Sumerian magic

di Andrii Balaban (Autore)

Andrii Balaban, 2026

Contents Chapter 1. Sumer and the Origins of Mesopotamian Magic The opening chapter introduces ancient Sumer, its major cities, historical periods, writing system, temples, surviving texts, and the cultural environment in which some of humanity's earliest recorded magical practices appeared. It explains what scholars mean by Sumerian and Mesopotamian magic and establishes the essential distinction between Sumerian material and later Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian traditions. The chapter also introduces the principal categories of evidence from which ancient magical practices can be reconstructed and establishes the historical method that will guide the entire book. Chapter 2. The Sumerian Universe: Gods, Humans, Fate, and the Sacred Order This chapter explores the structure of the Sumerian cosmos and the relationship between divine power, humanity, nature, cities, temples, fate, and sacred order. Particular attention is given to the concept of the me, divine authority, the organization of the cosmos, and the idea that disorder in human life could possess religious and ritual dimensions. The reader will learn why understanding Sumerian cosmology is necessary before attempting to understand the logic of Sumerian magical practice. Chapter 3. The Gods and Goddesses of Sumerian Magic The principal divine powers of the Sumerian world are examined through their myths, cults, symbols, cities, and spheres of influence. An, Enlil, Enki, Inanna, Utu, Nanna, Ninhursag, Ereshkigal and other important deities are considered not as characters in a simple standardized pantheon but as divine personalities whose importance and relationships changed across places and historical periods. The chapter also explains how divine names, epithets, hymns, offerings, and invocations can function within ritual practice. Chapter 4. Temples, Ziggurats, Priests, and Sacred Space Sumerian religion was inseparable from the temple, which functioned simultaneously as a sacred institution, economic center, political force, and dwelling of a deity. This chapter examines temples, ziggurats, altars, cult statues, priestly roles, offerings, purification and the organization of sacred space. The practical section develops principles for creating a modern ritual space inspired by Mesopotamian concepts without pretending that a private contemporary altar is identical to an ancient temple. Chapter 5. Spirits, Demons, Ghosts, and the Invisible World Chapter 6. Cuneiform Magic: Incantations, Sacred Words, and Ritual Speech Chapter 7. Clay, Water, Fire, Oil, Plants, and Ritual Materials Chapter 8. Purification, Protection, and the Removal of Evil Chapter 9. Healing Magic and the Restoration of the Person Chapter 10. Love, Fertility, Sexuality, Prosperity, and Personal Desire Chapter 11. Dreams, Omens, Divination, and Messages from the Gods Chapter 12. The Dead, the Netherworld, Ancestors, and Funerary Magic Chapter 13. Reconstructing Sumerian Ritual Practice Chapter 14. The Complete Practice of Sumerian Magic

• Autore: Andrii Balaban
• Anno edizione: 2026
• Editore: Andrii Balaban
• Formato: EPUB2 con DRMFREE
• Lingua: Inglese
• Compatibilità: Tutti i dispositivi (eccetto Kindle)
• Layout: Reflowable
• EAN: 9798237816266