Magic

rituals or actions used to

manipulate beings and natural forces or
supernatural

This article or section hasreferences, but needs more to complement itsverifiability.

Lamagia, understood asartooccult science, it is the belief and practices that seek to produce
resultssupernaturalthrough rituals,spellsandinvocations.

Etymology

It comes fromLatinmagic,[1] derived in turn from theGreekmagic (quality of

supernatural)[2] and of theGreekmagical (which was presumably used in the term 'arts'
"magical" along with the word tekhnē, 'arts'), which is the feminine of demagikós ('magical') that
it comes from demagos ('one of the members of the priestly and scholarly class').[citation needed]

This term comes from the ancientPersianmagus (mágush), which possibly comes from a root
Proto-Indo-Europeanmagh-, 'to be able', 'to have the ability'.[3]

From that ancient Proto-Indo-European word (from the mid to late 3rd millennium B.C.) we
also produced theSanskrit["illusion","unreality","deception","fraud","trick","sorcery"]
'witchcraft')[4]which is mentioned for the first time in the Rig-vedathe oldest text of India, from
mid-2nd millennium BC). That word comes from the Sanskrit root māi ('to act', 'to move').

Contextualization of magic

Inversely to thetheology, to thephilosophyand to thesciencesorthodoxies that deal with and matter about
the causes, the magic, to self-question and self-define, is defined as the manifestation of the
supposedly marvelous truth of some effects that do not require investigating their causes.
Knowing the causes or that the effect is not wonderful extinguishes the magic and thought.
magical migrates to other types of thinking, (from the supposed 'magical effects' derives the
metonymyhistoric with the medicineand thepharmacology).[citation needed]

By accepting the existence of magic, one implicitly accepts it as the

abstract or pseudo-abstract cause of the magical effect, as a principle or primary truth from
from which all the pseudo-logical paraphernalia develops. Since ancient times, there has been a desire to
to unveil, to know and to use what would presumably behiddento the sensescognition),
hidden from classical sensory perception, logic, reason, and judgment. These are, as
minimum, the three essential elements of generic magic:

A 'effect' that is perceived as 'wonderful' whose cause is unknown and 'inexplicable'

at the time considered.

Magic does not seekaxiomsimperatives, oneantonomasiaof magic is the topic of

"object that appears out of nowhere" or by magic, magic is the very cause itself.

Among its oldest and most characteristic functional attributionsarchetype) would be the
faculty ofdivinationthat should not be conceptualized together with theprophecy.[citation required]

Magic, in its most archaic sense, isdissidentof theaxiomrationalwhich would affirm that the
the universe would be exclusively governed by the 'natural or material laws' known or
for knowing and inhabited only by matter. This archaic magic, with an inherent criterion of
the duality of spirit-matter gave rise to magical thinking and in the context of the first
civilizations, to two evolutionary classifications of magic, historically called 'magic
natural and non-natural magics or hidden philosophies.[citation needed]

Natural magic and non-natural magics or occult philosophies

At some point in the history of humanity, these two conceptualizations of magic
began to diverge. The playwrightLope de Vega, in his bookShepherds of Bethlehem, dedicated a few
paragraphs to describe literarily the differences of these concepts in the culture of their
epoch:[citation needed]

(...) You must not understand Natural Magic, as it is that in which consultations are made.
infernal spirits, with such an infamous name as they have been given in the divine and
human letters (...) The malevolent are those who use blood, victims and
dead bodies, like the Pythia, who brought Saul the body of Samuel, to
what I replied. It is true that the name of Magi is already being introduced
for those who practice what I say, like theAstrologythrough abuse has come to be
vilified, being the same as theAstronomyand yes, some say that
Pythagoras, Empedocles, DemocritusyPlatothey were called Magicians, in the manner
ofZamolxisy Zoroaster, the son of Oromasco. (...)

Natural magic: All natural phenomena were defined as 'natural magic'.

observables in which matter intervened or was present even if they were
inexplicable. This is how it was considered and developed the astrologyfor thePersians, whose creators
they were called "the magical or wizards", this became theastronomyEven in the seventeenth century, the
famouspedagogueand German physicistGaspar Schott(jesuit) titled his physics texts (that he
He himself elaborated and then taught his students "acoustic magic and optical magic" (written in
(Latin), in clear allusion to the memory of the archaic etymological meaning of "natural magic", phrase
reserved in Latin to allude to the physical phenomena still scientifically unexplainable in
its time, like light and sound.[citation needed]

Unnatural magics, theologies or hidden philosophies: In summary, a possible generic definition.

it would be the 'idea of establishing a relational contact with any type of spiritual entity or
supernatural mechanism. Relational contacts, such as invocation, evocation,
divination, numerology or cabala, among many others. Another subjective classification and
archaic would establish supernatural entities and mechanisms.[citation required]

See also:Occult sciences

Etiologies of magic
Magical thinkingLamagiase constitutes, as a firstetiology, in the matrix of
magical thinkingthrough which the ability to perceive and to carry out is presumed
physical or psychological alterations of all kinds, at will or without it, not always subject to the
laws of nature.[citation needed]
 Material and spiritual entities: Thelightning, the fire, thesun, thedarkness, stars, earthquakes,
spirits orsoulsthat would inhabit theair, the water, forests, caves, the firmament, places
specifics of the earth, the forests, etc. It is currently assumed that during theprehistory,
for interaction with the 'magic of nature' and with the 'magics or hidden philosophies' one
they would have served the 'magical' methodical procedures, sometimes ritualistic, where
they would usewordsspecific or reserved and dedicated instruments, at times
consecrated to the intervention or mediation of material and spiritual entities
supernaturalof any kind and that constitute a second etiology.[citation needed]

Magic in anthropology

Magic according to Frazer

Shamanfrom the tribeurarina1988.

