B

Baptism- Christian sacrament of initiation into the church. This is done to absolve the person being baptized from original sin. It was once believed (and still is but to a lesser extent) that babies who die prior to being baptized cannot go to Heaven but instead end up in Limbo.

Basalisk- Legendary beast which is half cock, half reptile.

Beelzebub- A powerful demon also known as the “Lord of the flies.”

Benign- Harmless, not mean or evil.                                                              

Benign Spirit- A spirit that is not evil or harmful to man. Angels and spirit guides fall into this category as would spirits of loved ones that come back to tell us something. Elementals are regarded to be benign spirits.

Bilocation- When an object is seen in two locations at the same time. This can also involve people as well as objects. Padre Pio was said to exhibit bilocation on a number if instances.

Black Magic- Magic used for evil often with the intent of injuring or killing someone. It may also be done for the personal gain of the practitioner. In theory, practitioners are calling upon demons to carry out their requests.

Black Mass- Performed by Satanists; this is a mock of the Catholic Mass. Black candles are used instead of white ones. Also, many Christian prayers are read backwards and blood is usually drunk at these ceremonies. In some instances, a naked woman is used as the alter for the ceremony. Satanists will try to conduct these masses in a Church where possible. Animals and in some cases people are sacrificed at these masses.

Botanica- Store that sells paraphernalia for use with Santeria. These may consist of bowls, candles statues, etc.

Bruja- Spanish for witch.

Brujeria- Combination of Aztec pagan religion and Catholicism. Brujeria can be used for good or bad purposes.

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