View source for Paper 88 - Fetishes, Charms, and Magic

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==PAPER 88: FETISHES, CHARMS, AND MAGIC==  

88:0.1 The [[concept]] of a [[spirit]]'s entering into an inanimate object, an [[animal]], or a [[human being]], is a very [[ancient]] and honorable [[belief]], having prevailed since the beginning of the [[evolution]] of [[religion]]. This [[doctrine]] of spirit [[possession]] is nothing more nor less than [[fetishism]]. The [[savage]] does not necessarily [[worship]] the fetish; he very [[logically]] [[worships]] and [[reverences]] the spirit resident therein.

88:0.2 At first, the [[spirit]] of a [[fetish]] was believed to be the [[ghost]] of a dead man; later on, the higher spirits were supposed to reside in [[fetishes]]. And so the fetish [[cult]] [[eventually]] incorporated all of the [[primitive]] [[ideas]] of [[ghosts]], [[souls]], spirits, and [[demon]] [[possession]].

==88:1. BELIEF IN FETISHES==

88:1.1 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] always wanted to make anything extraordinary into a [[fetish]]; [[chance]] therefore gave [[origin]] to many. A man is sick, something happens, and he gets well. The same thing is true of the [[reputation]] of many [[medicines]] and the [[chance]] [[methods]] of treating [[disease]]. Objects [[connected]] with [[dreams]] were likely to be converted into [[fetishes]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanoes Volcanoes], but not [[mountains]], became fetishes; [[comets]], but not [[stars]]. Early man regarded shooting stars and [[meteors]] as indicating the arrival on [[earth]] of special [[visiting]] spirits.

88:1.2 The first [[fetishes]] were peculiarly marked pebbles, and "[https://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/stones.html sacred stones]" have ever since been sought by man; a string of beads was once a [[collection]] of sacred stones, a battery of [[charms]]. Many [[tribes]] had [[fetish]] stones, but few have [[survived]] as have the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaaba Kaaba] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_scone Stone of Scone]. [[Fire]] and [[water]] were also among the early [[fetishes]], and [[fire]] [[worship]], together with [[belief]] in holy water, still survives.

88:1.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trees Tree] fetishes were a later [[development]], but among some [[tribes]] the persistence of [[nature]] [[worship]] led to [[belief]] in [[charms]] indwelt by some sort of nature [[spirit]]. When [[plants]] and fruits became [[fetishes]], they were [[taboo]] as [[food]]. The apple was among the first to fall into this category; it was never eaten by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant Levantine] peoples.

88:1.4 If an [[animal]] ate human flesh, it became a [[fetish]]. In this way the dog came to be the [[sacred]] animal of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsees Parsees]. If the fetish is an [[animal]] and the [[ghost]] is permanently resident therein, then fetishism may impinge on [[reincarnation]]. In many ways the [[savages]] [[envied]] the animals; they did not feel superior to them and were often named after their favorite beasts.

88:1.5 When [[animals]] became [[fetishes]], there ensued the [[taboos]] on eating the [[flesh]] of the fetish animal. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apes Apes] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeys monkeys], because of resemblance to [[man]], early became [[fetish]] animals; later, snakes, birds, and swine were also similarly regarded. At one time the cow was a fetish, the milk being [[taboo]] while the excreta were highly esteemed. The serpent was revered in [[Palestine]], especially by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], who, along with the [[Jews]], considered it to be the mouthpiece of [[evil]] [[spirits]]. Even many [[moderns]] believe in the [[charm]] [[powers]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptiles reptiles]. From [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabia] on through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India] to the [https://www.brownielocks.com/snakedance.html snake dance] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_Moki Moqui tribe] of red men the serpent has been [[revered]].

