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RaenAndaleio (talk | contribs) (Created page with "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 Ʒaasten from an Anþerwelt...") |
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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. | 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. | 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 Ʒaasten 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 fact, ancient magic was usually summoning spirits or Ʒaasten 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. | ||
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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 === | |||
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. Liket he 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''' | |||
Iberiens had traditions. They 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 ==== | |||
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. | |||
Some Greek spells involved the use of written incantations, which would have been written in Greek on small scraps of papyrus or lead. 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 in Greek 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 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. | |||
A significnt aspect of African many 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 object, 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. | |||