Cauldron of the Dark Arts

By Jordan K. Sanders

Most small towns have an undeniable charm that instantly infuses us with a sense of neighborly affection, yet, when you peel away layers of innocence, there are cavities of brooding duplicity. The town of Lake City is no different as a grandfather cares for his grandson whom he rescued from Beirut Gardens in order to strengthen his future as well as hoping he develops and interest in his chosen profession which happens to be Root-doctoring. On the other side of town a family of five has just begun reaping the benefits of hard-earned prosperity from a family business some might call ‘charmed’ because the mother is a practicing witch. Tensions exponentially increase as the practitioners of Roots and Witchcraft decide that they no longer wish to peacefully co-exist. What follows is a conflict for the ages.

The caldron boils, steam rises and there will be blood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jordan K. Sanders
• Release date: Feb 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311568250

Jordan K. Sanders

Upon winning awards for writing at a young age Jordan dedicated himself to learning the craft. After years of study he embarked on a journey to better understand human nature in order to place identifiable characterizations into memorable story lines. Some say his writing style combines several of the best qualities of Hemingway, Poe, Bradbury and Koontz along with an archetypal penchant for creativity. Jordan, however, brushes aside such comparisons saying that ‘in order to bring readers the best possible experience the writer must understand that perfection isn’t a destination but a ceaseless expedition.’ Jordan’s current passion is for paranormal horror however he has expressed interest in delving into other genres. Please support writers by providing your constructive analysis as this will only enhance the reading experience.

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Introduction

Cauldron of the Dark Arts

By

Jordan K. Sanders

Published at Smashwords

Copyright @ 2014 all rights reserved

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Published by Musesiac Publishing LLC.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgment

Self made men are alien to this world therefore I must thank all of the people around me.

Father, Mother, Brothers, Barbara, Jessie, Willie, Javen, Briana, EJ, Junebug, Margaret, Helen, Tyrone, Toya, Michelle, Oscar, Eva, Della Stevie, Al, Brittny, Katrice, Rodrick Selena, Stephanie, Robin, George, Shereka, Calvan, DeAndre, TonyO, Rev, Sister B, Betty, Regina, Demetris, Taylor, JoJo, Ricky, Trey, Susan C., Zoey, Perry, Martha, Ray, Kemari, JoAnn, Dino, Tiffany, Jay, Kinard, Kenny, Robert and most of all God.

Forward

Forward

Our understanding of the life of prehistoric man heavily relies on anthropology, artifacts and human remains. However, we know that they suffered from diseases and sought to understand their world like no other being on this planet just as we do today. Imagine, the common cold quickly turning into pneumonia during inclement weather, a cut that becomes infected means a horrific death. Yet, people didn't just survive they thrived in lands more inhospitable than you or I could ever imagine. In many tribes medicine men were entrusted with the health and well-being of his tribesmen by administering herbs, creating charms, performing rituals or even performing surgical procedures. They believed these men to be in contact with spirits or gods working as supernatural conduits to cure patients by removing evil spirits. Indeed, witch doctors were the pillar of their tribes revered and feared for their unworldly powers and uncanny wisdom, in the metaphysical sense, that shaped and solidified the traditions of countless generations. Although our beliefs have evolved through totemism, polytheism and monotheistic our belief in magic still survives: and like a moth struck by the beauty of the flame we wonder in awe as the flame comes closer still, gazing betwixt and between to be still the heart of our fiery ambitions. Therefore, if magic is defined as any mysterious or extraordinary quality or power then the practice of witchcraft, voodoo and other arcane arts are as justifiable as modern day traditional religions. After all, what is a miracle without a dash of magic?

Totemism is structured around several cultural elements such as signs, symbols, taboos, sacred places, sacred objects, art, writings (hieroglyphics) and rites. In popular belief, totemism is said to have developed during the early Stone Age which was a period approximately 2.5 million years ago where stone was shaped and used by man exclusively as implements. This period gives rise to the first widespread use of tools vital to the evolution of humanity and migration from East Africa into other parts of the world. It ends with the domestication of animals, development of agriculture and a procedure for smelting metal from copper ore. It's likely that during the Stone Age, the oldest known religion began taking shape. Medicine men or witch doctors, if you prefer, were considered neutral because magic's power to heal or curse relied upon the constitution of the man. We also remember that an individual would have a slim chance for survival outside of a group therefore it is reasonable to assume that a social hierarchy existed. Thus, even more so than in today's society people with the ability to teach and heal would be at the top of that hierarchy perhaps treating their patients with a helping of emulsified brains while teaching principled adherence to tribal taboos. In any case, these early physicians invariably engineered social norms which have developed over the centuries but endure as the bedrock of cultures all over the world.

