Ep. 137: The Magus | A Complete System of Occult Philosophy by Francis Barrett (The Overview) episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 19, 2025 · 3H 15M

Ep. 137: The Magus | A Complete System of Occult Philosophy by Francis Barrett (The Overview)

from Magnolia Street: A Practical Magic Fandom Podcast · host The Stinas

This week on Magnolia Street, we crack open one of the most infamous occult texts in history: Francis Barrett’s The Magus (1801): A Complete System of Occult Philosophy. Often called a plagiarized “handbook of magic,” this encyclopedic work pulled together alchemy, astrology, and ceremonial magic, shaping the way the occult has been imagined in both history and pop culture. However, in Alice Hoffman’s Rules of Magic, the book takes on a more dangerous role. It turns up in Vincent Owens’ hands as a source of temptation, identity, and power. Join us, The Stinas, as we trace the real history of The Magus, explore how Hoffman reimagines it for the Owens family story, and consider why this dusty old grimoire feels so Practical Magic-coded. We'll be taking you cover to cover, chapter by chapter, and breaking it down for you like an easily digestible morsel. We'll learn what it is, and what it's not. Is it a gateway to the dark left-handed path like Hoffman portrays it in her novel? Or is it a compendium of virtue and enlightenment for the dedicated practitioner ? Let’s find out together in this thought provoke and educational episode!SOCIALS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOURCES⁠DISCLAIMERThe Magnolia Street Podcast intends to discuss the movie, “Practical Magic” in its entirety. This will evidently result in spoilers and it is recommended that you watch and or read the following. Alice Hoffman’s: Practical Magic, Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, Book of Magic. The Magnolia Street Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional or medical advice. Do not attempt any of the discussed actions, solutions, or remedies without first consulting a qualified professional. It should be noted that we are not medical professionals and therefore we are not responsible or liable for any injuries or illnesses resulting from the use of any information on our website or in our media.The Magnolia Street Podcast presenters, Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia are passionate fans of Alice Hoffman’s work and the Practical Magic word she has created. There is no copyright infringement intended, all characters and story lines are that of Alice Hoffman. We do not own any of that material as well as any of the move score music shared within the podcast.All intellectual property rights concerning personally written music and or shared art are vested in Magnolia Street Podcast. Copying, distributing and any other use of these materials is not permitted without the written permission from Kristina Babich and Justina Carubia.

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Ep. 137: The Magus | A Complete System of Occult Philosophy by Francis Barrett (The Overview)

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