19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, -Galatians 5:19-20 King James Version (KJV)
Spiritual Experiences by Emanuel Swedenborg (Odhner) n. 269
232. The punishment of witches. It appeared to me in sleep that some witch was using her witchcraft for the purpose of taking away true love, and thus of weakening a person. When I awoke, the witch appeared, who, being recognized, was handed over for due punishment. That punishment was horrible - I could never have imagined that such a punishment exists. I was told that it occurred when angels simply inquired into her wicked deeds. And in fact it was such that she gradually melted away into horrible snakes or worms, and wholly vanished into them. So she was cast out of sight. 1747, 3 November (old calendar).
269. About witchcraft, magical arts, fortune telling and the like... 2) At this day, those who engage in such practices have been put down, and spirits of this kind are held in bonds. Several times, when somewhat loosed from these bonds, they wanted to persuade me to learn similar arts, but due to the mercy of God the Messiah, it was in vain, so they were returned to their bonds, where they must necessarily undergo a considerable change, through torments comparable to either fire or decay.
The Egyptian magicians were of this kind, because they distorted the symbolic depictions of the ancient Church and thereby practiced magical arts, probably countless in number - but all of which were like shells without the kernels, or leaves that fall off when the sap is gone, even though they may outwardly appear bright with varied colors for a short time.
Equivalent to such magical arts, therefore, are those qualities in which people seem to shine, such as their own good judgment, and the like, by which they imagine themselves to be in control of everything. Likewise, science and philosophy, by which people believe they control spiritual and heavenly matters, are like fortune telling and witchcraft. Therefore these are to be understood at the present day by witchcraft and the like, and by Egyptian wisdom, etc. 1747, the 27th day of November.
2905. About truldom [Swedish for "witchcraft."] There was a certain one who said that in the life of the body he had indeed harmed others through witchcraft or truldom, to the point of inflicting on them evil, pains, and the like, and who was practicing the same in the other life. He was told that the punishment of such people is one of retaliation. So hellish spirits drew him down to themselves and tormented him with the same practices. This was made known to me by his outcry and lamentations, saying with a bitter tone that he had sinned. 1748, 24 Aug.
The Egyptian magicians were of this kind, because they distorted the symbolic depictions of the ancient Church and thereby practiced magical arts, probably countless in number - but all of which were like shells without the kernels, or leaves that fall off when the sap is gone, even though they may outwardly appear bright with varied colors for a short time.
Equivalent to such magical arts, therefore, are those qualities in which people seem to shine, such as their own good judgment, and the like, by which they imagine themselves to be in control of everything. Likewise, science and philosophy, by which people believe they control spiritual and heavenly matters, are like fortune telling and witchcraft. Therefore these are to be understood at the present day by witchcraft and the like, and by Egyptian wisdom, etc. 1747, the 27th day of November.
2905. About truldom [Swedish for "witchcraft."] There was a certain one who said that in the life of the body he had indeed harmed others through witchcraft or truldom, to the point of inflicting on them evil, pains, and the like, and who was practicing the same in the other life. He was told that the punishment of such people is one of retaliation. So hellish spirits drew him down to themselves and tormented him with the same practices. This was made known to me by his outcry and lamentations, saying with a bitter tone that he had sinned. 1748, 24 Aug.
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