Veterum Sophorum Sigilla et Imagines Magicae (pseudo-Trithemian, 1612; e-rara witness)

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The seals and magical images of the ancient sages, or carvings 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 heavens and constellations, for ...

Trithemius, Johannes [no place], 1612

Foundation of the Works of C. G. Jung, Zurich Shelf Mark: Online Persistent Link: https://doi.org/10.3931/e-rara-8803

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Ruris non ader. C. G. Jung Called or not called, God will be present.

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4 Negro Bridger

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The Seals and Magical Images of the Ancient Sages, or Carvings of Stones and Gems, according to the Name of God, the Tetra- grammaton, 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, for sharpening the memory and the intellect, the wondrous erection of the signature of Mercury.

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

Drawn from the manuscript of Johannes Trithemius. They are published in the year of restored salvation 1612.

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

Treatise I. The Seals of Raphael.

The image of a handsome dragon, if it has been carved in ruby or in another stone of similar nature: know that its power lies in increasing the goods of this world, and in making the person who carries it cheerful and healthy.

The image of a falcon, if it is in topaz, serves for acquiring the favor of kings, princes, and magnates.

The image of an astrolabe, if carved in garnet,

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if carved, its power will be to make the person who carries it healthy and free from all sicknesses and adverse mishaps on a journey.

The image of an ass, if it is in chrysolite, will have the power to foretell and predict future things, insofar, that is, as this can fall to human weakness; for truly to predict future things belongs to God alone.

The image of a ram, or of the head of a bearded man, carved in sapphire, has the power of healing and freeing from many infirmities, from prison, and from every trouble. It is a royal image, for it grants dignities and honors, and raises one on high.

The figure of a frog, if carved in beryl, has the power of reconciling enemies and producing friendship among people, if you touch with it those who are at odds.

The image of a camel's head and two goats among branches of a myrtle tree, if

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The image of a bat, if it is carved in heliotrope, gives the bearer power to resist demons.

The image of a well-adorned man holding something beautiful in his hands, if it is carved in carnelian, has the power to staunch blood, and contributes to honors.

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

The image of an armed man with a bow and arrow, if carved in iris, has the power to guard the bearer, and the places in which he stays, from evil.

The image of a man with a sword in his hand, if made in carnelian, has the power to preserve the place where it is from lightning and storm, and it guards the bearer from vices and from bewitchment.

The image of a bull, if made in prase, is said to assist in works of harmful magic, and grants favor in masteries.

The figure of a hoopoe with the herb dragontea before it, if made in beryl, will have the power to summon aquatic spirits, to compel them to speak, and to receive answers from them concerning questions asked.

The image of a man with his right hand raised toward heaven, if made in chalcedony, will have the power to win civil lawsuits, and to render the bearer

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healthy, and to preserve him on journeys and from harmful causes.

If the names of God are carved in ceraunia, it will have the power to preserve the places where it is from storms, and it gives power and victory to its bearers against their enemies.

The image of a bear, when made in amethyst, has the power to put demons to flight, and to defend and preserve a person from drunkenness.

The image of an armed man carved in magnet renders its bearers victorious in war.

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TRACTATE II.

THE IMAGES, OR SEALS, OF CHAEL.

Chael, one of the sons of the sons of Israel, a very ancient teacher, when he was in the desert, observed and had many figures carved according to the course of the signs and planets, and recognized a very great effect in them. And so that these powers of the images might be known to posterity, he composed a book, from which the following have been excerpted. And 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 a fox and a vulture in his hands: if such a stone, on which these things have been carved, is hung from the neck, it is effective for all planting 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 must be carved on the day and hour of Venus.

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

The image of a horse having a crocodile upon it, carved in hyacinth, has the power to render the bearer victorious in civil cases; it makes him loved, obedient, and amiable. It must 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 down toward her lower back, and of a man looking upward, carved in carnelian: its power will be to acquire goodwill from all those touched with this stone. A little amber and turpentine must 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 must be set in equal weights of gold and silver.

