Publisher's Synopsis
The Three Books of Occult Philosophy or Magic is a classic work of Western esotericism written by the Renaissance philosopher and theologian, Henry Cornelius Agrippa. Originally published in 1531, the book explores the nature of magic and its relationship to the natural world, as well as the history and philosophy of the occult. The first book examines the principles of natural magic, including the four elements, the celestial bodies, and the powers of the mind. The second book focuses on ceremonial magic, exploring the use of talismans, sigils, and invocations to summon spirits and gain power over the world. The third and final book discusses the nature of divine magic, including the use of prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices to achieve union with the divine.Throughout the book, Agrippa draws on a wide range of sources, including classical philosophy, medieval mysticism, and contemporary occult practices. He also includes numerous examples of magical rituals and spells, as well as detailed instructions for their performance. Despite its controversial subject matter, The Three Books of Occult Philosophy or Magic has remained a popular and influential work of esoteric literature for centuries, inspiring generations of practitioners and scholars alike.In the last half of 1509 and the first months of 1510, Cornelius Agrippa, known in his day as a Magician, gathered together all the Mystic lore he had obtained by the energy and ardor of youth and compiled it into the elaborate system of Magic, in three books, known as Occult Philosophy, the first book of which�������Natural Magic�������constitutes the present volume. Partial List of Contents: Natural Magic; What Magic Is; Four Elements; Three-fold Consideration of Elements; Kinds of Compounds; Occult Virtues of Things; Of the Spirit of the World; How Inferior Things are Subjected to Superior Bodies; What Things are Lunary; What Things are under the power of: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury; What Things are Under the Signs; Of the Union of Mixed Things; Of Bindings; Of Sorceries; Of Perfumes or Suffumigations; Magical Rings; Of Light Colors; Of Divination; Of divers certain Animals; Of Geomancy; Of the Reviving of the Dead; Of Divination by Dreams; Of Madness; Passions of the Mind; Of Speech; Of many Words joined together; Virtue of Writing. (Note: this is the same book as The Philosphy of Natural Magic only it was originally published under both names.)This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
