This video is an introduction to a free video course, the Beginner's Guide to the History of Magic. In these videos, we aim to explore the evidence of the earliest documents that mention magic, and the ways in which it has been used over the course of history. You will see that we have broken down the content of this course into thirteen key topics, which we will explore in detail. Firstly, we will discuss the origins of magical practices, and the evidence that exists of their use across different cultures. We will then touch on the impact of religion on magical beliefs and practices. We will also look at the various means used for magical practices, the development of magical traditions, and the ways in which they have been adapted and changed. We will also delve into the various magical traditions that exist today, and the ways in which they are practiced. This will include the use of various symbols and images, and the use of magical tools and rituals. We will then look at the impact of magical practices on society, and the ways in which they have been used. Additionally, we will explore the evidence of the earliest documents that mention magic, and the ways in which it has been used over the course of history. This free video course into the Beginner's Guide to the History of Magic will provide an essential introduction to the fascinating history of magic. Through exploration of the thirteen key topics discussed in the course, viewers will gain an understanding of the origins of magical practices, the impact of religion, the various means used for magical practices.

It is believed that prehistoric religion was animistic. There was an acceptance of a supernatural power that organized the universe. Animism endowed the natural world, including the surroundings and the creatures that lived there with supernatural or magical abilities. At Nyero in Uganda, a number of rock formations—some of which may date back as far as 12,000 years—became shrines. Early peoples visited them to make offerings to the spirits they believed to be present, and they were decorated with geometric paintings. Please Watch this video to discover more! Magic has been around since the beginning of human history, even before written records were kept. The earliest form of magic was animism, a belief system that attributed spiritual or supernatural powers to animals, plants, and other inanimate objects. Animism was the first and oldest of all ancient religions. Shamanism is an important part of animism. Shamans are spiritual healers who act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. They are believed to possess the power to heal the sick, perform rituals, and communicate with the spirit world. Shamanic rituals often involved the use of music, chanting, and dancing. Animists believe in the power of the gods and sought to use their power for healing, protection, and guidance. Magic was also used to influence people's behavior, ward off evil spirits, and even predict the future. We hope this video has given you an introduction to Prehistoric Magic. In the next video, we will explore the history of Ancient Egyption Magic. Stay tuned!

Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians all sought exorcists and omens to protect themselves from supernatural beings. They also used exorcists and omens to discover the future. Mesopotamia was a place where magic was a part of everyday life for the Sumerians. Sumer is the earliest known civilization in the historical region of southern Mesopotamia, which is a region now referred to as south-central Iraq. They emerged during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Ages between the sixth and fifth millennium BC. That ancient civilization built the first cities around 4,000 BCE, to the Babylonians, who arrived over 3,000 years later. Plese watch this video to discover more!

Magic, represented by the god heka, was a significant part of religion and culture in ancient Egypt. Evidenced for this can be seen in the substantial corpus of traditional Egyptian texts. In that period of Egyptian language, they referred to their lands as Kemet. The word Kemet in the Ancient Egyptian language is translated to mean "black," or "the black land." Khem is the Egyptian word for black. The word "alchemy" and the word chemistry are both derived from this word. Please watch this video to discover more!

Practical Kabbalah is a branch of the Jewish mystical tradition that deals with the use of magic in historical Judaism. Halakha, which is the Jewish religious law, prohibits divination and other forms of soothsaying, and the Talmud lists many persistent yet condemned divining practices. Despite that, Practical Kabbalah was considered white magic by its practitioners. They reserved it for the elite who could perform it in pure settings, thus distinguishing its spiritual source from Qliphoth realms of evil. Please watch the video to discover more!

Zoroastrianism emerged in Persia around the 6th century BCE under the Achaemenid empire. Zoroaster, who was also known as Zarathustra, was the religion’s prophet. He urged his followers to worship Ahura Mazda, who he saw as the highest God. In that era, the Magi carried out both public and private ceremonies. They were considered Zoroastrian ritual experts and hereditary priests. Rituals that ensured the ruler’s well-being were among the Magi’s responsibilities. They cared for the sacred flame that burned in fire temples all over the empire and also served as the symbol of Spenta Mainyu. Please watch the video to explore more!

The word “magic” in English comes from ancient Greece. The Persian magu was Graecicized and incorporated into the ancient Greek language in the late sixth and early fifth centuries BCE. It changed the meaning and gave the magos a bad name. People thought of the magos as scammers whose rituals were dangerous, strange, and fraudulent. The opinion by some Greeks and later the ancient Romans was that magic did not represent a form of religion. Instead, magic twisted religion into an abomination. All practices of magic were said to be improper expressions of the religion. According to historian Richard Gordon, being accused of practicing magic was “a form of insult” to the ancient Greeks. Please watch the video to discover more!

In ancient times, Greece and Rome had official religions that were followed by all levels of society. People worshipped the gods by visiting temples, offering sacrifices, and praying both in public and at home. Many individuals had their own altars for personal devotion. While the state religion was adequate for most citizens, some found it inadequate and turned to mystery cults to fulfill their religious needs. Please Watch the video for more information!

An array of instruments or rituals were used n medieval magic, including but not limited to: a variety of potions, talismans, and amulets, along with particular chants, dances, and prayers. Negatively ingrained notions of demonic participation influence these rituals as well. Anyone who studied the Sefer-ha-Razim or the Greek magical papyri would have seen rituals for killing people, gaining wealth or personal advantage, and coercing women into sexual submission, which would have led them to believe that magic was created, taught, and practiced by demons. Archaeology is playing a significant role in enhancing our comprehension of ritual practices that were carried out in domestic settings. These ritual focussed on the human body and were performed within the confines of monastic and church environments. Please watch the Video for more information!

In China, magic and divination are deeply ingrained in everyday life and play a significant role in the country's religions, including Buddhism and Daoism. Similarly, in Japan and Korea, traditional beliefs have been heavily influenced by Chinese culture, leading to widespread acceptance of Chinese magical practices. Buddhism, in particular, served as a conduit for the spread of Chinese magic, as it had already integrated aspects of Chinese popular beliefs and Daoism. As a result, East Asia has developed a rich tapestry of magical practices, with Chinese knowledge often serving as a foundation for Korean and Japanese adaptations and innovations. Watch the video for more!

Hinduism has a rich history of magicians and sorcerers. The Atharva Veda, an ancient text, focuses on sorcery as its primary teaching. The Veda mainly contains mantras used in witchcraft or sorcery for curing diseases, destroying enemies, and other manifestations. Scholars have classified the hymns of the Atharva Veda into various categories, including securing a long life, receiving good wishes from deities, warding off misfortune, pardoning misdeeds, and gaining kingship. Additionally, the hymns include charms for healing wounds and curing diseases. Watch the video to learn more!

In this video, we will unveil the mystical legacy of Latin America and explore the origins of Brujería, a form of witchcraft that emerged from ancient Mayan, Aztec, and Incan magic. Witchcraft, in general, has a long history and has existed in almost every culture around the world. However, Brujería, specifically, has a unique history and culture, and its roots can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of Latin America. Please enjoy the video!