Category Archives: Magic

Copal: Central American Frankincense

If the Wise Men (The original Greek word is magos which means “magician”) had lived in North America instead of the Middle East, they would have probably offered a gift of Copal to baby Jesus instead of Frankincense.  Copal is … Continue reading

Posted in Herbology, Incense, Magic | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hoodoo Candle Magic

The last two books I’ve read dealt with the history and philosophy of candle magic in the African-American Spiritualist tradition. This particular approach to candle magic originated in the South, especially New Orleans.  It’s a mixture of African-American folk magic … Continue reading

Posted in Magic, Prayer | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus and His Wand in Christian Art

While in seminary, I took a wonderful class in Christian art and architecture.  One of the most interesting things I learned is that early Christians thought it was idolatrous to depict physical images of Jesus in their art.  Therefore, they … Continue reading

Posted in Jesus, Magic, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

6th Century Christian Charm

You never know what you’re going to find tucked away in the archives of a university library!  Such is the case of a fascinating discovery that was made by Dr. Roberta Mazza in 2014 at the University of Manchester’s John … Continue reading

Posted in Magic | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Coming Out of the Broom Closet

Yesterday I attended a seminar on “traditional witchcraft” that was quite interesting.  In some ways, it was a reinforcement of what my Wiccan teachers have taught me.  In other ways, it was different.  In the midst of the presentation I … Continue reading

Posted in Magic, Spirituality | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Christianity’s Magical Heritage

Three men met us in the desert and said to the Lord Jesus, “What treatment is possible for the sick?”  And he says to them, “I have given olive oil and and have poured out myrrh for those who believe … Continue reading

Posted in Magic, Prayer, Spirituality | Tagged , , | Leave a comment