Witchcraft, oracles, and magic play a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of the Azande people of Central Africa. The Azande, who primarily reside in the countries of Sudan, Congo, and South Sudan, believe in the existence of spirits and supernatural forces that can influence their lives. Witchcraft, known as "mangu" in the Azande language, is believed to be the power possessed by certain individuals to cause harm or misfortune to others. According to their belief system, these individuals, known as witches or "mayandis," are born with this power and can use it intentionally or unintentionally to cause illness, death, or other calamities to those around them. The Azande believe that being a witch is inherited and can pass through familial lines. The Azande employ various methods to identify witches within their community.
Recently named Canadian Magician of the Year by Canadian Association of Magicians, Bill Abbott has created magic illusions and effects for “America’s Got Talent” and “The Steve Harvey Show” as well as networks and streaming services such as The Disney Channel, Netflix, FOX and NBC.
Over the past few years, he has headlined the most exclusive boutique venues across the United States with performances at the Chicago Magic Lounge, The House Of Cards in Nashville and the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Your enchanting experience begins with a complimentary welcome cocktail in the opulent Cobalt Lounge and exclusive access to the VIP area where Bill Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight-of-hand magic.
The Azande employ various methods to identify witches within their community. One such method is the "poison oracle." This practice involves administering a poisonous substance to a suspected individual and observing their reaction.
Upscale, intimate magic show opens at Casa Monica
A twist on a Prohibition-era classic cocktail called The Last Word, The Magic Word is an original creation by the food and beverage team at Casa Monica Resort & Spa and is included on the special Magic Hideaway cocktail menu.
1.25 oz St. Augustine Distillery Gin
1.25 oz Lime Juice
1.25 oz Green Chartreuse
1.25 oz Disaronno Amaretto
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaking tin full of ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a coup or martini glass and add citrus Flavour Blaster Bubble to top with a commercial-grade bubble gun. When served, say your favorite magic word and pop the bubble with your wand to drink.
When magician Bill Abbott and his wife, Rebecca, moved from Toronto, Canada, to St. Augustine four years ago, they knew that the Nation’s Oldest City would be the place where they would bring his lifelong dream of creating an upscale, intimate magic show to reality.
Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, opened in May at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. The performances will be held at 8:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday this month. After June 30, they will be held at 6 and 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
“I have performed over 5,000 shows in 11 countries around the world,” Bill Abbott said. “The best shows are always the ones in intimate settings where I am able to interact with guests and create a magical environment. That is what Rebecca and I have created here. We have worked directly with Richard Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, which owns Casa Monica, and the hotel’s staff, who have been absolutely amazing, to create this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom.
Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms and carefully arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions.
“Magic is meant to transport you to a different headspace and to keep you living in the moment,” he explained. “During my show, I perform a type of magic called sleight of hand as well as a psychological-based mentalism. I also lean on my born showmanship, sarcasm, improv skills and dry humor to entertain the audience. By the end of the show, the entire room becomes connected. Magic Hideaway is a collective experience.”
Recently named Canadian Magician of the Year by Canadian Association of Magicians, Bill Abbott has created magic illusions and effects for “America’s Got Talent” and “The Steve Harvey Show” as well as networks and streaming services such as The Disney Channel, Netflix, FOX and NBC.
Over the past few years, he has headlined the most exclusive boutique venues across the United States with performances at the Chicago Magic Lounge, The House Of Cards in Nashville and the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Magic Hideaway tickets are $125 per person and include a welcome cocktail, Cobalt Lounge VIP access, pre-show sleight of hand, Magic Hideaway Showroom Experience and post-performance social for autographs and photos.
Tickets and additional information are available at magichideaway.com. Follow along on social media Facebook @themagichideaway and Instagram @magichideaway.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa is located at 95 Cordova St. in downtown St. Augustine.
Tickets and additional information are available at magichideaway.com. Follow along on social media Facebook @themagichideaway and Instagram @magichideaway.
If the person falls ill or dies, they are considered guilty of witchcraft. The Azande see the poison oracle as a way of allowing the spirits to reveal the presence of witches within their midst. Another significant aspect of Azande witchcraft is the belief in magical remedies or counter-magic. The Azande employ the services of "diviners" or "witch doctors" who possess the ability to identify witches and provide remedies for their harmful actions. These remedies may involve potions, charms, or rituals, and are believed to protect individuals from the malevolent effects of witchcraft. The Azande also hold a strong belief in "mana," a term referring to the spiritual power or energy that exists in all things. They believe that this power can be harnessed through various rituals and practices to influence events or outcome in their favor. This belief in magic is deeply intertwined with their day-to-day activities, and the Azande often consult witch doctors or diviners to seek guidance or assistance in harnessing this power. Overall, the belief in witchcraft, oracles, and magic among the Azande reveals the significance of supernatural forces in their lives. These practices, rooted in their cultural and religious beliefs, provide explanations for misfortunes and seek to protect individuals and communities from the harmful effects of witchcraft. Despite modern influences and the spread of Christianity and Islam, witchcraft and its associated beliefs continue to hold a prominent place in Azande society..
Reviews for "Sorcery and Magic Among the Azande: A Closer Look at their Rituals and Practices"
1. Emily - 2/5: I found "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande" to be quite boring and tedious to read. While I appreciate the author's effort in providing an in-depth analysis of the Azande culture, the book was filled with too much unnecessary information and irrelevant anecdotes. Additionally, the writing style was dry and academic, which made it difficult to engage with the material. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to others who are looking for a more accessible and enjoyable read.
2. Michael - 1/5: This book was a major letdown. I was excited to learn more about the Azande culture and their beliefs in witchcraft and magic, but I found the author's analysis to be shallow and lacking in critical thinking. The arguments presented were weak and did not convince me of the Azande's belief in witchcraft. Furthermore, the book was filled with too many unnecessary details and repetitive examples, making it a chore to get through. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a thorough and well-researched exploration of the topic.
3. Sarah - 2/5: As someone who enjoys reading about different cultures and their beliefs, I was disappointed with "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azande." The book lacked a clear structure and often seemed to veer off on tangents, making it difficult to follow the author's main points. Additionally, I felt that the author's understanding of the Azande culture was shallow, leading to a superficial analysis of their beliefs. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and would advise readers to look for other resources on the topic.