The Enchantment of Memory: Observations on Giordano Bruno’s Cantus Circaeus

This essay aims to show the connection between the two parts of the Cantus. Starting from this unity, what becomes evident is the essence of Bruno’s ars memoriae, that is, the link between memory, active thinking, and the operative power of the philosopher (or magic). In this regard, it is also fundamental to understand how Bruno moves beyond Neoplatonic memory and conceptions of magic, proposing a dynamic and visual mode of thinking that imitates the infinite creativity of Nature rather than a limited system of symbols with which to enclose a confined Universe.