Veterum Sophorum Sigilla et Imagines Magicae (pseudo-Trithemian, 1612)

T 8° 288

Abtenburg, 9 November 1824. A. p. 106.12. 66. 139x XXVII. 8° T 288 65

Seals and Magical Images of the Ancient Sages, or Engravings of Stones and Gems, according to the Name of God, the Tetragrammaton, with the Signature of the Planets, and according to certain regions of heaven and constellations, for producing astonishing and marvelous effects.

There is added the true method of making them, and the astonishing erection of the Signature of Mercury for sharpening memory and intellect.

Authors: Zoroaster, the Chaldaean. Solomon, king of the Jews. Raphael, the Jew. Chael, the Egyptian. Hermes, the Persian. Thetel.

Drawn from a manuscript of Johannes Trithemius.

They are published in the year of restored salvation 1612.

T 288 Pig IV 1997

Seals and Magical Images of the Ancient Sages, according to the names of God and the constellations of the stars, established with the signature of the planets.

Treatise I.

The Seals of Raphael.

The image of a handsome dragon, if it has been engraved in ruby or in another stone of similar nature, know that its virtue is to increase the goods of this world and to make the wearer cheerful and healthy.

The image of a falcon, if it is in topaz, serves to acquire the goodwill of kings, princes, and magnates.

The image of an astrolabe, if engraved in garnet,

will have the virtue of restoring the wearer to health and keeping him free from all sicknesses and adverse accidents on a journey.

The image of an ass, if it is in chrysolite, will have the virtue of foreknowing and predicting future things, that is, so far as this can enter into human weakness; for truly to predict future things belongs to God alone.

The image of a ram, or of a human head with a beard, engraved in sapphire, has the virtue of healing and freeing from many infirmities, from prison, and from every trouble; and it is a royal image, for it gives dignities and honors and raises one on high.

The figure of a frog, if engraved in beryl, has the virtue of reconciling enemies and bringing friendship among people, if you touch the discordant persons with it.

The image of a camel's head and of two goats between a myrtle tree, if it is in onyx, has the virtue of summoning, gathering, and constraining demons, if someone carries it with him; and in sleep it makes terrible and marvelous things appear.

The image of a vulture, if it is in chrysolite, will have the virtue of restraining and gathering demons, of defending the place where it is put from evil spirits and from their infestation; and it makes demons obedient to the wearer.

The image of a bat, if engraved in heliotrope, gives the wearer power to resist demons.

The image of a well-adorned man, holding something beautiful in his hands, if engraved in cornelian, has the virtue of stopping blood, and contributes to honors.

The image of a lion or Sagittarius, if it is in stone, is effective against poisons and frees from fever.

The image of an armed man with bow and arrow, if engraved in iris, has the virtue of protecting the wearer and the places where he stays from evil.

The image of a man with a sword in his hand, if it is in cornelian, has the virtue of preserving the place where it is from lightning and tempest, and it guards the wearer from vices and from fascination.

The image of a bull, if it is in prasius, is said to help in acts of sorcery, and in works of mastery it grants favor.

The figure of a hoopoe with the herb dragonwort before it, if it is in beryl, will have the virtue of invoking water spirits, compelling them to speak, and receiving answers from them concerning questions asked.

The image of a man with his right hand raised toward heaven, if it is in chalcedony, will have the virtue of winning civil lawsuits and of making the wearer

healthy, and of preserving him on journeys and from harmful causes.

If the names of God are engraved in ceraunia, it will have the virtue of preserving the places where it is from storms, and it gives power and victory to those who wear it against their enemies.

The image of a bear, when it is in amethyst, has the virtue of putting demons to flight and of defending and preserving a person from drunkenness.

The image of an armed man engraved in magnet makes those who wear it victorious in war.

Magical Images.

Treatise II.

Images, or Seals, of Chael.

Chael, one of the sons of the children of Israel, a very ancient teacher, when he was in the desert, observed and caused many figures to be engraved according to the course of the signs and planets, and he recognized a very great effect in them. And so that these images might reveal their virtues to posterity, he composed a book, from which the following things have been excerpted. And blessed be God, who gave such virtues to the earth for the salvation of the human race. These words are found in the book itself composed by Chael, immediately at the beginning.

The figure of a man sitting behind a plow, with a long beard, a long face, and curved eyebrows; on whose neck there are four men lying down; and who holds in his hands a fox and a vulture: if such a stone, on which these things have been engraved, is hung around the neck, it is effective for all plantings and for finding treasures. For if, when about to go to bed, you place it under your neck, in sleep you will see treasures and the manner of extracting them. It also has another virtue, namely, to benefit the illnesses of beasts when they drink water in which this stone has been washed. It must be engraved on the day and hour of Venus.

SEALS

The image of a man having a shield at his neck and a helmet on his head, holding a sword in his hand and trampling a serpent under his feet, carved in a red stone: if it is hung from the neck, he will overcome everyone in battle, especially if the engagement has taken place on the day of Mars.

The image of a horse having a crocodile above it, carved in hyacinth, has the power to make the wearer victorious in civil cases; it makes him loved, compliant, and amiable. It should be set in gold, because its power is increased by gold.

The figure of a seated man, and of a woman standing before him with her hair spread toward her loins, and of a man looking upward, carved in carnelian: its power will be to acquire goodwill from all who are touched with this stone. A little amber and terebinth resin should be placed beneath the stone.

The figure of a foaming and fiery horse, upon which a black man sits with a scepter in his hand, carved in hematite, grants the power of ruling and restores lost favor. It should be set in an equal weight of gold and silver.

The image of a seated man with a lit candle in his hand, if carved in chrysolite, makes the wearer rich. It should be set in the purest gold.

MAGIC. 9

A carved figure of a stag, or a hunter, or a dog, or a hare has the power of restraining demons, lunatics, and frenzied persons.

Know that the carved image of a woman having a bird in one hand and a fish in the other has power in catching fish and birds. It should be set in silver.

An image whose front part is a horse, but whose rear part is a goat, if carved in some stone, gives fortune in feeding and equipping animals or beasts of every kind. It should be set in lead.

