Dell, C. (2018) The occult, witchcraft & magic: An illustrated history. New York, NY: Thames & Hudson.
"There is no culture on Earth that does not contain within it some form of magic." Pg1. Dell goes on to say that whether it is pure fantasy or the notion that there are unseen forces in the world, it is undeniably irresistable.
The means of connecting to the otherworldly forces are many and varies: rituals, charms, amulets, seances, necromancy, esoteric diagrams, symbols, potions, incantations, revelations, special words.
As a reward for successfully making this connection, we can converse with the dead, influence others or win their affections, ward off illness, influence the direction of our life, or view the direction of the world.
According to the Roman historian, Pliny the Elder, magic first originated in medicine. Later it was influenced by religion and astrology.
"A strict definition of magic might call it an attempt to shape the various aspects of ones's life (environment, fortune, health, etc.) using methods that are not grounded in science, and which, typically, do not appeal to a deity."
I thought this introduction was really interesting, because it poses the idea that although magic cannot be scientifically/quantifiably proven, it's deep roots throughout history show that we (as humans) return to it time and time again. It suggests that magic could be a form of escapism, self help or glimmer of hope in dark times. It also suggests that by performing rituals (or any other practice), people feel more in control of their situation and can direct their life.
Campbell goes on to say that often magic goes hand in hand with religion. Even in the earliest religions, artists, scientists, priests and sages could have been confused as sorcerers. It is suggested that the line between reality, fantasy, mortality and divine were frequently blurred.
"Today, magic is frequently described as an 'inner journey', emphasising psychological transformation over physical ones."
Abracadabra - is thought to mean "I create as I speak" - seen in a book from the third century AD of Aramaic origin.
In Japanese culture, "Kotodama" (word spirit) is the idea that mystical powers reside in words and names.
In the Middle Ages, spells and incantations were often compiled in grimoires, which were closely guarded and kept secret.
Magic in Africa:
- Many magical traditions in Africa remain strong. The Ifà divination ritual is used in Nigeria, which offers insight into the future and the spiritual realm.
- In Kenya, Kikuyu witch doctors were believed to be capable of manipulating life spirits. Those capable of communicating with spirits are called 'nganga', they are also seen as medicine men and women (healers).
- In Central Africa (the Zande people), witchcraft is a part of everyday life. They believe powers of witchcraft are inherited and some might use it without realising.
I found this publication to be a really good source of knowledge around magic & the occult. It'll be an invaluable resource as I'm writing my plots/characters - for example, if I am writing a character that is of South East Asian descent, I'll be able to build a base using some information from this book and then flesh it out using other resources.
I'd also like to extract some of this information and create a small zine - some form of introduction to modern witchcraft, and where certain practices/rituals originated from.
No comments:
Post a Comment