A Grimoire is an ancient manuscripts used in High Magic
and the Black Arts to conjure Celestial, Olympic and Angelic
beings. It provides formulae together with instruction for
the creation of magical tools, sigils and symbols of the
Deity the Magician wishes to work with. Many Grimoires can
seem very confusing and therefore useless to the student,
but for the experienced Magician, they are a great asset
and may provide a unique path to spiritual enlightenment.
The main problem is that many Grimoires are very hard to
find, some are not in print, or those available seem to
have so many versions or published editions, you may not
know which version to use.
To make things worse some Grimoires are known by different
names such as The Black Raven by Dr. Faust, which is also
known as The Threefold Coercion of Hell. To confuse things
further the Goetia is known by four different names. For
those who are not familiar with the term Goetia, it has
a number of meanings, but generally refers to the magical
practice which includes the Invocation of Angels or the
Evocation of Demons, and derives generally from 17th century
Grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon, which features an “Ars
Goetia” as its first section.
A word of caution. Alex Sumners in an article on Angelic
magic, pointed out in the Journal of the Western Mystery
Tradition that; “By the late middle ages and Renaissance
periods, one can find a number of grimoires which advocate
what seems to be “Angel Magic”. However, caution
needs to be exercised, in that some of grimoires which are
supposedly about Angels are not dissimilar to grimoires
which deal with demons! For example, in the Heptameron of
Peter De Abano, the “Prayer to God, to be said in
the four parts of the world, in the Circle”[ is mostly
cribbed straight from the First Conjuration of the Goetia
of the Lesser Key of Solomon. Or indeed vice versa –
but it does indicate that the author of at least one of
these books did not make clear distinctions between Angels
and Demons.”
He did continue; “…. Other grimoires did
manage to make the distinction, whilst still assimilating
the cult of the Angels into their paradigm of ceremonial
magic. The most famous of these is the Book of the Sacred
Magic of Abramelin the Mage, in which the central operation
is a lengthy invocation of what is known as one’s
“Holy Guardian Angel” …..”
It must be noted that the age of the manuscript is not an
indication or guarantee of a true magical manuscript. It
have been produced during biblical/medieval times, but this
does not validate true magical value. The true worth of
a magical manuscript is its objective, and the path required
to achieve this objective. Remember when many of these manuscripts
were compiled, it was the trend to include barbarous names
of power that cannot be understood, the inclusion of ridiculous
ingredients i.e. the brain of a sloth, and the repetitions
of ritual invocations over a lengthy period of time, not
to mention (false) references to King Solomon as a potential
author or contributor. Magic is like any art it develops,
grows and incorporates the knowledge of the time. This is
not to say that all the following Grimoires should be dismissed,
they should not, as they do contain pearls of wisdom that
must be identified and extracted from the dross.
Below is a list of well known, and some not so well known
Grimoires and Magical texts, which we have tried to present
in chronological order. Some of the information concerning
the particular Grimoire may be a little sketchy as we may
have not had access to the original. In cases like this
we would be happy for any of our readers to contribute additional
information as required.
The
Book of the Secrets Of Enoch: (Slavonic Enoch - Forgotten
Books of Eden) (Circa 8 CE):
Not strictly a magical Grimoire, recently fragment of this
early book was found in Russia and Servia. Little is known
of its origin except that it was probably composed in Egypt
at the time of the formation of Christianity. Although not
a book on magical practices it value lies in its possible
influence upon Christianity and as a most valuable document
in the study of the forms of early Christianity.
The following is taken from Chapter I introduction (edited):
“An account of the mechanism of the world showing
the machinery of the Sun and Moon in operations. Astronomy
and an interesting ancient calendar …… What
the world would be like before creation …… A
unique account of Satan was created.”
We cannot authenticate the manuscript itself, but it does
provide an interesting account of the trials and tribulations
of Enoch.
The
Testament of Solomon: (Circa 200 CE):
The Testament of Solomon is a Grimoire classed as a Pseudepigrapha,
or text or a collection of texts, written between 200 BCE
and 200 CE that has falsely been attributed to King Solomon.
It is the earliest known compendium of demons and describes
Solomon as a Magician. Translated by F.C Conybeare in 1898
who has stated that it may have been re-worked by a Christian,
as many Christian passages may be found in certain sections.
The manuscript contains 130 sections, according to Conybeare's
translation. Within the text Solomon states that he wrote
his testament before his death so that the children of Israel
would know the powers and shapes of the demons, and the names
of the angels who have power over them.
The story described by Solomon in the Testament provides a
framework into which magical formulae and names could be inserted
without destroying the content, and therefore due to this,
the text has grown over the centuries, so that it is now very
difficult to identify original text from later additions.
