Ancient Magic

Ancient magic refers to various techniques of weaving magic and casting spells that were used throughout the world before the rise of modern magic. In some areas, the use of ancient magic is still common.

While the beliefs about how ancient magic worked were different from culture to culture, religions based it on various forms of animism - the presence of spirits inhabiting the world.

In fact, ancient magic was usually summoning spirits or Ʒaaste from an Anþerwelt and using it to cause certain effects. This was usually done through rituals, chants or talismans. Even though a shaman or sorcerer did not intend to summon spirits, as it was not their belief, this was actually what they did.

In these early times, many people were able to summon spirits. However, most of those people were limited to fairly basic magic. In essence, anything is going to burn if you just make it hot enough. But only some were capable of more delicate magic. To quote Alastor Fitzgerald, famous researcher and expert in all forms of ancient magic, "While any person can cover a canvas in paint, only a master of the craft can make it into an artwork".

It should be noted that the prolific use of ancient magic began to weaken the Veil over time, allowing energies from the other worlds to leak into ours.

Forms of Ancient Magic

Different cultures had different ways of weaving magic. Some have been forgotten over time, while others are still in use today. Below is a list of different practices of Ancient Magic. This list is not exhaustive.

Celts

Celtic wizards used a ritual approach to spellcasting. The Celts were known for their reverence for nature and their spiritual beliefs, so they incorporated natural elements into their magic. Chanting or reciting verses, using ritual objects, and performing specific actions or gestures were all part of a Celtic wizard's spellcasting technique. Spells and rituals were usually passed down orally, with specific incantations or methods of casting being closely guarded within certain families or groups.

Teutons

The Teutons had a similar ritualistic approach as the Celts. Like the Celts, the Teuton people had a strong connection to nature and incorporated natural elements into their magic. They also had a complex mythology and spiritual belief system, which influenced their approach to magic.

Teutons were a diverse people and consisted of many different tribes, each with their own unique customs and beliefs. Therefore the specifics of Teuton magic varied greatly depending on the tribe or region. Some tribes used specific ritual objects or incantations, while others relied more on gestures and visualizations.

Gauls

The Gauls were a Celtic people, so their approach to spellcasting was similar to Celtic wizards. However, they had their own distinct culture, and thus also had their own unique practices and beliefs related to magic. Gaulish magic relied heavily on the use of symbolism rather than ritual objects.

Iberians

The Iberians believed that all things, including inanimate objects, possess a spirit or soul. Since the Iberians were skilled metal workers, and they had a particular fascination with gold. As such they used their knowledge to craft talismans or amulets imbued with magical properties to aid in their metalworking and other forms of magic. Such talismans were then used to influence or commune with the spirits of objects to make them do things in order to create the desired effects.

Greek City States

Ancient Greek magic was a complex system of beliefs, practices, and rituals that often involved the use of various objects, incantations, and offerings. In terms of spellcasting, ancient Greek magicians used a combination of spoken and written spells, along with physical objects such as amulets, charms, and talismans.

Some Greek spells involved the use of written incantations, which were written on small scraps of papyrus or leather. These spells were often accompanied by a variety of symbols and diagrams, which were used to enhance the power of the spell.

Other spells were spoken or sung, often accompanied by ritual actions such as the burning of incense or the pouring of libations. These spells were recited aloud and called upon the aid of various gods and goddesses.

Africa

African cultures have a rich tradition of animism, ancestor worship, and spirit possession, and these beliefs influenced their magic and spells. Chanting and singing was often used to invoke or communicate with spirits, while gestures could be used to channel or direct their power. The use of fetishes, or objects believed to contain spiritual power, is still common in many African cultures and has been incorporated into their spellcasting for a long time. Additionally, divination and herbalism are important elements in African magic, as they have been used for centuries for healing and spiritual purposes.

