An Historical View Of Magic

Magic is the tender of rituals, actions, beliefs and intentions practiced with the understanding that these actions can invoke or manipulate unseen forces generally unattainable to the ‘common’ person. It has always been and remains a taboo subject.

History has produced many individuals and groups of people who participate in the practice of ritualistic magic, these people are more often than not referred to as witches, magicians, sorcerers, occultists, wizards and magi, just to name a few of the titles they have received.

These individuals have played an important role throughout recorded history, each with various connotations associated to their relevant practices. Many of these connotations are traditional medicine practitioners whose sole purpose is to mediate healing & well-being within their communities. Today in our predominantly westernized culture, individuals who still practice magic in traditional terms are viewed as primitive with somewhat backward mentality.

Most Christian religions believe magic to be completely evil and still condemn anyone who thinks differently.

Paganism, a religion based in the practice of magic by invocation of nature is now growing at a phenomenal rate and this religion has reached many countries across the globe as people seek to expand their curiosity into a more substantial way of life. Paganism is a selfless practice of magic that works towards the greater good of all, and can easily be referred to as White Magic due to the fact that it is almost never used in harmful or evil ways.

Black Magic is the more harmful form of magic and is often used to bring about pain and suffering on those towards whom it is directed. I will not go into depth about Black Magic as I do not have any great knowledge to offer on the subject.

These wo forms of magic are also referred to as High Magic and Low Magic, High magic being the more complex, of the two which involves long drawn out ceremonies that are usually conducted indoors with detailed practices and expensive adornments, and more sophisticated rituals. Low Magic is invariably practiced by more middle class folks and is based more in folklore, legendary beliefs and traditional practices that are conducted outdoors in nature for the purpose of drawing on the forces and energy of nature.

Many cultures practice magic to invoke the approval of their ancestors and to protect themselves from evil omens of those they had wronged by way of unintentional actions.

Many of these practices are conducted in religious ceremonies, but are not considered to be magic.

The Greek Orthodox for example are firm believers in the evil eye, and many will visit their local priest to obtain a ritual that removes said evil eye. They invest heavily in beads and adornments specifically designed to ward off the evil eyes of those around them.

Egypt has an incredible history with mystical practices, especially when it comes to sending souls into the afterlife.

Islam believes in their ambivalent Jinn’s who are neither inherently good or bad, and have played a role in the Islamic belief system and mythology for centuries. They refrain from condemning magic by choice of distinction that certain forms of magic are healing and therefore a gift from Allah rather than sorcery.

Judaism has the Kabbalah which is filled with mystical elements and symbols. Despite shunning magic as an evil practice, if the rituals and incantations produced healing effects in any way, they were openly embraced by the religion, with the guarded understanding that many elements of magical practice can be seen in a holy and divine light.

And when one takes a closer look at any given religion or belief system, it is apparent that each will have a talisman, amulet, potion, prayer, dance, chant, ritual or invocation of some sort that another religion or belief system can classify as magic.

And so, even in the 21st century, while magic may well be frowned upon by some, it is fast becoming a more common practice for many. And people are more open and receptive to learning about the many practices available to them without any great fear of condemnation or life threatening consequences.