Black magic

magic used for evil and selfish purposes

Black magic has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers for evil and selfish purposes. In modern times, some think the definition of "black magic" has been used by people for any type of magic practice that is disapproved of or thought of as evil or satanic.[1]

Witches with a cauldron changing weather, woodcut by Ulrich Molitor, c.1489.

Black magic practices

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  • True name spells, knowing a person's true name to control them
  • Immortality, wishing to live beyond a natural lifespan
  • Curses, magically making something bad happen to someone else
  • Necromancy, practices involving spirits and the dead
  • Summoning
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References

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  1. J. Gordon Melton, ed. (2001). "Black Magic". Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology. Vol 1: A–L (Fifth ed.). Gale Research Inc. ISBN 0-8103-9488-X