The figure of a woman seated with a trumpet on a horse, or of a soldier running with a horn at his neck and with a tree before him, carved in some stone, grants hunters success in hunting if they carry it with them.

The figure of a man with bent knees looking upward and holding a cloth, if it is carved in stone and someone carries it with him, gives favor and riches in buying and selling goods.

The figure of a scorpion and Sagittarius fighting each other, if carved in some stone, will make the malicious and discordant harmonious, and enemies friends. It should be set in silver.

The image of a vulture with an olive branch in its mouth, if you carve it in pyrite and carry it with you

SEALS

in a silver ring, you will be invited to many banquets, and all will look upon you with admiration and astonishment.

The half-figure of a ram and a lion, when carved in some precious stone: when you touch discordant people with it, they will become amiable and harmonious. It should be set in silver.

The figure of a woman in the upper part, but of a fish in the lower part, holding a mirror in one hand and a branch in the other, carved in hyacinth and worn on the finger in a gold ring, makes one invisible. The ring with the stone must be turned toward the palm, and the palm must be closed.

The figure of a basilisk, one part of which is female and the lower part serpent, when carved in some precious stone, will have the power of driving away all poisonous animals.

The figure of a basilisk fighting with a dragon, with the head of a man above it, carved in carnelian: when it is hung from the neck, it will give the wearer power to overcome every beast, both terrestrial and marine.

The figure of a naked, swollen man, together with another figure of a well-dressed man holding a cup in one hand and a branch of an herb in the other, when carved in jet, know that it has the power of freeing from all

MAGICA.

From all fevers, when he has carried it with him for three days.

A statue of a man having an ox’s head and eagle’s feet, carved in some stone: when you have carried it with you, no one will speak ill of you.

A man bending his knees, looking upward, and holding a cloth, carved in turquoise: know that it is effective for buying and selling goods.

A figure of scorpions and Sagittarius fighting one another, carved in some stone, set in an iron ring, and impressed in wax, immediately makes discordant with one another whomever you touch with it.

A figure of a ram with the half of an ox, carved in some gem, know to have this power: when it has been set in a silver ring, whomever you touch with it will immediately become reconciled.

A woman, in the upper part, and in the lower part the figure of a fish, holding a mirror in one hand and a branch in the other: when she has been carved in hyacinth and set in a gold ring, she renders one invisible whenever you wish. The seal, however, must be covered with wax and worn on the finger toward the palm.

A figure of a man ploughing, and above him let there be the hand of the Lord making a sign, and beside it let a star be carved:

SIGILLA

if it has been carved in some gem, and you have worn it most honorably, in whatever region you are, you will not perish by storm, and likewise the fruits of the earth in that place will not perish.

The figure of a young man wearing a crown on his head and sitting upon a four-footed throne, and beneath each foot let there be a man standing, holding the chair with his neck; and let there be a circle around the seated man’s head, and his hands raised to heaven: if you find this figure carved in white hyacinth, you may set this stone in a silver ring of equal weight to the stone, and put beneath the stone a little mastic and turpentine, and make a seal in wax, and wear it at your neck; you will obtain from kings and princes whatever you wish. It must, however, be worn most justly and most chastely.

A figure of a serpent having a man upon its back, and above the same a raven: if you find it carved in some stone, whoever carries this stone with him will abound in all things and will be clever and prudent.

The figure of a man standing upon a dragon, holding a sword in his hand: if you find it carved in hematite, place it in a lead or iron ring, and all subterranean spirits will obey him and will reveal to him all treasures

MAGICA.

with a light incantation, and moreover will show him the way to extract them.

The figure of a man standing and wearing a cuirass, with a helmet on his head and a drawn sword in his hand: if you find it carved in some stone and set it in an iron ring of the same weight, no one will be able to resist the bearer of it in battle.

The figure of a bearded man with a long face and curved eyebrows, sitting upon a plough between two bulls: if you find it carved in some stone, it is effective for plantings and for every kind of cultivation, for finding treasures, and for fighting. It will turn enemies into friends, and is effective in many illnesses; and if anyone carries it, serpents will flee from his face. It also heals epileptics; and if an infant carries it at the neck, it drives fear from him, and the vexation of evil spirits; and if a sick person carries it, he will recover health. And so that it may have greater power, it ought to be placed in an iron ring of double weight to the stone.

A figure of a standing eagle: if you find it carved in aetites and place it in a lead ring, the bearer of it will be accepted and loved by people, and animals will obey him.

The figure of a ram and likewise of a lion: if you find it carved in one of the precious stones,

SEALS

...if you find it and bind it in a silver ring, then if you touch quarrelling people with it, they will be reconciled.

Bind the sign of Capricorn, carved in cornelian or in another stone, in a silver ring and carry it with you; for you will be harmed by enemies neither in person nor by speech, nor will a judge pronounce an unjust sentence against you. You will abound in business and honor, and will gain the friendship of many; and all enchantments that have been made against you will be destroyed. In battle, too, no enemy, however strong he may be, will be able to resist you. These things Chael.

MAGIC.

TREATISE III.

THE SEALS OR IMAGES OF HERMES.

Hermes, in book 14 of the Quadripartite work, records these images.

An image of a man, carved in diadochoc, standing and of great stature, holding an obol in his right hand and a serpent in the other, with the figure of the Sun above the man’s head, and with a lion prostrate beneath his feet: when it has been placed in a lead ring with a little artemisia and root of fenugreek, and you have it with you on the bank of a river and call upon the aquatic spirits, you will receive from them answers concerning the things asked.

The figure of a standing man holding a bundle of herb hanging from his neck, with thick loins and broad shoulders: when it has been carved in green jasper, know that it gives aid to those suffering from fever and frees them from fever. And if anyone practices the art of medicine and carries it with him, it gives him very great favor in discerning illnesses, recognizing medicines and herbs, and administering potions; and in every hemorrhage and flow of blood it helps, and immediately checks it.

SEALS

The image of a sea turtle, if it is carved in a sea-stone and is worn bound in a lead ring, cannot be harmed by anyone, and will be loved by the milder ones and by the lords of lands.

The figure of Aquarius, if it has been carved in green jasper and someone carries it with him, gives profit in selling and buying goods; merchants will seek counsel from him and will bring merchandise to his dwelling.

