Instagram story viewer> @exetermagic> Posts

The Occultists

@exetermagic

447

followers

255

following

Follow along on our magical journey!
📍Exeter

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Really delighted that fellow Hoopoe fan and Magic Prof. Emily Selove is returning for more Oracle Dream Retreat in 2027!

Emily Selove (PhD 2012, UCLA) is an associate professor in Medieval Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Exeter. She is also the convener of the University of Exeter's Centre for Magic and Esotericism, a uniquely interdisciplinary collaboration of colleagues across the University of Exeter to study the history of magic and the occult sciences—an area in which Exeter has exceptional, internationally recognized expertise.

Professor Selove designed and, in 2023, launched a new MA in Magic and Occult Sciences that showcases the unique, interdisciplinary expertise of University of Exeter Colleagues in the study of the history of magic. This MA was featured in the BBC, the Guardian, the New York Times, and multiple other news organisations.

Professor Selove was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Manchester from 2012-2014, working on the ERC-funded Arabic Commentaries on the Hippocratic Aphorisms project. Her early research focused on the figure of the uninvited guest (or "party-crasher") in medieval Arabic literature, and especially on the 11th-century work ikyat Ab l-Qsim, the subject of her monograph, ikyat Ab l-Qsim: A Literary Banquet (Edinburgh University Press, 2016). She also co-edited and translated this text with Professor Geert Jan van Gelder: The Portrait of Ab l-Qsim al-Baghdd al-Tamm (Gibb Memorial Trust, 2021). Her translation of another 11th-century book of party-crashing is titled Selections from the Art of Party-Crashing in Medieval Iraq. She also co-authored a textbook to introduce beginning students to the city of medieval Baghdad, Baghdad at the Centre of a World: 8th-13th Century, and has created a collection of cartoons titled Popeye and Curly: 120 Days in Medieval Baghdad . Her most recent book was a short monograph for the Cambridge Elements series titled The Donkey King: Asinine Symbology in Ancient and Medieval Magic

#magic #occult #esoteric #exeter oracledreamretreat by @exetermagic

75

4

21 hours ago

A familiar in folklore is a spiritual entity, often disguised as an everyday animal like a black cat, toad, raven, or hare, that acts as a magical companion and assistant to a witch. They were believed to help perform rituals, spy on neighbors, run errands under the cover of night, and protect sacred spaces. Unlike ordinary pets, familiars were said to draw their sustenance directly from the witch's own life force or blood, often feeding from a hidden mark on the body known as a witch's teat. During early modern witch trials, particularly in England and the American colonies, the concept of a familiar was strictly taboo because church authorities viewed these creatures as low-level demons granted by the Devil. Finding an unusual mark on someone's body or catching them interacting closely with a stray animal was often treated as definitive proof of witchcraft. by @exetermagic

20

0

15 days ago

Dragonlore in the epic Persian poem by Ferdowsi, written between about 977 and 1010 CE. It tells the story of Iran’s past—from the creation/world origins through mythical, heroic, and historical ages—and is considered the national epic of Greater Iran. #ferdowsi #shahnahmeh by @exetermagic

8

0

23 days ago

A little magic from our resident magician @ezakiphoto #entertaibmentmagic by @exetermagic

17

2

2 months ago

And what sign are you!? by @exetermagic

2

0

2 months ago

The ancient pagan welcoming of Lúnasa/ Lughnasadh honours the sun god Lugh and the earth’s abundance. Key elements of this seasonal festival is communal feasting and sharing of the harvest bounty to the competitive athletic games (Tailteann Games) and fire rituals.
#Lughnasadh #CelticHarvest #HarvestFestival #CelticTraditions #AncientFestivals by @exetermagic

5

0

2 months ago

Prof. Emily Selove from the Magic Panel on YouTube last night discussing the MA in Magic and Occult Sciences at the @uniofexeter

You can now watch the full session on my website too: themysteries.org/panels

Follow Emily here @popeyeandcurly
@magic.uoe @exetermagic

#exeteruni #exeter #humanities #education #learning by @exetermagic

186

14

3 months ago

Exploring the world of Balinese sorcery and sacred iconography, where rerajahan drawings, talismans, and amulets are created with intention, mantra, and spiritual force. These powerful objects are believed to protect against disease, frighten enemies, and guard the wearer from harmful spirits. Many amulets use yantra style diagrams, ancient symbols, divine names, and mythic figures to channel protective energy. Talismans such as Pis Bolong magic coins are carved or inscribed with rerajahan that represent heroes, gods, and protective spirits, giving strength, charm, or spiritual defense depending on the symbol chosen.

Some drawings call upon figures like Buta Asmara, a fierce guardian presence, or Guru Yoni, whose essence discourages all evil influences. Practitioners speak of energies like the pangalahan and the panirnan, subtle pathways of power used to direct intention in rituals of protection, healing, or warding. These symbols appear on cloth, metal, palm leaves, and even on the skin during ceremonies, each design acting as a bridge between the seen world and the hidden realm.

Balinese magical art reflects a deep blend of Hindu cosmology, ancestral knowledge, and living spiritual practice, showing how communities continue to rely on sacred images and talismanic tools for safety, balance, and guidance.

#BalineseMagic #Rerajahan #Talisman #Amulets #tobabatakpeople by @exetermagic

3

0

3 months ago

Congratulations to @tabithastanmore and @drdebsmoretti on another successful session of the Magic and Witchcraft in York. Watch this space for next year’s session.

#magicandwitchcraft #occultsciences #magicconference by @exetermagic

74

2

3 months ago

A friendly reminder that the deadline for submissions to "Creative Practices and Bridging the Invisible" is March 2nd. https://lnkd.in/e-Y6HU2a Screenshot of http://magic.charlotte.edu/news with an abstract banner image by @erikwaterkotte and text that says "call for individual papers, presentations, and creative contributions: creative practices and Bridging the Invisible." by @exetermagic

22

1

8 months ago

🎶✨ KARAOKE NIGHT with the Magic & Occult Society ✨🎶

Come out and sing your favourite songs with the Magic and Occult Society — or just watch us sing and enjoy the good times with all of us. 💫
There is no pressure to sing; the only thing to do is have fun!

📍 The Ship Inn
🗓 6th February 2026
🕘 9pm onwards

🔮🎤 Grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and join us for a night of music, magic, and chaos.
🎟️ Tickets in bio! by @exetermagic

19

0

8 months ago

HELLO EVERYONE! ✨
We are so excited to introduce the 2025-2026 Magic & Occult Society committee and let you all know that we plan to bring some very magical experiences your way!
If that's your thing, join the society as soon as you can!
(L!NK IN B!O) by @exetermagic

49

5

8 months ago