Analogy between the LDS and a magic worldview
Introduction
Latter-day Saints, like most believers of the Bible, take for granted that witchcraft or sorceries exist on some level, but they may be nuanced about magic’s efficacy (for example).
Generally speaking, the similarities between LDS practices and magic are freely admitted. Although aspects of his book are considered controversial, the following statement in Bruce R. McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine entry on “Magic” is not likely to be controversial to Latter-day Saints:
In imitation of true religion with its miracles, signs and gifts of the Spirit, Satan has substitute rituals and practices called magic. … In its nature magic is the art which produces effects by the assistance of supernatural beings or by a mastery of secret forces in nature …
Potential similarities
Due to the various shades of meaning found in the world of magic and the inherently imprecise nature of analogy, some of the categories below will overlap to varying degrees with other categories. Categories and matches are inherently fuzzy.
| Magical term/category | A Latter-day Saint analogue |
|---|---|
| ghosts | spirits of the dead |
| magic | priesthood |
| scrying or lithomancy | seer stones |
| casting spells | prayers |
| banishing | casting out by raising arm to the square |
| ritual incantations | hosannah shouts, sacraments, bow head and say “yes” |
| enchantments | dedicating a home, sealing powers |
| aura | countenance |
| demonic possession | break temple covenants then satan has power over them |
| astrology | prophecy, sometimes including new stars to appear |
| dark magic | the power of Satan |
| conjuring | inviting dark spirits |
| a coven | societies and quorums |
| hexes or curses | dusting off the feet |
| elemental lords | a devil with the power over the waters |
| seances | spirits of the dead can accompany in the temple |
| shamanism | commanding the elements, if faithful |
| talismans against evil | garments |
| holy oils or crystals | holy oil |
| fortune-telling | patriarchal blessings |
| clairsentience | discernment |
| naked rituals | old initiatory was performed naked, later with shield |
| dowsing | the gift of Aaron (or working with the rod) |
| clairvoyance | revelations |
| left/right-hand paths | left hand or right hand of God |
Adapted from /u/Rushclock here, originally list by /u/curious_mormon