The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy is a comprehensive guide to the study and practice of occultism, written by Francis Barrett. Originally published in 1801, the book is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the occult: natural magic, ceremonial magic, and transcendental magic. Part One focuses on natural magic, which involves the use of natural materials and substances to create magical effects. This section covers topics such as the properties of herbs and stones, the use of ...
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The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy is a comprehensive guide to the study and practice of occultism, written by Francis Barrett. Originally published in 1801, the book is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the occult: natural magic, ceremonial magic, and transcendental magic. Part One focuses on natural magic, which involves the use of natural materials and substances to create magical effects. This section covers topics such as the properties of herbs and stones, the use of talismans and amulets, and the practice of divination.Part Two delves into ceremonial magic, which involves the use of ritual and symbolism to invoke spirits and entities. This section covers topics such as the use of the pentagram and hexagram, the summoning of angels and demons, and the creation of magical circles.Part Three explores transcendental magic, which involves the attainment of spiritual enlightenment and the development of psychic abilities. This section covers topics such as meditation, astral projection, and the practice of yoga.Throughout the book, Barrett draws on a variety of sources, including ancient texts, medieval grimoires, and contemporary occult practices. He also includes numerous illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the complex concepts and techniques involved in the practice of occultism. Overall, The Magus is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the study and practice of occultism, and remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in this fascinating and often misunderstood subject.1801. In this work, the author has collected many curious and rare studies and ideas in regard to the subject of natural magic, the Cabala, celestial and ceremonial magic, alchemy, and magnetism. Selected contents: use of astrology, amulets and charms, stones, alchemy, the four elements, magnetism, cabalistical magic, the composition of the magic circle. Illustrated with number charts, mystical alphabets, etc.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.
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"I purchased this book based on subject matter and topic description alone. When reading reviews on this, it described the contents of the book to contain many things I am actively in study of or at least, find very interesting. While subject matter itself is very interesting, this book is intended for a readers with specific interests and quite possibly, a goal. Much of the information falls within commonly accepted and contemporary themes of Hermetic knowledge. Astrology, Qaballah, Magic & Theurgy. Much of the book is devoted to a study of Solomon's Seals, which I find particularly interesting. I have used this book to enrich understanding of planetary talismans as well as the Angelic hierarchy described by Solomon himself. The images and old drawings of the seals and talismans are definitely worth having around, again, if one is aware of these within practice or a interesting body of knowledge.
I wouldn't recommend this book just based on the description of the contents. Someone who is interested in fundamentals of Alchemy, Astrology, Hermetic thought, would do well to start with more specifics books. I thinks this is an excellent reference for one who already has the vocabulary and understanding to decode what Barrett is using. As well, the language and rhetoric is from a different time and a different understanding. It is somewhat difficult, to fully mesh this book in, with contemporary understanding of similar knowledge.
