The Azande people of Central Africa have a rich cultural tradition that includes beliefs and practices related to witchcraft and magical divination. Witchcraft is seen as an intrinsic part of Azande society, and their understanding of it is rooted in the belief that misfortunes and accidents are caused by the actions of witches. Unlike the western concept of witchcraft, Azande witchcraft is not inherently evil but rather a tool that can be used for both good and evil purposes. In Azande society, witchcraft is understood to be inherited and can be passed down through generations. It is believed that certain individuals, known as witches, possess a supernatural power that allows them to cause harm to others. This power is thought to be activated through the use of poison or other magical substances.

NYC’s best magic shops

Commemorate Harry Houdini’s birthday on Saturday 24 by frequenting one of these enchanting stores.

Stop by this massive, 13,000-square-foot store and you’ll probably see magician and store associate Tricky Henry manning the magic counter—as he puzzles patrons with card and coin tricks. Though Abracadabra is a go-to spot for costumes and novelty items, magic merchandise is a major draw. Noteworthy buys include the Gecko by Jim Rosenbaum ($70)—a popular gadget used for making objects disappear—and Andrew Mayne’s Levitator DVD ($40), which gives step-by-step instructions for defying gravity. Shelved next to a smattering of toys is The Original Tarbell Lessons in Magic ($80), a book of 60 tricks mastered by magician Harlan Tarbell in the 1920s that is still widely referenced today. Pros can invest in a classic Mismade stage box ($800) that tricks onlookers into thinking someone’s body has been sliced into several pieces, or simply rent the prop ($250) for the weekend. 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-627-5194, abracadabrasuperstore.com)

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Fantasma
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of magic accessories, Fantasma stocks its midtown shop with a combination of its own products and those made by other big-name magic companies, such as Trickmasters and Marvel. The fervor this company has for magic is obvious by the center display at its retail outpost—an enclosed glass case filled with a trove of Houdini’s original props, including a pair of the magician’s handcuffs and the straightjacket he famously freed himself from. While those artifacts alone keep the store abuzz with visitors, there’s much more here than nostalgic kitsch. More than 300 tricks—including making small objects disappear into a box—can be accomplished with Fantasma’s signature Legends of Magic kit ($60), while Schylling wands ($10) illuminate and play music at the touch of a button. Customers are frequently treated to demos by legendary coin magician David Roth, who gladly shows off tricks featured in his DVD, Ultimate Coin Magic ($35). Accented with hand-painted dove breakaway boxes ($200) and a cage for its unofficial mascot, Rambo the rabbit, the bright space is frequented by magician Ed Alonzo, better known to ’80s babies as Saved by the Bell’s trickster restaurateur, Max. 421 Seventh Ave at 33rd St (212-244-3633, fantasmamagic.com)

New York Costumes
Tucked away in the basement of this costume megastore is a small section dedicated to all things magical. Specializing in accoutrements best suited for beginners, the enclave hawks the latest playing cards, including a Bicycle deck embossed with steampunk designs ($10). Patrons get a kick out of Empire Magic kits that create the illusion of a needle going through a balloon ($16), and Morris Costumes coloring books which, at the wave of a hand, mysteriously go from having blank pages to ones filled with pictures ($13). For more daring tricksters, Disecto devices that will convince audiences you chopped off your hand ($70) and Theatre Effects combustible flash papers ($11) are also available. Magic fans can scoop up posters picturing Henry Kellar’s famous levitation trick ($16), or pick up a pair of crisp white magician’s gloves ($8) on the main floor. 104 Fourth Ave between 11th and 12th Sts (212-673-4546, newyorkcostumes.com)

Rogue Magic & Funshop
After several years of doing impromptu performances on street corners and selling magic tricks out of his backpack, self-taught magician Roger “Rogue” Quan unloaded his knowledge and trickery into this small storefront. Jardonnet flammable wallets ($40–$200) and a torch that transforms to a single red rose ($15) are among the pyro-themed offerings. Popular tricks, such as making a card rise from the center of its deck, go for $30. Alongside fellow tristate-area magicians, Quan hosts a magic show in the shop every Saturday (9–11pm; advance tickets $10, $12 at the door). For the same price, adults can attend the monthly Freaky Friday (9pm, call for schedule) performance, which combines geek magic, such as shoving nails up one’s nose, with racy jokes. 85-08 Queens Blvd at Grand Ave, Elmhurst, Queens (718-505-0316)

