How were psychic abilities perceived during the Spanish Inquisition?

During the Spanish Inquisition, psychic abilities were often associated with heresy, witchcraft, and demonic influence. The Inquisition, led by religious authorities, sought to suppress any practices that contradicted Catholic doctrine, including divination, prophecy, and mediumship.

Individuals believed to possess psychic powers—such as clairvoyance or telepathy—were frequently accused of consorting with the devil or practicing forbidden arts. This led to persecution, torture, and even execution in some cases.

🔥 Suppression of Mysticism

While earlier Christian mystics were sometimes revered, during the Inquisition, such experiences were viewed with deep suspicion and often condemned.

⚖️ Trials & Confessions

Many accused psychics faced trials where confessions were extracted under duress or torture. These proceedings often confused natural intuition with diabolical power.

📜 Forbidden Knowledge

Books and teachings related to astrology, alchemy, and psychic arts were banned, and possession of such texts could lead to arrest.

🕊 Legacy of Fear

The fear-driven atmosphere of the Inquisition had a long-term chilling effect on psychic practices throughout Europe, pushing them underground for centuries.