Human Development
Mana
Description:
The power generated in a group by the re-enactment of a group custom. It is a physical awareness of the presence of society, which may manifest as a feeling of awe; an impersonal force which nevertheless attaches to persons (either directly or via spirits) giving them power which may be described as magical, social, religious, taboo, or even simply success in battle. The feeling of awe generated by group ceremony is said to be the start of religion; and the conceptualizing or giving a name to this feeling as the start of magic. Mana may be associated with objects which will then be regarded as sacred. It may be granted by the gods in return for ritual offerings and sacrifice.