Shaman Food
It is commonly believed by many Literomancers that there are certain foods that help to regenerate personal Literomantic Power. Variously known as "witch snacks," "power snacks," or most commonly, "shaman food," it has become customary for many literomancers to carry such foods on their person, especially for anticipated combat situations and Tourneys.
I dunno, I just call it "shaman food" because that's what one of my friends and peers called it when she worked out of the metaphysical shop I owned years ago, and she was a shaman. It was a good, simple name. shrugs
Summary
Magic takes energy. Some believe that it either drains the body's natural energy, or that creating magic puts a strain on the body, like how wires heat up when conducting electricity due to natural resistance. Those who subscribe to the latter theory (including Queen Sable Aradia) believe that one can train to make themselves a more effective conductor of magical energy, like refining an alloy to a more conductive element such as copper or gold, but the resistance still exists.
To replenish the body's energy, it can be helpful to eat something, or drink something, after an act of magic. Neo-Pagan circles say that this "grounds" the magic-user.
Suitable foods usually contain a blend of high calories, high protein when possible, and electrolytes. One of the most popular foods used for this purpose is sugary and salty trail mix, followed by chocolate and sweetened protein bars. Failing that, sugary candies and a good drink to hydrate with is recommended.
Historical Basis
While belief in this theory has not been often recorded, by the mid-20th century, it was a common folk belief in a number of traditions that believed in the use of magic, including Neo-Paganism, Reiki, modern shamanism, First Nations spiritualities, and a variety of healing folk traditions.
In fact, there is some truth to this belief. As discovered by Dr. Georgina Mamby-Pamby, literomancers are subject to a condition commonly known as Magic Drain, which is a significant state of caloric and electrolyte depletion that can be extremely hard on the body, and even potentially fatal. While eating a bit of trail mix is hardly sufficient treatment for critical magic drain, it certainly helps prevent it when one is taking part in several small acts of magic.
Crocoade has been specifically formulated in recent times to combat magic drain, and a blend of carrot and banana juices, commonly known as Rabbit Crack, has comparative, and perhaps even slightly superior, benefits to Crocoade according to a 2023 study at the Lapin Royal Hospital, although it doesn't keep nearly as well.
Spread
It may well be Queen Sable's fault that this myth is so widespread. As part of her instruction techniques in Literomancy, both with personal students and through her instruction at the World Literomantic Academy, she actively encourages budding literomancers to carry "shaman food" on their person.
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but I can't see it doing any harm. At the very least, it means people will eat something after doing literomancy.
This article is a work in progress, and may be subject to changes.
This article is part of a series related to streaming the Game of Tomes. For more information, see Streaming Game of Tomes.
An example of Shaman Food by Wikimedia Images
Date of First Recording
Sometime during the early 20th century, but may be older
Related Ethnicities
Related People
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Charming idea! I liked how the food was weaved into the world.