A response to some questions about a text that _wastrel is tran

_wastrel, here is the response you sought to your post at http://www.livejournal.com/users/_wastrel/70786.html

The difference between magic and religion is where the power lies. In magic the power lies with man, in religion it lies with God. Magic, as you are using the term, means the exertion of human will over the supernatural. This is strictly forbidden in Judaism. The denomination does not matter. I would also be extremely cautious about the source you are using, since it seems to be retrojecting its own interpretation of the bible into the biblical period. I would not view it as authoritative.

( Now to deal with the issues you raise:  )