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| Christopher Warnock, Esq. |
The Premier Grimoire of Astrological Magic
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Magic is a divine power, affecting by original causes...
| Picatrix |
Introduction
The Four Books of the Latin Picatrix
Translations & Example Talismans from Picatrix at this Website
English Translation of Picatrix Books I & II
Picatrix Guide
Selected Picatrix Translations & Commentary
Latin Picatrix with Selected Translations & Commentary
The Picatrix or Ghayat al Hakim, the Aim of the Wise, is one of the most important books ever written on astrological magic. Composed in Arabic in Andalusia around 1000 A.D., the Picatrix is an encyclopedic work, considerably larger than most other medieval grimoires or books of magic. It was translated into Latin in 1256 for the Castilian king Alfonso the Wise.
Picatrix is a strange mixture of the most exalted philosophy and the crassly material, explanations of the nature of the One and "confections" composed of blood, brains and urine. We can, however, clearly perceive the influence of the Harranian Sabians, who pursued their worship of the astral deities and the tradition of Hermetic philosophy well into the Middle Ages. The Harranians added much to the astrology of the advanced Islamic civilization which flourished between 800-1400 A.D., and produced such well known astrologers as Thabit Ibn Qurra, Al-Sufi and the alchemist, Jabir ibn Hayyyan, known to the West as Geber. Here is a Picatrix Video.
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A limited number of pre-publication review copies in paperback & hardcover of the English translation of the Latin Picatrix Books I & II by John Michael Greer and Christopher Warnock are available. Please see below for more information.
The Latin critical edition of the complete Picatrix is currently out of print. I also offer a copy of the Latin Picatrix, the Sloane Ms 3679 version which was William Lilly's copy.
The partial English translation of a single Arabic manuscript of the Picatrix published by Ouroboros Press is currently out of print and reaching stratospheric prices on the antiquarian book market despite some significant problems with the translation. I offer a Picatrix Guide that "translates" the Ouroboros translation and provides useful additional information.
A table of contents for the Latin Picatrix appears at page lxxi of David Pingree's edition, "The Book of the most wise and most skilled philosopher Picatrix" This work is divided into four parts or books:
BOOK I
Of the heavens and the effects they cause through images made under them
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Chapter 2. What is magic and what are its properties
Chapter 3. What are the heavens and of what are they made
Chapter 4. Of the kinds, properties, and composition of the heavens needed to make images of the Mansions of the Moon
Chapter 5. Of examples of what has been proposed, and of those things we need to make images
Chapter 6. In what degree is the microcosm, and how it is assimilated to the macrocosm
Chapter 7. In what degree anything in the world is, and of many other profound things hidden by the wise that we propose to reveal in this book
BOOK II
Of the figures of the heavens in general, and of the general motion of the sphere, and of their effects in this world
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Chapter 2. Of the figures of the heavens and their secrets
Chapter 3. Of the works of the planets, the sun, and the moon
Chapter 4. Of the general motion of the sphere and the fixed stars
Chapter 5. Of the division of this science among peoples, and how different peoples possess different parts of it
Chapter 6. Of the power of images, and in what manner it can be had, and how images are able to receive the power of the planets, and this is the root of science and images
Chapter 7. Of how to work dialectically with these secrets of images, and what part this ought to have in this science
Chapter 8. Of the order of natural things, and how you ought to enter upon this science
Chapter 9. Of examples of figures, and the forms of imagery that call down the help of the planets
Chapter 10. Of the stones appropriate for each planet, and of the making of figures of them, and of the figures of the planets
Chapter 11. Of the figures of the faces of the signs and their effects
Chapter 12. Of the figures and degrees of the signs and their effects according to the opinion of the Hindus, and how this follows from the contemplations of this science, and in what manner spirits of the upper realms are attracted by the virtues of bodies, according to the opinion of those who have notable secrets
BOOK III
Of the properties of the planets and signs, and of their figures and forms made in their colors, and how one may speak with the spirits of the planets, and of many other magical workings
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Chapter 2. Of the parts of the signs in the aforesaid three existences (that is, plants, animals, and minerals) so that each sign has its properties in things, first of Aries, and then of the other signs
