Chinese god of war, patron of literature and protector of trade and merchants. In the Manchu dynasty he was particularly venerated because of his warlike functions; but in other periods of Chinese history he was regarded as the guardian of righteousness which protects men from strife and evil. In origin, Guan Di was an ordinary man called Guan Zhong done to death by his adversary, but later deified on account of his many and signal virtues.
Possession is the takeover and control of a person’s mind and body by a Demon, condemned soul, ghost, spirit, or deity. There are different forms…
The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if…
magic The ability or power to manifest by aligning inner forces with natural and supernatural forces. Inner forces are will, thought and imagination; natural forces…
Santería is a popular religious movement originating in Cuba that combines African and Roman Catholic themes. Santería, “The Way of the Saints,” developed among African…
Moleosophy Moleosophy is a technique of divination and fortune telling based upon the observation and interpretation of bodily marks —- primarily those of the melanocytic…