A significant aspect of many African magical traditions was spirit possession. It involved summoning a spirit and inviting it to take control of a person, object, or place. Once the spirit had possessed the desired vessel, the person or object was believed to have access to the spirit's power and knowledge, which could be used to accomplish a particular goal. The spirit could also be directed to perform specific tasks or provide guidance and advice. This approach to magic was based on a belief in a close relationship between the spirit world and the physical world, where spirits can influence the course of events in the natural world.

Each culture had its own unique approach to invoking and controlling spirits through their own traditions and beliefs. The types of spirits they believed in, and the way they interacted with them, also influenced the way they cast spells. Additionally, the specific types of spells they cast varied based on the needs of their community and the challenges they faced.

Norse

Norse cultures relied heavily on the use of runes for magical purposes. Runes are an ancient Germanic alphabet used by the Norse and other Germanic peoples. In Norse mythology, runes were said to have been discovered by the god Odin, who then passed them on to humans as a tool for communication and magic.

Norse runes were often carved into objects, such as stones, bones, and pieces of wood, and used for divination and protection. Norse practitioners of magic, called seidr or seiðr, would use runes to cast spells, gain insight, and communicate with the gods and spirits. They would also use runes to create talismans and amulets for protection and luck.

Norse rune magic was based on the idea that each rune had a specific meaning and power, which could be used in spells and rituals. For example, the rune Fehu represented wealth and abundance, while the rune Thurisaz represented protection and defense. By combining different runes in specific ways, Norse practitioners could create powerful spells and incantations.

Runes are still used today as a form of divination.

Slavic

Slavic magic and spells were quite diverse, as the Slavic peoples are a group of ethnicities with different traditions and beliefs. However, it was generally focused on practical and everyday aspects of magic, such as healing, divination, and transformation, rather than flashy spells and overt displays of power.

One prominent aspect of Slavic magic was the use of herbs and plants for medicinal and magical purposes. Slavic witches or "vedmas" are believed to have extensive knowledge of plants and their properties, and they use them in their spells and rituals.

Slavic folklore and traditions did, and still do place a strong emphasis on natural remedies and healing using herbs and plants. As such Slavic wizards and witches have always had a deep knowledge of plant magic and herbalism.

Another common practice in Slavic magic is divination, which involves seeking knowledge or insight about the future or unknown through various means, such as tarot cards, tea leaves, animal bones or scrying in water or mirrors.

The use of amulets and talismans is also a common practice in Slavic magic, often for protection or luck. These objects can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, bone, or even bread.

Slavic spells often involve incantations and the use of symbols, such as the "Kolovrat" symbol, a wheel with eight spokes that represents the sun and the cycle of life. Many Slavic spells also involve calling upon various deities and spirits, such as the goddess Lada or the spirit of the forest.

Alchemy and the transformation of substances were also a prominent aspect of Slavic magic.

Many techniques of divination, philtromancy and alchemy used today originate from Slavic traditions.

Sakha

The Sakha people, also known as the Yakuts, are a culture native to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the largest republic of Russia, located in the Russian Far East, along the Arctic Ocean. They have a rich musical tradition and use the jaw harp, or khomus, as a prominent instrument in their music. In their culture, the khomus is believed to have spiritual and magical properties, and is often used in shamanic rituals.

The use of the khomus in shamanic rituals was linked to the ability to communicate with spirits and the spirit world.

Even today, Sakha magic is based on this music and the khomus is used as a magical instrument. Spells are actually cast through specific rhythms and melodies played on the khomus, with different rhythms and melodies used to achieve different effects.

Japan

Japanese magic and spells are rooted in Shintoism, which is the indigenous religion of Japan. In Shintoism, the world is full of kami, which are spirits or deities that can inhabit natural phenomena, animals, or even humans. Japanese magic and spells often involve rituals and offerings to appease these kami or to ask for their aid in achieving a desired outcome.

In essence, while African traditions summoned spirits to possess objects or places, or simply used spirits they believed present, Japanese tradition courteously petitions the spirits for their help with rituals and offerings.