88:1.6 Certain days of the week were [[fetishes]]. For ages [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday Friday] has been regarded as an unlucky day and the number [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen thirteen] as an [[evil]] numeral. The lucky numbers [[three]] and [[seven]] came from later revelations; four was the lucky number of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] and was derived from the early recognition of the four points of the [[compass]]. It was held unlucky to count cattle or other [[possessions]]; the [[ancients]] always opposed the taking of a [[census]], "numbering the people."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.24]

88:1.7 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] did not make an undue [[fetish]] out of [[sex]]; the [[reproductive]] [[function]] received only a limited amount of [[attention]]. The savage was [[natural]] minded, not obscene or prurient.

88:1.8 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saliva Saliva] was a potent [[fetish]]; devils could be driven out by spitting on a [[person]]. For an elder or superior to spit on one was the highest compliment. Parts of the [[human]] [[body]] were looked upon as [[potential]] [[fetishes]], particularly the hair and nails. The long-growing fingernails of the chiefs were highly prized, and the trimmings thereof were a powerful fetish. [[Belief]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skull skull] fetishes accounts for much of later-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_hunting head-hunting]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbilical_cord umbilical cord] was a highly prized fetish; even today it is so regarded in Africa. [[Mankind]]'s first toy was a preserved umbilical cord. Set with pearls, as was often done, it was man's first [https://www.theumbilicalcord.com/en/tienda/online/classic necklace].

88:1.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunchback_of_notre_dame Hunchbacked] and crippled children were regarded as [[fetishes]]; [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lunacy lunatics] were believed to be moon-struck. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] could not distinguish between [[genius]] and insanity; idiots were either beaten to [[death]] or [[revered]] as [[fetish]] [[personalities]]. Hysteria increasingly confirmed the popular [[belief]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft witchcraft]; epileptics often were [[priests]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine men]. Drunkenness was looked upon as a form of [[spirit]] [[possession]]; when a savage went on a spree, he put a leaf in his hair for the [[purpose]] of disavowing [[responsibility]] for his [[acts]]. [[Poisons]] and [[intoxicants]] became [[fetishes]]; they were deemed to be [[possessed]].

88:1.10 Many people looked upon [[geniuses]] as fetish [[personalities]] [[possessed]] by a [[wise]] spirit. And these talented [[humans]] soon learned to resort to fraud and trickery for the advancement of their [[selfish interests]]. A fetish man was thought to be more than human; he was [[divine]], even [[infallible]]. Thus did chiefs, [[kings]], [[priests]], [[prophets]], and church rulers [[eventually]] wield great power and exercise unbounded [[authority]].

==88:2. EVOLUTION OF THE FETISH==

88:2.1 It was a supposed [[preference]] of [[ghosts]] to indwell some object which had belonged to them when alive in the [[flesh]]. This [[belief]] explains the efficacy of many [[modern]] [[relics]]. The [[ancients]] always revered the bones of their [[leaders]], and the skeletal remains of saints and [[heroes]] are still regarded with [[superstitious]] [[awe]] by many. Even today, [[pilgrimages]] are made to the tombs of great men.

88:2.2 [[Belief]] in [[relics]] is an outgrowth of the [[ancient]] [[fetish]] [[cult]]. The relics of [[modern]] [[religions]] [[represent]] an attempt to [[rationalize]] the fetish of the savage and thus elevate it to a place of [[dignity]] and respectability in the [[modern]] religious [[systems]]. It is heathenish to believe in [[fetishes]] and [[magic]] but supposedly all right to accept [[relics]] and [[miracles]].

88:2.3 The [[hearth]]—fireplace—became more or less of a [[fetish]], a [[sacred]] spot. The [[shrines]] and [[temples]] were at first fetish places because the dead were buried there. The fetish [[hut]] of the [[Hebrews]] was elevated by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] to that place where it harbored a superfetish, the then existent [[concept]] of the [[law]] of [[God]]. But the Israelites never gave up the peculiar Canaanite [[belief]] in the stone [[altar]]: "And this stone which I have set up as a pillar shall be God's house."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.28] They truly believed that the [[spirit]] of their [[God]] dwelt in such stone [[altars]], which were in reality [[fetishes]].

