various authors
sixteenth century and later
translated by Jason Colavito
2025
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NOTE |
The word grimoire is believed to be a French corruption of grammar, referring originally to books written in Latin. By the eighteenth century, the term had come to be associated with books of magic, many of which circulated in Latin manuscripts or printings, likely because the word grimoire had come to mean something difficult to understand, especially as knowledge of Latin declined. Thus, books of magic, which held the reputation of holding complex occult truths, became grimoires. Many of these book contained spells for invoking and controlling demons, which gave these books a somewhat sinister reputation, despite many being (falsely) attributed to the pens of Biblical figures or popes. In 1922, the French occultist Émile-Jules Grillot de Givry (1874-1929) compiled a 400-page anthology of excerpts from occult texts called the Anthologie de l'occultisme. He devoted a section to excerpts from grimoires, collected directly from original manuscripts, which differ from the common printed versions. I have translated these excerpts along with Grillot's introductory essay and supplemented them with additional passages from the same manuscripts published earlier by P. L. Jacob in his Curiosités des science occultes (1862). The citations following each passage are those the original editor provided.
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GRIMOIRESIt is impossible for us to pass over in silence a category of books which once had considerable vogue, especially among the rural people, and which we will group under the generic name of Grimoires. The origin of these works certainly goes back to the highest antiquity. We see, from the testimony of Flavius Josephus, that books attributed to Solomon, and intended to make demons appear, already existed around the 1st century. Later, we find them mentioned in the 13th century by Roger Bacon, and the Elements of Magic by Peter d’Abano is the prototype of all grimoires. However, it was in the 16th century that their use was most widespread, and it is at this time that we must place the writing of all those which we possess, and which was probably inspired by older documents, now lost. There is reason to believe that they were made fashionable in France by Italian sorcerers, such as Cosimo Ruggieri, whom Catherine de’ Medici dragged in her wake, because all these volumes are strongly tinged with the Italian language. It is impossible for us to undertake a complete study of their origin and composition here. Let us limit ourselves to saying that we can roughly divide them into three categories: (1) Grimoires properly speaking, intended to make demons appear; (2) rituals intended to protect oneself against these same demons; and (3) books of so-called magical secrets, often containing purely natural recipes.
Among the first category of grimoires, we will cite the Grimoire of Pope Honorius and the Keys of Solomon. Despite the diversity of their titles, these works reproduce one another more or less; they encroach on each other, adorn themselves with illustrious names and teem with anachronisms, such as those which place the name of Paracelsus in the mouth of Solomon. We still find them reproduced at various times, under the most fanciful titles: the Red Dragon, the Black Hen, the Grand Grimoire, the Greater Key, Black Magic, Armadel, or the Grand Agrippa, which are, in reality, only the reproduction of a single work with more-or-less random variations; but we must not expect in this matter to encounter method or critical spirit. Besides the numerous editions that have been published, there are some very fine manuscripts, notably in the Arsenal Library in Paris, which has a remarkable collection. The manuscripts are, in general, much more correct and much more intelligently written than the printed editions, most of which were intended for peddling in the countryside and are bristling with gross errors. The Enchiridion of Pope Leo III is typical of works of the second kind; it was “sent to the Most Serene Emperor of the French, Charlemagne, by Pope Leo to make him happy in all the events of his life,” says the preface to the Mayence edition of 1633. The original manuscript is said to be preserved in the Vatican Library, although we have never been able to find it there. It contains curious prayers and some recipes that were added afterward. Finally, as exemplars of works of the third category, we will cite the Petit Albert, attributed to Albert the Great, the Grimoire or Natural Magic, printed in The Hague around 1740, and a number of manuscripts that are still found deep in the backwoods of the countryside. They contain recipes, sometimes very real, such as that for meat extract [i.e. bouillon cubes], printed with all its details in the Grimoire of The Hague, more than a hundred years before [chemist Justus von] Liebig [invented it]. Sometimes, they are comical, like the story of the traveler’s garter. But in any case, such works deserve to be reviewed. — Grillot de Givry |
THE KEYS OF RABBI SOLOMON
Chapter I.
What dispositions should one have who wishes to participate in the secrets of Kabbalistic science?
