Concept in Definition ABC

In the Middle Ages Scientific knowledge was in a very little advanced stage and the whole of society was guided by convictions of the type esoteric and magical. In this context, some books dedicated to magic and sorcery, the grimoires, became fashionable. In them very diverse subjects were approached, like the curses, the satanic pacts or the rituals of white magic. Likewise, forms of healing, astrological interpretations, talismans and indications to prepare covens also appeared.

These were manuals dedicated to esoteric subjects. In current terminology we would speak of pseudosciences.

As for the term grimoire, it comes from the Latin word grammaire, which literally means grammar (In the Middle Ages the word grammar was used to refer to any manual where basic knowledge was transmitted).

Those who have studied these texts affirm that they are a combination of magical knowledge from different cultures (Greek, Egyptian, Jewish and Christian). These books became very popular in France and Italy from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century and were known as black books.

They were normally written under anonymity, as their authors feared punishment from the Inquisition

Despite being books banned by the Vatican, a deep spirit appears in them Christian and, in fact, many of the spells described are accompanied by prayers from the tradition Christian.

The presence of the four elements in the grimoires highlights the fusion between science and magic

In the different rituals that appear in the grimoires, the elements used have, logically, a dimension spiritual and supernatural. Thus, the Water was interpreted in two ways: a revitalizing agent or a force destructive.

The wind was conceived as a duality, as it could be that which gives life or something devastating.

The earth was interpreted as the source that provides food to men and, in parallel, as the place that shelters the dead.

Fire was a victorious light that defeats darkness and at the same time the element that can destroy everything.

In the Middle Ages there was no border clear between magic and science. In this way, the "scientific" idea of ​​the four elements was accepted and, in parallel, a supernatural dimension was proposed on their meaning.

Some rituals were intended to expel evil spirits

Some grimoires (in a very special way "The key of Solomon") were used to solve cases of possession of the devil. In this way, by invoking otherworldly powers or using some kind of magic, an attempt was made to expel the devil from the body of the possessed.

Photo: Fotolia - mikesilent