Canon XXXVI.
They
who are of the priesthood,
or of the clergy, shall not be magicians, enchanters, mathematicians,
or astrologers; nor shall they make what are called amulets, which are
chains for their own souls. And those who wear such, we command
to be cast out of the Church.
Notes.
Ancient
Epitome
of
Canon
XXXVI.
Whoso will be priest must not be a magician, nor one who
uses incantations, or mathematical or astrological charms, nor a putter
on of amulets.
Some interesting and valuable information on charms will
be found in Ducange (
Glossarium, s.v.
Phylacterea).
Balsamon.
“Magicians” are those who for any purpose
call Satan to their aid. “Enchantors” are those who
sing charms or incantations, and through them draw demons to obey
them. “Mathematicians” are they who hold the opinion
that the celestial bodies rule the universe, and that all earthly
things are ruled by their influence. “Astrologers”
are they who divine by the stars through the agency of demons, and
place their faith in them.
Van Espen.
Zonaras also notes that the science of mathematics or
astronomy is not at all hereby forbidden to the clergy, but the excess
and abuse of that science, which even more easily may happen in the
case of clergymen and consecrated persons than in that of
laymen.