Notes

Astrology&Alchemy

Does Faust speak of divine magic?

[On the types of magic, and their purpose in the esoteric (vaguely superstition”, “magic”, and “the occult”) Christian search for truth.] “In the later Middle Ages, forms of Western esotericism such as alchemy and astrology were constructed on Christian foundations, combining Christian theology and doctrines with esoteric concepts. Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s Apologia (“Apologia J. …

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There are two types of magic

Magic just before the time of the historical Faust: From Wikipedia: “In the later Middle Ages, forms of Western esotericism such as alchemy and astrology were constructed on Christian foundations, combining Christian theology and doctrines with esoteric concepts. Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s Apologia (“Apologia J. Pici Mirandolani, Concordiae comitis” published in 1489) states that there …

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In the Middle Ages…

From the intro to Marlowe’s Tragical History of Doctor Faustus (Clarendon Press, 1887): “In the Middle Ages, two branches of study, the votaries of which were necessarily to a large extent groping in the dark or unsteadily moving in the twilight, were specially adapted to attract enquiring minds, and to excite the suspicions of the …

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Alchemy in the Western World and other locations where it

Western astrology contains elements of alchemy. Alchemy in the Western World and other locations where it was widely practiced was (and in many cases still is) allied and intertwined with traditional Babylonian-Greek style astrology; in numerous ways they were built to complement each other in the search for hidden knowledge (knowledge that is not common …

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Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II was a great and important

Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II was a great and important Renaissance patron and follower of the occult arts, including astrology and alchemy, but reputedly a poor ruler. His greater legacy is as a patron of the arts; his great failures were as a political leader. He was forced to abdicate in 1611. A little background: …

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In the Middle Ages Astrology and Alchemy were taught at

In the Middle Ages Astrology and Alchemy were taught at the university level. Faust knew both.Although much about the original Faust is speculation, and his identity isn’t sure, he may have received a degree in Divinity from the University of Heidelberg in 1509, studied magic at the University of Kraków and lectured at the University …

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The three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe

According to Wikipedia: “Hermeticism, is a religious and philosophical tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (“Thrice Great”). These writings have greatly influenced the Western esoteric tradition and were considered to be of great importance during both the Renaissance [14th to the 17th century] and the Reformation [16th to the 17th century].” “Alchemy—The …

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Goethe’s Faust: Mephistopheles. Perhaps you think I’m trying to betray you

From Goethe’s Faust: “Mephistopheles. Perhaps you think I’m trying to betray you;Well, here’s the astrologer; ask him, I pray you.Circle on circle, hour and house he knows.Tell us then what the heavenly aspect shows.Murmurs.Two rogues- each to the other known-Dreamer and Fool- so near the throne-An ancient ditty- worn and weak-The Fool will prompt- the …

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