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87-769: The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a popular religious theme and a Catholic devotion . In common imagery, the Virgin Mary is portrayed sorrowful and in tears, with one or seven swords piercing her heart, iconography based on the prophecy of Simeon in Luke 2 :34–35. Pious practices in reference to this title include the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows , the Seven Principal Dolors of the Blessed Virgin ,

174-1087: A Mary garden . Common examples of Catholic devotions are the Way of the Cross , the Rosary , the Angelus and various litanies , devotions to the Blessed Sacrament , the Sacred Heart , the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Holy Face of Jesus , pilgrimages , observing the month of the Rosary in October and the month of Mary in May. While the Catholic Church considers liturgy to be central to

261-664: A Pater Noster (the Lord's Prayer, or Our Father). Meditations for each dolor were composed by Pope Pius VII in 1818. The Black Scapular is a symbol of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows, which is associated with the Servite Order . Most devotional scapulars have requirements regarding ornamentation or design. The devotion of the Black Scapular requires only that it be made of black woollen cloth. Over

348-439: A Companion of the hellhoundes, and a Caller, and Conjurer of wicked and damned Spirites? Notable Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment Christian thaumaturges of the period include Gerard Majella (1726–1755), Ambrose of Optina (1812–1891), and John of Kronstadt (1829–1908). The transition into modern esotericism saw thaumaturgy taking on a more structured role within various magical systems, particularly those developed in

435-632: A contemplative prayer. Family recitation of the rosary is encouraged. In the encyclical Ingruentium malorum , Pope Pius XII said regarding the custom of the family recitation of the Holy Rosary: ...when, at eventide, the Christian home resounds with the frequent repetition of praises in honor of the High Queen of Heaven...Then the Rosary, recited in the family,...unites them piously with those absent and those dead. It links all more tightly in

522-613: A custom that stems from southern European countries. Parishes and private groups often crown an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with flowers. This is referred to as a “May crowning.” This rite may be done on solemnities and feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other festive days, and offers an opportunity to reflect on Mary's role in the history of salvation. In some countries, it takes place on or about May 1, however, in many United States Catholic parishes, it frequently takes place on Mother's Day. Saturdays are dedicated to

609-415: A deeper understanding and mastery of the forces that govern the natural and supernatural worlds. A practitioner of thaumaturgy is a "thaumaturge", "thaumaturgist", "thaumaturgus", "miracle worker", or "wonderworker". The word thaumaturgy derives from Greek θαῦμα thaûma , meaning "miracle" or "marvel" (final t from genitive thaûma t os ) and ἔργον érgon , meaning "work". In the 16th century,

696-400: A different phase of transformation. The stages of nigredo (blackening), albedo (whitening), citrinitas (yellowing), and rubedo (reddening) correspond not only to physical changes in the material being worked on but also to stages of spiritual purification and enlightenment. Thaumaturgy, in this context, is the application of these principles to achieve tangible results, whether in

783-470: A generic form of magic, without consideration for its historical roots or the complex practices associated with it in esoteric traditions. This modern misunderstanding is partly due to the broadening of the term "thaumaturgy" in contemporary discourse, where it is often detached from its original context and used more loosely. As a result, the nuanced distinctions between different types of magic, such as thaumaturgy and theurgy, are often overlooked, leading to

870-445: A miniature representation of a desired outcome, such as a model of a bridge, could be used in a ritual to ensure the successful construction of an actual bridge. The Principle of Contagion, on the other hand, is based on the belief that objects that were once in contact continue to influence each other even after they are separated. This principle is often employed in the use of personal items, such as hair or clothing, in rituals to affect

957-583: A reputation as a conjurer "dreaded" by neighborhood children. He complained of this assessment in his Mathematicall Praeface : And for these, and such like marvellous Actes and Feates, Naturally, and Mechanically, wrought and contrived: ought any honest Student and Modest Christian Philosopher, be counted, & called a Conjurer? Shall the folly of Idiotes, and the Malice of the Scornfull, so much prevaille ... Shall that man, be (in hugger mugger) condemned, as