He must, above all things, be warned that nothing should be neglected in all the circumstances designated for the mysterious operations of this great art. And it is a pointless question to ask what relationship exists between the planets and a piece of blank parchment or a metal plate bearing a few figures or characters, to produce effects as admirable as those I will deduce in the following. It is likewise pointless to propose whether there is any implicit or explicit pact in this art, since there is none, and great men who preceded us in this art have done admirable and prodigious things, and which it will be up to you to experience with satisfaction. One must be hardworking to devote oneself with full attention to working this art, sober, detached from the pleasures of debauchery, so as not to be dissipated and distracted. For one cannot make a mistake without consequences.
One must be knowledgeable in astronomy, or at least guided by one so knowledgeable. One must not be stingy in sparing the small expense that will be necessary for the success of the operations of this art.
One must be respectful in reciting the orations, conjurations, invocations, incensings, and other required ceremonies; one must above all be fearless and firm during the appearances of the genies; and if one has any doubts about their resolve, one must be accompanied by some discreet person who can reassure oneself. For the weakness of the imagination is greatly to be feared and is wonderfully inclined to create chimerical phantoms that never were.
Finally, one must have great confidence and a firm hope of success by observing exactly everything prescribed in this precious book which contains the mysteries of the Kabbalah.
Chapter II.
What are the proper places and times for the operations of this great art?
The attention that is extremely necessary to work without distraction requires a secluded place, one that is far removed from the tumult of the world. For the celestial geniuses and intelligences, who, by their spirituality, are of divine nature, make themselves seen and communicate more readily in the silence and tranquility of solitude.
One should therefore have a small room, or a secret closet, which no one frequents, especially not women and girls who could defile its purity with their menstrual infirmities. This chosen place must be as clean as possible, without any lavishness or superfluous ornaments that could distract or mislead the mind and imagination. It will be sufficient to have a table, a few chairs, and a cupboard to lock up what is necessary for the working of this art.
It will be very appropriate that all this little piece of furniture be new, at least very clean, and purified by the odor of the perfumes marked below, and sprinkled with lustral water. Let us take great care not to keep here any unclean vessel used for the necessities of the body, because this place must be, in all ways, of great purity and cleanliness.
As for the time designated for operations, it is undeniable that the most appropriate time for applying oneself properly to the work of this art is at sunrise, because the mind, being then in great tranquility, is less inclined to be distracted, not yet being filled with external objects that dissipate and divide it. If, however, the circumstances and the position of the planets that one must observe when beginning this work require it, whether at midday or at the end of the day, one must remain from morning until the hour of work in great recollection, occupying oneself with anticipating, foreseeing, and preparing everything that will be necessary, so that everything may be done with precision, without wasting time, which it is very important to carefully manage during the influence of the star dominating the operation, and during the briefest moment of consultation.
What dispositions should one have who wishes to participate in the secrets of Kabbalistic science?
He must, above all things, be warned that nothing should be neglected in all the circumstances designated for the mysterious operations of this great art. And it is a pointless question to ask what relationship exists between the planets and a piece of blank parchment or a metal plate bearing a few figures or characters, to produce effects as admirable as those I will deduce in the following. It is likewise pointless to propose whether there is any implicit or explicit pact in this art, since there is none, and great men who preceded us in this art have done admirable and prodigious things, and which it will be up to you to experience with satisfaction. One must be hardworking to devote oneself with full attention to working this art, sober, detached from the pleasures of debauchery, so as not to be dissipated and distracted. For one cannot make a mistake without consequences.
One must be knowledgeable in astronomy, or at least guided by one so knowledgeable. One must not be stingy in sparing the small expense that will be necessary for the success of the operations of this art.
One must be respectful in reciting the orations, conjurations, invocations, incensings, and other required ceremonies; one must above all be fearless and firm during the appearances of the genies; and if one has any doubts about their resolve, one must be accompanied by some discreet person who can reassure oneself. For the weakness of the imagination is greatly to be feared and is wonderfully inclined to create chimerical phantoms that never were.
Finally, one must have great confidence and a firm hope of success by observing exactly everything prescribed in this precious book which contains the mysteries of the Kabbalah.
Chapter II.
What are the proper places and times for the operations of this great art?
The attention that is extremely necessary to work without distraction requires a secluded place, one that is far removed from the tumult of the world. For the celestial geniuses and intelligences, who, by their spirituality, are of divine nature, make themselves seen and communicate more readily in the silence and tranquility of solitude.
One should therefore have a small room, or a secret closet, which no one frequents, especially not women and girls who could defile its purity with their menstrual infirmities. This chosen place must be as clean as possible, without any lavishness or superfluous ornaments that could distract or mislead the mind and imagination. It will be sufficient to have a table, a few chairs, and a cupboard to lock up what is necessary for the working of this art.
