We all agree that there is only one kind of magic. Thus, red, green, or black magic actually stems from how it is used. It is therefore necessarily useful to define each magical intention in order to understand its limits, but also its historical origins, which are unfortunately being increasingly sidelined. So let us set out to discover the famous so-called black magic and the issues surrounding it, with a somewhat philosophical approach.
1. Magic, between good and evil
At first glance, the term "black magic" evokes an occult practice laden with dark and harmful connotations. Throughout history, the notion of "darkness" associated with magic has acquired various meanings depending on cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts.
In the earliest civilizations, magic was not categorized as "black" or "white" as sharply as it is today. In ancient Egypt, for example, magic, or heka, was considered a divine gift that made it possible to maintain universal order. Priests and magicians invoked forces for healing and protection, but could also use practices that today might be seen as manipulative or harmful. The boundary between "good" and "evil" in magic was then fluid and depended mainly on the intention behind magical acts.
With the rise of the Abrahamic religions, the perception of magic began to polarize. "Black magic" gradually became associated with practices deemed heretical or contrary to divine laws, while "white magic" became associated with purity and benevolent intentions. During the Middle Ages, this distinction was heightened by the influence of the Catholic Church, which saw "black magic" as a threat to religious doctrines and a danger to souls. Practices perceived as belonging to "black magic," such as summoning demons or creating curses, were severely condemned and often suppressed through witch hunts.
In Asia, particularly in India, magic was also widespread in spiritual practices. The terms "Black Tantra" (or Aghori Tantra) referred to occult practices used for purposes of domination or destruction. Unlike other forms of magic, Black Tantra aimed to manipulate the destructive forces of the universe and was often misunderstood by Western observers, who equated it with "black magic" in the European sense, even though it is not inherently harmful.
2. Magical Manichaeism
The dichotomy between black magic and white magic partly stems from Manichaeism, a dualistic philosophy of Persian origin that is still present today and viewed the universe as a constant struggle between light and darkness. This concept influenced Western thought, which popularized the idea of a battle between good and evil. In magic, this duality is expressed through the opposition between supposedly benevolent forces (white magic) and supposedly harmful or dangerous practices (black magic).
White magic is thus perceived as a force of harmony, healing, and protection, often associated with the practices of healers, shamans, or religious figures. Black magic, on the other hand, is attributed to witches and magicians who invoke entities considered malevolent or seek to manipulate the will of others for personal gain. In this opposition, "darkness" takes on a moral connotation: it represents the transgression of natural or divine laws, excessive ambition, and the use of occult forces for purposes of domination.
3. The quest for personal power...
At the heart of black magic lies, a priori, the quest for personal power and control over invisible forces. Magicians seek to manipulate energies considered dark in order to influence the material world according to their desires. This approach involves invoking entities or supernatural forces perceived as malevolent or dangerous. Consider, for example, the texts of Cornelius Agrippa, which explore rituals intended to summon spirits or demons in order to obtain specific knowledge or powers.
Black magic is also associated with the exploitation of the dark forces of human nature and the universe. Rather than rejecting these energies, magicians incorporate them into their rituals to explore deeper aspects of existence. In some African cultures, for example, the distinction between black magic and white magic is less pronounced, and the use of forces perceived as negative may be considered an integral part of magical practice.
4. ...or a tool of rebellion?
Transgression is a central element of the philosophy of black magic. It involves breaking with established moral, religious, and social norms. Historically, black magic practices have often been perceived as acts of rebellion against religious and social authorities. During the Middle Ages, for example, the Catholic Church severely condemned practices associated with black magic, considering them heresies and threats to social order. But it is worth clarifying: was black magic a pretext for condemning magic itself? And, by extension, all its practitioners, whose thinking was far removed from religious dogma?
Psychologically, black magic can be seen as a means of liberation from the social conventions with which the magician does not identify. It allows everyone to explore repressed aspects of their psyche and confront their fears and forbidden desires. This exploration is sometimes considered a path toward self-knowledge and personal transformation. In some shamanic traditions, for example, the use of rituals perceived as transgressive aims to restore balance between the individual and the universe.
5. Black magic and the moral perspective
The distinction between good and evil has been at the heart of philosophical reflection throughout history. In the context of black magic, this duality becomes particularly complex because it concerns practices perceived as marginal. To explore whether good is truly "good" and evil intrinsically "evil," we can draw a parallel with two of the most famous philosophers of our time, whose ideas apply well to our subject, although their work did not concern magic.
