Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), Roman poet (70–19 BCE), is the subject of medieval legends portraying him as a powerful magician and sorcerer. These stories, distinct from his literary works, include the construction of enchanted statues, magical defenses for Naples, and miraculous inventions. Medieval chroniclers such as Gervase of Tilbury and Vincent of Beauvais contributed to … Read more
Verveine (Verbena officinalis), or vervain, is regarded as a sacred plant in European and Mediterranean traditions. It was used in ancient Rome for cleansing altars and, in druidic practice, harvested with rituals during the dog days of summer. In folk magic, vervain is used for protection against evil spirits, for purification, and in magical ceremonies. … Read more
Velleda was a Germanic priestess and prophetess who lived during the time of Roman Emperor Vespasian. According to Tacitus, Velleda exercised great influence during the Batavian revolt, acting as an advisor and seer from a tower. Her authority was recognized by warriors and leaders who offered her a share of the spoils. Velleda’s reputation combined … Read more
Thrasyllus (Trasulle) was an astrologer who advised the Roman emperor Tiberius while on Rhodes. According to Suetonius and other Roman sources, Thrasyllus’ reputation for divination enabled him to avoid death at the emperor’s hands by skillfully interpreting omens and reading the stars. His story exemplifies the dangerous yet influential position of astrologers in the ancient … Read more
Trajan (Marcus Ulpius Traianus), Roman emperor, features in a legend in which a demon saves him from an earthquake in Antioch. Another story asserts that he refrained from rebuilding Italica, his ancestral city, due to a prophecy that linked its expansion to the decline of his empire. Trajan’s legendary encounters reflect both classical and medieval … Read more
Tomb-sleeping refers to the ancient practice, found among several pre-Christian societies, of sleeping on or near graves to receive dreams or communicate with the dead. This practice, documented in Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern sources, was believed to facilitate necromantic contact, the acquisition of prophecy, or answers from spirits of the deceased. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: … Read more
Theurgy (theourgia) is a spiritual and magical practice developed in the late Hellenistic world, notably among Neoplatonists such as Porphyry, Julian the Apostate, Iamblichus, and Maximus of Ephesus. Theurgy claims to enable practitioners to achieve supernatural knowledge and perform wonders with the assistance of spiritual beings, classified by practitioners as gods or good spirits and … Read more
Tephramancy is a form of divination practiced in antiquity using ashes from sacrificial fires. The ritual typically involved interpreting the patterns or characteristics of ashes remaining after the consumption of a sacrificial victim by fire, seeking to divine omens or the will of the gods. The practice is referenced in Greek, Roman, and later occult … Read more
Teratoscopy (teratoscopia in Greek) refers to divination through the observation of prodigies or monstrous apparitions, especially those seen in the sky such as phantom armies or unusual celestial phenomena. This practice has been documented in ancient and medieval chronicles, where sightings of unusual figures or supernatural armies were interpreted as omens of significant future events. … Read more
Tephramancy (tephramantia in Greek) is a form of divination practiced in antiquity that uses the ashes from sacrificial fires. The method involves interpreting the patterns or properties of ashes remaining after ritual animal sacrifices, with the goal of obtaining omens or answers from the divine. This form of divination is mentioned in Greek and Roman … Read more