The image of a seated man with a lighted candle in his hand, if carved in chrysolite, makes the bearer rich, and it must be set in the purest gold. Cerui

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The figure of a stag, or of a hunter, or of a dog, or of a hare, carved in stone, has the power of restraining demons, lunatics, and the frenzied.

You should know that the carved image of a woman holding a bird in one hand and a fish in the other has power in catching fish and birds; it must be set in silver.

An image whose front part is a horse, but whose rear part is a goat, if it is carved in some stone, gives good fortune in feeding and equipping animals or beasts of every kind, and it must 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 favor in hunting, if they carry it with them.

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

The figure of a Scorpion and a Sagittarius fighting one another, if it is carved in some stone, will make the malicious and discordant concordant, and enemies friends; it should be set in silver.

The image of a vulture with an olive branch in its mouth, carved in pyrite, if you carry it with you in a silver ring,

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you will be invited to many banquets, and everyone will look at you with wonder and amazement.

The figure of a half ram and half lion, when it has been carved in some precious stone, if you touch discordant people with it, they are made amiable and concordant; and it must 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, renders people invisible. The ring with the stone must be turned toward the palm, with the palm closed.

The figure of a basilisk, of which one part is a woman and the lower part a serpent, when it has been carved in some precious stone, will have the power of putting all poisonous animals to flight.

The figure of a basilisk fighting with a dragon, with a human head above it, carved in carnelian, when hung from the neck, will give the wearer the power of overcoming 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 it has been carved in jet, you should know has the power of freeing one from all

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

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

You should know that a man bending his knees and looking upward, holding a single cloth, carved in turquoise, is effective for buying and selling goods.

The figure of Scorpions and Sagittarii warring among themselves, carved in some stone, set in an iron ring, and impressed in wax, at once brings it about among discordant people, whomever you touch with it.

You should know that the figure of a ram with the half of an ox, carved in some gem, has the power, when it has been set in a silver ring, that whomever you touch with it, such persons immediately become concordant.

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

The figure of a man plowing, and above him let there be the hand of the Lord making a sign, and beside it

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...and next to it a star has been carved: if it has been carved in some gem, and you carry it most honorably, in whatever region you are, you will not perish from tempest, 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 under each foot let there be a man standing, holding the chair at his neck; and let there be a circle around the head of the seated man, and let his hands be raised toward heaven: if you find this figure carved under a white hyacinth, and place this stone in a silver ring of equal weight to the stone, with a little mastic and turpentine beneath the stone, and make an impression in wax and carry it at your neck, you will obtain from kings and princes whatever you wish. It must, however, be carried most justly and most chastely.

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

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

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by a light charm, and will also show him the manner of extracting them.

The figure of a man standing, wearing a breastplate, 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 this 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 plantations and every kind of cultivation, for finding treasures, and for warfare; it will turn enemies into friends, and is effective in many illnesses. If anyone carries it, serpents will flee from his face. It also heals epileptics; and if a child carries it at the neck, it drives away fear from him, and the harassment of evil spirits. If a sick person carries it, he will recover health. And in order that it may have greater power, it should be placed in an iron ring, with double weight in relation to the stone.

The figure of an eagle standing: if you find it carved in aetites and put it in a leaden ring, the one who carries it will be accepted and loved by people, and animals will obey him.

The figure of a ram and at the same time of a lion: if you find it carved in some precious stone

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and set it in a silver ring, if you touch those who are at odds with it, they will be reconciled.

The sign of Capricorn carved in cornelian, or in another stone, set in a silver ring and carried with you: for you will be harmed by enemies neither personally nor orally, 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 that have been made against you will be destroyed. In battle also no enemy, however strong he may be, will be able to resist you. These things are from Chael.

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TREATISE III.

THE SIGILS OR IMAGES OF HERMES.

