M.J. Rose

This cannot help but inspire the imagination…

The secret life of an ancient concubine

(Ancient Origins)

“In many ancient cultures and religious traditions, rulers and elite members of society not only had wives, they also had concubines. Concubines normally served a dual purpose – to increase a man’s prestige through his capacity to produce children and, of course, limitless opportunities to indulge in sexual desires.  Most people associate concubines with ancient China where Emperors were known to have kept thousands of concubines, however, the practice of taking concubines is certainly not exclusive to China.

The practice of taking a concubine goes back thousands of years to the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia and Babylonia where the elite members of society took concubines, many of whom were slaves, however, the first wife always retained a place of primacy in the family. In some city-states, women served as priestesses and held a very high social rank.  Generally, these women did not marry.  In some Mesopotamian cultures, men would visit these women as prostitutes, which society not only condoned, but considered an honourable fulfillment of religious duty, regardless of the marital status of the man…”

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The Arbatel: An ancient text book of magic with spiritual advice and world views from 16th century experts. But beware, once upon a time, if you had dared to study this book,  you may have been accused of being a witch despite the book’s positive message…

Arbatel: The Magic of the Ancients – An Occult Grimoire with a Positive Message

Buer, the 10th spirit, who teaches “Moral and Natural Philosophy”, from Dictionnaire Infernal, a book on demonology. Public Domain.

“The Arbatel de magia veterum (Arbatel: Of the Magic of the Ancients) is a Renaissance-period grimoire – a textbook of magic – and one of the most influential works of its kind. Unlike some other occult manuscripts that contain dark magic and malicious spells, the Arbatel contains spiritual advice and guidance on how to live an honest and honorable life…”

Read more here at Ancient Origins.

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