Medieval European magic

A magic circle in a 15th-century manuscript

During the Middle Ages, magic took on many forms. Instead of being able to identify one type of magic user, there were many who practiced several types of magic in these times, including monks, priests, physicians, surgeons, midwives, folk healers, and diviners.[1] The practice of magic often consisted of using medicinal herbs for healing purposes. Classical medicine entailed magical elements. They would use charms or potions in hopes of driving out a sickness.[2] People had strongly differing opinions as to what magic was,[3] and because of this, it is important to understand all aspects of magic at this time.

  1. ^ Kieckhefer, Richard (2014). Magic in the Middle Ages (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 56. ISBN 978-1-107-43182-9.
  2. ^ Medievalists.net (2021-09-04). "Everyday Magic in the Middle Ages". Medievalists.net. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
  3. ^ Maguire, Henry (1997). "Magic and Money in the Early Middle Ages". Speculum. 72 (4): 1037–1054. doi:10.2307/2865957. JSTOR 2865957. S2CID 162305252.