Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World St. Albert the Great & Magic
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Nov 7, 2025 
Dr. Justin Sledge, a scholar of Western esotericism and host of the Esoterica channel, dives into the intriguing world of St. Albert the Great. He explores Albert's unique blend of science and magic, discussing medieval concepts of natural and ceremonial magic. Justin reveals Albert's controversial writings, including his views on alchemy, spirits, and celestial intelligences. He also touches on Albert's condemned magical practices and the evolution of his magical reputation. This fascinating conversation illuminates the intersection of faith and mysticism in medieval thought.
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Occult As Hidden Natural Principles
- Medieval thinkers like Albert the Great saw 'occult' forces as hidden natural principles rather than inherently demonic.
- Albert combined inherited lore with experimental testing to evaluate these hidden powers empirically.
Albert Acknowledged Moving Spiritual Beings
- Albert affirmed incorporeal beings like angels and demons can move and act in the world, based on sources and his own experiments.
- He claimed firsthand verification of their movement using what he called the art of magic.
De Mineralibus: A Practical Grimoire
- De Mineralibus is Albert's practical manual on using stones, gems, and metals as talismans influenced by astral timing.
- He endorsed images and seals as legitimate ways to capture celestial forces onto objects.
How do science and magic intersect? St. Albert the Great wanted to understand. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli, joined by Dr. Justin Sledge, unpack St. Albert the Great’s mystical side—his writings on magic, alchemy, and the hidden powers of nature.