Occult Politics in British History with Dr Francis Young

In this episode of Angela's Symposium, Dr. Angela Puca interviews Dr. Francis Young about the intertwining of magic, esotericism, and history, particularly focusing on the figure of Merlin and the role of magic in British politics. They discuss John Dee's influence on Queen Elizabeth and the concept of the British Empire, as well as the political weaponization of witchcraft accusations, exemplified by Joan of Arc and Anne Boleyn. The conversation explores gendered perceptions of magic, with women often seen as inherently connected to witchcraft, and examines how the perception and use of magic have evolved from the medieval period through the Reformation and beyond, touching on the idea that powerful figures may discreetly utilize magic while publicly disavowing it.