Arbatel. Concerning the Magic of the Ancients. Occult. Grimoire. Joseph H. Peterson

Arbatel. Concerning the Magic of the Ancients. Occult. Grimoire. Joseph H. Peterson

 

I'm enjoying "Arbatel: Concerning the Magic of the Ancient" edited by Joseph H. Peterson.

In many ways, Arbatel is unique among texts on magic. Unlike the vast majority of writings, it is clear, concise, and elegantly written. The practical instructions are straightforward and undemanding. When it first appeared in 1575, it attracted the attention of people with a surprisingly broad range of agendas, including some of the finest minds of the time. Often quoted and reprinted, both praised and condemned, its impact on western esoteric philosophy has been called "overwhelming."

Arbatel's magic is full of wonder and free from the sinister elements usually associated with texts on the subject. But it is about more than magic; filled with gnomic wisdom, it urges us to help our neighbors, be positive and grateful, and use time wisely. Above all, it teaches us to pay attention, looking for the wondrous and miraculous. In fact, to the author this virtually defines the magus.

* Included are illustrations, bibliography, index, and original Latin text.

* First English translation published since in 1655.

https://amzn.to/4fzYL5g 

 

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

 

Pilgrims of the Night. Pathfinders of the Magical Way. Lars. B. Lindholm. Occult

Pilgrims of the Night. Pathfinders of the Magical Way. Lars. B. Lindholm. Occult

I'm enjoying "Pilgrims of the Night: Pathfinders of the Magical Way" by Lars Lindholm. The book provides a historical overview of Magick, the Occult and the Western Esoteric Tradition. It is not an academic or comprehensive study, but is entertaining nevertheless. 



Here is a fresh, unprejudiced and exceptionally readable examination of the evolution of magical theory and practice in Western culture. In his often humorous style, Lars B. Lindholm traces the history of magic from the earliest times to modern, encountering colorful personalities such as Thomas Aquinas, Henry Cornelius Agrippa, John Dee, and Aleister Crowley along the way.


Pilgrims of the Night or Pathfinders of the Magical Way is a fascinating book about the most prominent figures in the history of magic. The subject of magic is defined rather loosely but that would deserve a book of itself to describe it properly. The author assumes the usual meaning of the word and delves perhaps not too deeply into the raging waters of Western magical history.
The book is divided into several chapters. As nothing much is really known about ancient history of magic, the author frankly admits it and gives sketchy outlines or biographies of such figures as Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon, Cornelius Agrippa and John Dee.
In the chapter on Renaissance magic he starts giving more details but then the book becomes a description of history of Western magical orders starting with Rosicrucians and Freemasons and ending with the famous order of the Golden Dawn. A special attention is given to such prominent figures as Mathers and Crowley. There is also a chapter about Hitler. And finally a "new" magic or rather cult inspired by works of Lovecraft.
What is so unusual and refreshing about this book is that throughout the whole book the author maintains an ironic and rather skeptical attitude about the whole subject. He does not directly say that it is all BS, on the contrary he admits that there is something in it but he definitely acknowledges the fact that there is lots of deceit and plain power struggle when it comes to magic.
In fact the author keeps a peculiarly reticent attitude about the Necronomicon which is a subject of the last chapter. While admitting that all the existing copies are fake, he also admits that the magic in some of them works. Whatever that means. Another peculiarity is that he does not mention Simon Necronomicon by name except by briefly referring to it in a footnote. Very strange indeed, considering that it is the most famous copy of Necronomicon. Copies of Simon Necronomicon are freely available on the net so interested readers can always check them out for themselves.
There are also several interesting appendices in this book that should be a chapter by themselves but they are not, strictly speaking, about the history but rather an attempt to explain magic and other subjects closely connected with it. There are some fascinating insights there.
So I highly recommend this book. You won't find any propaganda (not overt, anyway) for doing magic. It is definitely a good primer as far as the history of Western magical orders go, though an advanced scholar perhaps won't find any new information there. For a novice, however, it is perfect: it sums up everything into succulent points and make it a very enjoyable read. And the book is quite short too, so no danger of it becoming too boring.
I found it one of the best reads on the subject of magic. It does not describe any techniques like spells, sigils, etc. It is basically a history of Western magical orders and some of the most memorable (to the author at least) moments in its history. It has curious gaps but on the whole it is an excellent book. -online review

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

 

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

 

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

 

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Stephen Skinner. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Stephen Skinner. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

 

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

von Nettesheim

(1486 - 1535)

Polymath, Physician, Legal Scholar

Soldier, Theologian and Occult Author

Known for

Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533)

by Travis Simpkins

Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Llewellyn Publications

For more info, please visit:

stanford.edu/agrippa

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Three Books of Occult Philosophy. by Travis Simpkins

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magick. Edited by Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magick. Edited by Lon Milo Duquette and David Shoemaker

     Llewellyn published this book earlier this year. It is a scholarly 500-page overview of the western mystery tradition, everything from Qabalah and alchemy to the Golden Dawn and Aleister Crowley. I started flipping through when it first arrived last week, but soon made the decision to read it cover to cover. Very impressive.

