Profs & Pints Metro Detroit: Tomes of Medieval Necromancers

Profs and Pints Metro Detroit presents: “Tomes of Medieval Necromancers,” a look at historical texts of black magic, with Justin Sledge, adjunct professor of philosophy at Wayne State University and Lawrence Technological University and scholar of magic, alchemy, and spirit possession.

Books of magic, filled with strange symbols and incantations, have become a core symbol in the history and folklore of sorcery. These volumes haunt the imagination, appearing in art, literature, film, and gaming. But what do we really know about the real, historical books of black magic?

Come learn in depth about such volumes from Dr. Justin Sledge, host of the popular YouTube channel Esoterica and expert on the Hermetic tradition in religious and philosophical thought, which underpins alleged workings of magic, alchemy, esoteric influence, and spirit possession.

He’ll discuss the “clerical necromantic underground” that produced such books and the variety of magical theories and practices detailed within them, including demon and angel conjuring, rapid knowledge acquisition, and a range of magical spells or “experimenta.”

He’ll also discuss how these volumes survived the witch hunts and the Inquisition and show you examples of real, historical books of medieval black magic. His talk will conjure up a host of fascinating knowledge and be a true Halloween-season treat. (Advance tickets: $12. Door: $15, or $13 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)

Image: A 1617 engraving of Hermes Tresmegistus, a legendary figure claimed to have knowledge of both the material and the spiritual world. From 'Symbola aureae' by Michael Maier.