Treasure Magic - The Lore of Lost Riches and the Historical Sorcery Used to Find Hidden Treasure

Treasure fires the imagination like little else. From ancient tales of Dragon-guarded hordes to modern hunters seeking riches using contemporary technology, the allure of hidden treasure has proven perennially powerful. Treasure has long been associated with magic: from the magical abilities of the treasure itself, the sorcery used to locate it and even criminal necromancy to bind and dispel it's fearsome guardians. In this episode I explore the historical association of magic and treasure but also some of the sigils, incantations and spells used to discover lost riches!
#treasure #magic #dungeonsanddragons
Recommended Reading:
Dillinger - Magical Treasure Hunting in Europe and North America: A History - 978-0230000049

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Many thanks for the Birthday Wishes! - I hope you'll consider supporting Esoterica by becoming a monthly Patron - www.patreon.com/esotericachannel or a one time donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel Your support is profoundly appreciated!

[@sariahmarier42]

Totally looking forward to the Joseph Smith episode!!! So wanna see That! I grew up Mormon, and have no doubt it'll be Awesome to hear your take!

[@bethbartlett5692]

222 Likes, Synchronicity Magic Everything we desire has to do with.our " Imagination", and this is Validated through Quantum Physics and the "Universal Law of Attraction", the Law that defines our everything reality and desires. It is op ur Magic, and the Ancients knew this, they had the Hermetic Principals, Thoth's Knowledge , and the Emerald Tablets. You know, I often wonder how the "Mainstream Academics" manage to ignore so many tangible artifacts and written records that really throw a wrench in there, dare I say it ... Dogma, their "19th Century Theory based Paradigm and Linear Timeline Model". Discernment, not Judgemental, and no insult intended. I'm merely thinking from the "Standards of Science and Research " plane, which requires Mind fully open, free of any predetermined Beliefs, Theories, Opinions, and allowing the Research Methodologies to extract the greater facts. Freedom of Thought is a Science requirement. Imagination required for Discoveries. Maybe they will have a "remembering" of these Standards. Magically! 😘 Treasures ! Thought you might enjoy this thought share!

[@heyguysinternet]

Someone introduced this channel to me about a month ago, and I wanted to say how much I appreciate the focus on slow and uninterrupted monologues here. No gags, no background music, no rapid switching from one thing to the next: just the concentrated elaboration of a topic.

[@dur7021]

Yeah. It’s really great!

[@lotoreo]

My treasure magic levels must be off the charts, because I found this absolute treasure of a channel!

[@veronicasponchia5838]

YES!

[@georgethompson913]

Summoning ancient spirits to find niche channels... sounds about right.

[@katharina5841]

awww haha

[@Bildgesmythe]

Agreed

[@charlesmanson2597]

haha very cheesy comment but i do agree whole heartedly

[@justarandomname420]

The Goonies, D&D, Final Fantasy... I see you are a man of culture. Rolled another Nat 20 on this one.

[@c.s.oneill2079]

😂

[@moonlightets3571]

The Hobbit

[@lambed1]

So that's why in first edition "detect treasure" is a cleric spell

[@cherubinic1761]

Funny to hear you mention a lock breaking herb. I just remembered a story from my childhood about how to acquire such a herb. There was this old lady in the village in Romania where I spent parts of my childhood that knew a lot about all kinds of occult and weird stuff. Mostly stories about strigoi though. She told me that in order to get the lock braking grass, which she called devil's grass, you need to kidnap a baby hedgehog and put it in a cage with a lock. The mother hedgehog will bring the herb to the lock to save its baby and she will leave the herb there after rescuing the baby hedgehog. Don't know if this works though. I was never able to find a baby hedgehog...😅 Great episode as always!

[@andrewcanady6644]

Wow. People say “cool story, Bro” sarcastically… but that was cool. And interesting. I have Romanian and Hungarian on my mother’s side. Always wanted to go. Take care. Aloha.

[@bloglivethehighve]

@@andrewcanady6644 you should come and visit Romania, it is idilic and still wild in some parts :)

[@blindi6326]

How in the f... did someone come up with an idea like this?

