When I ask most people about the term "black magic," images of darkness and evil often come to mind. This was once the way I saw it as well until I gained more knowledge about the term.
Eventually, that perception started to change. Many sayings that people use make a lot of sense, like the expression “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This popular metaphor advises against forming an opinion about something based solely on its outward appearance. Although its exact origin is not clearly documented, it is believed to have been popularized in the mid-20th century.
Is Black Magic Truly Synonymous with Evil?
But is black magic truly synonymous with evil? This is not always the case. In Garifuna culture, we believe that black magic does exist, and it is a powerful force that must be mastered before it can be performed. People use this magic when seeking favors from the spiritual realm.
The Source of Black Magic Power
Contrary to popular belief, the power of black magic does not reside within humans themselves. Instead, it is the spirits from the spiritual dimension that are summoned to perform these magical acts. These spirits hold powers that humans do not have. The notion that black magic is inherently evil is a widespread misconception. While it is true that black magic can be used for nefarious purposes, it was not originally intended to be a tool of the forces of darkness.
The Historical Roots of Black Magic
Black magic is believed to have been utilized in the heavens from the beginning of time up to today. God, along with all the angels and spiritual entities in the heavens, possesses this power. However, when the fallen angels, including Satan, were cast out of heaven, they began to corrupt this magic, using it through humans to commit evil acts.
The Misuse of Black Magic in Practices Like Voodoo
This is the origin of practices like voodoo, also known as obeah in some cultures. These practices can indeed be harmful, but it is important to note that using black magic to harm others is not its intended purpose. The fundamental law of black magic is that whatever harm you inflict will eventually return to you. Demons, however, are deceptive and do not reveal this truth, as they are primarily concerned with their own gain.
The Role of Angels in Black Magic
Humans called upon these demons to come to their aid using black magic, asking for favors that involve doing harm to others. This is what has made black magic popularly classified as the evil side.
In contrast, the angels who remain in heaven use this same magical power to help and protect us in times of need. When we call upon them, they react with compassion. It's crucial to understand that black magic, like any tool, can be used for both good and bad purposes. A knife, for example, is designed to aid us in the kitchen, or a machete to help with yard work. However, these tools can also be employed to harm. In the same way, black magic was not originally intended to be used for evil.
The Consequences of Using Black Magic
When you pray and seek God's protection, it is this divine power that shields you from harm. Conversely, when you summon Satan to harm someone, he uses this same magic for your request. The key difference lies in the nature of the transaction: calling upon God for protection requires no payment or debt, whereas invoking Satan for protection comes at a steep price. Not only must you give him something in return, but the harm he inflicts on your behalf will ultimately come back to you.
The Dual Nature of Black Magic
The purpose is to understand that black magic is not inherently evil. It is a powerful force that can be used for both good and wrongdoing, depending on the intentions of the person performing the magic. Being spiritual involves the use of some form of black magic, especially if gaining favors from the spiritual world, such as seeking help from God through prayer and having the prayer answered.
The Misconceptions About Black Magic
The fact that this magic is named as black automatically makes our minds start thinking about darkness and evil. Most of the time, when we hear about people using evil to harm others, they say it is black magic, which is correct. It is black magic. But black magic is also used by the good sides. Something bad always makes the ears first, making it hard for us to believe in the good, especially when the bad is convincing.