The
Emerald Tablet: (Circa 1140 CE):
Reputed to be the oldest Grimoires is the works of Hermes
Trimegistus. The great Egyptian God Thoth, the creator of
writing and aligned with the Archangel Gabriel, became the
Roman “Hermes Thrice Great.” Not only was his
invention of writing significant but it incorporated the secrets
of life, nature, and alchemy. Most famous of these works is
the Emerald Tablet. It is reputed to hold the secrets of nature
and allow man to perform various magical acts in an effort
to turn base metals into gold. A Latin translation of the
Tablet was undertaken by Johannes Hispalensis, circa. 1140.
There appears to be are many works falsely attributed to Hermes,
a search of the internet will revel quite a number, and many
may have been lost in time. Besides the Emerald Tablet the
following are closely identified with the Hermes philosophy:
The Corpus Hermeticum consisted of sixteen books are set up
as dialogues between Hermes and others, The Kybalion,
a Hermetic Philosophy, published in 1912 anonymously by three
people calling themselves the "Three Initiates".
Many Hermetic principles are explained in this book.
The
Grimoire of Honorius (Grimoire of Pope Honorius): (Circa 1216
CE):
The Grimoire of Honorius was credited to Pope Honorius III,
who succeeded Pope Innocent III in 1216. The Grimoire of Honorius
is full of Christian benedictions and formulae for the control
of the fallen angels and gaining their assistance in accomplishing
certain magical requests.
Translated by Ms Kim Ch'ien from the old German of 1220. The
Grimoire not only instructed priests in the arts of demonology
but virtually ordered them to learn how to conjure and control
demons, as part of their priestly duties. It therefore purportedly
gave the sanction of the papal office for priests to practice
of ritual magic.
The manuscript appears to be a mixture of other magical Grimoires.
From a Christian perspective this Grimoire raises some important
questions, if the Church requires the powers to be able to
banish (exorcise) evil spirits, in reality this means that
he controls them (through Gods power) and therefore is he
not therefore able to conjure them also?
The
Sword of Moses: (Circa 1250):
Not much is really known about the Sword of Moses except that
it was a Hebrew Book of Magic which was edited by Moses Gaster
in 1896 from a 13th or 14th century manuscript.
The
Book of Raziel the Angel: (Sefer Raziel HaMalakh) (Circa 1250
CE)
The Book of Raziel the Angel is a medieval Hebrew Grimoire
originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic. We understand
that ther is a Latin translation titled Liber Razielis Archangeli,
produced under Alfonso X in the 13th century. Like many
other mystical manuscripts the Book of Raziel has suffered
many from the production of many versions.
The Grimoire contains five Books which cover such secrets
as, the mysteries of creation, the production of magical
talismans, the angels, the Zodiac, Gematria and the names
of God. It draws heavily on the Sepher Yetzirah
and Sepher Ha-Razim.
The Book was reputed to have been given to Adam by the Angel
Raziel in order to teach Adam the spiritual laws of nature,
knowledge of the planets, stars and the spiritual laws of
creation. Raziel also taught Adam the knowledge of the power
of speech, thought, the Hebrew alphabet and how to co-exist
harmously with the physical and spiritual worlds.
The Book is still available today, and a Hebrew version
may be obtained from any good Jewish bookshop for it is
still believed that the book has power. However, it is forbidden
to open the book or read it because of its inherent power.
Therefore many keep their copies sealed. Finally, by tradition
no charge may be taken for the book!
The
Picatrix (Ghâyat al-Hakîm fi'l-sihr): (Circa 1256
CE):
The Picatrix "The Goal of the Sage” is a Grimoire
of uncertain origins, probably written circa 1256 CE. No author
has been identified. The originally text was written in Arabic,
with a Latin translation appearing approximately 1256 during
the court of Alphonso X of Castile.
The work is divided into four Books. Book I contains a preface,
information about the author and a summary of the material
found in the four books. The chapters of Book I, delves into
occult philosophy and astrology which is its main occult theme.
Book II continues, but in more dept with the mysteries of
astrology, the talismanic art, the planets and the method
of invocation of the spirits.
Book III continues with a discussion on the magical tools,
inks, incense, perfumes, robes and metals, which are related
to the planets. From a magical perspective this is an extremely
important Book, as it also covers prayers and invocations
of the seven planets and the gifts that can be gained from
each, the ceremonies related to each planet, and the talismans
of the planets themselves.
Editions appeared in German, being translated from Arabic
by Ritter and Plessner (1962). There is also a Latin version
by David Pingree, (1986). Ouroboros Press have published Books
I and II in English (2002), but as far as we can tell there
is no full English edition is available, although we believe
that one is being prepared.
