Veterum Sophorum Sigilla et Imagines Magicae (pseudo-Trithemian, 1612; e-rara witness)
Seals and Magical Images of the Ancient Sages (pseudo-Trithemian; e-rara witness)
prdl-70292_e-rara_veterum-sophorum-sigilla-et-imagines · Latin source / English translation, segment by segment
The left column is the OCR’d Latin segment from the release artifact; the right column is the corresponding English. These are translation units, not Trithemius’s chapter divisions. Untranslated or intentionally placeholdered segments are marked in place so the Latin remains visible (see Methodology — Latin-only display segments).
This work also has special scholarly renderings for its cipher tables and damaged passages, each shown beside the source facsimile: Recovered untranslated passages.
The seals and magical images of the ancient sages, or the 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 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, King of the Jews; 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.
Latin only — not translated
Latin only — not translated
The Magical Seals and 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 beautiful dragon, if it has been carved in ruby, or in another stone of similar nature, know that its power is to increase the goods of this world, and to make the wearer cheerful and healthy.
The image of a falcon, if it is made in topaz, serves to acquire the goodwill of kings, princes, and magnates.
The image of an astrolabe, if it has been carved in garnet, its power will be to restore the wearer to health and to free him from all illnesses and adverse accidents on a journey.
The image of an ass, if it is made in chrysolite, its power will be to prognosticate and predict future things, that is, insofar as it can pass into human weakness; for truly to predict future things belongs to God alone.
The image of a ram, or of the head of a man with a beard, carved in sapphire, has the power 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 it has been carved in beryl, has the power of reconciling enemies, and friendship among men, if you touch those at discord with it.
The image of a camel’s head and of two goats among [a myrtle tree?], if it is made in onyx, has the power of summoning, gathering, and binding demons, if someone carries it with him; and in sleep it makes one see terrible and wondrous things.
The image of a vulture, if it is made in chrysolite, its power will be to bridle and gather demons, to defend the place in which it is put from evil spirits and from their infestation, and it makes demons obedient to the wearer.
The image of a bat, if it has been carved in heliotrope, gives the wearer power to resist demons.
The image of a well-adorned man having something beautiful in his hands, if it has been carved in cornelian, has the power of stopping blood; it contributes to honors.
The image of a lion or of Sagittarius, if it is made in stone, is effective against poisons; it frees from fever.
The image of an armed man with a bow and arrow, if it has been carved in iris, has the power to protect the wearer and the places in which he stays from evil.
The image of a man with a sword in his hand, if it is made in cornelian, has the power of preserving the place in which it shall be from lightning and tempest; it guards the wearer from vices and from fascination.
The image of a bull, if it is made in prase, is said to help against sorceries; in masteries it provides favor.
The figure of a hoopoe with the herb dragonwort before it, if it is made in beryl, will have the power to summon aquatic spirits, to restrain speech, and to receive answers from them concerning the things asked.
The image of a man with his right hand raised toward heaven, if it is made in chalcedony, its power will be to win civil lawsuits, to render the wearer healthy, and to preserve him on journeys and from harmful causes.
If the names of God have been carved in ceraunia, it will have the power of preserving the places in which it shall be from tempests, and it gives power and victory to wearers against their enemies.
The image of a bear, when it is made in amethyst, has the power of driving demons away, and of defending and preserving a man from drunkenness.
The image of an armed man carved in magnet makes wearers victorious in war.
TRAS
Magic.
Treatise II.
The Images, or Seals, of Chael.
Chael, one of the sons of Israel, a most ancient teacher, when he was in the desert, observed, and had many figures carved according to the course of the signs of the planets. He recognized a very great effect in them, and, so that these powers of images might be known to posterity, he composed a book, from which the following things 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 at the very beginning in the book itself written by Chael.)
The figure of a man sitting behind a plough, with a long beard and a long face, with curved eyebrows, around whose neck there are four men lying down, 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 has another power, namely to be beneficial in the illnesses of brute animals, when they drink water in which this stone has been washed. It must be carved on the day and hour of Venus.
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 on red jasper: if it is hung from the neck, he will overcome all in battle, especially if the battle is joined on the day of Mars.
The image of a horse having a crocodile upon it, carved on a hyacinth: it has the power to render the wearer victorious in civil cases; it makes him loved, compliant, and lovable, and 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, her hair spread toward her loins, and of a man looking upward, carved on carnelian: its power will be to acquire goodwill from all who are touched by 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 sceptre in his hand, carved on hematite: it grants the power of ruling and restores lost favor; it must be set in equal weight of gold and silver.
The image of a seated man with a lit candle in his hand, if it has been carved on chrysolite, makes the wearer rich; it must be set in the purest gold.
The carved figure of a stag, or of a hunter, or of a hare, has the power of restraining demons, lunatics, and the frenzied.
Know that the carved image of a woman having in one hand a bird and in the other a fish 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 on some stone, gives good fortune in feeding and arming animals or beasts of every kind, and it must be set in lead.
The figure of a woman sitting with a trumpet on a horse, or of a soldier running with a horn at his neck and with a tree before him, carved on some stone, grants hunters favor in hunting, if they carry it with them.
The figure of a man with bent knees looking upward and holding a cloth, if it is carved on a stone and someone carries it with him, gives favor and riches in buying and selling things.
The figure of a scorpion and a Sagittarius fighting with one another, if it has been carved on 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, if you carve it on pyrite and carry it with you in
Seals
in a silver ring, you will be invited to many banquets, and all will look at you with wonder and astonishment.