A bird holding a leaf in its mouth, and in its sight the head of a man looking at that bird: if it is carved in pangonus-stone, and you bind it in gold and carry it with you, you will be rich and wealthy, and venerable to all.

The figure of Jupiter, which is a man sitting on a four-footed chair, with four men standing there before Jupiter, and Jupiter’s hands raised toward heaven, and a diadem on his head: if it is carved in hyacinth and bound in gold, and someone carries such a ring with him, or hangs from his neck the figure of this ring impressed in wax, he will obtain from kings and wise men whatever he wishes.

An image of a man having the face of a lion and the feet of an eagle, with a dragon beneath his feet and its tail extended; and in the hand of the man himself there is a staff, with which he strikes the head of the dragon:

MAGIC. 17

if it is carved in crystal, or in some precious stone, and is bound in orichalc, and beneath the stone there is musk and ambergris, then if someone carries such a stone with him, he will have obedient spirits and will accumulate great wealth.

SIGILLA.

…this stone in a ring, all will obey; and if you touch a woman with it, she will love you; and if you put it under your head when you go to sleep, you will see whatever you wish.

The image of a man sitting upon a fish, with a peacock over the man’s head: if it is carved in a red stone, and you place it under the table at a banquet, no one eating with his right hand will be satisfied.

The figure of a naked man standing, with a girl standing at his right, whose hair is bound about her head, and the man holds his right hand over the girl’s neck and his left over her breast, and looks at her face, while she looks at the ground: when this has been carved in some stone and set in an iron ring, and under the stone there is a little of the tongue of a sparrow, of hoopoe, of myrrh, of alum, and of the blood of a man, whoever carries this ring will be unconquered, and no one will be able to resist him, nor will any weapon harm him. It is also useful for epileptics, if you seal red wax with it; and if it is placed on a dog’s neck, it does not permit it to bark.

The image of a man holding flowers in his hand, if it is carved in carnelian and set in a tin ring, and the ring has been made on the day of the Moon or of Venus, at the fourth, eighth, or twelfth hour: touch whomever you wish with this ring, and they will at once obey you.

MAGICA. 19.

The figure of a bearded man with a long face and curved eyebrows, sitting upon a plough between two bulls and holding a vulture in his hand, carved in stone, you should know to have power in the planting of trees and in the discovery of treasures, and to make the bearer victorious in battle. Serpents are driven away from the face of the bearer; it heals epileptics and removes every affliction of evil spirits. It ought to be set and carried in an iron ring.

The figure of a man holding a sickle in his hand above his head, with a crocodile beneath his feet: when it has been carved in stone and set in a leaden ring, and under the stone there is a little root of squill, whoever carries this ring with him will be safe from enemies and, on a journey, from robbers.

The figure of a man holding a sword in his hand and sitting upon a dragon, when it has been carved in amethyst and set in a leaden or iron ring and worn on the finger, spirits will obey him and will reveal to him whatever treasures there are.

The figure of a standing eagle, when it has been carved in eagle-stone and set in a leaden ring, has the power, for whoever carries it with him, of catching many fish; no wild beast will harm him, and he will be loved by men.

SIGILLA.

The figure of a man holding a palm in his hand, if it is carved in some stone, renders the bearer pleasing and lovable to powers and princes. Thus far Hermes.

TREATISE IV.

THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF THETEL.

Thetel, a very ancient Doctor, treating of carvings on stones, says that these carvings, found on suitable stones, have very great power.

The image of a man carved in jasper, having a shield in his left hand and in his right an idol, or something warlike, and in place of feet there are vipers, and in place of a man’s head there is the head of a cock or of a lion, will give power against enemies and renders the bearer victorious. It is also effective against poisons, and checks blood from whatever part it flows.

The figure of a man having a bundle of herbs at his neck, when it has been carved in jasper, has the power of discerning or recognizing illnesses. It restrains blood from whatever place it flows; and they say that Galen possessed this stone.

They say that a cross carved in green jasper has

MAGICA.

power to free the bearer from drowning in water.

A woman holding a goose in one hand and a fish in the other: when she has been carved in chrysolite, it is very useful for conducting business.

The figure of a wolf carved in jasper is effective against spells and prevents mad words from being uttered.

The figure of a stag carved in jasper has the power of healing and freeing lunatics and the frenzied.

The figure of an emperor carved in jasper, with head raised, renders the bearer lovable to every creature; and whatever he seeks, he will obtain.

The figure of a virgin with flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, when it has been carved in jasper, makes the bearer safe from drowning in water, nor will he be troubled by a demon; and it makes him powerful and one who obtains all things.

The figure of a man having in his hand an inscribed palm, when it is found in jasper, makes the bearer powerful and pleasing to princes. Thus far Thetel.

SEALS

TRACTATE V.

THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF SOLOMON.

A very ancient little book was found in the desert among the children of Israel; because many works of Solomon were found in it, it was ascribed to Solomon. The title of the book was: On the Seals of Stones According to the Name of the Lord and According to the Course of the Stars.

The figure of a man sitting upon a plough, having a small neck and a long beard, with four men lying on his neck, and holding in one hand a fox and in the other a vulture: know that this seal, hung from the neck, is effective for all plantings and all discoveries of treasures. You shall make trial of it in this way: take pure black wool without grease, wrap the stone in it, place it among wheat chaff, and put it under your head. Then in sleep you will see all the treasures of that region in which it is. At the same time it has the power of healing all the illnesses of beasts, if they drink the water in which it has been washed.

MAGIC.

A man carved in green jasper, who has a shield hanging from his neck, and above his head a helmet with an upright sword, and who treads a serpent under his feet: put it to your neck, and you will fear no enemy. In all matters you will be victorious, especially in martial ones; and it ought to be bound in bronze.

A horse bearing a crocodile on its back, carved in white hyacinth, makes one lovable to men and beasts.

The figure of a seated man and of a woman standing before him, having hair reaching down to her thigh and raising her eyes upward: when it has been carved in carnelian, know that its power is to make every person, whether male or female, obedient. It ought either to be bound with as much weight as the stone itself has, and beneath it put betony and amber.

