Kischuph

An Encyclopaedia of Occultism (1920)

In the Kabala, the higher magical influence. It is divided into two branches, an elementary and a spiritual, and includes exorcism. Sometimes Kischuph exhibits a striking resemblance to the witchcraft of medieval times. Sorcerers were said to change themselves into animals, and go long distances in a very short time. They may also induce pain and disease and death in men and animals. Still further allied to witches are 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 are killed." This form of Kischuph is true sorcery; the other form, material Kischuph, is rather evil sympathy, consisting of disturbing influences on the natural elements produced by exciting false "rapports" in various substances. 66 Kiss, Bewitched by means of a: Florence Newton, a notorious witch of the Middle Ages , was on several occasions accused of having bewitched people by means of a kiss. The first was a servant-maid who had refused alms to her. About a week later the witch kissed her violently, from which time she suffered from fits and was transported from place to place, now being carried mysteriously to the top of the on. house, now being placed between two feather beds, and so Koshei : (See Slavs .) The witch also caused the death of one David Jones, who stood sentinel over her in prison, by kissing his hand, and by the same means brought about the death of the children of three Youghal aldermen.