The Arbatel of Magick: Of the Magick of the Ancients

by Tarl Warwick (Editor)

The Arbatel of Magick is one of the less enigmatic works within the world of true grimoires. Being neither concerned with “black” magic nor of dubious origin, it can be positively traced to the mid 16th century, although translations made thereof differ greatly in content. The work contains a series of short passages, termed “aphorisms” which detail a rudimentary guide to ay practitioner, giving commands (or advice) on the manner of living a holy life, commanding spiritual forces, and avoiding harm. Unlike some works from this date and later into the 18th and 19th centuries, it is less concerned with rites themselves so much as establishing a philosophy based around holy spirituality.

Genres: Occult, Philosophy

40 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2015

About the author

Tarl Warwick is a writer, illustrator, occultist, blogger, and avid gardener from the state of Vermont. Active in multiple online communities, he was administrator for the Times of Pol, a short-term news website and platform for activism, and has participated in dialogue with numerous pagan and occult orders.

Originally a student of plant biology at the University of Vermont, he has also studied archaeology and religion at Castleton State University.

Reviews

[Rytis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Arbatel of Magick", originally published in 1575 in Latin and translated into English in the year 1655 by Robert Turner is a grimoire of Renaissance ceremonial magic. The Arbatel is unique, compared to other grimoires and magical works of a similar age in that it is positive in its nature and devoid of black magick. As such, The Arbatel could be seen as a sort of apologetic work of magick, speaking of the positive, divine, and theurgic uses.

The book draws heavily from the philosophy of Swiss Paracelsus and Ancient Greek schools of thought, while still being Christian in its nature, making Biblical references and expressing Christian ideas. Not only that, the book further makes references to alchemy and the thrice-great Hermes Trismegistus, Sibylline oracles, and various other philosophical, religious, mystical, and magical figures.

The work contains 7 Septenaries or 49 short passages, termed "aphorisms" which gives straight forward guide to the practitioners of the magical arts, advice on the manner of living a holy life, descriptions of celestial hierarchies, the introduction of Olympian spirits, and ways to avoid harm and follow the light.

[Victoria Belue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep dive into the history and philosophy of mathematics, numbers and sacred geometry. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned a lot of interesting bits of information that added to my overall understanding.

[Ellenore Clementine Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

christian take

I am forced to say out of guilt that actually giving alms or being helpful (doing good works) will appease the planetary angels more than these line drawings. Actual angel studies correlated with astrology are more difficult but have more depth and allow for character study. This … idk. Nothing compares to honest work. Sometimes this lofty stuff may isolate you.

[Ragaraja · Rating 5 out of 5]

just the translation and nothing else. it’s perfect

Nothing but the English translation and that’s exactly what I wanted.

A small book with just 44 pages, it’s exactly what I wanted.

[Loren Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its alright

I was hoping for knowledge not religion its an ok book but not a great book. I would have bought a different book if I had known.