[@bloglivethehighve]

@@blindi6326 😂😂😂

[@dennismartin5821]

Ya know, that sounds worth a try.

[@BaconSlay3r]

From summoning demons to teach you morals to using treasure to bait treasure... thank you ancient magic and thanks to you for providing this content

[@kx8469]

Using an hour glass when reading , studying or chores has a powerful nostalgic tool to complete task.

[@London-Lad]

I just bought one on amazon based on your comment. Do. You have any more sage advice?

[@kx8469]

@@London-Lad I also like to burn incense in dragons blood 🐉 and oud scent. I relax, meditate or paint 🧘‍♀️ 🖼while they burn. I used the last one yesterday and will get more tomorrow. Enjoy the hour glass.Oud is a fabled scent.Oud was or was a valuable treasure and worth more than gold in the past. I have had genuine Oud. I have read that the trees 🌲 that produce the resin are in danger. I opt for the incense sticks now. I’m not sure if the Oud stick are synthetic or not. They smell identical

[@London-Lad]

@@kx8469 thank you ❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@kx8469]

@@London-Lad :) Your Welcome

[@lynnpayne9519]

I grew up Mormon so this was most of my childhood too. Every Sunday had some new kind of reviled mystery that involved the aid of a sacred seer stone.

[@fraterzigmund]

OMG I want to run a campaign about a group of treasure hunters like you describe, a whole story about them coming together, trying to get their treasure hunting permit, trying to get funds for the journey, all that bureaucratic nonsense. They get involved in local intrigue plots and they never actually get to go on the treasure hunt.

[@interqward1]

'Never get to go on the treasure hunt.' You mean, like government taxes steal everything like they do now, and wrap you in red tape beforehand anyway?

[@fraterzigmund]

@@interqward1 no not that at all. More like they find something more interesting than the treasure hunt as they're trying to get the treasure hunt together

[@interqward1]

@@fraterzigmund Ah. Oh. Then I'll go along with that ride for sure! This is interesting when you say something is MORE INTERESTING... Write it then. If it's any good I'll feature in on my Blog: 'OldMoneySavoirFaire'

[@davidgibson3962]

Greetings...I am David and if you are truly interested...I can make that a reality for you . I am currently residing in Huntington Beach the capital of hidden treasure (hence the name). I have put together a team already and we have a 100%chance of success...I am King David 13 (4),and the treasure is named after my son Solomon' (Solomon's treasure). "Ask and you shale receive" ☄️🙏🏿

[@1979fsa]

It would be a nice take for an Acquisitions Inc. campaign 😀

[@akitachristian]

I was added to a Turkish archeology group on Facebook somehow, and I was really surprised by how often these coin hoards are found. I was also surprised by how much dowsing is used there, even by professionals. I would really like to see an episode on dowsing, perhaps in collaboration with a knowledgeable practitioner.

[@FlavumSignum]

We lived in Utah for years and one of the more fascinating history of Mormon church is how Joseph Smith Jr. used objects magic for treasure hunts, they were called "Urim and Thummim" after the objects in Shemot and Shmuel, the same objects used to translate "Egyptian." He also had a "Jupiter Talisman" he made with Hebrew letters in the style of Goetic magic. I am looking forward to your scholarly discussion on this! [LDS folks please know I genuinely mean no disrespect, I actually really find that history cool and unique]

[@andrewcanady6644]

Mormon? Is that the magic underwear crowd?

[@FlavumSignum]

@@andrewcanady6644 that's something some of them do, yup!

[@lynnpayne9519]

I grew up LDS Mormon. You need to read Dr. D. Michael Quinn's book on the Mormon Magic World. He show photos of all this and more.

[@SvensktTroll]

"Urim and Thummim" reminded me of "Hugin och Munin" Oden's/Odin's two birds that fly over Asgård and Midgård seeing and collecting everything that they then reports back to Oden. Hugin= Thought Munin= Memories

[@CygnusMaximusXIII]

I just came here to say I'm glad he touched on, however briefly, Christian occultist and treasure-hunter, Joseph Smith, who, after being convicted of fraud, became the founding "prophet" of Mormonism. That'll make quite the video!