Errores
Haereticorum: (Circa 1290 CE ):
We have little knowledge of this particular manuscripts
other than it is a medieval treatise of magic, but actual
production date is unknown. Belief during the time held
that the Devil (Satan) demanded the kiss of shame in forms
other than human, including rams, black cats, and toads.
This practice was produced as evidence (?) during the English
witch trials. According to the Errores Haereticorum, Cathars
took their name "from the term cat, whose posterior
they kiss, in whose form the Devil (Satan) appears to them."
As the Cathars flourished in the 12th and 13th it is therefore
assumed that probably the manuscript was produced during
the late 1200 CE
The
Sworn Book of Honorius (Liber Juratus): (Circa 1300):
The Sworn Book of Honorius, (Liber Juratus) was probably written
in the thirteenth century. It contains many instructions on
how to conjure and command demons. Like many Grimoires, it
has lengthy dissertations for proper operation and seals to
be used.
In the Solomonic Grimoire tradition due too its use of angelic
powers and seals similar to those found in The Greater
Key of Solomon.
Reputed to be the work of multiple magicians, who condensed
all their knowledge into one Grimoire.
This book is one of the oldest existing medieval Grimoires
and probably one of the most influential.
Key
of Solomon the King (Clavicula Salomonis): (Circa 1350 CE):
A French Grimoire, also known as the Greater Key of Solomon,
actual publication date in not known, is estimated to have
been published in the 14th Century, but could be earlier.
The Key of Solomon is composed of two Books. The Book I concern
itself with the invocation of spirits, who appears in around
the pre-prepared perimeter of a magic circle. This serves
as a protection to the Magician who is using magic to achieve
specific tasks, like lost finding treasure. The Grimoire also
introduces the Magical Pentacles and their uses.
Book II introduces the techniques needed to prepare for the
magical invocations, such as the construction of magic tools
(wand, knife of the art etc) and the appropriate incense,
and required behavior of the Magician and his assistants.
Pentacles of the planets used in the magical art, and the
uses for which they are effective is also described.
The Key also introduced the concept of magical hours, for
both day and nights in relationship to the seven traditional
planets.
The
Greater Key of Solomon:
The text and illustrations of the 1916 Mathers/deLaurence
edition, minus the useless additions by deLaurence. A system
of planetary magick, more straightforward than that described
in the Ars Paulina.
Introduction and Book One -- Concerning the ceremonies and
operations of the magickal art. The Holy Pentacles -- The
Pentacles or Medals to be used in the magickal art, and the
uses for which they are effective.
Book Two -- Concerning the proper behavior of the Mage and
his assistants, and the tools and materials of the magical
art.
The
Notary Arts (Ars Notaria): (Circa 1450 CE):
A difficult manuscript to understand, which describes a system
for attaining to knowledge and skill in the Liberal and Mechanical
Arts through prayers and special invocations. There appears
to be numerous manuscripts of this Grimoire in circulation,
dating from between 1300 to 1600 CE.
Arranged into three parts. Part I contains the prayers in
order for the Magician to be able to attain the physical and
mental attributes of Memory, Eloquence, Understanding, and
Perseverance. It is stated that if these are not obtained,
attempts to produce results through this system will not be
achieved.
Part II contains the prayers and magical images that are required
to be able to develop these special attributes. These prayers
cover such subjects as; Arithmetic, Astrology, Geometry, Grammar,
Logic, Music and Rhetoric.
Part III contains ten prayers said to have been delivered
to Solomon by different Angels, and the instructions concerning
preparation of the temple, the consecration of magical tools
etc. It is believed that this manuscript had a profound influence
of Dr. John Dee.
The
Black Raven (The Threefold Coercion of Hell): (Circa 1490):
The Black Raven by Dr. Faust also known as The Threefold
Coercion of Hell is a Grimoire associated with the production
of various talismans.
To reproduce the actual books introduction:
“This is Doctor Johannes Faustis Miracul Art
and Magic Book, or The Black Raven, or also named The Threefold
Coercion of Hell. With this book I, Dr. Johannes Faust,
have coerced all the spirits so that they had to bring to
me whatever I desired: be it go ld, silver, treasures large
and small, also the spring-root, and whatever else is available
on Earth. All that did I get with this book. I was also
capable to dispel the spirits after they had done what I
asked them for.”
According to Karl Hans Welz, January 1984, “The book
of Doctor Johannes Faust is one of the best known Grimoires
in the German realm. German magicians usually referred to
it as “Doctor Faust’s Threefold Coercion of
Hell.” They ascribe its origin to the Jesuits, perhaps
a result of the style of the book. Magicians used this Grimoire
in the main for its talismans. For the person who knows
how to read between the lines, this Grimoire offers a lot
more. It opens up the access to magical powers of an enormous
potential, especially when the student has also access to
the Faustian Tarot. This deck of cards is not a tarot deck
in the strictest sense, but rather a representation of the
energies that slumber deep within ourselves, ready to serve
the person who has the courage to awaken them.
