Exam 2 Flashcards
What kind of material was typically used for curse tablets?
Lead
What is the name of the spell book found in the sands of Egypt?
Papyri Graecae Magicae ( PGM)
What are some features typical of curse tablets (i.e. what might be mentioned?
-placed in a hidden area
-placed with material that is connected to the victim
- Identifying the victim by their mothers name
- calling upon the name of gods
- invocation of uncommon gods and other beings
Matronym
A name derived from ones mother
Katadein
“to bind” (Greek verb)
Katadesmos
binding spell, curse (Greek)
Katagraphein
“to write down, register, enroll” (Greek word)
Defigere
to bind down/fix down (Latin)
Defixio
a binding/fixing down (Latin)
What are the major types of formulas used on curse tablets?
-Direct binding formula
-prayer
- wish formulas
- Simila Simiibus
-Agenistic contents
In what contexts were curses most commonly used?
Agonistic: commercial curses, judicial curses, athletic games/public competitions, and amatory (love charms)
How did the Greeks envision Eros (i.e., as what kind of force?)
” Love is a disease sent by the gods (Eros God)
o No such thing of consent
o No such thing about orientation
o Curse someone to fall in love
Agoge
A spell that is a leading, driving, or dragging force
Iunx
A bird that is associated with sexuality and has a spell to go with it
Drawing Down The Moon
a magic incantation that is used by Thessalian girls/witches
- drawn down for the purpose of erotic attraction magic
What is the difference between Eros spells and Phillia spells
Eros- uncontrollable passion, sex, violent
Philia- Affection, gentle
What are the issues of gender surrounding types of love spells
-Eros spells are done my Males
- Philia spells are done by Females
- Liberated females ( widows,prostitutes) use Eros while Subservient males ( have no balls) use Philia
What are the major methods of gaining healing or protection in the ancient world?
-Prayers
-Sacrifice
-Incubation
- plants and herbs
- amulets
What materials might an amulet be made from?
- Use some sort of organic material or simple substance
o Gold or silver slips (lamellae)
o Leaves
o A ring
o Gemstones
What are the major types of formulas used on amulets?
- The “flee!” formula
“Flee, headache; a lion flees beneath a rock, wolves flee, horses flee on uncloven hoof, and speed beneath blows of my perfect charm.” - The “historiola” (“mini-story”)
“For a migraine headache.” Artemis can tell Antaura what to do. Remind the god of past. - Simple prayer formula
“O Lord archangels, gods, and divine characters drive away…..” - The “turn aside” formula
“Turn aside the inflicting ophthalmia and do not allow any more attacks…”
What is divination, and how does it get its name?
An attempt to answer a question or find out about the future via supernatural means
-Latin divinare ‘to be inspired by a god, to foresee’ (connected to divinus ‘divine’, deus ‘god’)
What are the major types of divination discussed in class?
- Asking a god via prayer or by visiting his or her shrine (although the term “divination” is often reserved for what are deemed to be more “magical” practices)
- Cleromancy: Getting answers or telling the future by casting lots or using some other item such as coins or cards. Urm and Thlum.
- Augury: getting answers by observing omens
“ The flight patterns of birds
“ The entrails or liver of a sacrificed animal (the specialty of ancient Roman haruspices)
“ Thunder or lighting
“ Eclipses - Dreams: A common way to receive messages from supernatural forces
“ Dream spells
What is Nekuia in Odyssey ( 144)
ghosts are scary unhumanistic creatures that have to feed on blood to become functioning and human figures again
The séance of King Darius in the The Persians (c.470 BC)
The séance of King Darius in the The Persians (c.470 BC)
Saul and the “Witch of Endor” in 1 Samuel 28 (c.600 BC)
she doesn’t recognize Saul until Samuels spirit comes up.
What is Theurgy?
The attempt to reach a higher connection with the divine via magical religious means
What are the main aims of Theurgy?
- extra knowledge
- doing miracles
What are the primary means of doing theurgy?
-meditation
- prayer
-ascending to the heavens
-rituals
Photagogia
Light-bringing
- Light as divine; divine light necessary for any true revelation; light must be taken onto oneself
Telestike
Competition, perfection
- The creation of an object (usually a statue) with a special connection to a divinity, such that the divinity could actually dwell within it
Who are the dactyls
mythical creatures who look human who do metal working and created the olympics
Who is the Apollonius of Tyana?
a philosopher that is compared to Jesus
Who is Simon the Sorceror?
a magician that turns christian once he had seen the miracles of Phillip
What is Pharmakis?
drug/potion/spell
Saga
wise/sagacious woman
The genealogy of Medea and Circe (archetypal witches)
-Usually said to be sisters, daughters of Aeetes (son of Helios) and Hecate (daughter of Perses)
-Medea is the mother of several sons, including “Medus” and “Thessalus”
-Family connections with Thessaly, Media, and Persia
Deianeiras
killed a man with drug unintentionally. 600 years later the attitude change to guilty. The men were rendered useless by the drug.
LAWS IN THE GREEK WORLD - Dirae Teiorum (278)
A Mystery cult (279) Neighborhood watch, got each other’s back, don’t hurt people
TRIALS INVOLVING MAGIC - The concubine of Philoneos (77)
Slipping pharmakon into the drink of Philoneos so that he would fall in love. It killed them.
TRIALS INVOLVING MAGIC - The “witch” Theoris (85-86)
Pharmakis Theoris knew many evil things.
LAWS IN THE ROMAN WORLD - The Twelve Tables (280)
Charm away another mans crops. Gets acquitted because he had proof that he worked his crops
LAWS IN THE ROMAN WORLD - The Senate Decree against Bacchanals (282)
No random parties. Have to get mayors and senate permission. 5 people or less. Senate wants to be in control.
LAWS IN THE ROMAN WORLD - Sulla’s Law against sicarii and veneficii (284-85)
Law about magic that kill people.
Against magic because they could lose control of the people.
Who is Medea?
Medea, in Greek mythology, an enchantress who helped Jason, leader of the Argonauts, to obtain the Golden Fleece from her father, King Aeëtes of Colchis. She was of divine descent and had the gift of prophecy. She married Jason and used her magic powers and advice to help him.
