Black magic

:For black magic in programming, see Black magic (programming).

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Black magic is the branch of magic (paranormal power) dealing in death, destruction, manipulation, and all-around malevolent spells. Typically one who practices this is a witch.

Related Topics:
Magic - Death - Witch

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In most mythological or fantasy settings, black magic is based around either damaging things and people, or changing a person or their actions against their will.

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Modern religions usually hold one of three stances on what black magic is, called by some debaters as the All as One stance, the No Connection stance, and the Separate but Equal stance.

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All as One -- These religions consider any form of magic to be evil, or black, magic. These religions include most branches of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, buddhism, and Hinduism.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Islam - Judaism - Buddhism - Hinduism

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No Connection -- Black and white magic are both forms of magic, but are completely different from the base up, and are accomplished differently, even if achieving similar effects. This stance is the one most often presented in fiction, including the Harry Potter series, at least in part.

Related Topics:
White magic - Harry Potter

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Separate but Equal -- Black and white magic are the exact same thing, differentiated only by their end goals. The same spell could be white or black under this belief, but the end result determines which one it is. This belief makes up the majority of religions, the remainder of fiction that does not follow the No Connection stance, and certain situations in No Connection fictions.

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