I admonish the reader to read between the lines and thus
gain access to the magical powers that are inherent in this
fascinating book of German sorcery. I have written a commentary
to the Coercion of Hell.. In this commentary, I give you
some insights in the times of the writing of this book.
This briefanalysis will explain why the original author
had to write the Grimoire in this form. In addition, I am
giving you some hints of how to read between the lines so
you can draw the maximum benefit from this fascinating work
of German sorcery.”
We have not been able to find any firm reference to the
original manuscript date. Therefore, if it was actually
written by Dr. Johannes Faust, who we understand lived between
1466 and 1540; we have made the assumption that it was written
probably when Faust was in his 20’s. This would make
the original production fate around 1490.
The
Magical Elements (Heptameron – Seven days): (Circa 1496):
Translated by Robert Turner in 1655 and attributed to Peter
de Abano (1250-1316), it first appeared as part of appendix
of Agrippa's Opera, following the publication of Agrippa's
Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. First appearing
in the Hebrew Key of Solomon under the title the
Book of Light and may have been the source for the Lemegton.
The Heptameron gives instruction for invoking the archangels
of the seven days of the week. And the manufacture and concentration
of such ritual implements as the required perfume, holy water,
vesture, pentacle, and a sword.
Although a stand-alone manuscript it is traditionally attached
to the end of Agrippas works. The Fourth Book of Occult
Philosophy.
Verus
Jesuitarum Libellus - (Libellus Magicus or The True Petition
of the Jesuits): (Circa 1508 CE):
The Verus Jesuitarum Libellus ( Libellus Magicus). Translated by Major
Herbert Irwin in 1875, with its first publication by Scheible
in 1847. The manuscript is now held in the John G. White
Collection, with the latest edition being transcribed and
edited by. Stephen J. Zietz.. Purported to have been published
at Paris in the Latin in the year 1508, however this has
not been established.
The Libellus Magicus is a Grimoire which presents the dark
arts in a Christian context: demons find their proper place
in hell, and angels are called on to appear to give assistance
to the magician.
According to A.E Waite. “The Verus Jesuitarum
Libellus, or "True Magical Work of the Jesuits,
containing most powerful conjurations for all evil spirits
of whatever state, condition, and office they are, and a
most powerful and approved conjuration of the Spirit Uriel;
to which is added Cyprian's Invocation of Angels, and his
Conjuration of the Spirits guarding Hidden Treasures, together
with a form for their dismissal.
The "Citation of St. Cyprian” is interesting
as it is designed to gain the help of angelic forces, and
this request for help apparently appropriate for every situation
that we experience in life.
Grimoirium
Verum: (circa 1517 CE):
Reputed to have been translated from the Hebrew by Plaingiere,
a Dominucan Jesuit and published by Alibeck the Egyptian in
1517. The book, like many others, claims a connection to Solomon,
but many believe that it was really written in the 18th century.
Author unknown.
The work concentrates on rituals for summoning of demons,
and gives "Characters" for some of these demons
and therefore has gained the reputation of being one of the
most notorious Grimoires of Black Magic. However, it is a
lesser known Grimoire of which the Lemegeton, The Greater
Key of Solomon, and The Lesser Key of Solomon
are more widely known
The book draws on material from the Greater Key Solomon
and the Lemegeton
The
Secret Grimoire of Turiel: (Circa 1518 CE):
Translated from the Latin version of 1518, this famous Grimoire
is well illustrated with the sigils, signs and symbols of
medieval magic. It came to light in 1927 after being sold
to Marius Malchus in Spain by a defrocked priest and was then
translated into English from the original. There is some opinion
that the text may have been taken from an older magical manuscript,
which one? Is not known.
It is interesting to note that the Angel Turiel (Rock of God)
is mentioned in the 1 Book of Enoch as one of the angels who
fell from grace
The Grimoire gives the magician instructions on how to contact
Turiel.
The
Grand Grimoire (Red Dragon): (Circa 1522):
The Red Dragon or Le Dragon Rouge is a black Grimoire,
also known as a Grand Grimoire. First published in 1822, it
is said to have been originally produced around 1522, however
this cannot be substantiated.
From a practical perspective its only value, if you can call
it that, is a way of making a pact with the Devil (Lucifer).
The first part of the Grimoire, gives instruction for finding
hidden treasures by the evocation of an evil spirit. In the
second part the magician is required to fully submit himself,
body and soul, to the demon who will serve him!
