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The History of Popular Beliefs: Astrology:

Astrology is actually an ancient science that predates both astronomy and psychology. The earliest known astrological records date back to Babylon, 1645 BC, and the earliest horoscope to 410 BC. (It shows how old astrology is) Astrology's origins can also be traced to several other locations and cultures, including Egypt, which developed sophisticated timekeeping and calendar science; Greece, where Ptolemy authored influential astrological and astronomical texts; and Rome, where many of the most learned men-including two emperors-were astrologers who wrote laws and counseled citizens based on the Stars. (through this we can see the development of astrology in the new world and how it affects so many people across such a vast space.) During the Renaissance, when literacy became more widespread, almanacs began publishing astrological information for public consumption. (It was easily obtained) As the Scientific Revolution surged and astronomy gained respect, Astrology and various other arts fell by the wayside. Many individuals still practiced the art, however, and Astrology enjoyed small revivals in England in the 17- and 1800s. (It was strong and had a continuous followers with fluctuating numbers.)

Witchcraft/White Magic:
The roots of magic come from the Celts, a people living between 700 BC and 100 AD. Believed to be descendants of Indo-Europeans, the Celts were a brilliant and dynamic people gifted artists, musicians, storytellers, metalworkers, expert farmers and fierce warriors. They were much feared by their adversaries, the Romans, who eventually adopted a number of their customs and traditions. (shows how old it is, where it originated and who was involved.) The Celts were a deeply spiritual people, who worshiped both a god and goddess. (They didnt worship satin) The "Druids" were the priests of the Celtic religion. They remained in power through the fourth century AD, three centuries after the Celts' defeat at the hands of the Romans. The Druids were priests, teachers, judges, astrologers, healers and bards. They became indispensable to the political leaders, giving them considerable power and influence. They were peacemakers, and were able to pass from one warring tribe to another unharmed. It took twenty years of intense study to become a Druid. (Not everyone who practiced magic was evil) The religious beliefs and practices of the Celts grew into what later became known as Paganism, not to be confused with the term Neo-Paganism. (this shows adaption and change) Paganistic beliefs and rituals blended with those of other Indo-European descended groups, and over several centuries spawned such practices as concocting potions and ointments, casting spells, and performing works of magic. These practices, along with many of the nature-based beliefs held by the Celts and other groups, became collectively known as witchcraft. (what witchcraft became known as)

The term witch means to "twist or bend" its origin in the ancient, Anglo-Saxon word "wicca" is derived from the word "wicce" meaning "wise." (Definiton for the term witch) "Black magic or witchcraft is performed with the intention of harming another being, either as a means of building the practitioner's power or as the goal itself. (this is the negative witchcraft which is most stereotypical which makes people think all witches are bad.) "White magic" is where the practitioner attunes himself or herself to the needs of human society and attempts to meet those needs. This is a form of "personal betterment" magic, and does not entail harming other beings. (this is the good magic and is often unnoticed.) Cunning Folk: Cunning Folk is the name given to people who practice one brand of magical practice. (What cunning folk are.) English cunning folk were businesspeople who provided a particular range of services to their clients. They were male and female and worked in both rural villages and towns. Their most important and profitable services were defense against witchcraft and the healing of magical diseases and injuries. This emphasis on counter-witchcraft was the core of their identity, and distinguishes cunning folk from other types of healers and magicians. (what cunning folk did.) Cunning folk were a recognized part of British rural and urban life, and in the 19th century it is estimated there were several thousand at work across the country. (how many people were affected) By the nineteenth century when the threat of prosecution was slight, cunning folk advertised their services and wrote books. (the penalties for practicing were slight so they were able to advertise gaining more business making the belief stronger.) As late as the 17th century in England, magical beliefs were widespread in both learned and popular thought. Some of this popular magic was a hold-over from the 'Old Faith' or Catholicism: Catholic priests pronounced that benefits such as protection during travel, ease of childbirth, recovery of lost goods and protection from blindness could be gained by the repetition of Latin prayers, attending Mass, or even seeing the priest bearing the Host. Pre-Christian magical beliefs and practices also survived into the early modern period. (shows how the church influenced what the people believed and had such a big impact on their lives.) While some cunning folk were considered wholly good, many more were seen as ambivalent (untrustworthy) and regarded with a degree of fear. (Shows that the people couldnt always be trusted and it was a fear held by the public.)

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