According toJ. Frazer, the thoughtthe concept of magic is based on

a set of practices andbeliefsto whom individuals of a society turn to create
a benefit or achieving an end, relating them in turn to a certain order in nature, already
be like a group, when a natural limitation severely affects the social organization of the
same (a drought or infertility)witchcraft), or at an individual level, when required, by
example, getting rid of an enemy that threatens lifetaboo).

Evolutionists notably distinguished the public professions under which they

constituted one or another society;

The function ofwizardplayed a fundamental role in decision-making in many societies

important decisions.

The advice of elders, generally distinguishing the tendency towards the advice of elders,
who represented the head of government of the 'savage' societies.

It represented a pivotal point in the studies that sought to understand the organization of
non-Western societies that contrasted with Western ones. It can be divided into two
branches ofanalysis, by mental processes, according to the abstract principles in which they
bases the practice of magic, under a law calledempathy.

It is for this reason that in this line of thought magic is a predecessor to thereligionin a
evolutionary scale, meaning that magic corresponds to a stage of degree ofevolutionof
certain societies considered savage and the religion of others that are supposed to have a higher degree
of civilization. Hence the interest in its study, which sought to understand the point at which magic
stop being such to become a religion and thus mark a social advance towards another stage
evolutionary.

Frazer understands magic as the expression of rules that determine the achievement of
events around the world, as theoretical magic; and regarded as a series of
rules that thehumansthey will fulfill their aims, like practical magic. This
It is divided into two types, each of which is based on the principles of similarity and contact:

Imitative magic. Related to the idea that like produces like. This refers to the
Effects caused to something or someone will resemble the causes that provoked them.
to encompass from who uses magic, who practices it, to what ends.

Contaminating magic. Referring to things that, once in contact, interact.

reciprocally at a distance, joining them forever by a bond, after having been
separate.

To reach an understanding, it is necessary to resort to examples that can fit within

these schemes. InThe Golden BoughofFrazerat all times refers to examples of
exotic societies, so to speak, that seem to be intact to a certain extent in the face of the
Western world, although the truth is that these societies were already having
contact with the western man, who was colonizing their territories.

Frazerconsider that the principles of association of ideas are applied incorrectly

they produce magic, which is even considered as "bastard sister of science."
[citation required]

The magic according to Caro Baroja

According toJulio Caro Barojamagic - like religion in general - derives from the 'conception
"primary of the world and existence" that is characterized by a "dramatic vision of
Nature, in which the divine and demonic, order andchaosthegoodand thebad, they are found in
constant struggle and with an existence tied to man himself." The primitive human—or better,
primordial— does not consider Nature "in abstract as something impersonal, indifferent and
articulated" but for him it is "something direct, emotional and inarticulate. It is a being to whom the
people are addressed in the second person: it is not 'he' ('the sky', 'the earth'), it is 'you.'[5]

The consequence of this 'dramatic' or 'vital' view of Nature was 'that in many
towns of Europe and also from other continents, the sky, the blue firmament, the illuminated day,
they were associated with the notion of a superior, organizing, masculine, and paternal principle, to the idea of

a supreme divinity in sum" —likeZeusoJupiterof the Greco-Roman pantheon—, and in which

thesunrepresentaba ideas tales como "fuerza, belleza, vigor, la vida en suma". Por el contrario la
moon, night and earth are associated with a feminine principle, with death and with the infernos.
The light of the moon, unlike that of the sun, is cold and indirect, dead; during the night life is
death paralyzes and reigns; the earth is where the souls of the deceased reside who appear through
the night and beneath it live the beings of the underworld, of thehells, but it is also the
mother of all —feminine principle— just as the firmament is the father —principle
male—, which has led to the worship of "goddesses mothers" characterctonicand with character
lunar[6]

Thus, the 'primary conception of the world and existence' is articulated around two systems:
one, which forms the Sky on one side as a masculine element, expression of paternity,
the superior authority and the other the Earth as a feminine element, expression of motherhood and of
fertility. The other system is the one that constitutes the Sun and the Day as Life, as Force, as
Well and the Moon the Night like Death and like Evil; as a female element likewise, but not
as fecund as the Earth". In these two systems are framed not only the phenomena
physical, but also moral facts, because "only an analytical thought can separate
to the natural end of morality in an absolute way.[7]