A foaming horse, with a man upon it holding a scepter in his hand, carved in amethyst: know that this seal benefits the one who wears it in all the things he has, and all princes and chief men will be obedient to him. It ought to be bound in gold or silver, in twice the weight of the seal.

The image of a man's head with a long beard and a little blood around the neck, if it is found carved in diamond: know that it contributes to victory and boldness, and preserves the body from every injury; it is also effective for obtaining favor from princes.

SEALS

The figure of a man wishing to play on instruments, carved in sapphire, makes him most pleasing to all.

The image of a cock, or of three girls, when found in agate, makes a person pleasing before God and men.

The figure of a lion carved in garnet supplies riches and honors, gives joy, and drives away sadness.

The image of a stag or dove carved in onyx gives the wearer courage against demons.

The figure of a man in the likeness of a merchant carrying goods to sell, or of a man sitting under a centurion, when found in emerald, gives riches, makes him victorious, and relieves him from distress.

The image of a bull or calf found in magnetite gives the wearer fortunate journeys through all places, and is effective against all enchantments.

The figure of a horse or wolf found in jasper drives away fevers and stops blood.

The figure of a crowned man in topaz makes the wearer good, well behaved, and beloved by God and men, and grants honors and dignities.

MAGIC.

The image of an armed man with a sword in his hand, when found carved in sard or amethyst, makes the wearer acquire a perfect and good memory, and makes him prudent.

The figure of a stag or goat found carved in chalcedony gives the power of increasing riches when it is kept in a money box.

The image of a hare in jasper does not allow the one who carries it to be harmed by any demon.

A sea-locust carved in beryl reconciles quarrels and joins marriage in love.

The figure of a night-raven, because it is the bird of Pallas, carved in a stone that is conducive to knowledge, makes a person very learned and eloquent.

The image of a peacock carved in a suitable stone makes the wearer rich.

The figure of a man killing a lion, or another beast, with a sword makes the wearer shrewd, victorious, and lovable.

The image of a man holding a laurel or palm in his right hand makes the one who carries it dear

... dear and victorious in battles, lovable, and powerful in his region.

The figure of a winged man, having a serpent under his feet and holding its head in his hands, makes the bearer rich, prudent, and lovable to all.

The image of an ant holding an ear of grain or a grain, carved in some stone, is effective for acquiring riches.

The figure of a cock holding a crown or a belt in its beak will give victory in a duel, especially if it is in cock-stone.

When you find carved in some gem the figure of a standing man whose head is that of an ox and whose feet are those of an eagle, and impress it in wax, no man will speak ill of you.

When you find a basilisk and a dragon carved in cornelian, fighting with each other, and there is also the head of an ox there, apply it to your neck when you are about to fight, and you will conquer all beasts, both marine and terrestrial.

The figure of a naked and crowned man, holding in one hand a cup and in the other a branch of an herb, carved in jet and bound in a ring made of any metal, when a feverish person wears it, immediately frees him from fever.

The figure of a man sitting upon a fish, carved in red jasper,

and placed on someone’s cloth, if the person dining eats with his right hand, will make him not be satisfied.

When you find carved in hyacinth, garnet, or crystal the figure of a woman with her hair loose, or her breasts bare, and in her sight there is a man looking at her face, and bind it in a gold ring of the same weight as the stone, with amber, aloes, and polypody beneath the stone, it will make the bearer lovable to all; and when it is placed beneath his head, he will see in sleep whatever he wishes.

When you find carved in pyrite the figure of a man riding and holding a bridle in one hand and in the other a bow, with a sword belted on, and bind it in a gold ring, it makes the bearer victorious in battle, and no one will be able to resist him. And if someone submerges this ring in musked oil, all will fear him, if he anoints his face with that oil, nor will they be able to oppose him.

When you find in lodestone the figure of a standing man who is naked, with a naked girl standing at his right, her hair bound around her head, and the man holds his right hand upon the girl’s neck and his left above her breast, and the man looks at the girl’s face while she looks at the ground, set it in an iron ring

of the same weight as the stone, and enclose beneath the ring the tongue of a hoopoe, myrrh, alum, and human blood in the same weight as the tongue. For the one bearing this ring, no enemy will be able to resist him in his sight, whether in war or elsewhere; nor will any thief or harmful wild beast be able to enter the house in which this named stone has been. And when an epileptic drinks water in which it has been washed, he will be healed. Also, if red wax is sealed with it and hung from a dog’s neck, it will prevent the dog from barking.

A soldier running on a horse, with a horn at his neck and with a tree before him, carved in some precious stone: know that it is effective for all hunts.

A woman holding a bird in one hand and a fish in the other, carved in crystal: know that it is effective for catching birds, and it ought to be bound in silver.

The figure of a man with a goat’s head in place of his own: know that it is effective for acquiring riches.

The figure of an eagle carved in crystal makes the bearer rich, victorious, and eloquent.

A horned animal carrying a horse beneath itself, and the horse drawing behind itself half of a goat, carved in some rather precious stone: know

that it is very effective for taming any beast whatsoever, and it ought to be bound in a lead ring.

When you find the figure of a turtle-dove carved in pangonus and wear it in a lead ring, you will never be wounded, nor will you suffer harm, but you will be honored by all, especially by elders.

When you find carved in gold the figure of a bird holding a leaf in its mouth, and in its mouth and sight there is the head of a man or a vulture, the one who bears it will acquire profit from everything that he buys and sells, and he will be sought out by buyers.

When you find carved in crystal the figure of the face of a lion or dragon having two heads with a delicate tail, or of a man in whose right hand there is a staff and who strikes the lion’s head, and place it in orichalcum, with musk and amber beneath the stone, and carry it with you, all will obey you, and you will increase your property. Wax sealed with it will have the same virtue.

When you find carved in some stone the figure of a winged horse, which is called Pegasus, it is very good for soldiers, and in open-field war it gives boldness and vigor.

When you find carved in some stone the figure of a man and a serpent encircling the sight,

Seals

... you will know that it grants the wearer victory in open battle.

The figure of a tree, vine, or ear of grain, carved on some stone, makes the wearer abound in food and clothing, and renders princes favorable.