5.1. Kant and "radical evil"
In Religion within the Boundaries of Mere Reason, Emmanuel Kant proposes the concept of "radical evil." For him, evil is not merely the absence of good but an inclination inherent in human nature. He argues that every individual has a tendency to prioritize their personal interests and desires at the expense of moral laws. In this view, evil is part of the human condition, while good requires a conscious choice and a willingness to transcend oneself.
Applied to black magic, this Kantian perspective could suggest that certain seemingly transgressive practices reflect this natural tendency toward evil. Nevertheless, Kant reminds us that reason and moral will make it possible to transcend this inclination, emphasizing that good is defined by the ability to make moral choices despite personal desires.
5.2. Nietzsche and social constructs
In Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche criticizes traditional morality and argues that the notions of good and evil are social and cultural constructs. For him, these categories are means of maintaining order and confining individuals within collective norms. Nietzsche instead proposes transcending these moral distinctions in order to evaluate actions according to their ability to affirm the individual's will and life force.
In the context of black magic, a Nietzschean perspective leads us to reassess practices labeled "bad" or "harmful" according to how they affirm personal will. Nietzsche invites us to redefine conventional moral judgments, asking whether black magic might also be a means of exploring facets of individual power.
6. The neutrality of energies
There is one established fact that we have not yet addressed: magical energies are neutral by nature. Magic is perceived as an interaction with universal forces that possess neither intrinsic morality nor any predetermined orientation. These forces, often described as natural currents, vibrations, or cosmic energies, respond to the intentions of the person channeling them without moral distinction. This view is shared by several philosophies and spiritual practices.
In shamanism, for example, the spirits and natural forces invoked during rituals are neither good nor evil in themselves. Their role depends on how the shaman interacts with them, whether to heal, protect, or influence a particular situation. Similarly, Taoist philosophy offers a vision of the world in which yin and yang, representing opposing but complementary forces, embody a fundamental balance. In this framework, light and darkness are not morally opposed but coexist harmoniously to maintain universal order. Finally, in Western Hermeticism, magical energies are perceived as universal natural laws that human beings can understand and influence, without being fundamentally good or evil.
In Vodou, energies are not influenced by the priest or priestess but by the lwa, who themselves are not defined by a fixed morality. They embody forces of nature, aspects of the human condition, and universal archetypes. Each lwa possesses various attributes, including "light" and "dark" traits, which reflect their role in the universal cycle. The Petro lwa, associated with more intense or coercive magical practices, are not inherently malevolent. They represent energies of transformation, raw power, or defense, which can be invoked for specific needs.
7. Magic or black magic?
Our approach shows that the forces mobilized in black magic are not "evil" by nature. They are neutral and become a tool shaped by intentions. Just as a knife can be used to nourish or wound, magical energies adapt to the will of the person who manipulates them. Thus, a ritual intended to protect a loved one or neutralize a threat may draw on so-called "dark" practices without being morally reprehensible. Conversely, these same energies, when used to manipulate or cause harm, take on a negative connotation.
If we had to explain the existence of black magic, we could simply say that it exists because human beings exist. When a magical working calls for manipulation, control, curses of any kind, revenge, or attack, you transform neutral energy into dark energy without even realizing it.
8. Is black magic condemnable?
For someone who has been abused, the desire to defend themselves or react is a natural response to aggression or injustice. In this context, casting a curse can be seen as a form of reclaiming power, especially if the person feels powerless in the face of traditional justice systems that may not meet their need for protection or redress. It is a way for them to symbolically or magically restore balance.
However, this reaction, although understandable, may be influenced by emotions such as anger, pain, or despair. These intense emotional states can affect clarity of judgment and drive the person to act without fully considering the consequences, both for themselves and for the other person.
In Wicca, every magical action, whether benevolent or malevolent, is accompanied by karmic consequences. These systems remind us that the energy we send into the universe, for good or ill, returns to the person who sent it. Thus, even if a curse is justified in the moment, it may lead to spiritual repercussions for the caster, who could experience an unexpected return of energy.
This invites us to consider the alternatives: instead of casting a curse, would it not be better to strengthen ourselves rather than focus on this external cause? Something to reflect on...
Par Olivier of Aeternum
Passionate about esoteric traditions and the history of the occult from the earliest civilizations to the 18th century, I share some articles on these topics. I am also co-creator of the online esoteric shop Aeternum.
