorite acquisitions from the romantic fantasy realm is a spell found in Christine Feehan's Oceans of Fire, the third book in her Drake Sisters series. The "Red Lace Panties" spell, while sounding like a love or lust spell, is actually anchored in self-love, self-worth, and confidence. Though I've made modifications to the spell over time, its essence remains a testament to the power of storytelling in magickal practice.
If you’re curious about my modified version of this spell, check out our Patreon page. Head over to our socials and let us know what fiction you incorporate into your witchcraft, magickal practice, and spiritual paths.
Tell your stories and work with your fiction. Embrace the magick that lies within!
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