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1044-465: A ritual focusing on Yesod (the sephirah of the Moon ) might involve elements such as silver, the color white, and the invocation of lunar deities to influence matters of intuition, dreams, or the subconscious mind. The manipulation of these correspondences through ritual is not just symbolic but is believed to produce real effects in the material world. Practitioners use complex rituals that might include

1131-644: A separate feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, celebrated on the third Sunday in September, was granted to the Servites . Pope Innocent XII renamed it the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows . Pope Pius VII introduced it into the General Roman Calendar in 1814. In 1913, Pope Pius X , in view of his reform giving precedence to Sundays over ordinary feasts, moved this feast to September 15, the day after

1218-559: A strong devotion to Anthony of Padua . The Tredicina refers to a thirteen-day Novena that takes places in preparation for the Feast of Saint Anthony on June 13. There are a number of devotional practices in honor of Saint Joseph ; these include the Prayer to Saint Joseph and the Novena to Saint Joseph . Saint Joseph's scapular was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1893. Saint Joseph's Medal

1305-453: A sweet bond of love, with the most Holy Virgin, who, like a loving mother, in the circle of her children, will be there bestowing upon them an abundance of the gifts of concord and family peace. The Litany of Loreto is the most well-known Marian litany. Through their prayers of intercession, the saints in heaven play an integral role in the life of the church on earth. "To honor the Saints

1392-436: Is a sacramental introduced in 1971 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Saint Joseph being declared the patron of the Catholic Church. A number of local devotions and customs to Saint Joseph exist around the world, e.g. Alpine regions, Josephstragen (German for carrying Saint Joseph ) takes place on the 9 days before Christmas. A statue of Saint Joseph is carried between 9 homes, and on the first day one boy prays to him, on

1479-565: Is automatically to honor God, the Author of their sanctity." The Catechism of the Catholic Church (item 957) states: It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with

1566-406: Is more pragmatic and results-oriented. Aleister Crowley, in his Magick (Book 4) , emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences, noting that while theurgic practices seek to align the practitioner with divine will, thaumaturgy allows the practitioner to exert their will over the material world through the application of esoteric knowledge and ritual. In modern times, thaumaturgy

1653-455: Is often governed by two key magical principles: the Principle of Sympathy and the Principle of Contagion . These principles are foundational in understanding how thaumaturges influence the physical world through magical means. The Principle of Sympathy operates on the idea that "like affects like", meaning that objects or symbols that resemble each other can influence each other. For example,

1740-399: Is often misunderstood, particularly in popular culture where it is sometimes depicted as synonymous with fantasy magic or "miracle-working" in a religious sense. These portrayals can dilute the rich historical and esoteric significance of thaumaturgy, reducing it to a mere trope of magical fiction. For instance, the term is frequently used in fantasy literature and role-playing games to describe

1827-572: Is one of the earliest English texts to discuss thaumaturgy, describing it as the art of creating "strange works" through a combination of natural and mathematical principles. Dee's work reflects the Renaissance pursuit of knowledge that blurred the lines between the magical and the mechanical, as thaumaturges were often seen as early scientists who harnessed the hidden powers of nature. In Dee's time, "the Mathematicks" referred not merely to

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1914-439: Is primarily concerned with invoking divine or spiritual beings to achieve union with the divine, often for purposes of spiritual ascent or enlightenment . Thaumaturgy, on the other hand, focuses on the manipulation of natural forces to produce tangible effects in the physical world. This distinction is crucial in understanding the differing objectives of these practices: theurgy is inherently religious and mystical, while thaumaturgy

2001-700: The Eucharistic adoration an important practice which "stimulates the faithful to an awareness of the marvelous presence of Christ and is an invitation to spiritual communion with Him." Often the Eucharistic adoration is performed for at least a full hour known as the Holy Hour by some groups or individuals even daily. The inspiration for the Holy Hour is Matthew 26:40 when in the Garden of Gethsemane

