Exploring Corporeality in Northern Karelian Healing Incantations: A Doctoral Journey by Aleksi Moine

Exploring Corporeality in Northern Karelian Healing Incantations: A Doctoral Journey by Aleksi Moine

(IN BRIEF) Aleksi Moine, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, investigates the role of corporeality in 19th-century Northern Karelian healing incantations. His interdisciplinary research explores how these rituals depict the human body and health, offering insights into historical perspectives on humanity. With a diverse academic background spanning classical philology, mythology, and Finnish culture, Moine aims to connect these traditions to modern challenges, such as ecological crises and nationalism. Despite pandemic-related challenges, his work emphasizes the importance of understanding long-standing cultural processes and their relevance today.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 13-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Aleksi Moine, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, is delving into the interplay between corporeality and healing rituals in Northern Karelian incantations. His work brings historical perspectives on humanity and health into contemporary discussions, offering insights into how past societies perceived the human body and its connection to well-being.

A Multidisciplinary Background

Moine’s academic journey is as diverse as his research. Raised in a Finnish- and French-speaking family, he began his studies in France, exploring philosophy, comparative literature, history, and languages, including Russian, Latin, and classical Greek. After earning a bachelor’s degree in classical philology from the École normale supérieure, he pursued advanced studies in mythology, historical anthropology, and eventually Finnish language and culture. His scholarly path then led to Iceland, where he completed a master’s degree focusing on vernacular Christianity in medieval Iceland.

Since moving to Finland in 2017, Moine has combined teaching and translation work with his academic pursuits. His translations include Finnish literature and research articles into French, showcasing his linguistic expertise.

Investigating Healing Incantations

Moine’s doctoral thesis, titled Words of God and Hands of Christ: The Performance of Healing Incantations in 19th-Century Ilomantsi as an Anthropopoetic Process, examines Northern Karelian healing incantations collected in the 1800s. Often categorized as Kalevala-metric charms, these incantations form the foundation of his study.

The research focuses on corporeality in these rituals, exploring how the human body is depicted and understood within the healing context. Moine investigates the actions of the tietäjä (the charm caster), analyzing their descriptions of ritualistic behaviors, including physical interactions with those seeking healing. This work seeks to uncover historical perceptions of humanity, health, and the body.

Inspirations and Goals

Moine’s fascination with languages, words, and their power has been a driving force behind his research. Influenced by mythological figures like Orpheus and the poetic traditions of the Kalevala, he seeks to connect historical traditions with broader questions about human identity and society.

His research aims to offer new perspectives on historical conceptions of humanity and their relevance to modern challenges. By studying past perceptions of humans and the environment, Moine’s work invites reflection on issues such as ecological crises and growing nationalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding long-standing cultural processes.

Challenges and Community Support

Embarking on his doctoral journey during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for Moine. Navigating a new academic environment and working in isolation required resilience. Despite this, he utilized online archives effectively and benefited from the support of his colleagues and a tight-knit community of fellow researchers studying magical traditions.

Future Aspirations

Moine envisions a future that blends research with creative exploration. While a research career remains an option, he is also drawn to field studies and artistic approaches to his subject matter. He aspires to shift focus from historical archives to contemporary contexts, bridging past and present in innovative ways.

Advice for Aspiring Researchers

Moine advises doctoral candidates to choose topics that genuinely captivate their interest and to maintain a balance between academic work and personal life. He stresses the importance of embracing one’s unique perspective and avoiding comparisons with others. Taking breaks and fostering hobbies are essential to staying grounded and motivated throughout the demanding doctoral process.

A Unique Contribution

Through his exploration of Northern Karelian healing incantations, Aleksi Moine provides valuable insights into historical traditions and their implications for understanding humanity. His interdisciplinary approach underscores the relevance of folklore and cultural studies in addressing contemporary questions about identity, society, and the environment.

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SOURCE: University of Helsinki