Magic And Warfare Appearance And Reality In Contemporary African Conflict And Beyond

Book: Magic And Warfare Appearance And Reality In Contemporary African Conflict And Beyond by Nathalie Wlodarczyk

This study explores the roles played by magic in contemporary African warfare, specifically through the case of Sierra Leone, to assess its impact on behaviour in conflict. In the last two decades, rituals designed to imbue people with supernatural power and make them immune to enemy fire have been seen on post-Cold War battlefields across Africa. Wlodarczyk argues that the use of magic in warfare can be understood, not as an illustration of how Africa’s reality is qualitatively different from the West’s, but as appropriate and logical. Here, a conceptual framework is suggested for analysing culturally alien practices more broadly, to inform approaches to civilian and military intervention not only in Africa but in conflict theatres around the world.

Wlodarczyk has built on the by-now considerable body of work on the importance of belief systems in African politics to offer a systematic analysis of the role of ‘magic’ in the Sierra Leone conflict. Making good use of the extensive evidence gathered by the trials on war crimes and her own field research, she provides a detailed account of the origins, organization and behaviour of the Kamajor militias that formed the core of the so-called Civil Defence Forces, which fought the rebel Revolutionary United Front. This book is a perceptive analysis of the nature of violence in contemporary Africa, which has relevance well beyond the continent. And it reinforces the argument that it is impossible plausibly to interpret political events in settings different from ours without an understanding of the cultural context within which they take place.”—Patrick Chabal, International Affairs

"Researchers who specialize in military studies are a pretty hard-headed bunch, unlikely to spend much time thinking about the worlds of spirits. If they read this book, as they should, they may start to do otherwise. Wlodarczyck’s achievement is to show the relevance of spiritual matters for military and political affairs in many parts of the world, concentrating on Sierra Leone. I hope this book will alert many people to an aspect of warfare that is likely to grow in importance."--Stephen Ellis, Desmond Tutu Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
“Nathalie Wlodarczyk has done a stunning job bringing the immensely complicated, sensitive and intriguing subject of magic to the academic field. From a sound theoretical base, this book brings empirical research and meticulous insight into Sierra Leone’s war and its Kamajor fighters. Magic and Warfare combines a fascinating intellectual adventure with an engaging clarity that steers the reader to a greater understanding not only of the Kamajors and the war, but of the nature of belief and its relationship with action.

Buy Nathalie Wlodarczyk's book: Magic And Warfare Appearance And Reality In Contemporary African Conflict And Beyond

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Learning Magic In The Sagas

Book: Learning Magic In The Sagas by Stephen Mitchell

The image of magic spells being taught by more seasoned practitioners to others eager to learn them comports well with what can be deduced about the actual practice of witchcraft and magic in medieval Scandinavia. For example, at the conclusion of that most remarkable document on love magic, jealousy and sexual intrigue from ca. 1325, De quadam lapsa in haeresin Ragnhilda Tregagaas, Ragnhildr tregagas of Bergen claims that the incantation and performative magic she uses against her erstwhile lover are ones she learned in her youth from Solli Sukk. In a similar case from Sweden in 1471, a witch in Arboga referred to in the surviving records as galna kadhrin 'Crazy Katherine' instructs Birgitta Andirssadotthir on how to prevent her lover from pursuing another woman.Another late 15th-century Swedish case likewise describeshow Margit halffstop says that she learned from another woman, Anna finszka, the spell by which she could bewitch a man from a distance.3 The Norwegian laws, especially Borgarflings kristinrettr hinn eldri and Eidsivaflings kristinrettr, express deep concern that people should not consult with the Sami: En ef madr faer til finna is a phrase which occurs often, and would appear to mean, as Fritzner writes about it in its nominal form, finnfor, "Reise til Finnerne for at soge Hjaelp af deres Trolddomskunst." All of the terms in this complex (e.g., finnvitka 'to Finn-witch, i.e., to bewitch like a Finn [or Sami]'), terms which seem only to appear in Norwegian and Icelandic sources, turn on the presumed greater skill, magic or learning of the Sami, and the practice of their sharing this learning or its outcome with others. This is precisely the sort of scene presented vividly in Vatnsdaela saga, when Ingimundr, Grimr and their men inquire of a visiting Sami witch ("Finna ein fj?lkunnig") about their futures.6 In addition to such testimony targetting the "lower" practices of magic, church statutes (e.g., the Arboga statute of 1412) and other ecclesiastical writing (e.g., the late 13th-century Fornsvenska legendariet) often cite the existence of grimoires (fj?lkyngisbaekr, galdrabaekr) and other learning aids associated with "high" magic.7 Nordic books of this sort are in fact known, albeit only from the post-medieval period,8 and are frequently mentioned in legends and other folklore texts (e.g., Raudskinna),9 suggesting wide-spread familiarity with the idea. A fully developed narrative about such a magic book is found in the 14thcentury story of the Skalholt bishop Jon Halldorsson.10 That the idea of learned clerics dabbling in the magical arts ran deep in the Middle Ages is also to be seen in the theme of "Escape from the Black School" (ML 3000), found in connection with Saemundr the Wise already in Jons saga helga.

Download Stephen Mitchell's eBook: Learning Magic In The Sagas

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Money Prosperity Spell

MONEY/PROSPERITY SPELL


The Tools Needed

A green cloth as big as your hand.
A white string.
One crystal. (suggested: quartz, malachite, bloodstone, or turquoise)

Herbs: Mustard seed, dill, clove, fennel, sage, cinnamon, ivy, orange, apple
seed, patchouli. (Use at least 4 of the suggested herbs.)

A coin, or a bill. (suggested a fifty cent piece, gold coin or a dollar bill.)