It will be very appropriate that all this little piece of furniture be new, at least very clean, and purified by the odor of the perfumes marked below, and sprinkled with lustral water. Let us take great care not to keep here any unclean vessel used for the necessities of the body, because this place must be, in all ways, of great purity and cleanliness.
As for the time designated for operations, it is undeniable that the most appropriate time for applying oneself properly to the work of this art is at sunrise, because the mind, being then in great tranquility, is less inclined to be distracted, not yet being filled with external objects that dissipate and divide it. If, however, the circumstances and the position of the planets that one must observe when beginning this work require it, whether at midday or at the end of the day, one must remain from morning until the hour of work in great recollection, occupying oneself with anticipating, foreseeing, and preparing everything that will be necessary, so that everything may be done with precision, without wasting time, which it is very important to carefully manage during the influence of the star dominating the operation, and during the briefest moment of consultation.
(Arsenal Library, ms. no. 2346.)
FIRST INVOCATION TO THE EMPEROR LUCIFER
Emperor Lucifer, prince and master of rebellious spirits, I beg you to leave your home in whatever part of the world it may be, to come and speak to me. I command and conjure you on behalf of the great living God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to come without spreading any foul odor, to answer me loudly and clearly, item by item, on what I ask of you. Otherwise, you will be compelled by the power of the great Adonai, Elohim, Ariel, Jehovah, Tagla, Mathon, and all the other great superior spirits who will force you to do so despite yourself. Venite, venite, Submirtillor Lucifugé (Come, come, Submirtillor the Light-Shunner), or you will be tormented eternally by the great force of this thundering rod.
After repeating these great and powerful words twice, you are sure that the spirit will appear as follows.
After repeating these great and powerful words twice, you are sure that the spirit will appear as follows.
Response of the Spirit
I cannot grant you what you ask of me under these conditions or under any other, unless you give yourself to me in fifty years, to do with your body and soul as I please.
(Printed edition of 1522.)
EXCERPTS QUOTED IN CURIOSITIES OF THE OCCULT SCIENCES
On the Confession of Sins
I confess to you, Lord, king of heaven and earth, and I weep for my sins, bowed and humiliated in your presence, because I have sinned before you through pride, avarice and excessive desire for both honors and riches, through laziness, gluttony, gluttony, debauchery, drunkenness; because I have offended you in my thighs, my secret parts, by all kinds of sins of the flesh, by my adulteries, the pollutions that I have suffered on myself and that I have consented that others commit, by my sacrileges, my thefts, my plundering, rapes and homicides, etc. I also detest the crimes that I have committed by bad thoughts, dirty meditations, false suspicions, rash judgments, by the bad consents that I have given by favoring the advice of the impious, by concupiscence in sensual and impudent pleasures, by my idle words, my lies, my falsehoods, by the false oaths in all ways that I have made, by my continual detractions and calumnies. I hate the crimes I have committed in my loins, by my betrayals, the discords I have sown, my curiosities, my gluttonies, my false reports, my blasphemies, my vain words, the insults I have made, my dissimulations, the vigils contrary to God, by the transgression I have made of the Ten Commandments, by the negligence of my duty and my obligations. Most High and Almighty Father, grant by your immense mercy that I may see and know all the Spirits that I invoke, so that by their means I may see my will accomplished by your sovereign greatness and by your lasting and eternal glory, you who are and will be without end an ineffable and holy Father!
I confess to you, Lord, king of heaven and earth, and I weep for my sins, bowed and humiliated in your presence, because I have sinned before you through pride, avarice and excessive desire for both honors and riches, through laziness, gluttony, gluttony, debauchery, drunkenness; because I have offended you in my thighs, my secret parts, by all kinds of sins of the flesh, by my adulteries, the pollutions that I have suffered on myself and that I have consented that others commit, by my sacrileges, my thefts, my plundering, rapes and homicides, etc. I also detest the crimes that I have committed by bad thoughts, dirty meditations, false suspicions, rash judgments, by the bad consents that I have given by favoring the advice of the impious, by concupiscence in sensual and impudent pleasures, by my idle words, my lies, my falsehoods, by the false oaths in all ways that I have made, by my continual detractions and calumnies. I hate the crimes I have committed in my loins, by my betrayals, the discords I have sown, my curiosities, my gluttonies, my false reports, my blasphemies, my vain words, the insults I have made, my dissimulations, the vigils contrary to God, by the transgression I have made of the Ten Commandments, by the negligence of my duty and my obligations. Most High and Almighty Father, grant by your immense mercy that I may see and know all the Spirits that I invoke, so that by their means I may see my will accomplished by your sovereign greatness and by your lasting and eternal glory, you who are and will be without end an ineffable and holy Father!