2088-660: The Feast of the Cross . It is still observed on that date. Since there were thus two feasts with the same title, on each of which the Stabat Mater sequence was recited, the Passion Week celebration was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 as a duplicate of the September feast. Each of the two celebrations had been called a feast of "The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Latin: Septem Dolorum Beatae Mariae Virginis ). Recitation of

2175-703: The Feast of the Sacred Heart , the First Fridays devotion , the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart , the image of the Sacred Heart and the Holy Hour which also originated from Alacoque's revelations. The devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus dates back to Mary of Saint Peter in 1843 who reported visions of Jesus and Mary in which she was urged to spread both the devotion to the Holy Face and that of

2262-587: The Holy Name of Jesus in reparation for the many insults Jesus suffered in his Passion, resulting in The Golden Arrow prayer . The devotion was first approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1885, and further promoted by Maria Pierina de Micheli based on the image from Secondo Pia 's photograph of the Shroud of Turin . In 1958, Pope Pius XII approved of the devotion and the Holy Face medal and granted that

2349-532: The Immaculate Heart of Mary refer to events, that according to St. Bridget , were revealed by the Blessed Virgin Mary as having pierced her heart, while she was standing by the Cross . These are not the same as the five sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. According to St. Bridget, Mary stated that the Five Lances were: The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows grew in popularity in the 12th century, although under various titles. Some writings would place its roots in

2436-587: The Novena in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary , and the Via Matris . The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is liturgically celebrated every 15 September, while a feast, the Friday of Sorrows is observed in some Catholic countries . The Seven Sorrows (or Dolors/dolours ) are events in the life of Mary that are a popular devotion and are frequently depicted in art. These Seven Sorrows should not be confused with

2523-520: The Novena of Grace addressed to Francis Xavier and the Cord of Saint Francis associated with Francis of Assisi . Thaumaturge Thaumaturgy ( / ˈ θ ɔː m ə t ɜːr dʒ i / ), derived from the Greek words thauma (wonder) and ergon (work), refers to the practical application of magic to effect change in the physical world. Historically, thaumaturgy has been associated with

2610-554: The Pharaoh , ensuring a successful harvest, or even controlling the weather. Similarly, in ancient Greece , certain figures were believed to possess the ability to perform miraculous feats, often attributed to their deep understanding of the mysteries of the gods and nature. This blending of religious and magical practices laid the groundwork for what would later be recognized as thaumaturgy in Western esotericism. In Greek writings,

2697-598: The Scapular of Saint Michael the Archangel and the Chaplet of Saint Michael . The Prayer to Saint Michael is also a popular prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII . Devotions to Saint George are also widely practiced by Catholics, given that he is one of the most popular saints in Christianity. These devotions and churches built in his honor date to the 6th century. Many other devotions to saints exist, such as

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2784-720: The Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit . The Novena to the Holy Trinity generally includes the Gloria Patri , although the other prayers may be used. Another pious practice is St. Andrew's Christmas Novena. It is not prayed to Saint Andrew, but commences on his feast day, November 30 and continues until Christmas. Several widespread devotions in the Catholic tradition relate to Jesus Christ . Catholic teaching considers

2871-587: The Stabat Mater was made optional. On the second Sunday of September, the congregation of Maria SS. Addolorata in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, hold an annual procession with a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The tradition started in the 1940s with Italian immigrants from Mola di Bari celebrating the Feast of their hometown patroness, Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Lady of Sorrows, depicted as " Mater Dolorosa " (Mother of Sorrows) has been

2958-650: The bishop of Fiesole , Andrew Corsini of the Carmelites (1302–1373), who was called a thaumaturge during his lifetime. This period also saw the development of grimoires —manuals for magical practices—where rituals and spells were documented, often blending Christian and pagan traditions. In the Renaissance , the concept of thaumaturgy expanded as scholars like John Dee explored the intersections between magic, science, and religion. Dee's Mathematicall Praeface to Elements of Geometrie of Euclid of Megara (1570)

