Final answer:
The use of psychic powers to harm others through supernatural means is commonly referred to as witchcraft or sorcery. These practices encompass both intangible and tangible methods to invoke supernatural influence, and while typically associated with harm, can also be regarded as protective or beneficial in some cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of psychic powers to harm others by supernatural means is typically referred to as witchcraft or sorcery. Both terms describe traditions where practitioners engage in activities believed to have the power to influence the physical world through mystical means. Witchcraft often involves the use of intangible methods like spells and incantations, while sorcery may additionally incorporate material components like magical bundles or potions. Despite the common perception of such practices being used for malevolent purposes, this is not always the case; some cultures see them as means of protection or communal benefit.
Supernatural beliefs in forces like mana, as identified among the Maori of New Zealand, illustrate a broader cross-cultural acknowledgment of unseen powers that are supposedly capable of affecting the real world. Religious traditions across different societies make use of these beliefs in a variety of ways. Prayer, shamanic journeying, and even the use of grave goods can be seen as magical practices that reflect a deep human yearning for connection with something beyond the observable.