Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells
From Abraxas to Zoar
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Published:19th Nov '15
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From Abracadabra to the now famous spells of the Harry Potter series, magic words are no longer confined to the practices of pagans, alchemists, witches, and occultists. They have become part of the popular imagination of the Western world. Passed down from ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Greece, these words and the rituals surrounding them have survived through the millennia because they work. And as scholar Claude Lecouteux reveals, often the more impenetrable they seem, the more effective they are. Presenting a wealth of material on magical words, signs, and charms, both common and obscure, Lecouteux also explores the magical words and spells of ancient Scandinavia, the Hispano-Arabic magic of Spain before the Reconquista, the traditions passed down from ancient Egypt, and those that have stayed in use until the present day.
"Lecouteux has analyzed more than 7000 spells from numerous magical traditions. We find spells for protection, love, wealth and healing, with a charted evolution showing how a spell can morph down through the centuries. Presenting a wealth of material on magical words, signs and charms, Lecouteux also explores the magical words and spells of ancient Scandinavia, the Hispano-Arabic magic of Spain, the ancient Egyptian traditions and customs that have stayed in use until the present day." * The Witches’ Almanac, March 2016 *
“The anything-but-dry presentation by Lecouteux makes this book a must-add for someone curating careful resources for magic work. This belongs on a shelf between that favorite, oft-used herbal and that collection of favorite spells. The history, illustrations, and above all the words themselves beg for a reintroduction into living use--although, word of warning, few of them are actually rated as valid in Scrabble.” * Facing North, Diana Rajchel, March 2016 *
"...the Dictionary of Ancient Magic Words and Spells is a useful and trustworthy reference work, rooted in academic scholarship that will prove of interest to both researcher and magical practitioner alike." * Ross MacFarlane, Folklore Journal, UK *
ISBN: 9781620553749
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 28mm
Weight: 730g
448 pages