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For the Masters of Black Magic, as for the author of the Comte de Gabalis, the air is the
abode of far other beings than the bird and fly, but the process by which they are rendered
visible is complicated through the exceptional nature of the
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required materials. It is, of course, quite possible to secure the brain of a cock, and
dissection with that object may perhaps be performed by deputy; the kitchen-maid or the
poulterer's assistant would be easily secured. The dust from the grave of a dead man is
the second ingredient of the process; but a visit to the nearest cemetery will not be
sufficient, because it is useless to collect it on the surface; that which is next to the coffin
will alone serve the purpose. In addition to these substances there are only oil of almonds
and virgin wax. A compost must be made of the four, and it must be wrapped in a sheet
of virgin parchment inscribed previously with the words GOMERT, KAILOETH, and
with the character of Khil.
The materials being thus prepared, it remains to set them alight, whereupon the operator
will behold that which the Grimoire characterises as prodigious, but does not specify
except by the indication of the title. This experiment, it adds, should be performed only
by those who fear nothing.
It is easy to deride the process, but reflective persons will see that it is the quintessence
and summary of the whole art. This is Black Magic--and most of the white kind--in the
proverbial nutshell-a combination in equal proportions of the disgusting and the imbecile.
There are many more elaborate experiments, but few of such a representative kind. It is
not necessary to add that it has been exceedingly popular and is to be found in most of the
Grimoires.
§ 6. Concerning Divination by the Word of Uriel
As there are many practices passing under the name of White Magic which are doubtful
in character on the surface, while they are more than doubtful within, so there are
experiences described in the Grimoires, or in the treasuries of secrets which accompany
them, having nothing in their nature which can be
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termed especially repulsive; they belong, however, to the Grimoires; their connections in
occult literature are those of Black Magic, and they deserve a place here. Moreover, a
process which in one Ritual will be merely curious or diverting, hypnotic or clairvoyant,
may in another bear all the outward marks of diabolism. The mode of divination termed
the. Word or Speech of Uriel--signifying answers or oracles obtained from that spirit
ceremonially invoked--appears in the Grimorium Verum as an experiment in lucidity
induced by means of Hydromancy, but in the Verus Jesuitarum Libellus the Conjuration
of Uriel appears as an infernal conjuration, and it is a process of Black Magic
undisguised.