Three
Books of Occult Philosophy: (Circa 1533 CE):
De occulta philosophia libri tres (Three Books of Occult Philosophy,)
by Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535), published in Cologne 1533.
Agrippa was one of the most influential writers on the occult
during his lifetime, and still today his work is acknowledged
as a major contribution to our occult knowledge. Unlike other
Grimoires these books are not do-it-yourself manuals on magic
but a collection of philosophical thought.
The first Book focuses on natural magic. The second Book focuses
on Celestial Magic and examines such concepts as the Cabbala
and Gematria. The third Book concerns celestial entities,
Angels, Angelic beings, their names.
From a Pauline Art perspective this work is important as it
introduces the seven magical squares, or planetary kameas
and the four philosophical Elements, the gnomes, sylphs, salamanders,
and undines.
Agrippa magical philosophy therefore combines angelic elements
with the natural sourced were the power comes from God.
Finally, a fourth book appeared call the Book of Magical Ceremonies,
for which some this book supplies the “how” to
the first three books of Agrippa. This Grimoire was not produced
by Agrippa but compiled by Robert Turner from various sources.
De
Nigromancia (Concerning the Black Art): (Circa 1550 CE):
De Nigromancia, or, Concerning the Black Art, is
a Latin manuscript attributed to Roger Bacon. The manuscript
first appeared in the 16th century. The text is concerned
with Goetic summonings, especially of wraiths or the conjuration
of infernal spirits and demons.
Nigromancia (Necromancia) is a branch of magick, generally
considered black, which consists of divination by consulting
the dead and their spirits or corpses.
The point of Nigromancia (Necromancia) is the study of death
and the raising and controlling of the dead.
The
Praxis Magica Fausti (Magical Elements): (Circa 1571 CE):
The Praxis Magica Fausti, or "Magical Elements"
of Dr. John Faust, Practitioner of Medicine," claims
to have been printed from the original MS held in the Municipal
Library of Weimar, and is dated 1571. However this has been
disproven.
There is an English manuscript at the Cleveland Public Library
which compared with Latin and German version indicates a number
errors and mistakes not only in the translation but also the
source documents.
From a practical perspective, due to the inherent errors,
the manuscript is only of value
The work is in the style of similar 1700 Century works on
magic such as the Lesser Key of Solomon.
Essentially a work of the Black Arts, it gives details on
the conjuration of Evil Spirits, who are commanded to do the
petitioners bidding through Lucifer.
Arbatel
of Magick (Arbatel de Magia Veterum): (Circa 1575):
The Arbatel of Magic (Arbatel de Magia Veterum) first
appeared in Latin in 1575, first being published in Basel
Switzerland and translated into English by Robert Turner
in 1655. Thought to have been originally produced in nine
volumes, see below, the available text is the first book
called Isagoge, or, A Book of the Institutions of Magick,
which is the only book found todate, the remaining may
have never been produced or have been lost. The Arbatel
introduced the concept of the seven planetary Olympic
Spirits, whose names are Aratron, Bethor, Phaleg, Och,
Hagith, Ophiel, and Phul.
Dr. John Dee is reputed that have owned a copy of the
Artbatel.
Below is an extract from the manuscript indicating those
volumes which were presumably in the original manuscript:
ARBATEL OF MAGICK
Containing nine Tomes, and seven
Septenaries of APHORISMS.
The first is called Isagoge, or, A Book of the Institutions
of Magick: or [illegible
Greek],1 which in fourty and nine Aphorisms comprehendeth,
the most general
Precepts of the whole Art.
The second is Microcosmical Magick, what Microcosmus
hath effected Magically,
by his Spirit and Genius addicted to him from his Nativity,
that is, spiritual
wisdom: and how the same is effected.
The third is Olympick Magick, in what manner a
man may do and suffer by the
spirits of Olympus.
The fourth is Hesiodiacal, and Homerical Magick, which
teacheth the operations
by the Spirits called Cacodæmones, as it were not
adversaries to mankinde.
The fifth is Romane or Sibylline Magick, which acteth
and operates with Tutelar
Spirits and Lords, to whom the whole Orb of the earth is
distributed. This is
valde insignis Magia. To this also is the doctrine of the
Druids referred.
The sixth is Pythagorical Magick, which onely acteth
with Spirits to whom is
given the doctrine of Arts, as Physick, Medicine, Mathematics,
Alchymie, and such
kinde of Arts.
The seventh is the Magick of Apollonius, and the
like, and agreeth with the
Romane and Microcosmical Magick: onely it hath this peculiar,
that it hath power
over the hostile spirits of mankinde.
The eighth is Hermetical, that is, Ægyptiacal
Magick; and differeth not much
from Divine Magick.