Magic and religion

According to Caro Baroja, for a long time the thesis was upheld that themagical thinkingera
more ancient primitive than thereligious thoughtand that magical procedures
(beneficialo maleficThey were previous, together, to the procedures themselves of the
societies with an organized religion and with appropriate rites to invoke the favor of the
Divinity or of the divinities. Of theincantationwith what will and desire are expressed... it passed
to thesentence, which implies compliance and vassalage." Frazier was the author who finished outlining this
theory, although I was aware that the facts that were regarded as magical very much
they were closely associated with those considered religious. In that case, I took for granted
that the first corresponded to a different and previous phase than that of the seconds.[8]

Frazer believed that the first blow that transformed humanity, to desist from the
magic as a rule of faith and practice, was to acknowledge "its impotence to handle certain things at will.
natural forces that until then had been assumed to be within its mandate.[citation needed]
Within this conception, it is possible to understand that theintelligenceof the people was beginning to
to perceive that the practice of magic did not exactly produce the expected results, that with
previously meant a reality. This was followed by a long period of thought.
reflective that made the transition to thereligiongradually, through greater knowledge
of the forces with a power superior to that of humans and the development of knowledge. Frazer
concluded that the definitive step from magic to thereligionis found in "the confession of the entire and
absolute dependence of humans on the divine[citation needed] culminates with submission
of the human before the immensity of the universe.

Julio Caro Barojaaffirms, on the contrary, that religion and magic in the ancient world formed
part of a single system. It indicates that Frazer and his followers already found it very difficult
separating the strictly magical from the religious, in systems such as that of the religion of the
Egyptians, Chaldeansand other ancient peoples. And what was ultimately deduced from their immense
data collection and other similar collections was that not only theritesreligious
were often linked to magical acts, but also each group of
religious beliefs had its own particular magic." To support his claim, Caro Baroja
demonstrates that magic and religion inGreeceand inRomethey were part of a single
system.[9]
Dear Baroja concludes:[10]

I believe that only an abuse of method is what has turned Magic into
set (and to classical Magic in particular) in matters that may remain
totalmente al margen o solo circunstancialmente adherida a la Religión,
susceptible therefore to isolated study. The reality is that one and the other have
United States in a much closer manner than is understood even in the
generality of treaties and thus it results that the fields of action of one and the other
they interfered. We can admit, yes, collectively, that the field in which it operates
but magical thinking is the field of desire of the will that has broken
other links, and as long as the human mind submits in a way
fundamental ideas of detachment, gratitude, and submission, continues within
from the field of religious feelings.
Now, in one case or another, within practical life, between the subject that
wants one thing, good or bad, incited by hatred or love and the object of its desire,
usually interferes frequently with another element that, in some cases, is
essentiallywizardo sorcererand in otherspriestOne conjures, the other
usually prays and sacrifices. But sometimes, the priest also resorts to
magical practices, to spells and the wizard to prayers and sacrifices. [...] Sometimes,
they are also combined with aspelland asentence, or they occur. The fluidity of the
thoughts and emotions prevent giving, therefore, decisive value to the whole
rigid and formalist separation of magical and religious facts... Prevents
also establish a chronological succession order that allows us to say that,
always, a procedure (the magic one, for example) precedes another (the
religious) or vice versa.

History of magic

See also:Witchcraft

The term magic derives from magi, one of the religious elements incorporated by thesorcerers
in ancientBabyloniaThere were wizards inRome, en Greeceand in almost all the Western world and
eastern of theAntiquitywhen popular magic or witchcraft were related to
ancientfertility ritesthe initiation into knowledge in thetownscallsbarbarians,
mainly thechinos.

Magic and witchcraft were also tied to the beliefs of Eastern peoples.
ancient, in which the wizard orsorcererhe was at the same time a healer and a knower of the invisible world
of the spirits and played a prominent role in the community.
In Greece and Rome thepsychicsysorcerersthey had nothing to do with theshamans, although
they were consulted mainly about the divination powers that were believed to be
gifted.

In theEuropemedievalmagic was related to thealchemyand theastrology, activities

hidden considered demonic by theCatholic Church, and who were the object of persecution
especially during theLate Middle Agesand theModern EraAbout 500,000 people[citation required]
were processed and largely executed by civil and religious courts, accused of
witchcraft, over nearly fivecenturies.

It should be noted that none of the majorreligionsaccept the practices of magic (yes
they do not consider that magic exists as such), nor do other Christian beliefs. In what
Regarding Judeo-Christian religions in particular, there are quite a few references.
negatives to the magicians in theAncientyNew Testament.

Thehermetism(calling it the ancient science in themedievalinfluenced the thinking of

Renaissance. Thispseudoscienceis linked, in some aspects, to the maintenance of
ancient beliefs that, like magic, led to the knowledge and management of the laws
spiritual of theuniverseIn 1463,Cosimo de' Medicihe commissioned the translation of the work of Hermes
Trismegistus, which was supposed to be written in the ancientEgyptbut that, for many, dates back to the
first centuries of the Christian era and what is the cornerstone of the hermetic movement or
gnostic(diagnosis, knowledge)

Divination through thetarotit was a frequent activity in the birth of theModern Era
and the symbol systems developed by thecartomancersfor the knowledge of the
Present and future reality are clearly indebted to other methods of divination.
practiced by the magicians, including the reading of the flight of birds and of the entrails of the
sacrificed animals.

