Since ancient times, people have been attracted by the opportunity to use some secret knowledge in order to gain power, wealth, or become an initiate. It is magic practices that are devoted to 10 ancient books of our review, which set out complex and mysterious rituals that represent the key to communication with otherworldly spirits.
Black Hen
The grimoire "Black Hen", which was written in France in the 18th century, tells about the study of magical talismans - special objects engraved with mystical words that protect the owner and give him mystical power. It is believed that this book was written by an unknown soldier of Napoleon's army, who claimed to have received knowledge from a mysterious magician during an expedition to Egypt.
The Black Hen includes detailed instructions on how to build talismans from bronze, steel, silk and special ink. There are also detailed descriptions of summoning genies, creatures of smoke and fire, which are able to bring true love to the owner. If the owner's ambitions are a little more cynical, then the grimoire will tell you how to make talismans that will force any silent person to tell all their secrets. The pinnacle of the mystical teachings of the book is the creation of a black chicken that is capable of finding treasures.
Ars Almadel
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Ars Almadel is the fourth part of The Lesser Key of Solomon, also known as Lemegeton. This book, which is a 17th century grimoire of demonology by an unknown author, describes how to build an Almadel, a magical wax altar that will allow communication with angels.
Almadel talks about the four heavens, or "choirs", each of which is home to unique angels with their own abilities. The text gives the names of the angels of each Choir (for example, Gelomyros and Afizira), how to properly direct your requests to them, and also when it is best to call them.
Picatrix
The Picatrix is an ancient grimoire of astrological magic. Originally written in Arabic as Gayyat Al-Hakim in the 11th century, it consists of 400 pages of astrological theory. It also contains spells and rituals on how to channel the occult forces of the planets and stars to achieve personal power and enlightenment. The Picatrix is perhaps best known for its obscene magical recipes.
These gruesome and potentially deadly recipes are designed to induce an altered state of consciousness and "get out of your body." The ingredients used in the recipes are clearly not for the faint of heart: blood, bodily fluids, and medulla, mixed with plenty of hashish, opium, and psychoactive plants.
Greek magic papyrus
A variety of spells, rituals, and divination were listed in Greek magical papyri that date back to the second century BC. These include instructions on how to summon a headless demon, open doors to the underworld, and protect yourself from wild beasts.
Perhaps the most coveted of all the spells in the book was a description of how to obtain a supernatural helper from the other world who would obey all the orders of the caster. The most commonly found in papyri are spells that help predict the future. One of the most famous rites described in the papyri is the Liturgy of Mithras. This ceremony describes how to ascend the seven higher planes of being and communicate with the deity Mithra.
Galdbuk
The Icelandic grimoire Galdrbuk, which was written in the 16th century, is a collection of 47 spells compiled by several magicians. Like most Icelandic magic of the period, Galdrbuk relies heavily on runes, which have magical properties when carved into objects, as well as drawn on body or paper. Among the runes described in Galdrbuk, there are those with which you can gain the favor of influential people, instill fear in enemies and make someone fall asleep.
Most of the spells found in Galdrbuk are "spells of light" designed to protect the caster and to cure various ailments. For example, it is described with what runes to treat fatigue, problems during childbirth, headaches and insomnia. Other spells are rather peculiar in nature. Spell 46, called "Rune Fart", sends a wild attack of flatulence to the enemy. The spell at number 27 is designed to be drawn on someone's food, after which the victim will become sick and will not be able to eat all day. Rune 30 is designed to destroy other people's animals. There are also descriptions of runic wands for keeping out unwanted visitors, catching thieves, and winning a lawsuit.
Magic Arbatel
Compiled at the end of the 16th century by an unknown author, Arbatel De Magia Veterum is a comprehensive guide to spiritual advice and aphorisms. Arbatel is also considered a mystical self-help book. The book contains a series of rituals to summon the seven heavenly rulers and their legions who rule over parts of the universe.
For example, the ruler Bethel will bring miraculous medicines, and Peleg will help the soldiers achieve glory. However, the ability to perform these rituals will only be bestowed on a person who “emerged from the mother’s womb to perform magic,” and for everyone else he will be useless. Arbatel also mentions other useful elemental spirits that exist on the other side of the veil of the physical world, including pygmies, nymphs, dryads, sylphs, and sagani.
Ars Notoria
"Ars notoria" - Solomon grimoire, compiled in the 13th century.
It does not contain any spells or potion recipes. The book is designed to focus on learning, developing memory, and making sense of complex books.
Pseudomonarchy of demons
Pseudomonarchia Daedonum was written by the famous 16th century physician and demonologist Johann Weyer, who was greatly inspired by his former teacher, the German occultist Heinrich Cornelius, better known as Agrippa.
The book is a catalog of 69 noble demons that occupy significant places in the hierarchy of Hell, as well as methods for invoking them. For example, the Marquis Naberius comes in the form of a raven and "makes a person capable of all arts." President Foras will help you find lost items or treasures. Haagenti can turn water into wine, Shaxx can lead any horse, and Abigor is able to predict the outcome of any war and the fate of soldiers.
The Book of Honorius
Also known as "Liber Juratus Honorii", The Cursed Book of Honorius is a medieval grimoire mainly dedicated to ritual protective magic. The work is rumored to have been written by Honoria of Thebes, a mysterious, possibly mythological figure whose existence is being questioned. The book begins with a sharp criticism of the Catholic Church. Church, a convinced enemy of the dark arts. She is allegedly corrupted by the devil, whose goal is to doom humanity by ridding the world of the benefits of magic.
The cursed book has high demands on its adepts. In total, only three copies of this book can be made, it is impossible to own it by accident - in order to find the book of Honorius, you need to find a worthy wizard and inherit the grimoire on his grave. Also, the adept should avoid female society. Like many other grimoires, the rituals of this book are mainly aimed at invoking angels, demons, and other spirits in order to gain knowledge and powers.
Abramelin's book
Written in the 15th century, The Book of Abramelin is one of the most famous mystical texts of all time. It is the work of Abraham von Worms, a Jewish traveler who allegedly encountered the enigmatic magician Abramelin while traveling to Egypt. In exchange for 10 florins and a promise to be pious, Abramelin presented this manuscript to Abraham, who then passed it on to his son Lamech.
There is only one ritual described in the grimoire, but it is very difficult. The ritual consists of 18 months of prayer and cleansing, and is only recommended for men in good health between the ages of 25 and 50. For women, an exception can only be made for virgins. If all the steps of the one and a half year ritual are followed exactly, the adept will come into contact with his holy Guardian Angel, who will endow him with necromancy, fortune-telling, foresight, weather control, knowledge of secrets, vision of the future and the ability to open locked doors.
This text had a profound influence on the famed occultist Aleister Crowley, who claimed to have experienced several supernatural phenomena after he underwent the ritual and entered the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a 19th century British magical order. Crowley later used the book as the basis for his system of magic.