(Arsenal Library, S et A, no. 76, p. 28.)
On the Wax Used in Conjurings
In several arts and operations, either virgin earth will be used to make images, or wax candles: This is why you must take care that neither one nor the other has ever been used, and you must draw the earth with your own hands, and it must not be touched with any iron instrument of any kind, so that it is not soiled; The wax must be taken from honeycombs that have only made the first wax, and it must not have been used in any work. When you wish to use one or the other, before you begin your work, you must recite this conjuration over it:
Extator, Nestator, Sytącibon, Adonaij, On, -Azozaman, Metchon, Asmodachii, Comphac, Erijonas, Proptieres, Alijomas, Conamas, Papiredas, Otiodos Narbonidas, Almoij, Cacaij, Coanaij, Equevant, Vemat, Dennaij, Comparis, Scier, Serántis, Cosphilados: Angels of God, come and be present, because I invoke you in my work, so that it may acquire virtue through you and be successfully completed through you!
In several arts and operations, either virgin earth will be used to make images, or wax candles: This is why you must take care that neither one nor the other has ever been used, and you must draw the earth with your own hands, and it must not be touched with any iron instrument of any kind, so that it is not soiled; The wax must be taken from honeycombs that have only made the first wax, and it must not have been used in any work. When you wish to use one or the other, before you begin your work, you must recite this conjuration over it:
Extator, Nestator, Sytącibon, Adonaij, On, -Azozaman, Metchon, Asmodachii, Comphac, Erijonas, Proptieres, Alijomas, Conamas, Papiredas, Otiodos Narbonidas, Almoij, Cacaij, Coanaij, Equevant, Vemat, Dennaij, Comparis, Scier, Serántis, Cosphilados: Angels of God, come and be present, because I invoke you in my work, so that it may acquire virtue through you and be successfully completed through you!
(Arsenal Library, S et A, no. 76, p. 260.)
On Preparing Magical Instruments
Let an iron knife be made, with a blade of the finest steel, the handle of which be ivory white and dipped in the blood of a male goose, and which be made on the day and hour of Mercury, in the waxing moon, and let it be completed from the first hour until the third, on which you will have three common masses said and write on the handle, with the exorcized cinnabar, with a needle or chisel prepared for this purpose, the mysterious characters.
Let an iron knife be made, with a blade of the finest steel, the handle of which be ivory white and dipped in the blood of a male goose, and which be made on the day and hour of Mercury, in the waxing moon, and let it be completed from the first hour until the third, on which you will have three common masses said and write on the handle, with the exorcized cinnabar, with a needle or chisel prepared for this purpose, the mysterious characters.
(Arsenal Library, S et A, no. 78, p. 232.)
THE GRIMOIRE OF POPE HONORIUS THE GREAT
Honorius the Great, having summoned magicians from all parts of the world, commanded them to come to Rome in safety, but this could not be done without great difficulty, both due to the dangerous roads and the wickedness of the spirits who caused horrible rains and snows in the country. Nevertheless, they arrived in Rome and met all together at the same time in this place. One of them was named Hierosmus Adam, of the Duchy of Milan, who lived in a dense forest and who had this experience in Rome, having himself composed it to speak to the spirits after the conjuration of the book:
Conjuration of the Book, which is performed immediately after the consecration of the bread and wine.
“I conjure you, O Book, that you may be profitable to those who will use you in all their affairs; I conjure you, by the virtue of the blood of Jesus Christ contained in the chalice, that you may be good to those who will read you.”
The Book must be conjured and exorcised in the above manner, three times in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, and then the Mass must be concluded.
The Book must be conjured and exorcised in the above manner, three times in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, and then the Mass must be concluded.
General Conjuration of Demonic Spirits.
“In the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit + arise all you evil spirits, by the virtue and power of your King, by the seven crowns of your Kings and by the sulfurous chains under which all the demonic spirits of hell are held. Compel N... to come to me before the circle to answer my requests, to do and accomplish all that I ask of him according to the power given to him. Come then, both from the East and from the West, and bring the spirit N... to me. I conjure and command you by the virtue and power of the one who is triune, coeternal and coequal, who is one God, invisible and consubstantial, who created heaven and earth and all things in them by his word alone.”