     The limited edition hardcover retails for 75 bucks and is signed by the editors, Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker. There's also a paperback version available for about half that price.



"A Comprehensive Collection of Magical Wisdom in One Indispensable Book
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magick brings together the myriad occult philosophies and techniques necessary for a thorough understanding of the esoteric arts. This magnificent treasury is filled with fascinating insights from today's most esteemed working practitioners, developing the rich details of a dozen topics that together comprise the Western Mystery Tradition. Within these pages, you will explore the rituals and ideas that have shaped the history and modern practice of magick. Edited by virtuoso occultists Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker, this brilliant collection of new writings is the preeminent reference work on the occult arts and sciences.
Foundations of Western Magic (Sam Webster) • Qabalah (Anita Kraft & Randall Bowyer) • Planetary Magic (David Rankine) • Alchemy (Dennis William Hauck) • Demonology & Spirit Evocation (Dr. Stephen Skinner) • The Magick of Abra-Melin (Marcus Katz) • Enochian Magick & Mysticism (Aaron Leitch) • The Golden Dawn (Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero) • Thelema & Aleister Crowley (David Shoemaker) • Polytheistic Ceremonial Magic (John Michael Greer) • Magician's Tables (David Allen Hulse) • The Future of Ceremonial Magick (Brandy Williams)"

Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Edited by Stephen Skinner

Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Edited by Stephen Skinner

     I just finished a cover-to-cover read of Agrippa's "Three Books of Occult Philosophy" and it seemed appropriate to just continue on to the somewhat controversial "Fourth Book", originally published in the 1550's.

     There are a few versions of this text available. However, this particular one, edited by Dr. Stephen Skinner, is the best (in my opinion).



"This book is a milestone in Western magical practice. Often erroneously called a forgery, it is in fact six separate books in one, the first two being by Agrippa (1486-1535). One of them, Of Magical Ceremonies, is Agrippa's clearest step-by-step formulation of how to perform an evocation, much more openly expressed than in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy. In addition there is the key grimoire, Of the Magick of the Ancients by Arbatel, which clearly defines the different types of magic, focusing on the invocation of angels and of the Olympic spirits. The Heptameron by Peter de Abano is a complete, self-contained set of instructions for conjuration of spirits according to the day of the week. Also included is Villinganus' work on the nature of spirits, illusions, prophecies, and miracles, and how they may be used. Two complete geomancies (one by Agrippa) complete the volume, which has been reset in modern type and edited with a commentary by Stephen Skinner."

Three Books of Occult Philosophy. Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Edited by Donald Tyson. Llewelyn Publications

Three Books of Occult Philosophy. Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Edited by Donald Tyson. Llewellyn Publications

     Published in the 1530's, Agrippa's "Three Books of Occult Philosophy" has been THE book of occult studies for nearly 500 years.

     This new hardcover edition from Llewellyn Publications is very nicely put together!




"The Single Most Important Text in the History of Western Occultism
The vast store of magical lore within the Three Books of Occult Philosophy has been an essential resource for occultists since its original publication nearly five centuries ago. In this hardcover edition, editor Donald Tyson presents these writings in their complete form, free from the hundreds of errors made in the original translation and supplemented by notes and explanations to contextualize the material for the modern reader.
The most complete repository of Pagan and Neoplatonic magic ever compiled, this book is packed with material you will not find elsewhere, including copious extracts on magic from obscure or lost works by Pythagoras, Pliny the Elder, Cicero, Ptolemy, Plato, Aristotle, and many other authorities. Donald Tyson's detailed annotations clarify difficult references and provide origins of quotations, expanding upon them as necessary in order to make Agrippa's work more accessible.
As well as providing extensive insight into the foundations of the Western esoteric tradition, the Three Books of Occult Philosophy is the ultimate "how-to" for magical workings. It describes how to work all manner of divination and magic in such clear and useful detail that it is still the guide for modern techniques. And the extensive supplementary material―including biographical and geographical dictionaries and appendices―provides quick reference to many previously obscure matters in classical magic."