Arbatel of Magick: title and aphorisms 1–21

[non-Latin script] Of the MAGICK of the Ancients, The greatest Study of WISDOM. In all things, ask counsel of the Lord; and do not thou think, speak, or do any thing, wherein God is not thy Counsellor.

Proverbs 11.

He that walketh fraudulently, revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

ARBATEL of MAGICK: OR, The spiritual Wisdom of the Ancients, as well Wise-men of the people of God, as MAGI of the Gentiles: for the ilustration of the glory of God, and his love to Mankind. Now first of all produced out of darkness into the light, against all caco-Magicians, and contemners of the gifts of God; for the profit and delectation of all those, who do truly and piously love the creatures of God, and do use them with thanksgiving, to the honour of God, and profit to themselves and their Neighbours. Containing nine Tomes, and seven Septinaries of APHORISMS.

The first is called Isagoge, or, a Book of the Institutions of Magick: which in forty & nine Aphorisms comprehendeth the most general precepts of the whole Art.

The second is Microcosmical Magick, what Microcosmus hath effected Magically, by his spirit & Genius adicted to him from his Nativity, that is, spiritual wisdom: and how the same is effected.

The third is Olympick Magick, in what manner a man may do and suffer by the spirits of Olympus.

The fourth is Hesiodiacal, & Homerical Magick, which teacheth the operations by the spirits called Cacodemones, as it were not adversaries to mankind.

The fifth is Roman or Sibylline Magick, which acteth & operates with tutelar spirits & Lords, to whom the whole orb of the earth is distributed. This is valde insignis Magia. To this the doctrine of the Druids referred.

The sixth is Pythagorical Magick, which only acteth with spirits to whom is given the doctrine of Arts, as Physic, Medicines, Mathematicks. Alchymy, and such kind of Arts.

The seventh is the Magick of Appolonius, & the like, & agreeth with the Roman & Microcosmical Magick: only it hath this thing peculiar, that it hath power over the hostile part of mankind.

The eighth is Hermitical, that is Aegyptical Magick; & differeth not much from divine Magick.

The ninth is that wisdom which dependeth solely upon the word of God: and this is called Prophetical Magick.

The first Tome of the Book of ARBATEL of MAGICK, called ISAGOGE.

IN the name of the Creator of all things both visible and invisible, who revealeth his Misteries out of his treasures to them that call upon him; and fatherly and mercifully bestoweth those his secrets upon us without measure. May he grant unto us, through his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, his ministring spirits, the revealers of his secrets, that we may write this Book of Arbatel, concerning the greatest secrets which are lawful for man to know, and to use them without offence unto God. Amen.

The first Septinary of Aphorisms.

The first Aphorism.

Whosoever would know secrets, let him know how to keep secret things secretly; and to reveal those things that are to be revealed, and to seal those things which are to be sealed: and not to give holy things to dogs, nor to cast pearls befo[…]e swine. Observe this Law, and the eyes of thy Understanding shall be opened, to understand secret things; and thou shalt have whatsoever thy mind desireth to be divinely revealed unto thee. Thou shalt have also the Angels and Spirits of God prompt and ready in their nature to minister unto thee, as much as any human mind can desire.

Aphor. 2.

In all things call upon the name of the Lord: and without prayer unto God through his only-begotten Son, do not thou undertake to do or think any thing. And use the Spirits given & attributed unto thee, as ministers, without rashness and presumption, as the messengers of God; having a due reverence towards the Lord of Spirits. And the remainder of thy life do thou accomplish, demeaning thyself peaceably, to the honour of God, and the profit of thyself and thy neighbour.

Aphor. 3.

Live to thyself and the Muses: avoid the friendship of the multitude: be thou coveteous of time, benificial to all men. Use thy gifts, be vigilant in thy calling; and let the word of God never depart from thy mouth.

Aphor. 4.

Be obedient to good Admonitions: avoid all procrastination: accustom thyself to constancy and Gravity, both in thy words and deeds. Resist the temptations of the tempter, by the word of God. Flee from earthly things; seek after heavenly things. Put no confidence in thy own wisdom; but look unto God in all things, according to that sentence of the Scripture: When we know not what we shall do, unto thee, O God, do we lift up our eyes, and from thee we expect our help. For where all human refuges do forsake us, there will the help of God shine forth, according to the saying of Philo.

