Throughout human history, the origins of various practices can be traced back to different civilizations. Weapons, astrology, makeup, sorcery, and necromancy are no exception, having emerged in diverse cultures across the world. Weapons were born out of the necessity for protection and evolved alongside advancements in technology. Astrology developed as early civilizations observed the celestial bodies and sought to understand their influence on human lives. Makeup originated as a means of personal adornment and cultural expression. Sorcery and magic emerged as belief systems intertwining supernatural forces with human existence. Necromancy, the communication with the dead, arose from the complex beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. Examining the origins of these practices allows us to explore the fascinating tapestry of human civilization and the diverse ways in which cultures have interacted with the world around them.

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious text that is not considered part of the biblical canon. It contains various accounts and teachings about the origins of evil and the nature of the universe.

In the Book of Enoch, the origins of evil are traced back to the fall of the Watchers, a group of angels who were sent to Earth to watch over humanity. These angels became enamored with human women and began to teach them forbidden knowledge, including the arts of sorcery, weapon-making, and other crafts.

As a result of their disobedience, the Watchers were cast out of heaven and condemned to live on Earth as fallen angels. Their teachings, however, continued to spread among humanity, leading to the proliferation of evil and wickedness in the world.

The Book of Enoch also describes the role of demons in promoting evil and tempting humans to sin. These demons are said to be the offspring of the Watchers and the human women they mated with.

Chapter 8:
1 And Azazel taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and made known to them the metals of the earth and the art of working them, and bracelets, and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the beautifying of the eyelids, and all kinds of costly stones, and all 2 colouring tinctures. 

And there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they 3 were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways. Semjaza taught enchantments, and root-cuttings, 'Armaros the resolving of enchantments, Baraqijal (taught) astrology, Kokabel the constellations, Ezeqeel the knowledge of the clouds, Araqiel the signs of the earth, Shamsiel the signs of the sun, and Sariel the course of the moon. And as men perished, they cried, and their cry went up to heaven . . .

The origins of weapons, astrology, makeup, sorcery, and necromancy are mentioned in various contexts. Let's take a closer look at each one:

• Weapons: The use of weapons dates back to ancient times and is mentioned in the Bible as early as the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis. After Cain killed Abel, he became the first person to possess a weapon, a "club" or "mark" given to him by God for protection (Genesis 4:8-15). Throughout the Bible, weapons such as swords, spears, and bows are mentioned in the context of warfare and conflict.

• Astrology: Astrology, the belief that celestial bodies and their movements influence human affairs and personality traits, is mentioned in the Bible in a negative light. In several passages, such as Isaiah 47:13-14 and Jeremiah 10:2, astrology is condemned as a form of divination and is contrasted with the worship of the true God. The Bible encourages reliance on God rather than seeking guidance through astrological practices.

• Makeup: The use of makeup is mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of adornment and cosmetics used by women. In passages like 2 Kings 9:30 and Ezekiel 23:40, excessive use of makeup is associated with immorality or unfaithfulness to God. However, it's important to note that the Bible does not outrightly condemn the use of makeup but warns against vanity and excessive adornment.

• Sorcery: The Bible strongly condemns sorcery, which refers to the practice of using supernatural powers or magic for evil purposes. In the Old Testament, sorcery is mentioned in passages like Exodus 22:18 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where it is considered an abomination and a practice that leads people away from God. In the New Testament, sorcery is mentioned as a work of the flesh and is associated with various sinful behaviors (Galatians 5:19-20).

• Necromancy: Necromancy involves attempting to communicate with or conjure the spirits of the dead. In the Bible, necromancy is explicitly forbidden and regarded as an abomination. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 mentions necromancers as among those who engage in detestable practices. King Saul's encounter with the witch of Endor, who summoned the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel, is described in 1 Samuel 28, but this account serves as a cautionary tale rather than an endorsement of necromantic practices.

It's important to understand that the Bible offers moral teachings and guidelines on various subjects, including the ones mentioned above. The biblical perspective on these topics is rooted in the religious and cultural context of the time, emphasizing the worship of the true God and the avoidance of practices that detract from a faithful relationship with Him.

In ancient Egypt, weapons, astrology, makeup, sorcery, and necromancy played significant roles in the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the civilization. Here's a brief overview of their origins and significance in ancient Egypt:

• Weapons: Weapons were an essential part of ancient Egyptian society, primarily used for warfare and defense. The origins of Egyptian weapons can be traced back to prehistoric times when early Egyptians utilized tools and simple weapons made of stone, such as clubs and axes. Over time, they advanced to using copper and bronze for weapons like spears, bows, and axes. Later, during the New Kingdom period, iron weapons were introduced. Weapons were not only practical tools but also symbols of power and protection, often associated with deities and divine authority.