3045-487: The liturgy of the Catholic Church . The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops describes devotions as "expressions of love and fidelity that arise from the intersection of one's own faith, culture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ". Devotions are not considered part of liturgical worship, even if they are performed in a church or led by a priest, but rather they are paraliturgical. The Congregation for Divine Worship at

3132-498: The 18th and 19th centuries. In Hermeticism and the Western occult tradition, thaumaturgy was often practiced alongside alchemy and theurgy , with a focus on manipulating the material world through ritual and symbolic action. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn , a prominent magical order founded in the late 19th century, incorporated thaumaturgy into its curriculum, emphasizing the importance of both theory and practice in

3219-512: The Angelus—the triple stroke repeated three times, with a pause between each set of three (a total of nine strokes), sometimes followed by a longer peal as at curfew—seems to have been long established. During Eastertide, the Angelus is replaced with the Regina Coeli an antiphon, dating from the tenth or eleventh century. The Rosary , or Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary is essentially

3306-463: The Buddha and subsequent disciples. Legendary monks like Bodhidharma , Upagupta , Padmasambhava , and others were depicted in popular legends and hagiographical accounts as wielding various supernatural powers. A common misconception about thaumaturgy is its conflation with theurgy . While both involve the practice of magic , they serve distinct purposes and operate on different principles. Theurgy

3393-529: The Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus may be celebrated on Shrove Tuesday throughout the Catholic Church. Other devotions include the Divine Mercy based on the visions of Faustina Kowalska such as the Divine Mercy Sunday , the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Divine Mercy image . The First Thursdays Devotion based on the visions of Alexandrina of Balazar , and the Chaplet of

3480-637: The Holy Spirit is traditionally prayed especially during the nine days between the Ascension Thursday and Pentecost . The practice of novenas derives from the nine days spent in prayer by the Apostles and Disciples together with Mary from the Ascension until the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This is considered to have been the first novena. It is generally prayed for an increase of

3567-650: The Holy Wounds revealed to Marie Martha Chambon . The Angelus is a traditional prayer used to commemorate the Incarnation . It consists essentially in the triple repetition of the Hail Mary, to which in later times have been added three introductory versicles and a concluding versicle and prayer. The prayer is that which belongs to the antiphon of Our Lady, "Alma Redemptoris". It is prayed three times daily: at dawn, mid-day and at dusk. The manner of ringing

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3654-733: The Philippines has been celebrated for centuries, and its icon continues to be venerated. Each year around Pentecost , as part of a local Marian devotion, about a million people attend the Romería de El Rocío in Spain. In Los Angeles, California , an old custom of a Marian procession was revived in 2011 to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the city. Various chivalric, fraternal, and religious orders, parishes, and other religious and civic organizations participate. Traditions vary across different cultures. Italians, for example, have

3741-460: The Qabalistic system, emphasizing the practical aspect of these tools in thaumaturgic practices. Alchemy and thaumaturgy are often intertwined, particularly in the context of spiritual transformation and the pursuit of enlightenment . Alchemy, with its focus on the transmutation of base metals into gold and the quest for the philosopher's stone , can be seen as a form of thaumaturgy where

3828-479: The Servants of Mary"). Later in 1239, they took up the sorrows of Mary, standing under the Cross, as the principal devotion of their order. That year, according to Alphonsus Liguori in his book The Glories of Mary , Mary appeared to the seven founders presenting them the black "garment of mourning" that they would wear, telling them that they should often meditate upon her dolors. This Order greatly contributed to

3915-590: The Vatican publishes a Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy . Catholic devotions have various forms, ranging from formalized, multi-day prayers such as novenas to activities, such as processions or the Eucharistic adoration , the wearing of scapulars , the veneration of the saints, the Canonical coronations of sacred Marian or Christological images and even horticultural practices such as maintaining

