From the editor: 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 complete the volume, which has been reset in modern type and edited with a commentary by Stephen Skinner.

This is the first edition to contain all six books, annotated by an expert in Magickal practice, set in modern type, and reorganized for easier use. The magical texts are grouped in Part I, and the two geomancy texts comprise Part II. The Book Contains:

Agrippa's Of Magical Ceremonies, which gives many specific and practical hints agbout invoking spirits, demons, angels, and other "Spiritual creatures".

De Abano's Heptameron, which is an important grimoire dating from 1513. It deals with the angels of the seven days of the week, and its Latin conjurations turn up later in editions of the Goetia, where they are rendered into English.

The Isagoge by Georg Villinganus is a collection of many referenced from ecclesiastical and classical authors on the nature of spirits. Structured around a supposed conversation between the Greek twins Castor and Pollux, it allowed the author to express differing and sometimes controversial viewpoints.

The Arbatel of Magick, which first appeared in Latin in Basel in 1575, is mentioned by John Dee in his Mysteriorum Libri Quinque, and was obviously read by him and Edward Kelley. Notable in the Arbatel is a section on the Olympic spirits, which were an important part of magickal practice.

Of Geomancy, which nobody doubts was written by Agrippa, is a classic of geomancy. Stephen Skinner's informed notes clarify Agrippa's instructions and are an invaluable addition.

Of Astronomical Geomancy by Gerard of Cremona (ca. 1114-1187), who was famous for translating Ptolemy's Almagest, uses a completely different method to generate the figures than that which is more commonly described by Golden Dawn derived books. It will be of particular interest to readers interested in astrology.

Pages: 227, Hardcover
Special Interest: Magick, Study & Application, Enoch, Geomancy, Alchemy, Secret Orders & Societies, Divination, Psychic Development, Ritual, Sorcery.