Aphor. 5.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbour as thy self: and the Lord will keep thee as the apple of his eye, and will deliver thee from all evil, and will replenish thee with all good; and nothing shall thy soul desire, but thou shalt be fully endued therewith, so that it be contingent to the salvation of thy soul and body.

Aphor. 6.

Whatsoever thou hast learned, frequently repeat, and fix the same in thy mind: and learn much, but not many things, because a human understanding cannot be alike capable in all things, unless it be such a one that is divinely regenerated; unto him nothing is so difficult or manifold, which he may not be able equally to attain to.

Aphor. 7.

Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will hear thee, and thou shalt glorify me, saith the Lord. For all Ignorance is tribulation of the mind; therefore call upon the Lord in thy ignorance, and he will hear thee. And remember that thou give honour unto God, and say with the Psalmist, Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the glory.

The second Septinary.

Aphor. 8.

Even as the Scripture testifies, that God appointeth names to things or persons, & also with them hath distributed certain powers and offices out of his treasures: so the Characters and names of Stars have not any power by reason of their figure or pronunciation, but by reason of the virtue or office which God hath ordained by nature either to such a name or character. For there is no power either in heaven or in earth, or hell, which doth not descend from God; and without his permission, they can neither give or draw forth into any action, any thing they have.

Aphor. 9.

That is the chiefest wisdom, which is from God; & next, that which is in spiritual creatures; afterwards in corporal creatures, fourthly, in nature, & natural things. The spirits that are apostate, & reserved to the last judgment, do follow these, after a long interval. Sixthly, the ministers of punishments in hell, and the obedient unto God. Seventhly, the Pigmies do not possess the lowest place, and they who inhabit in elements, and elementary things. It is convenient therefore to know and discern all differences of the wisdom of the Creator and the Creatures, that it may be certainly manifest unto us, what we ought to assume to our use of every thing, and that we may know in truth how and in what manner that may be done. For truely every creature is ordained for some profitable end to human nature, & for the service thereof; as the holy Scriptures, Reason, and Experience, do testify.

Aphor. 10.

God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible, in the holy Scriptures proposeth himself to have an eye over us; and as a tender father which loveth his children, he teacheth us what is profitable, and what not; what we are to avoid, & what we are to embrace: then he allureth us to obedience with great promises of corporal & eternal benefits, and deterreth us (with threatning of punishments) from those things which are not profitable for us. Turn over therefore with thy hand, both night and day, those holy Writings, that thou mayest be happy in things present, and blessed to all eternity. Do this, and thou shalt live, which the holy Books have taught thee.

Aphor. 11.

A number of four is Pythagorical, and the first Quedrate; therefore here let us place the foundation of all wisdom, after the wisdom of God revealed in the holy Scriptures, and to the consideration proposed in nature.

Appoint therefore to him who solely dependeth upon God, the wisdom of every creature to serve and obey him, nolens volens, willing or unwilling. And in this, the omnipotency of God shineth forth. It consisteth therefore in this, that we will discern the creatures which serve us, from those that are unwilling; and that we may learn how to accommodate the wisdom and office of every creature unto ourselves. This art is not delivered, but divinely. Unto whom God will, he revealeth his secrets; but to whom he will not bestow any thing out of his treasuries, that person shall attain to nothing without the will of God.

Therefore we ought truly to desire from God alone, which will mercifully impart these things unto us. For he who hath given us his Son, and commanded us to pray for his holy Spirit, how much more will he subject unto us the whole creature, and things visible and invisible? Whatsoever ye ask, ye shall receive. Beware that ye do not abuse the gifts of God, and all things shall work together unto you for your salvation. And before all things, be watchful in this, that your names be written in heaven: this is more light, that the spirits be obedient unto you, as Christ admonisheth.

Aphor. 12.

In the Acts of the Apostles, the Spirit saith unto Peter after the Vision, Go down, and doubt not but I have sent them, when he was sent for by Cornelius the Centurion. After this manner, in vocal words, are all disciplines delivered, by the holy Angels of God, as it appeareth out of the Monuments of the Aegyptians. And these things afterwards were vitiated and corrupted with human opinions; and by the instigation of evil spirits, who sow tares amongst the children of disobedience, as it is manifest out of St. Paul, & Hermes Trismegistus. There is no other manner of restoring these arts, than by the doctrine of the holy spirits of God; because true faith cometh by hearing. But because thou mayest be certain of the truth, and mayest not doubt whether the spirits that speak with thee, do declare things true or false, let it only depend upon thy faith in God; that thou mayest say with Paul, I know on whom I trust. If no sparrow can fall to the ground without the will of the Father which is in heaven, How much more will not God suffer thee to be deceived, O thou of little faith, if thou dependest wholly upon God, and adherest only to him?