Mars armed, or a robed maiden with a flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, if found on a stone, makes the wearer powerful for accomplishing deeds of arms, and frees him from violent death, from submersion in water, and from adverse accidents.

The figure of an armed man on a horse with a lance, carved in amethyst, makes the wearer victorious in open battle.

If you find carved on a stone the figure of Hercules, holding a club in his right hand and killing a lion or another monster, know that it grants victory in open combat.

The figure of Jupiter, which is in the form of a man with a ram’s head, makes the wearer lovable, and makes him obtain whatever he wishes.

A virgin or girl with a lamp, carved in crystal, has the virtue of preserving the light of the eyes.

The figure of the fiery triplicity, that is, of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, carved on a precious stone, is said to be effective against all cold illnesses

Magic.

and to aid phlegmatic fevers; and, because of the dignity of the planets that hold dominion in those signs, to render the wearer pleasing to God and to men, eloquent, ingenious, and able easily to obtain honors and dignities. It ought to be carved so that, in the triangle, Leo holds the apex, Aries the right side of the base, and Sagittarius the left.

The image of the earthy triplicity, that is, of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, engraved on a stone, will provide help against all hot and moist illnesses, and will incline the wearer toward rural works, such as plowing, planting, sowing, cultivating vineyards, and the like. Capricorn ought to be at the apex, Taurus on the right side of the base, and Virgo on the left.

The image of the airy triplicity, that is, of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, carved on a stone, frees one from all cold and dry illnesses arising from melancholic humor, especially quartan fever. Libra will be at the point of the triangle, Aquarius on the right side of the base, and Gemini on the left.

The figure of the watery triplicity, that is, of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, engraved on a stone, frees one from hot and dry diseases, such as hectic fever, and from all choleric diseases; but it renders the wearer inconstant, unjust, and a hater of truth. Cancer ought to be at the crown of the triangle,

Seals

Cancer at the right side of the base, Pisces, and at the left, Mars [Scorpio].

The figure of Saturn engraved on stones is of this kind: an old man holding a sickle in his hand, having a beard that is not very hairy. This figure, carved on a stone of the nature of Saturn, renders the wearer powerful, with a continual increase of power.

The image of Jupiter is of a man seated on a leaf, or on a four-footed chair, holding a rod in one hand and a ball in the other; or holding an image of Cancer or a fish, and having an eagle before his feet. But among the doctors of magic it is represented otherwise: for they carve the figure of a man with a ram’s head, wrinkled heels, and a slender chest. If this is engraved on a stone, especially a krabatus, it renders the wearer fortunate, lovable, and pleasing to religious people, and raises him to honors and dignities.

The image of Mars is represented on stone in many ways: sometimes with a banner in his hand, sometimes with a lance or another instrument of war, yet always armed, and sometimes mounted. The virtue of this carved stone renders the wearer victorious, bold, and warlike, especially if it is carved on a stone of a similar virtue.

The figure of the Sun is found in various forms: sometimes like the Sun, with rays all around; sometimes

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sometimes in the likeness of a man seated on a throne, with hair spread out and a flowing garment, and also in a chariot, as if he were carried by a four-horse team, so that the twelve signs of the Zodiac are around the chariot. The virtue of this figure, carved on some stone, makes the wearer commanding and pleasing to magnates.

Likewise there are many images of Venus, but the following is more frequently carved on stones: a woman with a great garment and robe, holding a laurel in her hand. Its virtue is to give agility in affairs to be carried out, to bring everything to the desired end, to remove fear of drowning in water, and to bring feminine honors.

The figure of Mercury is a slender man, having a fine beard and winged sandals, holding the caduceus wand, with a cock before his feet, or with a serpent under his feet. Its virtue is to help in acquiring knowledge and oratory, and it also provides very great assistance in enriching merchants.

The images of the Moon are various. Sometimes she is represented in the proper figure of the Moon, with horns; at other times in a chariot, as a girl with dogs and a quiver, with dogs following a stag. The virtue of this image is to provide expedition in legions, and from these good things

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and honors, and in all affairs to be carried out to provide speed and ease, and to bring everything to the desired end. But it must be carefully observed, as was also warned above, that the planet whose image you desire to have carved on a suitable ring ought to be very well disposed, that is, not combust, retrograde, oppressed or touched by the rays of malefics, but in a good place of heaven, in the Ascendant or Midheaven, with Jupiter or Venus, and in its essential dignities; otherwise the image will be empty and of no importance.

Furthermore, the ancients formed the image of the Bear in this way.

They carve two bears wound around by a serpent: the greater Bear is contained in the head of the bend, the lesser in the tail. This image, carved on some stone, makes the wearer knowledgeable, crafty, and powerful.

The image of the Crown has the likeness of a royal crown with many stars. Sometimes it is represented in the likeness of a king with a crowned head. It exists in the northern part and in the sign of Sagittarius, and is of the nature of Venus and Mercury. When this image has been carved on a stone, it gives wearers honors and knowledge, and royal favor.

The image of bent Hercules is also such:

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A man fallen to his knees, holding a club in his hand and killing a lion; sometimes a man with a lion skin in his hand. Such figures, carved on a suitable stone, contribute to victory in war, especially if worn in agate.

The image of a swan or hen, with wings spread and neck bent, makes the wearer pleasing to the people, knowledgeable, and rich, and drives away gout, paralysis, and quartan fever.

The figure of Cepheus, having a sword girded on, with arms and hands spread out, carved on a stone, makes one cautious and knowledgeable; and when it is placed under the pillow of a sleeper, it causes delightful things to appear in sleep.

Cassiopeia is the image of a woman seated in a chair, having her hands stretched out in the manner of a cross, sometimes with a triangle on her head. She is established in the sign of Taurus and in the northern part, and her nature is from Saturn and Venus. When she has been carved on a suitable stone, her virtue will be to provide health to human beings, to restore weak and exhausted bodies, to provide rest and tranquility after labor undertaken to those who wear it, and to furnish pleasant and sweet sleep.

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Andromeda is the image of a girl, having loose hair and hands let down; she is contained by Taurus in the northern region, and is of the nature of Venus. Its virtue is that, if it is carved in a stone, it reconciles quarrels and disputes that have arisen between husband and wife, confirms stable love, and protects from very many illnesses.

