Japanese occult magic, also known as Kekkaijutsu, is a fascinating and mysterious aspect of Japanese culture. It encompasses various supernatural practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Kekkaijutsu is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and is believed to possess the power to control the spiritual world. One significant aspect of Japanese occult magic is the use of amulets and talismans. These are small objects, usually made of paper or wood, that are believed to contain spiritual energy and provide protection or good luck to the bearer. These amulets are often inscribed with mystical symbols or prayers to enhance their potency.
What was life like in Puritan New England?
I had read about the witchcraft trials in college, but it was not until I read a book published in 1867 a two-volume, thousand-page study by Charles W. Though each reading activity provides questions for discussion for the readings, teachers may wish to spend a few minutes with students asking introductory questions to help distill what they have read.
These amulets are often inscribed with mystical symbols or prayers to enhance their potency. Another common practice of Japanese occult magic is divination. Divination methods are used to obtain insight into the future or gain guidance from spirits.
Understanding the Salem Witch Trials
Engraving of a witchcraft trial at Salem Village. The central figure in this 1876 illustration of the courtroom is usually identified as Mary Walcott.
Salem, Massachusetts in 1691 was the home of a Puritan community with a strict moral code. In addition to the difficulties of farming in a harsh climate with rough terrain, Salem faced economic and political unrest. In this community, a group of girls accused an Indian slave named Tituba of witchcraft. Tituba confessed under pressure from court officials, and her confession ignited a hunt for witches that left 19 men and women hanged, one man pressed to death, and over 150 more people in prison awaiting a trial. In this lesson, students will explore the characteristics of the Puritan community in Salem, learn about the Salem Witchcraft Trials, and try to understand how and why this event occurred.
Guiding Questions
What was life like in Puritan New England?
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
To what extent do the historic records show that the accused were innocent until proven guilty?
Learning Objectives
Describe cultural practices of the majority in Puritan New England.
Create a timeline of the events of the Salem Witch Trials.
Analyze multiple interpretations of the Salem Witch Trials.
Construct a position on whether the trials were justified.
Subjects & Topic:A More Perfect Union
History & Social Studies
Civics U.S. History Grade: 6-8Lesson Plan Details
BackgroundSalem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s faced a number of serious challenges to a peaceful social fabric. Salem was divided into a prosperous town and a farming village. The villagers, in turn, were split into factions that fiercely debated whether to seek ecclesiastical and political independence from the town. In 1689 the villagers won the right to establish their own church and chose the Reverend Samuel Parris, a former merchant, as their minister. His rigid ways and seemingly boundless demands for compensation increased the already present friction. Many villagers vowed to drive Parris out, and they stopped contributing to his salary in October 1691.
These local concerns only compounded the severe social stresses that had already been affecting New England for two decades. A 1675 conflict with the Indians known as King Philip's War had resulted in more deaths relative to the size of the population than any other war in American history. A decade later, in 1685, King James II's government revoked the Massachusetts charter. A new royally-appointed governor, Sir Edmund Andros, sought to unite New England, New York, and New Jersey into a single Dominion of New England. He tried to abolish elected colonial assemblies, restrict town meetings, and impose direct control over militia appointments, and permitted the first public celebration of Christmas in Massachusetts, a celebration of which Puritans strongly disapproved. After William III replaced James II as King of England in 1689, Andros's government was overthrown, but Massachusetts was required to eliminate religious qualifications for voting and to extend religious toleration to sects such as the Quakers. The late seventeenth century also saw a increase in the number of black slaves in New England, which further unsettled the existing social order.
In February 1692, Betty Parris, Reverend Parris's daughter, as well as her friends Abigail Williams and Ann Putnam, became ill with symptoms that doctors could not diagnose, including fits and delirium. Dr. Griggs, who attended to the "afflicted" girls, suggested that they might be bewitched. Mercy Lewis, Mary Walcott, and Mary Warren later claimed affliction as well.
Prodded by Parris and others, the girls named their tormentors: Sarah Good, a poor woman; Sarah Osbourn, an elderly woman; and Tituba, a slave who had told them stories involving Vudou beliefs. The women were tried for witchcraft - Good and Osbourn claimed innocence, and Tituba confessed. Tituba's detailed confession included a claim that there were several undiscovered witches who wanted to destroy the community. This caused a witch-hunting rampage: 19 men and women were hanged, one man was pressed to death, and over 150 more people were imprisoned, awaiting trial.
