Book Review Russian Magic

I recently had the good fortune to read the book, Russian Magic -- Living Folk Traditions by Cherry Gilchrist. What drew me to the book was the intriguing title and I found it to be an excellent read from start to finish.

Ms. Gilchrist writes from the point of view of her extensive first hand experience, gained from her travels throughout Russia in both large cities and small villages. There is no substitute for acquiring knowledge in this manner and sharing it with the reader. A good writer/teacher enlivens the information presented and inspires the reader/student to absorb, learn, and thirst for more.

The book explores the heart and soul of Russia, called Rossiya in Russian, her pagan roots, her customs and how they still persist to a degree in this day and age. Russians are a superstitious bunch, and the book sheds some light and how and why this came to be so. The old ways and customs have not been forgotten.

“Russian Magic” is arranged in seven chapters, with an epilogue, notes, and extensive bibliography should one desire to read more.

Ms. Gilchrist sets the foundation for the book by exploring Russian cosmology, the ancient gods, spirits of the sky, house, forest, winds, and stars. For a dose of reality, she discusses historical events such as the baptism of Russia in 988 and the effect of communism on the Russian people.

The topics covered in the book encompass folktales, the Russian heroes and villains therein, the Russian house, rituals, animals, especially birds, signs that serve as harbingers of good and evil, the enchanted Russian landscape, shamans and psychic healing, the Russian folk calendar and the secrets of life and death a la ruskie. Animals such as bears, wolves, birds, the firebird, fish, horses, and foxes populate the pages, add insight, and entertain.

There are a number of templates of beautiful illustrations of Russian folk art, crafts, people, pictures of the izba, or Russian house, that make the book even more attractive to the reader and impart understanding.

“Russian Magic” took me on a journey of exploration of my roots and struck a chord deep in my memory. I remembered the things I forgot: things my Babushka -- Grandmother told me, superstitions such as who is coming to visit if a knife falls on the table or the hospitality ritual of bread and salt, lore about herbal healing that my Papa admitted his mother was very familiar with. I suppose it comes down to being in tune with nature and the seasons, and the all encompassing circle of life and death.

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it was well worth the money I spent on it. I found it magical and recommend it highly.


Buy Russian Magic Living Folk Traditions of an Enchanted Landscape on Amazon.com