Taboo, Magic, Spirits

 A Study of Primitive Elements in Roman Religion

by

Eli Edward Burriss 1931

New York, Macmillan Company

Preface

Chapter 1.

Mana, Magic and Animism

• The Mind of Primitive Man.

• Positive and Negative Mana.

• Magic.

• Animism.

Chapter II.

Positive and Negative Mana (Taboo)

• Blood

• Women

• Children

1. The Child in Witchcraft

2. Child Sacrifice

3. Children in Divination

4. Superstitions Concerning Children

• Taboo

5. The Child in Religious Rites

• a. At Birth

• b. At Puberty

• c. At Death

6. The Child as Acolyte

• Death and Corpses

• Leather

• Days.

Chapter III.

Miscellaneous Taboos

• Sex

• Men

• Strangers

• Slaves

• Linen and Wool

• Knots

• Iron and Bronze

• Places

Chapter IV.

Magic Acts: The General Principles

Chapter V.

Removing Evils by Magic Acts

• Removing the Evil Effects of Dangerous Contact by Washing and Burning

• Removing Evils by Sweeping and Striking

• Keeping Away Evils by Drawing a Magic Circle

• Removing Evils by Dancing: The Scapegoat

Chapter VI.

Incantation and Prayer

• Prayer a Command.

• Prayers Chanted

• Prayers Uttered in an Undervoice

• Prayers Repeated

• Exactness in Naming the God and in the Wording of the Prayer

• Prayers for Ill

• No God Involved

Chapter VII. Naturalism and Animism

• The Worship of Stones

• Trees and Groves

• Water

• Fire