Before science, before scripture, before the great empires, there was magic. It wasn’t a fringe belief; it was the operating system of the ancient world, woven into the fabric of daily life. Shamans, mediums, and magicians were the original scientists and therapists, consulted by kings and commoners alike for guidance, healing, and a glimpse into the unseen. If magic was the grammar of the cosmos, then for millennia, it was also humanity’s most practical language. It wasn’t just a set of beliefs; it was a toolkit for survivalโthe original science, therapy, and political charter…
Those with the ability to bless kings and warriors, and curse their enemies, inspired reverence, and fear.
Deals with the gods, particularly through ritual sacrifice, were meant to win battles, atone for sins, and secure
bountiful harvests.
This is a hero title that welcomes readers to our blog.
This section highlights the purpose of the blog, offering engaging stories, expert opinions, and valuable insights for readers to learn and grow.
Blog categories
Featured
-
The Family Feud: Are Jews and Palestinians Cousins?
This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Story Essays In a land defined by division, modern science has uncovered a secret hidden in the blood and bones of the people who call it home. Itโs a truth that complicates narratives, challenges identities, and tells a…
-
Exploring Human Meaning Across Time
This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Mythos InsightsHumans have always been meaning-makers, not passive receivers of facts. We weave events, images, and sensations into stories that explain who we are and what matters. That instinct to connect dots shapes memory, motivation, and the ways…
-
Chapter 1 – Magic Was Everywhere
This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series Ep1_Magic and the Religious OrderBefore science, before scripture, before the great empires, there was magic. It wasn’t a fringe belief; it was the operating system of the ancient world, woven into the fabric of daily life. Shamans, mediums,…
There are countless examples of people employing the supernatural throughout the ages: From Mesopotamian diviners (3000 BCE) reciting
incantations to ward off evil spirits to
Norse specialists called
Seiรฐr (8th Century CE) putting themselves in a trance-like state in order to connect with the spirit world, and
galdr chanters reciting magical verses to protect their warriors in battle.
Many cultures – like the Native Americans, Africans, and Vikings – had mystics and spiritualists that operated independently of religion or the ruling class. While spiritual or occult
practices in the old world weren’t exclusive to the priesthood, those who became the official custodians of the supernatural were more likely to gain favor and influenceโespecially if they appeared to have direct access to the gods. Magic extended beyond the ability to predict the future or consult with departed souls. The idea that an unseen god could influence positive outcomes in exchange for devotion and obedience was another kind of magic: the
ultimate supernatural. This was seen in China, where kings governed according to
Heaven’s Mandate (1046โ256 BCE) and in the early Vedic society (c. 1500โ500 BCE) where priests and kings made ready use of rituals and prayers to influence outcomes.
Leave a Reply