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

T 8° 288

[unclear]

Attenburg, 7 November 1824. p. 106 no. 66. [unclear] A. XXVII. 1. 2. T 288

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 the 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.

By the authors: Zoroaster, the Chaldaean; Solomon, [unclear]; Raphael, the Jew; Chael, the Egyptian; Hermes, the Persian; Thetel.

Drawn from a manuscript of Johannes Trithemius.

Published in the year of restored salvation 1612.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z T 288 Pis et 1997

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

Treatise I

The Seals of Raphael

The image of a handsome dragon, if it is 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 descend 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 sorceries, 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, restoring the wearer to health, and 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.

MAGIC. TREATISE II. THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF CHAELOS.

Chael, one of the descendants of the children of Israel, a most ancient teacher, when he was in the desert, observed and caused many figures to be carved according to the course of the signs and planets, and recognized a very great effect in them; and so that the powers of these images might be manifest to posterity, he composed a book from which the following things are excerpted. Blessed be God, who gave such powers to the earth for the salvation of the human race. These words are found in the very book written 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, and who holds in his hands a fox and a vulture: if such a stone, on which these things have been carved, is hung from the neck, it is effective for all plantings and for finding treasures. For if, when going to bed, you place it beneath your neck, in sleep you will see treasures and the manner of extracting them. It also has another power, namely, to help the illnesses of brute animals when they have drunk water in which this stone has been washed. It should be carved 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, and it should be set in the purest gold.

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 trees 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 carved in stone and carried by someone, 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 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 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 [unclear].

From [unclear] 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 person will speak ill of you.

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

A figure of scorpions and archers 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 half 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 and lower part the figure of a fish, holding a mirror in one hand and a branch in the other, when carved in hyacinth and set in a gold ring, renders one invisible whenever you wish; but the seal 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: 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 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 and set it in a silver ring, if you touch discordant people with it, they will be reconciled.

The sign of Capricorn carved in cornelian, or in another stone, set it in a silver ring and carry it with you; for you will be harmed by enemies neither bodily nor by word, nor will a judge pronounce an unjust sentence against you. You will abound in business and honor, and will acquire the friendship of many; and all enchantments made against you will be destroyed. In the field too no enemy, however strong he may be, will be able to resist you. Hac 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 [unclear: diadochocstantis], and of great stature, holding in his right hand an obol and in the other a serpent, and likewise above the man’s head the figure of the Sun, and having a lion prostrate beneath his feet: when it has been placed in a lead ring with a measure of 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 the herb [unclear: colto] hanging down, with thickness of the loins and breadth of the shoulders: when it has been carved in green jasper, know that it gives help 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 distinguishing illnesses, recognizing medicines and herbs, and giving potions; and in every hemorrhage and flow of blood it helps, and immediately checks it.

The image of sea turtles, if it is carved in a sea-stone and is worn bound in a lead ring, the wearer will not be able to be harmed by another, and he is loved by [unclear] 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 things; and merchants seek counsel from him, and will bring merchandise to his dwelling. A bird which holds 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 that of a man sitting upon a four-footed chair, and before Jupiter there are four men standing, and Jupiter’s hands are raised toward heaven, and on his head he has a diadem: 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, and beneath his feet there is a dragon, and its tail is stretched out; and in the hand of that man there is a staff, with which he strikes [unclear].

MAGICA. 17.

…the head of a dragon, if it be carved in crystal, or in some precious stone, and be set in orichalc, and under the stone be musk and amber—if anyone [carry it] with himself… .

SIGILLA. [page 20] …[carry] the stone in a ring, [and] 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, and over the man's head a peacock: if it be carved in a red stone, and you place it under the table at a banquet, no one eating will be glad with [his] right hand.

The figure of a naked man standing, and at his right a girl standing, 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 gazes at her face, but she [gazes] at the ground: when it be carved in some stone, and set in an iron ring, and under the stone be a little of the tongue of a sparrow, of a hoopoe, of myrrh, of alum, and of the blood of a man—he who carries this ring will be invincible, nor will anyone be able to resist him, nor will weapons [or other things] harm him. It is good also for epileptics, if you mark red wax with it; and if it be 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 be carved in carnelian, and set in a tin ring, and the ring be made on the day of the Moon [Monday] or of Venus [Friday], at the 4th, 8th, or 12th hour—touch whom you wish with this ring, and they will straightway obey you.