[@natalinabartlett9819]

Dr, I had to press pause just to say-I have always enjoyed your content on a 10/10 level but it has gone up to 11/10-and here is why. I feel like I have been watching these videos in a scattered manner and I can see a HUGE improvement (not like you were ever bad) in your skills as a narrator!! You weave great stories and jokes into your content with, what seems like ease and total confidence, to the point where I NEVER catch you stumbling on a word,ever, anymore. You also seem to know just how to make your stories and asides quick and concise, where I am laughing or agreeing, but then have to quickly focus again (good for me bc I have mad ADD) Weather it is you, or your incredible editor (or both), I just want to say I am so proud! I am such a supporter (Please forgive any typos)

[@luke144]

I'm so glad you brought the Mormon link!!! I was screaming it in my head the whole video.i can't wait to hear your take on it! Good video!

[@Allthoseopposed]

I’m so looking forward to your Joseph Smith/ Mormon episode. I’ve pieced so much together myself, using much of what I have gleaned from this channel, of Magic, treasure lore and the Mormon origination story. It’s been a painful finding at 43 years of life long belief and dedication, but is fascinating and freeing as well. Thank you for providing us your knowledge.

[@devingunnels3251]

This is giving me ideas for d&d, especially the concept of sentient treasure and treasure demons! Also, the idea of the treasure moving around to hide from people makes me think of a wacky game of prop hunt

[@shlanc]

I would love to see an episode on early Mormon Esotericism! I'm sure you have already thought about which sources you would consult but I personally think it would be interesting to see a collaboration between your channel and John Hamer who gives lectures on the channel Centre Place. Their mission and approach to history is very similar to yours; academic but respectful of the practitioners. He has spoken about Smith's treasure hunting and folk magic practices and is very knowledgeable about early Mormon history. Anyway, happy birthday and thank you for all the wonderful content!

[@lynnpayne9519]

I would suggest a Book called Refiners Fire by John Brooke. It is all about this.

[@katemagoc]

This ep deserves an Emmy 🏆

[@gunkwretch3697]

Fun fact, "Magic Carpets" were associated with treasure magick and used to find it, seems to refer more to remote viewing than actual flying through the air... This involved psychoactive incense, which would be hotboxed under the carpet.. There is a great collection of such spells in a PDF you can find for free online, at Academia, entitled, "Magick Carpets, Sensory Deprivation, and Entheogenic Ceremonial Magick" ... The book argues the real magicians used hallucinogens in search of Philosophic Gold, ie Alchemical Gold, of the mind, more than physical gold... but some people, obviously took this literally.

[@markzima2335]

Thanks for the paper citation! I've been finding many great papers on Academia, but I missed that one.

[@Lu11abi]

Niiiiice! Gold star comment of the thread! ⭐⭐⭐

[@PseudoPseudoDionysius]

Interesting to hear the association of St. Christopher with treasure hunting: I don’t know if this is true of other places, but certainly in Ireland/Irish Catholic culture, St. Christopher is still very closely associated with important lost objects almost more than he is with travel. “Praying to St. Christopher” is synonymous with being desperate to find something, even among pretty irreligious people.

[@hanzquejano7112]

In my country (the Philippines), St. Anthony is our "go to" when we need to find things, those stolen or misplaced.

[@maple5212]

I desperately need a movie that combines the tropes of a heist with medieval treasure hunting roles

[@schedelworld]

My grandfather was a priest and exorcist who had been a pretty serious magic user earlier in life. He also happened to have found and reburied several different buried treasures, which he told me about. I never considered that there may have been a connection between the magic and the treasure seeking!

[@nicholas1173]

Fantastic to learn what the people back in the day believed. Also, I certainly wouldnt mind an episode about treasure guardians

[@teuth]

i love how buried treasure is a running gag on this channel.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Running gag of my entire life!

[@carlsasau6162]

Finally! Now he is talking. I get my shovel and sensor equipment and watch this video to find treasures big time.