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

The image of a man carved in diadochos, standing and of great stature, holding an obol in his right hand and a serpent in the other; and let the figure of the Sun be above the man’s head, and let him hold a prostrate lion beneath his feet: when it has been placed in a leaden ring with a little artemisia and fenugreek root, 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 man standing and holding a bundle of herb hung from his neck, with thickness of the loins and breadth of the shoulders: when it has been carved in green jasper, know that it provides aid to those suffering fever and frees them from fever. And if someone practices the art of medicine and carries it with him, it grants him the greatest favor in distinguishing illnesses, recognizing medicines and herbs, and giving potions; and in every hemorrhage and flow of blood it helps and immediately restrains it.

The turtle dove

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The image of a sea-turtle, if it is carved on a sea-stone and is carried set in a lead ring, will not be able to be harmed by anyone, and will be loved by elders and by the lords of lands.

The figure of Aquarius, if it has been carved on a green jasper and someone carries it with him, provides 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 on Pangon stone, and you set 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, with four men standing there before Jupiter, and with Jupiter's hands raised toward heaven, and with a diadem on his head: if it has been carved on hyacinth and set 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.

The 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 this man a staff with which he strikes the dragon's head:

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if it has been carved on crystal, or on some precious stone, and is set in orichalcum, and beneath the stone there is musk and amber, then if someone carries such a stone with him, he will have obedient spirits and will accumulate great resources.

The image of a man sitting upon an eagle and holding a rod in his hand, if it has been carved on crystal and set in a bronze or copper ring: if someone looks upon this ring on the day of the Sun before its rising, he will conquer and overcome all his enemies; if he looks upon it on the day of Jupiter, he will be victorious in war, and all men will willingly obey him. But the wearer must be dressed in white garments and abstain from dove's flesh.

The figure of a man riding a horse, holding a bridle in one hand and a drawn bow in the other, and having a sword girded on: if it has been carved on pyrite stone and set in a gold ring, and someone carries it with him, it will make him victorious in battles, nor will anyone be able to resist him.

The image of a woman having her hair spread over her breasts, and in her sight a man as if approaching and making some sign of love to her: if it has been carved on hyacinth or crystal and set in gold, and beneath the stone there is amber, aloes, and artemisia, then for the person carrying this stone

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in a ring, all will obey; and if you touch a woman with it, she will love you; and if you place it beneath your head when you go to sleep, you will see whatever you wish.

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

The figure of a naked man standing, and at his right a girl standing, whose hair is bound around her head, with the man holding his right hand above the girl's neck and his left above her breast, and looking at her face, while she looks at the ground: when it has been carved on some stone and set in an iron ring, and beneath the stone there is a little tongue of sparrow, hoopoe, myrrh, alum, and human blood, whoever carries this ring will be unconquered, nor will anyone be able to resist him, nor will any wild beast harm him. It is also effective for epileptics if you mark red wax with it; and if it is placed at a dog's neck, it does not permit the dog to bark.

The image of a man holding flowers in his hand, if it has been carved on carnelian and placed 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 he will at once obey you.

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

The figure of a man holding a sickle in his hand above his head, and beneath his feet a crocodile, when it has been carved in a stone and set in a lead ring, and beneath 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 lead or iron ring and worn on the finger: spirits will obey him and will reveal to him any treasures whatsoever.

The figure of a standing eagle, when it has been carved in an aetites stone and set in a lead 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.

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The figure of a man holding a palm branch in his hand, if it has been carved in some stone, renders the wearer pleasing and lovable to the powerful and to princes. These things are from Hermes.

TRACTATE IV.

IMAGES, OR SEALS, of Thetel.

Thetel, a most ancient doctor, treating of carvings in 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 in place of feet there are vipers, and in place of the man’s head there is the head of a cock or a lion, will give power against enemies and renders the wearer victorious. It is effective against poisons, and it also staunches blood from whatever part it flows.

The figure of a man having a little bundle of herb 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. They say that Galen possessed this stone.

They say that a cross carved in green jasper

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has the power of freeing the wearer from drowning in water.

A woman holding a bird in one hand and a fish in the other, when she has been carved in chrysolite, is of great value for commerce.

The figure of a wolf carved in jasper is effective against cunning and prevents one from uttering insane words.

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 his head raised makes the wearer lovable to every creature, and he will obtain whatever he has asked for.

