The Veritable Key of Solomon. Clavicula Salomonis. Grimoire. Ceremonial Magick. Dr. Stephen Skinner. David Rankine

The Veritable Key of Solomon. Clavicula Salomonis. Grimoire. Ceremonial Magick. Dr. Stephen Skinner. David Rankine

I recently read through the Greek Magical Papyri and the Hygromanteia. In keeping with the chronological order of Grimoires, I'm now taking a renewed look at the 15th Century Clavicula Salomonis (Key of Solomon). I also have the classic version edited by S.L. MacGregor Mathers, but this book by Dr. Stephen Skinner (and all the others in his Source Works of Ceremonial Magic series) adds so much depth and context.


"The Key of Solomon" is the most famous and infamous of the Grimoires ever produced. Yet amazingly only one version of it has ever been published, by S L MacGregor Mathers, over 100 years ago. What Mathers may not have known is that there were much more detailed and complete versions of this grimoire available in many other languages. This is not just a variant of Mathers' text, but a translation of three completely different and beautifully illustrated 1796 French manuscripts of the Key of Solomon. These are the most beautiful and complete manu-scripts of "The Key of Solomon" ever published. Much of the detail omitted from Mathers' edition is given here, providing a complete and workable system of high magic with full details of implements, procedures, and a wide range of talismans. Much material not available to Mathers is also found in this extraordinary book, including planetary prayers, names of angels and demons, and a vast array of pentacles, as well as material on the Olympic Spirits, Planetary Spirits and Intelligences. The commentary by two of the best known scholar-magicians provides much additional material, a full survey of all the extant manuscripts of this famous grimoire and how they relate to each other, as well as the historical influence of the Key of Solomon on the development of magic from the Renaissance until now. The pentacles as drawn by Fyot, the original scribe, are reproduced here, with more than twice as many pentacles as were produced in Mathers' text. "The Key of Solomon" is the most significant magical grimoire ever penned, certainly for the period from the sixteenth through to the nineteenth century. This present work finally restores "The Key of Solomon" back to its place at the heart of practical Western magic.

The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia. Grimoire. Ioannis Marathakis. Dr. Stephen Skinner

The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia. Grimoire. Ioannis Marathakis. Dr. Stephen Skinner

I'm spending some time reading through the Hygromanteia. This grimoire is part of the bridge between the Graeco-Egyptian Magical Papyri (PGM) and the Clavicula Salomonis (Key of Solomon). This translation is by Ioannis Marathakis, but is part of Dr. Stephen Skinner's series of Source Works of Ceremonial Magic.


The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia is the ultimate grimoire―the absolute foundation of ceremonial magic. The true source of the Key of Solomon, it is arguably the most significant magical text in the world. For the first time ever, this extraordinary work has been translated from the original Greek into English, allowing magic scholars worldwide to finally access its treasures. The translator, Ioannis Marathakis, is a native born Greek academic with an extensive knowledge of ceremonial magic. Unlike the abridged Latin translation, this groundbreaking work is the complete text, now arranged in its proper order.

Techniques of Solomonic Magic. by Dr. Stephen Skinner

Techniques of Solomonic Magic. Hygromanteia. Key of Solomon. Goetia. by Dr. Stephen Skinner

I'm enjoying "Techniques of Solomonic Magic" by Dr. Stephen Skinner. This book contains the historical background and methodology of the various Medieval and Renaissance Era Solomonic Grimoires (manuscripts containing magical workings ascribed to King Solomon). This text formed part of Dr. Skinner's doctoral thesis. He is certainly one of the most respected authorities on the subject in the world.

The most detailed analysis of the techniques of Solomonic magic from the seventh to the nineteenth century ever published. This volume explores the methods of Solomonic magic in Alexandria, tracing how the tradition passed through Byzantium (the Hygromanteia) to the Latin Clavicula Salomonis and its English incarnation as the Key of Solomon.
Discover specific magical techniques such as the invocation of the gods, the binding of demons, the use of the four demon Kings, and the construction of the circle and lamen. The use of amulets, talismans, and phylacteries is outlined along with their methods of construction. Also included are explanations of the structures and steps of Solomonic evocation, the facing directions, practical considerations, the use of thwarting angels, achieving invisibility, sacrifice, love magic, treasure finding and the binding, imprisoning, and licensing of spirits.

The Greek Magical Papyri. by Hans Dieter Betz. Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic. by Stephen Skinner

The Greek Magical Papyri. by Hans Dieter Betz. Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic. by Stephen Skinner

I have enjoyed traveling back in time 2,000 years through the Temples of Alexandria, Egypt. The Papyri Graecae Magicae (PGM) is a fascinating collection of texts, ranging from the 2nd Century BC to the 5th Century AD, and is representative of the magical practices in Egypt at that time. It is particularly interesting to look at it in terms of lineage and see the various practices that have continued on, albeit in modified forms. Some workings in the ancient PGM papyri later reappeared in Byzantium (the Hygromanteia), and then reappeared again in medieval grimoires like the Clavicula Salomonis (Key of Solomon).