[@tarsismartins8989]

I usually learn things here for my spiritual practice. Today I got a bunch of inspo for the TTRPG I am dm-ing. Great channel.

[@brookechang4942]

This episode stands out from all the other episodes on your channel, in that above and beyond your usual scholarly acumen and dry humour, it showcases your genuine joy and wonder at the entire subject of treasure magic. I adore the way your glee infuses your entire discussion of this topic. I also want to thank you for being an inspiration in the tabletop gaming realm. One of the players in the weekly Shadowrun game I run introduced me to this channel, and as both thanks and tribute, her character recently found a formula for a Detect Buried Treasure spell.

[@MarkAElwood]

Love this! You are an excellent speaker. I've been studying and illustrating Joseph Smith's treasure digging adventures over the last 5 years or so. It's great to step back and look at these stories at a wider world view. Thanks for making this, and glad I was referred to your channel.

[@warboats]

my mum always taught me if i lose something to say "st christopher" three times and then ask him for help whilst stating what specifically is lost, so - "st christopher x3, please aid/help me in finding [lost item] which is lost to me!" making sure to thank him when you find it. she was taught it by her mum , neither never were a part of any church or particularly religious (CofE by default), its a folk tradition that seems to have almost completely lost (lol) its christian character. not sure how widespread it is but ive met a few ppl here in uk whove been taught it or atleast heard of it. cool video, now i know i can get his help looking for loot aswell as my keys!

[@derelbenkoenig]

This actually gave me some thoughts about how to role play in d&d, just as much as the actual d&d videos I've been watching. Excellent content as always

[@theFLCLguy]

This channel is it's own form of treasure magic. All you got to do is click one of his videos and you're rewarded with the treasure of knowledge. Also every video boosts your wisdom by +1.

[@achristiananarchist2509]

On the subject of fern seeds, the spores of many fern species form organized clumps that you can see with the naked eye on the undersides of the leaves. While not actually seeds, I could see people in the past scraping these spores off and calling them "fern seeds".

[@bloglivethehighve]

Oh, this is sooo good! I belive all "" diggers" have a vivid imagination when it comes to Treasures 🙂 Thk u Doc. ❣️

[@starwars90001]

I watch this channel as a way to help me understand magical thinking of the past, and this video is a big help in making fantasy games with a magic treasure in them. Thanks for this, but will you do an episode on magical weapons?

[@chuth2768]

finally some practical advice

[@supernoctifer6469]

Treasure sorcerer/wizard needs to be a class in D&D

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Yes. Yes, it does.

[@jojones4685]

Casanova and Joseph Smith both engaged in this. Benjamin Franklin even wrote a newspaper article on it

[@Holktube]

I would love to see a few videos about the correlations between Final Fantasy characters/monsters and Esoterica. There are so many references that it could really be its own series.

[@DallasGunther]

The subtle Mormon reference made me laugh. I'm picking up what you're putting down, man.

[@Bildgesmythe]

This channel is treasure, and it was much easier to find.

[@8bitinsanity]

Ooooh you should totally do an exploration of Geomancy! I was curious about it, so I dabbled in it for a little while, and it’s pretty interesting seeing the different methods from Islamic and Western occultism/sorcery. There are a ton of active geomantic study groups today and I definitely feel like this ties into your episode, as often geomancy was used to find treasure.

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

This is truly fascinating! I'm really enjoying this playlist - thanks for making & sharing it with us! ❤️❤️

[@darkartsbyadrienne]

Absolutely fabulous!! Please do more ☺️

[@MIHMediaInc]

Your intro of this subject waa just perfect. Treasure seeking was once a fascination for kids way back when.👌💯

[@emeraldcitylights3721]

Been so excited for this one, happy birthday and thank you 🙏🏼

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Happy Birthday, Doctor Justin Sledge!! Belated but nevertheless hopefully timely enough! May your font of knowledge on your channel and found community thrive, grow in viewership, memberships, and subscriptions and ever expand to reach more on this essential stream of esoteric studies you provide us tirelessly. We are all lucky to have you as an excellent and scholarly source of esoteric knowledge and discovery of hitherto undiscovered tomes, concepts and deep studies! Onward to 250k and beyond!

