CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 

 THE STORIES 



The subject proposed. Stories of supernatural birth defined. Birth 

 as a result of eating or drinking. Birth from absorption of some 

 portion of a dead man. Birth from smell or from simple contact 

 with a magical substance. Mediaeval and other fancies as to the 

 Annunciation. Impregnation by wind, by bathing, by rain or 

 sunshine, by a glance, by a wish Pp. 1-29 



CHAPTER II 

 MAGICAL PRACTICES TO OBTAIN CHILDREN 



It is still thought possible to obtain children in the manner described 

 in the stories. Use of vegetable substances. The Mandrake. Use 

 of animal substances. Use of minerals. Sacred wells. Use of 

 water and other liquids. Ceremonies to obtain a transfer of 

 fecundity or of the life of another. Bathing or sprinkling. Puberty 

 rites and taboos of girls considered as means to obtain, or for the 

 moment to avoid, conception. Conception by sun, moon, stars, 

 fire. Midsummer fires. The Lupercal. Discussion of the meaning 

 of the blows by the Luperci, and similar practices in Europe and 

 elsewhere. Conception by the foot. The attempt to share the 

 fecundity of another. The virtue of sacred vestments. Amulets. 

 Contact with sacred stones, images, and other substances. 

 Marriage rites. Jumping over a stone, broomstick, or other object. 

 Votive offerings and the throwing of stones. Vows. Simulation. 

 Belief in fecundation by the eye and ear and by wind. The stories 

 beliefs and practices disclose an ancient and widespread belief 

 that pregnancy was caused otherwise than by sexual intercourse 



Pp- 30-155 

 vii 