4002-426: The Virgin Mary is depicted with seven swords in her heart, a reference to the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple . The type dates from the latter part of the 15th century. Our Lady of Sorrows is the patron saint of: Churches: Catholic devotions Catholic devotions are particular customs, rituals, and practices of worship of God or honour of the saints which are in addition to

4089-417: The Virgin Mary, designated as memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This practice dates from Carolingian times (ninth century). Specific episodes in the Life of the Virgin Mary have resulted in devotions that focus on a particular aspect of her life. Examples include the Seven Sorrows of Mary that recall her sufferings from the Prophecy of Simeon to the Crucifixion of Jesus . The Seven Joys of Mary on

4176-452: The ability to influence it. This includes the use of rituals, symbols, and sacred texts to bring about spiritual growth and material success. In the introduction of his translation of the "Spiritual Powers (神通 Jinzū )" chapter of Dōgen 's Shōbōgenzō , Carl Bielefeldt refers to the powers developed by adepts of Esoteric Buddhism as belonging to the "thaumaturgical tradition". These powers, known as siddhi or abhijñā , were ascribed to

4263-460: The abstract computations associated with the term today, but to physical mechanical devices which employed mathematical principles in their design. These devices, operated by means of compressed air, springs, strings, pulleys or levers, were seen by unsophisticated people (who did not understand their working principles) as magical devices which could only have been made with the aid of demons and devils. By building such mechanical devices, Dee earned

4350-417: The act of performing thaumaturgy can be physically and spiritually taxing. As a result, practitioners often undergo rigorous training and preparation to build their capacity to manipulate energy effectively and safely. In Hermetic Qabalah , thaumaturgy occupies a significant role as it involves the practical application of mystical principles to influence the physical world. This tradition is deeply rooted in

4437-452: The appropriate type of worship or veneration for different situations. Latria (from the Greek λατρεία , latreia ) is used for worship, adoration and reverence directed only to the Holy Trinity. Dulia (from the Greek δουλεία , douleia ) is the kind of honor given to the communion of saints, while the Blessed Virgin Mary is honored with hyperdulia , a higher form of dulia but lower than latria . Various unapproved acts such as

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4524-450: The centuries several other devotions, and even orders, arose around meditation on Mary's Sorrows in particular. Related to this devotion is the Stabat Mater , a hymn composed in honor of the sufferings of Mary during the Crucifixion, generally attributed to Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306). During the 17th century, Alphonsus Liguori, later proclaimed Doctor of the Church , dedicated a whole chapter of his famous book The Glories of Mary to

4611-407: The concept of correspondences , where different elements of the cosmos are seen as interconnected. In the Hermetic tradition , a thaumaturge seeks to manipulate these correspondences to bring about desired changes. The sephiroth on the Tree of Life serve as a map for these interactions, with specific rituals and symbols corresponding to different sephiroth and their associated powers. For example,

4698-414: The eleventh century, especially among the Benedictine monks. The feast of the Our Lady of Sorrows was originated by a provincial synod of Cologne in 1423. It was designated for the Friday after the third Sunday after Easter and had the title: Commemoratio angustiae et doloris B. Mariae V . Its object was the sorrow of Mary during the Crucifixion and Death of Christ. Before the sixteenth century this feast

4785-408: The five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary . Traditionally, the Seven Sorrows are (with some variations, using nearby episodes) : The Catholic devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows started to develop around the end of the 11th century, particularly in areas around the Mediterranean . In 1233, seven youths in Tuscany founded the Servite Order (also known as the "Servite Friars", or the "Order of

4872-408: The form of creating alchemical elixirs , talismans , or achieving spiritual goals. Crowley also elaborates on these alchemical principles in Magick (Book 4) , particularly in his discussions on the symbolic and practical uses of alchemical symbols and processes within magical rituals. Thaumaturgy also plays a role in various other esoteric systems, where it is often viewed as a means of bridging