On September 22, 1692, the last eight alleged witches were hanged. On October 8, 1692, Governor Phipps ordered that spectral evidence (when someone claimed to witness a person's spirit in a separate location from that same person's physical body) could no longer be admitted in witchcraft trials. On October 29, 1692 Phipps prohibited further arrests and released many accused witches. The remaining alleged witches were pardoned by May 1693. The hangings of witches in 1692 were the last such hangings in America.
For more information, see the following EDSITEment-reviewed websites:
- Digital History: The Salem Witch Scare
- Witchcraft in Salem Village
- Overview
- Tituba Biography
NCSS. D1.1.6-8. Explain how a question represents key ideas in the field.
NCSS.D2.His.1.6-8. Analyze connections among events and developments in broader historical contexts.
NCSS.D2.His.2.6-8. Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.
NCSS.D2.His.3.6-8. Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.
NCSS.D2.His.4.6-8. Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.
NCSS.D2.His.5.6-8. Explain how and why perspectives of people have changed over time.
Preparation- Review the lesson plan. Locate and bookmark suggested materials and other useful websites. Download and print out documents you will use and duplicate copies as necessary for student viewing.
- Students can access the primary source materials and some of the activity materials via the EDSITEment LaunchPad.
- Familiarize yourself with the Salem Witch Trials. For an overview, consult Digital History. For more detailed information, consult Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive.
- If you plan to have students create pictures, or if you want to use larger sized paper for your students' timelines, be sure to have those materials handy.
- Though each reading activity provides questions for discussion for the readings, teachers may wish to spend a few minutes with students asking introductory questions to help distill what they have read.
One popular form of divination is using fortune-telling cards or Etegami, which involves drawing or choosing cards that portray different scenarios or situations. The interpretation of these cards provides guidance and advice to the seeker. Japanese occult magic also includes rituals and spells to ward off evil spirits or bring about desired outcomes. These rituals may involve chanting incantations, performing specific gestures, or creating carefully constructed symbols. Engaging in these rituals is believed to harness the power of the spiritual realm and direct it towards a particular intention or goal. The practice of Japanese occult magic is often linked to Shinto and Buddhism, two major religions in Japan. Shinto focuses on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities believed to exist in all natural elements. Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of meditation and mindfulness to connect with the spiritual world. These spiritual beliefs heavily influence the rituals and practices associated with Japanese occult magic. It is important to note that Japanese occult magic is not widely accepted or practiced by the general population in Japan. However, it continues to hold a significant place in Japanese culture, especially among those who are deeply interested in the supernatural and spiritual aspects of life. In conclusion, Japanese occult magic is a captivating and enigmatic aspect of Japanese culture. It encompasses various practices, rituals, and beliefs that revolve around the supernatural and spiritual realms. From the use of amulets and divination to rituals and spells, Japanese occult magic provides an intriguing glimpse into Japan's rich folklore and spiritual traditions..
Reviews for "Japanese Occult Magic and its Influence on Western Esotericism"
- John Smith - 2/5
I didn't enjoy "Japanese occult magic" as much as I thought I would. The book promised to delve into the fascinating world of Japanese occult practices, but it felt more like a shallow overview rather than an in-depth exploration. The author barely scratched the surface of topics like onmyodo or Shinto rituals, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. The writing style was also quite dry and lacked the vibrant storytelling I was hoping for. Overall, I found "Japanese occult magic" to be a disappointment.
- Emily Johnson - 2/5
"Japanese occult magic" was a letdown for me. While I appreciate the attempt to introduce readers to Japanese occult practices, the execution fell flat. The information provided was scattered and lacked depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. The book also failed to capture the mystique and allure that one might expect when exploring the world of occultism. I was hoping for a captivating and immersive experience, but unfortunately, "Japanese occult magic" failed to deliver.
- David Thompson - 1/5
I found "Japanese occult magic" to be a waste of time. The book was poorly written and poorly researched, making it difficult to trust the information presented. The author's shallow understanding of the subject matter was evident throughout, and it felt like a half-hearted attempt to cash in on the popularity of the occult. There are far better resources available for those interested in Japanese occult practices, and I would recommend avoiding this book altogether.
Exploring the Supernatural Creatures Associated with Japanese Occult Magic