[@jenniferw6192]

I have just come across your channel. This is the first video I have seen. I truly enjoyed your delivery and information. I will be watching the rest of your videos. I liked your content very much.

[@TrithemiusFinnegan]

Awesome upload! I’ve been interested in this particular topic, magical rites to assist in finding treasure. Totally looking forward to your Yahwist video!

[@kylewhelan23]

Your videos are truly a blessing, thank you for fueling my imagination

[@monsieurdorgat6864]

This episode is amazing! This whole thing is a treasure for DnD and fantasy fans like myself! It's late, but happy bday!

[@ericgrimard4608]

So far, without a spell, you are a treasure for every one to find. Thanks. Really.

[@joluoto]

TREASURE. Now that's the kind of magic I can get behind.

[@klauscampagnoli198]

I gotta say you hit the nail on the head for me. My family was in the precolombian art trade. This very much started my interest in ancient knowledge, treasure and esoteric teachings.

[@L3N0R4L4N3]

This video rolled a 20 for awesomeness, in my book! Such a fun and interesting topic!

[@h.a.fromireland3961]

Can't wait to see!! Haaapy Birthday!!!! 🤓

[@jakemcnamee9417]

I like your presentation style. Full of informational meat. If this was a documentary the content of this video would be stretched to 2 and a half hours

[@moldvox]

I was sure you were going to mention Abremalin! Another great episode Dr. Sledge!

[@franklintownsend7228]

Wish this could have gone into Faustian magical attempts in this topic... very elaborate. Then there is the magical lamp, which supposedly lights up the treasure visably when constructed and used properly. Awesome episode Love this !

[@Bildgesmythe]

You need to live stream a D&D game! I can only imagine you as dungeon master.

[@jordaneagar6357]

Very excited for the Joseph Smith episode!

[@TheRiotRhythms]

like others have said your channel truly is a gem

[@EyeSea]

Absolute banger as always!

[@populuxe1]

The story "The Treasure of Abbot Thomas" by M. R. James comes very close to the feeling of the thing.

[@rachaeln4329]

My dude, you got it! Your Passion is captivating here!

[@TheFourthPhilosopher]

Best last name for a doctor in the world! Keep up The Great Work!

[@kouroshamini9914]

My friend, you already had the curiosity of knowledge.... best

[@bvanhoosen]

Speaking of the taint of necromancy, have you come across the famed Icelandic Necropants? They come with a full magical coin purse, so to speak. Also, happy birthday!

[@HighAidUsVibe]

You rock dude! Can't wait to let you know if I find something! Hide in shadows, check for traps/snares!

[@sterlthepearl1000]

Magic is the total defiance, of all natural laws and science. With Magic, the impossible becomes possible.

[@DianaRowanBrightWay]

Love the relish with which you pronounce “treasure” each time 💫

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Love me some treasure!

[@veronicasponchia5838]

You're a man of excellent taste!

[@estebanrodriguez5409]

Very interesting topic!

[@ziloj-perezivat]

Я совершил ошибку, купив «The Magus» Francis Barrett, и где-то в этой ужасно затянутой книге есть глава об этом.

[@msmachiavella]

Really enjoyed this video you are a delightful story weaver (where by story I mean history)

[@paom8476]

"I'ma need you to hit me up..." Lol, made my day

[@a.m.e.]

Excellent video as usual! I would love to help on the video about Mormonism and magic.

[@magickcat7983]

Happy Birthday. Thank you. From West Bloomfield, MI

[@existentialism2843]

Although undocumented the practice of using magic to get gold is still prevalent. Here spiritualists are consulted to obtain and identify the location of gold. There is the strong belief that gold moves so blood (cant tell the exact) is also used to secure gold. Dr its great listening to you to cement the fact that it is not only here in Ghana but its has been a universal practice of merging magic with treasure

[@lapurta22]

The Oak Island references cracked me up Dr. Justin. What better way to wrap this video up?

[@ricktalks7420]

Looking forward to the treasure guardians episode .

