Witch Cakes & Poppets: The Folk Magic of Salem

In 1692, the Village of Salem feared witchcraft to the point of persecution and execution of their friends and neighbors. They believed that magic was only possible through the help of demons, and yet many members of the community still engaged with folk magic in their daily lives.

In this class, we will learn all about the folk magic that occurred in Salem during this era, including witch cakes, poppets, oomancy, and more. We'll explore the origins of these traditions, investigate how they came into play during the Salem Witch Trials, and practice a 17th-century form of divination together. Expect to hear a few connections between Maine and these infamous trials along the way.

Tickets for this event are offered on a sliding scale, starting at $30 per person. This ticket includes a happy-hour-styled social mingling with select beverages and snacks available from 6:30-7:00, followed by a 1-hour lecture with Maya Rook.

Maya Rook is the history teacher you wish you had! She is a cultural historian, college educator, and the creator of Firefly Studio and the popular Full Moon Gathering series at the Maine Maritime Museum. Maya holds an MA in American Cultural History and teaches history and humanities courses with Southern New Hampshire University. In her public history talks, she loves to explore a range of popular and obscure historical topics. Her historical expertise is supported by her work as a yoga and meditation instructor and practitioner of natural magic. Participants have described Maya’s approach as welcoming, vibrant, creative, playful, humorous, delightful, informative, and fun. After attending a session with Maya, you will walk away with new knowledge, a deeper connection to yourself and others, and some fresh perspective in how you view the past and the present world around you.