Tales of Ancient and Mystic Practices

Witchcraft is as old as civilization itself. Earliest records of human civilizations had always traces of witchcraft. In popular culture, the practice of magick (Yes, with a 'k.' It separates the authentic practice from the tricks, which 'magic' is associated with.) is often portrayed as malevolent and evil. This is a false view of what real practitioners are doing. If you're going to study the pagan religions of ancient Europe, like the ancient Greece—the Greeks had a goddess of witchcraft, whom they worship.

The same as those other old religions in other ancient civilizations. If you think witchcraft is a work of evil, you are DEAD WRONG! Witchcraft was already there before mainstream religions even existed, like the Christianity itself. Way back in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was so powerful that it could deem anyone a witch, and you'd be killed by burning alive.

If you enjoy Harry Potter and other Wizardy films, then I assume that you are not a hypocrite who believes that witches are inherently evil.

"Philippines' Mystical Island"

In the heart of Asia, a country dubbed Pearl of the Orient Seas has breathtaking natural wonders and rich history of colonization, lies the Island of Fire, and is considered the county's most magical island. The island of Siquijor is situated in Central Visayas region. It is known for its healers and practices of witchcraft (black magic), and every Holy Week the island celebrates the Healing Festival showcasing the locals undying belief of traditional way of curing (herbal medicine) one's self and making potions.

During this period, the healers (known locally as mananambal) will gather ingredients up in the mountains and deep in the forest for making herbal medicines and potions. It is done due to the strong belief that making potions and their effectiveness are at their peak. Healers would demonstrate to the public how the potions are being made. They would mix different kinds of herbs with prayers as they are doing the process of making their potions. It is indeed a sight to behold!

As the island values a lot its healers, there is indeed some other locals who practice sorcery. Unbeknownst to anyone that the practice of witchcraft in the island is deeply-rooted to its original culture before colonization. The practice of sorcery and spirituality has always been apart of the local religion of the inhabitants before the Spaniards came and converted people into Roman Catholicism.

When Roman Catholic became the dominant religion in the country, it tried to dissuade people from doing their old practices, which did not help and had keep the locals preserve their traditions. Nowadays, the island of Siquijor is a mixed of Catholic faith and its old tradition - a unique blend that has made the island what it is today.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240510-siquijor-a-paradise-island-with-a-reputation-for-witchcraft
https://startwithlove1111.medium.com/the-mycelial-chronicles-the-witch-healer-of-siquijor-the-mananambal-662bfeba6d68
https://dumaguete.com/siquijor/witches-and-healers-in-siquijor/

"The First Ever Recorded Ancient Egyptian Sorcery"

We often see Egypt as a long standing and ancient country. It is always associated with its ancient past as one of the earliest human civilization, but as old as it may seem, it also tags along its roots with 'magic.'

The very first practice of magic by the Ancient Egyptians was attributed to Dedi (Djedi), around 2700 BC. He once resurrected a dead bird, also known as 'necromancy.' This highlighted his skills as a magician who could cast powerful spells. He also did some philosophical teachings and some priestly things.

Even though, Dedi was undeniably a huge figure in Egypt's association with magic, his existence remains a mystery for historians. Some argue that the records about him was merely that of fiction, his story will forever intrigue people and of Egypt's ancient witchcraft practices.

Sources:
https://www.egypttoursportal.com/blog/ancient-egyptian-civilization/oldest-magician-in-history-dedi/
https://forums.mmorpg.com/discussion/480984/djedi-order-of-priests-sorcerers-and-djed-pillars

"Escaping the Inescapable"

Magic performances have always amazed us, and have left us wonder, "How did the magician do it?" Probably, the most famous magician who popularized stage magic performances was Harry Houdini. Just like anyone who dreamed a fruitful future, Houdini's family moved to the U.S for a better life. Houdini's real name was Erik Weisz; he was born on March 24th, 1874 in his country of origin, Budapest, Hungary. He started his career as a performer, and then later on, he became a magician.