Practices of simple witchcraft, divination, astrology, reading of cards and oracle books
like the ancient oneBook of Changesof thechinos, or the runic alphabetof theScandinaviansmagic
Wicca with witch runes orWiccaand the alchemical magic with the runes of the wise magic
runic. aspects ofHinduism, the yogaand even the belief in the divinity ofcivilizations
extraterrestrialsand their presence among humans constituted since the mid-20th century a
loosely articulated conglomerate known as the movement of theNew Erain English New
Age).

Criteria, terms, and social opinions about magic

Criteria and academic studies up to the present

The interrelation of themythsancient of the most diversecultures, their similarities and relationship
with theanimist religions, in which magic played a central role, were
studied by the British anthropologistJames George Frazerin his monumental work The branch
They also deserved wide consideration from thepsychiatristCarl Jung, who
developed the theory ofcollective unconscious.

Anthropology today distinguishes between magic andreligion, and places magic on a parallel plane
about the evolution of religions.

Inpsychiatry, severalmental illnessesypersonality disordersare characterized by

various degrees ofmagical thinking.

Terms related to magic and occultism

Pseudoscienceor false science are the theorizing or related activities that present
a appearance and languages of their ownscience, whose practice and accumulation of possibilities
new knowledge contravenes thescientific methodwhat are not considered
truly scientific. This concept is used by the approachesepistemological
worried about the demarcation criterion of science and has greater consensus among the
exact sciencesynatural.

Superstitionit is the unfounded belief that various actions

voluntary or involuntary, like the falling of salt to the ground, passing under a ladder or the arrival
of aTuesday the 13thcan influence the present or the future.

Social opinions about magic today

Themagical thinkingorigin of magic, consists of certainbeliefsof logic
undemonstrable.

The current use of words (language) to achieve change in a person, in

occasions even without knowing it, is the basis of manypsychotherapies, including the
psychoanalysisLikewise, the use of techniques such as thesuggestion, thehypnosisand programming
neurolinguistics (NLP), and even theplacebos, they are tools for behavioral change that in
the antiquity could be attributed toenchantments, spells, witchcraft, magic, or miracles
in the case of religion. It is also worth mentioning the well-known effects of prophecies
self-fulfilling prophecies in which a statement regarding the future, in the form of a prophecy,
 triggers a series of events that ultimately lead to what had been predicted. The
The difference between all these techniques and magic is the absence of attribution of powers to.
spiritual or metaphysical entities.

There is a thought today that manyinventionsmodern would be magic for the

primitive societies, since they partly fulfill some of the abilities sought by the
ancient wizards.

The magic word is also used to refer to phenomena that do not have a
rational explanation. The inexplicable can be 'magical'. Sometimes it refers to
feelings like love, happiness, or when something happens about which one does not know
the certain science of its cause, it is said that "there is magic."

The practice of magic is not devoid of an attitude that permeates thethoughty

transcends all areas of the life of the individual who practices it.

Basically, magical practice consists of the transaction between human beings and these
powers to dominate them to their advantage.

Magic refers to thebeliefsmetaphysicswhose central and differentiating element is the

human capacity to modify therealitywithout strictly causal means.

ThewitchcraftIt is strictly not magic, although it uses many of its elements.

Magic has been heavily pursued throughout History (due to religious or social movements) and, still
today, contrasting their theories through the scientific method. During some periods of the
History, an accusation of wizard could mean his imprisonment, torture and even the
death for the wizard.[11]

The magics and their classes

The "unnatural" magics in Europe

Since ancient times, the 'non-natural or occult magics' were stated and classified. Under the
The generic term 'occultisms' encompasses the historical classifications of a list
heterogeneous beliefs and practices of occult doctrines. According to the jurist Francisco
Torreblanca Villalpando (17th century), among the catalog of types and its numerous subtypes
would be

Divinations(would contain numerous subtypes)

Oracles(would contain numerous subtypes)

 Artscabalistic(would contain numerous subtypes)

Notable Art

Paulina Art

Omenyauspicious

Spells, spellsyenchantments

benefits(would contain numerous subtypes)

Necromancies

Pyromancy, aeromancy, hydromancy and geomancy(fire, air, water, earth)

Demonic magic (which the Greeks called Goetia)

They could be modernly classified with the euphemism ofEsotericismoccultists.

