Charles IX was King of France from 1560 to 1574, known for his turbulent reign marked by events like the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre. Folklore attributes his actions and untimely death to supernatural influences, including omens, visions of bloodied crows, and curses from sorcerers. Legends suggest that charlatans and magicians used magical rituals to curse … Read more
Boucher was the surname of a servant mentioned by Ambroise Paré in his work on Monstres. He reportedly encountered a demon or phantom in the shape of a woman when contemplating immoral acts, prompting him to follow it. Witnesses claimed he immediately suffered an intense burning of the abdomen and died soon after. Contemporaries used … Read more
Jean Bona, a cardinal described as both learned and devout, died in 1674. He composed a Traité du discernement des esprits (1673), translated into French in 1676 by the Abbé Leroy de Hautefontaine. Chapter XX of this work addresses complex questions on visions and private revelations. This treatise became part of theological discussions about the … Read more