Imagine a world where magic exists. A world where ordinary objects can become extraordinary, everyday tasks can become feats of wonder, and dreams can turn into reality. This is the world of magic – a realm that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Into the magic, we embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of the known and enters a realm where anything is possible. It is a journey that frees our minds from the limitations of reality and allows us to explore the depths of our imagination. It is a journey that invites us to suspend our disbelief and indulge in the whimsy and enchantment of the magical world.
It is a journey that invites us to suspend our disbelief and indulge in the whimsy and enchantment of the magical world. In this world, ordinary objects take on a life of their own. A simple wand can transform a pumpkin into a carriage, a broomstick can carry us through the starry night sky, and a cauldron can brew potions that cure any ailment.
2023 - Magic and Witchcraft: History, Interdisciplinarity, Global Perspectives
Beliefs in witchcraft, the power of humans to intervene in the flow of life events and to harm others by supernatural means, is widely distributed both geographically and chronologically. How in European history the accusations were developed and put together with the elaboration of a sufficiently coherent framework of reference can be the focus of historical attention. This is indeed part of a wider process of formation of scapegoat images through time and on different social targets, from the heretics to the lepers, and from the Jews to ultimately witches. All this, along with the late medieval construction of the concept of the diabolic witches’ Sabbath, constitute a historical issue, the discussion and the understanding of which demand the involvement of a multidisciplinary way of approaching historical inquiry as well as an open-minded sight.
This course aims to lay out the rise and downturn of witch beliefs in medieval and early modern Europe, tracing the multifaceted roots leading to their construction, from the Classical Greek and Roman literary traditions to medieval lore and popular beliefs, up to the outburst of the “witch-craze” in early modern Europe. In this iteration of the course, we will dedicate more attention to witchcraft prosecutions beyond the paradigmatic West-European persecution waves: Central and Eastern Europe and modern witch-hunts in the global South. We will dedicate a few sessions on contemporary witch-hunts in the Global South and will pay particular attention to contemporary witch persecutions in Africa. Discussing magic and witchcraft in a global context will bring us to issues that can help us understand modern witch-hunting waves, and the dangerous social psychological mechanisms leading to scapegoat persecutions. At the same time, we will present the persistence, the cultural heritage of beliefs in magic, fashionable resurgences of neo-paganism, shamanism, alternative medicine, and new age sectarianism.
A variety of approaches will be considered to help the participants frame the problem of witchcraft within its rich socio-historical, anthropological, intellectual, and religious contexts through an open-minded, comparative, and multidisciplinary take on a wide range of topics pertaining to the witchcraft issue. We will discuss the formation and the historiographical uses of categories such as magic, superstition, heresy, and witchcraft, the development of relevant rituals and traditions, and the scapegoating process through which the above-mentioned groups – such as the leper, the Jew, the heretic, and eventually the witch – were identified or modeled. We will also consider the gendering of witchcraft and the related issue of misogyny and male domination, as well as the roots of ideas about witches and witchcraft in Greco-Roman traditions and in popular beliefs and folklore. Emphasis will be given to three aspects: the analysis of primary sources, the discussion of modern methodological approaches, and the instruments and places for research. The analyses of primary sources aim to discuss the genesis and the evolution of the image of the witch through time and according to different cultural models, from Classical authors such as Horace, Ovid, and Apuleius, to the various medieval literary and folkloric traditions, to early-modern developments, with the core role played by Heinrich Kramer’s Hammer of Witches (1486), and the juridical procedures aimed at identifying witches and making them confess their alleged crimes.
Modern historiographical theories aiming to explain the historical construction of witchcraft will be discussed and challenged, from Brian Levack’s systematization of the classical “cumulative concept” idea to Richard Kieckhefer’s new approach towards the identification of multiple “mythologies” of witchcraft, and from Carolyn Merchant’s consideration of the gender issue and the relationship between nature, the feminine, and the male domination issue, to Carlo Ginzburg’s comparative and morphological approaches that he has employed to study his Benandanti or for deciphering the witches’ Sabbath.
The faculty will present and engage participants in discussing their own research on topics including the relationship between learned systems and popular narratives, shamanism, medieval preaching on witches, the relationship between Classical culture and witchcraft, the world of superstition, witchcraft, and persecuting societies. The discussion of the existing variety of methodological approaches to the problem of witchcraft will allow the participants to develop a solid understanding of the methods, the sources, the interpretative instruments, the results, and the perspectives of studying a particularly challenging cultural/historical phenomenon such as witchcraft; moreover, participants will be given up-to-date knowledge concerning current research initiatives and opportunities at the international level in the field of cultural history.
The course faculty will offer a time slot for individual consultations, and the last day of the course will be dedicated to student presentations. Documentary film screenings and a one-day field trip will provide further variety and opportunities for discussions.
Answer from: Sneezywalrus
LOVEKLEPTOCAT - an adorable klepto cat hat
The world of magic is a place where objects embody the power to defy the laws of physics and bring about extraordinary change. But magic is not just about the manipulation of objects – it is also about the transformation of ourselves. Into the magic, we are given the opportunity to discover our own hidden abilities and tap into the limitless potential within us. We become alchemists, turning the base metal of our lives into gold. We become sorcerers, conjuring up new possibilities and rewriting the script of our existence. In the world of magic, everyday tasks become feats of wonder. A simple card trick can leave us in awe of the magician's skill, a disappearing act can baffle our minds, and a levitation act can defy the very laws of gravity. Into the magic, we witness the power of the human spirit to create moments of pure astonishment and wonder. But perhaps the most captivating aspect of the magical world is the realization that dreams can turn into reality. Into the magic, we see that what was once thought to be impossible can become possible. We are invited into a world where wishes are granted, dreams come true, and the extraordinary becomes the norm. It is a world that reminds us to never stop dreaming and to pursue our passions with unwavering determination. Into the magic, we are transported to a realm where anything is possible. We are invited to explore the boundaries of possibility, to suspend our disbelief, and to embrace the enchantment of the unknown. It is a journey that reminds us of the power of imagination, the beauty of the human spirit, and the magic that lies within each and every one of us..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Magic: Understanding the Mind Games Behind Magical Acts"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Into the Magic". The story felt cliché and unoriginal, with predictable plot twists and one-dimensional characters. The writing style was also lackluster, lacking depth and evoking no emotions or connection with the reader. Overall, it was a forgettable read that did not live up to my expectations.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Into the Magic" was a complete waste of my time. The premise seemed interesting, but the execution was a mess. The pacing was off, dragging in some parts and rushing through others. The characters were poorly developed and their actions seemed inconsistent and illogical. The world-building was minimal, leaving me with more questions than answers. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Into the Magic" to be extremely dull and predictable. The plot felt like a recycled version of other fantasy novels I've read before, with no unique or innovative elements. The writing was also average, lacking any spark or creativity. The characters were forgettable and I struggled to connect with them or care about their journey. Overall, it was a forgettable book that I would not recommend to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.
4. David - 1 star - "Into the Magic" was a huge disappointment. The storytelling was poor, with choppy pacing and lack of coherent transitions. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to engage with the characters. The world-building was minimal, leaving me with no sense of immersion or wonder. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, I regretted picking up this book and would not recommend it to anyone.