Perseus is an image holding a sword in the right hand and the head of the Gorgon in the left; it is located in Taurus and in the northern part, and has the power of Saturn and Venus. If it has been carved in a stone, it turns misfortunes away from the bearer, and preserves him from lightning and tempest; not only the bearer, but also the places where it is kept. It also dissolves bewitchments.

Serpentarius is the figure of a man holding a serpent, holding the head in the right hand and the tail in the left. It is in the sign of Scorpio and in the north, and has the nature of Saturn and Mars. Its virtue, when carved in a stone, is to prevail against poisons, to cure the bites of venomous animals, and, if its washing-water is drunk, it makes one vomit up poison without injury.

The Eagle, or falling Vulture, is the image of an eagle flying with an arrow beneath its feet. It is placed in Cancer and in the northern part; it is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars, but the arrow is of the nature of Mars and Venus. These constellations, when they have been carved in a stone,

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are said to preserve the bearer's old ranks of honors, to acquire new ones, and to contribute to victory.

The Fish, or Dolphin, is the image of a humped fish. It is in the sign of Aquarius and in the north, having the nature of Saturn and Mars; when this has been carved in a stone and bound to the limbs, it makes the bearer fortunate in fishing.

Pegasus, or the winged horse, is, according to some, half a horse with wings; according to others, an entire horse with wings and without a bridle. In the sign of Aries and in the northern part, having the nature of Mars and Jupiter, when it has been carved in a stone it gives the bearer victory in battle on open ground, and makes him swift, cautious, and bold. But when it is hung from a horse's neck, or placed in the water where the horse drinks, it will free him from many illnesses.

Cetus is the figure of a great fish with a curved tail and a large mouth. It is contained by Taurus and in the southern part, and obtains the nature of Saturn. This figure, carved in a stone, when it has a crested serpent above its back, makes the bearer fortunate at sea, renders him prudent and lovable, and restores things that have been taken away.

The image of Orion is that of an armed man with a sword or

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sickle in his hand. It is placed in the sign of Gemini and in the southern part, and has the nature of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. This figure, carved in a stone, makes the bearer victorious and causes him to carry off victory over his enemies.

The Ship is an image with a curved prow and a raised sail, sometimes with oars and sometimes without them. It is contained by Leo and in the southern part; it is of the nature of Saturn and Mars. Carved in a stone, it renders the bearer secure in conducting affairs on sea and water, and does not allow him to take harm from water.

The Dog is the figure of a hunting dog with a curved tail. It exists in the sign of Cancer and in the southern part, having the nature of Venus. If it has been carved in a stone, they say that it has the particular power of completely freeing lunatics, maniacs, and demoniacs.

The image of the Hare is in the likeness of a hare, with ears and feet extended, as if it were running. It is placed in the sign of Gemini and in the southern part. Its nature is Saturnian and Mercurial. Its virtue is to cure the frenzied and to prevail against the wiles of demons; nor will the bearer be able to be harmed by a malignant spirit.

The Centaur is the figure of a bull up to the neck, the rest being that of a man holding in his left hand

... a spear resting above the left shoulder, with a hare hanging from it; in the right hand, however, a small animal lying on its back, with a vessel hanging from it. It is set in Libra and in the southern part, and is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars. The virtue of this carving is to make the bearer steadfast and healthy with lasting health.

The image of a Dog sitting in Cancer is of the nature of Venus. When it has been carved in stone and you carry it with you, you will not fear dropsy, and you will be freed from plague and from the dog’s bite.

The figure of the censer or thurible, of the nature of Venus and Mercury, with fire kindled in it, when carved in stone, makes the bearer fit for summoning spirits and for being in converse with them, and it renders them obedient. They also say that it makes the bearer adorned with perpetual virginity, since it induces chastity.

The Hydra, or image of the serpent, is the figure of a serpent having above it an urn near the head and a raven near the tail; it is of the nature of Saturn and Venus. Its virtue is to make the bearer very rich, shrewd, cautious, prudent, free from harmful things, and it resists every harmful venom.

The figure of the Southern Crown is likened to an imperial crown; it is of the nature of Saturn and Mars.

Its virtue is in increasing wealth and in making a person cheerful and pleasant.

The image of the Driver or Charioteer is the figure of a man in a chariot holding a goat on his left shoulder. It is placed in the sign of Gemini and in the north, having the nature of Mercury. This figure, carved in stone, makes the bearer a hunter and fortunate in catching animals.

The image of the Banner is made in the likeness of a banner spread out at the end of a spear. When carved in stone, this makes the bearer fortunate in military service and victorious in battle in the field.

The image of a Lion, carved in gold when the Sun is in Leo and the Moon does not aspect Saturn, preserves from stone and from hot diseases.

The image of a Scorpion, impressed or carved on a gold ring and a bezoar stone when the Moon is in Scorpio, and when Scorpio is in one of the angles of the world, is effective against the sting of a scorpion.

The image of Aquarius benefits those who have false imaginations, such as melancholics, quartan-fever sufferers, and maniacs. It must be made on the day of the Sun and in its hour; Jupiter must not be combust, nor the Sun higher than Jupiter; nor must Saturn be in the ascendant, nor in the 19th degree of Aries; the 3rd, 15th, or 27th of Taurus; the 11th of Gemini; the 3rd, 4th, or 12th

and 15th or 19th of Cancer; the 2nd, 5th, or 19th of Leo; the 3rd, 13th, or 30th of Virgo; the 3rd, 5th, or 21st of Libra; the 7th, 18th, 20th, or 21st of Scorpio; the 13th or 20th of Sagittarius; the 12th, 13th, or 24th of Capricorn; the 7th, 18th, or 20th of Aquarius; or the 13th or 29th of Pisces.

The image of Pisces, when the Sun is in Pisces in the twelfth house, and the Moon is in the ascendant, and the lord of the ascendant and the lord of the sixth house are regarding one another by sextile or trine aspect, or at least when the Moon is regarding either one of them, is said by experience to free the bearer from gouty pains under the soles of the feet.

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ON THE METHOD OF MAKING MAGICAL SEALS AND IMAGES.

TRACTATE VI.

