Hedge Magic
Magic in Alvez can generally be divided into two overlapping facets: The underlying, extraordinary supernatural forces capable of manipulating and altering underlying reality, and the directed control of these forces, AKA cast magik. Cast magik, in turn can be divided between the overt, formalized and direct casting of Huderezh and the more ritualistic and subtle hedge magic. Hedge magic is a magical tradition, but is heavily mixed in with knowledge of folk medicine, herbology and religious tradition. While Hurderezh is the domain of the Similherez, hedge casters are more practical, tied more directly with their communities. In addition to countless titles and euphemisms, they are most frequently called Louzaouer (Bonesetters) or diskanterezed (Those who undo). These casters work within a local community, doling out blessings, predictions, curses and countercurses, as well as practical medical, agricultural and veterinary expertise.
For more on the hermetic magic of the Similherez, see Huderezh, the Magic of Kroashent.
It is known that all Boermerzh have the ability to cast curses and blessings alike, but only the Similherez and Louzaouer can cast with intent. Hedge casting typically involves specific, repeated words and motions, often combined with specific ritualistic materials, to compel the desired result. Effects will usually be quiet or subtle, unlike the overt and dramatic reality-warping of Hudererzh. Such spells often make use of religious iconography, blurring the line between magic and spirituality, and making it difficult for Church authorities to completely clamp down on its use.
Three - Three is considered the most important number in Folk belief. Multiples of three, especially 9 (three 3s) reinforce this principle. Three is the base "complete number"
Four - Four is the square, and is seen as the number of industry and artifice. While Three is the base of "nature" Four is the basis of "man"
Four (Five) - Often appearing with the invocation of "four" is a hidden, additional figure, an unseen spiritual addition. It is important to note that the invocation is not five, but rather, 4 + 1, with the addition of a separate, unique entity.
Seven - Seven is a lucky number, representing the union of nature (3) and man (4)
Nine (Three Threes) - Nine is the most stable and "reinforced" number.
Twelve (Three Fours) - Twelve is an auspicious number, the natural reinforcement of man's work.
Sixteen (Four Fours) - Sixteen is a strong number, representing the artificial reinforcement of man's work. It can also be a brittle number, prone to the mistakes of hubris.
The Curse Jar and its fatal Death Spell variation
Liard Curse - A curse placed on two liard (3 denier coins) and slipped into the pocket or shoes of a victim on a holy day, if the caster has not eaten that day.
A variation of this spell is used in legal disputes, causing the guilty party to die within a year. If the caster is guilty, however, they will die instead.
The Ninefold Spell is a common protection against curses.
Carrying 9 grains of salt on one's person is a lesser version of this spell.
Eggs are a prime carrier for both boons and banes.
Striking an eggshell 3 times before eating is considered to bring fortune or dispel curses.
Drinking from a bucket of water after a horse has drunk from it will break a fever.
Lethans observe a type of sin-eating. The urine of a sick person will be backed into three loaves of bread and fed to an animal, which will transfer the sickness to the creature.
To prevent eating - hide a needle used to sew a funeral shroud under a table.
To prevent sleeping, place the left eye of a swallow under the bed.
To induce nightmares, place a crown of feathers beneath a bed.
Dagyde -A sympathetic effigy used in spellcasting
Dropping a pin into a sacred well or fountain. The pins used vary, with silver pins, pins from the bodice of a favourite dress and, most auspiciously, a pin from a wedding crown. These pins would be carefully watched for the speed and direction they drop or float, with complicated interpretations following the slightest variations. While the details of each local ritual differ greatly, the general trend is found across the peninsula from the crowded cities of the East to the remote islands of the West. Local bonesetters, druids and witches will often be available to interpret the signs, per local custom. In rare cases, coins, broken pottery and, in some island communities, skipped stones take the place of the more common pins.
In the Ar Briwer near Naoned, a spell involves catching a green frog and placing it inside a small box with tiny holes poked in it, then burying the box in an anthill for three days. Whatever remains is sun-dried, ground into a powder and tossed over the object on one's desire.
A love spell allows a caster to take a lock of their desired lovers hair three times sunwise around a church or Nemeton with a lighted candle, then braid it with their own hair. These strands are sometimes carried in a locket.
The Pull of Kraoñklevezenn: - An unmarried person, under the guidance of the local mystic, burns a branch of bent hazel over a container of water, reciting the names of the local holy fountains and wells. The name pronounced as the first bit of charcoal falls into the water is the fountain that must be visited.
A pouch full of burnt mistletoe, worn against the skin is thought to attract the affections of others.
Common courtship rituals often involve Standing Stones.
A couple will walk around a dolmen or cromlech in different directions, meeting at the starting point. If they agree on the number of stones (not necessarily the correct number, but just the same one, their relationship is considered blessed and will result in happiness.
Summiting a notorious standing stone is considered auspicious by many local youths, and a game is made by both sexes to climb and slide down these megaliths, sometimes incurring the wrath or tacit approval of the local Korrigan community.
Sometimes, these summits are accomplished while carrying a cidre-bowl full of water, blessing the climber if they make the climb without spilling. This is common on Kala-Hañv as well.
One can gain a wish from a falling star with the incantation of "Meiz, Tout, Verdun" if the entire phrase is said while the star is visible.
Passing a candle or lamp three times sunwise around the surface the game will be played ensures lick.
A bowl of cider with the shavings of a copper denarius will make the drinker unbeatable in their next contest. Common for Gouren, horse races and cards.
A hangman's rope is said to be a good luck charm for gamblers, but unfastening it oneself is considered to bring misfortune to whoever does so.
Mistletoe is a lucky plant, and is hung in barns and over thresholds, or carried on the person. If it ever touches iron, it loses its magical properties.
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