He earned his fame from his breathtaking and dangerous escape performances. Houdini did unbelievable escape acts, which had left his audiences in shock. He also authored some books that were intended to expose fakes. Some of these books were the following: "Miracle Mongers and Their Methods" and "A Magician Among the Spirits."

Houdini married his wife, Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner who happened to be his personal assistant. Houdini's last words before his death, "I'm tired of fighting...guess this is going to get me." He died on Oct. 31, 1926, and the caused of his death was peritonitis due to having a ruptured appendix. Harry Houdini's legacy lives on after his death, and still amazes many people across the globe until this day.





Sources: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-31/houdini-is-dead
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/houdini-biography/
https://www.intervalmagic.com/houdini/articles/1928_02.11.html

"Britain's Legendary King Arthur"
There was a king that was shrouded in mystery and legend. His legacy had etched to the historical books, and people's fascination of him was and still is astounding. Throughout history, this king was often referred to as 'legendary' for his journey to the British throne left undeniable impact that still lingers into this day. This king was no other than King Arthur, himself.

King Arthur's journey started when he pulled the magical sword from the stone- the Excalibur. He later became king, and he then established Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. As for King Arthur's origin, it was said that his very birth was the deed of Merlin, the wizard. His most renowned journey was the Quest for the Holy Grail. The journey was a testament of King Arthur's knights' relentless spirits to embark a perilous journey and unimaginable adversaries as they searched after the Holy Grail.

The Holy Grail, itself was depicted as a chalice that was used by Jesus Christ in the Last Supper. It could only be obtained by someone who's pure of heart. The Holy Grail was obtained by Sir Galahad, together with Sir Bors and Sir Percival. Upon finding the Grail, Sir Galahad ascended into the heavens after he had fulfilled his quest. The Grail had then vanished, which was a sign that divine power was beyond of human comprehension.

Sources: https://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/myths_four_arthur.html
http://www.heroofcamelot.com/legend/holy-grail
https://cwp.missouri.edu/.../king-arthur-and-his-part-in.../

"The Devil's Bible - Codex Gigas"

The Devil's Bible is an enormous book from the 13th century. All of its content was written in Latin depicting the Devil, himself; and it was rumored that a monk made the book by making a pact with the Devil. The book has magic formulas and spells when being casted could cause horrifying consequences.

The book originated in the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice which is in Bohemia -this region is now part of modern day Czech Republic. The book is arguably the largest medieval manuscript ever made, it weights 165 pounds and measures 36 inches in height. The book is said to have an eerie and mysterious aura surrounding in it.

The Devil's Book is apparently in the keeping of the National Library in Stockholm, Sweden. It has been there since 1648 as a spoils of war for the Swedish Empire. The Devil's Bible intrigues a lot of people and is preserved for public display.



Sources: https://bookriot.com/10-things-know-devils-bible/
https://historyofinformation.com/detail.php?entryid=2359
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/object-of-intrigue-the-devil-s-bible
https://www.storyofbible.com/the-devils-bible.html

"The Louvre Doll"

A female clay doll with 13 pins and with a cursed tablet was found in a ceramic jar in Egypt, and it is said that it was of Greek origin. The text is said to be a Greek binding love spell intended to make the target submit to the will of the caster.

The Greek text had been translated to English by Beard, North, and Price, Religions of Rome Volume 2: A Sourcebook (Cambridge University Press, 1998), pages 266-267:

