“For Then Thou Shalt Make Thy Way Prosperous”: The Interplay of Scriptures, Sacredness, and Magical Practices

This paper delves into the concept of imitatio Bibliae—the imitation of the Bible—in the context of magical operations, specifically nigromancy. By examining a multitude of related texts with rich textual traditions across both Hebrew and non-Hebrew languages, it seeks to explore how the individual segments and the physical embodiment of the Bible were leveraged by practitioners to augment the efficacy of their rituals. At the heart of the discourse is the proposition that practitioners leveraged the intrinsic sacredness of the biblical text and the spiritual stature of characters like King Solomon to imbue their operations with a sense of sanctity and validity. The material form of the holy text was regarded as a potent instrument, with its sanctified presence and material existence providing the rituals with additional validation and potency. The analysis will also highlight the use of oath-taking within magical rituals to summon and bind demons, reflecting a unique facet of imitatio Bibliae. By offering these insights, this article will provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between magical practices and religious texts, ultimately broadening the traditional boundaries of magical and religious discourse.