If you're interested, I would suggest buying these two books (in the photo) together as a set. The Greek Magical Papyri is not a particularly easy read, and Dr. Stephen Skinner's companion book kindly creates some order out of the chaos.



"The Greek magical papyri" is a collection of magical spells and formulas, hymns, and rituals from Greco-Roman Egypt, dating from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. Containing a fresh translation of the Greek papyri, as well as Coptic and Demotic texts, this new translation has been brought up to date and is now the most comprehensive collection of this literature, and the first ever in English.

The Greek Magical Papyri in Transition is an invaluable resource for scholars in a wide variety of fields, from the history of religions to the classical languages and literatures, and it will fascinate those with a general interest in the occult and the history of magic.

Uncover the Techniques Used by Graeco-Egyptian Magicians
Egypt was once at the heart of magical practice, and the Graeco-Egyptian papyri are the clearest and most extensive documentation of some of these earliest methods. Using academic tools, Stephen Skinner has translated and presented the information contained in the papyri so that the magic will transcend theory and become a real practice.
More than simply a guide to the papyri, Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic is a complete survey and explanation of the techniques, including:
Attracting love, health, and foresight
Bowl and lamp skrying
Sending of dreams
Mystery rites for fellowship with the gods
And more!
Uncover the techniques once used by Graeco-Egyptian magicians to bring this powerful magic into your life.

Ars Notoria. The Grimoire of Rapid Learning by Magic. Dr. Stephen Skinner. Daniel Clark

Ars Notoria. The Grimoire of Rapid Learning by Magic. Dr. Stephen Skinner. Daniel Clark

The Ars Notoria has intrigued me since I first learned of it's existence. For someone such as myself, with too many interests and always crunched for time, the idea of a book that enables one to learn entire subjects very quickly is quite appealing.

The Ars Notoria was a memory aid utilized by medieval monks, so it is intended for mastering a 13th Century curriculum (the 7 liberal arts and sciences).
This is not to say that you will somehow miraculously obtain knowledge through this system. You won't. You still have to do the work/studying. However, the prayers, incantations and meditations contained therein put you in a relaxed mindset that allows your brain to absorb much more than it would under normal circumstances.

Thanks to Dr. Stephen Skinner for making this text (and the other books in his SWCM series) available. The scholarship is superb. This is part one of two. The second Ars Notoria volume was just recently published.



Stephen Skinner began his career as a Geography lecturer and magazine publisher, but his long term interests have always been Western magic and feng shui.
During the 1970s he was the driving force behind Askin Publishers, producing a number of classic magical works by Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, Austin Osman Spare, Aleister Crowley, and others. During the 1970s he co-wrote many books with Francis King, including the still popular Techniques of High Magic. Also with Francis King he wrote Nostradamus. His interest in prophecy stimulated by this book, he went on to write the best selling Millennium Prophecies.
Stephen is credited with bringing the art of Feng Shui to the West, and in 1976 he wrote the Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui, which was the first English book on feng shui in the 20th century.
Stephen has written more than 35 books, which have been published worldwide in 28 different languages. These books have had introductions by such diverse people as Colin Wilson, HRH Charles Prince of Wales, and Jimmy Choo, shoe designer to the stars.
Stephen lives in Singapore. Stephen is the first Westerner to be awarded the title of Grand Master of Feng Shui by the International Feng Shui Association.


Daniel Clark was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He developed a serious interest in magic from a very early age with a particular focus on the grimoires. His interests range from Solomonic and Faustian traditions and demonology, to the more obscure esoteric areas of Japanese Onmyodo and Yokai mythology. Over the past few years Daniel has been striving to help important and often forgotten manuscripts of magic get digitized, and has tracked down and located many variant grimoires residing in universities and libraries around the world, many of which are still waiting to be re-discovered.

The Three Magical Books of Solomon. Greater Key. Lesser Key. Goetia. SL MacGregor Mathers. Aleister Crowley

The Three Magical Books of Solomon. Greater Key. Lesser Key. Goetia. SL MacGregor Mathers. Aleister Crowley

Essential texts, conveniently with all three Magical Books of Solomon in one volume...



