History
Despite the widespread prevalence of Catholicism in fifteenth century England, another questionably religious practice was being performed by doctors, philosophers, and scholars alike. Marsilio Ficino, a fifteenth century Italian doctor, philosopher, and magician, divided the practice of magic into two categories: demonic and natural. Demonic magic relied upon conjuring and exorcising demons to carry out the will of the magician, while natural magic was mostly geared towards astrology, Orphic singing, and herbalism. The rituals, both demonic and spiritual, often combined pagan tradition with Christianity and science.
Medieval Englishmen as a whole were unsure about how to accept these practices and how to reconcile them with Christian beliefs. As England broke away from the Catholic church, people became increasingly wary of rituals of any kind. Often “good” magicians were portrayed as practicing natural magic only to supplement medical practices, while the label of the “bad” magician was reserved for those practicing demonic magic or natural magic without a specific need. It was not uncommon, however, for people to be completely averse to magic of any kind. Ficino himself hesitated to label any of his practices "magic", as the word was charged with a strong negative connotation.
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