Ficino’s Approach to Magic

Ficino’s approach to magic is based on the Neoplatonic idea that the universe is a hierarchy of beings, with God at the top and the material world at the bottom. He believed that magic is a way to tap into the divine power that flows through all of creation. In his treatise Three Books on Life, Ficino argues that magic can be used to improve health, prolong life, and even achieve immortality.

However, Ficino also cautions that magic must be used with care. He warns that it can be dangerous if used for selfish or malicious purposes. He also emphasizes that magic should always be used in accordance with the will of God.

Specific arguments from Ficino’s treatises

• In Three Books on Life, Ficino writes: “Magic is the art of using the occult powers of nature to achieve desired ends.” He goes on to say that magic is “based on the principle that all things in the universe are interconnected.”
• Ficino also argues that magic is a legitimate form of knowledge. He writes: “Magic is not a form of superstition or black magic. It is a legitimate branch of philosophy that can be used for good or evil.”
• However, Ficino also warns that magic must be used with care. He writes: “Magic is a powerful tool that can be dangerous if used improperly. It is important to use magic in accordance with the will of God.”

Agrippa’s Approach to Magic

Agrippa’s approach to magic is more complex and eclectic than Ficino’s. He draws on a variety of sources, including Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and Kabbalah. Agrippa divides magic into three types: natural magic, celestial magic, and divine magic.

• Natural magic is the study of the occult powers of nature. It includes things like astrology, alchemy, and divination.
• Celestial magic is the study of the influence of the stars on the sublunary world. It includes things like geomancy and talismanic magic.
• Divine magic is the highest form of magic. It is the art of communicating with God and the angels.

Agrippa argues that all three types of magic are legitimate, but he also cautions that they must be used with care. He writes: “Magic is a powerful art that can be used for good or evil. It is important to use magic with wisdom and discretion.”

Specific arguments from Agrippa’s treatises

• In De occulta philosophia, Agrippa writes: “Magic is the knowledge of hidden things.” He goes on to say that magic is “based on the principle that all things in the universe are interconnected.”
• Agrippa also argues that magic is a legitimate form of knowledge. He writes: “Magic is not a form of superstition or black magic. It is a legitimate branch of philosophy that can be used for good or evil.”
• However, Agrippa also warns that magic must be used with care. He writes: “Magic is a powerful art that can be used for good or evil. It is important to use magic with wisdom and discretion.”

Comparison of Ficino and Agrippa’s Approaches to Magic

Ficino and Agrippa’s approaches to magic have some similarities and some differences. Both men believe that magic is a legitimate form of knowledge, but they also caution that it must be used with care. However, Ficino’s approach is more cautious than Agrippa’s. Ficino emphasizes the importance of using magic in accordance with the will of God, while Agrippa is more open to the possibility of using magic for selfish or malicious purposes.

In terms of the definition of magic as “a subversive form of thinking which is threatening the institutional order,” it can be argued that Agrippa’s approach is closer to this definition than Ficino’s. Agrippa’s discussion of divine magic, in particular, could be seen as a challenge to the authority of the Church. However, it is important to note that Agrippa also emphasizes the importance of using magic for good. He writes: “Magic can be used to heal the sick, to protect the innocent, and to promote peace and harmony.”

Ultimately, the question of whether Ficino or Agrippa is closer to the definition of magic as “a subversive form of thinking which is threatening the institutional order” is a matter of interpretation. There is no easy answer.