p1

^Picatrix}^
recognized, is necessary for learning the similarities between
celestial and earthly bodies and which of the high bodies'
behavior is similar to which of those on earth. How can anyone
match between things that are similar if he does not command
that knowledge? Additionally, he who is literate in the
knowledge of nature, will be able to recognize the near causes
for the world and corruption. He who does not know that, will
not know that the high bodies affect the low bodies. Besides, he
who has no knowledge of the art of metaphysics will not know
which of the low beings are the resulting effect of the high
beings and which of these beings are affected and which are
not. It is essential for anyone who wants to learn this art well to
know its primary prerequisites; however, these prerequisites
are not, in fact, available except for philosophers. Deservedly,
no one knows them except philosophers.
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