Manitouor the magic in North America

The philologistPedro Estalarefers to the following ancestral uses and customs in relation to the
magic and magical thinking from various Indian nations, compiled in observations
anthropological studies made in theLouisianauntil the late 18th century:

Thechactas

I had thought of returning immediately to New Orleans but the desire to

to know and examine slowly the bravest and most numerous nation of Louisiana,
what is that of the Chactas, has forced me to change my opinion. (...) This nation
you can deploy 4,000 warriors (...) The Chactas are extremely
superstitious; when they go on an expedition, they consult their Manitou, and the chief
he carries it with him: they always expose it towards the part where they are going to march to
enemy, and the warriors make him the sentinel. They have so much reverence for him that
Before eating, they are given their corresponding portion. (...) It is no dishonor at all.
among these fleeing in battles, and they excuse themselves by saying they did it because of a dream

what they had. It's incredible how they treat dreams: if a leader of
an expedition tells its warriors that it has dreamed it would be unfortunate
company, they return to their village. Once they arrive, they prepare the medicine,
this is, their Jonglers use a thousand superstitions, and with this they return to the enemy.
They are not known to have any cult, except the one they give to their Manitu: they do not care about the...

another life, and yet they believe in the immortality of the soul. They have a lot
 veneration for their Jongleros, who as I have said, pretend to be magical, clairvoyants and
doctors (...). They have a lot of authority among others, they are consulted like a
oracles, and they turn to them in all their needs. When a Chacta falls ill,
give Jonglero everything he has so that he can make the medicine; but if the patient
he dies, the relatives attribute his death to the incompetence or malice of the
healer, and they often make him pay with his life for his impostures. Some of these
suelen tener conocimiento de varias plantas muy eficaces para curar las
diseases specific to this country (...) The Chactas fear greatly those who
they say sorcerers, and when they find one of these impostors, they kill them without
no formality. While I was in Mobila, they killed [someone] with club blows.
one that was said to be a sorcerer, because they attributed all the misfortunes of his

nation.

The alibamones

They recognize a Supreme Being, whom they call Sulbieche; having I

When asked what idea they had of the afterlife, they replied that those who do not
they have stolen another man's wife, neither have they robbed nor killed anyone, they will go later

from his death to a country extremely fertile, where they will not lack women or places.
suitable for hunting, and that they will have everything at their disposal; but if by the
otherwise, they would have been mad, and they would have mocked the Great Spirit, they will go to
an unpleasant country, full of thorns and brambles, where there will be no hunting or

women. (...) They bury their dead seated, for the reason that man
he was born to keep his head straight towards the sky. (...) They put a pipe on him and
tobacco to smoke and make peace with the people of the other world. When
some kill themselves either out of desperation or to avoid suffering from some illness, it doesn't matter

they bury him and throw him into the river, because they consider this a cowardice (...) By the

harvest time, which is the month of July, they hold a great party: on this day
solemn, they pass without eating, they light the new fire so that the Jonglers
they hold their ceremonies, then they purify themselves and offer the first fruits to their Manitu

of its fruits, ending the day with religious dances.(...)

The santerías

It is relevant to mention the consequencecolonialofmestizaje, which is not only in a way

racial, as it would be approached from a biological point of view, but above all it responds to
socio-cultural exchange. As an example, we can take the so-calledSanteriawhat, to
general features, is considered as a set of elements that make up theCatholicism
and the traditionsYorubaswhat did they import theslavesblackscaptured inNigeriay
transferred toCuba[12] .

This confluence of religious systems is still practiced to this day in

various parts ofLatin America, and it is not only governed by devotion to thesaintsidentified
with theorishas, but rather implies ahierarchysacerdotal. A clear example of magic.
a contaminant is when, for the initiation of apriest, a certain amount is delivered to him/her
collars during theritethat will allow him to represent a certain number of orishas and be in
contact them via thesacrificeof goats or anotheranimalThese beliefs and practices
they also imply that solving certain problems, such as restoring someone's health
requested it, is due to the fact that it was invoked to thespiritfrom their ancestors and took the offering to the orisha
indicated. This is imitative magic and involves beliefsanimists.

White magic

White magic, in opposition to black magic, seeks the prosperity of the individual and is
beneficial. This type of magic includes spells and charms of various kinds to improve the
crops, attract the rains, good herbs to maintain health or attract healing of
diseases, protective amulets and talismans. It is used to ward off bad
luck. It was an official magic in many historical periods.

Black magic

TheTheodosian Codepromulgates, for the first time, a law against the practice of magic, in
429. In534the secondCode of Justinianforbids consulting theastrologers, wizards and
sorcerers for magic being a "depraved profession." The Council of Ancyra orCouncil of Elvira,
en 306It states that killing through a spell is a sin and the work of the devil. The Council
from Laodicea requests, in360, theexcommunicationof all those who practice thewitchcraft, the
divination, theastrologyand magic. It is with Christianity that the manipulation of forces
hidden, traditionally in male hands - the only ones with enough power to
to perform beneficial spells - they become consecrated to feminine hands, the only ones
capable of carrying out malevolent mischiefs, which opens the doors for Europe to enter, into the
Middle Ages, in the time of the witch hunt, as thewitchesthey are the only ones capable of
carry out theblack magicupon having agreed with theDiablo.[13]

Animisms
Animism encompasses various beliefs in personalized supernatural beings (or
spirits) inhabit both animate and inanimate objects. Although within this conception there is room for
multiple variants of the phenomenon.

