590. Nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications.- That this signifies, from perverting good and falsifying truth, is evident from the signification of sorceries, as denoting the perversions of good, of which we shall speak presently; and from the signification of fornications, as denoting the falsifications of truth (see above, n. 141, 161). That sorceries, in the spiritual sense, signify perversions of good, is evident from this fact, that mention at the same time is made of fornications, and fornications signify the falsifications of truth; and, in the Word, when truth is the subject, good is also treated of, because there is a celestial Divine marriage in every part of it. It is also said, that they repented not of their murders, sorceries, and fornications; and murders signify the extinction of the affection for good, which belongs to the will, and of the perception of truth, which belongs to the understanding (see above, n. 589). And the affection for good, which belongs to the will, is extinguished, when the good of the Word is perverted; and the perception of truth, which belongs to the understanding, when the truth of the Word is falsified. The signification of sorceries is therefore clear.
[2] In ancient times, various kinds of infernal arts, called magic, were in use, some of which are spoken of in the Word (as in Deut. xviii. 9-11). Among these there were also enchantments, by means of which they called forth affections and pleasures which another could not resist. This was effected by sounds and tacit expressions, which they either brought forth or muttered, and which, by analogous correspondences, had communication with the will of another, and excited his affection, and fascinated him to will, think, and act in a certain manner. The prophets were skilled in and also used such enchantments, by means of which they excited good affections, hearkening, and obedience; these enchantments are mentioned in a good sense in the Word in Isaiah (iii. 1, 2, 3, 20; xxvi. 16); Jer. (viii. 17); and in David (Psalm lviii. 4, 5). But because evil affections were excited by the evil by means of such speeches and mutterings, and thus enchantments became magical, therefore they are also spoken of as among the magical arts, and were strictly prohibited (Deut. xviii. 9, 10, 11; Isaiah lxvii. 9, 12; Apoc. xviii. 23; xxii. 15).* * The following note occurs in the photo-lithograph copy:- De Bileamo, de Jesabele, concerning Balaam, concerning Jezebel.
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church