User:Charlie/T6 Assessment

① Special Issues

Special Issue 25: ♫ Sounds Of Marmalade: Jam sesh w/ stuff ♫

We invited the public to join a cozy experimental jam session; With D.I.Y 'musical instruments' and sound-based constructs, no musical knowledge required! Synths, mics and recording equipment provided, as well as a little crafting station to guide you in making your own ♪♫ Stuff ♪♫ .

Contributions
* Sourcing and documenting the instruments
* Logistics
* Wiki Documentation
* Setting up the event space
* Making Mixer manuals
* Creating an online Soundboard

Mixer Manual

Jam Session at the SI25 event

The jam sessions at the SI25 event were some of my favorite moments of XPUB. It made me realize how much I love putting together an audience experience and setting up event spaces.

SOUNDBOARD OF MARMALADE

Special Issue 26: ☺ 3DS - 𝔴𝔢𝔟𝔷𝔦𝔫𝔢 ☺

As the result of looking into media archeology and alternative web-browsing devices within the Special Issue 26, we created a 3DS-only webzine. The project looked into the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS's discontinued Netfront browser in regards to web-design using CSS, HTML and JavaScript.
We reverse-engineered its limitations to create a dungeon-crawler like browser game that could only be fully experienced through the 3DS, as opposed to the optimized capabilities of current web browsers and devices.

Contributions:

* Concept and visual development
* Asset design and CSS-styling
* Wiki documention
* 3DS customization

Sticker designs based on the W3C and Nintendo 3DS logos.

Special Issue 27: ⌑✧⌑ ɔɐuɐɯlɐ₃₄ ⌑✧⌑

This publication contains five futurepredictions for the year 2034. Predictions delicately extracted from the dreams of fellow humans who bravely set aside fear and worry to impart their visions of our collective futures-yet-to-come. Predictions solidly grounded in the shared practices of hope and meaningfulness as a renewable resource for radical transformation. Predictions not as vain prophecies, nor false promises, but rather, propositions - For a future of many possibilities!

What I cherish the most from the Special Issues

⋆ Collaborative projects > Individual work

⋆ Experimenting with new mediums

⋆ Organizing events & interacting with audiences

⋆ Providing an experience

⋆ Documenting on the Wiki, especially creating tables

⋆ Experimenting with different visual designs

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

② Research Methods & Prototyping

Research ⇄ Prototyping

It is sometimes hard to distinguish between research methods and prototyping

Word Stew✍
Archiving <-> Referencing

Collecting ⇄ Collageing

Transforming ⇄ Subverting

Archiving ⇄ Referencing

Collect <-> Archive <-> Reference

✧ Omens From The Dog Park ✧ -> Experimental writing project that trained my magical thinking (or conspiratorial brain) -> Also trained me to be even more observant and mindful of my environment on daily walks

Ⓛⓘⓔⓢⓛⓔⓢⓒⓗⓣ

👽 WE ORGANIZED A ZINE FAIR!! 🛸

During my BA, I used to take part in zine fairs semi-regularly. The Zinefest is dearly missed! Organizing our own zine fair and seeing it "from the other side" gave me a whole new perspective. It was a 100% stressful & and a 100% worth it. 💚 It was all about sharing our love for zines with others. 💚

Perceiving ⇄ Collecting

Collageing ⇄ Transforming

Subverting ⇄ Archiving

Referencing ⇄ Creating

Transforming <-> SubvertingI made this fun XPUB sticker based on an iconic 2000's children's book cover about the internet.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

④ Thesis

Research Question:

In what ways can alternative currents and subcultures form practices of resistance against increasingly fascist, neo-colonial and extractive ideologies within Western occultism?
— An art-based inquiry towards more sustainable, inclusive and ethically-grounded Magic practices.

The thesis provided academic discussions and background knowledge to the project. It functions as a personal positioning to the methods and subjects I explored through the protocols.

