7625987magicballSpells are a form of magic, so the background to them both is interlinked. Often magic requires special words to be recited (incantations) in order for them to start working – for the most modern understanding of this you have only to look at the Harry Potter books and films, where spells and magic are combined in a simple understandable format.

A Magical History

The link between spells and magic goes back to the dawn of history. Across the world, as civilisations began to evolve and develop, one common factor which developed in all of them was the notion that things could be controlled by what they saw as outside forces. Early man would make sacrifices, perform rituals and chant incantations and they soon saw that by using these ceremonies the things they most desired where likely to occur. Soon, certain members in each of the cultures were deemed to be the power forces who were directly responsible to putting these ceremonies into action and in most cases getting the desired results.

Of course, there was no real magic involved as the ceremonies were linked in the most part by phases of the moon and the changing of the seasons, so concerns such as a full and plentiful harvest for the following year really depended on the seasons and not on the fact they had sacrificed a fatted calf!

Mexico

It is well documented that the Inca’s in Mexico were one of the most prolific in providing human sacrifices, usually of young children, in order to try to get the results that they wanted in all manner of things. The Egyptians, thousands of years ago, also had a variety of Gods to govern all areas of their lives, with the Pharaohs themselves seen as being Gods on earth. The high priests of those dynasties performed ‘miracles’ and more importantly, cast magic spells to produce power and prosperity for the Pharaohs to ensure their lives were seen as opportunities to have everything they desired here on earth, along with in the afterlife. Embalming the dead Pharaohs involved treating the body with herbs and potions said to have supernatural powers to aid the transfer of the Pharaoh’s spirit into the afterlife. As the process took place, the priests would perform rituals involving incantations designed to ensure that this transition went smoothly. They were so sure these actions were infallible that the tombs in the pyramids were filled with all the items that would be needed in the next world by the Pharaoh, included food and drink.

As time moved on, it was recognised in all cultures that certain people were special and could invoke powers using spells and special rituals. Consider the church – the priests, nuns, holy men and such like were seen as being able to convey the powers of their religion through rituals associated with it. Christenings are supposed to prepare the child for entry into religious circles via promises made by the Godparents using specially prepared chants, or incantations, following time honoured traditions. The same goes for Confirmation in the Catholic Church. Similar traditions follow with marriages and funerals.

Where ever we look in everyday life we find traditions are linked into mystical magical rules and regulations that we all seem to follow without question. However, once we accept these for what they really are, aids to get us through life, then we can learn to accept them and embrace their powers into our psyche.