To browse Academia. This book that was buried in the archive stands as a comprehensive exploration into the arcane realms of occult practices, offering a captivating blend of historical narrative and esoteric insight. The work delves deeply into the cultural and historical dimensions of witchcraft and magic, tracing their evolution from ancient rites to modern interpretations.
The book is distinguished by its rich visual documentation, featuring meticulously crafted illustrations that vividly capture the essence of magical rituals, symbols, and figures. These images not only enhance the textual content but also provide a visual context to the complex practices described. De Givry's work is noted for its detailed examination of sorcery's role in various historical periods, its impact on societal beliefs, and its portrayal in art and literature.
Through its extensive analysis, the book reveals the profound ways in which magical practices have influenced cultural and religious frameworks. The text is both a scholarly resource and a visually compelling chronicle, offering readers a thorough understanding of the mystique and historical significance of witchcraft and magic.
This comprehensive volume is indispensable for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts seeking an in-depth study of occult traditions and their representation through art. Contents custom overview - Sorcerers: The world of shadows as a rival to the world of light; sacerdotal representations of the dark world; diabolic manifestations in religious life; the sorcerer as the priest of the demoniacal church; preparation for the Sabbath; the Sabbath itself; evocation of demons; books of the sorcerers; pacts with demons; concrete notions about demons from old authors; involuntary demoniacs; possession by demons; necromancy and the evocation of the dead; spells; philtres and death spells; and the punishment of sorcerers.
Magicians: The Jewish and Christian cabbalists; astrology and the macrocosm; astrology and the microcosm; metoposcopy, or the science of the frontal lines; physiognomy; cheiromancy; cartomancy and the Tarot; the divinatory arts, including rhabdomancy or the art of using the divining rod; the mystery of sleep and clairvoyance; the curative virtues of invisible forces; and talismans. Alchemists: The secret doctrine; alchemic materials and the operations of the work; and the laboratory of the alchemists and the puffers.