The figure of a ram and of the half of a lion, when it has been carved on some precious stone: when you have touched discordant persons with it, they will be made loving and harmonious; and it must be set in silver.
The figure of a woman in the upper part, but in the lower part of a fish, holding a mirror in one hand and a branch in the other hand, carved in hyacinth and worn on the finger in a gold ring, renders one invisible. The ring with the stone must be turned toward the palm, and the palm must be closed.
The figure of a basilisk, of which one part is that of a woman, but the lower part that of a serpent, when it has been carved on some precious stone, will have the power of putting all venomous animals to flight.
The figure of a basilisk fighting with a dragon, with a man’s head made above, carved in cornelian: when it is hung from the neck, it will give the wearer the power of overcoming every beast, both terrestrial and marine.
The figure of a naked, swollen man, 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 stone, you should know to have the power of freeing from all fevers, when he has carried it with him for three days.
A statue of a man having an ox’s head and eagle’s feet, carved on some stone: when you have carried it with you, no man will speak ill of you.
A man bending his knees and looking upward, and holding one cloth, carved in turquoise, you should know to be effective for buying and selling things.
The figure of scorpions and Sagittarius fighting each other, carved on some stone, set in an iron ring and impressed on wax, immediately makes [unclear] among discordant persons, whomever you touch with it.
The figure of a ram with the half of an ox, carved on some gem, you should know to have the power, when it has been set in a silver ring, that whomever you touch with it, such persons immediately become harmonious.
The figure of a woman in the upper part and in the lower part of a fish, 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 one invisible whenever you wish. The seal, however, must be covered with wax and worn on the finger turned toward the palm.
The figure of a man ploughing; above him let there be the hand of the Lord making a sign; beside it let a star be carved: if it has been carved on some gem and you have worn it most honorably, in whatever region you are, you will not perish from a storm, and the fruits of the earth likewise in that place will not perish.
The figure of a young man holding 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 by the neck; and let there be a circle around the head of the one sitting, and let his hands be raised to heaven. If you find this figure carved under white hyacinth, and place this stone in a silver ring of equal weight to the stone, and beneath the stone a little mastic and turpentine, and make a seal in wax, and wear it at the neck, you will obtain from kings and princes whatever you wish; but it must be worn most justly and chastely.
The figure of a serpent having a man on its back, and upon the same a raven: if you find it carved on 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, place it in a lead or iron ring, and all subterranean spirits will obey him, and will reveal to him all treasures
Magic.
[unclear] treasures by a light charm, and they themselves will also show the method of extracting them.
If you find the figure of a standing man wearing a breastplate, a helmet on his head, and in his hand a drawn sword, carved on some stone, and bind it in an iron ring of so great a weight, no one will be able to resist the one who carries it in battle.
If you find the figure of a bearded man with a long face and curved eyebrows, sitting on a plough between two bulls, carved on some stone, it is effective for plantings and for every kind of cultivation, for finding treasures, and for waging war; it will turn enemies into friends; it is effective in many illnesses. If anyone carries it, serpents will flee from his face. It also cures epileptics; if an infant carries it at his neck, it drives fear from him, and [unclear] the vexation of evil spirits. If a sick person carries it, he will recover health; and so that it may have greater power, it must be put in an iron ring, of twice the weight of the stone.
If you find the figure of a standing eagle carved in an aetites-stone, and put it in a lead ring, the person who carries it will be accepted and loved by men; animals will obey him.
If you find the figure of a ram together with a lion carved on some of the more precious stones, and bind it in a silver ring, if you touch persons at odds with it, they will be reconciled.
14 Seals.
Carve the sign of Capricorn on a cornelian, or on another stone, bind it in a silver ring, and carry it with you; for neither in person nor by word will you be harmed by enemies, nor will a judge pronounce an unjust [sentence] against you; you will abound in business and honor, 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 [unclear].
Magic.
Treatise III. The Seals or Images of Hermes.
Hermes, in the four-part book, records these fourteen images.
The image of a man, standing and of great stature, carved in diadochos, holding in his right hand an obol and in the other a serpent; and above the man’s head let there be the figure of the Sun, and let him hold a lion prostrate beneath his feet. When it has been put in a lead ring with a little artemisia and root of fenugreek, and you have it with you on a riverbank, and call upon the aquatic spirits, you will receive from them answers concerning the matters asked.
When 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, has been carved in green jasper, know that it gives aid to those suffering fever and frees them from fever. And if anyone practices the art of medicine and carries it with him, it grants the greatest favor in distinguishing illnesses, in knowing medicines and herbs, and in giving potions; and in every hemorrhage and flow of blood it helps and at once checks it.
16 Seals.
If the image of a sea turtle is carved in a marine stone and is carried bound in a lead ring, the bearer will not be able to be harmed by anyone, and he will be loved by elders and lords of lands.
If the figure of Aquarius has been carved in green jasper, and someone carries it with him, it provides profit in selling and buying goods; merchants will seek counsel from him and will bring merchandise into his dwelling.
If a bird that holds a leaf in its mouth, and in its sight there is the head of a man looking at that bird, is carved in a Pangon 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 on a four-footed chair, and let there be four men standing there before Jupiter, and let Jupiter’s hands be raised toward heaven, and let him have a diadem on his head: if it has been carved in hyacinth and bound in gold, and if someone carries such a ring with him, or the figure of this ring impressed in wax hung from his neck, 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, and beneath his feet let there be a dragon, and let the tail be extended; and in the hand of that man let there be a staff with which he strikes
Magic.