"For the first time, the three great magical works of King Solomon are together in one volume. The Greater and Lesser Keys give a practical guide to the operation of his magic. The testament gives a historical account of its use by Solomon himself.
The Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.
The work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.
The Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or “grimoire.” Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works.
As a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon.
In the preface to this edition, it is explained that a “Secret Chief” of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun.
The Testament of Solomon is a pseudepigraphical work attributed to King Solomon the Wise of the Old Testament. Written in the first-person narrative, the book tells the story of the creation of the magical ring of King Solomon and how Solomon’s ring was used to bind and control demons, including Beelzebub. In this book of King Solomon, the discourses between the King and the various spirits are told, and the story shows how Solomon uses his wisdom to withstand the demons’ tricks and guile and enlist their aid in the building of his temple.
The manuscripts from which this work was discovered date from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. All were written in Greek. This dating makes most experts believe that the work is medieval. But some scholars, including D.C. Duling, argue that it is likely that the work comes from the 5th or 6th centuries.
No matter the date, the text provides an immensely interesting description of how King Solomon tamed various demons to build his temple. The text includes predictions of the coming of Christ, as one demon explains to Solomon that while he may be bound, the only thing that can truly take his power away is the man born from a virgin who will be crucified by the Jews."

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."

The Order. Netflix Series. Magic Secret Society

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

     Created by Dennis Heaton, The Order became a hit series on Netflix with the first two seasons airing between 2019 and 2020. The success has kindled rumors that there will be a third season in 2021.

     The plot is summarized: "When Belgrave University student Jack Morton joins a fabled secret society, the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose, he is thrust into a world of magic, monsters and intrigue. Out to avenge his mother's death, he uncovers dark family secrets and lands in an underground battle being waged between werewolves and practitioners of dark magic. Assisting Jack in the fight is Alyssa, a tour guide at Belgrave and fellow member of the Order, which is led by Jack's estranged father."

     The Order offers much interest for those who are versed in Ceremonial Magick. Magic circles, sigils and other elements of the Key of Solomon are very apparent as well as references to actual historical grimoires such as the Sworn Book of Honorius.

     The cast does great job all around, including Sarah Grey, Jake Manley, Louriza Tronco, Katherine Isabelle, Adam DiMarco and Thomas Elms.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Louriza Tronco as Gabrielle

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Louriza Tronco as Gabrielle

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series. Sarah Grey as Alyssa Drake

The Order. Magic Secret Society. Netflix Series.

 

Techniques of High Magic. Francis King and Stephen Skinner

Techniques of High Magic. Francis King and Stephen Skinner

Re-reading "Techniques of High Magic"...

     Stephen Skinner co-wrote this book more than 40 years ago, back in the 1970's, and it has since become a Classic in the genre.
Dr. Skinner is still producing some of the best occult books available today, and I believe he has a new book coming out this month or next.




"Self-initiation into practical magic with clear instructions on how to perform invocation and evocations, achieve astral projection, make effective talismans, or practice divination using either geomancy, tarot or I Ching. Useful for a complete beginner or those further along the path.


Dr Stephen Skinner authored "Techniques of High Magic" with Francis King in 1976, but it is still remarkably relevant today. He has produced a number of other books on practical magic since including: "Geomancy in Theory and Practice", which is still the most complete work in English on the history and practice of Western divinatory geomancy. Highly illustrated coffee-table books on "Millennium Prophecies: Apocalypse 2000" and "Nostradamus" (also with Francis King) were followed by "Sacred Geometry." From 2004 - 2010 he collaborated with David Rankine to produce the first six volumes of the Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic series including fresh translations of a number of grimoires: "The Key of Solomon", the "Lemegeton", "Goetia", "Ars Almadel", "Theurgia-Goetia," Ars Paulina", "Janua Reserata", and "Sefer Raziel".He produced a substantial reference book: the "Complete Magician’s Tables" which is a tabular summary of the correspondences that are important to the theory and practice of magic; their Kabbalistic framework; the attendant angels and demons from many grimoires; the gods of many cultures; the constituents of astrology (Greek, Babylonian and Egyptian); gem stones, plants, perfumes and incenses of practical magic; the gematria and isopsephy of many Greek and Hebrew words, and correspondences with Eastern belief systems like the Yi Jing, a total of over 840 comparative tables. Stephen summarized the practical magic techniques to be found in the grimoires in his "Techniques of Solomonic Magic" in 2015, and went back to the main roots of all western magic, the Greek magical papyri published in "Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic" in 2014. He has also written a number of books on Feng Shui,including a substantial reference book to the subject: the "Guide to the Feng Shui Compass," the fruit of years of research into Chinese sources in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Stephen has written more than 46 books, translated into more than twenty different languages. He was awarded a PhD in Classics by the University of Newcastle for his research on the Greek text of the PGM and a number of Latin grimoires. Stephen lives in Singapore. His website is www.SSkinner.com His Wikipedia entry is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Skinner_(author)"