Elucidation of Necromancy Lucidarium Artis Nigromantice attributed to Peter of Abano: Including a new translation of his Heptameron or Elements of ... and commentary by Joseph H. Peterson

by Joseph H. Peterson, Peter Of Abano

Since it first appeared over 500 years ago, the Elucidation of Necromancy (Lucidarium artis Nigromantice) and the closely related Heptameron have become essential guides for individuals seeking to call on angels and other supernatural beings for help. Countless amulets and pendants have been made with its designs, and elements have repeatedly been adapted and incorporated into other manuals of ritual magic. In spite of this, neither a critical edition nor a translation has been previously published. In particular three manuscripts of Lucidarium have come to light recently, which provide a clearer and fuller ritual than the printed Heptameron . For example, they add critical instructions for making the seven angel sigils, which have become so widely known. Together they bring to life this important current of esoteric tradition, showing how it has been repeatedly adapted and used by different individuals for centuries.

Genres: Occult, Magick, Esoterica, Witchcraft, Magic

320 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2021

Reviews

[Paola Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the simplicity of the rituals. Elucidation of Necromancy compares several manuscripts of the Heptameron and related works, showing them to be part of an evolving system. It is a collection of the same text from different times and authors, allowing the reader to see where differences occur and why. The Heptameron is a step-by-step guide, any modern paths could easily formulate a complete and coherent magical practice with this one book alone. It is essential reading for any serious magician, particularly those interested in working with angels or other supernatural entities. It's just a beautiful book and I cant wait to start putting it into practice.

[Adam Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elucidation of Necromancy offers a crucial look at the missing pieces of one of the fundamental works of spirit evocation, The Heptameron, and as a bonus, includes a spiffy modern translation of the original book as well.

Some History: The Heptameron is a book based heavily on the Sefer Raziel HaMalakh (The Book of Raziel the Angel) a 13th Century Hebrew Grimoire that was translated to Latin in the 16th Century. It is full of secret names of seasons and secret names for the sun and moon, and so very many angels. The Heptameron takes parts of this, some Islamic Jinn Kings, some Western paganism, and a whole lot of Catholicism, and smashes it all together into a system that might be convincing to an Egyptian priest, uttering the secret names and phases necessary to commune with the gods.

If you do Goetia, parts of it will be very familiar to you. In the several versions of the Lucidarium included, you will hear the "angels of the air" called aerial spirits and treated accordingly, which is lovely. It's just the definitive version of the work, and a must have for anyone interested in working the Heptameron.

As always, Joseph H. Peterson's translations are coherent, practical, and enjoyable to read. The man remains a treasure to the world of the occult.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice compilation of various iterations of the Lucidarium that demonstrates strong research and enough material to work with.