The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy

This book is a milestone in Western magical practice. Often erroneously called a forgery, it is in fact six separate books in one, the first two being by Agrippa (1486-1535). One of them, Of Magical Ceremonies, is Agrippa’s clearest step-by-step formulation of how to perform an evocation, much more openly expressed than in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy. In addition there is the key grimoire, Of the Magick of the Ancients by Arbatel, which clearly defines the different types of magic, focusing on the invocation of angels and of the Olympic spirits. The Heptameron by Peter de Abano is a complete, self-contained set of instructions for conjuration of spirits according to the day of the week. Also included is Villinganus’ work on the nature of spirits, illusions, prophecies, and miracles, and how they may be used. Two geomancies (one by Agrippa) complete the volume, which has been reset in modern type.

Stephen Skinner’s introduction places these works in their historical context and dispels the controversy regarding their authenticity. He has formatted the book to facilitate reader’s comprehension and has added commentary to explain some of the archaic as well as esoteric terms used in the texts. Furthermore, he has provided translations of the Latin sections that were not translated by Robert Turner, who was the first to translate these works in 1655, and whose translation this edition is based upon.

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