The influence of Polytheism spread as man sought to define their existence through a connection with deities who gave them dominion over all things. Polytheism was the typical form of religion during the bronze and Iron Age which ended around 500 B.C. A Polytheist system is comprised of several Gods who form a larger group of relatable yet separate Gods as part of a pantheon. Although this pantheon represents a coherent group of deities most cultures acknowledge the existence of other Gods who are often identified as the same God with a different name or incorporated into the pantheon of older Gods. Each deity commonly personifies a specific facet of man's existence and thus maintains stewardship over some aspect of nature therefore one wishing for children would pray to their fertility god, one seeking favor from the great river would pray to their water god and so forth. To satiate these Gods elaborate ceremonies/ celebrations were held to a show appreciation for grace or a sacrifice was made (perhaps animals and humans) in order to appease a seemingly angry god. Also, during this period, human burials developed as an interpreted response to the wishes of gods; also, bodies were left to rot, burned or sometimes eaten by the tribe. Although Polytheism is decidedly different from Totemism the element that everything is alive is their common thread. Therefore, it stands to reason that within a common thread there are those who would cling to the old world views and continue an unpopular practice despite the consequences and risk. Our belief in magic today may very well exist because of those who wouldn't let it die.

Monotheistic beliefs became predominant after the bronze and iron age and continue to this day. Several spiritual traditions have evolved and are observed around the world such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Of course, these are only a small sampling of practiced religions since today there are estimated to be over 4000 known religions. The word religion is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Coincidentally, or perhaps in association with, magic is defined as the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantations or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or forces of nature. Aside from the absence of a moral code, which I believe practitioners of magic observe despite being stigmatized, these two terms certainly overlap. To further underline my point, I will briefly compare the aforementioned religions with a history of magic

Christianity: True Practitioners of magic in the Bible were thought to be subsidized by demonic powers while charlatans were dismissed for their attempts at foolery. Throughout the Bible use of magic is cast in a most unfavorable light defining such terms as dark arts and occult.

Leviticus 19:31 - Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

2 Kings 21:6 - And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

Isaiah 8:19 - And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?

Revelation 21:8 - But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

2 Chronicles 33:6 - And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Each of these passages represents a distinct set of circumstance and/or story and the intention is not to conflate them, however, the message clearly links practitioners of magic with demons. On the other hand, parting the Red Sea and walking on water are considered miracles by Christan standards, thus making these actions perfectly legitimate.

Like most religions doctrine, Islam goes hand in hand with cultural orientation but there are certain tenet's that are strictly adhered to. Muslims generally accept the existence of magic as an undeniable fact and vigorously oppose its practice because they purport it to be in contrast to the betterment of humankind. Moreover, divination is recognized by an assortment of activities such as astrology, conjuring, amulets, oracles and the evil eye. As such, in many Islamic governments the practice of any type of sorcery is a serious crime punishable by death. Magic, or sihr (as it is called) is mentioned in the Holy Quran almost sixty times, explaining how the non-believers attributed the miracles of Allah's prophets with magic. These verses have been stated to clear Allah's messengers can never be equated with worldly sorcerers. To free a person from the grip of magic Muslims believe they must recite certain verses from the Holy Quran for the mercy of healing.

Surah Al-Falak

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Say: "I seek refuge in the Lord of Daybreak From the evil of that which He created; From the evil of the darkness when it is intense, And from the evil of malignant witchcraft, And from the evil of the envier when he envieth.

Surah Al-Naas

[1] Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,

[2] The King (or Ruler) of Mankind,

[3] The God (or Judge) of Mankind,

[4] From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),

[5] (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,

[6] Among Jinns and among Men.

Another verse to fend off magic is the Surah Al-baqarah which comprises 286 verses and includes the single longest verse in the Quran. For the most part Islam subscribes to the belief that sorcerers are practicing the art of infidelity, which is prohibited since it gives the practitioner the belief that the world is in their hands, therefore, they are free to do whatever they want. They spread this belief to exploit innocent people who forget that the supreme creator of all things is the one and only Allah. Overall, in the eyes of Islam, magic involves the worship of Satan and evil spirits to gain demonic powers and use said powers to harm the followers of Allah.

Judaism is a religion guided by the Torah (which means to teach) and is composed of the five books of Moses. These writings include the 613 commandments as well as the widely known Ten Commandments along with 39 other Jewish texts. Jewish Mysticism has a complex history and is believed to have begun in the Garden of Eden then pasted down orally in the tradition commonly known today as Kabbalah. Unlike popular belief Kabbalah seeks to uncover the hidden nature of divinity with meditation, theory or magic: Meditation involves prayer and focus on the divine, theory involves understanding of its teachings and its significance to Jewish history and magic consist of rituals, charms and such. Despite having a historical link to mysticism Jewish people vehemently oppose the use of magic and, in fact, offer a clear delineation between miracles and magic within the Torah. For example, the very first mention of magic is when Moses faces the Egyptians, whereas Aaron's rod is transformed into a serpent by God and the same act performed by the Egyptians is referred to as sorcery and spells.

