Heather Freeman, a Professor of Digital Media, discusses her new podcast "Magic in the United States" which explores the history of magical practice and folk traditions in North America. She shares the challenges of using the term "magic" as a catch-all and discusses the production process of her podcast. They also delve into the practice of folk magic, the murder of a well-regarded powwower, and the intersection of digital technology and magic.
Heather Freeman discusses the challenges and complexities of using the term 'magic' as a catch-all term for the various practices and traditions she covers in her podcast 'Magic in the United States.'
Heather Freeman explores the history and resilience of the powwow tradition in southeastern Pennsylvania, highlighting how it managed to survive and thrive despite the media circus surrounding the murder of Nelson D. Ray Meyer, a prominent powwow practitioner.
Heather Freeman delves into the intersection of Native American religious and spiritual practices with the concept of magic, uncovering the complexities of cultural appropriation and offering valuable insights into the diverse range of Native American magical practices.
Deep dives
The Murder of Nelson D. Ray Meyer
In this episode, Heather Freeman explores the brutal murder of Nelson D. Ray Meyer, a prominent powwow practitioner in southeastern Pennsylvania. The murder and subsequent trial of his killers became a media circus that nearly destroyed the powwow tradition. Heather delves into the complex history of powwow and how it managed to survive and thrive despite the challenges it faced. This episode combines elements of true crime and folk magic, providing a fascinating look into the intricacies of powwow.
Exploring Magic in the United States
Join Heather Freeman in the Arnamancy podcast to uncover the diverse world of tarot, magic, the occult, and the history of Western esotericism. Through engaging discussions with scholars and practitioners, Heather explores the weird and wonderful world of magic in the United States. From the complexities of defining magic to the cultural remixing of practices, each episode provides valuable insights into a different aspect of magical practice. Get ready to discover the hidden stories, traditions, and practitioners of magic that shape the American magical landscape.
Unveiling the Complexities of Native American Magic
Magic in the United States takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of Native American magic and spiritual practices. Heather Freeman uncovers the complexity of Native American religious and spiritual practices and their intersection with the concept of magic. From examining perceptions of Native American practices as it relates to magic to navigating the challenges of cultural appropriation, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of the subject. Discover the diverse range of Native American magical practices and gain a deeper understanding of their cultural significance.
Exploring Modern Innovations in Magic
Delve into the exciting realm of modern magical innovations with Magic in the United States. Heather Freeman explores the intersections of technology and magic in the contemporary context. From online magical communities to the blending of magic and the arts, this episode uncovers the ways in which technology has transformed magical practices. Discover how modern practitioners are pushing the boundaries of magic and embracing digital mediums to enhance their craft. Join the conversation and explore the cutting edge of magical innovation.
Investigating Mysteries of American Folk Magic
Step into the fascinating world of American folk magic with Magic in the United States. Heather Freeman invites listeners to explore the rich and varied traditions rooted in American folk magic. From witch trials to healing practices, each episode uncovers the hidden stories and practices that shape American folk magic. Unravel the mysteries of diverse folk magic traditions, including powwow, hoodoo, and more. Gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural influences that have shaped American folk magic and discover how it continues to flourish today.
Heather Freeman returns to the podcast to share her newest podcast project: Magic in the United States. Heather is a Professor of Digital Media at the University of North Charlotte at Charlotte. Her new podcast covers centuries of history of magical practice and folk traditions in North America. Join us as she leads us on the journey of what it's like to get such an amazing podcast funded through real grants on a major podcast network!
We discuss Heather's plans for future episodes, as well as the difficulty of using the term "magic" as a catch-all term for the various practices and traditions she covers. I really loved this conversation, and I am certain that you will, too!
Magic in the United States is part of the PRX network and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This episode includes a short clip from one of its episodes.
Sword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.com
