#prayer scrolls

[vixieveganpixie-blog]

Ethiopian Magic Scroll It first shows the figure of a guardian angel with drawn sword. Above the figure is an exceptionally fine series of bands of decoration in the form of laticework and crosses, some incorpating protective eyes. The second shows a grid of nine squares filled with alternating face and cruciform motifs. The third shows a cruciform laticework design. And the fourth shows a schematic eight-pointed star with a central face motif. The original owner’s name (a woman) remains throughout as Wälättä Maryam, accompanied once with her given name Mässäläch. words: 1. The Legend of Susenyos. 2. Prayer for the “expulsion” of disease and “shätolay”. [ the demon especially responsible for ailments connected with pregnancy and childbirth.] 3. Prayer against the evil eye. 4. Prayer against rheumatism and sciatica. 5. Prayers against haemorrhage. 6. Prayer against “shätolay”. 7. Prayer against zar wellaj. [the descendents of zarspirits who take corporal form and who herald the latter ; also the name of a psychic illness caused by zarspirits.]

[vixieveganpixie-blog]

Ethiopian 'Magic' Scrolls

Ethiopian 'Magic' Scrolls Ethiopian gospel or prayer scrolls, often referred to as ‘magic scrolls’, were believed to hold protective and healing powers, and were carried by the owner at all times. They were inscribed with prayers, spells and charms originally designed to offer protection to their owner. Each one was designed for the individual patron. Inscribed with prayers, spells and charms, the text was often excerpted from sacred books such as Gospels and thus were tolerated by the Ethiopian Church in spite of their connection to magical practices. Clients commissioned their scrolls for diverse reasons, using them to undo spells, restore health, combat sterility and even ward off demons. The dabtara, or ordained cleric responsible for producing the object, specifically tailored the size and content of the scroll to the physical and spiritual characteristics of his client, using painted decoration to enhance the scrolls protective properties The process began with the selection and sacrifice of a particular animal. The dabtara washed the client in the animals’ blood as part of the process of purification. Three strips of parchment were then made from the skin of the animal and stitched together to form a single scroll equal in length to the height of its owner. The object, therefore, maintained a direct, physical connection to its owner, enhancing the power of its magic.