Aphor. 13.

The Lord liveth; and all things which live, do live in him. And he is truely [non-Latin script], who hath given unto all things, that they be that which they are: and by his word alone, through his Son, hath produced all things out of nothing, which are in being. He calleth all the stars, & all the host of heaven by their names. He therefore knoweth the true strength & nature of things, the order and Policy of every creature visible and invisible, to whom God hath revealed the names of his creatures. It remaineth also, that he receive power from God, to extract the virtues in nature, and hidden secrets of the creature & to produce their power into action, out of darkness into light. Thy scope therefore ought to be, that thou have the names of the spirits, that is, their powers and offices, & how they are subjected and appointed by God to minister unto thee; even as Raphael was sent to Tobias, that he should heal his father, and deliver his son from dangers, and bring him to a wife. So Michael, the fortitude of God governeth the people of God: Gabriel, the messenger of God, was sent to Daniel, Mary, and Zachary the father of John Baptist. And he shall be given to thee that desireth him, who will teach thee whatsoever thy soul shall desire, in the nature of things. His ministery thou shalt use with trembling and fear of thy Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, that is to say, the Father, Son, and holy Ghost: and do not thou let slip any occasion of learning, and be vigilant in thy calling, and thou shalt want nothing that is necessary for […]hee.

Aphor. 14.

Thy soul liveth for ever, through him that hath created thee: call therefore upon the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. This thou shalt do, if thou wilt perform that end for which thou art ordained of God, and what thou owest to God and to thy neighbour. God requireth of thee a mind, that thou shouldest honour his Son, and keep the words of the Son in thy heart: if thou honour him, thou hast done the will of thy Father which is in heaven. To thy neighbour thou owest offices of humanity, and that thou draw all men that come to thee, to honour the Son. This is the Law and the Prophets. In temporal things, thou oughtest to call upon God as a father, that he would give unto thee all necessaries of this life: and thou oughtest to help thy neighbour with the gifts which God bestoweth upon thee, wh[…]ther they be spiri[…]ual or corporal.

Therefore thou shalt pray thus:

O Lord of heaven and earth, Creator and Maker of all t[…]ings […]isible and invisible; I, though unworthy, b[…] thy assi[…]ance call upon […]hee, through thy only-beg[…]tten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, that thou wilt give unto me thy holy Spirit, to direct me in thy truth unto all good. Amen.

Because I earnestly desire perfectly to know the Arts of this life, and such things as are necessary for us, which are so overwelmed in darkness, and polluted with infinite human opinions, that I of my own power can attain to no knowledge in them, unless thou teach it me: Grant me therefore one of thy spirits, who may teach me those things which thou wouldest have me to know and learn, to thy praise and glory, and the profit of our neighbour. Give me also an apt and teachable heart, that I may easily understand those things which thou shalt teach me, and may hide them in my understanding, that I may bring them forth as out of thy inexhaustable treasures, to all necessary uses. And give me grace, that I may use such thy gifts humbly, with fear and trembling, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with thy holy Spirit. Amen.

The third Septinary.

Aphor. 15.

They are called Olympick spirits which do inhabit in the firmament, and in the stars of the firmament: and the office of these spirits is to declare destinies, and to administer fatal charms, so far forth as God pleaseth to permit them: for nothing, neither evil spirit nor evil destiny, shall be able to hur[…] him who hath the most high for his refuge. If therefore any of the Olympick spirits shall teach or declare that which his star to which he is appointed portendeth, nevertheless he can bring forth nothing into action, unless he be permitted by the divine power. It is God alone who giveth them power to effect it. Unto God the maker of all things, are obedient all things celestial, sublunary, & infernal. Therefore rest in this; let God be thy guide in all things which thou undertakest, and all things shall attain to a happy and desired end; even as the history of the whole world testifieth, and daily experience sheweth. There is peace to the godly: there is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord.

Aphor. 16.

