Kischuph

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Kischuph

In the Kabala, the higher magical influence. It was divided into two branches, an elementary and a spiritual, and included exorcism. Sometimes Kischuph exhibited a striking resemblance to the witchcraft of medieval times. Sorcerers were said to change themselves into animals and travel long distances in a very short time. They might also induce pain, disease, and death in men and animals.

Further allied to witches were the "women who make a contract with the Schedim, and meet them at certain times, dance with them, and visit these spirits who appear to them in the shape of goats." In many countries such women were killed. This form of Kischuph is true sorcery. The other form, material Kischuph, consists of disturbing influences on the natural elements produced by exciting false "rapports" in various substances.