Zdenko Vozár
University Paris(UPE); Charles University; Masaryk University
Besting the Medieval Theology: Nigromancy and Alchemy
In the corpus of the universal scholastic curriculum, theology is at least nominally regarded as the
summit of all humanistic disciplines. From this perspective it was almost unattainable, especially for
the disciplines of marginal and unsure status. Beside illicit motives, provocative rituals and innovative
interpretations, nigromancy, astral and natural magic, as well as alchemy and divination, have spurred
curious lines of thought. In my paper, I will present two important transformative rituals of nigromancy
and alchemy, along with examples of their broader consequences. Their aspects have cast into doubt
some of the principles of the otherwise solid scholastic building of the universe. But was this thought
really conscious and illicit?
Besting the Medieval Theology: Nigromancy and Alchemy
In the corpus of the universal scholastic curriculum, theology is at least nominally regarded as the summit of all humanistic disciplines. From this perspective it was almost unattainable, especially for the disciplines of marginal and unsure status. Beside illicit motives, provocative rituals and innovative interpretations, nigromancy, astral and natural magic, as well as alchemy and divination, have spurred curious lines of thought. In my paper, I will present two important transformative rituals of nigromancy and alchemy, along with examples of their broader consequences. Their aspects have cast into doubt some of the principles of the otherwise solid scholastic building of the universe. But was this thought really conscious and illicit?