[unclear] the head of a dragon, if it has been carved in crystal or in some precious stone, and is set in orichalcum; beneath the stone let there be musk and amber. If anyone carries such a stone with him, he will have obedient spirits and will accumulate great wealth.
If the image of a man sitting upon an eagle and holding a rod in his hand has been carved in crystal and set in a bronze or copper ring: if anyone looks upon this ring on Sunday before sunrise, he will conquer and overcome all his enemies; if he looks upon it on Thursday, he will be victor in war, and all people will willingly obey him. But the wearer must be clothed in white garments and abstain from dove flesh.
If the figure of a man riding and holding a bridle in one hand and a drawn bow in the other, having a sword girt on, has been carved in pyrite and set in a gold ring, whoever carries it with him will be made victorious in battles; nor will anyone be able to resist him.
If 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, has been carved in jacinth or crystal and set in gold; beneath the stone let there be amber, aloe, and artemisia. All will obey the one who carries this stone in a ring; and if you touch a woman with it, she will love you; and if you place it under your head when you go to sleep, you will see whatever you wish.
Seals.
If the image of a man sitting upon a fish, and above the man’s head there is a peacock, has been carved in a red stone, and you place it beneath the table at a banquet, no one eating with the 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; and let the man hold his right hand upon the girl’s neck and his left upon her breast, and let him look at her face, while she looks at the ground. When it has been carved in some stone and set in an iron ring, and beneath the stone there is a little of the tongue of a 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 [unclear] with it; and if it is placed at a dog’s neck, it does not allow it to bark.
If the image of a man holding flowers in his hand has been carved in carnelian and placed in a tin ring, and the ring has been made on Monday or Friday, at the fourth, eighth, or twelfth hour, touch whomever you wish with this ring, and he will immediately obey you.
Magic.
Know that 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, has power in the planting of trees and the finding of treasures, and makes one victorious in battle. Serpents are driven from the face of the wearer; it heals epileptics and removes every affliction of evil spirits. It must, moreover, be set in an iron ring and carried.
If the figure of a man holding a sickle in his hand above his head, with a crocodile beneath his feet, has been carved in a stone and set in a leaden ring; beneath the stone let there be a little root of squill. Whoever carries this ring with him will be safe from enemies, and on a journey from robbers.
If the figure of a man holding a sword in his hand and sitting upon a dragon has been carved in amethyst and set in a leaden or iron ring, and is worn on the finger, spirits will obey him and will reveal to him treasures of every kind.
If the figure of a standing eagle has been carved in aëtites stone and set in a leaden ring, it has the power that whoever carries it with him will catch many fish; nor will any wild beast harm him, and he will be loved by people.
The figure of a man having a palm in his hand;
[unclear] figure, if it has been carved on any stone, renders the wearer acceptable and lovable to the powerful and to princes. These are the words of Hermes.
Treatise IV
The Images, or Seals, of Thetel
Thetel, a very ancient doctor, treating of carvings on stones, says that these carvings, when found on suitable stones, possess very great power.
The image of a man carved on jasper, holding a shield in his left hand and in his right an idol or something warlike, 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 renders one victorious; it is effective against poisons, and also stops blood from whatever part it flows.
The figure of a man having a bundle of herbs at his neck, when carved on 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 on green jasper has the power of freeing the wearer from drowning in water.
A woman having a bird in one hand and a fish in the other: when carved on chrysolite, it is of great value for doing business.
The figure of a wolf carved on jasper is effective against cunning, and prevents one from uttering insane words.
The figure of a stag carved on jasper has the power of healing and freeing lunatics and phrenetics.
The figure of an emperor carved on jasper, with head held upright, renders the wearer lovable to every creature, and whatever he seeks he will obtain.
The figure of a maiden with flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, when carved on jasper, makes the wearer safe from drowning in water; nor will he be troubled by a demon, and it makes him powerful and able to obtain all things.
The figure of a man having in his hand an inscribed palm, when it is found on jasper, renders the wearer powerful and pleasing to princes. Thus far Thetel.
Treatise V
The Images, or Seals, of Solomon
[unclear]
A very ancient little book was found in the desert among the children of Israel; because many works of Solomon were found in it, it was ascribed to Solomon. The title of the book was: On the Seals of Stones According to Thy 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 on his neck, 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 for every discovery of treasures. You shall make the proof of it in this way. Take pure black wool without dye, wrap the stone in it, and place it among wheat straw; put it under your head. Then you will see in sleep all the treasures of that region in which it is. It also has the power of healing all illnesses of beasts, if they drink water in which it has been washed.
[unclear]
A man carved on green jasper, having a shield hanging from his neck and above his head a helmet with an upright sword, and treading 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. It must be bound in bronze.
A horse bearing a crocodile on its back, carved on white hyacinth, makes one lovable to men and beasts.
The figure of a seated man, with a woman standing before him, having hair extending down to the thigh and raising her eyes upward: when it has been carved on carnelian, know that its power is to render every person, whether male or female, obedient. It must be bound in gold of as much weight as the stone itself has; underneath, place betony and amber.
A foaming horse with a man upon it holding a sceptre in his hand, carved on amethyst: know that this seal is useful for all the affairs that the person who wears it has; and all princes and nobles will be obedient to him. It must be bound in gold or silver in double quantity to the seal.
