Ancient Magic: Difference between revisions

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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.
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 ===
== 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.
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 ====
=== 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.
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 ====
=== 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.
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.
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 ====
=== 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.
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'''
=== 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 of commune with the spirits of objects to make them to things in order to create the desired effects.
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 of commune with the spirits of objects to make them to things in order to create the desired effects.


==== Greek City States ====
=== 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 would have used a combination of spoken and written spells, along with physical objects such as amulets, charms, and talismans.
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 would have used a combination of spoken and written spells, along with physical objects such as amulets, charms, and talismans.


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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 in Greek and called upon the aid of various gods and goddesses.
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 in Greek and called upon the aid of various gods and goddesses.


==== Africa ====
=== 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 be 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.
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 be 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.


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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.
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 ===
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 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.


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Runes are still used today as a form of divination.
Runes are still used today as a form of divination.


==== Slavic ====
=== 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.
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.


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


==== Sakha ====
=== 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 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.


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Even today, Sakha magic is based on this music and 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.
Even today, Sakha magic is based on this music and 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'''
=== 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.
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.


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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.
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'''
=== 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.
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.


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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.
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 ====
=== 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.
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.