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Black magic has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes; or magic associated with the Devil or other evil spirits. It is also sometimes referred to as the "left-hand path," (its right-hand path counterpart being benevolent white magic). In modern times, some find that the definition of black magic has been convoluted by people who define magic or ritualistic practices that they disapprove of as black magic.

While "natural magic" became popular among the educated and upper classes of the 16th and 17th century, ritual magic and folk magic remained subject to persecution. 20th century author Montague Summers generally rejects the definitions of "white" and "black" magic as "contradictory," though he highlights the extent to which all magic, regardless of intent, was considered "black," even magic involving angels, because it attempted to subvert the will of God in favor of the magician.

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Knight of Swords

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This month in history Urbain Grandier being accused of witchcraft 2 June - Trial of Urbain Grandier for witchcraft and adultery begins. (1630) 2 June - The Salem Witch Trials commence. (1692) 4 June - Occultist and author Travis McHenry is born. (1980) 8 June - Occult horror film Hereditary is released in the United States. (2018) 10 June - Accused witch Bridget Bishop is executed by hanging. (1692) 10 June - Psychic medium Hélène Smith dies in Switzerland. (1929) 12 June - The occult horror film Rosemary's Baby is released in the United States. (1968) 13 June - Author W.B. Yeats is born. (1865) 15 June - Margaret Jones is hanged in Boston for witchcraft in the first such execution for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (1648) 15 June - New Orleans voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau dies. (1881) 16 June - Vlad the Impaler leads a daring night attack against Sultan Mehmed II near Târgoviște. (1462) 17 June - Michael Servetus is convicted of heresy and sentenced to death by burning. (1552) 17 June - Occultist engineer Jack Parsons dies. (1952) 22 June - The Inquisition finds Galileo Galilei guilty of heresy. (1633) 25 June - Occult horror film The Omen opens in the U.S. and Canada. (1976) 26 June - Richard III becomes King of England. (1483)

Featured image A Diamond is a solid form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. Diamonds have been treasured as gemstones since their use as religious icons in ancient India. Deceiving others with synthetic diamonds is specifically mentioned as a transgression against non-stealing in Jainism. According to Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, diamonds fall under the rulership of the planet Mars, and also very strongly under the star Agol. Because of its connection to Mars, and thus the element of iron, the presence of diamonds will negate the properties of lodestone and the two minerals should not be placed near each other during magical workings. Photographer: Unknown (More Images)

Featured Quote "The concept of sacrifice is probably present in witchcraft, but mainly in the manner of living one's life." - Frederick Santee

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