If the image of a man’s head with a long beard and a little blood around the neck is found carved on diamond, know that for vi
Seals
[It is able] to confer victory and boldness, and to preserve the body from every injury; it is also effective for obtaining favor from princes.
The figure of a man wishing to play on instruments, carved in sapphire, makes one most pleasing to all.
The image of a cock, or of three maidens, when found in agate, makes a man favored before God and men.
The figure of a lion carved in garnet provides riches and honors, gives joy, and drives out sadness.
The image of a stag or a dove carved in onyx provides courage against demons to the wearer.
The figure of a man in the likeness of a merchant carrying wares for sale, or of a man sitting beneath a centurion, when found in emerald, gives riches, makes one victorious, and relieves one from hardships.
The image of a bull or calf found in magnet-stone brings good fortune to the bearer through all places, and is effective against all enchantments.
The figure of a horse or wolf found in jasper drives away fevers and stops blood.
The figure of a crowned man in topaz makes the wearer good, obedient, and beloved by God and men, and provides honors and dignities.
Magic
The image of an armed man with a sword in his hand, when found carved in sardius or amethyst, causes the bearer to acquire a perfect, good memory, and makes him prudent.
The figure of a stag or he-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 serves for knowledge, makes a man most learned and eloquent.
The image of a peacock carved in a suitable stone makes the wearer rich.
The figure of a man killing a lion, or another beast, with a sword makes the bearer clever, victorious, and lovable.
The image of a man holding a laurel or palm in his right hand makes the bearer victorious over caves [unclear] and prizes, lovable, and powerful in his region.
Seals
The figure of a winged man having a serpent beneath his feet and holding its head in his hands makes the wearer rich, prudent, and lovable to all.
The carved image, in some stone, of an ant having an ear of grain or a grain 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 [gallinaceus?].
When you find, carved in some gem, the figure of a standing man whose head is that of an ox but whose feet are those of an eagle, and impress it into wax, no man will speak ill of you.
When you find a basilisk and a dragon carved in carnelian, fighting with each other, and the head of an ox is 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 in one hand a cup and in the other a branch of an herb, carved in jet and fastened in a ring made of any metal: when the wearer has carried it, it immediately frees him from fever.
The figure of a man sitting upon a fish, carved in a red stone and placed on a cloth [unclear], if the diner eats with his right hand, will make him not be sated.
The figure of a woman having disheveled hair or naked breasts, and in her sight there is a man looking upon her face, when you find it carved in hyacinth, garnet, or crystal, and bind it in a gold ring of the same weight as the stone, and beneath the stone there is amber, aloes, and polypody, will make the wearer lovable to all; and when it is placed beneath his head, in sleep he will see whatever he wishes.
The figure of a man riding and holding in one hand a bridle, and in the other a bow with a dark-blue sword, when you find it carved in pyrite and it is bound in a gold ring, makes the wearer victorious in battle, whom no one will be able to overcome; and if anyone submerges this ring in musk oil, all will [unclear] him, if he has anointed his face with that oil, nor will they be able to oppose him.
The figure of a standing man who is naked, and at his right there is a naked maiden standing, and her hair is unbound around her head: when you find it carved in magnet-stone, and the man holds his right hand over the maiden’s neck, but his left over her breast, and the man looks at the maiden’s face, while she looks at the ground, place it in an iron ring
Seals of iron, of weight equal to that of the stone, and enclose beneath the ring the tongue of a hoopoe, myrrh, alum, and some human blood, as much as the weight of the tongue: no enemy will be able to resist the person bearing this ring, in his presence or elsewhere; nor will any robber or harmful beast be able to enter the house in which this named stone has been; and when an epileptic drinks water in which it has been washed, he will be healed. Also, if red wax is sealed with it and hung from a dog’s neck, it will prevent it from barking.
Know that a soldier riding upon a running horse, with a horn at his neck and with a tree before him, engraved on some precious stone, is effective for all hunting. Know that a woman holding a bird in one hand and a fish in the other, engraved in crystal, is effective for catching birds; and it ought to be bound in silver. The figure of an eagle engraved in crystal makes the bearer rich, victorious, and eloquent. A horned animal that carries a horse beneath it, and a horse that draws behind itself half of a goat, engraved on some rather precious stone, know to be very effective for taming any beast; and it ought to be bound in a leaden ring.
Magic.
When you find the figure of a turtle engraved in [Pangon?], you shall wear it in a leaden ring: the bearer will never be wounded, nor will he receive harm, but he will be honored by all, especially by elders.
When you find engraved in gold the figure of a bird holding a leaf in its mouth, and in its view there is the head of a man or of a vulture, the bearer will acquire profit from all the things that he is going to buy or sell, and will be sought out by buyers.
When you find engraved in crystal the figure of the face of a lion or dragon having two heads with a delicate tail, or of a man in whose right hand, with a staff, he strikes the head of a lion, and you place it in orichalc, and beneath the stone, indeed, musk and amber, 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 the figure of a winged horse, which is called Pegasus, engraved on some stone, it is excellent for soldiers: in battle on open ground it gives boldness and eagerness.
When you find engraved on some stone the figure of a man with serpents surrounding his sight, know that it gives victory in battle on open ground to the bearer.
The figure of a tree, or vine, or ear of grain engraved on some stone makes the bearer abound in food and clothing, and renders princes well-disposed.
Mars armed, or a maiden in a stole with a flowing garment, holding laurel in her hand, if found in jasper, renders the bearer powerful for accomplishing deeds of arms, and frees him from violent death, from drowning in water, and from adverse accidents.