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

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

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TRACTATE V.

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 Your Name, O 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, and four men lying upon his neck, and holding a fox in one hand and a vulture in the other: you should know that this seal, hung from the neck, is effective for all plantings and for every discovery of treasures. You will establish the proof of it in this way: take pure black wool without dye, 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 the 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.

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Place at your neck a man carved in green jasper, who has a shield hanging at his neck, and above his head a helmet with an upright sword, and who treads a serpent under his feet; and you will fear no enemy. In all things you will be victor, especially in martial matters; and it must be bound in bronze.

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

When the figure of a seated man and of a woman standing before him, having hair extended down to her thigh and raising her eyes upward, has been carved in cornelian, know that its virtue is to render every person, whether male or female, obedient. It must be bound in gold of the same weight as the stone itself; 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 is useful for all the affairs of the one who carries it, and all princes and nobles will be obedient to him. It must 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 about the neck is found carved in adamant, know that it confers victory and boldness, preserves the body from every injury, and is effective for obtaining favor from princes.

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

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

The figure of a lion carved in garnet provides riches and honors, brings joy, and drives out sadness.

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

The figure of a man in the likeness of a merchant carrying goods for sale, or of a man sitting under a centurion, when found in emerald, gives riches, makes one victorious, and relieves one from distresses.

The image of a bull or calf found in magnet-stone provides the bearer with 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, compliant, and beloved by God and men, and provides honors and dignities.

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When the image of an armed man with a sword in his hand is found carved in sardius or amethyst, it makes the bearer acquire a perfect and good memory, and makes him prudent.

The figure of a stag or billy goat found carved in chalcedony gives the virtue 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 clever, victorious, and lovable.

The image of a man holding laurel or a palm in his right hand makes the bearer victorious in lawsuits and trials, lovable, and powerful in his own region.

Seals.

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 kernel, carved in some stone, is effective for acquiring riches.

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

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

When you find a basilisk and a dragon fighting each other, carved in cornelian, 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, swollen, and crowned man, holding a cup in one hand and a branch of an herb in the other, carved in jet and bound in a ring made of any metal, immediately frees the bearer from fever when he carries it.

The figure of a man sitting upon a fish in a red stone

Magic.

If the figure of a man sitting upon a fish has been carved in red jasper and placed on someone’s cloth, it will make a diner who eats with his right hand unable to be satisfied.

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

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

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

Seals.

of the same weight as the stone, and enclose beneath the ring the tongue of a hoopoe, myrrh, alum, and as much human blood as the tongue weighs. No enemy will be able to resist the one carrying this ring in his presence, whether in war or elsewhere; nor will a robber 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. Red wax also, when sealed with it and hung from a dog’s neck, will prevent it from barking.

Know that a soldier running on a horse, with a horn at his neck and with a tree before him, carved in some precious stone, has power for all hunts.

Know that a woman holding a bird in one hand and a fish in the other, carved in crystal, has power for catching birds; and it must be bound in silver.

Know that the figure of a man with the head of a goat in place of his own has power for acquiring riches.

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

Know that a horned animal that carries a horse beneath it, while the horse draws behind itself the half of a goat, carved in some more precious stone,

Magic.

has very great power for taming any beast whatsoever; and it must be bound in a leaden ring.

When you find the figure of a turtle-dove carved in pangonius, the one who carries it in a leaden ring will never be wounded, nor will he receive harm, but he will be honored by everyone, 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 of a vulture, the one who carries it will gain profit from everything he is about to buy and sell, 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 slender tail, or of a man in whose right hand there is a staff and who strikes the head of a lion, and you set it in orichalcum, with musk and amber beneath the stone, and carry it with you, all will obey you and you will increase your wealth. Wax sealed with it will have the same power.

When you find carved in some stone the figure of the winged horse called Pegasus, it is excellent for soldiers, and in field battle it gives boldness and eagerness.

The figure of a tree, or 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 maiden in a stola with a flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, if found on jasper, renders 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 a horse with a lance, carved on amethyst, makes the wearer victorious in war in the field.