The ninth is that wisdom which dependeth solely upon
the Word of God; and
this is called Prophetical Magick.2
Mysteriorum
Libri Quinque (Circa 1590 CE):
The Five Books of Mystical Exercises of Dr. John Dee, containing
an Angelic Revelation of Kabbalistic Magic and other Mysteries
Occult and Divine revealed to Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley.
"Enochian" is not a term used by Dr Dee in any of
his works. The word Enochian was applied to the philiosophy
of Dee by the Golden Dawn, reasons not too clears. For Dee
and Kelly they used to refer to they work as the language
as "Angelical", the "Celestial Speech",
the "Language of Angels", the "First Language
of God-Christ" and the "Holy Language".
Five Books of the Mysteries (Quinti Libri Mysteriorum),
covers the years from 1581 to 1583. , and covered the magic
of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God.
It focuses upon the seven planets, the days of the week, and
the seven Biblical days of creation.
Dee identified forty nine planetary angels, whose assistance
could be obtained, through various rituals, in order to gain
thinks as knowledge (of the occult arts) and other necessities
of life.
Dee was heavily influenced by existing magical Grimoires such
as the Arbatel of Magick and the Almadel of Solomon, which
he wove into his philosophy and magical practices. However,
one cannot dispute that his works have profound power and
contributed greatly to our understanding of Angelic Magic.
Lesser
Key of Solomon (Lemegeton): (Circa 1640 CE):
This is a collection of five magical manuscripts; Goetia,
Theurgia-Goetia, the Pauline Art, the Almadel of Solomon,
and the Ars Nova. Some practioners have suggested that
the five books were once separate texts, which were combined
to form the Lemegeton.
Goetia (of Solomon): The Goetia is concerned
with the Spirits of Evil the evocation of 72 demons associated
with the Shemhamphorash, those which Solomon bound to his
service. It is worth considering that if it were true that
the original Grimoire was in fact five books it has also been
suggested that the Goetia is the oldest book. It has also
been suggested by Elizabeth Butler that the manuscript the
Liber Spiritum, and the Liber Officiorum, were earlier names
for the Goetia itself. This may then place the Goetia well
before the seventeenth Century.
Theurgia-Goetia: Theurgy literally means
High Magic, the tradition which deals with the methods of
working with good spirits, especially the conjuration of 32
Ariel Spirits and their servants, who govern the points of
the compass.
Pauline Art (Ars Paulina): The third book
is called Ars Paulina, or The Art Pauline (The Pauline Art),
and deals with the Zodiac, the planets and the related angels
and spirits and is divided into two parts:
The first part deals with twenty-four Angels who rule the
hours of the day and night and the angels are listed with
several serviant Angels.
The second part concerns the finding of the Angel of the degree
of one’s own natal Ascendant, your Sun and Moon angels
which are so important in the Pauline Art. Your moon angel
is therefore reputed to hold the mysteries of one’s
destiny, career and fortune. The text ends with the full invocation
of the petitioners Holy Guardian Angel.
Pauline Art was revealed to the Apostle Paul after he had
ascended the third heaven, and was then delivered by him at
Corinth. Again the true date of publication is not known,
current versions appear to have been published around the
year 1641. Possibly a precursor of, or inspiration for, Dr
John Dee's Heptarchia Mystica.
Almadel of Solomon: The fourth book deals
with the evocation of the angels of the four "Altitudes"
which has been interpreted as the angels of the four cardinal
points. These angels also rule the equinoctial and solstice
points, the seasons, and the signs of the Zodiac.
The fourth book also introduced the Almadel a magical technique
of using a wax tablet, to contact the celestial spirits. In
the production of the Almadel, correct colours of the angels
had to be applied to be successful.. The fourth book has a
major effect upon Dr. John Dee (circa 17th Century), which
he developed into his renowned “Enochian” or Angelic
system of magic.
Ars Nova (The New Art): The fifth book
is concerned with prayer and orations revealed to him (Solomon)
by the Archangel Michael.
The
Red Book of Appin: (Circa 1640):
Translated by Scarabaeus, but the date of the original
manuscript is unknown. The Grimoire, primarily a dark Grimoire,
is in two parts. The first part concerns the requirements
to become an adept who follows a wizard (evil spirit) who
initiates the adept into the secrets of the book. The second
part of the book introduces Superior Demons and evil spirits
together with their seals and invocations.
An extract from the actual books Preface:
“Some say that The Red Book had been dictated
by Vlad Tepes himself to some
monk Kirill. If it is so or not, we cannot say, but the
devil-worshipping of the great
romanian general is an unquestionable fact, which no serious
black adept can deny.
It is well known that this document, enwrapped in blood-red
leather of some unknown creature (according to rumors ,
that was one of lower demons, invoked by Vlad specially
for this purpose), was kept by the english merchant Joseph
Appin (from this comes the title of the book), who died
in 1689 and bequeathed to bury it together with him.
