The Philosophy of Natural Magic

Renaissance occultist and doctor Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa presents his system, whereby supernatural sorceries and magical are explained – this edition includes thirteen pertinent sketches and charts.

Across seventy-four chapters, Agrippa describes what constitutes magic, how one can partake in its practice, how ritual procedures must occur before and during magic’s use, and how the elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Wind combine and interplay to create possibilities for sorcerers. Geomancy, Hydromancy, Aeromancy, and Pyromancy are the four arcane arts that, when combined with skill and knowledge of ritual ceremony, can be perfected with the result of great power.

For Agrippa, magics and sorceries were manifestations of virtuous abilities; the correct use of them could encourage closeness with benevolent forces either mystical or divine in origin. The astrological implications of magical mastery are discussed, with planets such as Venus or Jupiter having influence upon certain worldly things.

Later on in the book, Agrippa investigates the powers and purposes of various magical seals. The magic of weather phenomena – specifically thunderstorms – and the apparent mystical origin of certain animals is investigated. We also receive a commentary on magical rings and other artefacts which, by means of some unusual power, have become imbued by magical forces.