Conjuring, a definition by Raven Grimassi

Re: [LaVecchia] Conjuration

herne22 wrote:
>>Can someone explain what is meant by conjuring?<<

The word and concept of "conjuring" is as misunderstood and distorted as
is the word Witchcraft. The English word conjure is ultimately derived
from the Latin "com" and "iudare" which means to swear together (as in
an oath/agreement). The Old English term is directly derived from the
Late Latin "coniurare" which means to "pray by something holy." So, we
can see that the meaning is one of a sacred partnership.

One of the modern dictionary meanings of "conjure" is: "To call or bring
to mind; evoke." Another is: To imagine; picture." So here we see the
magical roots in conceptual rites. But with the rise of Christianity,
anything Pagan was assigned to evil, and thus anything holy to a Pagan
was unholy to a Christian. Therefore, to conjure (pray by something
holy/perform by oath) became to summon a devil.

It's interesting to note that there is an "obsolete" meaning of
"conjure" in the American Heritage Dictionary, which reads: "To call on
or entreat solemnly, especially by an oath." Hmmm, I wonder who
rendered that meaning obsolete!?

>>The elemental spirits are "conjured" during circle casting. I've
always understood conjuration as involving an element of force or
command. Etymologically the word deals with binding. Yet, I can't
imagine that we are to bind other entities as part of what we do.<<

As I've demonstrated, the etymology of "conjure" is rooted in something
quite different. Binding, in the old rooted sense (pre-Christian
meaning) refers to being bound by oath, in other words it refers to the
obligations of a fellowship.

Blessings - Raven