88:2.4 The earliest images were made to preserve the [[appearance]] and [[memory]] of the illustrious dead; they were really [[monuments]]. [[Idols]] were a refinement of [[fetishism]]. The [[primitives]] believed that a [[ceremony]] of [[consecration]] caused the spirit to enter the image; likewise, when certain objects were [[blessed]], they became [[charms]].

88:2.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], in the addition of the second commandment to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:7._LIFE_IN_DALAMATIA ancient Dalamatian moral code], made an [[effort]] to control fetish [[worship]] among the [[Hebrews]]. He carefully directed that they should make no sort of image that might become consecrated as a [[fetish]]. He made it plain, "You shall not make a graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or on the earth beneath, or in the waters of the earth."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.20] While this commandment did much to retard [[art]] among the Jews, it did lessen [[fetish]] [[worship]]. But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] was too [[wise]] to attempt suddenly to displace the olden fetishes, and he therefore consented to the putting of certain [[relics]] alongside the [[law]] in the combined [[war]] [[altar]] and religious shrine which was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_covenant the ark].

88:2.6 [[Words]] [[eventually]] became [[fetishes]], more especially those which were regarded as [[God]]'s words; in this way the [[sacred]] [[books]] of many [[religions]] have become [[fetishistic]] prisons incarcerating the [[spiritual]] [[imagination]] of man. Moses' very [[effort]] against fetishes became a supreme [[fetish]]; his commandment was later used to stultify [[art]] and to retard the enjoyment and [[adoration]] of the [[beautiful]].

88:2.7 In olden times the [[fetish]] [[word]] of [[authority]] was a [[fear]]-[[inspiring]] [[doctrine]], the most terrible of all [[tyrants]] which [[enslave]] men. A doctrinal fetish will lead [[mortal]] man to betray himself into the clutches of [[bigotry]], [[fanaticism]], [[superstition]], intolerance, and the most atrocious of barbarous cruelties. [[Modern]] respect for [[wisdom]] and [[truth]] is but the recent [[escape]] from the fetish-making tendency up to the higher levels of [[thinking]] and [[reasoning]]. Concerning the accumulated [[fetish]] [[writings]] which various religionists hold as [[sacred]] [[books]], it is not only believed that what is in the book is true, but also that every [[truth]] is contained in the [[book]]. If one of these sacred books happens to speak of the [[earth]] as being [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatland flat], then, for long [[generations]], otherwise sane men and women will refuse to accept positive [[evidence]] that the [[planet]] is [[Sphere|round]].

88:2.8 The [[practice]] of opening one of these [[sacred]] [[books]] to let the eye [[chance]] upon a passage, the following of which may determine important life [[decisions]] or projects, is nothing more nor less than arrant fetishism. To take an [[oath]] on a "holy book" or to swear by some object of supreme [[veneration]] is a form of refined fetishism.

88:2.9 But it does [[represent]] real evolutionary [[progress]] to advance from the [[fetish]] [[fear]] of a savage chief's fingernail trimmings to the [[adoration]] of a superb collection of [[letters]], [[laws]], [[legends]], allegories, [[myths]], poems, and chronicles which, after all, [[reflect]] the winnowed [[moral]] [[wisdom]] of many centuries, at least up to the time and [[event]] of their being assembled as a "sacred book."

88:2.10 To become fetishes, [[words]] had to be considered [[inspired]], and the invocation of supposed divinely inspired [[writings]] led directly to the [[establishment]] of the [[authority]] of the church, while the [[evolution]] of [[civil]] forms led to the fruition of the authority of the [[state]].

==88:3. TOTEMISM==

88:3.1 Fetishism ran through all the [[primitive]] [[cults]] from the earliest [[belief]] in sacred stones, through [[idolatry]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism], and [[nature]] [[worship]], to [[totemism]].

