A little drop of magic and spellbinding

A Roman magic stone

My fellow writer, Janice Horton, is throwing a “Spellbindingly Fun Blog Party” today and as a little light relief, I’m joining in.

Magic was an integral part of Roman life  – astrology, amulets, incantations, spells, healing and cursing formulas. Pliny’s conclusion, however, was cautious: though he dismissed magic as ineffective and infamous, it nevertheless contained “shadows of truth”, particularly of the “arts of making poisons”. Yet, Pliny states, “there is no one who is not afraid of spells” (including himself presumably!). He neither commended or condemned the amulets and charms that people wore as preventive medicine  but instead suggested that it was better to err on the side of caution, just in case a new kind of magic, a magic that really worked, might be developed at any time.

The emperor Constantine I in the 4th century AD issued a ruling about all charges of magic. He distinguished between helpful charms, not punishable, and “antagonistic” spells. Roman authorities specifically decided what forms of magic were acceptable and which were not. Those that were not acceptable were termed “magic”; those that were acceptable were usually defined as traditions of the state or practices of the state’s religions. Talk about rationalisation!

So, on to Janice’s Spellbinding party. All participants have to prepare a spell (hopefully not counting as “antagonistic”) and may mention their object of desire at the end. At the end of the spell, you may not be totally surprise by my object of desire, given my previous post.

The spell:
Feather of a golden eagle, brush the dragon’s tears and stardust into one. Crush three wild rose petals into the mix and add five drops of snake venom. Chant the incantation, dip your finger into the potion, touch your head and heart with your fingertip then pour the mixture over the parchment paper on which your desire is written.

My object of desire:

 

 

INCEPTIO
Kindle Edition
Average Review: ***** (52 reviews)
Current Sales Rank:  #1 in Kindle Store

 INCEPTIO
Paperback Edition
Average Review: ***** (38 reviews)
Current Sales Rank:  #1 in Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
#1 in Alternate History

 

4 comments to A little drop of magic and spellbinding

  • Hahaha – I LOVE this spell Alison and I hope it works! Heck, if it does I’ll be using it myself. I think you’d better get a patent on it fast!!

    Thanks for your lovely support today and huge congratulation on your signing with Silverwood Books – you are in good hands there for sure.

    Love, Janice xx

  • Alison

    I’ll let you know, Janice, if it works. I’ll be the one fainting with surprise. I’m with Pliny on spells and magic.

    Great to have been part of the day and I hope people liked the Roman touch.

  • Good one, Alison. Will try to work up a spell in reserve if it doesn’t work. Good luck with the book.