Magic (supernatural)

rituals or actions employed to manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces

thumb|Russian postcard based on a photo taken in 1908 by S. I. Borisov, showing a female shaman of probable Khakas ethnicity

thumb|Depiction of witchcraft in John William Waterhouse's painting The Magic Circle (1886)

thumb|right|220px|A woman performs a cursing ritual (Hokusai) A curse (also called an imprecation, malediction, execration, malison, anathema, or commination) is any expressed wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will befall or attach to one or more persons, a place, or an object. In particular, "curse" may refer to such a wish or pronouncement made effective by a supernatural or spiritual power, such as a god or gods, a spirit, or a natural force, or else as a kind of spell by magic (usually black magic or dark magic) or witchcraft; in the latter sense, a curse can also be called a

Hermeticism, or Hermetism, is a philosophical and religious tradition rooted in the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a syncretic figure combining elements of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. This system encompasses a wide range of esoteric knowledge, including aspects of alchemy, astrology and theurgy, significantly influencing various mystical and occult traditions throughout history. The writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, often referred to as the Hermetica, were produced over a period spanning many centuries () and may be very different in content and sco

thumb|upright=1.2|Illustration portraying a scene from the Bible wherein the Witch of Endor uses a necromantic ritual to conjure the spirit of Samuel at the behest of Saul; from the frontispiece of Sadducismus Triumphatus (1681) by [[Joseph Glanvill.]]

magic used for evil and selfish purposes

thumb|19th century book of incantations, written by a Welsh physician

thumb|Icelandic grimoire, "Galdrabók" (), belonging to [[Swedish History Museum (signum: ATA Ämb 2 F16:26)]]

type of magic intended to turn away harm or evil influences

Theurgy (; , ), also known as divine magic, is one of two major branches of the magical arts, the other being practical magic or thaumaturgy. Theurgy describes the ritual practices associated with the invocation or evocation of the presence of one or more deities, especially with the goal of achieving henosis (uniting with the divine) and perfecting oneself.

magic for selfless purposes

Juju (also styled or romanized as ju-ju) is a spiritual belief system and group of associated practices incorporating the use of ritual objects, such as amulets and spells, affiliated with religious observances in central West Africa, namely by the people of Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Cameroon and Ghana. The term has been applied to traditional Western African religions, which incorporated the use of objects such as amulets, and spells into spiritual practices. In a general sense, the term "juju" can be used to refer to magical properties dealing with luck, whether good or bad. The name is also ass

Thaumaturgy (), especially in Christianity, is the art of performing prodigies or miracles. More generically, it refers to the practical application of magic to affect change in the physical world. Historically, thaumaturgy has been associated with a supernatural or divine ability, the manipulation of natural forces, the creation of wonders, and the performance of magical feats through esoteric knowledge and ritual practice. Unlike theurgy, which focuses on invoking divine powers, thaumaturgy is more concerned with utilizing occult principles to achieve specific outcomes, often in a tangible a

Belief system

thumb|The magic circle|magical circle and triangle, magical objects/symbols used in the evocation of the seventy-two spirits of the Ars Goetia

type of magic based on imitation or correspondence

disciplines of occultism or esotericism that are involved with magic rituals

a branch of magical practice, using magic to influence love and/or sexual relations

A ''''' or '' (pl. ') is an idiosyncratic taboo, whether of obligation or prohibition, similar to being under a vow or curse, yet the observance of which can also bring power and blessings. The word "geas" is also used to mean specifically a spell prohibiting some action. '''' occur commonly in Irish and Scottish folklore and mythology, as well as in modern English-language fantasy-fiction.

ancient or modern magic performed with runes or runestones

magic involving sexual activity

The concept of Magic in Islam

system of ceremonial magic

spoken or written words having supernatural effects

Occult practices directly using the natural world instead of spirits

traditional Japanese method of laying a curse

name of a thing or being that expresses its true nature

magic that is neither for specifically beneficial or hostile reasons