Liebeszauber und Wahrsagung

Superstitious practices cover a wide range of human life: the fear of danger, disease and death, the desire for love, wealth and happiness, and the longing to be able to look into the future. People have always tried to influence the laws of nature with magic and sorcery. Fear and hope were the mainsprings, damage spells and love spells the main goals, fortune tellers and astrologers even offered the view into the future.

The magical worldview of antiquity knew of an intermediate world between the gods and humans, populated by demons; these had to be summoned, appeased or warded off. Protection from evil has always been offered by amulets, which were also available to ordinary people. Fortune tellers, oracles and astrologers offered a glimpse into the future. These practices required money and so this procedure was reserved for the highest social level. The emperors of Rome tried to keep fortune telling generally under control. Thus, in Rome, fortune tellers and oracles served mainly the organs of state, and it was life-threatening for private individuals to consult fortune tellers or astrologers about high politics.