This thesis went through many versions and changes! In the end, instead of trying to construct "my own" definition of Magic, it became much more about formulating some sort of moral principles to the practice of Magic. Rather than formulating Magic itself.

Key Points:

⋆ Ch.1: Our definition(s) and perception of Magic is steeped in Western colonial ideology

⋆ Ch.2: The "aesthetization" of Magic has turned many spiritual practices into profit-oriented trends and commodified goods.

⋆ Ch.3: Magic's association with nature-worship and arcane knowledge is being exploited as a right-wing pipeline

⋆ Conclusion: I barely scratched the surface.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

⑤ Graduation Project

— A working title that was never changed —

The way I would describe the project has changed over the past few months, and may change again in the future..

November

Protocols for Magic aims to create introductory frameworks for the development of idiosyncratic Magic practices through artistic and creative tools and exercises.

➯

April

Protocols for Magic is an art-based inquiry into the practice of Magic. It seeks to construct accessible frameworks and resources for the practice of Magic through creative expression and craft-based methodologies. Its primary aim is to facilitate constructive, yet critical, dialogue on our practice(s) and perception(s) in regards to modern Western Magic culture.

➯

June

Protocols for Magic provides creative and experimental frameworks for the practice of Magic through arts and crafts methodologies.

Situated in my own practice as an illustrator, zine-maker and bricoleur; This project aims to form a bridge between the magical act of creating and the mystical and transformative powers of sharing ideas.

Research Methods

But why "protocols"?!

I chose the title when I was still attempting to formulate a "scientifically-sound" definition of Magic. But it's use became semi-ironic. While the word "protocol" somewhat implies strict structures, or rigid bureaucratic processes, the Protocols for Magic aren't really about that. I'd say the "experimental nature of Magic" (Gosden, 2020) inherently opposes rigid rules.

Although each protocol may follow a similar structure (provide an educational base-line, followed by simple step-by-step instructions), they more-so seek to create frameworks/templates/exercises that allow the audience to put into question the so-called "rules" or preconceived notions they hold towards the practice of Magic.

And what better way to do that than through arts and crafts?
(So far as one denies that arts and crafts should abide by strict rules)

Reading & Writing

..fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a magician..

..a decent amount of miscellaneous writing..

..a LOT of reading..

Abram, D. (2005). Animism, Perception, and Earthly Craft of the Magician. The Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, Taylor and Kaplan, ed. Continuum. London, UK.

Babcock, J. (2013). On Anarcho-Occultism, This Capitalist Planet and Counterpower. Arthur Magazine. Available at: https://arthurmag.com/2013/03/19/on-anarcho-occultism-this-capitalist-planet-and-counterpower/ (Accessed: 9 April 2026).

Bellisario, S. (2025). Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic. Journal of Design History, Volume 37, Issue 4. Oxford University Press. Oxford, United Kingdom.

Bever, E., Styers, R. (2017). Magic in the Modern World: Strategies of Repression and Legitimization. Penn State University Press, Magic in History series. Pennsylvania, United States.

Brent, D. and Phelps, R. (2007). 'Participatory Consciousness and Complicity'. Complicity: An International Journal of Complexity and Education, Volume 4, Number 1, pp. 1–4.

Burgess, L. (2022) 'A Beginner's Guide to Secular Witchcraft'. Available at: https://backyardbanshee.com/witchcraft/secular-witch/ (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

Castle, E. (2025) 'The Commodification of Wicca: Capitalism’s Impact on Spiritual Authenticity', Medium, 14 June. Available at: https://elliecastle.medium.com/the-commodification-of-wicca-capitalisms-impact-on-spiritual-authenticity-2bf8e819a5e5 (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Center for Tactical Magic. (2006) 'Applied Magic(k) #1-8' (Column) Available at: https://www.tacticalmagic.org/CTM/thoughts/contents.htm (Accessed: 20 March 2026).

