The History of Magic: More Than Just a Rabbit Out of a Hat

The History of Magic — More Than Just a Rabbit Out of a Hat

The belief in magic is almost as old as the world itself. In fact its practice can be documented as going back to 50,000 B.C., an amazing 52,000 years ago.

Magic in Prehistoric Times

In the beginning, magic was both revered and feared. Magic was considered another word for supernatural, or the art of sorcery. And sorcery was control of and manipulation of supernatural forces. Naturally this power was called upon to help man achieve a certain goal or gain protection from harm. The means of bringing about the desired result included; acting out the hoped for result, casting spells, chanting and combining so-called “magic” ingredients with the spells and chants.

For example, prehistoric hunters would draw crude images of animals or hunting scenes on the walls of their caves before going on hunting trips. They believed these drawings would come to life while they were gone and ensure that they would have a successful excursion. Of course any perceived magic was not some mystical power, but really all in their minds, the drawings only serving to give them a sense of confidence and the feeling that they had some control over their fate.

Early Magic

Magicians or sorcerers were thought to be able to control natural forces like lightening, rain and thunder, by use of their supernatural abilities. They could summon a violent storm, or cause a massive drought, whip the wind into a frenzy, or calm rough waters. This was why they were both respected and feared throughout the land.

Magic was also an integral part of many religious rituals and celebrations, as believers asked their gods to grant them bountiful harvests, good health and success. They honored their gods at festivals at which magic was often featured, always aware of their power to change the lives of humans at will.

Even kings acknowledged their power and used personal magicians to gain favor with the gods and guarantee victory over enemies, whether in physical battle or a battle of wits. They also used magicians to obtain prosperity for their kingdoms and protection from famine and disease.

The Three Types of Old Magic

There are three basic kinds of old magic, homeopathic, sympathetic and contagious.

Homeopathic: encompasses what the practitioner would like to see happen. A small model of the scene is made and the desired result is acted out, like a small play. Indian rain dances are an example of this. What it boils down to is, it’s an acting out of the person’s hope with the belief that this hope will become a reality.