II. Of Occult Philosophy, or Of Magical Ceremonies:

The Fourth Book — Henry Cornelius Agrippa

This treatise which appeared in Latin about 30 years
after Agrippa's death, is effectively a self contained grimoire
or grammar of sorcery which draws upon the Three Books of
Occult Philosophy for its theoretical background.

Johannes Weir, who was for a while Agrippa's disciple
and amanuensis, declared in one of his voluminous works
that this treatise was not after the style of his master, but
elsewhere admits that Agrippa was so prolific that it was
impossible to be sure exactly what amongst posthumously
published material was actually by him.

After an initial excursion into an astrological system

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for generating the names of good and evil spirits, Agrippa
goes on to discuss the magnitudes of the stars and their
symbols. A set of characters for both good and evil spirits
follows, according to their rank and dignity.

The familiar shapes of the spirits of the various planets
are delineated to identify a particular spirit with its planet-
ary ruler. Agrippa then explains how to make pentacles
and what signs are to be used in their preparation. The
form of these pentacles is similar to some given in The Key
of Solomon where the picture is drawn representing a Biblical
or Apocalyptic theme and then surrounded with the appro-
priate verse and Godname.

The work then touches upon the details of consecration of
the various instruments necessary for the art of magic, the
types of conjurations, unctions, suf fumigations, prayers and
benedictions to be used. There is special emphasis on the
consecration of water, fire, oils and perfumes. Details of the
consecration of the circle, which is to be the sanctum sanc-
torum for the practice of magic and the use of the Liber
Spirituum, or Book of Spirits, is explained. This book must
be inscribed with the image and sigil of the spirit together
with the oath which it must take when it is conjured.

Finally, Agrippa reaches the details of the actual invoca-
tion of spirits. He outlines the type of place in which the
ceremony must take place, the preparation and condition of
the Magus, the names to be worn and the days and times in
which the operation is permissible. Further Agrippa explains
dream oracles and the tablets and talismans requisite for
this art, so covering the various forms of invocation not
requiring a circle, and dealing with Nature spirits as well as
the spirits of the grimoires.