There are seven different governments of the Spirits of Olympus, by whom God hath appointed the whole frame and universe of this world to be governed: and their visible stars are ARATRON, BETHOR, PHALEG, OCH, HAGITH, OPHIEL, PHUL. after the Olympick speech. Every one of these hath under him a mighty Militia in the firmament.

ARATRON ruleth visible Provinces XLIX.

BETHOR, XXXII.—PHALEG, XXXV.

OCH, XXVIII.—HAGITH, XXI.

OHIEL, XIV.—PHUL, VII.

So that there are 186 Olympick Provinces in the whole Universe, where in the seven Governors do excercise their power: all which are elegantly set forth in Astronomy. But in this place it is to be explained, in what manner these Princes and Powers may be drawn into communication. Aratron appeareth in the first hour of Saturday, and very truly giveth answers concerning his Provinces and Provincials. So likewise do t[…]e rest appe[…]r in order in their days and hours. Also every one of them ruleth 490 years. The beginning of their simple Anomaly, in the […]o[…]h ye[…]r before the Nativity of Christ, was the beginning of the administration of Bethor; and it lasted until the year of our Lord Christ 430. To whom succeeded Phal[…]g, until the 920th year. Then began Och, and continued until the year 1410. and thenceforth Hagith ruleth until the year 1900.

Aphor. 17.

Magically the Princes of the seven Governors are called simply, in that time, day, and hour wherein they rule visibly or invisibly, by their Names and Offices which God hath given unto them; and by proposing their Character which they have given or confirmed.

The Governor Aratron hath in his power those things which he doth naturally, that is, after the same manner and subject as those things which in Astronomy are ascribed to the power of Saturn. Those things which he doeth of his own free will, are.

1. That he can convert any thing into a stone in a moment, either animal or plant, retaining the same object to the sight.

2. He converteth treasures into coals, and coals into treasure.

3. He giveth familiars with a definite power.

4. He teacheth Al[…]hymy, Magick, and Physic.

5. He reconcileth the subterranean spirits to men; maketh hairy men.

6. He causeth one to be invisible.

7. The barren he maketh fruitful, and giveth long life.

[Figure: His Character.]

He hath under him 49 Kings, 42 Princes, 35 Presidents, 28 Dukes, 21 Ministers, standing before him; 14 familiars, seven messengers: he commandeth 36000 legions of spirits; a legion is 490.

Bether governeth those things which are ascribed to Jupiter: he soon cometh being called. He that is dignified with his character, he raiseth to very great dignities, to cast open treasures: he reconcileth the spirits of the air, that they give true answers: they transport precious stones from place to place, and they make medicines to work miraculously in their effects: he giveth also the familiars of the firmament, and prolongeth life to 700 years if God will.

[Figure: His Character.]

He hath under him 42 Kings, 35 Princes, 28 Dukes, 21 Counsellors, 14 Ministers, 7 Messengers, 29000 legions of spirits.

Phaleg ruleth those things which are attributed to Mars, the Prince of peace. He that hath his character, he raiseth to great honours in warlike affairs.

[Figure: His Character.]

Och governeth solar things he giveth 600 years, with perfect health; he bestoweth great wisdom, giveth the most excellent Spirits, teacheth perfect medicines: he converteth all things into most pure gold and precious stones: he giveth gold, and a purse springing with gold. He that is dignified with his character, he maketh him to be worshiped as a Deity, by the Kings of the whole world.

[Figure: The Character.]

He hath under him 36536 legions: he administereth all things alone: and all his spirits serve him by centuries.

Hagith governeth Venereous things. He that is dignified with his character, he maketh very fair, and to be adorned with all beauty. He converteth copper into gold, in a moment, and gold into copper: he giveth Spirits which do faithfully serve those to whom they are adicted.

[Figure: His Character.]

He hath 4000 legions of spirits, and over every thousand he ordaineth Kings for their appointed seasons.

Ophiel is the governor of such things as are attributed to Mercury: his Character is this.

[Figure]

His spirits are 100000 legions: he easily giveth familiar spirits: he teacheth all Arts: and he that is dignified with his character, he maketh him to be able in a moment to convert Quicksilver into the Philosophers stone.

[Figure: Phul hath this Character.]

He changeth all metals into silver, in word & deed; governeth Lunary things; healeth the dropsy: he giveth spirits of the water, who do serve men in a corporal and visible form; and maketh men to live 300 years.

The most general Precepts of this Secret.

