Fnord wrote:
Mere tech-work. Try finding books on the principles behind the practices.
Does the effect have a maximum speed of propagation? Does it follow the inverse-square law? Does it obey causality? Et cetera...
I wouldn't mind checking out books on the history behind these kinds of practices. Like which cultures blended together to create such beliefs.
I know Wicca is a fairly new religion created by a combination of ancient European and Middle Eastern religions (like everything from before Christiainity became dominant like the Greek/Roman, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Celtic, and Norse Gods and Goddesses).
Voodoo is a religion that was created when the slaves brought their old religion from West Africa over to places like Louisiana and Haiti and it was combined with Catholicism
Hoodoo is American Folk Magic that was practiced in the Deep South by African slaves (some white Southerners also caught onto it). It uses the plants, animals, and minerals found in this area.
Rune Stones are a form of Divination (seeing the past, present, and future) using letters of the Ancient Germanic Alphabet marked on small tablets that are believed to have powers of fortune telling (kind of like tarot cards).
I think this stuff is all fascinating. I mean even if you don't believe in it you have to admit the history behind it is pretty cool, right?
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And btw I aint interesteed in teh Bible.