MAGIC

MAGIC (Latin magia, from Greek mageia), witchcraft, sorcery, magic, rituals associated with the belief in the ability of a person to influence people, animals, natural phenomena, as well as imaginary spirits and gods in a supernatural way. the phenomena of primitive religion originated in the most ancient era, when man was powerless in the struggle with nature. Magich. the rituals common among all peoples of the world are extremely diverse. Well-known, for example, "spoilage" or "treatment" with enchanted drink, ritual washing, anointing with sacred oil, wearing talismans, etc. Magic was widely distributed. rituals at the beginning of plowing, sowing, harvesting, for causing rain, to ensure good luck in hunting, war, etc. are often magical. the rites combine several. types of magical techniques, including a spell (conspiracy). The origin of each of the types of M. is closely related to the specific conditions of practical activity of people. In a class society, a magician. rituals recede into the background before more complex forms of religion, with prayers and the propitiatory cult of the higher gods. However , even here M. It is preserved as an important part of many rituals of any religion, not excluding the most complex ones - Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. Thus, magicians play an important role in Christianity. rituals (anointing, unction, pilgrimage to "holy" healing springs, etc.), weather and fertility m. (prayers for rain, blessing of the harvest, etc.).

There was a division of M. into black (appeal to evil spirits) and white (appeal to pure spirits - angels, saints).

Magich. the perception of the world, in particular the idea of the universal similarity and interaction of all things, formed the basis of the oldest natural philosophical teachings and various "secret sciences" that became widespread in late antiquity. and cf.-century. The beginnings of experimental natural science at this time were still developing, to a certain extent, in close connection with M., which is reflected in many works of Renaissance scientists (J. Della Porta, J. Cardana, Paracelsus, etc.). Only with the further development of science was the overcoming of the elements of M. in it (see also Occultism).