Having set forth magical seals and images, and the method of making them, at least insofar as it has been handed down by the most ancient writers themselves, it remains for a more exact method of making them also to be added here, and for the preceding matters to be explained more accurately.

And indeed, before all else in their composition, the time must be considered; I mean the time of election, which must be diligently observed in inscribing or carving figures on stones. For they then receive greater virtue if they are carved at fixed and opportune times; in this way, indeed, they find the stars more favorable. Thus one who wishes to stir up love uses benevolent aspects, but one who wishes to kindle hatred uses unfavorable aspects. They therefore wish the image of Saturn to be fashioned when he himself is in Capricorn.

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...in Capricorn or Aquarius; that of Jupiter in Sagittarius and Pisces; that of Mars in Aries and Scorpio; that of the Sun in Leo; that of Venus in Taurus and Libra; that of Mercury in Gemini and Virgo; that of the Moon in Cancer. Thus the image of Leo or Cancer should be engraved on a ring or stone when the Sun is traversing Leo and the Moon Cancer, yet in such a way that each is free from every impediment, especially from the rays of Saturn or Mars.

It must also be held that any sign, so long as the Sun is in it, becomes alive and rules over the rest, and that its effect is felt before the others. Therefore the planet must always be directed to the place, that is, to the sign, face, and degree which the Sun illuminates.

So far concerning the magical images of the ancient sages. I have chosen to list them here chiefly for this reason: to make plain that they were constructed from the principles of magical philosophy, that is, of true and natural magic, not of goetia and necromancy, although it is certain that superstition has crept into many of them through abuse. Use has praise; abuse has blame. For if anyone wishes, with superstition, to refer them to evil action, he will be opposed to the divine order and to the principles of the art itself from which they flowed; and he must beware lest, surrounded by mad superstitions, he become wholly mad and superstitious.

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Moreover, from almost the same foundations and causes, there have now also begun to be made gilded and silvered plates, round, square, or triangular, on which certain signatures and characters of the planets are engraved according to certain positions and configurations of the heavens, or constellations, in order to obtain the favor and influence of each planet. For it is consistent with reason and experience that the influence of the planets is chiefly received and retained in figures and likenesses of this sort, marked with a definite form and with images.

Meanwhile this must be observed with the greatest exactness: that the planet whose influence you seek be strong and fortunate, that is, in its own house, exaltation, or triplicity, in the angle of the east or in midheaven, free from the harmful rays of Saturn or Mars, supported by the trine or sextile of Venus or Jupiter, or joined to them, direct, swift in course, not combust, and ascending in the circle of its apogee.

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ERECTION OF THE SIGNATURE of Mercury, for sharpening the memory.

Let Mercury serve as an example. If anyone desires to obtain its influence for sharpening the intellect, talent, and memory, let him observe at what time of year Mercury, in Gemini or Virgo, the signs in which it has its house, is strong and fortunate in the east or in midheaven. When the hour and the minute of the hour have been found, let a celestial figure be made, together with a careful and skillful engraving of the aspects, in pure silver. Afterwards it is enclosed in white silk and kept, and so it is sewn in, on that part where it precisely touches the cerebellum, with a few grains of the best musk added. It has been observed to complete its operation especially at night, and more evidently at that hour and time at which the engraving was both begun and completed.

In this year 1608, Mercury was found strong and fortunate around 11 May, at the second morning hour. Again it will be strongest and most fortunate around the 14th and 15th day of the month of September, a little before and after the fifth morning hour, at which time it precedes the Sun at the eastern angle, in its own house, exaltation, and the fortunate trine of Jupiter.

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And this is the method of sharpening intellectual power and memory from the powers of the heavens. From plants and animals also, I hope I shall win no small favor among those whose memory is fragile and fleeting, though they are quick in understanding, if I bring forth certain remedies for strengthening memory. I know that the most illustrious and learned men have used them successfully; until now they have lain hidden among secrets. I do not begrudge them, since they can be of public benefit. There are many things in them which you would not know, and which cling neither to temperament, nor to matter, nor to any manifest quality, but must be attributed only to some hidden property.

Take seven hearts of swallows, still beating; two of turtledoves; dried mint, pennyroyal, vervain, eyebright, prepared coriander, and maidenhair, one ounce of each; flowers of rosemary, one ounce; sweet flag and cinnamon, two ounces each; cloves, one and a half ounces; musk and French muscat, six grains each; anacardine honey and storax calamite, half an ounce each. Let the things among these that can bear grinding be reduced to a fine powder; with a sufficient quantity of fennel water let them be made into pastilles in the shape of a date-stone. The user will keep this order. After the body has been purged, for 50 nights he will eat nothing for supper except raisins with a few almonds and a little bread; lunch...

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The midday meal, however, shall be roast hen, or a young chicken, a turtledove, a partridge, or something similar; the drink shall be wine one year old, moderately diluted. Every night, near the hour of sleep, a lozenge shall be inserted into the right nostril, and it shall be stopped with cotton. You shall keep it so until you have recited no more than twenty verses of Virgil. After some days have elapsed, insert a lozenge moistened with rose-water into the left nostril, and you will retain everything you are going to read, or will quickly attain understanding.

But one who wholly desires to preserve his memory in this way must abstain from drunkenness, sex, and especially an overloaded stomach, from all satiety, green fruits, vegetables, salted meats, and everything that produces flatulence. At the end of the meal prepared coriander seed is to be taken. Above all, care must also be taken that it is diligently and properly prepared. It will also not be harmful, at intervals, to hold one lozenge in the mouth and swallow it. It will also help to throw a lozenge onto hot coals, so that the smoke may be well received into the nostrils and, once received, retained, the nostrils being stopped with cotton so that it does not escape; or also to dissolve several lozenges in lavender-water, or rose-water, or anise-water, and frequently, morning and evening, to moisten the forehead, temples, nostrils, and the back of the head around the seat of memory, and to put into the nostrils clean little linen cloths soaked in it. And yet this remedy has been disclosed to few.