One green candle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As always you can call upon "god" as you choose to recognize him/her/them. I
suggest for this spell that gods, and/or goddesses of fertility are called in
(Pan, Hestia, Isis, Venus, Herne).

Upon the candle carve a dollar symbol, your initials, your astrological symbol,
and a pentagram. If possible anoint your candle with essential oil (of any of
the herbs listed above). Lay your herbs out onto a piece of tin foil, or wax
paper. Gently roll you candle in the herbs. Directly place it in the candle
holder. Light the candle, and as the flame takes shape envision a beauteous
blooming flower in it's place.

Gather the remaining herbs in to a mortar or bowl. Mix or grind these herbs,
while thoughts of fertility, growing plants, flowing money, and positive change
occurring in your life. Place the herbs in the green cloth, and tie with the
white string. At this time address the Gods you have called in and explain to
them your need for money, and or fertility. Hold the Sachet and crystal in your
right hand. Then envision a green sphere of light swirling around you in a
clockwise motion. Allow the vision to become vividly clear. When you are ready,
close the circle.

May the Gods of Growth and prosperity smile upon you!!

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Cunninghams Encyclopedia Of Crystal Gem And Metal Magic

Book: Cunninghams Encyclopedia Of Crystal Gem And Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

The magical uses described here do not require long rituals or expensive paraphernalia. Rather, they tap into the innate power of crystals, gemstones and metals! You willleam which can help improve Your Love Life, which can help you study better, which can help improve your financial situation, and which can help you overcome a broken heart. All it takes is a few stones or crystals or metals, some of which you may have right now! This is Natural Magic at its finest, with information on over 100 magical items. Ifyou want to make positive changes in your life but don't like the idea of doing complicated rituals, this is the book for you! Here is a Complete Course in natural magic-magic you can use today; magic which has been used for thousands of years.

Whether you study at home or go outside to work, whether you go to school or teach school, whether you are a magician, a Wiccan, or have never even thought of doing magic, the information in this book can help change your life-it may even help save your life. Now is the time, no matter your age, your financial situation or your health. This is the book that will help you make the changes in your life you want and need. You won't need long periods of study,
you won't need expensive tools. All you need to improve your life and the lives of those around you is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic.

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Book 4 Part Ii Magick Elemental Theory

Book: Book 4 Part Ii Magick Elemental Theory by Aleister Crowley

Part II, "Magick (Elemental Theory)," deals with the accessories of ceremonial magick in detail. Subjects include: the temple, the magick circle, the altar, the scourge, dagger, and chain, the holy oil, the wand, cup, sword, pentacle, lamp, crown, robe, book, bell, lamen, and the Magick Fire (including the crucible and incense). This section also includes an "Interlude", which is a humorous exposition on the magical interpretations of popular nursery rhymes, such as Old Mother Hubbard and Little Bo Peep.

Download Aleister Crowley's eBook: Book 4 Part Ii Magick Elemental Theory
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Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Book: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick by John Coughlin

So often darkness is associated with evil. Since the term evil has no place in a nature-based religion, we Pagans are forced to look beyond such stereotypes.

But what then is "darkness"? Why are so many of us drawn to themes associated with darkness such as death, mystery, wisdom, magic, and the night? These themes and symbols are empowering to many of us because they tap into the deepest reaches of our unconscious.

The goal of this book, which is a culmination of over 16 years of study and practice, is to not only share with you the author's views on Dark Paganism and spirituality, but to encourage you - if not challenge you - to personalize your own belief system.

While the first part explores the aspects and spirituality of darkness, the second part of this book discusses the nature and practice of magic by exploring the underlying principles at work.

In Out of The Shadows, author John J. Coughlin trys to rebuild the balance 'Light Paganism' has created. He gives an easy and understandable description of what the Darkness and 'Dark Paganism' actually are. Though the focus of this book is 'Dark Paganism', the author in no way tries to deny or degrade Light Paganism. In fact, Coughlin actually describes it's benefits and necessities in modern paganism.

In his explanation of the Darkness, Coughlin gives information on "dark siders" including the Gothic and Vampiric Sub-Culture. He gives a clear and understandable explanation of "The Shadow" in sychological terms, as well as symbols, images, and archetypes associated with darkness. I found the section on dark deities to be especially interesting, where Coughlin offers information on specific deities from various pantheons including Celtic,Egyptian, Greek, and Hindu.

Part Two is an explanation of the nature and structure of magick. This section explains how and why magick works as well as it's limitations and psychological factors. Coughlin takes you through each step of the spellcasting process by describing what and how to conduct ritual. This section also contains information on psychic abilities, chaos magick, and sex magick.

Out of The Shadows is really two books in one. It is and exploration of Dark Paganism, but it is also a guide to magick. Because so many books are focused on Light Paganism, this text is truly ground breaking. This book does an excellent job of providing the seeker with the proper tools to explore yourself. It's goal is to suggest, if not test, you to personalize your belief system. You will learn the truth about the Darkness and Dark Paganism. It was an excellent read and I'd highly recommend it to all Pagans.

Download John Coughlin's eBook: Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick
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Love Spell To Rekindle The Fire

This spell is meant for couples (married or not) that need to add a little spice
to their relationship.

What you need:

2 Fig Cookies
1 Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
A Small Knife or Sharp Instrument
Vanilla Extract

Take the two fig cookies and cut them into hearts using the cookie cutter.

Carve his/her initials in one cookie and your initials in the other cookie.

Anoint each cookie with the vanilla extract using your thumb.

Light some candles of your choice (pink, red, purple for love) and burn some
incense (lavender etc...).

Take his/her cookie (with his/her initials carved into it), and he/she should
take your cookie.

Eat each others cookie by crossing arms (like the bride and groom do with the
Champagne at the reception).

The spell should work right away and you both should feel very romantic.

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