As the veil between worlds thins this October, we delve into a subject that has fascinated humanity for millennia: witchcraft. In this first installment, we journey back to the ancient world, where the concept of witchcraft was deeply intertwined with religion and mythology.
The ancient world was a place where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural were fluid. Magic was often seen as a tool used by gods and mortals alike, and witchcraft was viewed through a lens of both awe and suspicion.
Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilization and Magic
In ancient Mesopotamia, magic was an integral part of daily life. The Mesopotamians had an extensive system of magical practices, including spells, amulets, and divination. The most famous of these practitioners were the “Ashipu,” who served as both priests and magicians.
Ancient Greece: Witches and Philosophers
In Greece, the line between magic and philosophy was often blurred. Figures like Circe, the enchantress who turned Odysseus’s men into pigs, were part of the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. Meanwhile, real-life philosophers like Pythagoras dabbled in what we would now consider magical practices.
Rome: Sorcery and Statecraft
In Rome, magic was a double-edged sword. While emperors like Augustus employed soothsayers and astrologers, the Roman state also persecuted those accused of malevolent witchcraft. The Twelve Tables, Rome’s earliest code of law, even included punishments for harmful spells.
As we conclude this first part of our series, it’s clear that the ancient world had a complex relationship with witchcraft. Whether seen as a divine gift or a dangerous art, magic was an inseparable part of the ancient cultural fabric.
Ruins and Relics 