Having accomplished their father`s behest, two of his
sons afterwards digged his
grave out in order to get the access to the source of terrible
transcendent knowledge, but
found no book there.
It is possible that the book had been stolen by some
offspiring of Vlad, and since
then it was imparted from father to son until the year 1869,
when it got into the hands of
the Hungarian secret community <Tremalosh>, which
afterwards turned to one of
branches of the Great Black Lodge under the abbreviation
A.C.C. The copy had been
imparted to the Pontiphic of the Lodge Johan Kellenheim
in 1901 and translated to
polish and German.
The further destinity of the original is unknown. It`s
written in the purest version of
the enochian language, in comparison with which the language
of John Dee is just a
pitiable senseless murmuring, and not with enochian symbols
but with latin letters,
which confirms the version of writing it by the monk, unfamiliar
with the Heavenly
Language.”
Semiphoras
und Shemhamphoras Salominis (Shemhamphoras): (Circa 1686 CE):
A Hebrew manual of magic the Semiphoras und Shemhamphoras
Salominis is the title of a 1686 occult book attributed
to King Solomon printed by Andreas Luppius and edited by Johann
Scheible in 1846. Its text cannot be traced to an earlier
date, but it is possible that it is a late medieval manuscript,
the title being mentioned among grimoires by earlier authors
such as Johannes Hartlieb.
The title is probably a corruption of the Cabbalist term shem
hammephorash "the distinctive excellent name", viz.,
the divine name YHWH.
The much of the text has been drawn from Corneius Agrippas
works, pseudo-Agrippa, Jewish Magic and the Sixth and Seventh
Books of Moses. "The Seven Semiphoras of Adam"
and the "The Seven Semiphoras of Moses" closely
match book 7 of the Liber Salomonis.
The
Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage: (Circa 1700
CE):
Translated by S. L. Mathers, who indicates that the text was
probably produced between the end of the seventeenth and beginning
of the eighteenth centuries.
The Book is divided into three parts. The first part gives
detail about Abraham the Jew, who is the author of the book,
who lived during the years 1368 -1437 CE. According to Abraham
he produced the book for his son, after being given the secrets
during his travels in Egypt by Mage called Abramelin.
The second part gives the aspirant magician detailed instruction
on a purification process that the Magician must undergo prior
to invoking his Guardian Angel. Having contacted and communicated
with your Holy Guardian Angel, Abraham assures the Magician
that having secured this contact and assurance from his angel
he may the summon and control certain demonic princes such
as Astarot, Belzebud and Lucifer, to name a few.
The final part is a comprehensive collection of magical squares
which has the unique ability to command certain spirits to
perform what the specific task of the square has been designed
to achieve.
.
The
Grimoire of Pope Leo French (Enchiridion Leonis Papae): (Circa
1749):
The Grimoire of Pope Leo is
a French Grimoire written in 1749 that claims to be authored
by Pope Leo, although this claim in not substantiated.
We have little information concerning the background of
the Grimoire
The
Black Pullet (The Science of Magical Talismans): (Circa 1790
CE):
This Grimoire is unique from the perspective that its main
purpose is to introduce the Magician to the “science
of magical talismans and rings". Apparently the
Grimoire was written in the late 18th Century by a French
Officer, but its actual origin is unknown.
During one of Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, the French
Officer managed to survive an attack by Arabs apparently
near one of the pyramids, which one was not identified.
The Grimoire then explains that from the pyramid, appears
an old man, who takes the French Officer into a secret chamber,
were he attends to his wounds. Once recovered the old man
discloses the secrets of this Grimoire.
The Grimoire describe the various rings and talismans and
what may be achieved by their application. The talismans
assure the individual the use of unique powers such as proficiency
in all spoken languages, the power to discover hidden secrets,
and invisibility.
The ability to master this “Secret Science”
the Magician is granted the ability to conjure a Hen that
lays Golden Eggs, along with the power to discover hidden
treasures, a source of unlimited wealth!
Some have associated the Black Pullet is another Grimoires,
The Red Dragon (or The Grand Grimoire).
The
Magus (Celestial Intelligencer): (1801 CE):
Produced by Francis Barrett, and first published in 1801 this
work was to be the basis of teachings that Barrett use in
his occult school, he ran with the ultimate intention of establishing
an occult order.
Much of the contents of the Magus is taken directly from De
occulta philosophia libri tres (Three and Fourth Book
About Occult Philosophy,) by Cornelius Agrippa, including
the Magical Elements (Heptameron). And other sources
as indicated by Barrett himself:
"we have collected out of the works of the most famous
magicians, such as Zoroaster, Hermes, Apollonius, Simon of
the Temple, Trithemius, Agrippa, Porta (the Neapolitan), Dee,
Paracelsus, Roger Bacon, and a great many others...."