MAGIC.

The figure of a bearded man, having a long face and curved eyebrows, sitting on a plough between two bulls and holding a vulture in his hand, carved in stone: know that it has power in the planting of trees and the discovery of treasures, and makes a man victorious in battle. Serpents are put to flight from the face of the one who wears it; it heals epileptics and removes every vexation of evil spirits. It ought to be set in an iron ring and worn.

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 a little root of squill is beneath the stone, whoever carries this ring with him will be safe from enemies, and from robbers on a journey.

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 is worn on the finger, spirits will obey and will reveal to him any treasures whatever.

The figure of a flying eagle: when it has been carved in an aetites stone and set in a leaden ring, it has the power, for the one who carries it with him, of catching many fish; nor will any wild beast harm him, and he will be loved by men.

The figure of a man having a palm in his hand [unclear], if it is carved in any stone, makes the wearer pleasing and lovable to the powerful and to princes. These things are from Hermes.

TRACTATE IV.

THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF THETEL.

Thetel, a very ancient teacher, treating of carvings on stones, says that these carvings, when found in 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 with vipers in place of feet, and in place of a human head the head of a cock or a lion, will give power against enemies and makes the wearer victorious; it is effective against poisons also, and checks blood from whatever part it flows.

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

They say that a cross carved in green jasper has the power of freeing the wearer from drowning in water.

A woman having in one hand a bird and in the other a fish: when carved in chrysolite, it is of great value for doing business.

The figure of a wolf carved in jasper is effective against [unclear] and prevents the utterance of insane words.

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

The figure of an emperor carved in jasper, with head raised, makes the wearer lovable to every creature, and whatever he asks he will obtain.

The figure of a virgin with flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, when carved in jasper, makes the wearer safe from drowning in water; nor will he be troubled by a demon. It makes him powerful and able to obtain all things.

The figure of a man having a palm marked in his hand, when found in jasper, makes the wearer powerful and pleasing to princes. Thus far Thetel.

TRACTATE V.

THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF SOLOMON.

A very ancient little book was found in the desert among the children of Israel, which, because many works of Solomon were found in 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 on 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. It also has the power of healing all the illnesses of beasts, if they drink the water in which it has been washed.

A man carved in green jasper, having a shield hanging from his neck, and above his head a helmet with an upright sword, and trampling a serpent under his feet: place it on your neck, and you will fear no enemy; in all things you will be victorious, especially in martial affairs, and it ought to be bound in [unclear].

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

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

A foaming horse, with a man upon it holding a scepter in his hand, carved in amethyst: know that this seal is useful for all the affairs of the one who bears it, and all princes and chief men will be obedient to him. It ought to be bound in gold or silver in double the weight of the seal.

If the image of a man’s head with a long beard and a little blood around the neck is found carved in diamond, know that it confers victory and boldness, preserves the body from every injury, and is effective for obtaining favor from princes.

The figure of a man wishing to play instruments, carved in sapphire, makes one most pleasing to everyone.

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

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

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

The figure of a man in the likeness of a merchant carrying wares to sell, or of a man sitting under a centurion, when found in emerald, gives riches, makes one victorious, and lifts him out of straits.

The image of a bull or calf found in lodestone gives the bearer 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 bearer good, well-mannered, and beloved by God and men, and provides honors and dignities.

When the image of an armed man with a sword in his hand is found carved in sard or amethyst, it gives the bearer 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 bearer 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 conduces to knowledge, makes a person most learned and eloquent.

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

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

The image of a man holding laurel or a palm in his right hand makes the bearer dear, 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 having 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 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 of any metal, when a feverish person wears it, immediately frees him from fever.

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

Magic.

... engraved in red and [unclear], if the diner eats with his right hand, it will make him not be satisfied.

