Learn: Magic, Witchcraft, and Occult Studies

Occult

A residual category for knowledge claims that fit neither science nor religion.

Aristotle's view of definition

Providing the essence of a term through limitations and marking boundaries (horismos).

Etymology of "Witch"

Derives from Old English wicca/wicce, stemming from wiccian ("to cast a spell").

Etymology of "Warlock"

Means "oath breaker."

Five characteristics of a witch

Causes uncanny harm, internal threat, works within tradition, "evil," and can be resisted.

High Magic

An intellectual system based on studying the ordered universe (Kosmos), including astrology and alchemy.

Low Magic

A mechanical ritual employed to achieve practical results and solve daily problems.

Tylor's two principles of magic

Connection (contagion) and Symbolic Representation (similarity).

Rudolf Otto's "Numinous"

Mysterious, awe-inspiring emotions beyond the ethical realm, central to magical/religious elements.

Ashipu

Mesopotamian exorcist or magician who diagnosed illnesses caused by demons.

Asu

Mesopotamian physician or herbalist dealing with empirical medication and wound care.

The Maqlu

Ancient Mesopotamian text consisting of eight tablets directed against witchcraft and curses.

Heka

Ancient Egyptian animating and controlling force that maintained the natural Kosmic order.

Wabu vs. Sunu

Egyptian priest-physicians (wabu) used magic; lay-physicians (sunu) used non-magical medicine.

Tale of Eucrates

An ancient tale of a sorcerer's apprentice whose animated cleaning objects got out of control.

Udjat (Eye-of-Horus)

The most popular Egyptian amulet used to ensure good health.

The Scarab

Egyptian amulet representing Kheper ("to exist") and continued existence.

Ba

The mobile soul or personality of an Egyptian deceased person, depicted as a human-headed bird.

Ka

The spiritual double of an Egyptian person, molded by the god Khnum before birth.

The Book of the Dead

A collection of Egyptian papyrus scrolls containing spells essential for achieving immortality.

Pazuzu

A Mesopotamian wind demon worn as an amulet to protect against the night demon Lamashtu.

James George Frazer

Author of The Golden Bough (1890) who argued primitive thinking is governed by magic and religion.

Edward Burnett Tylor

Author of Primitive Culture (1871) who introduced the 'doctrine of survivals' and psychic uniformity.

Rosetta Stone

An artifact written in three languages that proved crucial for decoding Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Alchemy

A chemical science and speculative philosophy aimed at the transmutation of base metals.