How can we interpret "sorcery" in Gal 5: 19-21 or Rev 22: 15?

[Is_it_okay_to]

Some time ago I read an article arguing that the word “sorcery” in this list of sins that exclude one from the kingdom of God is a euphemistic way of referring to the use of a contraceptive or abortifacient potion or poison. What is the evidence for this? How strong is it really? The Greek word used here, I know, gives us our English words pharmacy and pharmaceutical, but a first reading of these passages seems to be talking about the first commandment not the sixth, and I have yet to see any interpretive footnote to these passages in our bibles. So, is this a stretch, or can it be used to answer the where-is-that-in-the-bible crowd?

 

[Cachonga]

I’ve heard that it refers to drug abuse. It seems to me that it might have referred to those who deal in “magic” potions (of whom there are many around today engaged in such an activity). Of course, making a “magic” potion can also involve astrology, necromancy, and familir spirits, all of which is specifically fobidden by God. I suppose it could also include potions that would induce abortion, but I wouldn’t think that is a primary meaning since this would be one type of potion among many.

 

[Mintaka]

The ancient Mediterranean world saw “witches” as primarily providers of poisons of various kinds, including abortifacients, secondarily as providers of curses (though people could do that themselves), and thirdly as providers of protection against poison and curses. Divination and fortunetelling was usually a separate gig.