Fourth Book: pentacles, consecrations and the book of spirits

But we now come to speak of the holy and sacred Pentacles and S[…]g[…]ls. Now these pentacles are as it were c[…]rtain h[…]l[…] signs preserving us from evil chances and […]vents, and helping and assisting us to bind, exter[…]inate, and drive away evil spirits, and allurin[…] th[…] good spirits, and reconciling them unto us. And these pentacles do consist either of characters of the good spirits, of the superior order, or of sacred pictures of holy letters or revelati[…]ns, with apt and fit versicles, which are compo[…]ed either of Geometrical figures and holy names o[…] God, according to the course and manner of many of them; or they are compounded of all of them; or very many of them mixt. And the characters which are useful for us to constitute and make the pentacles, they are the characters of the good spirits, especially and chiefly of the good spirits of the first and second order, and sometimes also of the third order. And these kind of characters are especially to be named holy; and then those characters which we have above called holy. What character soever therefore of this kind is to be instituted we must draw about him a double circle, wherein we must write the name of his Angel: and if we will add some divine name congruent with his spirit and office, it will be of the greater force and efficacy. And if we will draw about him any angular figure, according to the manner of his numbers, that also shall be lawful to be done. But the holy pictures which do make the pentacles are they which every where are delivered unto us in the Prophets and sacred writings, as well of the old as of the new Testament: even as the figure of the serpent hanging on the cross, and such like; whereof very many may be found out of the visions of the Prophets, as of Esaias, Daniel, Esdras, and others, and also out of the revelations of the Apocalypse. And we have spoken of them in our third Book of Occult philosophy, where we have made mention of holy things. Therefore when any picture is posited of any of these holy Images, let the circle be drawn round about it on each side thereof, wherein let there be written some divine name, that is apt and conformed to the effect of that figure, or else there may be written about it some versicle taken out of part of the body of holy Scripture, which may desire to ascertain or deprecate the desired effect. As, if a pentacle were to be made to gain victory or revenge against ones enemies, as well visible as in invisible, the figure may be taken out of the second book of the Macchabees: that is to say, a hand holding a golden sword drawn, about which let there be written the versicle there contained; to wit, Take the holy sword the gift of God, wherewith thou shalt slay the adversaries of my people Israel. Or else there may be written about it a versicle of the fifth Psalm: In this is the strength of thy arm: before thy face there is death; or some other such like versicle. But if you will write a divine name about the figure, then let some name be taken that signifies fear, a sword, wrath, the revenge of God, or some such-like name congruent and agreeing with the effect desired. And if there shall be written any angular figure, let him be taken accoring to the reason and rule of the numbers, as we have taught in our second book of Occult Philosophy, where we have treated of the numbers, and of the like operations. And of this sort there are two pentacles of sublime virtue and great power, very useful and necessary to be used in the consecration of experiments and spirits: one whereof is that in the 1st. chapter of Apocalypse; to wit, a figure of the Majesty of God sitting upon a throne, having in his mouth a two-edged sword, as there is written, about which let there be written, I am Alpha and Omega. the beginning and the end, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I am the first and the last, who am living, and was dead, and behold I live for ever and ever; and I have the keys of death and hell. Then there shall be written about it these three versicles.

Ac[…]ipe gl[…]dium san[…]tum, […] a Deo, in quo […] adv[…]r[…]r[…]opuli m[…] I[…]rael.

Ego primu[…] & […]. v[…]vus & su[…] mortuus & […]c s[…]o, v[…]v[…]n[…] in s[…]ula se[…]ulorum, & habe[…] mortis & inferni,

Manda Deus virtui tuae, &c.

Give commandment O God, to thy strength.
Confirm, O God, thy work in us.

Let them be as dust before the face of the wind. And let th[…] Ang[…]l of the Lord scatter them. Let all their ways be darkness and uncertain. And let the Ang[…]l of the Lord persecute them.

Moreover, let there be written about in the ten […]eneral names, which are, El, Elohim, Elohe, Zebaoth, El[…]on, Escerchie, Adonay, J[…]h, Tetragrammaton, Saday.

