About this episode

This episode discusses Reginald Scot's influential book 'The Discoverie of Witchcraft' and its impact on the perception of witchcraft in history.

There are very few books within the Western Magical Tradition which have had an impact and legacy beyond the tradition itself. In 1584 a book appeared written by a country gentleman that was unlike anything at the time and unlike anything since. Reginald Scot's The Discoverie of Witchcraft was a massive work which saw Reginald attempt to shine a light on Witchcraft in order to discredit the common belief that Witches and Witchcraft had as much power as people believed it did. In exhaustive detail, Scot put many spells, enchantments and rituals in his book which only saw his work be used for Magic as opposed to against it. Simply put, The Discoverie of Witchcraft is one of the most important books in Magical History. Period.

People in this episode

Host: Douglas Batchelor

Topics covered

• Witchcraft
• Western Magical Tradition
• Reginald Scot
• Magic history
• Spells and enchantments

Keywords

• Witchcraft
• Reginald Scot
• The Discoverie of Witchcraft
• Magical Tradition
• spells
• enchantments
• magic history

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Discoverie of Witchcraft

More episodes of What Magic Is This?

• The History of Fairies feat. Francis Young · June 29, 2026 · 2h 36m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What Magic Is This? podcast page.