• Astrology: Astrology played a significant role in ancient Egyptian religion and culture. The Egyptians observed celestial bodies, particularly the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, and believed that they had a profound influence on human lives and events. They developed a complex system of astrology known as "astrology of the decans," which divided the sky into thirty-six decans or segments, each associated with specific deities and qualities. Astrology was used to predict favorable and unfavorable periods for various activities, such as farming, religious ceremonies, and even childbirth.

• Makeup: Makeup had both practical and symbolic significance in ancient Egypt. Egyptians, both men and women, used cosmetics extensively for personal adornment, hygiene, and religious rituals. They believed that makeup enhanced their appearance and protected them from evil spirits. The ancient Egyptians used various natural substances, such as crushed minerals, charcoal, and ochre, to create cosmetics. Eye makeup, particularly black kohl, was highly popular, and its application had ritualistic associations, representing the protective eye of the gods and warding off evil.

• Sorcery: Sorcery, or magic, had a pervasive presence in ancient Egyptian society. Egyptians believed in the existence of magical forces and sought to harness them for practical purposes. They practiced a form of magic known as "heka," which encompassed various rituals, spells, and incantations. Magic was considered a legitimate and respected profession, and magicians often served in the royal court. Egyptians used magic for healing, protection, divination, and influencing events. Rituals and spells involving amulets, talismans, and religious ceremonies were common practices.

• Necromancy: The ancient Egyptians had a complex belief system regarding the afterlife and communication with the deceased. They believed that the spirits of the dead could be contacted and interacted with through rituals and ceremonies. Priests and magicians performed rituals to communicate with deceased ancestors and revered spirits. These rituals involved recitations, offerings, and specific invocations to summon and receive guidance from the spirits. Necromancy, in this context, was a means to seek advice, protection, and divine knowledge from the realm of the deceased.

It's important to note that while these practices were significant in ancient Egyptian culture, their significance and interpretations may have varied over time and among different social classes. The understanding of these practices is based on archaeological evidence, religious texts, and historical records left by the ancient Egyptians themselves.

• • Weapons: The use of weapons can be traced back to prehistoric times when early humans developed tools for hunting and defense. In the case of ancient Egypt, as civilization advanced, the need for weapons in warfare and protection became evident. The use of weapons evolved from simple tools made of stone to more advanced materials like copper, bronze, and eventually iron. The development of weapons in ancient Egypt was influenced by technological advancements, neighboring civilizations, and the constant need for security and military strength.

  • Astrology: The origins of astrology in ancient Egypt can be linked to the observation of celestial bodies and the belief in their connection to human affairs. Egyptians closely monitored the movements of the sun, moon, and stars and associated them with specific deities and cosmic forces. Over time, they developed a system of astrology that involved dividing the sky into segments, associating them with deities, and interpreting their influence on daily life. The origins of Egyptian astrology likely stem from early observations of celestial phenomena and their impact on agriculture, seasons, and natural cycles.

  • Makeup: The use of cosmetics in ancient Egypt can be traced back to the pre-dynastic period, around 4000 BCE. The Egyptians used a variety of natural substances, such as minerals, pigments, and oils, to create cosmetics. The application of makeup had both practical and symbolic purposes. Egyptians used makeup for personal adornment, hygiene, protection against the sun, and to enhance their beauty. The symbolic and ritualistic significance of makeup in ancient Egypt is rooted in their religious beliefs and association with specific deities, rituals, and cultural norms.

  • Sorcery: The origins of sorcery, or magic, in ancient Egypt are deeply intertwined with their religious practices and beliefs. Egyptians believed in the existence of supernatural forces and sought to manipulate them for various purposes. Magic was considered an integral part of Egyptian religion and was practiced by priests, magicians, and individuals. The origins of Egyptian magic can be traced back to their earliest religious practices, which involved rituals, spells, and incantations. Over time, magical practices became more organized and codified, with specialized priests and magical texts emerging.

  • Necromancy: The practice of communicating with the deceased, known as necromancy, had its origins in the complex Egyptian beliefs regarding the afterlife and the importance of maintaining a connection with deceased ancestors. Egyptians believed that the spirits of the dead continued to exist and could be accessed through rituals and ceremonies. The origins of necromancy can be traced to their religious rituals and beliefs surrounding death, burial practices, and the desire to seek guidance and protection from the realm of the deceased.

It's important to note that the precise origins of these practices in ancient Egypt can be challenging to determine with certainty due to the limited available evidence and the long span of Egyptian civilization. However, the archaeological remains, hieroglyphic texts, and depictions on tomb walls provide valuable insights into the development and significance of these practices in ancient Egyptian society.