The dance of "Magos Prastigiatores" in Virginia according to the engraving from the book "Admiranda narratio fida tamen, de commodis et
incolarum ritibus VirginiaeTheodor de BryyThomas Hariot.

Shamanism

Elchamanismooshamanism refers to a type of traditional beliefs and practices.

similar toanimismthat ensure the ability to diagnose and cure suffering of the
human being and, in some societies, the ability to cause it. System that gave rise to
diversecultsyreligionsand whose origin dates back to theStone AgeTheshamanit's a
species ofhealer, with special magical powers.

Candomblé

System similar to theVoodoopopular inBrazilIt consists of the invocation of certain deities.

callsOrishas.

Voodoo

Popular system inHaitiSimilar to Candomblé.

Umbanda
Fusion of Afro-Brazilian religions, especially thecandomblé, with thespiritism
Kardecist, with predominance of the latter. It also differs from candomblé by considering
various types oforixáslike spirits of dead people.

Quimbanda

Magic system that deals with the invocation of entities called exus, being able to with the
help from those entities, to do both good and evil.

Wicca

It is a religionneopaganappeared as a 'rebirth' of the ancient religion of witchcraft

and initiated byGerald GardnerWiccan magic is especially supported by ancient
manuscripts, grimoires, and books of ancestral magic, that its founderGerald Gardner, collected and
he studied for years. Holder of a mysterious book of symbols, from which he derived great
information that was believed to be lost or destroyed by the Inquisition. Like Gardner, many
priestesses likePatricia Crowther, they studied grimoires and books of witchcraft in depth extracting
In the light of the magical symbols of the witch runes. It has been reformed by many.
practitioners andcovensnot traditionalists who do not feel comfortable with the first ones
teachings of Gardner. Aeclecticism, in which most of its practitioners use the
magic carefully in aid of human evolution.

Many Wiccans first turn to the use oforaclesto consult if it is advisable

perform magic in a certain situation. As one of their main means of divination are the
runas witches, which unlike tarot, its origin is totally Wiccan. The magic in theWicca
it is defined as the art of sending consciousness at will, sometimes backing this up
thoughts or thisironwith objects or herbs that represent the intention of theWizardWicca.

Classical magic, theosophy, and new contemporary magics

Contemporary magic finds its roots in the work of initiates such asEliphas Leviy
Papus. TheTheosophyThe modern Theosophy has as one of its founders Helena Petrovna.
Blavatsky, who went to the East to seek the source of her philosophical system. This system does not
it presents exactly like the systems used by scholars of magic, moreover,
aims to convey the universal esoteric knowledge that would be contained in all the
philosophical or religious traditions. Blavatsky considers, for example, that all men are
sorcerersin the ultimate sense of the word, for everyone can utilize the divine creative power, be it
through thought, word, or action.

Sexual magic

Various systems are grouped in sexual magic:Thelemite, gnostic, etc., which must be
certainly differentiated fromTantrawith which it maintains some points of relation. The basis of
these systems is the concept that thesexit is sacred.

Sexual magic is divided into various different systems and with divergences. Some of them
derived from the system originally developed byPaschal Beverly Randolphand then by
Theodor Reussin theOrder of the Eastern Templars(O.T.O.) and by Aleister Crowley, by Kenneth Grant and by
the artist Austin Osman Spare. We cite among the various systems of sexual magic:

Ansarietic: Created by the Ansarichs orAlawites(in English: Ansaireth or Ainda Nusairis) in the
Syriaancient

Eulis: Created by Pascal Beverly Randolph, astartedamong the Alawites

O.T.O. System: A sexual magic system that holds some relation to certain branches.
of Eastern Tantra

System ofBrotherhood of Saturnderived from O.T.O.

Maatian System: Created by dissidents of O.T.O.

System of O.T.O.A.: Derived from O.T.O., it makes use of astral practices of sexual magic.

Chaos: A magical system that includes 'autosexual magic'

Universal Christian Gnostic Movement: A markedly ascetic sexual magic system

founded by theneo-GnosticSamael Aun Weor

TAO: Universal Christian Tao Church Inter-Oceanic Rescue Movement S.O.S: Created by
Kelium Zeusand his sonSamel Joab Bathor Weor.

T.O.T.O. Typhonian Thelemic Current developed by Kenneth Grant.

Zos Kia Cultus. A system of witchcraft invented by A.O.S.

 The Black Snake: Modern Vodoun cult that uses sexual magic along with the
Ophidian current, directed by Michael Bertiaux.

Dharma Sex: Holo-orgasmic Meditation and Eco-Tantra. Contemporary current

developed by the author and occultist Yhao Hani.

Thelema

Philosophy, cult or religion, depending on the point of view, created byAleister Crowleyfrom
of the Law (book of the law). With the acceptance of that book, a new era, Eon, began.
of Horus, where the human being perceives themselves as the center of their own universe. Thelema,
in Greek, it means will.

