The mysteries and secrets of magic / by C.J.S. Thompson.

  • Charles Thompson
Date:
1928
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The mysteries and secrets of magic / by C.J.S. Thompson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    cloven hooves. The days of the week besides their planetary assignation were associated with certain angels : Monday with Gabriel, Thursday with Israfil, Saturday with ‘Azra’Il, and Wednesday with Michael, which gives the idea of a Jewish origin. “ Those who desire the services of the planets should bow down to them and address them by their names in Arabic, Greek, Indian or Yunani.” The magical beliefs of the Slav races have survived in the folk-lore of the northern countries of Europe. In Russia, the sorcerer lived in solitude. He had learnt his magical formulas from the fairies, the wood- spirits or the goblins. He handed down his secrets to his youngest child. He was said to have physical marks through which he could be known, and these included “ a troubled eye, a grey face and a husky voice.” The incantations were pronounced facing the eaSt on Midsummer Day. Spoken charms were often employed, and believed to have great power. One to keep a man from Strong drink, was to take a worm from an empty wine cask, dry it and Steep it in wine, then recite the following : “ Lord of the sea depths, carry the mettlesome heart of thy servant out of the shifting sands, the burning Stones ; breed in him a winged brood.” Some of the magical practices of the northern Teutons may be traced to the Finns who acquired fame in magic. The magic utterance and the magic rune were used to cure disease, as a defence from enemies, a protection from Storm and tempest, and to inspire love. Amulets and ligatures were also frequently used; and to protect the dead, belemites, amber rings and Stone arrow-heads
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