Typical Stereotypes Concerning Magic In The Ancient World 

The concept of magic and witchcraft actually can be found in Ancient Greece and Rome as far back as 560 BCE. It was even included in the Odyssey by Homer. Typically when we think of magic, we picture spells, wands, the Salem Witch Trials, and even Halloween. However, it was not always associated with those things. People thought that ancient healers were considered magical and no one felt scared or threatened. I think many people do not have much knowledge of magic except for some ideas about the typical stereotypes including witches, green skin, broom, etc. and Wicca. Some people are frightened by the thought of it all and people should do more research and educate themselves about it.

While reading “Magic in the Ancient Greek World” by Derck Collins, I came across “Framework for Greek Magic”. Here we learn of the origin of the word “magic”, from the Greek word “Mageia”. However, the word only came around the middle of the fifth century BCE. However, those who practiced it were preexisting to the term. An example is seen in book 10 of the Odysseus when Heremes warns Oydessus not to go to Circe’s Palace as she will give him pharmaka, or a drug. This will seemingly turn him into a pig, which she already has done to many of Odysseus’ friends and companions. Heremes then offered him “Moly” that will protect him from Circe. These are both examples of magic in ancient Greece.

When researching magic in the ancient world, oracles were a recurring topic. These were an extremely powerful group of people in the ancient world. Oracles were always female and were seen as almost as a portal for human people to communicate with the gods directly. I think that many of us will not believe this if we came face to face with an oracle. This group was actually very sought after in the ancient world due to their connection with the gods and many citizens would come to them for advice or some kind of aid. Another example of those who had “magical” abilities were Midwives and Nurses who were said to have powers when it came to helping mothers and children. In addition to that, Women were also prominently healers in ancient times, using different types of plants, roots, etc as remedies to elements. Normally someone who practice magic would have to have a wide range of knowledge about the following; herbal medicine. Astronomy, astrology, etc. Mostly women held this knowledge and were prominently healers in ancient times, using different types of plants, roots, etc as remedies to elements.

I the ancient worlds, there were a wide range of symbols and objects that were used in the practice of magic. Some of which are still associated with magic and witches/wizards to this day. One of the more common objects was a curse tablet, these were pretty common. Another example would be an amulet for protection. An example of this is when a woman is trying to have a child in ancient Egypt, she would go to a Bes Chamber, named for the god of fertility and childbirth. If she were to have a child after that, she would use a Bes Amulet to protect the child. This reminds me of how women will sometimes pray to Saint Gerard who is the Patron saint of Expectant Mothers to help them conviece their child and then protect and keep the child healthy. A major artifact that was related to magic is the engyptuan Book of the Dead which was said to contain spells.

I think many people do not have much knowledge of magic except for some ideas about the typical stereotypes, Wicca, and the Salem witch trials. People should understand that there are different aspects and origins to the idea of magic and not just women with green skin and pointed hats. There are records People who had magical powers were able to communicate with the gods like the oracles, heal people, and also do some wicked deeds when they were asked to do so. Even though some aspects do live up to some stereotypes, as in the symbols and objects used like the amulet, tablets, etc. We still see these things referenced in popular culture in Harry Potter, Wicked the musical, etc. To learn where so many of these things have originated from is very intriguing.