When you find carved in hyacinth, garnet, or crystal the figure of a woman with loose hair or bare breasts, and in her sight 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 wearer lovable to all; and when it is placed under his head, he will see in sleep whatever he wishes.

When you find carved in pyrite the figure of a man riding on horseback and holding a bridle in one hand and a bow in the other, with a sword girded on, and bind it in a gold ring, it makes the wearer victorious in battle, so that no one will be able to resist him. And if anyone immerses this ring in musked oil, all will greatly fear him; if he anoints his face with that oil, they will not be able to oppose him.

When you find in magnetite the figure of a standing man who is naked, and at his right a naked girl standing, with her hair bound around her head, and the man holds his right hand over the girl’s neck and his left over 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. Enclose beneath the ring the tongue of a hoopoe, myrrh, alum, and human blood, as much as the tongue weighs. For the one who carries this ring, no enemy will be able to resist him in his sight, whether in war or elsewhere; neither thief nor harmful beast will 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 cured. Also, if red wax is sealed with it and hung from a dog’s neck, it will keep the dog from barking.

Know that a soldier running on a horse, with a horn at his neck and a tree before him, carved on some precious stone, is effective for every kind of hunting.

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

Know that the figure of a man with a goat’s head in place of his own is effective for acquiring riches.

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

Know that a horned animal bearing a horse beneath it, while the horse draws behind it the half of a goat, carved on some more precious stone, is very effective for taming any beast; it ought to be bound in a lead ring.

When you find the figure of a turtle carved in pangon and carry it in a lead ring, you will never be wounded, nor suffer harm, but 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 the head of a man or of a vulture, the wearer will gain profit from everything he is going to buy and sell, and he will be sought out by buyers.

When you find carved in crystal the figure of a lion’s or dragon’s face 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 you set it in bronze, with musk and amber beneath the stone, and carry it with you, all will obey you and you will enlarge your property. Wax sealed with it will have the same virtue.

When you find carved on some stone the figure of a winged horse, called Pegasus, it is very good for soldiers, and in open battle it gives boldness and eagerness.

When you find carved on some stone the figure of a man and a serpent surrounding the sight, ...

...you should know that it gives victory in pitched battle to the one who wears it.

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

If armed Mars, or a robed maiden with a flowing garment, holding a laurel in her hand, is found on a stone, it makes the wearer powerful in accomplishing deeds of arms, and frees him from violent death, from drowning in water, and from adverse misfortunes.

The figure of an armed man on horseback with a lance, carved on amethyst, makes the wearer victorious in field warfare.

If you find the figure of Hercules holding a club in his right hand and killing a lion, or some other monster, carved on a stone, you should know that it gives victory in pitched battle.

The figure of Jupiter, as it were in the form of a man with a ram’s head, makes the wearer lovable, and quickly obtaining whatever he wishes.

A maiden or girl with a lamp, carved on 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, and to help against 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, clever, and able easily to obtain honors and dignities. It must be carved in such a way 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 seed, cultivating vineyards, and the like. Capricorn must 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 fevers; and 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 diseases of choler; but it renders the wearer inconstant, unjust, and a hater of truth. Cancer must be at the crown of the triangle, Pisces on the right side of the base, and on the left [unclear].

The figure of Saturn carved 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 continual increase of power.

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

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

The figure of the Sun is found in different forms: sometimes in the likeness of the Sun, with rays all around; sometimes [unclear].

MAGICA.

…sometimes in the likeness of a man sitting on a throne, with scattered hair and flowing garment, and also in a chariot, as if drawn by a team of four horses, so that round about the chariot are the 12 signs of the Zodiac. But the virtue of this seal, carved in some stone, renders the bearer commanding, and pleasing to the great. The images of Venus likewise are many, [though] more frequently carved in [certain] stones: a woman with a great garment and stole, holding a laurel in [her] hand—the virtue of this is to give agility in [the] doing of affairs, and to bring all [things] to the desired end, [and to give] fear… .

