

Methodologies for the Study of Magic
18 snips Sep 20, 2017
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Etymology of Magic
- The term "magic" originates from the Greek word "maga," practiced by a "magos" (mage).
- The Greek "magos" comes from the Persian "magush," a religious specialist class in the Achaemenid Empire.
Magic and Ritual
- Rituals are central to magic across cultures and history.
- Magic is often defined in opposition to normative religious practices, making it a relative term.
Rupert and Steve's Magic
- In ancient Rome, if Rupert (a pagan) accused Steve (a Christian) of magic, it implied Steve's rituals were illegitimate.
- Steve could either deny the accusation or argue his rituals were legitimate religious practices.