The figure of an armed man on a horse with a lance, engraved in amethyst, makes the bearer victorious in battle on open ground. If you find the figure of Hercules holding a lion or some other monster engraved on a stone, know that it gives victory in battle on open ground.
The figure of Jupiter, which is made in the form of a man with the head of a ram, makes the bearer lovable and quickly obtaining whatever he has wished.
A virgin or girl with a lamp, engraved in crystal, has the power of preserving the light of the eyes.
The figure of the fiery triplicity, that is, of Aries and Sagittarius, on a precious stone is said to be effective for all cold illnesses [unclear]
Magic
is said to help phlegmatic fevers; and, on account of the planets that hold dominion in those signs, [it renders the bearer] worthily pleasing to God and to men, eloquent, [unclear] in talent, and able easily to obtain honors and dignities. It ought, however, to be engraved so that in the triangle Leo holds the cone, Aries the right side of the base, Sagittarius the left.
The image of the earthy triplicity, that is, of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, engraved on a stone, will give aid in all hot and moist illnesses, and will incline the bearer to rural works, such as plowing, sowing, cultivating vineyards, and the like. Capricorn ought to be in the cone, Taurus on the right side of the base, Virgo on the left.
The image of the airy triplicity, that is, of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, engraved on a stone, frees from all cold and dry illnesses arising from melancholic humor, especially quartan fever; and Libra will be at the point of the triangle, Aquarius on the right side of the base, Gemini on the left.
The figure of the watery triplicity, that is, of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, engraved on a stone, frees from hot and dry diseases, such as hectic fever, and from all diseases of choler; but it renders the bearer inconstant, unjust, and a hater of truth. Cancer ought to be at the crown of the triangle,
Seals. Cancer; on the right base Pisces, on the left Mars.
The figure of Saturn engraved on stones is of this sort: an old man holding a sickle in his hand, having a beard not very hairy. This figure, carved on a stone of the nature of Saturn, makes the bearer powerful, with continual increase of power.
The image of Jupiter is of a man seated on a throne or on a four-footed chair, holding a rod in one hand and a globe in the other; or holding an image of Cancer or a fish, and having an eagle before his feet. But among the teachers of magic he is represented differently: for they carve the figure of a man with a ram’s head, wrinkled heels, and a slender chest. If this is carved on a stone, especially [Krabatus?], it makes the bearer fortunate, lovable, pleasing to religious men, and raises him to honors and dignities.
The image of Mars is represented on stone in many ways: sometimes with a banner in his hand, sometimes with a lance or another instrument of war, always armed, and sometimes on horseback. The virtue of this stone so carved makes the bearer victorious, bold, and warlike, especially if it is carved on a stone of similar virtue.
The figure of the Sun is found in various ways: sometimes like the Sun, with rays all around; sometimes
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like a man seated on a throne, with loose hair and flowing garment, and also in a chariot, as if he were being carried by a four-horse team; so that around the chariot are the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The virtue of this figure carved on some stone makes the bearer commanding and pleasing to great men.
The images of Venus likewise are many; yet the following is more often carved on stones: a woman with a large garment, a robe, and holding a laurel in her hand. Its virtue is to give agility in affairs to be done, 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 handsome beard and talaria, holding the caduceus-rod, with a cock before his feet, or with a serpent beneath his feet. Its virtue is to assist in acquiring oratorical knowledge, and it also gives very great help in enriching merchants.
The images of the Moon are various: for sometimes she is represented 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 virtue of this image is to provide expedition in legions, from these good things, etc.,
goods and honors, and in all affairs to be done to provide speed and ease, and to bring them to the desired end. But it must be carefully observed, as was also warned above, that the planet whose image is carved on a suitable ring ought to be very well disposed, that is, not combust, retrograde, or oppressed or touched by the rays of malefics, but in a good place of the sky: in the Ascendant or Midheaven, with Jupiter or Venus, and in its essential dignities. Otherwise the image will be vain and of no importance.
Moreover, the ancients formed the image of the Bear thus.
They carve two Bears wound around by a serpent: the Greater Bear is contained at the head of the coil, the Lesser at the tail. This image, carved on some stone, makes the bearer knowledgeable, crafty, and powerful.
The image of the Crown has the likeness of a royal crown with many stars. Sometimes it is represented in the likeness of a king with a crowned head; it exists in the northern part and in the sign of Sagittarius, and is of the nature of Venus and Mercury. When this image has been carved on a stone, it gives bearers honors, knowledge, and royal favor.
The image of the bent Hercules also is such:
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...is: a man fallen to 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, 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 bearer pleasing to the people, learned, and drives away gout, paralysis, and quartan fever.
The figure of Cepheus, having a sword girded on, with arms and hands spread out, carved on a stone, makes one cautious and learned; 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 seated 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 from Saturn and Venus. When this has been carved on a suitable stone, its power will be to provide health to people, to provide [unclear] and tranquillity after conceived labor to those who bear it, and to furnish pleasant and sweet sleep.
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Andromeda is the image of a girl, having her hair loose and her hands lowered. She is contained by Taurus in the north, and is of the nature of Venus. Its power, if it has been carved on a stone, is to reconcile quarrels and disputes arising between husband and wife, to strengthen stable love, and to guard against very many infirmities.
Perseus is an image having a sword in the right hand and the head of the Gorgon in the left; it is located in Taurus, in the northern part, and has the force of Saturn and Venus. If it has been carved on a stone, it turns misfortunes away from the bearer and preserves him from lightning and storm; it also frees not only the bearer, but the places where it is kept, from enchantments.