SIGILLA. [page 36] …[and] honors, and to furnish, in all [the] doing of affairs, speed and ease, and to bring all [things] to the desired end. But it is to be carefully observed (as also was advised above) that the Planet, whose image carved in a fitting ring you desire, ought to be best disposed—that is, not combust, retrograde, or oppressed [or touched] by the rays of the malefics, but in a good place of the heaven, [the] Ascendant or Mid-heaven, with the Moon or Venus, in [its] essential dignities; otherwise the image stands vain and of no moment.

Moreover, the image of the Bear the ancients formed thus: They carve two bears wrapped round by a serpent—the greater bear contained in the head of the coil, the lesser in the tail; which image, carved in some stone, renders the bearer knowing, cunning, and powerful.

The image of the Crown has the likeness of a king's crown with several stars; sometimes it is figured in the likeness of a king crowned on the head; and it exists in the northern part and the sign of Sagittarius, and is of the nature of Venus and Mercury; and when this image is carved in a stone, it gives the bearers honors and knowledge, and royal favor.

The image of bent Hercules also is such:…

is this: a man fallen on his knees, holding a club in his hand and killing a lion; sometimes a man with a lion’s skin in his hand. Such figures, carved on a suitable stone, confer victory in war, especially if it is worn in agate.

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

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

Cassiopeia is the image of a woman sitting in a chair, having her hands stretched out in the manner of a cross, sometimes with a triangle on her head. It is situated in the sign of Taurus and in the northern part; its nature is of Saturn and Venus. When this has been carved on a suitable stone, its virtue will be to give health to people, to restore weak and weary bodies, to provide rest and tranquility to bearers after labor undertaken, and to bestow pleasant and sweet sleep.

Andromeda is the image of a girl with disheveled hair and lowered hands. She is contained by Taurus in the north and is of the nature of Venus. Its virtue, if it is carved in stone, is to reconcile quarrels and disputes that have arisen between husband and wife, to strengthen steadfast love, and to protect from very many illnesses.

Perseus is an image having a sword in the right hand and the head of the Gorgon in the left. It is placed in Taurus and in the northern part; it has the force of Saturn and Venus. If it has been carved in stone, it turns misfortunes away from those who bear it, preserves not only the bearer but also the places where it is kept from lightning and tempest, and also dissolves enchantments.

Serpentarius is the figure of a man holding a serpent, with its head in his right hand and its tail in his 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 stone, is to be effective against poisons, to cure the bites of venomous animals, and, if the water in which it has been washed is drunk, to make poison be vomited out 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. When these constellations are carved in stone, they are said to preserve the bearer’s old ranks of honor, to acquire new ones, and to contribute to victory.

The Fish, or Dolphin, is the image of a humpbacked fish. It is in the sign of Aquarius and in the north, having the nature of Saturn and Mars. When it is carved in stone and bound on with the proper arts, it makes the bearer fortunate in fishing.

Pegasus, or the winged horse, or, according to some, the half of a horse with wings, according to others a whole horse with wings and without a bridle, is in the sign of Aries and in the northern part, having the nature of Mars and Jupiter. When it has been carved in 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 put in water where the horse drinks, it will free him from many illnesses.

Caetus 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 stone, when it has a crested serpent upon its back, makes the bearer fortunate at sea, renders him prudent and lovable, and restores things that have been lost.

The image of Orion is of an armed man with a sword or [unclear].

SEALS

or with a sickle in its hand, is placed in the sign of Gemini and in the southern part; it has the nature of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. This figure, carved on a stone, makes the bearer victorious and causes him to win victory over enemies.

The image of the Ship is with a curved prow and a raised sail, and sometimes without oars and sometimes with them. It is contained by Leo, and in the southern part; it is of the nature of Saturn and Mars. Carved on a stone, it makes the bearer secure in business carried on at sea and on water, and does not permit him to suffer harm from water.

The image of the Dog is the figure of a greyhound-like dog with a curved tail. It stands in the sign of Cancer, and in the southern part, having the nature of Venus. If it is carved on a stone, they say that it has this very power: to free lunatics, madmen, and the demon-possessed entirely.