Charlesworth, J.J. (2022). The Return of Magic in Art. ArtReview. Available at: https://artreview.com/the-return-of-magic-in-art/ (Accessed: 19 November 2025).

Cornish, H. (2022). Sensing materiality in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Goldsmiths, University of London, Pomegranate Vol.23. Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Davies, A. (2023). Art is Magic. University of New South Wales. Sydney, Australia.

Dein, S. (2025). Magic and the Postsecular: Disenchantment and Participatory Consciousness. Religions, Volume 16.

Domsel, M. (2023). 'Colonial legacies and religion: Unearthing the connection'. European Academy of Religion and Society, 18 October. Available at: https://europeanacademyofreligionandsociety.com/news/colonial-legacies-and-religion-unearthing-the-connection/ (Accessed: 16 April 2026)

Em, M. 'SKEPTICAL MAGICK: Reconciling Science and Spirituality in Your Spiritual Practice'. Available at: https://www.healingforhotmesses.com/blog/skeptical-spirituality (Accessed: 15 April 2026)

Evan, J., et al. (2025) 'Spiritual and Religious Beliefs and Practices Around the World'. Pew Research Center.

'First Protocols of Queer Goetia' (2019). Contagion Press. Available at: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/anonymous-first-protocols-of-queer-goetia (Accessed: 9 April 2026)

Gilhooly, J. (2010). Enchanted Objects: Agency in the Magic and Contemporary Art Practice. University for the Creative Arts, University of Kent. Canterbury, United Kingdom.

Gillis-Smith, P. (Ed.), et. al. (2021). 'Exploring Magical Consciousness'. Harvard School of Divinity, 10 November. Available at: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2021/11/10/exploring-magical-consciousness (Accessed: 16 April 2026)

Gomes, M. (2011). 'Neopaganism in Europe'. Marcel Gomes – Sweden, 21 August. Available at: https://marcelgomessweden.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/neopaganism-in-europe/ (Accessed: 20 April 2026)

Gosden, C. (2020). Magic: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present. Penguin. London, United Kingdom.

Gottlieb, K. (2017). 'Cultural Appropriation in Contemporary Neopaganism and Witchcraft'. The University of Maine, Honors College. 304.

Hale, A. (2019a). 'The Occult Has Been Here All Along'. Medium, 19 December. Available at: https://medium.com/@amyhale93/the-occult-has-been-here-all-along-724f7fe17d1c (Accessed: 16 April 2026)

Hale, A. (2019b). 'The Pagan and Occult Fascist Connection and How to Fix It'. Medium, 5 August. Available at: https://medium.com/@amyhale93/the-pagan-and-occult-fascist-connection-and-how-to-fix-it-d338c32ee4e6 (Accessed: 1 April 2026)

Hanegraaf, W.J. (2016). MAGIC. The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism. Cambridge University Press.

Hanegraaf, W.J. (2003). How magic survived the disenchantment of the world. Religion, volume 33, pp. 357–380. Faculty of Humanities, Department of Art, Religion and Culture. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Haukeland, P. I. (2023). '11. All things speak! An eco-animism of co-crafting with other-than-humans in outdoor life (friluftsliv)'. In B. C. Fredriksen & P. I. Haukeland (Eds.), Crafting relationships with nature through creative practices, pp. 195–217. Scandinavian University Press.

Hearth, A. (2024) 'Anti-Appropriative Resources for the Self-Taught Witch, and other spiritual practitioners', 23 November. Available at: https://hearthandsun.substack.com/p/anti-appropriative-resources-for (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

Hughes, M.M., (2025) Magic For The Resistance — Rituals & Spells for Change. Crossed Crow Books, LLC. USA.

