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The word potion has its origins in the Latin word potus, an irregular past participle of potare, meaning "to drink". This evolved to the word potionem (nominative potio) meaning either "a potion, a drinking" or a "poisonous draught, magic potion". [2] In Ancient Greek, the word for both drugs and potions was "pharmaka" or "pharmakon".
Magic items are commonly found in both folklore and modern fantasy. Their fictional appearance is as old as the Iliad in which Aphrodite's magical girdle is used by Hera as a love charm. [1] Magic items often act as a plot device to grant magical abilities. They may give magical abilities to a person lacking in them, or enhance the power of a ...
The elixir of life (Medieval Latin: elixir vitae), also known as elixir of immortality, is a potion that supposedly grants the drinker eternal life and/or eternal youth. This elixir was also said to cure all diseases. Alchemists in various ages and cultures sought the means of formulating the elixir.
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 performance of magic almost always involves the use of language. Whether spoken out loud or unspoken, words are frequently used to access or guide magical power. In The Magical Power of Words (1968), S. J. Tambiah argues that the connection between language and magic is due to a belief in the inherent ability of words to influence the universe.
Fern flower: A magic plant in Baltic mythology thought to only bloom one night, sought by lovers. Lotus tree: A plant in Greek mythology bearing a fruit that causes pleasant drowsiness. Moly: A magic herb in Greek mythology with a black root and white blossoms. Raskovnik: A magic plant in Serbian mythology which can open any lock.
In ceremonial magic, a magical formula or a word of power is a word that is believed to have specific supernatural effects. [1] They are words whose meaning illustrates principles and degrees of understanding that are often difficult to relay using other forms of speech or writing.
A love potion (poculum amatorium) [1] is a magical liquid which supposedly causes the drinker to develop feelings of love towards the person who served it. Another common term to describe the potion, philtre , is thought to have originated from the ancient Greek term philtron (' love charm'), via the French word philtre .