In the past, the figure of the witch held a prominent place in society, sparking fear and fascination in equal measure. Witchcraft, often associated with women, was seen as a dangerous practice that had the ability to cause harm or bring forth supernatural powers. This belief in witches was prevalent across different cultures throughout history. During the medieval period, witch trials and persecutions reached their peak. It was widely believed that witches made pacts with the devil and used their powers to harm others. This led to the infamous witch hunts, where individuals, predominantly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and subjected to torture, imprisonment, and execution.
Grimoires purporting to have been written by a legendary St Cyprian (there was a real St Cyprian as well) became popular in Scandinavia during the late 18th century, while in Spain and Portugal print editions of the Libro de San Cipriano included a gazetteer to treasure sites and the magical means to obtain their hidden riches. During the early 20th century, editions began to appear in South America, and copies can now be purchased from the streets of Mexico City to herbalist stalls high in the Andes.
Last but not least there is the founding text of modern Wicca a pagan religion founded in the 1940s by the retired civil servant, folklorist, freemason and occultist Gerald Gardner. As this book richly demonstrates, the history of grimoires illuminates many of the most important developments in European history over thelast two thousand years.
This led to the infamous witch hunts, where individuals, predominantly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and subjected to torture, imprisonment, and execution. The fear of witches consumed society and anyone suspected of being a witch could face life-altering consequences. In the past, superstitions and folk beliefs surrounding witchcraft were ingrained in daily life.
Grimoires: A History of Magic Books
What is a grimoire? The word has a familiar ring to many people, particularly as a consequence of such popular television dramas as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. But few people are sure exactly what it means. Put simply, grimoires are books of spells that were first recorded in the Ancient Middle East and which have developed and spread across much of the Western Hemisphere and beyond over the ensuing millennia.
At their most benign, they contain charms and remedies for natural and supernatural ailments and advice on contacting spirits to help find treasures and protect from evil. But at their most sinister they provide instructions on how to manipulate people for corrupt purposes and,worst of all, to call up and make a pact with the Devil. Both types have proven remarkably resilient and adaptable and retain much of their relevance and fascination to this day.
But the grimoire represents much more than just magic. To understand the history of grimoires is to understand the spread of Christianity, the development of early science, the cultural influence of the print revolution, the growth of literacy, the impact of colonialism, and the expansion of western cultures across the oceans. As this book richly demonstrates, the history of grimoires illuminates many of the most important developments in European history over thelast two thousand years.
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
ISBN: 9780199590049
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 23 September, 2010
Weight: 504 g
Dimensions: 215 x 136 x 22 mm
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What is a grimoire? The word has a familiar ring to many people, particularly as a consequence of such popular television dramas as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. But few people are sure exactly what it means. Put simply, grimoires are books of spells that were first recorded in the Ancient Middle East and which have developed and spread across much of the Western Hemisphere and beyond over the ensuing millennia.
At their most benign, they contain charms and remedies for natural and supernatural ailments and advice on contacting spirits to help find treasures and protect from evil. But at their most sinister they provide instructions on how to manipulate people for corrupt purposes and,worst of all, to call up and make a pact with the Devil. Both types have proven remarkably resilient and adaptable and retain much of their relevance and fascination to this day.
But the grimoire represents much more than just magic. To understand the history of grimoires is to understand the spread of Christianity, the development of early science, the cultural influence of the print revolution, the growth of literacy, the impact of colonialism, and the expansion of western cultures across the oceans. As this book richly demonstrates, the history of grimoires illuminates many of the most important developments in European history over thelast two thousand years.
Details
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
ISBN: 9780199590049
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 23 September, 2010
Weight: 504 g
Dimensions: 215 x 136 x 22 mm
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
People would often associate misfortune, illness, and crop failures with the work of witches. This led to suspicion and paranoia, as individuals accused one another of practicing witchcraft. The fear of witches was so pervasive that it often resulted in witch trials becoming public spectacles, attracting large crowds eager to witness the downfall of these supposed evildoers. The portrayal of witches in art and literature further perpetuated the mystique and fear associated with them. In popular folklore and fairy tales, witches were depicted as old, haggard women with supernatural powers. They were often shown brewing potions in cauldrons, riding broomsticks, and casting spells. These portrayals ingrained the image of the witch as a malevolent figure with the ability to harm or curse others. As the understanding of science grew and societies became more rational, the belief in witches gradually declined. The Age of Enlightenment challenged the superstitions and irrational beliefs of the past, leading to a more skeptical view of witchcraft. With the development of scientific explanations for natural phenomena, such as diseases and weather patterns, the fear of witches slowly started to fade. In present times, the figure of the witch has undergone a significant transformation. Witches are now often associated with neo-paganism, Wicca, or modern witchcraft. These practices focus on connecting with nature, healing, and personal empowerment rather than causing harm or practicing dark magic. While some individuals still hold superstitions or maintain a fear of witches, the general perception has evolved into one of curiosity or even admiration for their alternative spirituality and beliefs. In conclusion, the figure of the witch in the past was a symbol of fear and danger, often associated with supernatural powers and dark magic. The belief in witches led to persecutions and trials, as well as a prevalent fear that consumed societies for centuries. However, as rationality and scientific understanding increased, the fear of witches gradually waned. In modern times, the image of the witch has transformed, and witches are often viewed as practitioners of alternative spirituality and personal empowerment, rather than malevolent figures to be feared..
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