Associated with the talismans of Picatrix, Ficino and Agrippa, a major magical tradition arose during the medieval era called the Science of Images. It was a complex union of astrology, theurgy, minerology, and evocation that boasted vast power to warp reality. It was employed by princes and popes to alter the fates of both individuals and entire nations. Albertus Magnus, Joseph Smith, William Lilly, Paracelsus, Lorenzo de' Medici, Giordano Bruno, and Pope Urban VIII were practitioners. Codified in the Middle East, it was transmitted into Europe where it flourished for six centuries. Today it is undergoing a revival. In this class we will cover the history of this tradition as well as the writings, beliefs and practices of its disciples.
