The idea of supernatural force is one of the oldest religious concepts in the world, and it has long been a central topic in the Study of religion.
Supernatural powers have taken various cultural forms. While anthropologists have discussed traditional examples of magical force such as the Polynesian mana, Finnish väki, or Algonquian manitou, philosophers and theologians have debated about the nature of divine powers and ‘vital energies’ in religious contexts. Terms signifying spiritual power such as qi in Chinese culture, or kundalini and prana in Hinduism are used to explain a range of physical, metaphysical, social, and psychological experiences: creation of the world, natural phenomena, sickness and health, procreation and sexuality, as well as emotions from anger to attraction.
The idea of supernatural power is central also to various forms of vernacular belief and practice, and it continues to be present and relevant in our modern societies, in religious as well as popular culture. Belief in an invisible, immaterial force or influence goes together with countless religio-magical practices such as the veneration of relics, use of talismans, amulets and healing crystals, spoken curses and blessings, power places and magic wands, and healing traditions from Reiki and Acupuncture to Reflexology.
This course dives into the world of magical power and spiritual energy, focusing on the aspects of practice and material culture. How are supernatural powers experienced, and how do people interact with them? The course presents various examples of supernatural power in its many forms and throughout the times, and ranging from historical and indigenous traditions to modern, Western ones.
The students will learn about the central theories relevant to the study of magical powers and the models for interpreting the concept of supernatural power and examining its religious and cultural functions. The course is given in English.
- Enseignant·e: Katri Marika Ratia