The figure of Hercules, holding a club in his right hand and killing a lion or some other monster, if you find it carved on a stone, know that it grants victory in battle in the field.

The figure of Jupiter, which is in the form of a man with the head of a ram, makes the wearer lovable and quickly obtaining whatever he wishes.

A virgin or girl with a lamp, carved in crystal, has the power 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 for all cold illnesses

and to assist phlegmatic fevers; and, because of the dignity of the planets that hold dominion in those signs, to render the wearer pleasing to God and men, eloquent, endowed with talent, 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 for all hot and moist illnesses, and will incline the wearer toward rural works, such as ploughing, planting, sowing, 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 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 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 Scorpio on the left.

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 sitting on a seat 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 fashioned 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 krabatus, it renders the wearer fortunate, lovable, and pleasing to religious men, and raises him to honors and dignities.

The image of Mars is fashioned on 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 equestrian. The power of this stone, when carved in this way, 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 in the likeness of a man sitting on a seat, with loose hair and flowing garment, and also in a chariot, as if he were being carried by four horses, so that the twelve signs of the zodiac are all around the chariot. The power of this figure carved on some stone renders the wearer commanding and pleasing to great men.

The images of Venus likewise are many; nevertheless the following is more frequently engraved on stones: a woman with a large garment and stola, holding laurel in her hand. Its power is to give agility in accomplishing tasks, to bring all things to the desired end, to remove fear of drowning in water, and to bring honors from women.

The figure of Mercury is a man with a slender chest, having a fine beard and winged sandals, holding the caduceus rod, with a rooster before his feet, or with a serpent under his feet. Its power is to assist in acquiring knowledge and oratory, and it also gives very great help in enriching merchants.

The images of the Moon are various. For sometimes she is fashioned in the proper figure of the Moon, with horns; sometimes in a chariot, as a girl with dogs and a quiver, with dogs following a stag. The power of this image is to provide success in legions, and from these good things, etc.

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good things and honors, and in all matters being undertaken to provide speed and ease, and to bring everything to the desired end. But one must carefully observe, as was also warned above, that the planet whose image you wish to have carved in 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 the heaven, at the Ascendant or Midheaven, with Jupiter or Venus, and in its essential dignities; otherwise the image will be empty and of no importance.

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

They engrave two bears encircled by a serpent: the Greater Bear is contained at the head of the coil, the Lesser at the tail. This image, carved in some stone, makes the wearer learned, crafty, and powerful.

The image of the Crown has the likeness of a royal crown with many stars; sometimes it is figured in the likeness of a king with a crowned head. It is located 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 in stone, it gives honors and knowledge to those who wear it, and royal favor.

The image of Hercules Bent is also as follows:

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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 in a suitable stone, contribute to victory in war, especially if it is worn in agate.

The image of the Swan or Hen, with wings spread and neck bent, makes the wearer pleasing to the people, learned, and wealthy, and drives away gout, paralysis, and quartan fever.

The figure of Cepheus, having a sword girded on, with 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 makes delightful things 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 placed in the sign of Taurus and in the northern part. Its nature is of Saturn and Venus. When this has been carved in a suitable stone, its virtue will be to provide health to people, to restore weak and weary bodies, to give rest and tranquility to those who wear it after labor they have undertaken, and to provide pleasant and sweet sleep.

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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 has been carved in stone, is to reconcile quarrels and disputes that have arisen between husband and wife, to strengthen stable love, and to guard against 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. It has the force of Saturn and Venus. If it has been carved in stone, it turns misfortunes away from the wearer and preserves him from lightning and storm; not only the wearer, but also the places where it is kept. It also dissolves enchantments.

Serpentarius is the figure of a man holding a serpent, grasping 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 poisonous animals, and, if its washing is drunk, to make 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 located in Cancer and in the northern part, and is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars; but the arrow is of the nature of Mars and Venus. These constellations, when

Magic.

When these constellations have been engraved on a stone, they are said to preserve the bearer’s former ranks of honors, to acquire new ones, and to confer 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 it has been engraved on a stone and bound to the limbs, it makes the bearer fortunate in fishing.

