Distinct from religion and science, Magic is a unique set of beliefs and practices followed for centuries across the world. It has been considered as one of the most mysterious, astonishing, and surprising elements for all of us. There are several Magicians have gained considerable fame across the world. But how did it all start and where does it stand now? From books and publications to movies and cartoons, there is a lot that can tell us everything about Magic.
Magic in the Middle Ages
Most of the medieval authors preferred to limit their magic to various compilations of wonderlore and spells. At that time, a number of Christianized magic varieties were devised during the middle ages where the cult of relics also succeeded to gain supernatural powers.
According to most of the historians, these relics have unique supernatural powers that can turn the ill into a healthy person. These relics became popular and several churches started to purchase them seeking to become a place of pilgrimage. Moreover, these relics of saints then compiled into other popular collections such as the Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine and many others.
How Magic Progressed
In addition to relics there were many other magical practices and varieties of Christianized magic. These varieties required the magicians to stretch their limits and perform fasting, prayers, sacraments, and other rituals guided by Christian Demonology. Magicians were able to influence the demons with their divine powers to make the most out of them while performing magic.
Magic in Early Modern Europe
The concept of magic underwent a more positive approach in early modern Europe which focused on natural magic. Marsilio Ficino and Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola were two Italian humanists who introduced this concept while naming it as “Magia Naturalis”.
It was a whole new concept of magic with a clear focus on pervading natural processes rather than the demonic aspect of the Christian idea. According to most of the renowned historians, Magia Naturalis developed a prominent position in early modern Europe and appeared to be one of the most influential elements of culture in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
The Impact of Colonialism and Academia on Magic
It was the sixteenth century when European societies began to expand and conquer other neighboring regions allowing a significant rise and reach of natural magic to those regions.
Modern Western Side of Magic
The traditional and historical concept of magic has been widely challenged in western culture. It cannot be denied that the polemical discourses regarding magic completely transformed the way modern-day magicians understand and perceive their skills and expertise.
Some of the most famous and renowned magicians were Aleister Crowley and Julius Evola who had a huge influence on the majority of the concepts that are being followed by the magicians today.
DAVID VISSERS 