Magical manuscripts hold a significant place in Ethiopian culture and tradition. These manuscripts, known as "Grimoires" or "Tsalatsa," are handwritten texts that contain spells, incantations, and rituals believed to have supernatural powers. The practices mentioned in these manuscripts are deeply rooted in ancient Ethiopian beliefs, combining elements of Christianity, Islam, and traditional African beliefs. Ethiopian magical manuscripts have been passed down through generations, with some dating back to the 14th century. They are written in Ge'ez, an ancient Ethiopian language, and are often accompanied by intricate illustrations and symbols. These manuscripts are predominantly found in churches, monasteries, and the homes of religious practitioners.
Raunig, Walter and Prinz Asfa-Wossen Asserate, editors. Ethiopian Art: A Unique Cultural Heritage and Modern Challenge. Lublin: Marie Curie-Skłodowska University Press, 2007.
First developed in the fourth century, the tables were a consistant feature of Christian biblical manuscripts during the medieval and early modern periods crossing borders, languages, and even continental divides. Other prayers in this manuscript, equally concerned with physical well-being, are less consumed by asmāt , sometimes focusing instead on the range of ailments that could be encountered.
These manuscripts are predominantly found in churches, monasteries, and the homes of religious practitioners. The content of Ethiopian magical manuscripts is diverse, covering a wide range of topics such as healing, protection, divination, and love spells. Some manuscripts focus on contacting spirits or invoking the power of saints for assistance and guidance.
Ethiopian magical manuscripts
MS269
Ethiopian manuscripts
The manuscripts included in this collection were donated to Randall Library in September 2004 by Sara Fussell Messer, an alumni of Wilmington College. They were found by a family member behind a heating duct in his New Orleans apartment during the 1960's. No owner could be located and they have been in the family since that time. They are written in Ethopic Ge'ez, a Semitic language that is no longer spoken, but still used in liturgical writing by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The interpretations of the images were derived from David Appleyard's Ethiopian Manuscripts (London, Jed Press, 1993) and Jacques Mercier's Ethiopian Magic Scrolls (George Braziller,1879). The manuscripts have yet to be fully analyzed.
Manuscripts Collection
William Madison Randall Library
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Inventory
MS/box/file
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Box 1
Scroll 198 x 9 cm.
Scroll of three vellum panels sewn together, with illustrations of a cherub or angle, a face in an eight-pointed star, and a scribe, interspersed with text in black and red ink, with additional text on verso
Scroll Text Face Scribe Cherub or Angle Fragment
Box 2
Scroll 152 x 8 cm.
Scroll of two vellum panels sewn together, possibly missing a third panel, with illustrations of a face and a processional cross, interspersed with text in black, red and blue ink, with additional text on verso
Scroll Face Text
Box 3
Book 15 cm.
Possibly a New Testament Bible, this book has wooden bindings with parchment leaves. Both the front and back covers have been broken and repaired with thread similar to the bindings. The spine is covered in leather but the binding is visible. The text is in two columns in black and red ink.
Front Text Spine
Box 4
Book 15 cm.
This book is possibly a prayer book. It has tooled leather covered boards on the front and back. Plain leather covers the spine. The leaves are parchment with text in either one or two columns in black and red ink
Front Text Spine
Box 5
Addition One
Book 13 cm.
This book has wooden boards on front and back, the spine is uncovered. It contains parchment leaves with text written in black and red ink in either one or two columns. Some of the ink is faded and appears to be purple and orange. This book was donated to Wilmington College during the late 1960's.
Front Text Spine
Other prayers in this manuscript, equally concerned with physical well-being, are less consumed by asmāt, sometimes focusing instead on the range of ailments that could be encountered. One, entitled “Banisher of demons” says that it “will expel every sickness and disease,” and because of it, “every evil spirit will be removed from the soul and body of your maidservant Śāhla Rufā’ēl [the book’s owner] and from whoever carries around their neck or bears this book.” Partway through, a clearly Christian invocation gives some idea of the range of illnesses in view:
Others provide instructions on how to create talismans or perform rituals for specific purposes. One of the most famous Ethiopian magical manuscripts is the "Book of the Seven Climes" (Ye Emahlet Sehul). This manuscript is believed to grant the ability to travel to different realms and communicate with supernatural beings. It contains detailed descriptions of various spiritual worlds and offers guidance on how to navigate and interact with them. The use of Ethiopian magical manuscripts is not limited to religious practitioners. It is also common for people to consult these manuscripts when seeking solutions to personal or societal problems. Magical manuscripts are often associated with healing, and many individuals turn to them for remedies for physical ailments, spiritual afflictions, or protection against evil spirits. Despite their widespread use, Ethiopian magical manuscripts have faced challenges in maintaining their significance and availability. Historical events, such as the destruction of monasteries during wars and religious conflicts, have led to the loss or dispersal of many manuscripts. Additionally, modernization and the influence of external cultures have caused a decline in the practice of using these manuscripts. Efforts, however, are being made to preserve and study Ethiopian magical manuscripts. Institutions such as the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University are actively engaged in researching and documenting these manuscripts, ensuring their cultural and historical importance is recognized and preserved for future generations..
Reviews for "Protecting from Evil: The Use of Ethiopian Magical Manuscripts in Spiritual Practices"
1. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Ethiopian magical manuscripts" given its intriguing title, but I was sorely disappointed. The book lacked clear explanations and context, making it difficult to understand the significance and purpose of the magical manuscripts. The author seemed to assume prior knowledge on the subject matter, leaving someone new to the topic like myself feeling confused and frustrated. Overall, I found this book to be poorly structured and lacking in substance.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Ethiopian magical manuscripts" did not meet my expectations at all. The content was dry and inaccessible, with a heavy focus on academic jargon and complex theories. I was expecting a more engaging and accessible exploration of the subject matter, but found myself struggling to understand what the author was trying to convey. Additionally, the lack of visual aids or illustrations made it difficult to visualize and fully grasp the magical manuscripts. I would not recommend this book to someone looking for an introductory or reader-friendly text on the topic.
3. David - 2 stars - As someone with a keen interest in Ethiopia and its cultural history, I was excited to delve into "Ethiopian magical manuscripts." However, I found the book to be overly focused on technical details and academic debates, rather than providing a broader understanding of the magical manuscripts' cultural significance. The author's writing style was dry and lacked a storytelling aspect, making it a tedious read. I would have appreciated more contextualization of the manuscripts within Ethiopian society and an exploration of their practical applications. Overall, this book fell short in delivering an engaging and comprehensive examination of the subject.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Ethiopian magical manuscripts" to be a challenging read. The language and structure of the book made it feel as though it was written for a highly specialized audience with prior knowledge of the subject matter. As someone new to Ethiopian history and magic, I struggled to follow along and felt overwhelmed by the dense information presented. The author could have done a better job at simplifying the content and providing more explanations for readers who are unfamiliar with the topic. This book left me feeling frustrated and uninformed.