Pegasus, or the winged horse, according to some is half a horse with wings, according to others a whole horse with wings, and without a bridle. It is in the sign of Aries and in the northern part, having the nature of Mars and Jupiter. When it has been engraved on a stone, it gives the bearer victory in battle on open ground, and renders 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 possesses the nature of Saturn. When this figure has been engraved on a stone, with a crested serpent above its back, it makes the bearer fortunate at sea, renders him prudent and lovable, and restores what has been taken away.

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The image of Orion is that of an armed man with a sword or 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, engraved on a stone, renders the bearer victorious and makes him carry off victory over his enemies.

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

The image of the Dog is the figure of a hunting dog with a curved tail. It is in the sign of Cancer and in the southern part, having the nature of Venus. If it is engraved on a stone, they say that it has the very power of completely freeing lunatics, maniacs, and those possessed by demons.

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 power is to cure the frenzied and to be effective 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 a man, holding in his left hand

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a spear resting above the left shoulder, with a hare hanging from it; and in his right hand a small beast lying on its back, with a kettle hanging. It is established in Libra and in the southern part, and is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars. The power of this engraving is to render the bearer constant and healthy with lasting health.

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

The figure of an altar or censer is of the nature of Venus and Mercury, with a kindled fire. When it has been engraved on a stone, it makes the bearer fit for summoning spirits, for being in converse with them, and renders them obedient. They also say that it renders the bearer adorned with perpetual virginity, since it induces chastity.

The image of Hydra, or 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 power is to make the bearer very rich, astute, cautious, and free from harmful things, and it resists every harmful color.

The figure of the Southern Crown is made like an imperial crown. It is of the nature of Saturn and Mars, in

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Its virtue lies 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. This, carved in stone, makes the bearer fortunate in military service and victorious in battle fought in the field.

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

The image of the Scorpion, impressed or carved on a gold ring and bezoar stone when the Moon is in Scorpio, and Scorpio is thus 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 suffering quartan fevers, and maniacs. 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, or 12th 150

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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 when the lord of the Ascendant and the lord of the sixth house aspect one another by sextile or trine, or at least when the Moon aspects either one of them, is said by experience to free the bearer, under the soles of the feet, from gouty pains.

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ON THE METHOD OF MAKING SEALS AND MAGICAL IMAGES.

TRACTATE VI.

Having set out the magical seals and images, and the method of making them, so far as it has indeed been handed down by the most ancient writers themselves, it remains that a more exact method of making them also be added here, and that the preceding matters be explained more precisely.

And indeed, before everything else, in their composition the time must be considered: the time of election, I mean, must be carefully observed in inscribing or carving figures on stones. For they receive a greater power from heaven if they are carved at fixed and suitable times, since in this way the stars exert their influence more strongly. 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 he himself is in Capri-

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corn 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 ought to be set into a ring or stone when the Sun is passing through Leo and the Moon through Cancer, yet in such a way that each is free from every impediment, and 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 living, rules the others, and has its effect felt before the others; and therefore the planet must always be directed to the place, that is, to the sign, face, and degree that the Sun illuminates.

Thus far concerning the magical images of the ancient sages. I have chosen to enumerate them here chiefly for this reason: so that it may be 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 should wish, with superstition, to direct them toward doing evil, he will be contrary to the divine order of the art itself and to the principles from which they flowed; and he should fear lest, ensnared by mad superstitions, he become wholly mad and superstitious.

Moreover

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Moreover, on almost the same foundations and for the same causes, gilded and silver plates, round, square, or triangular, have now also begun to be fashioned; on them 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 especially consonant with reason and experience that the influence of the planets is received and retained in figures and images of this kind, marked with a definite 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 house, exaltation, or triplicity, in the eastern angle or midheaven, free from the harmful rays of Saturn or Mars, supported by the trine or sextile of Venus or Jupiter, or joined with them, direct, swift in motion, not combust, and ascending in the circle of its auge.

