An exploration of history, folklore, magic, necromancy and devotion across traditions around the world centered around the Sorcerer+Saint+Martyr on the Eve of his Feast

Saint Cyprian of Antioch started as a sorcerer and magician of great renown, who then converted to Christianity and died a martyr in the 3rd Century CE. Like many saints, history is a mix of legend and fact and whether he existed at all is debated- but for billions of people in the world, he is a beloved saint whose mythic history places him not only in a more traditional Christian pantheon of elect mediators, but one whose story also becomes an inspiration in folk practice and folk magic. Grimoires- books of magic- attributed to his authorship and patronage proliferated in Europe and Latin America, for according to tradition, the great sorcerer still retained his pagan power and magic upon his conversion. 

From the Black Books of Scandinavia, to the Cyprianic Conjurations of English Magic, to the folk magics and exorcism power of Agios Kiprianos and Agia Iustina in Orthodox Greece and the Balkans, to the many books called 'Ciprianillos' or 'Books of Cyprian' in Latin America detailing magic and cartomancy and conjuration, to his tutelage by the Exu called Meia Noite in Brazilian Quimbanda and his influence on the spirit called Pai Cipriano, to the more recent upwelling of Cyprian's popularity and patronage in the past decade as many of these resources became more published in English- our Saint has a huge body of folklore and folk magic surrounding him!

Join three Cyprianic scholars in honoring the vespers of the Sorcerer-Saint in a three hour offering of history, practice, and devotion to Saint Cyprian of Antioch:

• visit his historical legend and official hagiography in the Christian Church

• learn of his patronage of necromancy and magic in England and Scandinavia 

• survey the many Books of Saint Cyprian to see the types of magic he has inspired and what is practiced in his name

• explore his famous powers of exorcism and miracle working in Orthodox Christian folk practice

• explore folk magic and expressions in Mexican Brujería and Brazilian Macumba & Quimbanda 

• spend the Eve of his Feast in learning, dedication and community for the Saint, with the class ending on the Feast proper in celebration

Taught by Dr. Alexander Cummins, Katarina Pejovic, and Jesse Hathaway Diaz.

This class will be recorded and distributed to all those enrolled, and broadcast live via Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 9pm-12am, and costs $77.