I met Sam, the Author of Metal Never Lies: An Introduction to Metal Magic, a couple of years ago at The Morrigan’s Call Retreat. I had the opportunity to sit and talk with him about the roles of Metal in Magic. Learning about his perspectives, experiences, and processes. I was completely intrigued. I had never heard someone talk about metal the way he does, or the processes he uses to infuse deep magic into it.
Recently I was able to read, and now review, the book he wrote on this subject. It is written in a way that is accessible to everyone, whether your are a metal worker, forger, or just a simple person like me who wants to incorporate metal into their magic without the physical creation of the tool. I could go on and on about how amazing this book is and knowledge I gained from it, but perhaps I should just show you some snippets.
Metal Carries a Story
‘Even the arms with which I will be slain will recount the deed to my son.’ Once again, talking metal seems to be a common thing in those times. I hear him saying in my mind, ‘Come on fellas, you cannot kill me with your swords, they’re going to tell on you. And y’all know this.’ Story spoiler alert! They stone him to death. And no, it does not end well for those that do this dastardly deed. Go read it, it is a delightful story. And his ‘son’ is none other than Lugh.”
Sam goes into the various stories of Irish Lore, showing the connections between Metal and Magic. How the metal has its own story, its own history, and a way of carving its own future. Not a lifeless chunk of metal, but a living record keeper.
I personally found this fascinating, especially since I hold animistic beliefs. They way he talks about metal is very similar to how I talk about water. The Honest Keepers that hold truth.
Those Who Shape Metal /Those Who Work With It
“There’s a chance that right now you don’t want to do the physical work of creating a metal item (or you just aren’t in a position to do it) for whatever reason. Can metal magic still work for you? Absolutely! Can you still create an intense relationship with your metal tool/weapon without having made it? Without a doubt! You can easily apply the principles here to create and build a relationship with the metal with which you are working right now. And with that relationship, work some deep magic. You can still do most of the exercises that follow to begin your Work together. You may need to vary them slightly, adapt them to make them work for you, and that is what makes this so wonderful. There is not a one size fits all. It is you and the metal you are working with; it will tell you. It is you, building a relationship with your tool or tools. I have had people come through weekend workshops that will later ask me to co-create something for them, even though they are more than capable of doing so themselves. So just because you do not make it yourself, doesn’t make it any less of a magical tool. I just want to make sure everyone understands this. It is my belief that you can become fully engaged and have a fantastic connection with the metal you are working with, whether you create the item or not. It will just be different, not less-than.”
Not all of us will be the one in the Forge. We will not physically shape the form of the metal. I fall into this category. This book is still for you. Yes, there is a focus on the one who Forges, but also for the one who shapes magic into what has already been created.
Metal is something not just of the Earth, but also found within the body of ourselves. The metal in our pipes, the metal in our blood, the metal in our bones. Metal we create and metal we claim. The metal beneath our feet, and the metal we carry forward. Sam goes into these aspects, different views and perspectives of them, including how to use them to your advantage.
Action Steps
“Action Step – Ponder these questions: Have you ever tried to make something, and it just would not work? No matter how hard you tried. Then changed something- even if it is a small thing and Bingo, you are off and running? Maybe even had to set it aside and come back to it later. Have you ever been in that ‘space,’ that space where it seems that time is of no matter? Everything just is right. It is like you are ‘plugged in’ to something greater than yourself. For me, it can feel like being an active spectator. And have you ever had something planned out and then boom, something completely different happens? How did it turn out? Better or worse than you thought? If you already have your tool or item, you can use this step to see if there are other ways to use it. Or even how you can better work with it. Write your thoughts in your journal.”
At the end of each chapter he includes action steps. Not just something to do, but questions to ponder and go deeper into. He is not telling you to do it his way, but helping you discover yours.
Going Deeper
Within the book he covers a variety of tools for metal working, from “must haves” to the “would be nice.” He talks about their uses and purposes. From primitive perspectives, to the professional modern set up.
How to incorporate Ritual work into the crafting, with full examples to really understand what that process looks like.
It also includes step-by-step guides in forging some tools of your own. I was impressed with the clarity and straight forward approach he takes. Even someone who does not have any experience could easily follow along and understand.
I highly recommend this book to everyone! It doesn’t matter your background, beliefs, or skill level. Sam wrote this in a way that everyone will get something from it. It personally gave me some new perspectives, ideas, and inspirations of bringing metal into my own magical practices.
Raven’s Keep Forge
Below you will find links to all of the places you can find Sam and his work.
He has a wonderful store on his website with some beautiful pieces for sale – He runs a special, hands-on workshop focused on teaching the craft of Forging with Magic – and more. Go check it out!
Book Metal Never Lies: An Introduction to Metal Magic
Website https://www.ravenskeepforge.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/RavensKeepForge
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ravenskeepforge/
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