Great Benin Traditional Medicine/Magic

Great Benin Traditional Medicine/Magic

Great Benin is an African kingdom that at its height was a vast empire that streched across Western Africa. Great Benin is known around the world for it’s supurb artwork. However, in Africa, it is also known for its divine kings, mystical and magical warriors, native doctors, priests, wizards and witches. At the forefront is the practice of traditional medicine/magic. When its army marched, Great Benin’s reputation for its vast knowledge of wizardry prompted its enemies to flee upon hearing the war drums and chants.

Similar to many African civilizations, Great Benin’s traditional medicine/magic practitioners were masters of alchemy. Transformation and transfiguration where major concepts that were practiced fervently. Many practitioners were able to escape dangers by transforming into animals or disappearing into another realm of existence.

Medicines or magic was classified into protective and harming medicines. Each classification had many functions ranging from physical to spiritual practices. There were protective medicines for poisonous bites by scorpions, snakes to poisonous arrows. Harming medicines involved both the physical and spiritual realm as well. From physical poisoning to a spiritual attack from afar. There were also medicines for fevers, colds, pregnancy, etc. Medicines also included attracting lovers, money and good fortune. Most native doctors used some sort of divination in a holistic manner to find the causes of illness to ascertain whether its origin was from a physical or spiritual manifestation.

More in-depth information on Great Benin Traditional Medicine/Magic, mysticism, religion, kings, warriors, culture and history within this great empire can be found in my book entitled “Kings, Magic, & Medicine” where content can be previewed or purchased by following the links below at Folkcuba.com or Amazon.com

http://www.folkcuba.com/stores/st_detpage1n.asp?searchfield=divination&id=3215

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kings,+magic+%26+medicine&x=12&y=19

Kings, Magic,& Medicine

by Daryl Peavy

Paperback 232 pages $35.00

Interested in African Magic & Medicine? Read more on this Blog about Great Benin’s traditional magic & medicine @ Benin’s Osun: God of Magic & Medicine Coming Soon!

Fore Kings, Magic & Medicine:

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