Savage man attempted to solve the real problems of an illusory ghost environment through the art of coercing involuntary spirit aid and securing insight into the future with magic. [1]
Magic is an attempt to manipulate reality without affecting the ego of the manipulator, while prayer is a positive action by the praying ego, always indicating psychic and sometimes spiritual intent. [2] Belief in magic caused much sickness and danger from enemies in ancient times. [3]
Ancient magic was the cocoon of modern science, a necessary but now obsolete precursor to our current understanding of the natural world. [4]
The magical and mythological foundation of early religion paved the way for the eventual emergence of superior revelational religions, including Jesus' teachings, which liberated humanity from superstitions and dogmatism. [5] Primitive superstitions birthed scientific curiosity, driven by fear and curiosity, embodying the desire to control and understand the environment. [6]
The evolution of magical practices in ancient Egypt was burdensome from cradle to grave, yet effectively replaced the reliance on tombs for salvation. [7]
The Sangik tribes, once industrious away from the tropics, faced a long struggle between lazy devotees of magic and apostles of work who exercised foresight. [8] Devotees of magic often overlook many failures, focusing instead on a single successful outcome. [9] Primitive man, enslaved to magic, enlisted the support of friends for luck petitions before ceremonies involving the whole clan or tribe. [10] Magic, ritual, and ceremony surrounded the entire life of the ancients, influencing even the solemnity of marriage. [11]
The ancient practice of black magic was known as white art when performed by priests, seers, or shamans, while sorcerers, magicians, witches, and enchanters were often associated with witchcraft. [12] The cure for defective magic is more magic. [13] Practitioners of magic, primarily women, worked unclothed while using wands, “medicine” rituals, and incantations to evoke mystery and healing. [14] Gesture, older than speech, was considered more magical and mimicry held strong mystical power. [15]
The intention and will of spirits were studied through omens and oracles, and their messages were deciphered through divination, soothsaying, and magic rituals. [16]
Despite the progress of science, linguistic fossils reveal that a reversion to primitive beliefs in magic remains a lingering possibility in the minds of many civilized people. [17]
The evolution of religious observances advanced from placation, avoidance, exorcism, coercion, conciliation, and propitiation to sacrifice, atonement, redemption, progressing from the primitive cult to magic and miracles, dominated by medicine men, shamans, and priests. [18] Ancient superstitions gave rise to practices of divination, sorcery, and witchcraft, as well as the illusions of magic. [19]
Magic in ancient societies was divided into public ceremonies for the community's benefit and private practices of manipulation and coercion for personal gain. [20] The ritual of chants and incantations evolved into prayers, displacing magic as the associate of sacrifice. [21] The shrewd shamans employed sleight-of-hand feats to mystify tribesmen, often utilizing drugs and ventriloquism to create a supernatural aura. [22] Primitive man's desire for something for nothing perpetuated the slow decline of magic in favor of foresight, self-denial, and industry. [23]
The supposed efficacy of images in magic extended to effigies, with superstitious individuals believing that treating them well or ill could affect the real person, as demonstrated by chewing hard wood to soften a seller's heart during purchases. [24] White magic ceremonials were once practiced by priests or shamans, transitioning from ancient black art traditions. [25]
See also: UB 88:4-6.