"A study of primitive elements in Roman religion, this deals with such topics as witchcraft, taboo, incantations, magic, and the superstitions that affected every part of everyday life. Thoroughly well-researched, while avoiding being 'heavy' reading. Even Christians will find this interesting reading as the sections on prayer, blood sacrifices and raising the hands sets the contextual backdrop for much of the New Testament." (Quote from willyfogg.com) Table of Contents PREFACE CHAPTER I: MANA, MAGIC AND ANIMISM CHAPTER II: POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE MANA (TABOO) CHAPTER III: MISCELLANEOUS TABOOS CHAPTER IV: MAGIC ACTS: THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES CHAPTER V: REMOVING EVILS BY MAGIC ACTS CHAPTER VI: INCANTATION AND PRAYER CHAPTER VII: NATURALISM AND ANIMISM "In the early stage of his development man has no conception of a superior being on whom he is dependent, whose will he must win; but he believes that by performing some mysterious action, usually imitating the action desired, and often assisted by an incantation or charm--whether it be an amulet for defense or a talisman for offense--he can force the desired result. This mysterious action and incantation, passing under the name of magic, arises, as we have seen, from a curious twist in thinking which leads a person to believe that the effect is the same thing as the cause, that something like a person or thing is the person or thing itself, that similarity in thought is similarity in fact, and that something which has touched a person is still in contact with him."

This is a new release of the original 1931 edition.

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In Ancient Rome Mana was the term used for a mysterious, magical medium, which could be helpful or harmful (Taboo). Just like the Chinese qi, it could empower the positive and the negative.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Throughout history, people have been intrigued with spirits, angels, or devas as sources of wisdom and guidance. They are not only interesting as those who possess an insight into events and circumstances, but also as proof of life after death. In this clear and useful reference guide, Bjorling presents a listing of the literature on the various ways in which people of different cultures have consulted spirits—through shamans and oracles, magic, mediums, Voodoo, and psychics. Each chapter contains a general introduction to the respective topic as well as a listing of pertinent books, articles, and dissertations. His survey also includes early spirit contacts in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Is there magic in your junk drawer or in the pieces of a broken china plate? In Conjuring the Commonplace, Laine Fuller and Cory Thomas Hutcheson answer with a resounding, “Yes!” and deftly show you how to incorporate that magic into your everyday. They also point to other hidden treasures in places in your home you may have never thought to look. As the hosts of the long-running podcast New World Witchery, Cory and Laine have shared the folklore and magic of North America and their own magical journeys with listeners. Conjuring the Commonplace continues that conversation, highlighting the folklore of the common objects and the practical ways they have each incorporated these small magics into their lives and how you might too. If you’ve ever questioned whether to toss out that bit of string from a sewing project or wondered what you should know before picking up that shiny penny on the sidewalk, this book is for you.