A Curious Tweet Sparks Interest
Recently, a tweet featuring an excerpt from Kathryn Paulsen’s 1971 book, The Complete Book of Magic and Witchcraft, caught attention. It suggested that “you may fascinate a woman with a piece of cheese.” While offering cheese to woo someone may seem odd, it taps into a long history of cheese in magic.
The Enigmatic Nature of Cheese
The reasons behind cheese’s perceived magical properties aren’t entirely clear. It could be because cheese is made from milk, a substance associated with vitality and nourishment. Additionally, the cheese-making process, transforming liquid into solid, has been likened to miracles.
Cheese in Mythology and History
Cheese’s magical allure dates back centuries. In the 2nd century, diviner Artemidorus mentioned “tyromancy” – cheese divination – as a method of predicting the future. Despite its association with vivid dreams, Artemidorus considered it unreliable.
Interpreting Cheese Dreams
In the 17th century, English manuals suggested that dreaming of cakes without cheese was favorable, while those with both indicated deceit and treachery, particularly by Welshmen.
Cheese in Detection Magic
In medieval and early modern times, cheese helped find criminals. Suspects got blessed cheese to eat. If they could swallow it, they were innocent. If not, they were guilty.
Mischievous Cheese Magic
In mythology, Circe, a sorceress from The Odyssey, transformed Odysseus’ companions into animals using a potion mixed with cheese. Though unlikely, such tales entertained the idea of enchanted cheese.
Fear of Enchanted Cheese
In the 12th century, William of Malmesbury warned of Italian innkeepers using enchanted cheese to transform customers into beasts. Spoiled milk, often attributed to witches, was a common curse in early modern Europe.
Theft and Milk Magic
Witches were believed to magically steal milk directly from cows. Stories abound of enchanted leather bags that pilfered milk from neighboring herds.
The Seductive Power of Cheese
Cheese’s allure wasn’t limited to magic; it extended to seduction. Odo of Cheriton likened adultery to a rat lured by toasted cheese, symbolizing temptation and sin.
Love Magic and Cheese
In 14th-century Germany, people believed throwing bread and cheese over their shoulder could make relationships fertile. They also thought cheese could cure male impotence. They performed unusual rituals for this purpose.
The Timeless Attraction of Cheese
Given cheese’s enduring appeal, it’s no wonder it’s woven into magical practices throughout history. Kathryn Paulsen’s spell, simplistic yet intriguing, highlights cheese’s mystical charm.
Conclusion
Cheese has been linked to magic for ages. It’s used for divination and detection. It’s also used in seduction and healing. People believe in its mystical powers. It’s used to predict the future and identify criminals. It adds spice to romantic adventures. Cheese’s allure continues to fascinate. So, the next time you give a woman a piece of cheese, remember, you might just be tapping into a tradition as old as time itself.
