Letter #2

The Bible has some secrets of the Craft in it. And we that have studied it know that. There's a lot in the Bible that is very good. Victor said it was a sacred book, and you should never tear it up or throw it away.

One of the verses I like in the Bible is: "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." [1] In other words, think on the things that are right to think about. I've always loved that. I liked that even when I was studying the Bible. I used to study it pretty good. I studied the Bible one time through and through. Just on my own. I never went to Bible school or anything.

Then I like the beatitudes of the Bible. That's what they were called everywhere I went to school where they studied them: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."[2] Those are two things that are in the Bible that I like. Of course, the Psalms are beautiful.

And one thing I don't like in the Bible, in Exodus, it says "Don't suffer a Witch to live."[3] Now, I don't like that. That was probably put in there during the Witch-hunts.

[1] Philippians 4:8
[2] Matthew 5:5-5:8
[3] Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

© 2005 by Cora Anderson. All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced or distributed without express permission of the author.

ADDENDUM:

While dictating this letter, Cora mentioned some magical usages for Bible texts, but didn't wish them to be made public. The magical use of the Bible is quite common in the rural southern areas where Cora grew up.

The following are examples of scriptural magic from catherine yronwode's Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course. Used by permission:

Protection Against Malevolent Dream Work

"[A] protection against malevolent dream work consists of placing an open Bible beneath the bed. You may open it to Numbers 6:24-27, Numbers 23:22-33, Deuteronomy 32:10-12, Psalms 91, Psalms 121, or Psalms 126, as you prefer. Using open scissors or a knife to mark the page is common."

To Keep Your Money From Running Out and to Protect Yourself From Poverty

"Recite the 136th Psalm. (This Psalm begins "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.") This describes a state in which you will receive continuous, uninterrupted, eternal blessings from the Lord, so that you will not have some good luck and bad luck, but just good luck and good times, one after another."