I entrust this binding spell to you chthonic gods (παρακατατίθεμαι ὑμῖν τοῦτον τὸν κατάδεσμον θεο[ῖ]ς καταχθονίοις), Pluto and Kore Persephone Ereschigal and Adonis also called Barbaritha and Hermes chthonian Thoth Phokensepseu Erektathoti Misonktaik and Anoubis the powerful Pseriphtha, who holds the keys of Hades, and to you chthonic divine demons, the boys and girls prematurely dead, the young men and women, year after year, month after month, day after day, hour after hour, night after night; I conjure all the demons (ὁρκίζω πάντας τοὺς δαίμονας) in this place to assist this demon Antinous. Rouse yourself for me and go to each place, to each neighborhood, to each house and bind Ptolemais whom Aias bore, the daughter of Horigenes, so that she should not be fu**ed, buggered or should not give any pleasure to another man (ὅπως μὴ βινηθῇ μὴ πυγισθῇ μὴδὲν πρὸς ἡδονὴν ποιήσῃ ἑταίρῳ ἀνδρὶ), except to me alone Sarapammon, whom Area bore; and do not let her eat nor drink nor resist nor go out nor find sleep except with me Sarapammon, whom Area bore. I conjure you, Antinous spirit of the dead, in the name of the Terrible and Fearsome, the name at whose sound the earth opens up, the name at whose sound the demons tremble in fear, the name at whose sound rivers and rocks burst asunder. I conjure you, Antinous spirit of the dead (ὁρκίζω σε, νεκύδαιμον Ἀντίνοε), by Barbaratham Cheloumbra Barouch Adonai and by Abrasax and by lao Pakeptoth Pakebraoth Sabarbaphaei and by Marmaraouoth and by Marmarachtha Mamazagar. Do not disregard me, Antinous spirit of the dead, but rouse yourself for me and go to each place, to each neighbourhood, to each house and bring me Ptolemais, whom Aias bore, the daughter of Horigenes; prevent her from eating, from drinking, until she comes to me, Sarapammon, whom Area bore, and do not allow her to accept the advances of any man other than me alone Sarapammon. Drag her by the hair, the guts, until she does not reject me, Sarapammon, whom Area bore, and I have her, Ptolemais, whom Aias bore, the daughter of Horigenes, subject to me for the entire extent of my life, loving me, desiring me, telling me what she thinks. If you do this, I will release you (ἀπολύσω

Wondrous spell for binding a lover (φιλτροκατάδεcμοc θαυμαcτόc). Take wax [or clay] from a potter’s wheel and make two figures, a male and a female. Make the male in the form of Ares fully armed, holding a sword in his left hand and threatening to plunge it into the right side of her neck. And make her with her arms behind her back and down on her knees. …[Instructions for inscribing the figurine’s body parts follow.] …And take thirteen copper needles and stick 1 in the brain while saying, “I am piercing your brain, [name]”; and stick 2 in the ears and 2 in the eyes and 1 in the mouth and 2 in the midriff and 1 in the hands and 2 in the pudenda and 2 in the soles, saying each time, “I am piercing such and such a member of her, [name], so that she may remember no one but me, [name], alone. And take a lead tablet and write the same spell and recite it. And tie the lead leaf to the figures with a thread from the loom after making 365 knots while saying as you have learned, “ABRASAX, hold her fast!” You place it, as the sun is setting, beside the grave of one who has died untimely or violently, placing beside it also seasonal flowers. The spell to be written and recited is: “I entrust this binding spell to you, chtonic gods

(παρακατατίθεμαι ὑμῖν τοῦτον τὸν κατάδεcμον θεοῖc χθονίοιc)…” [a spell very much like the one on the defixio follows.]

Sources: https://theoddmentemporium.tumblr.com/post/54052432808/the-louvre-doll-the-louvre-doll-is-a-4th-century
https://www.ifao.egnet.net/bifao/76/12/
https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010044394

"Witch Hunts and Witch Trials"

During the early 15th century until the late 17th century witch hunts were paramount in European countries and in their territories, and one most of its infamous witch trials was the Salem Witch Trials, which was held in March 1, 1692.

Many women were wrongfully accused of practicing witchcraft and were burned alive at the stake; some of these women were Tibuta, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne. Anyone could be accused of practicing witchcraft despite lack of evidence. People who were accused were tortured and beaten to death! Even those people who refused trial would be stoned to death or burned at the stake.

Historically, the very first witch hunts were done by the Roman Catholic Church. Practitioners of witchcraft were pagans or believers of old religions, way before Christianity was established as a dominant religion in Europe.

The witch hunts were slowly abolished during the 18th century in European countries and their territories, but it left an unjust and a brutal mark that will forever linger in human history.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/event/Salem-witch-trials
https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/87864/student/?section=3
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/paganism-and-witchcraft