Description Traditional Magic Spells for Protection & Healing is an in-depth collection of ancient spells, and magic practices drawn from rare texts. Since the beginning of history, people have sought remedies for the ills that have beset them. From illnesses afflicting the body to threats posed by evil and hostile individuals. In many folk healing traditions, it was believed that one must gain the assistance of the guardian spirit of the healing plant through prayers or offerings before it would be effective. The Church decried these spells and practices as superstitions, but did not seek to exterminate these beliefs. Instead transferring the responsibility for their healing powers to the apostles and saints. Drawing on his knowledge of ancient texts, Claude Lecouteux presents over 600 magical prescriptions. From both pagan and Christian sources from the last 2,000 years. Covering everything from abscesses and shingles to cursing and healing animals. Examining the practice of diagnosing illness through magic, and looks at the origins of the evolving beliefs of practitioners over the centuries. Exploring ancient beliefs about curses, devils, demons, ghosts and provides an in-depth look at protection magic. Including protection of health, animals, and cultivated land, protection against curses, witchcraft, bad weather, beasts, home, and while traveling. Even included are spells from the Roma tradition of magic and healing, drawn from newly discovered materials. Collected by two Romanian ethnologists who lived and traveled with Roma people in Transylvania in the mid-19th century. The author also reproduces rare texts on magic healing from the 14th and 15th centuries. Revealing the vitality of these practices in the remoter areas of Eastern Europe, the influence of pagan worldview is still detectable in the work of modern folk healers in France and Scandinavia. The condemnation of unorthodox methods of healing has not vanished from the contemporary world. The medieval legislation against healing by witches and bonesetters is echoed in modern health codes, that challenge the authority of naturopaths and faith healers.