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

Let Mercury serve as an example. If anyone wishes to obtain its influence for sharpening understanding, wit, and memory, he should observe at what time of the year Mercury is in Gemini or Virgo, the signs in which it has its own house, and is strong and fortunate in the east or in the midheaven. Once the hour and minute of the hour have been found, a careful and skillful engraving of the celestial figure, together with a delineation of the aspects, should be made in pure silver. This is afterward enclosed in white silk and kept; and, with a few grains of the best musk added, it is sewn into a cap at the part where it precisely touches the cerebellum. It has been observed to perform its operation chiefly 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 hour of the morning. 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 hour of the morning, at which time it precedes the Sun in the eastern angle, in its own house, exaltation, and the favorable trine of Jupiter.

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And this is the method of sharpening the intellectual power and memory from the virtues of the heavens. From plants and animals too, I hope I shall gain no small favor among those whose memory is fragile and fluid, although they are quick in understanding, if I bring forth certain remedies for strengthening the memory. I know that very distinguished men have used them successfully; until now they have lain hidden among concealed secrets. I do not begrudge what can be of public use. You should know, however, that there are many things in them that adhere neither in temperament, nor in matter, nor in any manifest quality, but must be ascribed solely to some occult property.

Take seven hearts of swallows, still beating; two of turtledoves; dried mint, pennyroyal, vervain, eyebright, prepared coriander, galitrichum, each one ounce; flowers of rosemary, half an ounce; aromatic calamus and cinnamon, each two ounces; cloves, one and a half ounces; musk and musky Gallia, each six grains; anacardium honey and storax calamita, each half an ounce. Of these, let the ingredients that admit of grinding be reduced to a fine powder, and with fennel water let them be made into pastilles in the shape of a date-stone.

The person who will use this shall observe the following order. After the body has been purged, for fifty nights he shall eat nothing for supper except raisins with a few almonds and a little bread. His lunch

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will be either a roasted hen or a young chicken, a turtledove, a partridge, or something similar; his drink will be one-year-old wine, moderately diluted. Each night, near the hour of sleep, a pastille shall be inserted into the right nostril and stopped with cotton, and he shall keep it so no longer than it takes to recite twenty verses of Virgil. After several days have passed, put into the left nostril a pastille moistened with rosewater, and you will retain everything you are about to read, or will quickly grasp it with understanding.

But anyone who wishes in this way to preserve his memory completely must abstain from drunkenness, sex, and especially from an overloaded stomach, from all satiety, green fruits, vegetables, salted meats, and everything that generates wind. At the end of the meal, prepared coriander seed is to be used. Above all, it will also be harmless if it is carefully and properly prepared. It will also not be harmless to hold a pastille in the mouth from time to time and swallow it. It will also help to throw a pastille upon coals, so that the smoke may be properly received into the nostrils and, once received, retained, the nostrils being stopped with cotton so that it does not escape; or also to dissolve some pastilles in lavender water, rosewater, or anise water, and frequently, morning and evening, to moisten the forehead, temples, nostrils, and the back of the head around the capsule of memory, and to put clean soaked little linen cloths into the nostrils. And yet this remedy has been disclosed to few.

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But to return to celestial matters: in precisely the same manner and form as with Mercury, the powers and influences of the remaining planets can be drawn down. Thus, for obtaining honors and dignities, and the favor and goodwill of princes and magnates, there is the image of the Sun when he is in Leo and in the tenth house, in trine with Jupiter or the Moon. Yet in this year 1608 the solar influence is impeded because of Mars opposite from Aquarius, as the remarkable and unusual changes of the very air clearly show. Hence, in forming these figures, this alone must be observed: that the planet whose virtue and influence one wishes to draw to oneself be as free as possible from every impediment.

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Demonstration of the Reasons Whence These Magical Images Have Such Great Force and Efficacy.

Treatise VII.

But why and whence rings, images, and figures engraved in a particular metal or stone possess 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 some higher and more sublime cause, which some have not inappropriately called a spiritual vehicle and bond. Through this mediation, body and soul, substances mutually distant, are joined together; by this the magnet draws iron, and chicory follows the motion of the Sun.

