Conjuration, a Magazine of the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

Issue 3, May 2022

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall is a true gem, a repository of the strange, the mysterious and the wonderful. Periodically, the Museum offers a zine, Conjuration, to share a glimpse of the collections and discussions of some of the more unique objects.

Reading like a miniature version of the coffee table book every occultist wishes existed, each page features a beautifully photographed occult item and an explanation of its use and origin. The Museum’s director Simon Costin invited friends and colleagues to select five favorite items for inclusion and to write about each one—its provenance and history and also why it is a favorite and what about it is enigmatic and fascinating. The objects they chose in Issue 4 span the Museum’s thousands of objects and books and include a snail shell love charm chosen by Gemma Gary, Cecil Williamson’s dark mirror selected by Graham King and a Hare Lady statue chosen by John Callow. Issue 4 also includes selections from Cecil Williamson’s scrapbook snippets and several full-page spreads of photographs of the hand-drawn tarot cards of Francesca, one of Gerald Gardner’s High Priestesses.

Part history, part occult inspiration and fully a work of art in itself, the magazine offers up a kaleidoscope of images to tease the imagination and entice the magical mind. Each issue of Conjuration sells out very quickly so get it while you can, every time you can.