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