Samael Aun Weor

The ColombianVíctor Manuel Gómez R.(Samael Aun Weor), founder of the Gnostic Movement
Cristiano Universal, taking thesexual magicas one of the fundamental pillars of what
he called it 'revolution of consciousness.' Its main characteristic is what the author himself calls
revolutionary asceticism of theAge of AquariusAccording to the author, metaphysically, his
the process consists of "intelligent mixing of sexual desire with spiritual enthusiasm". This
consists, in summary, of the connection of the male and female genital organs called
by the termsionsylingam(enSanskrit language), avoiding orgasm, both male
as female, the loss of semen and transmuting, through processes indicated in their
books, semen in energy, light and consciousness.

Order of the Eastern Templars

TheOrdo Templi Orientisfounded byTheodor ReussyKarl Kellnerat the beginning of the 20th century
initially based on the application of thesexual tantrawith a structure that resembles the
freemasonryWhen the English occultistAleister Crowleyhe was admitted into this Order, its rituals and
basic philosophy was reformulated to be interpreted and worked under the so-called law of
willThe O.T.O. ended up being the origin of various dissidences that adopted different
perspectives on magic. Among the dissenters who carry out work considered serious
we can cite the Ordo Templi Orientis Antiqua (O.T.O.A.) and the Ordo Templi Orientis Tifoniana
(Typhonyan O.T. O. o TOTO).

Luciferian Magic
System ofBrotherhood of SaturnIt is a system similar to that of OTO, centralizing its practices.
in sexual magic (especially in the practices of the "left path) and in the magic
ritualistic. The main difference in relation to the O.T.O. is that, while it seeks fusion
individualized with the creative energy, as a central idea, the Fraternitas Saturni seeks to elevate the
human spirit to a condition of divinity, represented byLucifer. The system has 33
degrees.

Enochian magic

Enochian magic is a symbolically complex system that consists of the evocation of

Enochian angels, discovered by the astrologerJohn Deeand by their seer,Edward KelleyThe
the system was subsequently studied by the Golden DawnGolden Dawnand forAleister Crowley.

Musical magic

Created by a renowned occultist,Juanita Wescott, scholar of the system ofFranz Bardon.

The system of musical magic makes use of thehermetismand of thecabal.

A descriptive example of psychology, philosophy, and rituals

of magic

Flagvoodoo.
Magic is a set of rituals whose objective is to control the attributes of spirits.
universals, supernatural entities. The knowledge of magic allows communication
directevocation) or indirectinvocationwith one or severaldeitiesoforceswhat do they have
powers over natural laws. The spirits summoned during the ritual are obliged to
fulfill the requests of the wizard, as long as he knows his name or the name of his
attributes, or, equivalently, be represented the strokes that describe them. The strokes
equivalent in this case to the pronunciation of their names, pronounce their name or 'write it'
they are one and the same thing and therefore have the same effect.

In magic, various rituals are used that can be classified in different ways, however
the most suitable for undertaking its explanation is the one that separates the rituals by the

exposure procedure, then proceeding to differentiate between the rituals of invocation and the
of evocation.

The Evocation

The evocation is a call for the appearance of the summoned entity, in which the magician
directly demands from the entity the fulfillment of its wishes (within the 'legitimacy' of
ritual), either through threats or pleas. The primary objective of a magician when performing the
evocation is trying to get the entity to reveal its attributes (powers) as well as its
traces (signs), since from now on it can achieve the same purposes by resorting
exclusively to the invocation. Evocation carries many risks since alongside the entity
other spirits that have not been summoned by the wizard can also attend, or even appear
before the entity (or sent by it) and make the magician believe that it is the claimed entity. For
thus, the wizard must begin any summoning by tracing themagic pentagram, which will protect it and
of which he must not leave until the entity has been dismissed. He must also be cautious in
his dealings with the entity, as it will always tend to deceive the magician or comply with his requests

under a contract, a mistake that beginners often make.

During the invocation, the wizard demands the precise description to achieve his objectives, since the
the objective will rarely be requested in the moment, but rather pursuing the idea of repeating it to
will and at the precise moment that the magician requested it, could carry out his plans.
The entire required procedure will be reflected in the future in what is implied by the invocation.

The invocation
The invocation is a request for fulfillment, there is no appearance of any
entity, and it formally resembles a formula presented in religions such as
prayerswith the difference that if the ritual is correctly formulated, it is expected that
effectively fulfilled. The invocation is displayed through theamulets, andtalismansTal
as explained, once the magician has obtained a description from the entity
in order to achieve his goals, the wizard dismisses the entity and gets to work
In the making of the talisman, once made, a simpler ritual (this is the invocation)
stimulate the talisman so that it takes effect from the signs and formulas engraved on the talisman
They describe. In this case, the ritual consists of prayers and formulations, where the magician presents himself.

he praises the entity, reminds it of its duty, and demands that it bestow the desired effect to the talisman it has

has been built following the guidelines described by the entity.

Contact methods

Rituals usually have two aspects for the magician to connect with the entity, and often
Both coexist at the same time, one aspect is the pronunciation out loud, the other is the recordings.

