Spells, charms, and incantations were magic words, or a formation of
words, that had the power to bewitch items, people, and animals. They
could be recounted as poems, stories, songs, or prayers and be
performed as rituals, on amulets, in potions, and on people.
Charms reveal a lot about the practice and theory of magic throughout
the ages. Most charms are written as antidote’s to diseases, natural
disasters or even witchcraft! They have been recorded in Charm Books,
Journals and Grimoires.
Most charms call upon religious powers, which helps historians better
understand the practice of religion in the past. Spells often included
religious figures such as God, Christ, Saints and Angels. These Spells
were seen as stronger forms of magic than witchcraft as they invoked
the help of almighty deities.
ABRACADABRA.
Abracadabra is the ultimate magical spell. Who has not heard of its power? Abracadabra has circulated as a spell that warded off illness since the roman era.
The spell’s power endeavoured throughout centuries and appeared in Plague Journals during the Great Plague of London in 1666. Whilst most people believed God sent the plague; some believed possessed evil spirits sent it. To protect themselves from these demons, the charm of ABRACADABRA was written in a pyramid on their doors.
Tenth Century: Anglo-Saxon Charm’s
There are twelve surviving Old English Metrical Charms from the Anglo-Saxon era. Through these charms we can begin to understand the religious and medical practices of Anglo-Saxon Britain. These charms are influenced by pagan, Christian and Germanic Gods, highlighting the diversity of religion before Christianity dominated Britain. We can also learn of past diseases, fears, and good luck rituals. Here’s a list of the Twelve Charms and what they entail!
Bewitching Britain 