By this vehicle and bond intervening or coming between, Mercury is effective in quicksilver, in sharpening or weakening the memory and the cogitative faculty, in the alectorius stone, in a mixed color and flavor, and in Egypt, Greece, Flanders, and Silesia.

By this vehicle intervening, the Moon is effective in silver and glass, in the brain, in the left eye

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

Saturn is effective in lead, the right ear, the spleen, bladder, and bones; in the colors black, livid, and leaden; in an astringent taste; in black and dark stones; in the first climate, the right side of the east, Saxony, Styria, etc.

Jupiter is effective in tin, the lung, ribs, pulse, seed, and left ear; in the colors dusky, purple, yellow, and green; in emerald, sapphire, and amethyst; in a sweet taste; in the second climate, the north, Babylonia, Persia, Hungary, and Spain.

The Sun is effective in laurel, the heart, arteries, the eye, and the right side; in the colors gold, saffron, and reddish-brown; in hyacinth; in a sharp and biting taste; in a good odor that is not excessive; in the fourth climate, and in the east.

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

Venus is effective in copper and mirrors of every kind; in the womb, kidneys, breasts, throat, genitals, and liver; in the color white; in a greasy, sweet, and fatty taste; in pearls, sapphire, and carbuncle; in the fifth climate, Austria, Arabia, Campania, Poland, and Switzerland.

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Therefore, to seek the principle of these hidden influences from those primary 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 virtues flow are not corporeal, and are poured in from heaven without a body. For this reason there is no need here for any measure taken from the senses, no ambitious battle of words, and no empty attempt at demonstrations. That the beginning of every philosophical demonstration cannot be sought from the senses and qualities, but must be sought elsewhere, is clear even from this common example: if someone asks about the color of the white rose, namely whence it derives its origin, and wishes to ascribe its cause to a colder temperament, what, I ask, will he say about the red rose? Will you say that species of endive pour out a milky juice because they are cold? Yet 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? But in opium, which kills by its deadly coldness, there is a remarkable bitterness. And although it be granted that such things proceed from the property of the whole substance, nevertheless in our mystery a more sublime and more excellent craftsman, engraver, and fashioner must be placed and sought above that substance. Therefore the Alexandrians have tried in vain to refer everything to manifest qualities

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...are, which Scaliger, in Exercise 318, says is the height of impudence; and at least in the case of poisons it would have been proper for them to acquiesce. We see certain things spring forth from the lap and bosom of nature whose causes, although they are wholly inexplicable to us, nevertheless meanwhile it is pleasing and delightful to the lover of medicine, and to the diligent and keen investigator of natural things, to devise probable reasons for them. If he does not fully attain these reasons, still he does not take away trust from manifest facts, nor does he disparage the effects, but follows nature and its maker with admiration.

From this it is clear, and is elicited, that those things are not altogether vain which concern characteristic healing, which through engraved images hung from the neck accomplishes natural operations by the celestial properties of the stars, agreeing with our bodies by a wondrous influence. 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, apart from every superstition, which ignorance alone of this mystery has invented, apart from profanation of the divine name and scandal, and apart from 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 beginnings, they dared to attribute more to them than God, the creator of all things, granted and willed to be made manifest through them.

Yet I am so far from attributing any power in itself to these images, or affirming that a character or a named constellation has power by reason of its figure, since figure, number, magnitude, position, and the division of the continuous are the principles of no action, that I flatly deny that there is anything else acting and moving by whose power characters are effective. God heals human beings through the Prophets by the spoken word alone. For God is living; and the name of the living God is also living; and the letters of the living name are also living. God lives through himself; his name lives through him; and the letters live through the name. And just as God has life in himself, so also he gave to his name to have life in itself, and further gave the name to the letters.

Images or characters are therefore 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 in the cause, that is, the Spirit of God assisting nature

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through the word Fiat. Hence the herb itself is not medicine; rather, this medicine lies hidden invisibly in it, implanted there 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 Orcus, nor mocked foolishly.

END.

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