A Chymical Dictionary

Magia

Spirits celestial influences and signs · A Chymical Dictionary

At a Glance

The word. Magic divided into lawful natural wisdom and forbidden knowledge through evil spirits.

In the book. Magia Metaphysica is expressly permitted to Christians.

A place to read. The historical definition below, 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 31; facsimile PDF page 359.

Historical Definition

Magia in general is wisdom, and it is twofold. Natural magic is lawful, the foundation of all true physic and the hidden wisdom of Nature, without which all human reasoning or knowledge is ignorance. The other kind is diabolical, superstitious and unlawful; it is called necromancy, through which people gain knowledge by the assistance of evil spirits.

Meaning

The compiler begins with wisdom, then divides the category according to the source and legitimacy of knowledge. Natural magic is not merely tolerated: the definition makes it the foundation of true physic and necessary to human understanding. The second kind obtains knowledge through the assistance of evil spirits and is condemned. These judgements belong to the historical scheme, rather than to a neutral modern classification.

The difference is therefore more precise than a contrast between an effective practice and an ineffective one. The text distinguishes the hidden wisdom of Nature from a forbidden mode of access, even though both claim knowledge of hidden things.

Use in the Book

Magia Metaphysica is expressly permitted to Christians. Necromancy and Nigromancy give further accounts of illicit arts. Read them together to follow the book’s changing emphasis on the dead, spirits and the apparent obedience of devils, rather than assuming that every magic-name is treated alike.

Places to Read

Magia Metaphysica. The discovery of occult secrets explicitly placed within a lawful Christian art.

Necromancy. A condemned art defined by the appearance and interrogation of the dead.

Nigromancy. Apparent command of spirits, condemned as harmful to those who exercise it.

Historical source: 1650 dictionary, unnumbered definition page 31; facsimile PDF page 359 — Facsimile

Sources. A Chymical Dictionary 1650, 1650 dictionary, facsimile PDF page 359, Magia

See also. Magia Metaphysica; Necromancy; Nigromancy