History of Paganism Book is the fifth secret of Little Hope. It can be found by Taylor at the bus crash site. This secret appears in Diversion (non-interactive) and the Theatrical Cut of Darkest Dreaming.
Overview[]
It is a book about paganism. The open page talks about objects associated with pagan beliefs, among them poppets and effigies.
In-Game Description[]
A book titled "The Wild Magic: A History of Modern Paganism." Inside the book are pages on sacred objects, effigies, and poppets.
Update(s)[]
- Poppets are a focus for sympathetic magic.
Transcript[]
(on front)
THE WILD MAGIC
A HISTORY OF MODERN PAGANISM
S. Dutton
(on back)
'AN EYE OPENER'
Weekly Report
'CLEARS UP MANY HISTORICAL MISCONCEPTIONS. INSPIRATIONAL WORK'
Ann Jackson, The Evening Observer
'A FASCINATING INSIGHT'
American Books Magazine
In The Wild Magic: A History of Modern Paganism, Dutton takes us on an introductory tour of the rich and complex history of modern paganism. He reflects on its origins and persecution during early Christianity through its evolution, acceptance and growing popularity in the world today.
(page 1 and 2)
CHAPTER FOUR
OBJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH PAGAN BELIEFS
For centuries, sacred objects have been associated with pagan worship. Objects do not hold power but focus and channel the user's energy. Their form carries meaning. Objects can help connect people with ancestors, seek spiritual answers, permit deep introspective thinking or interpret messages from the cosmos. Sacred objects are important in all aspects of modern paganism.
Objects such as the pentacle, moon and crystals carry seasonal significance and have deep connections to the soil and nature. The wiccan year is an agricultural cycle that begins and ends with Yule, the winter solstice that marks the death and rebirth of the sun. Object such as boline and chalice relate to special dates such as the start and end of the harvest.
Fig 1. Year wheels are ornamental, but the boline has practical use in the ceremony, for cutting herbs or cords.
Paganism is eclectic, as a variety of sacral objects demonstrates. Their uses are passed down through tradition and esoteric knowledge. Some pagans keep a Book of Shadows, a record of how the objects should be used.
Fig 2. The moon is often used as a focus for cyclical ceremonies and is often regarded as feminine in aspect, associated with intuition and secrets.
TOOLS
Sacral objects are tools, often with a utilitarian purpose. The boline, staff and lancet are not venerated, but employed in ritual. They are transformative, advancing the ceremony through cutting, piercing or sound.
Practicing pagans find that making their own tools enhances the spiritual connection. However, not all objects need be purchased or made. Found objects such as household items make effective substitutes, such as a teacup substituting for a chalice.
(page 3 and 4)
Pagan objects are often associated with nefarious acts, especially in films and novels. For example, the athame blade is used to direct energy through a point for magic, not to cause harm. Below, we discuss the uses of objects and dispel some of the myths associated with them.
Fig 3. The athame blade stands for fire in the Wicca tradition and air for magicians. It represents power, and keeps spirits in check; it is almost never used to cut.
HANDMADE DOLLS AND EFFIGIES
Handmade dolls and poppets are created to represent a particular person. Spirits may be summoned to inhibit them and assist with magic. This is a form of sympathetic magic, where the energy imbued in the object by the ceremony is transferred by correspondence.
Effigies are usually made to be destroyed, either to commemorate a god or to remove the energy of an unwanted entity. They differ from the poppet in that the effigy is transformed by burning or breaking. They can vary in size from tiny, doll-like objects to giant 'wicker men' tens of feet tall. The latter are often burned, sometimes with live sacrifices, such as birds, inside.
Though certain effigies can be used to curse they can also cure, attract happiness and luck, money or love, depending on the intention.
Fig 4. The poppet, mommet or pippy is a doll or effigy that embodies a person known to the user. Spells cast on the doll affect that person.
Fig 5. This effigy is made to be crushed or torn apart. The act of destruction removes a curse from the world.
Location[]
The book first appears in the prologue, put down by the bus driver as he enters the bus. After the prologue, it can be found beside the overturned bus.
Trivia[]
- Unlike other book secrets, the player does not have to turn the page to unlock this secret.
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