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Thaumaturgy (/ ˈ θ ɔː m ə t ɜːr dʒ i / ⓘ) is the practical application of magic to effect change in the physical world. Historically, thaumaturgy has been associated with the manipulation of natural forces, the creation of wonders, and the performance of magical feats through esoteric knowledge and ritual practice.
The first recorded use of the term is found in the mid-second-century neoplatonist work the Chaldean Oracles (Fragment 153 des Places (Paris, 1971): 'For the theourgoí do not fall under the fate-governed herd'). [7] The source of Western theurgy can be found in the philosophy of late neoplatonists, especially Iamblichus.
The terms esoteric and arcane can also be used to describe the occult, [4] [5] in addition to their meanings unrelated to the supernatural. The term occult sciences was used in the 16th century to refer to astrology, alchemy, and natural magic, which today are considered pseudosciences.
The term thaumaturgy is used in various novels and games as a synonym for magic, a particular sub-school (often mechanical) of magic, or as the "science" of magic. Thaumaturgy is often used as a name for the magic in Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. The word also lends itself to the "thaum", the basic unit of magical energy.
the use of magic words said to have the power to command spirits; [27] the use of mysterious symbols or sigils which are thought to be useful when invoking or evoking spirits. [28] In the first century BC, the Greek concept of the magos was adopted into Latin and used by a number of ancient Roman writers as magus and magia. [15]
Thaumaturgy is performed by reciting incantations, which bind the energy to the simulation. Thaumaturges often protect these incantations by speaking nonsense syllables around the words of power to disguise them. Thaumaturges wear brown capes, and are treated as common craftsmen, using their art to fix leaks in roofs and increase the yield of ...
Classic magic words. A magical formula or 'word of power' is a word that is believed to have specific supernatural effects. [19] They are words whose meaning illustrates principles and degrees of understanding that are often difficult to relay using other forms of speech or writing.
The cleric character class first appeared in the original edition of Dungeons & Dragons. [2] [3]: 18 In the original edition, the class is described as gaining "some of the advantages from both of the other two classes (Fighting-Men and Magic-Users) in that they have the use of magic armor and all non-edged magic weapons (no arrows!), as well as a number of their own spells.