[@mmjxtragood6528]

Awesome!

[@notcortana]

I am so stoked for this

[@seidmadr2024]

I know that this is old, but there is a tale of a magically hidden treasure trove near whee I live in Sweden It is guarded by a dragon (or lindwyrm, if you prefer), and is hidden in a large cairn. Some of the methods needed to get the treasure are carried down in local folklore, it can only be accessed during full moons in summer, at night, and the treasure hunters had to keep completely silent while digging through the cairn. They also had to keep the dragon away, but folklore doesn't tell of the method for that.

[@danpeterson2666]

I grew up LDS, and it all seemed so weird. Since discovering your channel, I have found a lot of weird commonalities between Joseph Smith and Dr. John Dee

[@ericsims311]

Your humour .... Gets me every time when I get it...

[@timflatus]

After that intro the last question I was going to ask was "how did you get into studying hidden spiritual treasures" but yeah. My best characters were Druids, Paladins and occasional chaotic gnomes so go figure :D

[@TheSundanceKidWatson]

12:56 That’s so strange that you say that. When I’m searching for something I’ll often turn off what ever I’m listening to to search for it. As if I was supposed to hear it, but it’s only an object.

[@jameskosusnik1102]

Happy early/late birthday Dr. Sledge, I hope it's a relaxing birthday for you. Now onto the episode.

[@edwardgarix1432]

Happy Birthday Dr.Sledge!

[@Cavirex]

Happy birthday Dr. Sledge! 🎂🎉

[@kennethcunningham2572]

Thanks!

[@charlesjames7256]

Well researched and humored as allways. The look you gave after the Saint Corona just about made me spit out my drink. Im hunting here down in Key West. I feel its a matter of time before I unearth something. I will absolutely "hit you up". tring to work with Jupiter to increase success.

[@MetaPhysStore0770]

My favorite magic!!!

[@TheModernHermeticist]

Possible metal band name from Esoterica #1314135: "Treasure Sorcerer"

[@TheModernHermeticist]

(power metal, obviously)

[@jacobshore5115]

Perhaps a good topic to discuss at some point might be the historia rerum anglicarum by William of Newburgh.

[@iroseland]

This is just one of those fun wacky kind of subjects. When I saw the title, I quickly imagined all of the kinds of things that would be hiding behind the history of magical treasure hunting. The timeline seriously makes a lot of sense considering where things were at. The collapse of the Roman empire provided an excellent source of valuables getting buried and then no one returning to collect them. In that era life was just starting to not totally suck again. The folks living particularly in southern Europe had to know that the Romans had built a society that was kind of seriously spectacular as they were surrounded by the remains. So, its not a leap of logic to assume that the folks who built these things must have by comparison been spectacularly wealthy, and something had to have happened to it all. So, with crop rotation now working and trade starting to function again. The average Joe had just slightly more time available to contemplate the search for the missing riches of the past. When a hoard was found the news probably spread like wildfire, amping up the imaginations of everyone. From there, its not going to take long to see the esoteric community to step up and start devising tools to make the job easier. Also, before that back in actual antiquity while I am sure that there are examples of treasure magic to be found, wealth magic would have been more sensible. During that era there was not much past to dig up yet. So, ( since people still want to get rich ) the best solution would be magically assisted wealth generation.

[@joshy0369]

Good stuff ☝ 👏 👍

[@TheTizidude]

Correction! Well, still up to today in some of old cities of North Africa some still practice treasure hunting, or more like treasure digging.. but this requires some unethical practices of some sort of black magic to reveal the location of the barried treasure (mostly of the Ottoman/ Pirate time) and also to transport it anonymously by putting a spell on the treasure

[@neotower420]

fascinating topic, I have a set of traditional catholic rosary beads made in the Vatican, (engraved on the back 'VATICAN'). They belonged to my Grandfathers cousin and best friend, Father John, the beads found their way to me. I believe they contain power, they have a heavy weight when I hold them. My great-uncle was an accomplished priest, who knows what history this object holds, and the faith it may contain.

[@ferencivanics9980]

Thank you.