Serpentarius is the figure of a man holding a serpent, holding its head in the right hand and its tail in the left. It is in the sign of Scorpio, in the north, and has the nature of Saturn and Mars. Its power when carved on a stone is to avail against poisons, to cure the bites of venomous animals; if its washing is drunk, it makes one vomit up poison without injury.
The eagle or falling vulture is the image of a flying eagle with an arrow beneath its feet. It is placed in Cancer, in the northern part, and is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars, but the arrow is of the nature of Mars and Venus. When these constellations have been carved on a stone, they are said to preserve the bearer’s old ranks of honors, to acquire new ones, and to contribute to victory.
The fish or dolphin is the image of a humped fish. It is in the sign of Aquarius in the north, having the nature of Saturn and Mars. When this has been carved on a stone and bound to the limbs, it makes the bearer fortunate in fishing.
Pegasus, or the winged horse, or, according to some, half a horse with wings, according to others a whole horse with wings, without a bridle, is in the sign of Aries, in the northern part, having the nature of Mars and Jupiter. When carved on a stone, it gives the bearer victory in war on the open field, and makes him swift, cautious, and bold. But when it is hung from a horse’s neck, or placed in water where the horse drinks, it will free him from many infirmities.
Cetus is the figure of a great fish with a curved tail and a great mouth. It is contained by Taurus, in the southern part, and possesses the nature of Saturn. When this figure, carved on a stone, has on its back a crested serpent, it makes the bearer fortunate at sea, renders him prudent and lovable, and restores things taken away.
The image of Orion, an armed man with a sword or sickle in his 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 carry off victory from his enemies.
The image of a ship is one with a twisted prow and raised sail, sometimes [unclear] with oars. It is contained by Leo, in the southern part, and is of the nature of Saturn and Mars. Carved on a stone, however, it makes the bearer secure in conducting affairs on the sea and water, and does not permit him to take harm from water.
The image of the dog is the figure of a hunting dog with a curved tail. It exists in the sign of Cancer, in the southern part, having the nature of Venus. If it has been carved on a stone, they say that it has the very power of freeing lunatics and maniacs entirely. [unclear]
The image of the hare, in the likeness of a hare, has extended ears and feet, as if it were running. It is placed in the sign of Gemini, in the southern part. Its nature is to cure the frantic, to avail against the wiles of demons, and the bearer will not be able to be harmed by a malignant spirit.
Centaurus is the figure of a bull up to the neck, the rest of a man holding in his left hand...
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[unclear] a spear resting above the left shoulder, with a hare hanging from it; but in his right hand a little beast lying on its back, with a cauldron hanging from it. It is placed in Libra, in the southern part; and it is of the nature of Jupiter and Mars. The virtue of this engraving is to make the one who carries it steadfast, healthy with perpetual health.
The image of a dog sitting 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; you will be freed from plague and from the bite of a dog.
The figure of a shrine, or censer, of the nature of Venus and Mercury, with fire kindled, when engraved on a stone, makes the one who carries it able to summon spirits and to be in their conversion, and renders them obedient. They also say that it makes the bearer adorned 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, of the nature of Saturn and Venus. Its virtue is to make the bearer very rich, shrewd, cautious, free from harmful things; it resists every harmful color.
The figure of the Southern Crown is made like an imperial crown, of the nature of Saturn and Mars. Its virtue is in increasing riches, and in making a man cheerful and pleasant.
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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 Gemini and in the north, having the nature of Mercury. This figure, engraved on a stone, makes the bearer a hunter and fortunate in catching animals.
The image of a banner is made in the likeness of a banner spread out at the end of a spear. This, engraved on a stone, makes the bearer fortunate in military service and victorious in battle in the field.
The image of a lion engraved in gold, when the Sun is in Leo and the Moon is not aspecting Saturn, preserves from stone and from hot diseases.
The image of a scorpion, impressed or engraved on a gold ring with a 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 is useful for those who have false imaginings, such as melancholics, quartan-sufferers, and maniacs. But it must be made on the day of the Sun and in its hour; 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; 3rd, 15th, 27th of Taurus; 11th of Gemini; 3rd, 4th, 12th, 15th, 19th of Cancer; 2nd, 5th, 19th of Leo; 3rd, 13th, 30th of Virgo; 3rd, 5th, 21st of Libra; 7th, 18th, 20th, 21st of Scorpio; 13th, 20th of Sagittarius; 12th, 13th, 24th of Capricorn; 7th, 18th, 20th of Aquarius; 13th, 29th of Pisces.
The image of the fishes, when the Sun is in Pisces in the twelfth house, and the Moon in the ascendant, and the lord of the ascendant and the lord of the sixth are in sextile aspect or aspecting each other, or at least the Moon aspecting either one, is said by experience to free the bearer, under the soles of the feet, from gouty pains.
Seals.
On the Method of Making Seals and Magical Images. Treatise VI.
Having set forth the magical seals and images, and the method of making them, insofar as it has indeed been handed down by the most ancient writers themselves, it remains that in this place there also be added a more exact method of making them, and that the foregoing be explained more accurately.