88:3.2 [[Totemism]] is a combination of [[social]] and [[religious]] observances. Originally it was thought that [[respect]] for the [[totem]] [[animal]] of supposed [[biologic]] [[origin]] insured the [[food]] supply. [[Totems]] were at one and the same time [[symbols]] of the [[group]] and their [[god]]. Such a god was the [[clan]] [[personified]]. Totemism was one [[phase]] of the attempted [[socialization]] of otherwise [[personal]] [[religion]]. The [[totem]] [[eventually]] evolved into the flag, or [[national]] [[symbol]], of the various [[modern]] peoples.

88:3.3 A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_bag fetish bag, a medicine bag], was a pouch containing a reputable assortment of [[ghost]]-impregnated articles, and the medicine man of old never allowed his bag, the [[symbol]] of his power, to [[touch]] the [[ground]]. Civilized peoples in the twentieth century see to it that their flags, emblems of [[national]] [[consciousness]], likewise never [[touch]] the [[ground]].

88:3.4 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insignia insignia] of [[priest]]ly and [[king]]ly office were [[eventually]] regarded as [[fetishes]], and the fetish of the [[state]] supreme has passed through many [[stages]] of [[development]], from [[clans]] to [[tribes]], from suzerainty to [[sovereignty]], from [[totems]] to flags. Fetish kings have ruled by "divine right," and many other forms of [[government]] have obtained. Men have also made a [[fetish]] of [[democracy]], the exaltation and [[adoration]] of the common man's [[ideas]] when collectively called "[[public]] [[opinion]]." One man's [[opinion]], when taken by itself, is not regarded as worth much, but when many men are collectively [[functioning]] as a [[democracy]], this same mediocre [[judgment]] is held to be the [[arbiter]] of [[justice]] and the [[standard]] of [[righteousness]].

==88:4. MAGIC==

88:4.1 [[Civilized]] [[man]] [[attacks]] the [[problems]] of a real [[environment]] through his [[science]]; [[savage]] man attempted to solve the real [[problems]] of an [[illusory]] [[ghost]] environment by [[magic]]. Magic was the [[technique]] of [[manipulating]] the conjectured [[spirit]] environment whose machinations endlessly explained the inexplicable; it was the art of obtaining [[voluntary]] spirit [[co-operation]] and of coercing involuntary [[spirit]] aid through the use of [[fetishes]] or other and more powerful spirits.

88:4.2 The object of [[magic]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorcery sorcery], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancy necromancy] was twofold:

*1. To secure [[insight]] into the [[future]].
*2. Favorably to [[influence]] [[environment]].

88:4.3 The objects of [[science]] are identical with those of [[magic]]. [[Mankind]] is [[progressing]] from [[magic]] to [[science]], not by [[meditation]] and [[reason]], but rather through long [[experience]], [[gradually]] and [[painfully]]. Man is gradually backing into the [[truth]], beginning in [[error]], progressing in [[error]], and finally attaining the [[threshold]] of [[truth]]. Only with the arrival of the [[scientific method]] has he faced forward. But [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] had to [[experiment]] or [[perish]].

88:4.4 The [[fascination]] of early [[superstition]] was the [[mother]] of the later [[scientific]] [[curiosity]]. There was [[progressive]] [[dynamic]] [[emotion]]—[[fear]] plus [[curiosity]]—in these primitive [[superstitions]]; there was progressive driving [[power]] in the olden [[magic]]. These superstitions [[represented]] the [[emergence]] of the human [[desire]] to know and to [[control]] [[planetary]] [[environment]].

88:4.5 [[Magic]] gained such a strong hold upon the [[savage]] because he could not grasp the [[concept]] of [[natural]] [[death]]. The later [[idea]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin] helped much to weaken the grip of [[magic]] on the [[race]] in that it accounted for [[natural]] [[death]]. It was at one time not at all uncommon for ten [[innocent]] persons to be put to [[death]] because of supposed [[responsibility]] for one natural death. This is one [[reason]] why [[ancient]] peoples did not increase faster, and it is still true of some African [[tribes]]. The accused [[individual]] usually [[confessed]] [[guilt]], even when facing death.

