Arbatel: Concerning the Magic of the Ancients

by Joseph H. Peterson

In many ways, Arbatel is unique among texts on magic. Unlike the vast majority of writings, it is clear, concise, and elegantly written. The practical instructions are straightforward and undemanding. When it first appeared in 1575, it attracted the attention of people with a surprisingly broad range of agendas, including some of the finest minds of the time. Often quoted and reprinted, both praised and condemned, its impact on western esoteric philosophy has been called "overwhelming."

Arbatel's magic is full of wonder and free from the sinister elements usually associated with texts on the subject. But it is about more than magic; filled with gnomic wisdom, it urges us to help our neighbors, be positive and grateful, and use time wisely. Above all, it teaches us to pay attention, looking for the wondrous and miraculous. In fact, to the author this virtually defines the magus.

* Included are illustrations, bibliography, index, and original Latin text.

* First English translation published since in 1655.

Genres: Occult, Magick, Magic, Nonfiction, Religion, Esoterica, Spirituality

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dani Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been called one of the easiest grimoires and I can certainly understand why it has that title. Unlike many other texts with complex preparations and instructions, the Arbatel relies largely on prayer and "right living" to help the user achieve their goals. For those who are sufficiently eclectic, or just plain Christian, I imagine this would be a very powerful text to work with and a great introduction to medieval grimoires.

As a syncretic polytheist, however, I just don't feel comfortable pledging fealty to a god I don't have a relationship with and, as is common with the faiths of Abraham, this is assumed and expected of individuals who work this system.

So, if you're already this way spiritually and religiously inclined and are looking for a good text to get started with practical work? I highly recommend this book.

If you're looking for tips on how to live life well as a magical practitioner? Two thumbs up. I found myself nodding along with some of the aphorisms since they borne out in my own, very pagan, existence.

But, if you're a pagan/polytheist, this book's heavy Christian dependencies may be a bit much to deal with. With plenty of the Western Magical Tradition firmly rooted in our pagan past, there are plenty of other places for us to go.

[Damien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too Christian and beyond disappointing.

[jsn. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best book I've ever read. There's so much wisdom in this. Practicing magick is dangerous. If you want to do it right, you have to start with this book. Proceed with caution otherwise.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supremely important practical text which contains a number of fundamental mysteries and esoteric sciences.

[Adam Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the more lovely and well written Grimoires of the Renaissance, and should be required reading, along with the Lemegeton, for any would-be magician. Instead of detailed instructions regarding the summoning of spirits (though it is certainly present), it offers a long and carefully constructed argument for the virtues of magic, supported by scripture, and detailing the attributes a Godly magician must possess; this in stark contrast to the princely-minded Lemegeton which trifles far less with the overall spiritual standing of the magician.

Divided into seven "Septenary," each with seven aphorisms, the book also goes about describing the nature of spirits, and how one might contact the seven "Olympick" Spirits which govern the heavens, a.k.a., the seven planets and their relation to astrology. Advice on how to use infernal spirits without being harmed is included throughout, and is mostly of a religious nature.

If you can tolerate Christian rhetoric (would you be reading grimoires if you couldn't?) the book contains a solid set of suggestions, including: magicians who are self-serving, rash, or out of touch with the Divine tend to lead themselves in only bad directions; infernal spirits often lie, so be ready to deal with that; spirits can teach you all manner of things, and fast; and if you pursue something in good faith, you will find what you seek.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice I love it because I would love to read magic books more often

[Starlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will play with soon. Peterson provides a very simple and straightforward introduction and translation.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry and technical. How useful it is remains to be tested but I do think it is useful as a microcosm of this era’s magic.

[Lori L Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neato

[Rabab Boulaich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a marvel in mysticism...!

[Michael Snuffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Joseph Peterson five stars for his introduction, annotations, and translation skills. Arbatel itself did not really teach me anything new, but I feel glad that I read it nonetheless. I found the material on the Olympic spirits interesting, but I've seen it summarized in other books.