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20 Talismans & eivocations of the Golden Dawn
was the so called Fourth Book, which was attributed to Agrippa.
It was written in six parts, and was translated by Robert Turner.
It was not written by Agrippa, though its text was often utilised by
modem day occultists and is historically interesting.
The first part of the fourth Book is on Geomancy finishes with
the word 'Gerard'. This may be Gerard of Sabbionetaz3 gave his
geomantic framework to Agrippa to print in his Third Book. It is
likely that Gerard may be the author of the Fourth book.
The second partz4 looks at astrology, astronomy, seals and sigils
of good and evil spirits, planetary spirits and pentacles. It covers
the consecration of magical implements, prayers, perfumes and
oils to be used in ritual, and invocations and dream oracles.
The third part is the Heptameronz5 (magical elements) by Peter
Abano. This examines the magical circle and tables of the hours of
the ruling angels, consecrations and benedictions, construction of
ritual garments and lamens.
The fourth part is called the I~agoge~~ (nature spirits) by Gerog
Pictorius Villinganus. This is a treatise on the nature and function
of spirits of the sublunary sphere. It covers illusions, names, powers
and expulsions. The question and answer format distinguishes
between spirits of the Church and Greek variety, which were
considered negative. It is a compilation of different authors.
The fifth part is Astronomical Geomancy of Gerard
Cremonensis. This departs from geomancy as a system of earth
divination and aligns itself with astrology and the placement of
geomantic symbols in the 12 astrological houses.
The sixth part is called the ArbateP7. This is a series of 49
aphorisms which explain the Olympic planetary spirits. There were
to be nine sections or tomes of this book and this edition includes
only one, with eight missing.
One of the most important figures in early occultism was that
of Johannes Trithemius (1 462- 1 5 16), who took magical concepts
23 I agree with Stephen Skinner, who first put forward this theory in his
Divinution by Geomancy.
24 There appears to be confusion as to Agrippa writing this, as his pupil Weir
declared that this was not written by his master.
25 This text was printed in Latin in 1496.
26 Waite often accused Mathep of being too fond of the 'Imgoge'.
27 Printed at Basel in 1575.