88:4.6 [[Magic]] is natural to a [[savage]]. He believes that an enemy can actually be killed by practicing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorcery sorcery] on his shingled hair or fingernail trimmings. The fatality of snake bites was [[attributed]] to the [[magic]] of the sorcerer. The [[difficulty]] in combating [[magic]] arises from the [[fact]] that [[fear]] can kill. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive peoples] so feared [[magic]] that it did actually kill, and such results were sufficient to substantiate this erroneous [[belief]]. In case of failure there was always some plausible [[explanation]]; the [[cure]] for [[defective]] magic was more [[magic]].

==88:5. MAGICAL CHARMS==

88:5.1 Since anything [[connected]] with the [[body]] could become a [[fetish]], the earliest [[magic]] had to do with hair and nails. [[Secrecy]] attendant upon body elimination grew up out of [[fear]] that an enemy might get [[possession]] of something derived from the body and employ it in detrimental [[magic]]; all excreta of the body were therefore carefully [[buried]]. [[Public]] spitting was refrained from because of the [[fear]] that saliva would be used in deleterious [[magic]]; spittle was always covered. Even [[food]] remnants, clothing, and ornaments could become instruments of [[magic]]. The [[savage]] never left any remnants of his meal on the table. And all this was done through [[fear]] that one's enemies might use these [[things]] in magical [[rites]], not from any [[appreciation]] of the hygienic [[value]] of such [[practices]].

88:5.2 Magical [[charms]] were concocted from a great variety of [[things]]: human flesh, tiger claws, crocodile teeth, [[poison]] [[plant]] seeds, snake venom, and human hair. The bones of the dead were very [[magical]]. Even the dust from footprints could be used in [[magic]]. The [[ancients]] were great believers in [[love]] [[charms]]. Blood and other forms of bodily secretions were able to insure the magic [[influence]] of [[love]].

88:5.3 Images were supposed to be [[effective]] in [[magic]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effigies Effigies] were made, and when treated ill or well, the same [[effects]] were believed to rest upon the real [[person]]. When making purchases, [[superstitious]] persons would chew a bit of hard wood in order to soften the [[heart]] of the seller.

88:5.4 The milk of a black cow was highly magical; so also were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_cats black cats]. The staff or wand was magical, along with drums, bells, and knots. All [[ancient]] objects were magical [[charms]]. The [[practices]] of a new or higher [[civilization]] were looked upon with disfavor because of their supposedly [[evil]] magical [[nature]]. [[Writing]], [[printing]], and pictures were long so regarded.

88:5.5 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] believed that [[names]] must be treated with [[respect]], especially names of the [[gods]]. The [[name]] was regarded as an [[entity]], an [[influence]] distinct from the [[physical]] [[personality]]; it was esteemed equally with the [[soul]] and the [[shadow]]. [[Names]] were pawned for loans; a man could not use his name until it had been redeemed by payment of the loan. Nowadays one signs his name to a note. An [[individual]]'s name soon became important in [[magic]]. The savage had two names; the important one was regarded as too [[sacred]] to use on ordinary occasions, hence the second or everyday name—a nickname. He never told his real name to strangers. Any [[experience]] of an unusual nature caused him to [[change]] his name; sometimes it was in an [[effort]] to cure [[disease]] or to stop bad [[luck]]. The [[savage]] could get a new name by buying it from the tribal chief; men still invest in titles and [[degrees]]. But among the most [[primitive]] [[tribes]], such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushmen African Bushmen], [[individual]] [[names]] do not exist.

==88:6. THE PRACTICE OF MAGIC==

88:6.1 [[Magic]] was [[practiced]] through the use of [[wands]], "[[medicine]]" [[ritual]], and incantations, and it was [[customary]] for the practitioner to [[work]] [[unclothed]]. [[Women]] outnumbered the [[men]] among [[primitive]] magicians. In [[magic]], "medicine" means [[mystery]], not treatment. The savage never doctored himself; he never used medicines except on the [[advice]] of the specialists in magic. And the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo voodoo] doctors of the twentieth century are typical of the magicians of old.