King, R. (2021). 'WitchTok: the rise of the occult on social media has eerie parallels with the 16th century'. The Conversation, 28 October. Available at: https://theconversation.com/witchtok-the-rise-of-the-occult-on-social-media-has-eerie-parallels-with-the-16th-century-168322 (Accessed: 16 April 2026)

Lazoroska, D. (2022). '#MagicResistance: witchcraft on social media as political activism.' In K. Rein (ed.), Magic: a companion Peter Lang Publishing Group.

MacCormack, P. (2020). 'Occulture: Secular Spirituality', in Initial. Sutcliffe (ed.), Magic. MIT Press, Whitechapel Gallery, pp.57-63.

Magliocco, S. (2012). 'Beyond Belief Context, Rationality and Participatory Consciousness'. Western Folklore, volume 71.

Middleton, J.F., Gilbert, R.A., Jolly, K.L. (2026). 'Magic'. Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 November. Avaliable at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/magic-supernatural-phenomenon/Magic-and-religion (Accessed: 10 April 2026).

Moore, P. E. (2019). Art and Magick in the 21st Century; Reflections of a Neophyte. TULCA Festival Of Visual Arts, TULCA, Galway, IE. Available at: http://www.padraicmoore.com/art-and-magick-in-the-21st-century-reflections-of-a-neophyte/ (Accessed: 14 April 2026).

Mounts, J. (2025). 'Into the Shadow: Jung, Individuation, and the Occult Path of Initiation. Practica Obscura. Available at: https://www.practicaobscura.com/blog/into-the-shadow-jung-individuation-and-the-occult-path-of-initiation (Accessed: 12 April 2026)

Petrozzi, G. (2021) 'Digital Esoterism Or to be a Witch in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism', Institute of Network Cultures, 15 November. Available at: https://networkcultures.org/longform/2021/11/15/digital-esoterism-or-to-be-a-witch-in-the-age-of-surveillance-capitalism/ (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Ramirez, R. and Small, D. (2020). 'Saging the World — Supporting Indigenous-led efforts to safeguard white sage'. California Native Plant Society. Available at: https://www.cnps.org/conservation/white-sage (Accessed: 23 April 2026)

rebelsister. (2024) 'Witchcraft tools – how to use what you have or make your own'. Echo Zines, 30 June.

Available at: https://echopublishing.wordpress.com/2024/06/30/witchcraft-tools-how-to-use-what-you-have-or-make-your-own/ (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

Romero, T., J. (2024) 'Paganism in Europe: A contemporary revival unveiled'. European Academy on Religion and Society, 24 February. Available at: https://europeanacademyofreligionandsociety.com/news/paganism-in-europe-a-contemporary-revival-unveiled/ (Accessed: 19 April 2026)

Satanic Reds. Available at: https://www.satanicreds.org/satanicreds/ (Accessed: 2 March 2026).

Sorensen, J. (2006). A Cognitive Theory of Magic. Alta Mira Press, Bloomsbury Publishing. London, United Kingdom.

Stengers, I. (2012). Reclaiming Animism. E-flux journal, no.36. Available at: https://www.e-flux.com/journal/36/61245/reclaiming-animism (Accessed: 13 April 2026)

Styers, R. (2004). 'Magic and Social Control', in Initial. Sutcliffe (ed.), Magic. MIT Press, Whitechapel Gallery, pp.34-38.

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Sutcliffe, J., ed. ( 2021). Magic. MIT Press, Whitechapel Gallery. London, United Kingdom.

White, E.D. (2026). 'Occultism'. Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/occultism (Accessed: 8 March 2026).

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Wrekk, A. 'Magical Mechanics, Secular Witchcraft, Skepticism & Misconceptions about Witchcraft'. Available at: https://diywitchery.com/part2 (Accessed: 6 March 2026).

Obscure Clouds (2019). 'A Skeptic’s Guide to Witchcraft'. Available at: https://www.obscureclouds.com/a-skeptics-guide-to-witchcraft/ (Accessed: 15 April 2025).

