Folk Magick and the Little Witchcrafts Oracle Deck
Colonial America is often remembered for its Puritanical values and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. However, beneath the surface of fear and superstition, there existed a rich tradition of traditional magick, practiced quietly by both settlers and Indigenous peoples. These practices were deeply rooted in the everyday lives of the colonists, blending European customs, local Indigenous traditions, and practical magickal solutions for survival in a new and challenging land.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of traditional Colonial American magick and how it has influenced the creation of my Little Witchcrafts oracle deck. Each card in the deck is inspired by the practices, beliefs, and symbols of 17th-century magick, bringing the essence of this powerful tradition into modern spiritual practice.
Folk Magick and the Little Witchcrafts Oracle Deck
Colonial America is often remembered for its Puritanical values and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. However, beneath the surface of fear and superstition thrived a quieter, yet deeply ingrained tradition of m
Magick. Both settlers and Indigenous peoples practiced folk m
Magick as a means of survival, healing, and protection, blending European customs, Native traditions, and practical magickal solutions for navigating an unfamiliar and often unforgiving land.
The Roots of Colonial Magick
Colonial America was a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. Settlers brought with them folk traditions steeped in superstition, herbal knowledge, and protective charms. Meanwhile, Indigenous communities had long-standing spiritual practices centered around harmony with nature, the cycles of the earth, and sacred rituals, such as the use of the medicine wheel. Over time, these traditions mingled, shaping a unique form of folk Magick that was passed down through generations.
Folk Mgick in this era was not about grand ceremonies or elaborate spells—it was practical, woven into everyday life. With harsh winters, food shortages, and rampant illness, colonists relied on simple yet powerful magickal practices to bring prosperity, protection, and healing. Many of these traditions have endured, hidden in plain sight within folk remedies, superstitions, and household customs.
Magick in Daily Life
What we now recognize as folk Magick was once a natural part of daily life. These traditions, often disguised as common household practices, served to shield families from harm, invite good fortune, and ensure survival. Here are a few examples:
Witch Bottles – Buried near homes and filled with nails, pins, and herbs, witch bottles were powerful protective charms against malevolent forces. In my Little Witchcrafts deck, the Witch Bottle card represents Domestic Magick, symbolizing home protection and preservation.
Protection Charms – Hanging a horseshoe above the doorway for luck and safety was a widespread practice, rooted in both European and Native traditions. This practice is honored in my deck with the Horseshoe card, representing Protection.
Divination & Fortune-Telling – Playing cards, dice, and other simple tools were often used to reveal the future or guide important decisions. The Playing Cards card in my deck is a tribute to this, symbolizing Divination and Fate.
Healing Potions & Remedies – Colonists relied on herbal medicine for survival, using roots, flowers, and tinctures to cure ailments. The Potions card in my deck embodies this legacy, representing Healing through natural Magick.
The Little Witchcrafts Oracle Deck: Honoring Colonial Folk Magick
Inspired by the rich traditions of 17th-century folk Magick, my Little Witchcrafts oracle deck brings these powerful practices into the modern world. Each card draws from the beliefs, symbols, and everyday magick of Colonial America, making this deck a unique bridge between the past and present.
Here are just a few of the cards that embody the essence of Colonial magick:
Black Cat – The black cat has long been seen as both a protector and a bringer of fortune. In Colonial America, black cats were feared as witches’ familiars but also cherished for their ability to ward off evil. This card represents everyday magick and unseen forces working in your favor.
Memento Mori -With short life expectancies, the reverence for ancestors was deeply embedded in Colonial life. Mementos of the dead were often kept, and their spirits were believed to guide and protect the living. The Skull card serves as a reminder of ancestral wisdom and the continuous cycle of life and death.
Crossroads – Crossroads have long been seen as places of power, where different paths meet and the veil between worlds is thin. This card represents choice, fate, and the guidance that appears when we stand at life’s turning points.
Corn Husk Doll – Corn, gifted to settlers by Indigenous peoples, played a central role in Colonial survival and celebration. Corn husk dolls were both toys and talismans, symbolizing abundance and gratitude. This card embodies joy, festivity, and honoring life's blessings.
Step Into the World of Folk Magick
The Little Witchcrafts oracle deck is more than just a tool for divination—it’s a way to reconnect with the wisdom of our ancestors and the everyday Magick that shaped their lives. Whether you're drawn to history, folk Magick, or simply want to infuse your practice with the spirit of Colonial America, this deck offers a unique and meaningful way to explore these timeless traditions.
🔮 Want to experience the power of traditional folk Magick? Discover the Little Witchcrafts oracle deck and let these 52 cards guide you through life’s mysteries, just as they did centuries ago.
✨ Stay tuned as we continue exploring the fascinating history behind each card!
Would love to hear your thoughts—what folk Magick traditions resonate most with you? Share your experiences in the comments!
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