History of Magic in the American Continents
written by Wayah Barry
Shamans, medicine men, magical creatures, astronomy, divination. The influence of magic had strong impact on the communities that inhabited the continent pre-Columbus and continues to effect the magic community in America today. About the author: I am Eastern Band Cherokee and grew up hearing myths and stories of my tribe. This is my attempt to creatively tie my research of Native American mythology with the Harry Potter Universe. *This is not meant to offend anyone, it is purely fictional. I will respect the spiritual practices and beliefs of Native American tribes and be as factual as I can.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
12
Reads
787
Mayan Shamans and Medicine Men
Chapter 5
Similar to Incan priests that practiced the art of Divination, Mayan shamans and medicine men used multiple practices still used in the magical world today such as herbology, astronomy, and sorcery to act as a medium between the spiritual and physical world. The use of magical practices greatly advanced the Mayan civilization's medical practices, such as surgery and dental work.
Ah-men, or medicine men, in Mayan culture determined the cause for events through altered consciousness, and also diagnosed remedies after discovering the cause of illness, which was believed to be punishment for some sort of transgression. Medicine men, similar to the Incan priests, altered their state of mind through the use of herbs and plants such as peyote, mushrooms, and tobacco. This allowed them to connect to the spirit world.
The powers possessed by medicine men placed them in position of high esteem in Mayan society. They controlled the rituals and ceremonies performed by the cities, and also determined which ceremony would be most appropriate at a certain time. The spiritualistic rituals were very important to Mayan society, which is seen in the civilization's ruins still present throughout Mesoamerica. This culture is still preserved in some areas of the original empire's boundary today, but sadly descendants of the once great Mayan civilization have suffered the tragic consequences of colonization and have experience discrimination.
Ah-men, or medicine men, in Mayan culture determined the cause for events through altered consciousness, and also diagnosed remedies after discovering the cause of illness, which was believed to be punishment for some sort of transgression. Medicine men, similar to the Incan priests, altered their state of mind through the use of herbs and plants such as peyote, mushrooms, and tobacco. This allowed them to connect to the spirit world.
The powers possessed by medicine men placed them in position of high esteem in Mayan society. They controlled the rituals and ceremonies performed by the cities, and also determined which ceremony would be most appropriate at a certain time. The spiritualistic rituals were very important to Mayan society, which is seen in the civilization's ruins still present throughout Mesoamerica. This culture is still preserved in some areas of the original empire's boundary today, but sadly descendants of the once great Mayan civilization have suffered the tragic consequences of colonization and have experience discrimination.
