Spells, Potions, Husbands and Wives: A Contribution Towards the Study of Greek Love Magic in Antiquity

Abstract

In Greek antiquity love potions and spells were not only part of prostitutes’ professional equipment. Our evidence points also to the repeated use of love magic by married women. We should take into account the possibility that their magic might well have contained some “standard”, “regular” formulas of erotic magic, including spells of attraction and binding spells. Male prejudices and fears (stimulated by incidents of poisoning and overdose) bestowed such female magic with a sinister aspect: these were just power-usurping, harmful or murderous, ubiquitous machinations. In reality, for a frustrated woman, who was craving for intimacy and mutual commitment, love charms and potions were less risky and easier solution than a romance or attempts to get the divorce.