Magic of the Greek Magical Papyri - Four-week Course

Lucia Segura introduces the workable magic of the Papyri Graecae Magicae (PGM), a collection of surviving manuscripts dating ca. 100 BC to 400 CE. Its vast number of prose passages, spells, hymns and devotional rituals make it virtually a textbook of magical techniques performed in Greco-Roman Egypt during that period. The course opens with an introductory overview; then, Lucia leads the class in how to actually perform this tradition of magic. Using the PGM texts, she starts with simple spells and them moves on to more complex ones, always demonstrating methods, vocalisations and ritual ingredients – including accommodations for the modern practitioner. Runs Oct 25th and Nov 1st, 8th, 15th.

Lesson 1, 25th Oct - Love. In the first session Lucia introduces the Papyri Graecae Magicae (PGM), outlining where and when this magic was practised, and giving an overview of the techniques and approaches one finds in the material. She covers core workings and techniques, and this session uses examples from the plethora of love and lust spells in the collection. 

Lesson 2, 1st Nov - Curses. In the second session, Lucia examines the curses in the PGM, focusing on a few in depth, before turning to methods of protection from the curses, which she teaches the class. She goes through the ingredients that were used at the time, and discusses alternatives that are more easily available today.

Lesson 3, 8th Nov - Divination. The third session is dedicated to the PGM workings on divination, scrying and dreaming. Lucia leads the class through a few specific examples, and then instructs attendees on PGM-based ways to communicate with gods and spirits, together with the appropriate timings to perform magic.

Lesson 4, 15th Nov - Rituals.  Lucia's final session dives deeply into PGM rites which are dedicated to preparing the practitioner for effective relationships with deities and spirits. She teaches the PGM's purification rites and its guidelines for consecrating the magical objects which are to be used in one's practice. 

Lucia Segura is a Pagan of over two decades' experience. The magic of the Greek Magical Papyri forms a major part of her rigorous personal practice, in which rituals and spells of the PGM are worked, developed, and adapted to modern life.  Lucia lives in Norfolk; born in Costa Rica, she moved to England over 25 years ago. She is a high priestess of the Wiccan tradition.