The St. Cyprian Scholar
An Interview with José Leitão
José Leitão is a Portuguese author, scholar, and Saint Cyprian devotee. With a PhD in experimental physics from the University of Delft, Netherlands, his current research delves into folk magic, sorcery, and witchcraft, using ethnographic and folkloric methodologies. His work focuses on the records of the Portuguese Inquisition.
He has translated numerous works, including The Book of St Cyprian: The Sorcerer’s Treasure and the Bibliotheca Valenciana. His writings contribute significantly to bringing Portuguese-language works into English for the first time. I managed to meet with José in Coimbra during his field research, where he generously agreed to give me an interview over coffee.
Question 1: Your Impact on Occult Literature
For a man with a background in physics, you are making a considerable mark on the history of occult literature in the early 21st century. Is there a long-term plan, or are you more of a wandering academic or perpetual scholar type?
Let’s not start making history before it happens. You’re not the only skeptic around here. From what I’ve observed, occult literature shifts its focus often and in unpredictable ways. I may yet be a one-hit wonder...
It’s hard for me to describe this in detail at this point, because it’s difficult to tell what were my genuine feelings then or what are later rationalizations...
Question 2: Growing Interest in Iberian Folk Magic
Why is there a growing interest in Iberian folk magic? What do you think is driving this trend?
I think several factors are contributing. A major influence is the increasing immigrant population from Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, especially in trendsetting countries like the USA...
Question 3: The Concept of the Curdled Sea
The “mar Coalhado” or Curdled Sea concept intrigues me. Is this still common in Portuguese culture?
This is also one of my favorite concepts. Ultimately, I don’t think I can give a concrete answer to what this concept might be. The circulation of information back in the day was limited, and it’s easy to assume folk concepts like these were ancient and homogenous across large geographical areas...
Future Projects
What projects do you have coming up?
I have a few things in the air right now. First and foremost, I spent most of last year traveling and researching for a new Cyprian book, and I’m hoping to have that published before the end of this year...