Chapter 3. Of the figures, colors, garments, and incenses of the planets, as well as of making their tinctures
Chapter 4. How secrets that are hidden in this science can be understood from familiar things
Chapter 5. Of the demonstration of the proper virtues in animals and noble things necessary in this science, and how the spirits of the planets are attracted by figures and incenses
Chapter 6. Of the magistery of attracting the spirits of the planets by natural things, and how it is that an image of this kind can have this power
Chapter 7. Of attracting the powers of the planets, and how it is possible to speak with them, and how this is done for each planet, including the figures, offerings, prayers, incenses, proportions, and state of the heavens necessary for each planet
Chapter 8. Of the kind of prayer prayed by Neptinus to the Sun and Saturn, and how he conversed with them and their spirits and the effects he brought about
Chapter 9. How to attract the powers of each planet and the powers of their spirits, naming them according to their parts, as well as how to accomplish this by speaking their names
Chapter 10. Of examples of confections of the spirits of the planets, and of averting harmful workings, and magic of miraculous effect, and the foods, incense, unguents, and perfumes that ought to be used to work by the spirits of the seven planets, and the proper effects of the planets, and of workings that are worked only by sight
Chapter 11. Of the effects of images in diverse things, and of altering appearances so that things seem to be other than they are, and also of how to poison by sleep, gaze, or work, and of their remedies
Chapter 12. Of the rules necessary in this science
BOOK IV
Of the properties of spirits, and of those things that are necessary to observe in this most excellent art, and how they may be summoned with images, suffumigations and other things
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Chapter 2. How the vigor of the spirit of the Moon is drawn into things here below, and by which the seven planets ought to be invoked
Chapter 3. In which is said what the Chaldeans believed about the profundities or secrets of this science, and what was taught by them
Chapter 4. Of the images and reasonings that greatly help this science
Chapter 5. What are the ten sciences that are necessary to this art, and how by them this science is assisted, and what the root of the science of magic is Chapter 6. How incenses of the stars ought to be made, and certain compounds needed in this science
Chapter 7. Of those things of the art of magic that were found in the book Nabataean Agriculture that Abudaer Abemiaxie translated into Arabic from the Chaldean tongue
Chapter 8. Of images possessing miraculous virtues, that were discovered in a book that was found in the temple of Coredib and in the book of Queen Folopedia, and also concerning some corrections necessary in working with images
Translation by John Michael Greer
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In addition, there are over 30 actual examples of astrological elections for talismans, including horoscopes for the making of the talismans and translations from Picatrix, including a 1st Face of Virgo for Growth, as well as the Sun Talisman for Depression, a talisman for Reconciliation with your Mother or Boss, an Image for Success with Judges & Bureaucrats, the Frightening Talisman of Mars, the Double Love Talismans, the Nigel Jackson Bird Headed Venus Image, the Picatrix Bk I, Ch 5 Destruction Talisman, the Picatrix Bk I, Ch. 5 Love Talisman, the Venus in Libra Talisman, Double Marriage Talismans, Venus Bk II, Ch. 10 Talisman, 3rd Face of Aries Talisman, Bk II, Ch.5 Business Success Talisman, 2nd Face of Leo Talisman, Saturn Drinking Talisman, Mercury Talisman, Mars Talisman, Prisoner Release Talisman, Moon Talisman, Mars Talisman. Magic Mirror.
There are also examples of talismans using the Mansions of the Moon from Picatrix: 15th Lunar Mansion for Friendship and R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as well as the 6th Mansion Love Talisman, the Anti-Theft 17th Lunar Mansion, the 13th Mansion Love Talismans, and the the 26th Lunar Mansion Love Talisman , the 3rd Mansion prosperity talisman, the 5th Mansion dream talisman, the 11th & 12th mansion talismans, the 16th mansion prosperity talisman, the 26th Mansion Love Talisman.
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But Picatrix goes beyond what you would expect from a grimoire, it's just not sets of practical recipes, though lord knows there is lots and lots of practical info. Picatrix explains Hermetic and Neo-platonic philosophy and how talismans work, logically and coherently. This is also why this book was prized by the highest of high mages. As John likes to say, Picatrix truly represents the rocket science of the day. Astrological magic is complex, but this complexity gives it such great scope and great power. Picatrix puts it all right in front of you! Finally the secrets of astrological magic are revealed!