Ofudas, which are paper talismans inscribed with prayers or spells, are commonly used in Japanese magic. They can be used for protection, healing, or to bring good luck. Other talismans, such as omamori, which are small amulets, are also used for protection and good luck.

In addition to talismans, Japanese magic also involves chanting, often accompanied by music and dance. These chants, called norito, are used to communicate with the kami and ask for their assistance. Some of these chants are specific to certain shrines or regions.

Divination is also an important aspect of Japanese magic. One common method is using omikuji, which are fortune-telling strips of paper found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Another method is using sticks or rods called kau cim to receive messages from the kami.

Overall, Japanese magic and spells involve a mixture of rituals, offerings, talismans, chanting, and divination, all with the goal of connecting with the kami and asking for their aid in achieving desired outcomes.

India

The cultures of the Indian subcontinent are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of beliefs and practices. However, there are some common threads that run through many of these cultures when it comes to magic and spellcasting.

One such common form of magic is Ayurveda, which is a system of traditional medicine that has its roots in ancient India. Ayurvedic practitioners use a range of herbs, spices, and other natural substances to treat illnesses and promote healing. Ayurvedic remedies often involve the use of specific mantras or chants, which are believed to have a powerful effect on the body and mind.

One of the most common forms of magic in the Indian subcontinent is tantra. Tantra is a form of magic that involves the use of rituals, mantras, and symbols to bring about a desired effect. Tantric magic is often associated with Hinduism, but it is also practiced by Buddhists, Jains, and other religious groups in the region.

In Tantra, the body is seen as a microcosm of the universe, and therefore, it is believed that spiritual practices that involve the body can lead to a deeper connection with the universe or the divine. Some tantric practices are still used today. While the practices in Tantra are not limited to one's own body, and may also involve other people and objects, it is primarily used to draw magic into the body and bind it to certain points or aspects of the body. This may allow one to accelerate the healing of wounds, or temporarily quicken one's reflexes or increasing one's speed.

China

In traditional Chinese culture, magic is deeply intertwined with philosophy, religion, and medicine. The Chinese believe that everything in the universe is interconnected, and they seek to harness the power of the natural world and the cosmos through their magic. The traditions used in Chinese ancient magic are still alive today. In fact, most Chinese witches and wizards refuse to adapt to more modern forms of magic.

One of the most well-known forms of Chinese magic is Feng Shui, which is the practice of arranging one's environment in a way that harmonizes with the natural world and brings good luck and prosperity. Another important aspect of Chinese magic is the use of talismans, which are objects inscribed with magical symbols and words that are believed to have protective or beneficial properties.

It should be noted that masters of Feng Shui are capable of working magic simply by arranging objects in a certain way. A famous example of this is the story of Huang Qi.

One key aspect of Chinese magic is the concept of Qi (also known as Chi or Ki), which refers to the life force or energy that flows through all living things. Practitioners of Chinese magic believe that Qi can be manipulated and directed through various techniques such as acupuncture, qigong, and meditation to heal the body, improve mental and physical health, and even perform supernatural feats.

Yes, in Chinese culture, tattoos are believed to have magical properties, and are believed to provide protection or enhance a person's abilities, and certain designs and symbols are thought to have specific magical properties. It is thus not uncommon for Chinese magi to tattoo symbols and patterns onto their body that strengthen their magic.

Another important aspect of Chinese magic is the use of talismans and charms, which are inscribed with magical symbols and characters to ward off evil spirits, protect against harm, and bring good fortune. These talismans can take the form of paper, metal, or even tattoos, and are often used in combination with spells and incantations.

Most principles of artificing used today originate in China, and some of the most skilled artificers in the world hail from there.

Divination is also an important part of Chinese magic, with practitioners using various methods such as I Ching (Book of Changes), astrology, and palmistry to gain insight into the future and make decisions.