Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) Magicians, Ghosts, Amulets, and Spells: Daniel Ogden on Græco-Roman Magic
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Sep 27, 2017 AI Snips
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Origins of Magic
- The term "magos" (magician) originated from the Persian word "magos", first attested around 500 BC.
- Scholars debate whether magic existed in Greece before this time, despite figures like Circe in Homer's Odyssey.
Goes and Ghosts
- The Greek term "goes" (sorcerer) likely connects to words for grief and lamentation.
- This suggests sorcerers may have originally controlled ghosts through sound.
Nature of Ghosts
- Ancient Greek and Roman ghosts were viewed as disembodied souls retaining their personalities.
- They were depicted in various forms, from projections of their living selves to tiny winged creatures.