Magic Squares in Religions
Throughout the history, magic has been used in all religions and religious movements. In this thesis, magic squares which are among the main elements of the ritual practices of magic are examined. In addition to this, a survey about how and why religious traditions use the magic squares is held. In spite of being constituted with the numbers in the beginning, magic squares, which are thought to come into being with a legend existing in the tradition of ancient Chinese people approximately 4200 years ago and considered to be one of the most prominent elements of ancient Chinese cosmology, started to be constituted with the letters within the development of the numerology and giving numerical values to the letters. People of ancient times blended the magic squares with the philosophical and mystic systems, occult knowledges and magical practices. They attributed various philosophical and mystic meanings within the religious and cultic traditions they have and allocated a wide range of use in magical practices. Magic squares are being carried and used as talismans, amulets, rings and seals against the evil, diseases, beast of preys and harmful animals, jinns, malicious spirits, demons, enemies etc. in world religions and traditions.
Keywords: Magic, Wafq, Magic Square, Numerology, Gematria, Abjad, Astrology, Chinese cosmology.