In September I recently started the MA Magic & Occult Science programme at Exeter University, my weekly pilgrimage to surround myself with magic, mystery, chickens, nature, mountains of readings and my new classmates.
How do you find out about something like this? I had no idea this was even a thing, but, and like a few others on the course (dare I say most?), I was shown by several people in the same week it was advertised. There were news articles in British and American publications and through all the hard work of Professor Emily Selove (and an enormous task to get it off the ground), the first degree of its kind had been created to invite practitioners (and non practitioners) to the academic fields of magic.
You mean Hogwarts?...Er...No...This isn't some play act at magic...To those unawares (and I was certainly one of them), the subjects vary as much as the students. From Philosophy to Psychology, Drama to Literature, History to Archaeology, magic is discussed, debated and reinterpreted in so many ways it can make your head swim! It would seem that since people could put pen to paper (or paint to pot, stylus to clay) the meaning of magic has been debated hotly from all corners of scholarly worlds, the merging worlds of science, magic and religion coming together, being pulled apart, picked, prodded and poked in in-numerous methods. It has been such an eye and mind opening experience - and one that I was searching for indeed! Now don't get me wrong, I respect and admire those who stay within the bounds of their chosen path, but I had been struggling in London, trying to make connection with my own path and with
the wider magic community. I had come across too many rules (yes there are plenty of these in academic world too), and I wasn't able to express my (limited) opinion without being shot down with no option to explore the many interpretations to each individuals journey that are out there. So for those wishing to explore the thousands of definitions (I say this lightly because it would seem impossible to clearly define the definition of the definition...ah spiral...let's save that), open their minds to the countless ways to explore magic, and have the journey with like minded individuals, then apply for next year! Applications are open!
I want to give my fellow students a much loved shout out! They are such an eclectic mix of people, as you will ever meet, Muslim, Wiccan, Druid, Astrologers, Taoist, Jewish, Mediums, Demon Communicators, Christians, Tarot Readers, Deity Communicators, Seance Specialists, Play-writes, Actors, Yoga Instructors, Mental Health Practitioners, Buddhists, Working Parents, Single Parents, Business Owners, Tattoo Artists, Jewellery Designers, Song Writers, Authors, Travellers from all over the globe...This list is a but a small fraction of the beautiful people I share the course with (and yes everyone has multiple strings to their many bows).
Now I haven't just found the magic in the campus grounds and betwixt the pages of books, I have found myself in surprising accommodations (for a Taurus gal who loves her comforts). Having visited in the summer with little Ronnie to scope Exeter out, I camped at an off-grid camp site just on the outskirts of Exeter. As someone who can't drive and reliant on public transport, the options of campsites were a little limited to start with. But what a treat! No light pollution on a clear summers night, the moon shining as brightly as the sun, my little campfire toasting my tootsies.
For my first few weeks of term, I somewhat bravely (no dog with me this time), continued to camp at the campsite, the only person in the field at this point, and during the fourth visit the owner saved my damp hide and offered me a caravan to stay in! Which may not sound ideal to some, but to travel from London to Exeter, and then pay for accommodation for two nights a week, it t'aint cheap. And for a city dweller - the perfect escape once a week into the wilderness! There's also the most friendly chickens on site, a couple like to come visit me in the mornings and check I haven't got any worms on the floor or any food scraps. When the night is clear you can look up and let your eyes adjust and make out the faintest hint of the milky way, with the full moon out you can see the bats flying through the air taking advantage of the extra light - especially magical when you're making your way over to the outhouse (lots of spiders).
So there you have it - the journey so far, back to education, for those who've asked and I keep getting waylaid with serving in the cafe. More updates are sure to come, with some (I will admit only if they are decent) of my essay's to follow as blogposts as promised, any questions or request on my quest, give me a shout!
As always, the kettle is always on, my door is always open,
Bibi
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