Otherworldly Oracle (2025). 'DIY Witchcraft: Creating Magical Tools on a Budget'. Available at: https://otherworldlyoracle.com/diy-magick-tools-and-supplies/ (Accessed: 8 March 2026).

Zwissler, L. (2026). New Age, Wicca, and Paganism. In The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology, H. Callan (Ed.).

Prototyping

The majority of my material research happened in form of prototyping protocols, presentations and publications (pppp?) and testing them in workshops or through personal experimentation.

I documented 90% of this process on the Protocols for Magic wiki!

...

Protocol for Talismans

Talisman Tree from Workshop #1

Protocol for Collective Correspondences

Protocols for Altarcation

Protocol for Magic Circle (2.1)

Protocol for 𝓢𝚙𝕖𝕝𝑙𝘴﹛𝑛﹜𝑪r𝚊𝕗𝘵𝓈

@ Xtraterrestrial Zinefair

Ward Stickers

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS NIGHT -> Prototype of a Workbook on DIY-Magic

Protocols for Trash Talisman (Version One)

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

⑥ Publication

COMMON FEEDBACK & OBSERVATIONS:

• "Working with symbols, creating sigils or magic circles feels most like "doing Magic", because they feel like solving a puzzle or math equations." -> A need for structure and some sort of difficulty
• "When following protocols that are more "free" or abstract, like making collages or crafting, you sometimes forget it is "supposed" to be about Magic. You're just immersed in the craft." -> Exercises that rely on intuitive making without a clear-cut goal seem less self-evident. But I think that is where the true Magic exists.
• "What is your perception of Magic?" -> Most common question asked. Feels like there's an inherent need to explain and set boundaries for defining Magic. My answer fluctuates.
• "This project isn't as "woowoo" as I thought" -> I observed this sentiment quite often. People are generally reluctant to engage with the idea of Magic at first, and hence, my project overall. -> My biggest hurdle.
• Overall, it feels like people scoff at the idea of Magic as something a bit silly, while simultaneously expecting it to follow some fixed rules or logic.
• Yet, everyone enjoyed crafting, experimenting and sharing their own personal perspectives on Magic during the workshops or events. Each instance created interesting discussions.
• My take-away: Everyone is drawn to and/or intrigued by Magic one way or another. They just need a little push to delve into it. -> That's what I want this project to do.
  

This graduation project has become another part of my artistic practice.. which I've come to perceive as an ongoing "world-building" project that I call a "Paracosmos" practice. To document this practice..:

Paracosmoss.Press About section

Wiki.Pracaosmos.Press: Protocols for Talismans Made illustrations of talismans to replace the copyrighted images.

A publication of multiple publications. * Workbook on DIY-Magic * Zines on Protocols (Trash Talismans, Sigils, etc) * Revised version of my thesis * Table of symbols * Stickers

A publication in 3 layers:

1. Paracosmos.Press acts as the publisher. The home of the Protocols for Magic project.
2. Protocols for Magic exists in a multitude of forms. As publications, workshops or wiki-pages.
3. These publications are all published under the Magic Commons license.
   

- Work in progress -The Magic Commons is an experimental license for any published work on the subject of practicing Magic. The license takes the shape of a spell to be cast on a publication, followed by the chant of an affirmation (guideline/agreement).-> An idea that Marloes gave me in her feedback.-> This "license" should reflect the position formulated through the thesis. A sort of "user agreement" to strive for more sustainable, ethical and anti-fascist Magic practices.-> Mostly based in already existing creative licenses.

How will I distribute my work?

For now, much in the same way I have distributed my other work and publications -> Through zine-fairs and other events of the sort. But I would like to get in contact with other place, e.g.: indie book shops, event spaces and the likes, that align with the values of the project.

A more detailed plan still needs to be worked out.

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

⑦ Grad Fest

Presenting my publications in a nice set-up. Alongside work and documentation of the process -> Participants collages, talismans, drawings, etc.Presenting my wiki in the website show&tell moment.