Conjuration
The verb conjure is used to refer to the use of magic or spells to affect or bring something into being. Conjuring can also refer to the invocation of a spirit or devil, as well as the less sinister use of the term to refer to magic done by entertainers. As a noun, "conjure" generally refers to an act of folk magic performed by practicioners of hoodoo in the southern United States.
Conjuring as Ritual
Conjuring spirits has been part of the spiritual side of many cultures throughout history, including Native American cultures like the Cherokee, as well as cultures in medieval Europe, shamanism in Asia, and West African influenced hoodoo. The conjuring of spirits has also been a part of many Wiccan practices and rituals.
Methods of Conjuring
Spirits can be conjured to aid and benefit, as well as harm an enemy. Spirits were often conjured to insure long life, success in love, the destruction of an enemy. The conjuring of spirits is often associated with a certain amount of ritual, no matter what the culture. Charms have often been used to summon spirits, as well as magic or sacred symbols marked on the floor/ground, an altar, or embroidered on the clothing of the conjurer. Amulets and protective purification rituals to cleanse the body, mind, and soul are often used to ward off any potential harm that could befall the conjurer. Some rituals consider the hour of the day or night and the astrological configuration of the zodiac important to the success of a ritual. Incense and specific herbs may be used, often used in conjunction with candlelight to create a certain atmosphere.
In addition to the conjuring of spirits, the conjuring of the dead has also been practiced. Necromancy, or the act of conjuring the dead for divination, dates back to ancient times. In the Middle Ages, necromancy was widely practiced by magicians, sorcerers, and witches, until it was condemned by the Catholic Church. Necromancy is not currently practiced in New-pagan Witchcraft, but is still a part of Voodoo. Many consider necromancy to be a dark and repugnant practice.[1]
Good and Evil
Many Christian religions view conjuration, as well as other forms of magic as an inherently evil practice, explicitly forbidden in the Old Testament. In societies that do not view magic as inherintly evil, there exist those who use conjuring and other forms of magic for selfish and evil purposes. Known as black magicians, such individuals are not generally the rule, and have opposition amongst more tradition magicians.
Hoodoo
Not to be confused with the Voodoo religion, hoodoo is the practice of folk magic, primarily by African-Americans in the southern states. Originating in the 19th century or before, hoodoo incorporates African folkloric practices/beliefs with Native American botanical knowledges and European folklore. Hoodoo is also known as "conjuration", "conjure", "witchcraft", "rootwork", and "tricking". Practitioners of hoodoo may be known as "conjure men/women". Contrary to what such a term implies, hoodoo practitioners use neither invocatory magic or sleight of hand illusions; the only connection of hoodoo to true conjuring is the use of the word.[2]
Conjuring as Entertainment
As entertainment, conjurers use psychological deceptions and manipulative methods to perform feats that are apparently in violation of natural law. Sleight of hand and complicated secret mechanical apparatus help to convince witnesses that they have just seen the conjurer perform the impossible. This type of conjuring existed as early as 2700 B.C.E., where the Ancient Egyptian magician Dedi performed a trick where he decapitated two birds and an ox, then restored their heads. Other Egyptian magicians were known for their skill at slight of hand tricks involving cups and balls.[3]
See also
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ "Necromancy" The Mystica. Retrieved May 15, 2007.
- ↑ Yronwode, Catherine. "Hoodoo: African American Magic" Lucky Mojo. Retrieved May 15, 2007.
- ↑ "Magic (conjuring)" MSN Encarta. Retrieved May 15, 2007.
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