Arbatel de Magia Veterum
(1575)

Isagoge: The Fifth Septenary of Aphorisms

Aphorism 29

As our study of Magick proceedeth in order from [the] general Rules premised, let us now come to a particular explication thereof.

Spirits either are divine ministers of the word and of the Church, and the members thereof, or else they are servient to the Creatures in corporal things, partly for the salvation of the soul and body, and partly for its destruction. And there is nothing done, whether good or evil, without a certain and determinate order and government. He that seeketh after a good end, let him follow it, and he that desires an evil end, pursueth that also, and that earnestly, from divine punishment, and turning away from the divine will. Therefore, let everyone compare his ends with the word of God, and as a touchstone that will judge between good and evil, and let him propose unto himself what is to be avoided, and what is to be sought after, and that which he constituteth and determineth unto himself, let him diligently, not procrastinating or delaying, until he attain to his appointed bound.

Aphorism 30

They which desire riches, glory of this world, Magistracy, honours, dignities, tyrannies -- (and that magically) if they endeavour diligently after them -- they shall obtain them, everyone according to his destiny, industry, and magical Sciences, as the History of Melesina witnesseth. And the Magicians thereof, who ordained that none of the Italian nation should forever obtain the Rule or Kingdom of Naples, and brought it to pass, that he who reigned in his age to be thrown down from his seat, so great is the power of the guardian or tutelar Angels of Kingdoms of the world.

Aphorism 31

Call the Prince of the Kingdom and lay a command upon him, and command what thou wilt, and it shall be done, if that Prince be not again absolved from his obedience by a succeeding Magician. Therefore the Kingdom of Naples may be again restored to the Italians, if any Magician shall call him who instituted this order and compel him to recall his deed. He may be compelled also, to restore the secret powers taken from the treasury of Magick -- a Book, a Gemme, and magical Horn -- which being had, anyone may easily, if he will, make himself the Monarch of the world. But Judæus chose rather to live among Gods, until the judgement, before the transitory good of this world, and his heart is so blinde that he understandeth nothing of the God of heaven and earth, or thinketh more, but enjoyeth the delights of things immortal, to his own eternal destruction -- and he may be easier called up, then the Angel of Plotinus in the Temple of Isis.

Aphorism 32

In like manner, also, the Romans were taught by the Sibyls books and by that means made themselves the Lords of the world, as Histories witness. But the Lords of the Prince of a Kingdom do bestow the lesser Magistracies. He therefore that desireth to have a lesser office, or dignity, let him magically call a Noble of the Prince, and his desire shall be fulfilled.

Aphorism 33

But he who coveteth contemptible dignities, as riches alone, let him call the Prince of riches, or one of his Lords, and he shall obtain his desire in that kinde, whereby he would grow rich, either in earthly goods, or merchandize, or with the gifts of Princes, or by the study of Metals, or Chymistry -- as he produceth any president of growing rich by these means, he shall obtain his desire therein.

Aphorism 34

All manner of evocation is of the same kinde and form, and this way was familiar of old time to the Sibyls and chief Priests. This in our time, through ignorance and impiety, is totally lost, and that which remaineth is depraved with infinite lies and superstitions.

Aphorism 35

The humane understanding is the only effecter of all wonderful works, so that it be joined to any Spirit; and, being joined, she produceth what she will. Therefore, we are carefully to proceed in Magick, lest that Syrens and other monsters deceive us, which likewise do desire the society of the humane soul. Let the Magician carefully hide himself alwayes under the wings of the most High, lest he offer himself to be devoured of the roaring Lion -- for they who desire earthly things do very hardly escape the snares of the devil.

The Precepts of Magick