Tannen’s Magic
Open since 1925, this Herald Square haunt gets bragging rights for being the city’s oldest magic emporium. Instead of the gaudy lights and neon signage you’d expect from a place known for over-the-top trickery, you’ll encounter a dimly lit shop situated in an unassuming office building. Playing cards ($3–$100), didactic DVD sets ($15–$190) and accessories ($25–$400) abound at Tannen’s, where tricks are performed and sold daily. For $140, staffers will teach budding magicians the F1 Nitro trick, in which a card is made to vanish from its deck and suddenly appear in a wallet. Equally thrilling is the ParaPad ($95)—a pocket-sized notebook that helps its owner read minds. Professional magicians like Dani Daortiz often host lectures ($35) and workshops ($100), while novices frequently snatch up Michael Ammar’s Easy to Master Card Miracles DVD ($35). Notable alums of Tannen’s weeklong summer camp ($1,295), held each year outside Philadelphia, include actor Adrien Brody and master illusionist David Blaine. 45 W 34th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, suite 608 (212-929-4500, tannens.com)

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Don't Blink Magic Shop

Magick Balay will be performing the greatest trick of his lifetime— opening "Don't Blink", a new brick and mortar magic shop located at 336 West 37th Street, Suite 960, right in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. Balay has become known internationally as one of the best close-up magic demonstrators in the business. With over three decades of experience, Magick Balay has been a star performer on the SYFY and Discovery channel in the well reviewed "Close Up Kings" show. “This is truly a dream come true— I have been wanting to open my own shop for as long as I can remember. I could not be more excited to educate the next generation of magicians and all the patrons who visit the shop” states Balay.

This power is thought to be activated through the use of poison or other magical substances. Witches are seen as having the ability to bring about illness, death, or other misfortunes through their magical practices. To protect themselves from witchcraft, the Azande employ various magical divination practices.

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Magick Balay Announces Opening of New Magic Shop in NYC. " Don't Blink " is open NOW! The shop will carry the latest and best magic effects curated by Magick for their true integrity to the magicians of every skill level.

One common form of divination is the use of oracles. Oracles are objects or substances, such as poison or animal bones, that are used to communicate with the spiritual realm. The Azande believe that by consulting the oracle, they can gain insight into potential dangers and actions that can be taken to prevent harm. Another important aspect of Azande magical divination is the practice of dream interpretation. Dreams are thought to be a way for individuals to communicate with the spirit world and receive guidance and warnings. The Azande interpret dreams as meaningful messages and often seek the help of a diviner to decipher their symbolic meaning. The role of diviners, known as ngangas, is crucial in Azande society. These individuals are believed to possess an innate ability to communicate with spirits and have extensive knowledge of magical practices. They are consulted in times of crisis or to help people navigate their day-to-day lives. Ngangas may use various means, such as herbal remedies, rituals, or magical spells, to address the concerns of their clients. Overall, the Azande traditions of witchcraft and magical divination play a significant role in their culture and worldview. These practices provide a framework for understanding and managing misfortune, as well as offering guidance and protection in a complex and unpredictable world. Despite the influence of modernization and the spread of Christianity, many Azande people continue to hold onto these beliefs and practices as an important part of their identity and way of life..

Reviews for "The Dark Side of Azande Witchcraft: Sorcery and Revenge"

1. Jane - 1 star - I found "Azande traditions of witchcraft and magical divination" to be incredibly boring and hard to follow. The book was filled with dense academic language and complex theories that were difficult to understand. It lacked clear explanations and examples that could have helped me grasp the concepts better. Overall, it was a tedious read and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an accessible introduction to the topic.

2. Mark - 2 stars - As someone with a general interest in different cultural practices, I was excited to learn about Azande traditions of witchcraft and magical divination. However, this book fell short of my expectations. The author presented the information in a disjointed manner, jumping from one concept to another without proper context or explanation. It made it difficult to fully understand the significance of these traditions within the Azande culture. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacking in engaging storytelling. This book requires a lot of effort to get through, and I was left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Azande traditions of witchcraft and magical divination" left me feeling confused and frustrated. The author delved into complex theories and beliefs without providing clear examples or practical applications. It felt more like an abstract academic theorizing than a practical guide to understanding Azande traditions. The lack of relatable anecdotes or real-life examples made it hard for me to connect with the content. Overall, I found this book to be an unsatisfying read and would not recommend it to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Azande witchcraft and divination.

Azande Witchcraft and Modern Society: A Clash of Beliefs