The image of the Hare is in the likeness of a hare, with ears and feet stretched out as if it were running. It is placed in the sign of Gemini and in the southern part. Its nature is Saturnine and Mercurial. Its virtue is to cure the frenzied and to be powerful 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 as far as the neck, the rest being of a man, holding in his left hand a spear resting above his left shoulder, with a hare hanging from it; but in his right hand a little beast lying on its back, with a vessel hanging from it. It is situated 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 in perpetual soundness of body.

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

The figure of a sacred vessel or censer, with fire kindled, is of the nature of Venus and Mercury. When it is carved on a stone, it makes the bearer fit to summon spirits and to be in converse with them, and renders them obedient. They also say that it adorns the bearer with perpetual virginity, since it induces chastity.

The image of the Hydra or Serpent is the figure of a serpent having above it an urn about its head, and a raven about its tail. It is of the nature of Saturn and Venus. Its virtue is to make the bearer extremely fierce, clever, cautious, prudent, and free from harmful things, and it resists every harmful [unclear].

The figure of the Southern Crown is likened to an imperial crown. It is of the nature of Saturn and Mars. Its virtue lies in increasing riches and in making a man cheerful and pleasant.

The image of the Charioteer or Wagoner is the figure of a man in a chariot, holding a he-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 on a 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. Carved on a stone, it makes the bearer fortunate in military service and victorious in battle in the open field.

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

The image of the Scorpion, impressed or carved on a gold ring and on a bezoar stone when the Moon is in Scorpio, and 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 imaginings, such as melancholics, those afflicted by quartan fever, and madmen. It must be made on the day of the Sun and in its hour, and Jupiter must not be combust, nor must the Sun be 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, 12th, 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 in the ascendant, and when the lord of the ascendant and the lord of the sixth house behold one another by sextile or trine aspect, or at least when the Moon beholds either one of them, is said by experience to free the bearer from gouty pains under the soles of the feet.

SIGILS

On the Method of Making Magical Sigils and Images

Treatise VI

Having set forth magical sigils 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 that in this place there should also be added a more exact method of making them, and that the preceding matters be explained more carefully.

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 writing or engraving figures on stones. For they are then thought to receive greater power if they are engraved at appointed and suitable times; for in this way they accord better with the stars. Hence one who wishes to arouse love uses favorable aspects, but one who wishes to kindle hatred uses unfavorable ones. Therefore they wish the image of Saturn to be fashioned when Saturn is in Capricorn or Aquarius; that of Jupiter when he is in Sagittarius or Pisces; that of Mars in Aries or Scorpio; that of the Sun in Leo; that of Venus in Taurus or Libra; that of Mercury in Gemini or Virgo; that of the Moon in Cancer. Thus the image of Leo or Cancer should be impressed on a ring or stone when the Sun is passing through Leo, or the Moon through 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, as long as the Sun is in it, becomes living, rules over the others, and has its effect felt before the rest; and therefore the planet must always be directed to the place, that is, to the sign, face, and degree which the Sun illuminates.

So much concerning the magical images of the ancient sages, which it has pleased us to list here chiefly for this reason: that it may be plain that they were constructed from magical philosophy, that is, from true and natural magic, not from the principles 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 should wish to direct them, with superstition, toward evil action, he will be contrary 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.

Moreover, from almost the same foundations and causes, even now people have begun to prepare gilded and silver plates, round, square, or triangular, on which certain signatures and characters of the planets are engraved at certain positions and configurations of the heavens, or constellations, for conciliating the favor and influence of each planet. For it is agreeable to reason and experience that the influence of the planets is impressed, received, and retained in sigils and images of this kind, marked with a certain form and with images.

Meanwhile this must be observed with the greatest care: that the planet whose influence you seek be strong and fortunate, that is, in its own domicile, exaltation, or triplicity; in the angle of the East or the midheaven; free from the evil rays of Saturn or Mars; supported by a trine or sextile of Venus or Jupiter, or joined with them; direct, swift in motion, not combust, and ascending in the circle of the apogee.

