True Black Magic is a concept that refers to the practice of using supernatural powers and rituals to cause harm or manipulate others. It is a form of black magic that is believed to be more powerful and potent than other forms of magic. This type of magic is often associated with evil intentions and malicious activities. In true black magic, practitioners typically work with dark forces and entities to achieve their desired outcomes. They may perform rituals, cast spells, or use various objects or substances to invoke these dark forces. These practitioners are often believed to have a deep understanding of the occult and the ability to tap into supernatural energies.
I’d eventually learn, watching both of my grandmothers do it again and again, that she was reversing some bad luck she’d accrued. As I grew up, I witnessed a lot of superstitious habits go down in the kitchens of my two nonne, who sought to welcome good luck in, and escort bad luck out.
From my front row seat, I watch flecks of salt fly through the air, tossed backwards from grandmother Genoveffa s hands into the sink as she sings an Italian folk song. Symptoms include fogginess, headaches, migraine, fever, stomach pain, dizziness, bad luck, financial ruin, serious illness, and, for the most unfortunate among us, straight up death.
These practitioners are often believed to have a deep understanding of the occult and the ability to tap into supernatural energies. True Black Magic is seen as in direct opposition to white magic or other forms of magic that are believed to be used for positive purposes, such as healing or protection. It is often viewed as unethical and dangerous due to its potential to cause harm and suffering.
Kitchen Witchery and Simple Spells From My Italian Grandmothers
Picture it: Toronto, 1985. My stubby toddler legs hang down from the kitchen counter, feet kicking against the cabinets. I suck on a circular taralle breadstick like it’s a salty anise flavored pacifier. From my front row seat, I watch flecks of salt fly through the air, tossed backwards from grandmother Genoveffa’s hands into the sink as she sings an Italian folk song. Salt gets all over the counter too, and I’m puzzled because this woman would never make a mess on purpose. She gives me a wink, wipes her hands on her apron and goes back to the stove.
I’d eventually learn, watching both of my grandmothers do it again and again, that she was reversing some bad luck she’d accrued. As I grew up, I witnessed a lot of superstitious habits go down in the kitchens of my two nonne, who sought to welcome good luck in, and escort bad luck out.
They’d never call it witchcraft, but it certainly seemed like magic to me. My nonna Genny came to Canada from Pescara, Abruzzo, by boat when she was 17 to meet a man 13 years her senior who she’d just married by proxy. Her life was not easy, but she was known to conjure up sumptuous feasts that were as much magic spells as they were meals. My other nonna, Fenia, now 95, boarded a different boat to Canada with her two small children in the ’50s. With an extensive knowledge of the garden, she’s healed me of many a stomach ache, headache, and sore throat with her herb-infused teas and soups.
But it was the gestures my nonne made in their kitchens—crushing eggshells into their palms to avoid bad luck, blessing loaves of bread by etching tiny crosses into the dough—that made their magic alive and real to me. And like all magic, their kitchen witchery only works if you believe it does.
Water and Oil
Italians believe you can catch malocchio, the “evil eye,” from anyone, anytime, anywhere. All it takes is a glance or an innocuous compliment (“omg your hair is so shiny”) to bestow bad vibes onto your person. Symptoms include: fogginess, headaches, migraine, fever, stomach pain, dizziness, bad luck, financial ruin, serious illness, and, for the most unfortunate among us, straight up death.
Nonna Genny could detect the malocchio as soon as a cursed soul walked into her house. She’d grab a white bowl and fill it with water, and then slowly drip olive oil into it. If the oil gathered into globs as you’d expect, you hadn’t been cursed. But if the oil scattered around the bowl frantically, girl, that’s the eye. To cure the bad vibes, she would chant while opening and closing scissors above the bowl. Then, she’d drop olive oil into a clean bowl of water, and if the oil stuck together, the evil eye was gone.
Illustration by Sophy HollingtonPepperoncini
If you’ve ever watched The Sopranos, you probably noticed jewelry in the shape of a horn glinting against the hairy chests of the cast. Horns—originally symbols of the Egyptian mother goddess Hathor, an ancient precursor to goddesses Isis and Venus—are decidedly lucky and good at keeping the evil eye away. Women traditionally don’t wear horns, but they do string up fresh red peppers (Nonna Genny used corno di capra, “goat horn,” from her garden), which look just like them. Once dried, the peppers could be left in the kitchen for protection, put in pockets or purses as guardian talismans, or, my personal favorite, fried in olive oil then crushed atop pastas, eggs, soups, bread, or anything savory for the tastiest mouth blessings.
Picture it: Toronto, 1985. My stubby toddler legs hang down from the kitchen counter, feet kicking against the cabinets. I suck on a circular taralle breadstick like it’s a salty anise flavored pacifier. From my front row seat, I watch flecks of salt fly through the air, tossed backwards from grandmother Genoveffa’s hands into the sink as she sings an Italian folk song. Salt gets all over the counter too, and I’m puzzled because this woman would never make a mess on purpose. She gives me a wink, wipes her hands on her apron and goes back to the stove.
Many cultures and religions consider the practice of black magic to be forbidden or taboo. It is important to note that the concept of true black magic is heavily steeped in superstition and belief. There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of supernatural forces or the effectiveness of these rituals and practices. However, for those who believe in the power of black magic, it can be a very real and terrifying experience. It is crucial to distinguish between true black magic and stage magic or illusionism. True black magic is not about performing tricks or illusions for entertainment purposes. It is a serious and often deeply personal practice that is believed to have profound and irreversible consequences for both the practitioner and the target. In conclusion, true black magic refers to the use of supernatural powers and rituals to cause harm or manipulate others. It is often associated with dark forces and is believed to be more powerful than other forms of magic. Although it is considered unethical and dangerous by many, those who believe in its power see it as a potent tool for achieving their goals..
Reviews for "The Allure of True Black Magic: An Examination of its Attraction"
1. John - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "True Black Magic". The book promised to provide an in-depth understanding of black magic, but it fell short on so many levels. The writing was poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Additionally, the content was extremely superficial and lacked the depth and substance that one would expect from a book on such a serious topic. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on black magic.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - I picked up "True Black Magic" hoping to gain some insights into the world of witchcraft and black magic, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver. While the author did provide some basic information, it lacked any real depth or practical advice. The writing style was dry and repetitive, making it a struggle to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on black magic.
3. Jessica - 1/5 - "True Black Magic" was a complete waste of my time and money. The book was filled with misinformation and seemed more like a hodgepodge of random thoughts than a well-researched guide. The author's writing style was disjointed and confusing, making it impossible to gain any valuable insights. I regret purchasing this book and I would strongly advise others to steer clear of it. There are far better resources available on the topic of black magic.
4. David - 2/5 - I was intrigued by the title of "True Black Magic" and was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to lack real knowledge on the topic, and the information provided felt basic and repetitive. The writing style was dull and lacked any creativity. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of black magic.
5. Maria - 1/5 - "True Black Magic" was a disappointing read from start to finish. The book lacked any substantial information on the topic and was filled with generalizations and vague statements. The author made a lot of claims without providing any evidence or references to back them up. Overall, this book felt like a waste of time and I would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about black magic.