Back to Home Page or Contents Page or Past and present beliefs or Index

Kischuph

Kischuph, in the Kabbalah, is the higher magical influence. It is divided into two branches, the elementary and the spiritual, and includes exorcism. Sometimes Kischuph exhibits a striking resemblance to witchcraft of the medieval period. Sorcerers were said to change themselves into animals (see Metamorphosis), and go long distances in a short time (see Flying). They may also induce pain, disease, and death in men and animals. Still further allied with witches are the "women who make a contract with the Schedim, and meet them a certain times, and visit these spirits who appear to them in the shape of goats. In many countries such women were killed." This form of Kischuph is true sorcery; the other form, material Kischuph, is rather evil sympathy, consisting of disturbing influences on natural elements produced by exciting false "rapports" in various substances. A.G.H.

Source: 81, 243.