The Magus a Complete System of Occult Philosophy (Cosimo Classics)

Its author is as mysterious as its subject matter. The one appearance of English occultist FRANCIS BARRETT (b. circa 1770) upon the literary scene is this mammoth 1801 work a complete study of ritual magic in practice and in its theoretical underpinnings. Drawing on numerous works of the arcane and the occult this one-of-a-kind book ignited a fervor for magic in all its forms in the Europe in the early 19th century and may have even influenced Joseph Smith founder of the Mormon Church. Subtitling his tome Celestial Intelligencer Barrett promises here to present a complete system of occult philosophy containing the ancient and modern practice of the Cabalistic art and showing the wondering effects that may be performed by a Knowledge of the celestial influences the occult properties of metals herbs and stones. Alchemy talismanic magic magnetism ceremonial magic the conjuration of spirits... Barrett reveals the secrets of all these disciplines and more. Featuring all the original charts diagrams and illustrations and including Barretts biographies of famous occultists from Agrippa to Zoroaster this is a fascinating work of occult and cultural history.