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European Folk Spell Styles

To: alt.lucky.w
From: "John M. Hansen" 
Subject: Re: European Folk Spell Styles (
Date: Sat, 2 Sep 2000 21:41:58 -0400

    The difference between 'High' or ceremonial magic, and 'Low' or
natural magic came into place long before the 17th century.  The
magic of the Ceremonialist was always based on their literacy, which
was not common among the common man much less poor folks in the
country.  The living conditions of the peasantry in Europe before
the enlightenment was somewhat worse than that of the same class of
people in third world nations, such as India, today.  On the other
hand,m the nobles and 'perfumed people,' lived at about the same
standard that they do today, never missing a meal, and having all
possible creature comforts.

    It was from the supposedly 'better' magic of the nobles and
literate class that most modern ceremonial magic had been taken.  Of
course, this magic, involving a lot of spoken words, usually read
out of a book, was considered to be powerful becaue it was so
admired by the common man.  The fact that it did not work, or only
rarely worked, bothered no one.

    Ceremonial magic is an excellent way to convince yourself that
you are accomplishing something as you enter into a state of self
delusion and ego expansion.  Folk magic, like Hoodoo, is an
excellent way to accomplish what ever it is that you you want to do.

Regards,
John M Hansen

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