There is another pentacle, the figure whereof is like unto a Lamb slain, having s[…]ven eyes, and seven horns, and under his feet a book seal[…]d with seven seals, as it is in the 5. chap. of the Apochalypse. Whereabout let it be written this versicle; Behold the Lion hath overcome the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. I will open the Book, and unloose the seven seals thereof. And one other versicle: I saw Satan like lightning fall down from heaven. Behold, I have given you power to tread upon Serpents and Scorpions, and over all the power of your enimies, and nothing shall be able to hurt you. And let there be also written about it the ten general names, as aforesaid.

But those pentacles which are thus made of figures and names, let them keep this order: for when any figure is posited, conformable to any number, to produce any certain effect or virtue, there must be written thereupon, in all the several angles, some divine name, obtaining the force and efficacy of the thing desired: yet so nevertheless, that the name which is of this sort do consist of just so many l[…]tters, as the figure may constitute a number; or of so many letters of a name, as joined together amongst themselves, may make the number of a figure; or by any number which may be divided without any super[…]luity or diminution. Now such a name being found, whether it beonly one name or more, or divers names, it is to be written in a[…]l the several an[…]les in the figure: but in the middle of the f[…]gure let the revolution of the name be whole and totally placed, or at least principally.

Oftentimes also we constitute pentacles, by making the revolution of some kind of name, in a square table, and by drawing about it a single or double circle, and by writing therein some holy versicle competent and befiting this name, or from which that name is extracted. And this is the way of making the pentacles, according to their several distinct forms and fashions, which we may as we please either multiply or commix together by course among themselves, to work the greater efficacy, and extention and enlargment of force and virtue.

As, if a deprication would be made for the overthrow and destruction of ones enemies, then we are to mind and call to remembrance how God destroyed the face fo the whole earth in the deluge of waters, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha, by raining down fire and brimstone; likewise, how God overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red-Sea, and to call to mind if any other malediction or curse be found in holy writ. And thus in things of the like sort. So likewise in depricating and praying against perils and dangers of waters, we ought to call to remembrance the saving of Noah in the deluge of waters the passing of the children of Israel through the Red-Sea; and also we are to mind how Christ walked on the waters, and how he saved the ship in danger to be cast away with the tempest; and how he commanded the winds and the waves and they obeyed him; and also, that he drew Peter out of the water, being in danger of drowning, and the like. And lastly, with these we invoke and call upon some certain and holy names of God; to wit, such as are significative to accomplish our desire, and accommodated to the desired effect: as, if it be to overthrow enemies, we are to invoke and call upon the names of wrath, revenge, fear justice, and fortitude of God: and if we would avoid and escape any evil or danger, we then call upon the names of mercy, defence, salvation, fortitude, goodness, and such like names of God. When also we pray unto God that he would grant unto us our desires, we are likewise to intermix therewith the name of some good spirit, whether one only, or more, whose office it is to execute our desires: and sometimes also we require some evil spirit to restrain or compel, whose name likewise we intermingle; and that rightly, especially, if it be to execute any evil work; as, revenge, punishment, or destruction.

Furthermore, if there be any versicle in the Psalms, or in any other part of holy Scripture, that shall seem congruent and agreeable to our desire, the same is to be mingled with our prayers. Now after prayer hath been made unto God, it is expedient afterwards to make an Oration to that executioner whom in our precedent prayer unto God we have desired should a[…]minister unto us, whether one or more, or whet[…]er he be an Angel, or star, or soul, or any of the noble Angels. But this kind of Oration ought to be composed according to the rules which we have delivered in the second book of Occult Philosophy, where we have treated of the manner of the composition of enchantments.

You may know further, that these kind of bonds have a threefold difference: for the first bond is when we conjure by natural things; the second is compounded of religious myst[…]ries, by Sacraments, Miracles, and things o[…] this sort; and the third is constituted by d[…]vine names, and holy Sigils. And these kind of bon[…]s, […] m[…]y bind not only spirits, but also oth[…]r creat[…]res whatsoever, as anima[…]s, tempests, burnings, floods of waters, and the force and power of arms. Oftentimes also we use these bonds aforesaid, not only by con[…]uration, but sometimes also using the means of d[…]precation and benediction. Moreover, it conduceth much to this purpose, to join some sentence of holy Scripture, if any shall be found convenient ther[…]unto: as, in the conjuration of Serpents, by commemorating the curse of the Serpent in the earthly Paradise, and the setting up the S[…]rpent in the wilderness; and further added that versicle, Thou shalt walk upon the Asp and the Basilisk, &c. Superstition also is of much prevalency herein, by the translation of some sacramental rites, to bind that which we intend to hinder; as, the rites of excommunication, of sepulcres, funerals, buryings, and the like.