4959-414: The gap between the mundane and the divine. In Theosophy , for example, thaumaturgy is seen as part of the esoteric knowledge that allows practitioners to manipulate spiritual and material forces. Theosophical teachings emphasize the unity of all life and the interconnection of the cosmos, with thaumaturgy being a practical tool for engaging with these truths. Rituals and meditative practices are used to align

5046-494: The growth of devotions. Catholic devotions can form the basis of major community events, such as the statue of Our Lady of Zapopan , which attracts over one million pilgrims on October 12 each year as the statue travels through the streets moving from one cathedral to another. In Catholic tradition, a wide range of practices have developed, ranging from devotions to the Holy Trinity to specific saints. The three-level hierarchy of latria , hyperdulia and dulia determines

5133-422: The heart of thaumaturgy is the metaphor of energy manipulation. Thaumaturges believe that the world is filled with various forms of energy that can be harnessed and directed through magical practices. This energy is often conceptualized as a natural force that permeates the universe, and through the use of specific techniques, thaumaturges believe that they can influence this energy to bring about desired changes in

5220-464: The life and mission of the church, it acknowledges the benefit of popular devotions, stating in Sacrosanctum Concilium that The spiritual life, however, is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy … Popular devotions of the Christian people are to be highly commended, provided they accord with the laws and norms of the Church, above all when they are ordered by the Apostolic See … These devotions should be so drawn up that they harmonize with

5307-422: The liturgical seasons, accord with the sacred liturgy, are in some fashion derived from it, and lead the people to it, since, in fact, the liturgy by its very nature far surpasses any of them. Several factors shape the efficacy of devotional practices in eliciting feelings of devotion: a strong emotional appeal, a simplicity of form which puts them within the reach of all, the association with many others engaged in

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5394-609: The manipulation of natural forces, the creation of wonders, and the performance of magical feats through esoteric knowledge and ritual practice. Unlike theurgy , which focuses on invoking divine powers, thaumaturgy is more concerned with utilizing occult principles to achieve specific outcomes, often in a tangible and observable manner. It is sometimes translated into English as wonderworking . This concept has evolved from its ancient roots in magical traditions to its incorporation into modern Western esotericism . Thaumaturgy has been practiced by individuals seeking to exert influence over

5481-460: The mastery of magical arts. Thaumaturgy's role in modern esotericism also intersects with the rise of ceremonial magic , where it is often employed to achieve specific, practical outcomes—ranging from healing to the invocation of spirits . Contemporary magicians continue to explore and adapt thaumaturgic practices, often drawing from a wide range of historical and cultural sources to create eclectic and personalized systems of magic. Thaumaturgy

5568-535: The material world through both subtle and overt magical means. It has played a significant role in the development of magical systems, particularly those that emphasize the practical aspects of esoteric work. In modern times, thaumaturgy continues to be a subject of interest within the broader field of occultism, where it is studied and practiced as part of a larger system of magical knowledge. Its principles are often applied in conjunction with other forms of esoteric practice, such as alchemy and Hermeticism , to achieve

5655-490: The night before his crucifixion , Jesus asks Peter: "So, could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?". Some devotions have the form of Acts of Reparation to Jesus Christ . Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus first appeared in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but most current devotions are attributed to Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) and were later encouraged by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Miserentissimus Redemptor . These current devotions include

5742-481: The other hand start with the Annunciation and end with her coronation in Heaven . Among devotional articles, probably the most common are the scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel , and the Miraculous Medal , which dates to 1830. Also Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel and the Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary Regional devotions continue to generate local support such as festivals and celebrations. The festival of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga in

5829-543: The person to whom those items belong. These principles are not unique to thaumaturgy but are integral to many forms of magic across cultures. However, in the context of thaumaturgy, they are particularly important because they provide a theoretical framework for understanding how magical actions can produce tangible results in the material world. This focus on practical outcomes distinguishes thaumaturgy from other forms of magic that may be more concerned with spiritual or symbolic meanings. Thaumaturgical practices often involve

