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[[File:The Black Mass.jpg|400px|thumb|"The Black Mass" by Martin van Maële]] | [[File:The Black Mass.jpg|400px|thumb|"The Black Mass" by Martin van Maële]] | ||
'''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" | '''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. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
During the Renaissance, many magical practices and rituals were considered evil or irreligious and by extension, black magic in the broad sense. [[Witchcraft]] and non-mainstream esoteric study were prohibited and targeted by the [[Inquisition]]. As a result, natural magic developed as a way for thinkers and intellectuals, like Marsilio Ficino, abbot [[Johannes Trithemius]] and [[Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa]], to advance esoteric and ritualistic study (though still often in secret) without significant persecution. | During the Renaissance, many magical practices and rituals were considered evil or irreligious and by extension, black magic in the broad sense. [[Witchcraft]] and non-mainstream esoteric study were prohibited and targeted by the [[Inquisition]]. As a result, natural magic developed as a way for thinkers and intellectuals, like Marsilio Ficino, abbot [[Johannes Trithemius]] and [[Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa]], to advance esoteric and ritualistic study (though still often in secret) without significant persecution. | ||
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" | 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]]. | ||
William Perkins' 1608 instructions in regard to magic of any kind: | William Perkins' 1608 instructions in regard to magic of any kind: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
All witches "convicted by the Magistrate" should be executed. He allows no exception and under this condemnation fall "all [[divination|Diviners]], Charmers, Jugglers, all Wizards, commonly called wise men or wise women" | All witches "convicted by the Magistrate" should be executed. He allows no exception and under this condemnation fall "all [[divination|Diviners]], Charmers, Jugglers, all Wizards, commonly called wise men or wise women." All those purported "good Witches which do not hurt but good, which do not spoil and destroy, but save and deliver" should come under the extreme sentence. | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
In particular, though, the term was most commonly reserved for those accused of invoking [[demon]]s and other evil spirits, those hexing or cursing their neighbors, those using magic to destroy crops, and those capable of leaving their earthly bodies and travelling great distances in spirit (to which the ''[[Malleus Maleficarum]]'' "devotes one long and important chapter"), usually to engage in [[Satan|devil-worship]]. Summers also highlights the etymological development of the term ''nigromancer'', in common use from 1200 to approximately 1500, (Latin: niger, black; Greek: μαντεία, divination), broadly "one skilled in the black arts" | In particular, though, the term was most commonly reserved for those accused of invoking [[demon]]s and other evil spirits, those hexing or cursing their neighbors, those using magic to destroy crops, and those capable of leaving their earthly bodies and travelling great distances in spirit (to which the ''[[Malleus Maleficarum]]'' "devotes one long and important chapter"), usually to engage in [[Satan|devil-worship]]. Summers also highlights the etymological development of the term ''nigromancer'', in common use from 1200 to approximately 1500, (Latin: niger, black; Greek: μαντεία, divination), broadly "one skilled in the black arts." | ||
==Modern definition== | ==Modern definition== | ||