And now we come to treat of the consecrations which men ought to make upon all instruments and things necessary to be used in this art: and the virtue of this consecration most chiefly consists in two things; to wit, in the power of the person consecrating, and by the virtue of the prayer by which the consecration is made. For in the person consecrating, there is required holiness of life, and power of sanctifying: both which are acquired by dignification and initiation. And that the person himself shall with a firm and undoubted faith believe the virtue, power, and efficacy thereof. And then in the prayer itself, by which this consecration is made, there is required the like holiness; which either solely consisteth in the prayer itself, as, if it be by divine inspiration ordained to this purpose, such as we have in many places of the holy Bible; or that it be hereunto instituted through the power of the holy spirit, in the ordination of the Church. Otherwise there is in the prayer a sanctimony, which is not only by itself, but by the commemoration of holy things; as, the commemoration holy Scriptures, histories, works, miracles, effects, graces, promises, sacraments and sacr[…] mental things, and the like. Which th[…]ngs, […]y a certain similitude, do seem properly or i[…] perly to appertain to the thing cons[…]crate[…].

There is used also the invocation of some […] names, with the consignation of holy seals, […] things of the like sort, which do conduc[…] ctification and expiation; such as are t[…]e […] with holy-wat[…]r, unctions w[…]th […] and adoriferous suffumigations […] holy worship. And therefore in every […] there is chiefly used the bene[…]iction […] consecration of water, oil, fire, and fu[…]gatio[…]s, used every where with holy wax-lights or lamps burning: for without lights no sacraments is rightly performed. This is therefore to be known and firmly observed, that if any consecration be to be made of things profane, in which there is any pollution, or defilement, then an exorcising and expiation of those things ought to precede the consecration. Which things being so made pure, are more apt to receive the influences of the divine virtues. We are also to observe, that in the end of every consecration after that the prayer is […]ightly pe[…]formed, the person consecrating ought to bless the thing consecrated, by breathing out some words, with divine virtue and power of the present consecration, with the commemoration of his virtue and authority, that it may be the more duly performed, and with an earnest and intentive mind. And therefore we will here lay down some examples hereof, whereby the way to the whole perfection hereof may the more easily be made to appear unto you.

So then, in the consecration of water, we ought to commemorate how that God hath placed the firmament in the midst of the waters, and in what manner that God placed the fountain of waters in the earthly Paradise, from thence sprang four holy rivers, which watered the whole earth. Likewise we are to call to remembrance in w[…]at manner God made the water to be the instrument of executing his Justice in the destruction of the giants in the general deluge over all the earth, and in the overthrow of the host of Pharaoh in the Red-sea; also how God led his own people through the midst of the sea on dry ground, & through the midst of the river of Jordan; & likewise how marvelously he drew forth water out of the stony rock in the wilderness; and how at the prayer of Sampson, he caused a fountain of running water to flow out of the cheek tooth of the jaw bone of an ass: and likewise, how God hath made waters the instrument of his mercy, and of salvation, for the expiation of original sin: also, how Christ was baptized in Jordan, and hath hereby sanctified and cleansed the waters. Moreover, certain divine names are to be invocated, which are con[…]o[…]mable hereunto; as, that God is a living founta[…]n, living water, the fountain of mercy; and names of the like kind.

And likewise in the co[…]ec[…]a[…]ion of fire, we are to commemorate how that God hath created the fire to be an Instrument […] his justice, for punishment, […]nd for the expiation of sins: also, wh[…]n Go[…]all come to judge the world, he will comm[…]nd a conflagration of fire to go before him. And we are to call to remembrance in what m[…]nner God appeared to Moses in the burning bu[…]; and also, how he went before the children of Israel in a pillar of fire; and that nothing can be duely offered, sacrificed, or sanctified, without fire; and how that God instituted fire to be kept continually in the tabernacle of the covenant; and how miraculously he re-kindled the same, being extinct, and preserved it elsewhere from going out, being hidden under the waters: and things of this sort. Likewise the names of God are to be called upon which are consonant hereunto, as, it is read in the Law and the Prophets, that God is a consuming fire, and if there be any of the divine name which signify fire, or such-like names; as the glory of God, the light of God, the splendor and brightness of God.

