A Comprehensive History of Magical Beliefs

The provided text offers a comprehensive overview of magical beliefs throughout history, examining how the definition and practice of magic have evolved from ancient civilizations to the modern era. It highlights the intertwined relationships between magic, religion, and science, particularly in early societies where these domains were often indistinguishable. The source traces key shifts, such as the Greco-Roman period's conceptual marginalization of magic, its complex reception within monotheistic traditions, and the Renaissance revival of learned magic. Furthermore, it covers the brutal European witch hunts, exploring the legal, religious, and social factors that fueled them, before concluding with the persistence of magical thinking in the contemporary world, from the Occult Revival to New Age movements and its presence in popular culture. Ultimately, the text argues that magic endures due to its psychological and social functions in providing meaning, control, and community.

Research done with the help of artificial intelligence, and presented by two AI-generated hosts.