History of black magic

 The history of **black magic** is deeply intertwined with human civilization, religion, and folklore. It refers to supernatural practices intended to harm others, manipulate events, or invoke malevolent forces—often in opposition to religious or moral laws. Here’s an overview of its evolution across different cultures and eras:

### **Ancient Origins**

1. **Mesopotamia & Egypt (3000 BCE – 500 BCE)**  

   - Some of the earliest records of magic come from **Babylonian** and **Assyrian** incantations (e.g., the **Maqlû** texts), which included curses and protective spells against dark sorcery.  

   - In **Egypt**, magic (*heka*) was morally neutral, but some spells in the **Book of the Dead** could be used for harmful purposes.

2. **Greco-Roman World (500 BCE – 500 CE)**  

   - **Curse tablets** (*defixiones*) were used to invoke spirits to harm enemies.  

   - The **Greek Magical Papyri** contained spells for love, revenge, and summoning demons.  

   - Witch figures like **Circe** and **Medea** in mythology were associated with dark magic.

### **Medieval & Early Modern Europe (500–1700 CE)**

3. **Christian Demonization of Magic**  

   - The Church condemned magic as **demonic**, associating it with heresy and witchcraft.  

   - **The Malleus Maleficarum** (1486) by Heinrich Kramer spread fear of witches using black magic to harm people and make pacts with the Devil.  

   - The **witch trials** (15th–18th centuries) led to thousands of executions based on accusations of black magic.

4. **Islamic & Jewish Traditions**  

   - In **Islamic** lore, **sihr** (black magic) was forbidden, linked to jinn and evil spirits.  

   - **Kabbalah** (Jewish mysticism) had both protective and forbidden branches, with legends of the **Golem** and dark rituals.

### **African & Afro-Caribbean Traditions**

5. **African Witchcraft & Vodou**  

   - Many African traditions distinguish between **healing magic** and **harmful witchcraft** (*ndoki* in Congo, *obayi* in West Africa).  

   - **Haitian Vodou** and **New Orleans Voodoo** incorporated spells for both protection and curses (*wangas*).

### **Modern Era (18th–21st Century)**

6. **Occult Revival & Satanism**  

   - The **19th-century occult revival** (e.g., **Aleister Crowley’s Thelema**) explored "dark" magic as part of esoteric traditions.  

   - **Satanism** (e.g., **LaVeyan Satanism**) emerged, though most modern Satanists reject literal black magic.  

7. **Pop Culture & Neo-Paganism**  

   - **Wicca** (founded by Gerald Gardner) rejects harmful magic but acknowledges the concept of the **"Threefold Law"** (karma for misuse).  

   - Movies, books (*Harry Potter*, *The Craft*), and conspiracy theories keep the idea of black magic alive in modern culture.

### **Common Themes in Black Magic**

- **Curses & Hexes** – Spells to bring misfortune.  

- **Necromancy** – Communicating with the dead for dark purposes.  

- **Pacts with Demons** – Alleged deals with evil spirits for power.  

- **Sympathetic Magic** – Using effigies (voodoo dolls) to harm enemies.  

### **Conclusion**

Black magic has always been a mix of **superstition, fear, and power dynamics**, often used to explain misfortune or suppress marginalized groups. While many no longer believe in its literal power, it remains a potent symbol in religion, folklore, and media.

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