Mágia: Hungarian Myth, Magic, and Folklore

by Margit Tóth, Ann Richardson (Read by)

Overview

Explore the world of Hungarian Paganism with this book's impressive collection of history, lore, and traditions from the Carpathian basin. The Hungarian people, also known as the Magyars, fused pre-Christian and Christian beliefs into their identity, and that fusion remains today. Exploring mythology, daily life, magic, and life passages, this book reveals the old ways of Hungarian practitioners.

Margit Tóth introduces you to many aspects of the Magyar cosmos, from the creation story to homestead practices. Among many other topics, you will learn how to aid a restless spirit, what magical properties the Summer Solstice bonfire has, and why you should never wash clothes on a Tuesday. This book provides insight on ancestors, nature spirits, sacred foods, healing magic, divination, and even death.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798212944120
Publisher:	Tantor
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 5.70(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Margit Tóth was born in Hungary and spent a large portion of her childhood in New England. As an adult, she has lived all around the United States before settling in the Upper Midwest. Margit has studied world religions for over twenty years, focusing in recent years on the folk religion of her native Hungary.

Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgments • xi

Disclaimer • xiii

Introduction • 1

Part I: MYTHOLOGY
1: The World of Spirits • 11
2: Religious Practice • 25
3: Spirits of the Skies • 35
4: Fairies and Nature Spirits • 43
5: The Rosszak • 53
6: Sacred Animals • 65

Part II: DAILY LIFE
7: The Village • 79
8: The Homestead • 87
9: Sacred Food and Drink • 101

Part III: MAGIC
10: The Witch • 113
11: Other Magical Persons • 121
12: Magical Techniques • 129
13: Talismans and Beyond • 139
14: Divination • 149
15: Healing Magic • 157

Part IV: YEARLY CELEBRATIONS
16: Sacred Time • 167
17: Winter • 175
18: Eastertide • 183
19: Spring • 193
20: Summer • 203
21: Autumn • 211
22: Advent • 219
23: Christmas • 227

Part V: RITES OF PASSAGE
24: Coming of Age • 237
25: Love and Marriage • 245
26: Pregnancy and Childbirth • 255
27: Postpartum and Infancy • 263
28: Death: The Final Passage • 273

Conclusion • 285

Appendix A: Pronunciation Guide • 287

Appendix B: Traditional Month Names • 291

Appendix C: Select Festivals and Holidays • 293

Glossary • 297

Sources Consulted • 305

Bibliography • 329

Index • 347

Editorial Reviews

"A detailed, comprehensive, fascinating, and accessible book of folkways and magical traditions. Featuring both historical and practical material, this book will be of interest to those seeking information not only about Hungary's ancient Pagan traditions, but also its unique Catholic folk magic. Tóth is a warm, friendly presence, as she guides us into the realms of Magyar magic and spirituality...So much of the material in this book has not been available to English readers until now, making Mágia a must-have for all who love folk magic."—Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Encyclopedia of Spirits

"I so loved this book! Margit Tóth has given us a wonderful gift, a treasure-trove of folklore from her own Hungary, much of which has not been available in English translation. Her words evoke a pre-modern time when every aspect of life was intrinsically embedded in the seasons of the year, and magic was the way one lived each day."—Holli Emore, executive director of Cherry Hill Seminary

"An astounding work of both research and personal dedication, Margit Tóth’s Mágia introduces readers to the robust world of Hungarian folk belief and practice. This book is deeply scholastic, but aims for cultural connection and understanding. The author has parsed original Magyar (Hungarian) source materials, but also works to make the notoriously complex language readable for those who haven't grown up speaking it....So much wonderful lore fits within this book's pages, and those wanting to know more about these practices finally have a stunningly rich guidebook in English to help open up the enchanted world of Hungarian folk magic."—Cory Thomas Hutcheson, editor of Llewellyn's Complete Book of North American Folk Magic

From the Publisher