• 1. Every Governor acteth with all his spirits, either naturally, to wit, always after the same manner; or otherwise of their own free-will, if God hinder them not.
• 2. Every Governor is able to do all things which are done naturally in a long time, out of matter before prepared; and also to do them suddenly, out of matter not before prepared. As Och, the Prince of Solar things, prepareth gold in the mountains in a long time; in a less time, by the Chymical art; and Magically in a moment.
• 3. The true and divine Magician may use all the creatures of God, and offices of the Governors of the world, at his own will, for that the Governors of the world are obedient to them, and come when they are called, and do execute their commands: but God is the Author thereof: as Joshua caused the Sun to stand still in heaven. They send some of their spirits to the mean Magicians, which do obey them only in some determinate business: but they hear not the fa[…]e Magicians, but expose them to the deceits of the d[…]vils and cast them into divers dangers by the command of God; as the Prophet Jeremiah testifieth, in his eighth Chapter, concerning the Jews.
• 4. In all the elements there are the seven Governors with their hosts, who do move with the equal motion of the firmament; and the inferiors do always depend upon the superiors, as it is taught in Philosophy.
• 5. A man that is a true Magician. is brought forth a Magician from his mothers womb: others, who do give themselves to this office, are unhappy. This is that which John the Baptist speaketh of: No man can do any thing of himself, except it be given him from above.
• 6. Every Character given from a spirit, for what cause soever, hath his efficacy in this business, for which it is given, in the time prefixed: but it is to be used the same day and Planetary hour wherein it is given.
• 7. God liveth, and thy soul liveth: keep thy Covenant, & thou hast whatsoever the spirit shall reveal unto thee in God, because all things shall be done which the spirit promiseth unto thee.

Aphor. 18.

There are other names of the Olympick spirits delivered by others; but they only are effectual, which are delivered to any one, by the Spirit the revealer, visible or invisible: and they are delivered to every one as they are predestinated: therefore they are called Constellations; and they seldom have any efficacy above 40 years. Therefore it is more safe, for the young practicer of Art, that they work by the offices of the spirits alone, without their names; and if they are preordained to attain the art of Magick, the other parts of the Art will offer themselves unto them of their own accord. Pray therefore for a constant faith, and God will bring to pass all things in due season.

Aphor. 19.

Olympus and the inhabitants thereof, do of their own accord offer themselves to men in the forms of spirits; and are ready to perform their offices for them, whether they will or not: by how much the rather will they attend you, if they are desired? But there do appear also evil spirits, and destroyers, which is caused by the envy and malice of the devil; and because men do allure and draw them unto themselves with their sins, as a punishment due to sinners. Whosover therefore desireth familiarly to have a conversation with spirits, let him keep himself from all enormious sins, and diligently pray to the most High to be his keeper; and he shall break through all the snares and impediments of the devil: and let him apply himself to the service of God, and he will give him an increase in wisdom.

Aphor. 20.

All things are possible to them that believe them, and are willing to receive them; but to the incredulous and unwilling, all things are unpossible: there is no greater hinderance than a wavering mind, levity, unconstancy, foolish babbling, drunkenness, lusts, and disobedience to the word of God. A Magician therefore ought to be a man that is godly, honest, constant in his words and deeds, having a firm faith towards God, prudent, and covetous of nothing but wisdom about divine things.

Aphor. 21.

When you would call any of the Olympick spirits, observe the rising of the Sun that day, and of what nature the spirit is which you desire; & saying the Prayer following, your desires shall be perfected.

Omnipotent and eternal God, who hast ordained the whole creation for thy praise and glory, and for the salvation of man, I beseech thee that thou wouldest send thy Spirit N. N. of the solar order, who shall inform and teach me those things which I shall ask of him; or, that he may bring me medicine against the dropsy, &c. Nevertheless not my will be done, but thine, through Jesus Christ thy only begotten Son our Lord. Amen.

But thou shalt not detain the spirit above a full hour unless he be familiarly adicted to thee. Forasmuch as thou camest in peace and quietly, & hast answered unto my petitions; I give thanks unto God, in whose name thou camest: and now thou mayest depart in peace unto thy orders; and return to me again when I shall call thee by thy name, or by thy order, or by thy office, which is granted from the Creator, Amen.

Ecclesiast. Chap. 5. Be not rash with thy mouth, neither let thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in heaven, and thou on earth: Therefore let thy words be few, for a dream cometh through the multitude of business.