And indeed, before all things, in their composition the time must be considered: I mean the time of election, to be carefully observed in inscribing or engraving figures on stones. For they receive greater virtue from heaven if they are engraved at fixed and opportune times, since in this way the stars exert more influence. Hence one wishing to stir up love uses benevolent aspects, but one wishing hatred to approach uses adverse aspects. Therefore they wish the image of Saturn to be fashioned when he himself is in Capricot-
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... in Capricorn or Aquarius; Jupiter's in Sagittarius and Pisces; Mars's in Aries and Scorpio; the Sun's in Leo; Venus's in Taurus and Libra; Mercury's in Gemini and Virgo; the Moon's in Cancer. Thus the image of Leo or Cancer ought to be set into a ring or stone while the Sun is traversing Leo and the Moon Cancer, yet in such a way that each is free from every impediment, especially from the rays of Saturn or Mars.
It must also be held that any sign, so long as the Sun is in it, becomes living, rules over the others, and has its effect felt before the others; and therefore the planet must always be directed to the place, that is, the sign, face, and degree, which the Sun illumines.
Thus far concerning the magical images of the ancient sages, which I have chosen to enumerate here chiefly for this reason: that it may be clear that they were constructed from magical philosophy, that is, from the principles of true natural magic, not of goety or necromancy, although it is quite 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 refer them to evil action, he will be contrary to the divine order of the art itself and to the principles from which they flowed; and he must beware lest, ensnared by delirious superstitions, he become wholly delirious and superstitious.
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Moreover, from almost the same foundations and causes, gilded and silver plates, round, square, or triangular, have even now begun to be made; on them certain signatures and characters of the planets are engraved according to certain positions, configurations, or constellations of the heavens, in order to win the favor and influence of each planet. For that the influence of the planets is impressed, received, and retained in such figures, likenesses, and images marked with a certain form is consonant with reason and experience.
Meanwhile this must be observed most carefully: 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 in midheaven, free from the evil rays of Saturn or Mars, supported by the trine or sextile of Venus or Jupiter, or joined to them, direct, swift in course, not combust, ascending in the circle of its apogee.
The erection of Mercury's signature, for sharpening the memory.
Let Mercury serve as an example. If anyone desires to procure its influence for sharpening understanding, talent, and memory, let him observe at what time of the year Mercury, in Gemini or Virgo, in which signs it has its domicile, is strong and fortunate in the east or in midheaven. Once the hour and minute of the hour have been found, let a careful and skillful engraving of the celestial figure, together with a delineation of the aspects, be made in pure silver; afterward it is enclosed in white silk and kept, and is sewn into a cap at the part where it precisely touches the cerebellum, with some grains of the best musk added. It has been noticed that it performs 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 2 May, at the second hour of the morning; and again it will be strongest and most fortunate around the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the month of September, shortly before and after the fifth morning hour, at which time it precedes the Sun in the eastern cardinal point, in its own domicile, exaltation, and the favorable trine of Jupiter.
And
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And this is the method of sharpening the intellectual power and memory from the powers of the heavens, and also from plants and animals. I hope that I shall win no small favor among those who have a fragile and fleeting memory, although they are stirred to understanding, if I bring forth certain remedies for strengthening the memory, remedies which I know very distinguished men have used successfully and which until now have lain hidden among concealed secrets, not begrudging things which can be of public use. But you should know that there are many things in them which adhere neither to temperament, nor to matter, nor to any manifest quality, but must be ascribed solely to a certain occult property.
Take of the hearts of swallows, still beating, no. 7; of turtle-doves, no. ij; of dried mint, pennyroyal, vervain, eyebright, prepared coriander, [galtrichum?], each one ounce; of rosemary flowers, half an ounce; of aromatic calamus and cinnamon, each [unclear]; of cloves, one and a half ounces; of musk and musked [galia?], each six grains; of anacardium honey and storax calamita, each half an ounce. Let those of these which 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-kernel.
The person who is to use this will observe this order. After the body has been purged, for [unclear] nights he will eat nothing for supper except raisins with a few almonds and a little bread; his dinner, however, will be a roasted hen, or a young chicken, a turtle-dove, a partridge, or something similar; his drink will be wine of one year, moderately diluted. But every night near the hour of sleep, a pastille will be inserted into the right nostril and stopped with cotton, and thus you will keep it until you have recited no more than twenty verses of Virgil. After some days have passed, put the pastille, moistened with rose-water, into the left nostril, and you will retain everything that you are going to read, or you will quickly be affected with understanding.
But he who altogether desires the memory thus to be fervent must abstain from drunkenness, sex, and especially rawness of the stomach, from all satiety, green fruits, vegetables, salted meats, and everything that generates wind. At the last course prepared coriander seed is [unclear]. Above all, too, it will be harmless if it is diligently and properly prepared. Nor will it be harmless [unclear] to hold the pastille in the mouth at intervals and swallow it. It will also help to throw the pastille upon coals, so that the smoke may be properly received into the nostrils and, once received, retained, the nostrils being stopped with cotton lest it exhale; or also to dissolve some pastilles in lavender water, or rose-water, or anise water, and frequently morning and evening to moisten the forehead, temples, nostrils, and occiput around the capsule of memory, and to put into the nostrils pure little linens soaked in it. And yet this remedy has been disclosed to few.
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But to return to celestial matters: in precisely the same way and form as those of Mercury, the powers and influences of the remaining planets can be procured; as, for honors and dignities, and for obtaining the favor and goodwill of princes and great men, an image of the Sun when it is in Leo, in the tenth house, in trine with Jupiter or the Moon. Yet in this year 1608 the solar influence is impeded because of the opposition of Mars from Aquarius, as the remarkable and unusual changes of the very air plainly demonstrate. Hence in forming these figures one must look solely to this: that the planet whose power and influence someone desires to procure for himself be as free as possible from every impediment.
