'Magic' was a wide-ranging concept that affected many aspects of medieval society. Individuals across the social spectrum engaged in magical activities, or activities which the authorities deemed to be magical even if the practitioner would argue otherwise. This course will consider the actual and perceived practices of magic in the medieval period and their consequences.
Throughout history, the concept of utilising supernatural powers to bring about marvellous effects, often termed magic, has had a place in society. In the medieval period, the idea of magic and the power it could provide was considered a danger to the established tenets and beliefs of Christianity and as a result, it was strategically condemned and marginalised by the Church. However, magic remained part of everyday life and its practice continued at all levels of society, and even within clerical circles, despite its position in direct contrast to the Church. Astrology, for example, had medical applications which the Church condoned, but other, more occult uses were strictly forbidden. Furthermore, magic did not have a fixed definition throughout the medieval period. Different individuals or institutions had different understandings of what constituted magic, and the range of beliefs and practices which could be categorised under this term also differed over time. There were also some practices that authorities were evidently concerned about, but were not necessarily undertaken in reality.
This course will outline the variety of magical practices which were being utilised across medieval society, the concerns of the authorities, and the changing and contradictory nature of the practice of magic in medieval society.