Magic and Medicines #23: Exorcism

We're back in the saddle after Eleanor's operation and talking all about the history of Exorcism!

One of those complex kinds of topic we so enjoy discussing on Magic and Medicines, belief in Exorcism is rather predicated on personal faith, including in Demons or other supernatural entities.

It's also a tradition impossible to separate from the seminal movie The Exorcist of 1973 due to that film's staggering cultural impact.

Thing is, Exorcism is a practice which seems to predate the written word.

Almost every world religion has a version of it, with several forms of modern Paganism also embracing concepts of spirit manipulation and cleansing.

So, how should we think of Exorcism as distinct from what's contained in The Exorcist?

Why is it quite so popular with Catholics, and was it always?

Can anybody become an Exorcist, and what protects vulnerable people from being taken advantage of by hucksters and worse?

Also, should we not be thinking about Jesus and his Twelve Disciples as Exorcists, considering Exorcism is one of the things they are most celebrated for in the Gospels?

Does this, in turn, mean many heroes of mystic Jewish tradition were actually the first Ghostbusters?

As ever, we really hope you enjoy the episode and we will speak to you again on Thursday with our new Lang Fairy Tales episode before Saturday's release of Three Ravens Live @ Farnham Literary Festival!

Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.

Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...

Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.

With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?

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