Of the demonstrations whence these magical images have such great force and efficacy. Treatise VII.
But why and whence rings, images, and figures engraved in a certain metal or stone possess the powers attributed to them must be assigned not to temperament, not to manifest qualities, not to the whole substance, but to divine magic, that is, to a certain higher and more sublime cause, which some have not inappropriately been accustomed to call a spiritual vehicle and bond. By its mediation, body and soul, substances mutually distant, are joined to one another; by it the magnet draws iron, and chicory follows the motion of the Sun.
With this vehicle and bond coming between or intervening, Mercury is efficacious in quicksilver, in sharpening or weakening the memory and the cogitative faculty, in the alectorius stone, in mixed color and taste, in Egypt, Greece, Flanders, and Silesia.
With this vehicle intervening, the Moon is efficacious in silver, in glass, in the brain, in the left eye
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[unclear] of the man, the right [side] of the woman, with white, blue, and ash-gray color, false taste, moderate odor, crystal, the seventh climate, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Denmark.
Saturn is in lead, the right ear, the spleen, the bladder, the bones; with black, livid, and leaden color, styptic taste, black dark stones, the first climate, the right of the east, Saxony, Styria.
Jupiter is in tin, the lung, the ribs, the pulse, the thigh, the left ear; with dark, purple, yellow, green color; in emerald, sapphire, amethyst; with sweet taste, the second climate, the north, Babylonia, Persia, Hungary, Spain.
The Sun is in laurel, the heart, the arteries, the eye, the right [side], the right side; with golden, saffron, somewhat ruddy color; in hyacinth; with sharp, acrid taste, good odor, not excessive; the fourth climate, the east.
Mars is in iron, the left ear, the gall, the kidneys; in jasper; with bitter, gall-like, sharp taste; with red color; the third climate, the north, Sarmatia, Gaetulia, Lombardy, Gothia.
Venus is in copper, mirrors of every kind; in the womb, kidneys, breasts, throat, genitals, liver; with white color; with unctuous, sweet, rich taste; in pearls, sapphire, carbuncle; the fifth climate, Austria, Arabia, Campania, Poland, Switzerland. Of this
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Therefore to seek the principle of this hidden influence from those principal and manifest qualities, from temperament or from the whole substance, is not so much absurd as ridiculous, since the actions of those things from which these virtues flow forth are not corporeal, and are poured in from heaven without a body. Therefore here there is no need of any measure taken from the senses, no ambitious battle of words and 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 concerning the color of a white rose, namely whence it derives its origin, and wishes to assign its cause to a colder temperament, what, I ask, will he say about the red rose? Will you say that species of endive pour forth milky juice for this reason, because they are cold? But very many very hot plants, such as the tithymali, swell and drip with the same juice. And is aloe bitter for this reason, because it is hot? Yet in opium, which kills by destructive cold, there is remarkable bitterness. And although it may be granted that such things flow from a property of the whole substance, nevertheless in our mystery a more sublime and more excellent craftsman, engraver, and former must be placed and sought above that substance. Therefore the Alexandrians have labored in vain, attempting to refer all things to manifest qualities; Scaliger says in Exercise 318 that this is the height of impudence, and at least in poisons it was fitting that they should stop. We see certain things burst forth from the womb and bosom of nature whose causes, although they are plainly inexplicable to us, meanwhile it is useful and pleasing to the lover of medicine and to the industrious and sagacious investigator of natural things to devise probable reasons; and if he does not fully attain them, nevertheless he does not take credit away from manifest things, nor does he slander their effects, but follows nature and its maker with admiration.
From this it is clear that the things elicited are not altogether vain: what is said about characteristic cure, which by engraved images hung from the neck accomplishes natural operations through the heavenly properties of the stars, agreeing with our bodies by a wonderful influence; I say, the things are not wholly vain which the most ancient explorers of nature have consecrated in writing and monuments concerning the written word, or characters and seals, fashioned at fixed times according to the virtue and influx of heaven, without any superstition which ignorance alone of this mystery has invented, without profanation of the divine name and without offense or any violation of faith and religion. Although, through the extremity of [unclear], they have lain hidden and concealed in these times, among certain [persons],
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[unclear], who abused them rather than used them lawfully, since, having fallen into superstitions and not understanding first principles, they dared to attribute more to them than God, the creator of all things, granted and wished to be disclosed through them. But so far am I from attributing to these [unclear] any power in themselves, or from affirming that characters or named constellated [things] possess virtue by reason of their shape, since shape, number, magnitude, position, and the division of the continuous are not principles of any action, that, if there is no other agent and mover by whose power the characters are effective, I plainly deny it. God through the prophets heals men by the name alone when it is uttered: 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 on account of himself, and the letters live on account of the name; and just as God has life in himself, so he also gave to his name to have life in itself, and further gave it to the letters.
Thus images or characters are effective by reason of the virtue or office appointed by God or nature to such a name or character. For there is no power, either in heaven or on earth, which does not descend from God. Thus medicines are visible bodies, words invisible bodies; whether an herb or a word heals, God is the cause, that is, the spirit of God assisting nature through the word “Fiat.” Hence the herb itself is not medicine, but this lies hidden in it invisibly, implanted by God, namely. Therefore things that are more remote from the senses and have hidden causes are not immediately to be condemned all the way to hell, nor foolishly mocked.
The End.
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