Cursing

The verbal repudiation, for example, of a person or even of God (cf Job... "Curse God and die"). A belief is implied in the power of the spoken word as opposed to simple wishing; this power then may be sufficient to carry out the curse (or blessing) spoken into existence, or it may be an appeal to a higher (probably supernatural) power to carry it out. Cursing in a ritual or official way by someone in authority induces terror in the victim who may feel unable to resist the power of such a curse. Although the supernatural quality of words may no longer be theologically admitted, the Book of Common Prayer of Edward VI contains "A Commination or Denouncing of God's Anger and Judgements Against Sinners" to be used as a "warning" for the cursing of various misdoers.

A curse may involve some other activity as well as the speaking of certain words; the curse may empower some object of action, such as a knife or a poison, and may be accompanied by appropriate gestures. It may also be passed on from the object of hostility to his relations and descendants. Depending upon the spiritual power of the person effecting the curse it may be more or less efficacious; in psychic terms, there is focusing on a thought form which is moulded into an "elemental" that is then invoked in the curse.