And likewise in the consecration of Oil and Perfumes, we are to call remembrance such holy things as are pertinent to this purpose, which we read in Exodus of the holy anointing Oil, and divine names significant thereunto, such as is the name Christ, which signifies anointed: and what mysteries there are hereof; as that in the Revelations of the two Olive-trees distilling holy oil into the lamps that burn before the face of God and the like.

And the blessing of the lights, wax, and lamps, is taken from the fire, and the altar which containeth the substance of the flame: and what other such similitudes as are in mysteries; as that of the seven candlesticks & lamps burning before the face of God.

These therefore are the consecrations which first of all are necessary to be used in every kind of devotion, and ought to precede it, and without which nothing in holy Rites can be duely performed.

In the next place now we shall shew unto you the consecration of places, instruments, and such like things.

Therefore when you would consecrate any place or circle, you ought to take the prayer of Solomon used in the dedication of the Temple: and moreover, you must bless the place with the sprinkling of holy-water, and with fumigations; by commemorating in the benediction holy mysteries; such as these are, The sanctification of the throne of God, of mount Sinai, of the tabernacle of the covenant, of the holy of holies, of the temple o[…] Jerusal[…]so, the sanctification of mount Golo[…]ha, […]he crucifying of Christ; the s[…]nct[…]fication […] temple of Christ; of mount Tabor, by th[…]f[…]gur[…]tion and ascention of Christ: and th[…]. And by invocating divine names which a[…]e si[…]nificant hereunto; such as the place of God […] t[…]rone of God, the Chair of God, the tabern[…]c[…]e o[…] God, the altar of God, the habitation of God, and such like divine names of this sort. which are to be written about the circle or place to be consecrated.

And in the consecration of instruments and of all other things whatsoever that are serviceable to this art, you shall proceed after the same manner, by sprinkling the same with holy water, perfuming the same with holy fumagations, anointing it with holy oil, sealing it with some holy Sigil, and blessing it with prayer; and by commemorating holy things out of the sacred Scriptures, religion, and divine names which shall be found agreeable to the thing that is to be consecrated: as for example sake, in consecrating a sword, we are to call to remembrance that in the Gospel, He that hath two coats, &c. and that place in the second of Maccabees, that a sword was divinely & miraculously sent to Judas Macchabeus. And if there be any thing of the like in the prophets; as that place, Take unto you two-edge swords, &c.

In like m[…]n[…] yo[…]hall consecrate experiments and books, an[…] wh[…]soever of the like nature, as it is contained in […]ritings, pictures, and the like, by sprinkling, perfu[…]ing, anointing, sealing, and bl[…]ssing with holy commemorations, and calling to remem[…]rance the sanctification of mysteries; as the sanc[…]ifications of the tables of the ten commandments, which were delivered to Moses by God in mount Sinai; the sanctification of the testaments of God, the old and the new; the sanctification of the law, and of the Prophets, and Scriptures, which are promulgated by the holy Ghost. Moreover, there is to be commemorated such divine n[…]mes […]s are fit and convenient hereunto; as these are; the Testament of God, the book of […], […]he book of life, the knowledge of God, the wisdom of God; and the like. And with such k[…]nd of rites is the personal consecration perfo[…]med.

There is furthermore, besides these, another rite of consecration, of wonderful power, and much efficacy; And this is out of the kinds of superstitions; that is to say, when the rite of consecration or collection of any Sacrament in the Church is transferred to that thing which we would consecrate.

It is to be known also, that vows, Oblations, and Sacrafice, have the power of Consecration, as well real as personal; and they are as it were certain covenants and conventions between those names with which they are made, and us who make them, strongly cleaving to our desire and wished effect: as when we dedicate, offer, and sacrafice, with certain names or things; as, fumigations, unctions, rings, images, looking-glasses; and things less material, as deities, sigils, pentacles, inchantments, orations, pictures, and Scriptures: of which we have largely spoken in our third book of Occult philosophy.

