The Magus: Complete System of Occult Philosophy - Softcover

Barrett, Francis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0806504625 ISBN 13: 9780806504629

Publisher: Citadel Press, 1976

Synopsis

The Magus has proved to be the most sought after set of books on magic and alchemy ever published. There is very good reason for this. These books are powerful, and were considered so dangerous that for many years, rare copies could only be found in certain libraries, locked away from the general public and from those who would use (or misuse) its power. The original set of books was first published in 1801 by its author, Francis Barrett, who had an extensive background in the medieval and occult sciences. He spent many years of diligent study before releasing them. His premise for the material, that is, before putting anything into these books. Barrett first subjected the various theories to certain tests that had to be "substantiated by nature, truth, and experiment" first. They were written for those seeking the key to the philosopher's stone and the powers of magic. The illustrations in this book were taken from ancient and medieval texts, magical tables, planetary tables, talismans and images of angels and demons. Book One covers natural magic, amulets and charms, potions, precious stones, lights, candies, alchemy, the philosopher's stone, transmulation, the four elements, numbers, and planets. Book Two covers magnetic powers, Cabalistic magic, the names of angels and spirits the performing of invocations, conjuring spirits, magic circles, receiving oracles in dreams, positive and evil spirits, and concludes with a major biographical section on the great magicians of history.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Its author is as mysterious as its subject matter. The one appearance of English occultist FRANCIS BARRETT (b. circa 1770) upon the literary scene is this mammoth 1801 work, a complete study of ritual magic, in practice and in its theoretical underpinnings. Drawing on numerous works of the arcane and the occult, this one-of-a-kind book ignited a fervor for magic, in all its forms, in the Europe in the early 19th century, and may have even influenced Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. Subtitling his tome Celestial Intelligencer, Barrett promises here to present a "complete system of occult philosophy," containing the "ancient and modern practice of the Cabalistic art," and showing "the wondering effects that may be performed by a Knowledge of the celestial influences, the occult properties of metals, herbs, and stones." Alchemy, talismanic magic, magnetism, ceremonial magic, the conjuration of spirits... Barrett reveals the secrets of all these disciplines, and more. Featuring all the original charts, diagrams, and illustrations, and including Barrett's biographies of famous occultists from Agrippa to Zoroaster, this is a fascinating work of occult and cultural history.

Edition details

• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Publication date: 1976
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806504625
• ISBN 13: 9780806504629
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 398