Between Heaven and Earth

On the Appearance of Demonic Cosmology in Texts of Demonic Magic

Abstract

This article explores the connection between theoretical-cosmological knowledge and magical practice, specifically in the context of demonology and demonic magic. Through textual analysis and close reading of magical recipes, the article discusses how magicians use theoretical knowledge to legitimize or preserve older traditions of knowledge and shows that theoretical knowledge can sometimes be lost or become obscured over time. Additionally, the article presents several case studies aimed at examining whether magicians were aware of the relevant cosmological and demonological theories behind their practices, emphasizing the importance of contextual understanding—historical, cultural, and linguistic—for such analysis.