Difference between revisions of "Black magic"

[[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", (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 [[angel]]s, because it attempted to subvert the will of [[Yahweh|God]] in favor of the [[magician]].

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.

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".

[[Voodoo]] has often been associated with modern black magic; drawn together in popular culture and fiction. However, while hexing or cursing may be accepted black magic practices, Voodoo has its own distinct history and traditions that have little to do with the traditions of modern [[witchcraft]] that developed with European practitioners like Gerald Gardner and [[Aleister Crowley]].