5916-412: The physical world. Energy manipulation in thaumaturgy involves both drawing energy from the surrounding environment and directing it toward a specific goal. This process often requires a deep understanding of the natural world, as well as the ability to focus and control one's own mental and spiritual energies. In many traditions, this energy is also linked to the practitioner's life force , meaning that

6003-437: The practitioner seeks to transform not just physical substances but also the self. This process, known as the Great Work , involves the purification and refinement of both matter and spirit. Thaumaturgy comes into play as the practical aspect of alchemy, where rituals, symbols, and substances are used to facilitate these transformations. The alchemical process is heavily laden with symbolic meanings, with each stage representing

6090-417: The practitioner's will with higher spiritual forces, enabling them to effect change in the physical world. In Rosicrucianism , thaumaturgy is similarly regarded as a method of spiritual practice that leads to the mastery of natural and spiritual laws. Rosicrucians believe that through the study of nature and the application of esoteric principles, one can achieve a deep understanding of the cosmos and develop

6177-546: The prayers in the novena is the Via Matris . On February 2, the same day as the Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord , Orthodox Christians and Eastern Catholics commemorate a wonder-working icon of the Theotokos ( Mother of God ) known as "the Softening of Evil Hearts" or "Simeon's Prophecy". It depicts Mary at the moment that Simeon the Righteous says, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also...." ( Luke 2:35 ). She stands with her hands upraised in prayer, and seven swords pierce her heart, indicative of

6264-422: The promotion of chain letters that contain prayers or the belief that the use of a statue of Saint Joseph can speed up the sale of a house have been discouraged as non-pious, superstitious and against Catholic values. In general, acts and beliefs that aim at the manipulation of divine power for specific gainful purposes are always condemned as contrary to Catholic devotional practices. The Pentecost Novena to

6351-434: The recitation of incantations , the drawing of protective circles , and the invocation of spirits or deities . These rituals are designed to create a controlled environment in which the thaumaturge can manipulate natural forces according to their will. The complexity of these rituals varies depending on the desired outcome, with more significant or ambitious goals requiring more intricate and time-consuming procedures. At

6438-548: The saints joins us to Christ. Many devotions and pious exercises are in some way related to the liturgical feasts of the General Calendar of the Roman Rite or of the particular calendars of dioceses and religious congregations. Dedication of the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary dates from about the seventeenth century. Pious practices include the erection of a small "May altar" decorated with May flowers,

6525-590: The same practices, and their derivation from the example of others considered to lead a holy life. Since the Middle Ages , popes have encouraged devotions such as Eucharistic adoration , the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross , while maintaining the primacy of liturgy over private devotions. Pious devotions have influenced some important parts of the Catholic calendar such as the feast of Corpus Christi or various Marian feasts that gradually appeared with

6612-545: The second day two boys pray, until 9 boys pray the 9th day. The statue is then placed near a manger in the town church on Christmas Eve. Further devotions are the seven joys and seven sorrows of Saint Joseph, analogous to the seven joys and seven sorrows of the Virgin, and private devotions such as that to the most Chaste Heart of Joseph . Devotions to the archangel Saint Michael involve specific prayers and Novenas to Saint Michael , hymns such as Te Splendor as well as

6699-605: The seven dolors of Mary, and wrote reflections on each of the seven dolors. In this chapter, he also relates four promises made by Jesus to Mary for those who were devoted to her seven sorrows. These promises were reportedly revealed to Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231). From the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine spread the Sorrowful Mother Novena, the core of which is the Via Matris. The core of

6786-743: The seven sorrows. This is one of the few Orthodox icons of the Theotokos which do not depict the infant Jesus . The refrain "Rejoice, much-sorrowing Mother of God, turn our sorrows into joy and soften the hearts of evil men!" is also used. In the Western Rite Vicariate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church , the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on the Friday before Palm Sunday and as a separate feast on September 15. The Five Lances (Latin: Quinque Lanceis ) of

