Witchcraft & Heresy Lesson 5

Lesson 2 and description here, lesson 3, and lesson 4.

Original: As universities began to grow, teachings expanded to nontraditional texts. Therefore, many Arabic and Jewish magical sources were rapidly translated into Latin and other vernacular languages for Europeans to read. This caused a major popularity, for the flood of the translated literature could not be ignored. Arabic magical practices of astrology, astral magic, and alchemy became of much dominance in Medieval Europe. Astrology was particularly popular because it was used to predict and determine traits and occurrences, such as the best time to get married or to wage war. It was also good for explaining unexplainable phenomena that occurred in nature. Alchemy was the experimentation with chemicals and metals, often using some sort of astrological guide as well. Alchemy is fascinating because some of its techniques and tools were used in later chemical experiments. Alchemy brought about some controversy because some people merely wanted to make gold and silver but may have only made false gold and silver. Thus, some greedy fellows got involved in alchemy as well as even well educated people. Alchemy was also popular because people had high hopes of formulating creations that could cure all diseases and serve as a universal antidote.
The Church, in particular, obviously has a concern with magic, but astrology especially poses a controversial issue. Astrology describes how the position of the planets and the stars determine and affect people; as a result this disposes of the idea of free will, and the power of God. However some philosophers and other literary authors stated that these influences could be resisted.
Student response #1: In regards to your words about astrology, I will have to disagree with you to an extent. Today’s culture may not revolve around astrological practices but that does not mean that there are not people who still depend on/study it even from a basic level to very in depth. My point is, although the society as a whole does not use astrology intensively, there are still individuals that do. Not everyone views it as “something to do for fun.” As the same for gemstones, as I’ve mentioned in one of my other posts. There are still people who use them or regard them as more than just ordinary. Why else would there be quite a number of metaphysical stores, especially just here in Arizona? Not far from campus is the biggest metaphysical store in the state, which also holds expos, festivals, and other events on a regular basis. Gemstones, amongst the many other things sold there, are still very prominent.
Student response #2: First of all, gemstones still have some significance in the occult world of today’s society. It may not be widely recognized or believable, but I do want to point out that their healing and astrologically significant properties are still studied and even used today. Another point I would like to elaborate on is that of horoscopes. You have to keep in mind how commercialized horoscopes have become. Because many people do not take them wholly serious, what is put out there reflects that. Hence, why you come across so many that vary in descriptions as they do accuracy or the lack thereof. Not only are they commercialized but used for monetarily gains. Consumerism, as you may know, affects the genuineness of many things.