When the magician uses their voice, their pronunciation must be correct, otherwise, like in any other...
language, one can indicate one thing instead of the desired one, which can be very dangerous for the
mage. One of the things that a mage wishing to contact the entity by voice must do is to
The principle will be to demand the teaching and knowledge of the language to communicate.
duly and without risks with the entity.

The engravings must always use inks made as the entity requires, and the
the accuracy of the stroke must comply with what we would today define as in accordance with definitions of.

topography (the accuracy of the shape is more important than the accuracy of the measurements), as well as the

rest of the utensils that the magician needs to make everything he requires.

Consecration of the wizard's utensils

The tools used by the magician must beconsecratedthis implies several things:

They must be gathered (when they are natural like plants) or made (knives,
medallions, inks) on the dates when the entity is in effect, considered both annually as
daily and hourly - moment of the day - what it requires from the magician certain knowledge
also fromastrology.
 Before starting each act, a prayer must be recited asking that in the object or
all the required virtues are embodied in the utensil.

The objects and utensils thus prepared should never be used for any purpose other than that intended for them.

magic rituals.

Although it is not essential, it is recommended that the wizard be the one to make all the utensils.
and I will collect all the objects used, in order to ensure the proper observance of the rest of
rules.

The Wizard's Oath

The wizard, when assisted by a master, commits to do aoathand maintain it.

The wizard is thus compelled to fulfill it strictly, as otherwise he is blamed or attracted.
badly for their non-compliance. As the magician becomes aware of reality in
his practices, he also becomes aware of the need to fulfill his oath.

Each teacher can impose different rules or the same rules with slight differences, without
embargo is always the rule that states that the applicant will never clearly reveal the
knowledge acquired under penalty against his soul for eternity, nor will he reveal or
He will have as a disciple no aspirant who is not worthy. That's why the master takes his time.
sufficient the revelation of the highestsecretsin order to know if the applicant will be
or no deserving. Many of the candidates who have been rejected in some state of
knowledge are those who are able to practice witchcraft (if they wish), it is
to say any type of magic limited in knowledge.

The greatest difficulty of knowing magic is that in order to perform the first invocation
where the wizard or aspiring wizard can summon the desired entity and obtain their favors
It consists precisely of needing to know its name, shape, and evocation ritual as well as
to understand in-depth the dangers one faces and how to protect oneself against them, in
The virtue of the oath implies that without a teacher, any aspirant could dedicate a large part of
her life to solve these enigmas by her own means, without a guide to solve them for her
first doubts.

Once a magician successfully evokes an entity, they can claim the

the same knowledge that is required and thus advance on their path, always of course,
exposed to the danger of deceptions. Even in that case, the entity demands of the adept without a master
a vow of norevelation.
Magic in the present day

Currently, in the modern world, it is very common to believe that magic exists. Commonly, it
uses the idea of magic in many places, mainly books, stories, tales, animation or
others, in which magic appears as an extraordinary power to modify or manipulate the
nature at will. Likewise, since the 19th century, magic shows and
illusionists are a constant in the performing arts, where a tacit pact is established between
spectators and artists through which he "pretends" to have supernatural powers with
those who impress, through tricks, an ostensibly gullible audience.

January 31 was declared as Wizard Day, chosen because it is the date when he passed away.
Saint John Boscopatron of the wizards, in the year 1888 inTurin.[14]

See also

Witchcraft

Shaman

Classical conditioning

Consciousness

Worldview

Belief

List of cognitive biases

Logic

White magic

Black magic

Wizard

Scientific method

Mythology

Psyche

Superstition
References

On Wikipedia in English, about Frazer: American Folklore: An Encyclopedia, by Jan Harold

Brunvard, Superstition (p 692-697).
1. Magic//[Link]/srv/fetch?id=NskdMWE Dictionary of the Spanish Language
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[Link]//[Link]/?magic article published on the website

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3."Magic" ([Link] (in English), online

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4. Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary online

rit_dictionary.php), published on the website [Link]. In the first dialog box
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5. Dear Baroja, 2003, pp. 25-28

Caro Baroja, 2003, pp. 28-34

7. Caro Baroja, 2003, p. 37

Caro Baroja, 2003, pp. 38-39

9. Dear Baroja, 2003, pp. 39-40

10. Dear Baroja, 2003, pp. 49; 51-52

11. 'The Witch Hunt in Europe' ([Link]

opa_7761). National Geographic. Consulted on November 29, 2013.

[Link], Janire (26 de marzo de 2021).«¿Qué es la santería y cuál es su doctrina?» (https://

[Link]/curiosidades/what-santeria-which-doctrine-4689799). Ok Diario. Consulted on
April 14, 2022.

[Link](2001). «Capítulo 3: La bruja». Las cuatro mujeres de dios. Montevideo, editorial Zeta.
ISBN978-84-96778-78-8.

14. "International Magician's Day" ([Link]

wizard. [Link]. Consulted on January 31, 2022.

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Data:Q81741
Multimedia:Magic//[Link]/wiki/Category:Magic
Dictionary:magic Famous quotes:Magic
Obtained from
«[Link]
title=Magia&oldid=143657490»

Last edited 17 days agofor177.232.89.147