⁸ The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ⁹ When Pharaoh speaks to you and says, 'Produce your marvel,' you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your rod and cast it down before Pharaoh.' It shall turn into a serpent. ¹⁰ So Moses and Aaron came before Pharaoh and did just as the Lord had commanded: Aaron cast down his rod in the presence of Pharaoh and his courtiers, and it turned into a serpent. ¹¹ Then Pharaoh, for his part, summoned the wise men and the sorcerers; and the Egyptian magicians, in turn, did the same with their spells; ¹² each cast down his rod, and they turned into serpents. But Aaron's rod swallowed their rods. ¹³ Yet Pharaoh's heart stiffened and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.

This event represents a transformative moment in monotheistic thought because now we have an established reference point for good magic, which comes from God, and nefarious magic which can only come from evil. The book of Exodus also sets punishment for nefarious magic as:

'You shall not permit a sorceress to live.' (3)

Furthermore, the book of Leviticus makes this punishment very clear by stating:

'A man or woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death; they shall be stoned with stones, their blood shall be upon then.' (4)

Although the Torah clearly forbids the practice of magic it does not exclude uncovering the hidden nature of divination. Thus, Kabbalah is allowed to exist and continue a tradition of Jewish magic.

Taoism: Taoism like Confucianism are indigenous to China and are considered two streams of thoughts running side by side, each doctrine exemplifying the other with equal measures. The basic ideas of Taoism are long-living, God and immortality all past down by what is for the most part an oral tradition. It is essentially a mystery, beyond understanding or senses: In this first sense Tao can be known only through mystical insight, and cannot be translated into words. Second, Tao is the way of the universe. This means that it is somehow the ordering principle behind all life. Third, Tao is the way man should order his life in order to be in harmony with the way of the universe. There is, however, a collection of sacred writings called tao te ching written in old Chinese by a man named Lao Tzu. And although almost nothing is known for certain about Lao Tzu, numerous myths and legends attest to the fact that he is regarded with reverence in Chinese culture. For instance, it is traditionally told that he was born already old and wise, a belief that is reflected in the name Lao Tzu, which literally means old-young, and also can be translated as old sage. According to the legend, Lao Tzu was conceived at the moment that his mother glimpsed a falling star, and was born at 62 when his mother stopped to rest beneath a plum tree. His original name, Li Erh (long ears), reflected the fact that he is said to have been blessed with extraordinarily long earlobes, a Chinese symbol of wisdom and longevity. A second powerful legend recounts the story of how Lao Tzu came to write the text. When he was 80 years of age, in a state of despair over the social chaos and strife in war-torn China, he decided to seek solitude. Riding on a water buffalo, he began the long journey towards what is now Tibet. At the Hankao Pass on the western border of China, a gatekeeper by the name of Yin Xi stopped Lao Tzu and requested that he record his wisdom and teachings before he left, lest they be lost forever. Lao Tzu agreed, turned away from the gates and returned a few days later with the five thousand characters, which would become known as the Tao Te Ching. Then, Lao Tzu passed through the gates, never to be seen again.

Because of the complex nature of tao te ching writings using selected verses to denote a history of magic would be an injustice. However, from the depicted life of Lao Tzu it appears that Taoism was at least seeded in superstition. Furthermore, there exist today secret sects of Mao-shan Taoists who are considered sorcerers adept at exorcism, preventing disasters and calling on evil spirits. It is said to be able to call spirits into their bodies who enhance their person powers. Although practitioners are generally feared Mao-shan itself, though, is not an evil practice- it's just that some people believe the powers it gives you can be used for evil if you so choose

Hinduism is the predominant religion in India and has been called the oldest religion in the world because it is said that its origins goes beyond the history of man and its truths have been divinely revealed in the most ancient world's scriptures, the Veda. The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Along with the Book of the Dead, the Enuma Elish (Babylonian creation mythos), the I Ching (Classic of Changes), and the Avesta (collection of sacred texts), they are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas is also the most ancient extensive texts in an Indo-European language, and as such are invaluable in the study of comparative linguistics. Ironically, the beliefs in magic that existed four thousand years ago transcend modern technologies and even modern medicine.

Hindus believe in the presence of an aura or energy field around their physical bodies. This aura is filled with an electromagnetic energy of different frequencies. Hinduism also believes that the aura around them consist of several layers of appropriate physical, emotional, intellectual, and religious elements. This aura can easily be influenced by negative forces, and black magic is considered a form of negative energy which affects the aura of each individual. Black magic refers to a series of supernatural practices, accident or death, others may cause. It is believed that an ancient science, the use