(Arsenal Library, ms., no. 2494).
ENCHIRIDION OF POPE LEO
When one is fortunate enough to have a copy of this booklet, one must place it in a small new leather bag so that it is properly preserved. Then one must vow to carry it with oneself as long as one can and not fail to read at least one page devoutly and attentively each day. If one foresees or fears some danger, one must read a page appropriate to what one fears, and one can easily do so by paying attention to the titles of the prayers. It must be noted that when reading this book, one must kneel with one’s face turned toward the rising sun, as Charlemagne always did.
PRAYER AGAINST FEVERS
When God saw the Cross where his body was placed, his flesh trembled, his blood was stirred, the Jews said to him: “I think you are afraid, or that fevers are gripping you”; I am not afraid, nor do fevers hold me + Jesus, Maria + Amen.
Edition of Mainz (1633).
PETIT ALBERT
A Recipe for Tying the Aiguillette
Have the rod of a newly killed wolf, and, being close to the reach of the one you want to bind, you will call him by his own name, and as soon as he has responded, you will tie the said rod with a lace of white thread, and he will be so powerless to the act of Venus, that he would not be more so if he were castrated. Good experiments have shown that, to remedy and even to prevent this kind of enchantment, one only has to wear a ring in which is set the right eye of a weasel.
Have the rod of a newly killed wolf, and, being close to the reach of the one you want to bind, you will call him by his own name, and as soon as he has responded, you will tie the said rod with a lace of white thread, and he will be so powerless to the act of Venus, that he would not be more so if he were castrated. Good experiments have shown that, to remedy and even to prevent this kind of enchantment, one only has to wear a ring in which is set the right eye of a weasel.
Secrets merveilleux du Petit Albert (Lyon, Beringos frères, 1772), p. 20.
To Restrict the Sexual Desire of Women
To moderate the excessive desire for the action of Venus in women: Grind the genitals of a red bull into powder, and give a crown's weight of this powder in a broth composed of veal, purslane, and lettuce to the overly covetous woman, and she will no longer be bothered, but on the contrary, she will have an aversion to the venereal action.
To moderate the excessive desire for the action of Venus in women: Grind the genitals of a red bull into powder, and give a crown's weight of this powder in a broth composed of veal, purslane, and lettuce to the overly covetous woman, and she will no longer be bothered, but on the contrary, she will have an aversion to the venereal action.
Secrets merveilleux du Petit Albert (Lyon, Beringos frères, 1772), page not given.
On Magic Candles
I will conclude this subject with the secret Cardan gives for knowing if a treasure is in the place where one is digging: He says that one must have a large candle, made of human tallow, and that it be enclosed in a piece of hazel wood. And if the candle, being lit in the underground place, makes a great deal of noise while crackling brightly, it is a sign that there is treasure in that place, and the closer one gets to the treasure, the more the candle will crackle, until finally, when one is quite close, it will go out. One must have other candles in lanterns, so as not to be left without light. When one has solid reasons to believe that the spirits of deceased men guard the treasures, it is good to have blessed candles instead of common candles, and to implore them on behalf of God to declare if anything can be done to put them in a place of good rest, and one must never fail to carry out what they have requested.
I will conclude this subject with the secret Cardan gives for knowing if a treasure is in the place where one is digging: He says that one must have a large candle, made of human tallow, and that it be enclosed in a piece of hazel wood. And if the candle, being lit in the underground place, makes a great deal of noise while crackling brightly, it is a sign that there is treasure in that place, and the closer one gets to the treasure, the more the candle will crackle, until finally, when one is quite close, it will go out. One must have other candles in lanterns, so as not to be left without light. When one has solid reasons to believe that the spirits of deceased men guard the treasures, it is good to have blessed candles instead of common candles, and to implore them on behalf of God to declare if anything can be done to put them in a place of good rest, and one must never fail to carry out what they have requested.
Secrets merveilleux du Petit Albert (Lyon, Beringos frères, 1772), p. 99.
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Sources: Grillot de Givry, Anthologie de l’occultisme (Paris: Éditions de Serène, 1922), 315-322; P. L. Jacob, Curiosités des science occultes (Paris: Adolphe Delahays, 1862), 335-338, 343, 351-352, 381-382.
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