There is extant amongst those magicians (who do most use the ministery of evil spirits a certain rite of invocating spirits by a book to be Consecrating before to that purpose; which is properly called, A book of Spirits; whereof we shall now speak a few w[…]rds. For this book is to be Consecrated; a book of evil spirits, ceremoniously to be composed in their name and order: whereunto they bind with a certain holy oath, the ready and present obedience of the spirit therein written.

Now this book is to be made of most pure and clean paper, that hath never been used before; which many do call Virgin paper. And this book must be inscribed after this manner; that is to say, let there be placed on the left side the image of the spirit, and on the right side his character, with the oath above it containing the name of the spirit & his dignity and place, with his office & power. Yet very many do compose this book otherwise omitting the characters or image: but it is more efficatious not to neglect any thing which conduceth to it.

Moreover, there is to be observed the circumst[…]nces of places, times, hours, according to the stars […]hich these spirits are under, and are seen to agree unto; their site, rite, and order being applied.

Which book being so written, and well bound, is to be adorned, garnish[…]d, and kept secure, with registers and se[…]ls, lest it should happen after the consecration to open in some place not intended, and end[…]nger the op[…]rator. Furthermore, this b[…]ok ou[…]ht to be k[…]pt as reverently as may be: for irr[…]ver[…]nce of m[…]nd causeth it to lose its virtue with pollution and prof[…]nation.

Now this sacred book b[…]ing thus composed according to to the manner al[…] delivered, we are then to proceed to the con[…]atio[…] thereof after a two fold way: one whereof i[…], that […]ll and singular the spirits who are written in the book be called to the circle, according to the rites and order which we have befo[…]e taught; and the book that is to be consecrated, let it be placed without the Circle in a triangle. And in the first place, let there be read in the presence of the spirits all the oaths which are written in that book; and then the book to be consecrated being placed without the Circle in a t[…]iangle there drawn, let all the spirits be compelled to impose their hands where their images and characters are drawn, and to confirm and Consecrate the same with a special and common oath. Which being done, let the book be taken and shut, and preserved as we have before spoken, and let the spirits be licensed to depart, according to due and right order.

There is another manner of Consecrating a book of spirits which is more easy, and of much efficacy to produce every effect, except that in opening this book the spirits do not always come visible. And this way is thus: let there be made a book of spirits as we have before set forth; but in the end thereof let there be written invocations and bonds and strong Conjurations wherewith every spirit may be bound. Then this book must be bound between two tables or lamens, and in the inside thereof let there be drawn the holy pentacles of the divine Majesty, which we have before set forth and described out of the Apocalypse: then let the first of them be placed in the beginning of the book, and the second at the end of the same. This book being perfected after this manner, let it be brought in a clear and fair time, to a Circle prepared in a cross way, according to the Art which we have before delivered; and there in the first place the book being opened. let it be Consecrated to the rites and ways which we have before declared concerning Consecration. Which being done, let all the spirits be called which are written in the book in their own order and place, by conjuring them thrice by the bonds described in the book, that they come unto that place within the space of three days, to assure their obedience, and confirm the same, to the book so to be consecrated. Then let the book be wrapped up in clean linen, and buried in the middle of the Circle, and there fast stopped up: and then the Circle being destroyed, after the spirits are licensed, depart before the rising of the Sun: and on the third day, about the middle of the night, return, and new make the Circle, and with bended knees make prayer and giving thanks unto God, and let a precious perfume be made, and open the hole, and take out the book; and so let it be kept, not opening the same. Then you shall license the spirits in there order, and destroying the Circle, depart before the sun rise. And this is the last rite and manner of consecrating profitable to whatsoever writings & experiments, which do direct the spirits, placing the same between two holy lamens or pentacles, as before is shewn.

But the operator, when he would work by the Book thus consecrated, let him do it in a fair and clear season, when the spirits are least troubled; and let him place him[…]elf tow[…]rds the region of the spirits. Then let him open the book under a due register; let him invoke the spirits by their oath there described and confirmed, and by the name of their character and image, to that purpose which you desire: and if there be need, conjure them by the bonds placed in the end of the book. And having attained your desired effect, then you shall license the spirits to depart.