88:6.2 There was both a [[public]] and a [[private]] phase to [[magic]]. That [[performed]] by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine man], [[shaman]], or [[priest]] was supposed to be for the [[good]] of the whole [[tribe]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft Witches], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_(paranormal) sorcerers], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizard_(fantasy) wizards] dispensed [[private]] magic, [[personal]] and selfish magic which was employed as a coercive [[method]] of bringing [[evil]] on one's enemies. The concept of [[dual]] spiritism, good and bad spirits, gave rise to the later [[beliefs]] in white and black [[magic]]. And as [[religion]] evolved, magic was the term applied to [[spirit]] operations outside one's own [[cult]], and it also referred to older [[ghost]] [[beliefs]].

88:6.3 [[Word]] combinations, the [[ritual]] of [[chants]] and [[incantations]], were highly magical. Some early incantations finally evolved into [[prayers]]. Presently, imitative magic was practiced; prayers were acted out; magical [[dances]] were nothing but [[dramatic]] [[prayers]]. Prayer gradually displaced [[magic]] as the associate of [[sacrifice]].

88:6.4 [[Gesture]], being older than [[speech]], was the more [[holy]] and [[magical]], and mimicry was believed to have strong magical [[power]]. The red men often staged a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Dance buffalo dance] in which one of their number would play the part of a buffalo and, in being caught, would insure the success of the impending [[hunt]]. The [[sex]] festivities of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day May Day] were simply imitative magic, a suggestive appeal to the [[sex]] [[passions]] of the [[plant]] world. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll doll] was first employed as a [[magic]] talisman by the barren [[wife]].

88:6.5 [[Magic]] was the branch off the evolutionary religious tree which [[eventually]] bore the fruit of a [[scientific]] age. [[Belief]] in [[astrology]] led to the [[development]] of [[astronomy]]; [[belief]] in a [[philosopher's stone]] led to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallurgy mastery of metals], while [[belief]] in [[magic]] [[numbers]] founded the [[science]] of [[mathematics]].

88:6.6 But a world so filled with [[charms]] did much to destroy all [[personal]] [[ambition]] and [[initiative]]. The fruits of extra labor or of [[diligence]] were looked upon as magical. If a man had more grain in his field than his [[neighbor]], he might be haled before the chief and charged with enticing this extra grain from the [[indolent]] neighbor's field. Indeed, in the days of [[barbarism]] it was [[dangerous]] to know very much; there was always the [[chance]] of being executed as a black artist.

88:6.7 [[Gradually]] [[science]] is removing the [[gambling]] element from life. But if [[modern]] [[methods]] of [[education]] should fail, there would be an almost [[immediate]] reversion to the [[primitive]] [[beliefs]] in [[magic]]. These [[superstitions]] still linger in the [[minds]] of many so-called civilized people. [[Language]] contains many [[fossils]] which testify that the [[race]] has long been steeped in magical [[superstition]], such words as spellbound, ill-starred, [[possessions]], [[inspiration]], spirit away, ingenuity, entrancing, thunderstruck, and astonished. And [[intelligent]] [[human beings]] still believe in good [[luck]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye evil eye], and [[astrology]].

88:6.8 [[Ancient]] [[magic]] was the cocoon of [[modern]] [[science]], indispensable in its time but now no longer useful. And so the phantasms of [[ignorant]] [[superstition]] agitated the [[primitive]] [[minds]] of men until the [[concepts]] of [[science]] could be born. Today, [[Urantia]] is in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight twilight] zone of this [[intellectual]] [[evolution]]. One half the world is grasping eagerly for the [[light]] of [[truth]] and the [[facts]] of [[scientific]] [[discovery]], while the other half languishes in the arms of [[ancient]] [[superstition]] and but thinly disguised [[magic]].

88:6.9 Presented by a [[Brilliant Evening Star]] of [[Nebadon]].

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[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]