Olden Christian spells refer to the practice of using incantations and rituals within the Christian faith to seek divine intervention or protection. These spells were prominent during the Middle Ages and were typically performed by priests or individuals who had extensive knowledge of Christian scriptures and traditions. One of the most common types of olden Christian spells was the use of prayers for healing and protection. These prayers often involved reciting specific verses or passages from the Bible, such as the Lord's Prayer or psalms. The belief was that by invoking these sacred words, one could access the power of God and receive His divine healing or protection. Another type of olden Christian spell was the use of blessed objects or sacramentals.
**[For protection against violent attack] And you, lord of lords [Jesus], you are the one from whom all healing comes, with your good father and your holy spirit. . . . If a battle arises against us and we are stricken by a sword, or a spear, or a knife, or any weapon under heaven, recite against it my name, and the name of my good father, and the holy spirit, and the name of the twelve apostles, and the name of the twenty-four elders, and the name of the seven archangels, those who are within the veil, who stand by me, my good father, and the holy spirit, so that neither bloodshed nor aching bones might happen at any place over which these names will be recited.
If a battle arises against us and we are stricken by a sword, or a spear, or a knife, or any weapon under heaven, recite against it my name, and the name of my good father, and the holy spirit, and the name of the twelve apostles, and the name of the twenty-four elders, and the name of the seven archangels, those who are within the veil, who stand by me, my good father, and the holy spirit, so that neither bloodshed nor aching bones might happen at any place over which these names will be recited. This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity.
Another type of olden Christian spell was the use of blessed objects or sacramentals. These objects, such as blessed water, holy oil, or blessed herbs, were believed to possess spiritual power and could be used in rituals or placed in specific locations to ward off evil spirits, heal the sick, or bring blessings upon an individual or household. In addition to prayers and blessed objects, olden Christian spells also involved the use of specific rituals or ceremonies.
Ancient Christian Magic: Coptic Texts of Ritual Power
This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.
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Genres ReligionChristianityOccultHistoryMagicNonfictionMagick
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1994
Book details & editions Loading interface. Loading interface.About the author
Marvin W. Meyer
38 books 47 followersMarvin Meyer is a scholar of religion and a tenured professor at Chapman University, in Orange, California.
He is the Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies at Chapman University and Director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute. He is also Director of the Coptic Magical Texts Project of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity. Dr. Meyer is the author of numerous books and articles on Greco-Roman and Christian religions in antiquity and late antiquity, and on Albert Schweitzer's ethic of reverence for life. He has been interviewed on television programs that have aired on ABC, BBC, CNN, PBS, A&E, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the National Geographic Channel.
Professor Meyer is best known for his translations of the texts of documents associated with the ancient mystery religions, early Christian magic, and Gnostic texts, of which the most notable have been the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas. He is regarded as an authority on Gnosticism and has published many books on the subject.
Meyer died of melanoma on August 16, 2012.
"This book is a treasure-trove of material illustrating folk beliefs and practices of a people in Egypt spanning more than a thousand years."—Birger A. Pearson, University of California, Berkeley
For example, the ritual of exorcism was often performed to cast out demons or evil spirits from individuals who were believed to be possessed. This ritual typically involved the use of prayers, holy water, and the sign of the cross. It is important to note that while olden Christian spells were practiced within the context of the Christian faith, they were often seen as controversial by some religious authorities. The Catholic Church, for instance, has been known to condemn the use of spells and magic that deviate from the teachings of the Church. Overall, olden Christian spells highlight the intertwining of spirituality and magic within the Christian tradition. They demonstrate the belief in the power of prayer and sacred objects to invoke divine intervention and bring about healing, protection, and blessings. While these practices may have diminished over time, they serve as a reminder of the diverse beliefs and practices that have shaped the history of Christianity..
Reviews for "Traveling with the Divine: Old Christian Spells for Safe Journeys"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I found "Olden Christian Spells" to be quite disappointing. The book promised to provide a historical perspective on Christian spells, but it was lacking in substance. The author failed to provide any concrete examples or explanations of the spells mentioned, and it felt more like an empty overview than a comprehensive guide. I was hoping to learn more about the origins and rituals of these spells, but the book fell short in delivering that information. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of Christian spells.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I couldn't finish "Olden Christian Spells" because I found it to be extremely dry and dull. The writing was uninspiring and lacked any sort of personality or passion. Additionally, the information provided was repetitive and did not offer any new insights into Christian spells that haven't already been covered in other books. The formatting was also poor, with tiny font sizes and cramped text, making it difficult to read. Save yourself the time and money and look for a more engaging book on the topic.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars
As someone who was interested in exploring the history of Christian spells, this book left me feeling unsatisfied. The author spent too much time discussing unrelated aspects of Christianity and failed to dive into the specifics of Christian spells. I was hoping for a more thorough exploration of the rituals, beliefs, and practices associated with these spells, but the book only scratched the surface. The lack of depth and focus made it difficult to truly understand and appreciate the subject matter. Disappointing overall.
4. Emily - 2.5/5 stars
While "Olden Christian Spells" had potential, it fell short in a few areas. The book provided a brief overview of Christian spells throughout history, but it lacked the depth and examples needed to fully understand and engage with the topic. The writing style was also quite dry and academic, making it difficult to stay engaged and interested. I wanted more practical guidance and instructions on how to incorporate these spells into my own spiritual practice, but the book didn't deliver on that front. It may appeal more to readers with a strong academic interest in the history of Christian spells rather than those seeking practical knowledge.