Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic

Picatrix is a manual for constructing talismans, mixing magical compounds, summoning planetary spirits, and determining astrological conditions. It is a cornerstone of Western esotericism and offers insights into occult practices and beliefs. The English translation by Dan Attrell and David Porrecas opens the world of this vital medieval treatise to modern-day scholars and lay readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2019
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Picatrix, a cornerstone of Western esotericism, is a comprehensive manual that delves into the realms of talisman construction, magical compound mixing, planetary spirit summoning, and astrological condition determination. This invaluable medieval treatise offers profound insights not only into occult practices and beliefs but also into the transmission of magical ideas from antiquity to the present.

The original text, Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm, was compiled in Arabic from over two hundred sources in the latter half of the tenth century. It underwent translation into Castilian Spanish in the mid-thirteenth century and later into Latin. This English translation, based on David Pingrees edition of the Latin text, captures the essence of Picatrix's role in the European tradition.

Within the world of Picatrix, we witness a harmonious blend of practical magic, sincere piety, and traditional philosophy. The detailed introduction explores the text's reception through multiple iterations and provides an enlightening statistical breakdown of the rituals described therein.

Framed by extensive research on the ancient and medieval context that shaped the Latin version of the text, this translation of Picatrix emerges as an indispensable resource for students and scholars of the history of science, magic, and religion. It also captivates anyone with an interest in the occult.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271082127