Steampunk Magic~ Working Magic Aboard the Airship
Author: Gypsey Elaine Teague
If you’re into to the Steampunk subculture you’ll love this book written by the Gypsey Elaine Teague, Captain of her Crew. Gypsey starts this book with a brief history of Steampunk and how it has emerged as one of the most fascinating subcultures of today. In Gypsey’s words, “Steampunk is the juxtaposition of nineteenth-century Victorian science fiction, a futuristic Victoriana, where anything is possible as long as you don’t use too much electricity, gas, diesel, or atomic power.”
Each chapter begins with a quote from the likes of Aleister Crowley, Nikola Tesla, and H.P. Lovecraft before divulging in the tools of the trade. In Chapter Two we are introduced to the “Gods” of Steampunk Magic. We start with Queen Victoria herself, then go on to H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Allan Poe, Nikola Tesla (whom I consider the God of Steampunk), and Mary Shelley. I appreciate how Gypsey incudes people of literature and history as Gods of Steampunk. It was a breath of fresh air to learn a different way of getting in touch with “deity”.
In Chapter Three we move on to the crew of the airship. This is like the modern day coven but set within a Steampunk world. The elders of the crew are the Captain and the Commander, they are the leaders of the group. Following the Captain and Commander are the ificer, the Shipwright, the Purser, the Mess Officer, the Adjutant, and the Navigator. Gypsey explains the roles each of these play aboard the airship and the parts of ritual they are responsible for.
Chapter Four explains the tools the Steampunk Magician will need to practice her craft. Instructions are given for the construction of some of these tools, a much welcome addition to this book. Directional gear, the wand, and goggles are covered, along with recipes for the cakes and wine ritual. By favorite part of this chapter (possibly of this entire book) is the Absinthe Ritual. As a fan of this Green-Fairy drink of the Gods, I appreciated this much-loved ritual.
In the following chapters of Steampunk Magic, Gypsey Elaine Teague explains the rituals of this craft and includes a few bits of magic. Everything from the construction of the Steampunk Altar to circle casting and divination are covered.
Steampunk Magic is a must read for any lover of this subculture. Gypsey Elaine Teague has done a magnificent job of introducing us to this most intriguing of magical systems. Though it is geared towards covens, I feel a solitary practitioner can gain a lot of useful information from this book. Like Amelia Earhart, we can fly solo in this Victorian Steampunk wonder-world. So don your goggles, board the airship, and take flight into the Aether.
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Weiser (March 1, 2013)