The Book of ceremonial Magic
The Book of ceremonial Magic
The Book of ceremonial Magic
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Miscellaneous and Minor Processes<br />
§ 1. Concerning Works <strong>of</strong> Hatred and Destruction<br />
THE following process appears in several manuscript copies <strong>of</strong> the Key <strong>of</strong> Solomon, but<br />
has been omitted by the English editor <strong>of</strong> that work, as others are also omitted,<br />
presumably as a Goëtic interpolation. But we have seen that a Goëtic process in a book<br />
like the Key <strong>of</strong> Solomon is not necessarily an interpolation, while as regards this<br />
particular instance it is very nearly evident that it is an integral portion <strong>of</strong> that dubious<br />
collection. In the second chapter <strong>of</strong> the first book we are told that the days and hours <strong>of</strong><br />
Mars are suitable for overthrowing enemies, while the hours <strong>of</strong> Saturn and Mars, and also<br />
the days on which the Moon is in conjunction with those planets, are excellent for<br />
experiments <strong>of</strong> hatred, enmity, quarrel and discord. In the first chapter <strong>of</strong> the second book<br />
it is said:--As for operations <strong>of</strong> destruction and desolation, we should put them into<br />
execution on the day <strong>of</strong> Saturn at the first hour, or rather at the eighth or fifteenth <strong>of</strong> the<br />
day, and from the first until the eighth hour <strong>of</strong> the night. . . . From these statements it<br />
seems fair to infer that there must have been a section containing directions as to the<br />
performance <strong>of</strong> such works. In this case, the Key <strong>of</strong> Solomon is neither better nor worse<br />
than any other Grimoire <strong>of</strong> Black <strong>Magic</strong>--as indeed we have reason to know by its<br />
admitted<br />
p. 298<br />
sections. <strong>The</strong> apologists <strong>of</strong> the Clavicle--if there are any apart from its English editor--<br />
will probably cite in defence <strong>of</strong> it a passage which occurs in <strong>Book</strong> i. c. 8, in which the<br />
author pr<strong>of</strong>fers his secrets on the express condition that they shall not be used to ruin and<br />
destroy one's neighbour. But when every allowance has been made for this stipulation,<br />
we shall do well to remember that similar warnings are not wanting in purely Goëtic<br />
rituals. <strong>The</strong>re is further another test by which the authenticity <strong>of</strong> the following process<br />
may be largely determined, and that is the manner <strong>of</strong> its wording, which corresponds<br />
closely with the prevailing manner <strong>of</strong> the Clavicle. It is a loose and general wording,<br />
covering several classes <strong>of</strong> experiment, and-if any one is sufficiently ridiculous or<br />
sufficiently ultra-serious to desire that the question be tested-it may be compared with<br />
<strong>Book</strong> I. c. xv., xvi., xvii., in which the same characteristics will be found.<br />
<strong>The</strong> process itself is as follows:--Experiments upon enemies may be performed in several<br />
ways, but, whether with waxen images or some other instrument, the particulars <strong>of</strong> each<br />
must be diligently and faithfully observed. Should the day and hour fail thee, proceed as<br />
already laid down, and prepare the image or instrument proper to this effect in the order<br />
and manner there<strong>of</strong>. Fumigate with the Proper perfumes, and if writing be required on the<br />
image, let it be done with the needle or stylet <strong>of</strong> the art, as aforesaid. Next recite the<br />
following words once over the said image:--VSOR, DILAPIDATORE, TENTATORE,<br />
SOIGNATORE, DEVORATORE, CONCITORE, ET SEDUCTORE. O all ye ministers<br />
and companions, I direct, conjure, constrain and command you to fulfil this behest<br />
willingly, namely, straightway to consecrate this image, which is to be done in the name