6873-535: The spread of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. The Servites developed the three most common devotions to Our Lady's Sorrows, namely the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows , the Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary and the Novena to Our Sorrowful Mother. The rosary consists of a chaplet of seven septets of beads, upon which is said an Ave , ( Hail Mary ), separated by one bead, on which is prayed

6960-500: The subject of some key works of Catholic Marian art . Mater Dolorosa is one of the three common artistic representations of a sorrowful Virgin Mary, the other two being Stabat Mater and the Pietà . In this iconography , Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is at times simply represented in a sad and anguished mode by herself, her expression being that of tears and sadness. In other representations

7047-505: The term thaumaturge also referred to several Christian saints . In this context, the word is usually translated into English as 'wonderworker'. Notable early Christian thaumaturges include Gregory Thaumaturgus (c. 213–270), Saint Menas of Egypt (285–c. 309), Saint Nicholas (270–343), and Philomena ( fl. c. 300 (?)). During the medieval period, thaumaturgy evolved within the context of Christian mysticism and early scientific thought. The medieval understanding of thaumaturgy

7134-460: The use of sacred geometry , invocations , and the creation of talismans . These practices are believed to align the practitioner with the forces they wish to control, creating a sympathetic connection that enables them to direct these forces effectively. Aleister Crowley 's Magick (Book 4) provides an extensive discussion on the use of ritual tools such as the wand, cup, and sword, each of which corresponds to different elements and powers within

7221-609: The use of specific tools and rituals designed to channel and direct magical energy. Common tools include wands , staffs, talismans , and ritual knives , each of which serves a particular purpose in the practice of magic. For instance, a wand might be used to direct energy during a ritual, while a talisman could serve as a focal point for the thaumaturge's intent. The creation and consecration of these tools are themselves ritualized processes, often requiring specific materials and astrological timing to ensure their effectiveness. Rituals in thaumaturgy are typically elaborate and may involve

7308-896: The word thaumaturgy entered the English language meaning miraculous or magical powers. The word was first anglicized and used in the magical sense in John Dee 's book The Mathematicall Praeface to Elements of Geometrie of Euclid of Megara (1570). He mentions an "art mathematical" called "thaumaturgy... which giveth certain order to make strange works, of the sense to be perceived and of men greatly to be wondered at". The origins of thaumaturgy can be traced back to ancient civilizations where magical practices were integral to both religious rituals and daily life. In ancient Egypt , priests were often regarded as thaumaturges, wielding their knowledge of rituals and incantations to influence natural and supernatural forces. These practices were aimed at protecting

7395-401: Was closely linked to the idea of miracles, with saints and holy men often credited with thaumaturgic powers. The seventeenth-century Irish Franciscan editor John Colgan called the three early Irish saints, Patrick , Brigid , and Columba , thaumaturges in his Acta Triadis Thaumaturgae (Louvain, 1647). Later notable medieval Christian thaumaturges include Anthony of Padua (1195–1231) and

7482-609: Was limited to the dioceses of North Germany, Scandinavia, and Scotland. According to Fr. William Saunders, "in 1482, the feast was officially placed in the Roman Missal under the title of Our Lady of Compassion , highlighting the great love our Blessed Mother displayed in suffering with her Son. The word compassion derives from the Latin roots cum and patior which means "to suffer with". After 1600 it became popular in France and

7569-462: Was set for the Friday before Palm Sunday. By a Decree of 22 April 1727, Pope Benedict XIII extended it to the entire Latin Church, under the title "Septem dolorum B.M.V.". In 1954, it still held the rank of major double (slightly lower than the rank of the September feast) in the General Roman Calendar . Pope John XXIII 's 1960 Code of Rubrics reduced it to the level of a commemoration . In 1668,

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