![]() |
Magical terms & traditions* Alchemy - alchemy combines elements of chemistry, physics, medicine and spiritualism and was practiced in ancient Egypt, China, Persia and India. Today alchemy is mainly of interest to historians of science and philosophy for its mystic and artistic aspects. * Astrology - there are many systems, traditions and beliefs that make up astrology and it is thought that knowledge of the positions of the stars can help us to get a better understanding and bring more knowledge of human affairs and events. * Athame - the Athame is a ceremonial knife that witches use in ritual magic, the witch will take great care when purchasing or choosing the Athame and very often will use a family heirloom as their ceremonial knife. * Banishing - this is the banishing of evil forces or spirits and is often performed before and after the main ritual. * Black magic - this is a form of magic that is used to summon evil and direct evil which in turn brings bad luck and destruction to those on the receiving end. * Ceremonial magic - this is a very elaborate and complex ritual and practitioners will use a variety of aids and accessories when performing the ceremonial ritual. * Curse - a curse is the effect of a supernatural power aimed at someone to bring them bad luck and trouble, the gypsy curse was the more well known among curses. * Demonology - demonology refers to a group of people that attempt to name demons and spirits which are said to be malevolent, it is the opposite of angelology which attempts to compile information from the angels for good intentions. * Divination - this is an attempt to gain information by interpreting omens or a supernatural agency, it is a universal cultural belief which is seen in many cultures and religions up to the present day. * Dowsing - dowsing has existed for thousands of years and has also been called water witching, those who practice it are said to be empowered with the ability to find water, precious metals, gemstones and hidden objects. Those practicing divination will use a rod, pendulum or y shaped twig over a piece of land or map. * Geomancy - this is a form of divination which relies on interpreting markings on the ground, or how a handful of dirt will land when thrown back to the ground, it is a form of divination which was chiefly practiced in Africa. * Hoodoo - hoodoo is an African traditional branch of folk magic which has been around for thousands of years, it is often used to describe a potion or spell and those who practice it are called hoodoo man. Some people also refer to this type of magic as hoodooism. * Invocation - this is a spell or chant that is used to call upon the god or goddess for a favour or for protection. * Magic circle - wicca and pagan traditions use what is known as circle casting, this is generally done with salt, crystals, candles or some other purifying substance, the circle is said to offer protection. * Mojo - the mojo is a tiny bag which is normally worm under the clothes and holds a charm, it is used for protection and can also be used when practicing black magic with the intent to bring harm to others. * Necromancy - this type of black magic involves conjuring the spirits of the dead in order to gain knowledge of future events. * Obeah - those who practice magic in the west Indies call it obeah and it is similar to voodoo and hoodoo. * Paganism - this refers to a broad range of spiritual and religious beliefs and is generally associated with someone who worships someone other than god. * Shamanism - this is a type of magic which users are said to be able to cure suffering and illness, shamans are thought to have some control over many aspects such as the weather, interpretation of dreams and astral projection. * Tarot - a deck of tarot cards consists of 78 cards which are used for divination, the tarot cards are thought to date back to 12th century Italy when they were used as a game. * Voodoo - voodoo is a form of black magic that is practiced in west Africa, it is a system of religious worship and practices that is widespread in a multitude of African groups. * Wicca - wicca is a form of neopagan religion which is found in many countries, the wiccan only practice magic for good and follow the rule of do no harm to others. * Witchcraft - there are many forms of witchcraft and the term witchcraft is used when someone practices magic or sorcery of any kind both white and black magic. |
Magical terms & traditionsHomeCults explainedBlack magic explainedWitchcraft explainedCurses & hexesWitches FAQsHerbal lore in witchcraftWhat is Necromancy?Neo-pagan witchcraftPagan cults & evil practicesWhat are Runes?The Salem witch trialsWhat is Satanism?Séances & Ouija boardsTarot cardsThe laws of witchcraftThe power of witchesThe practice of obeahThe tools of witchcraftThe tradition of HalloweenThe witches covenThe witches' pentacleTypes of witchcraftWhat is Voodoo?Witchcraft & wicca FAQs |
| Contact © Copyright 2006 Occultresearch.org - occult, cults, witchcraft & black magic - All rights reserved |