And now, finally, Books I & II of the full four books of Picatrix, are laid out clearly and cogently for you in English based on the Latin critical edition edited by David Pingree. Pingree didn't just use one manuscript, he used over 20, going line by line through every one and comparing all of these manuscripts word by word. The critical edition is longer and has much more material than any one manuscript.
Now, you, too can have a copy of the English translation of the Latin Picatrix books I & II! At this point we can only release a small number of pre-publication review copies to individual readers. We are looking for feedback on the clarity of the translation, what additional information, appendices and footnotes would be useful. Readers, by purchasing a review copy, can greatly assist us in making the final edition of the complete four books of Picatrix of the highest quality. We expect to release the complete Picatrix in 2010. Multiple copies cannot be provided, no wholesale copies are available, no copies will be sold through bookstores nor online through sources like Amazon.
The English translation of the Latin critical edition of the Picatrix is available in perfect bound paperback or hardcover, 6 x 9 inches, 141 pages with glossary and bibliography. The cost of the paperback is $54.95 with $9.95 US shipping and $12.95 non-US shipping. You can order the Paperback here The cost of the hardcover is $74.95. US shipping is $10.95. Non-US shipping is $14.95. You can order the Hardcover here.
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| Picatrix Guide |
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Best of all the Guide contains a complete explanation of thirty benefic and malefic astrological talismans (but don't make the malefic ones!) from the Ouroboros Picatrix! These recipes are clear, straightforward and ready to be put to use. Absolutely invaluable! I also include a number of examples of actual elections and even astrological charts to assist you further in understanding the intricacies of the Ouroboros Picatrix.
The Picatrix Guide is $12.95 and available as a pdf e-book. For secure online Paypal or credit card orders click the appropriate button to left. Contact me for more information.
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- Arabic Picatrix, Book I Chapters 1-4 & commentary
- The Forms of the Planets
Book III, Chapter 3
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Selected Planetary
Talisman Translations
Book II, Chapter 10
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Adocentyn, the Talismanic City
Book IV, Chapter 3 & commentary
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House based talismans
Book I, Chapter 5 commentary
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Ritual Preparations
Book III, chapter 7 & commentary
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Arabic Picatrix
Planetary Invocations
Book III, Chapter 8 & commentary
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Operation of Jupiter
Book III, Chapter 9
The Jovial Feast &
commentary
- Invocation of Perfect Nature Book III Chapter 6 Translated by Nigel Jackson & commentary
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Selected Picatrix
Translations & Commentary ebook |
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The selected translations and commentary from Picatrix, available as a 77 page pdf e-book is $14.95. For secure online Paypal or credit card orders click the appropriate button to left. Contact me for more information.
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The Picatrix is a complete guide to astrological magic including the instructions for hundreds of astrological talismans, ritual and miscellaneous magical information. No other work exerted such a wide influence on medieval and Renaissance astrological magic and it was never published until the 20th century, circulating only in manuscript form.
This book includes a Latin facsimile version of Picatrix plus 77 pages of selected English translations edited with a commentary by Christopher Warnock, Esq., the leading traditional astrological magician. The translations and commentary are available separately as an pdf e-book. Here is the table of contents for the translation and commentary:
- Arabic Picatrix, Book I Chapters 1-4 & commentary
- The Forms of the Planets
Book III, Chapter 3
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Selected Planetary
Talisman Translations
Book II, Chapter 10
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Adocentyn, the Talismanic City
Book IV, Chapter 3 & commentary
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House based talismans
Book I, Chapter 5 commentary
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Ritual Preparations
Book III, chapter 7 & commentary
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Arabic Picatrix
Planetary Invocations
Book III, Chapter 8 & commentary
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Operation of Jupiter
Book III, Chapter 9
The Jovial Feast &
commentary
- Invocation of Perfect Nature Book III Chapter 6 Translated by Nigel Jackson & commentary
| Latin Picatrix | |
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A key text of Arabic astrological magic in Latin, with 77 pages of selected English translations and commentary and a facsimile version of the Latin Picatrix, 150 pages, total 233 pages, 8.5 x 11 inch, paperback. $39.95 plus $12.95 US priority mail or non US airmail postage. For secure on-line Paypal or credit card ordering click the appropriate buttons to left.
Please Contact for more information.
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Specializing in Horary Astrology, Electional Astrology Astrological Magic and Astrological Talismans.
Copyright 2007, Christopher Warnock, All Rights Reserved.