The Erection of the Signature of Mercury, for Sharpening the Memory

Let Mercury serve as an example. If anyone desires to win for himself Mercury’s influence for sharpening the intellect, wit, and memory, let him observe at what time of the year Mercury is in Gemini or Virgo, in which signs he has his domicile, and is strong and fortunate in the East or midheaven. When the hour and minute of the hour have been found, let a single celestial figure be made, with a careful delineation of the aspects and diligent and artful engraving on pure silver. Afterward it is to be enclosed in white silk and kept; and, with a few grains of the best musk added, it is sewn into the cap on that part precisely where it touches the cerebellum. You should undertake the operation at night, and more evidently at that hour and time when the engraving was both begun and completed.

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

Seals

And this is the method, from the powers of the heavens, of sharpening the intellectual power and the memory. From plants also and from animals, I hope that I shall enter into no small favor among those who have a fragile and fleeting memory, though they are quickened for understanding, if I bring forth certain remedies for strengthening the memory, which I know that very famous and very learned men have used successfully, and which until now have lain hidden among secrets, not grudging what can be of public use. You should know, however, that there are many things in them which adhere neither to temperament, nor to matter, nor to any manifest quality, but must be attributed to some occult property alone.

Take hearts of swallows, still beating, number 7; of turtle-doves, number 2; dried mint, pennyroyal, vervain, eyebright, prepared coriander, [galitrichum], of each 1 ounce; flowers of rosemary, 1 ounce; aromatic calamus, cinnamon, of each 2 ounces; cloves, 1 1/2 ounces; musk and muscat galls, of each 6 grains; anacardine honey, storax calamita, of each 1/2 ounce. Let those of these which can undergo grinding be reduced to a fine powder, and with a sufficient quantity of fennel-water let them be reduced into pastilles in the form of a small date-stone. The user will observe this order. With the body purged, for [50?] nights he will eat nothing for supper except raisins with a few almonds and a little bread; his dinner, however, will be roast hen, or a young chicken, turtle-dove, partridge, or something similar; his drink, wine of one year, in moderate measure, [unclear]. And on each night, near every hour, a pastille is to be inserted into the right nostril and stopped with cotton, and you will keep it so until you have recited no more than twenty verses of Virgil. After some days have elapsed, insert a pastille, moistened with rose-water, into the left nostril, and you will retain everything that you are about to read, or will quickly attain understanding of it.

But whoever altogether desires to preserve memory in this way must abstain from drunkenness, sexual intercourse, and especially from crudity of the stomach, from every satiety, green fruits, vegetables, salty cheeses, and all things that generate wind. Lastly, prepared coriander seed is to be taken. Care must also be taken above all that it be prepared diligently and properly. It will also not be harmful, at intervals, to hold one pastille in the mouth and swallow it. It will also help to throw a pastille onto 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 exhale; or also to dissolve some pastilles in lavender-water or rose-water or anise-water, and frequently, morning and evening, to massage the forehead, temples, nostrils, and occiput around the seat of memory, and to insert into the nostrils clean little linen cloths imbued with it. And this remedy has been made known to few.

But, to return to celestial matters, in precisely the same way and form as that of Mercury, the powers and influences of the remaining planets too can be brought into accord; for example, for obtaining honors and dignities, and the favor and goodwill of princes and magnates, an image of the Sun when it is in Leo and in the tenth house, in trine with Jupiter or the Moon. This year 1608, however, the solar influence is impeded by the opposition of Mars from Aquarius, as the notable and unusual changes of the very air openly demonstrate. Hence, in forming these figures, this alone must be considered: that the planet whose virtue and influence someone desires to bring into accord for himself should be as free as possible from every impediment.

Demonstration of the reasons from which these magical images have such great force and efficacy. Treatise VII.

But why and whence rings, images, and figures engraved on a certain metal or stone 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. By this mediation, body and soul, substances distant from one another, are coupled with one another; by this the magnet draws iron, and chicory follows the motion of the Sun.

By the interposition or intervention of this vehicle and bond, Mercury is efficacious in quicksilver, in sharpening or weakening the memory and the cogitative faculty, in the alectorius stone, in mixed color and flavor, in Egypt, Greece, Flanders, and Silesia.

By the intervention of this vehicle, the Moon is efficacious in silver and glass, in the brain, in the eye