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[[File:The Black Mass.jpg|200px|left]]
[[File:Urim and Thummim.png|200px|left]]
'''[[Black magic]]''' has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or [[ritual magic|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.
The '''[[Urim and Thummim]]''' are elements of the hoshen, the breastplate worn by the High Priest attached to the ephod. They are connected with [[cleromancy]] ([[divination]] by casting lots). Most scholars suspect that the phrase refers to a set of two objects used by the high priest to answer a question or reveal the will of [[Yahweh|God]].


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 [[angel]]s, because it attempted to subvert the will of [[Yahweh|God]] in favor of the [[magician]].
The Urim and the Thummim first appear in the [[Bible|Biblical]] verse Exodus 28:30, where they are named for inclusion on the breastplate to be worn by Aaron in the holy place. Other books, especially 1 Samuel, describe their uses. The chronologically earliest passage in the [[Bible]] mentioning the Urim and Thummim, according to textual scholars, is in the Book of Hosea, where it is implied, by reference to the Ephod, that the Urim and Thummim were fundamental elements in [[Judaism]], in the mid 8th century BC.


'''([[Black magic|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Urim and Thummim|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 17:46, 29 November 2025

Urim and Thummim.png

The Urim and Thummim are elements of the hoshen, the breastplate worn by the High Priest attached to the ephod. They are connected with cleromancy (divination by casting lots). Most scholars suspect that the phrase refers to a set of two objects used by the high priest to answer a question or reveal the will of God.

The Urim and the Thummim first appear in the Biblical verse Exodus 28:30, where they are named for inclusion on the breastplate to be worn by Aaron in the holy place. Other books, especially 1 Samuel, describe their uses. The chronologically earliest passage in the Bible mentioning the Urim and Thummim, according to textual scholars, is in the Book of Hosea, where it is implied, by reference to the Ephod, that the Urim and Thummim were fundamental elements in Judaism, in the mid 8th century BC.

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