Folk Magic Fundamentals

  • Folk magic, which is also sometimes referred to as “low magic,” is rooted in practical magical remedies and rituals that are meant to help us live well. Folk Magic Fundamentals is intended to teach you methods for magical living that honors where you live, your own heritage, and the spirits that exist all around you.

    Through Folk Magic Fundamentals, Sterling offers several short, seasonal or themed, series of classes that are held throughout the year. The specifics of each class series change and evolve, just as our practices do throughout the year.

    Folk magic requires hands-on work, so you will be offered ways that you can start making this work personal right from the start.

Folk Magic for a Fight

Registration is open for the first Folk Magic Fundamentals class of 2025 ~ Folk Magic for a Fight.

Comprised of four classes over eight weeks, we’ll talk about magical and mundane strategies for getting clear on what you want to fight, working with spirits in your resistance work, maintaining your own resilience, and coalition building and organizing. 

We’re blending the magical with the practical throughout this whole series. 

The break weeks will offer suggestions for getting to work and there will be perks offered throughout the course to incentivize taking additional actions like contacting your members of Congress, rallying folks in your communities, and more. Class starts 3/27 and ends on 5/8. Waitlist price will be $125 ($175 full price).

SMDA alumni, check the Discord, and paid members of the Patreon, look in the ‘Coven Discounts’ collection - Y’all have a special registration price and the link to sign up is posted.

May your roads be open, your hearts strong, and your hands extended to lift one another up.

If you signed up for the waitlist, check your email ~ you have a discounted rate! If you are a paid member of the Community Coven on Patreon or are SMDA Alumni, you have an even better rate. Check your email or the Patreon/Discord to find the links!

How?

Folk Magic for a Fight is comprised of four virtually held classes over eight weeks. Each class will focus on a different intersection of magical workings and principles of advocacy and activism. Class will be held Thursday nights between 3/27 - 5/8 from 6:30PM - 8PM, with an optional sharing circle from 8PM - 8:30PM. Sharing circles will not be recorded, to respect everyone’s privacy.

You will have access to the replays, which are not to be shared, until 6/30/25.

An important note from Sterling for anyone considering this class

Willingness to be in community with people you don’t always agree with is crucial in effective organizing for political and social change. This class is not intended to be an echo chamber. It is a container for you to get clear on what is important to you and begin putting the lessons to use in your life and communities during the off weeks. For those who are new to getting involved, there will be suggestions of actions you can take. I will even offer some little incentives and bonuses, like a special meditation, resistance playlist, and some other treats I have in store, for extra motivation.

That said, I expect everyone to come to class with a foundation of respect for the struggles of others, even if it is something you haven’t experienced yourself. If you are unable to hold space in your heart and mind for, just to name a few examples, the current plight of immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities, the struggles people of color face, and the unique needs of rural folks, our communities living with disabilities, and the working class, Folk Magic for a Fight will not be a good fit for you.

If this is in alignment for you, the class descriptions and link to register are below.

When?

  • When we see things in the world that we don’t like, many of us start with the words, “I want to do something!”

    Class #1 will help you get clear and focused on what you want to change and what you want to fight.

    We’ll talk about using divination to help you identify the magical and mundane steps that can assist you in in reaching your desired outcome. We’ll also go over how to craft spellwork that fits you aim.

  • Class #2 will focus on learning from history and calling up the spirits of people, places, and events that are connected to the struggles we are currently facing.

  • If you don’t manage the stress, anger, grief, and burnout that comes with activism and advocacy, it eventually catches up with you. Class #3 is dedicated to connecting with our allies in nature and spiritual hygiene. Plan to get your hands dirty in a different kind of way for this one (we’re literally planting spells in this one).

  • In our final class, we will go over ways you can rally and partner with folks in your community. We’ll talk about magic and practicalities for protests and public demonstrations, awareness raising efforts, and ways you can remain focused on your aim when conflicts and differences of opinion inevitably arise.