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But to return to celestial things: in precisely the same way and form as for Mercury, the powers and influences of the remaining planets will be able to be conciliated. Thus, for obtaining honors and dignities, and the favor and goodwill of princes and magnates, there is the image of the Sun when it is in Leo and in the tenth house, in trine with Jupiter or the Moon. Nevertheless, in this year 1608 the solar influence is impeded because of Mars opposite from Aquarius, as even the remarkable and unusual changes of the air itself clearly demonstrate. Hence, in forming these figures, this alone must be observed: that the planet whose power and influence someone desires to conciliate for himself be as free as possible from every impediment.

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DEMONSTRATION OF THE REASONS WHY THERE IS SUCH GREAT POWER AND EFFICACY IN THESE MAGICAL IMAGES

TREATISE VII

But why and whence rings, images, and figures engraved on a certain metal or stone should have the powers credited to them is not to be assigned to temperament, nor to manifest qualities, nor to the whole substance, but to a divine and magical cause, that is, to a certain higher and more sublime cause, which some not inappropriately call a spiritual vehicle and bond. Through this mediation the body and soul of substances, though mutually distant, are joined together with one another; by it the magnet draws iron, and chicory follows the motion of the Sun.

Through this vehicle and bond, coming between or intervening, Mercury is effective in quicksilver; in sharpening or weakening the memory and the cogitative power; in the alectory stone; in mixed color and taste; in Egypt, Greece, Flanders, and Silesia.

Through the intervention of this vehicle, the Moon is effective in silver and glass; in the brain; in the left eye of a man,

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and the right eye of a woman; in white, blue, and ash-gray color; in salty taste; in a moderate odor; in crystal; in the seventh climate; in Flanders, Holland, Zealand, and Denmark.

Saturn is effective in lead; in the right ear, the spleen, the bladder, and the bones; in black, livid, and leaden color; in a styptic taste; in black and dark stones; in the first climate; on the right side of the East; in Saxony, Styria, etc.

Jupiter is effective in tin; in the lung, ribs, pulse, semen, and left ear; in dark, purple, yellow, and green color; in emerald, sapphire, and amethyst; in sweet taste; in the second climate; in the North; in Babylonia, Persia, Hungary, and Spain.

The Sun is effective in laurel, the heart, the arteries, the right eye, and the right side; in golden, saffron, and reddish color; in hyacinth; in a sharp and biting taste; in a good but not excessive odor; in the fourth climate; in the East.

Mars is effective in iron; in the left ear, the gall, and the kidneys; in jasper; in a bitter, bilious, sharp taste; in red color; in the third climate; in the North; in Sarmatia, Gaetulia, Lombardy, and Gothia.

Venus is effective in copper and mirrors of every kind; in the womb, kidneys, breasts, throat, genital organs, and liver; in white color; in an oily, sweet, and fatty taste; in pearls, sapphire, and carbuncle; in the fifth climate; in Austria, Arabia, Campania, Poland, and Helvetia.

Of this

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Therefore, to seek the principles of this occult influence from principles and manifest qualities, from temperament, or from the whole substance, is not so much absurd as ridiculous, since the actions of those from whom these powers proceed are not corporeal, and are poured in from heaven without a body. Hence there is no need here for any measure drawn from the senses, no ambitious battle of words, and no empty effort at demonstrations. That the beginning of every philosophical demonstration cannot be sought from the senses and qualities, but must be sought elsewhere, is evident even from this common example: if someone asks about the white color of a rose, namely whence it takes its origin, and wishes to ascribe the cause to a colder temperament, what, I ask, will he say about the red one? Will you say that species of endive pour forth a milky juice for this reason, because they are cold? Yet very many very hot plants, such as the spurges, swell and drip with the same juice. And is aloe bitter for this reason, because it is hot? Yet in opium, which kills by its deadly coldness, there is extraordinary bitterness. And although it may be granted that such things proceed from a property of the whole substance, nevertheless a higher and more excellent maker, engraver, and former must be placed and sought above it in our mystery. In vain, therefore, did the Alexandrians try to refer everything to manifest qualities,

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which Scaliger, Exercise 318, says is the height of shamelessness; and at least in the case of poisons they ought to have stopped. We see certain things burst forth from the womb and bosom of nature whose causes, even if they are altogether inexplicable to us, nevertheless meanwhile it delights and pleases the lover of medicine and the industrious and sagacious investigator of natural things to devise probable reasons for them. If he does not fully attain these reasons, he nevertheless does not take away trust from manifest facts, nor does he slander their effects, but follows nature and its maker with admiration.

Hence it is clear that the things elicited concerning characteristical cure, which accomplishes natural operations by engraved images hung from the neck, through the celestial properties of the stars agreeing with our bodies by a wondrous influence, are not altogether vain. I say that those things are not plainly vain which the most ancient investigators of nature committed to letters and monuments concerning the written word, or characters and seals, fashioned at fixed times according to the power and influx of heaven, without any superstition, which only ignorance of this mystery has invented, apart from profanation of the divine name, scandal, or any violation of faith and religion. Although these things have hitherto, and especially in these last times, lain hidden, concealed and covered over among certain persons,

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who abused them rather than used them lawfully, since, having slipped into superstitions and not understanding the first principles, they dared to attribute more to them than God, the creator of all things, granted and willed to be made manifest through them. But so far am I from attributing any power in themselves to these images, or from affirming that characters or named constellated things have power by reason of their figure, since figure, number, size, position, and the division of the continuous are principles of no action, that unless there is some other thing acting and moving, by whose power the characters are effective, I wholly deny it. God heals human beings through the prophets by the mere utterance of the word. For God is living, and the name of the living God is also living, and the letters of the living name also live. God lives on account of himself; his name lives on account of him; and the letters live on account of the name. And just as God has life in himself, so also he has given to his name to have life in itself, and further to the letters through the name.

Images or characters, therefore, are effective by reason of the power or office ordained by God or by nature for such a name or character. For there is no power, either in heaven or on earth, that does not descend from God. Thus medicines are visible bodies, words invisible bodies; whether herb or word heals, God is the cause, that is, the Spirit of God, the helper of nature.

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assisted through the word Fiat. Hence the herb itself is not medicine; rather, this lies hidden in it invisibly, implanted by God. Therefore things that are more remote from the senses and have hidden causes are not immediately to be condemned all the way to hell, nor stupidly ridiculed.

END.

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