In this episode, we engage in a scholarly discussion with Andrea Franchetto, a specialist in medieval esoteric manuscripts. The focus of our conversation is the critique of the term “grimoire” as traditionally applied to medieval magical texts. Andrea argues that this designation might not adequately capture the complexity and diversity of these documents. We explore an alternative typology that more accurately categorises these manuscripts according to their specific contents, purposes, and historical contexts. Andrea introduces recent academic findings that promise to enhance our understanding of medieval magical practices. This dialogue is essential for scholars and enthusiasts alike who are interested in the historical and academic nuances of esoteric manuscripts.

We invite you to join us in this enlightening exploration of medieval texts as we reassess the terminology and classifications that have long been taken for granted in the study of historical magic.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Andrea Franchetto is a Ph.D. candidate in the History of Religions at Stockholm University. His research examines late medieval learned magic through a spatial lens, focusing on the design and construction of ritual spaces, the material culture of magic, and its efficacy. Franchetto holds an MSc in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano (2016) and a Research MA in Religious Studies from the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Western Esotericism (2019). He has developed and teaches the course “Magic in the European History of Religions: Texts and Traditions” (7.5 ECTS) and supervises undergraduate students in the History of Religions. His PhD dissertation will be defended in October 2024.

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00:00:00 Support Angela’s Symposium

00:01:39 Meet Andrea Franchetto

00:04:00 Andrea Franchetto’s PhD research – Grimoires

00:11:39 Rituals in Magical Texts

00:14:32 The Meaning of Sublunary

00:15:33 Natural Magic vs Demonic Magic

00:21:24 Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Magic in the Middle Ages

00:32:18 Viewer Question: Sacred v Profane in Medieval Magic

00:39:59 Viewer Question: Heliocentricity in Grimoires

00:41:37 Viewer Question: Sacralisation in Magic Practice

00:43:21 Perennialism – Scholar v Academic Perspectives

00:47:01 Astral Magic Rituals in Magical Texts from the Middle Ages

00:54:52 The Influence of Islam and Al-Kindi

00:59:46 Why Summon Demons Instead of Angels?

01:03:19 Interacting with Angels in Magic Rituals

01:07:42 The Use of the Almandal in Medieval Ritual Magic

01:14:01 Andrea Franchetto’s Recommended Reading

01:22:04 Where to find Andrea Franchetto Online

01:22:26 Support Angela’s Symposium

️ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts ️

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Published on September 16, 2024