The Magus actually comprised of two main volumes covering
the main occult work with the third volume being a biographical
section. It is not certain if Barrett intended the inclusion
of this volume or if it was added by the printer. Today it
is available as one volume.
Transcendental
Magic (Various Texts): (Circa 1830CE):
Eliphas Levi (the pen name of Abbé Louis Constant,
1810-1875), French occultist whose works have been appraised
as being highly interesting, but lacking accuracy.
Levi is well know for four main books, The Dogma and Ritual
of High Magic, A History of Magic, Transcendental Magic and
the The Key of Great Mysteries, and other occult books.
Levi "believed in the existence of a universal 'secret
doctrine' of magic throughout history, everywhere in the world."
In The Dogma and Ritual of High Magic, Levi devoted 22 chapters
to the 22 trump cards, or Major Arcana, of the tarot. He linked
each to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and to aspects
of God.
Levi’s most well known work covers Transcendental magic
which is a far more practical from text an occult perspective
than Levi’s other works. The work is split into two
parts. Part 1 covers theory, and examines traditional interpretations
of magic and religion. Part II covers the practical aspects
of ritual magic.
His other works are:
Clefs Majeures et Clavicules de Salomon
Dogma et Rituel de la Haute Magie Part I
Dogma et Rituel de la Haute Magie Part II
Elements of the Qabalah
The Conjuration of the Four Elements
The Key of the Mysteries
The Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum.
The
Sixth & Seventh Books of Moses: (Circa 1849):
Of the books ascribed to Moses the manuscripts know as
the Sixth and Seventh books of Moses in particular important
to the occultist.
This was a German magical Grimoire first published in Stuttgart
in 1849, with an English translation of the Books first
appeared in New York in 1880. Subsequent reprints have suffered
from a number of deficits, poor editing and poor reproduction
of the drawings and Hebrew lettering. Therefore a caution
is given to those that intend to apply the principle of
the Grimoire.
It teaches how to conjure spirits, how to make and use healing
amulets, charms and talismans. Contains over 125 seals reputed
to have been used by the Egyptians.
These Books became extremely popular in the Americas particularly
amongst Dutch and German communities, reaching even to the
West Indies where it became entrenched into American folk
magic and voodoo.
Oupnekhat.
(Circa 1882 CE):
According to Lewis Spence in An Encyclopaedia of Occultism,
the Oupnekhat or Oupnekhata (Book of the Secret) is a work
written in Persian providing the following instructions for
the production of wise (Machqgui) visions. These vision will
unite the practitioner with Brahma-Atma or the Divine
Spence also suggests that this book is possibly a revision
of one of the Hindu Upanishads.
Oupnekhata and was introduced into Europe probably from a
nineteenth-century German translation titled Das Oupnekhat;
die aus den Veden zusammengefasste Lebre von dem Brahm in
1882. However, there are some who believe that it was derived
from an earlier Latin edition of 1801.
The
Grimoire of Armadel: (Circa 1890):
The Grimoire of Armadel translated from the original French
and Latin of a manuscript in the Biblotheque l'Arsenal in
Paris. This is classed as a Christian Grimoire and contains
many important seals and sigils of the various demons and
planetary spirits. First translated by S.L. McGregor Mathers
in the late 1890’s. The Grimoire of Armadel remained
unpublished until 1980.
What follows is an unabridged introduction taken directly
from the version of the Grimoire by Frator Alastor:
“…….When Mathers made his translation he notice that
the title page was the last page of the Grimoire, so he
moved to the front but keep the rest of the chapters in
the same order. He also notice that this Grimoire began
speaking about the magick circle like if it where something
that the reader should already know. Now it is my believe
that the whole Grimoire was written backward, this is to
say that you should read the last page first (the title
page) then the last chapter and so on. If you read it this
way you will see that make a lot of sense. In Mathers version
the first chapter is a reference to the magick circle and
the License to depart, it make no sense to begin a Grimoire
that way since the license to depart is the last think that
a magician read. Also if you fallow the Latin titles in
Mathers version the text begin with the Sanhedrin, Jesus
and go on to the creation of Adam and the demons and the
angels etc. This order is completely the opposite of that
one on the bible this is god first, then the angels, the
demons, Adam, Jesus, the Crucifixion and the Sanhedrin.
So neither to say I had inverted the orders of the chapters
in Mathers version under the believing that this is the
way that the magic was intended to be read.”
References:
Compiled: Some from actual Grimoires, book
reviews, reader contributions and various other sources
too numerous to mention.
If you would like to contribute please email your comments
and we will include.
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