The First Necromancer - How a Medieval Sorcerer Combined Astrology & Black Magic

ESOTERICA・2 minutes read

Antonio de Montes de Ultis combined various magical traditions into a unified system of sorcery in the 14th century, openly discussing summoning demons, astrological timings, and solomonic magic. His work, "De Ultis at Manifestes," survived in a single 15th-century manuscript, showcasing a bold and rare approach to medieval occult texts.

Insights

  • Antonio de Montes de Ultis, a 14th-century scholar, synthesized astrology, demonic conjurations, and Hermetic magic into a unified system of Astral necromantic magic, showcasing a bold and comprehensive approach to sorcery.
  • The text "De Ultis at Manifestes" authored by Antonio, openly discusses summoning demons, emphasizes the importance of astrological timings in magical operations, and combines various magical traditions, creating a synthetic magical system that intertwines Islamic, Hermetic, and Solomonic elements.

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Recent questions

  • What is Astral necromantic magic?

    Interaction with demons in the astral realm.

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Summary

00:00

Antonio de Montes de Ultis: Medieval Sorcery

  • Medieval sorcery was persecuted, but glimpses of magical practices survive, revealing a mix of Jewish, Arabic, and Hermetic traditions.
  • A 14th-century text by Antonio de Montes de Ultis attempts to unify various magical strands into a theory of Astral necromantic magic.
  • Antonio, a scholar, systematized astrology, demonic conjurations, and Hermetic magic in the 14th century.
  • Antonio's life details show his academic background and positions held in astrology and philosophy.
  • Astral necromancy in the Middle Ages involved interacting with demons believed to reside in the astral realm.
  • Antonio's work combines astrological timings, demonic beings, and solomonic magic into a unified system of sorcery.
  • Antonio's sources include classical and magical texts, astrological textbooks, and solomonic magic, like the Ars Almadel.
  • Antonio's book, "De Ultis at Manifestes," is extraordinary for being authored and signed by him, a rarity in occult texts of the time.
  • The text openly discusses summoning demons, a capital crime, showcasing Antonio's boldness.
  • "De Ultis at Manifestes" survives in a single 15th-century manuscript, part of a collection of magical texts, and is structured as a Scholastic argument in four parts.

17:16

"Summoning Demons and Intelligences: Astrological Magic"

  • Demons in the text are referred to as evil beings outside God's grace, not neutral entities.
  • Intelligences are categorized under four cardinal signs, each representing a direction, with specific associations.
  • Orans is the chief intelligence of the western fiery signs, linked to Solomonic magic.
  • A demon named Forer, associated with lust under Venus, is mentioned.
  • Summoning multiple intelligences simultaneously is cautioned against due to potential antagonism.
  • Intelligences distributed through zodiac signs are sometimes considered good angels.
  • Intelligences linked to traditional planets are sublunar beings worshipped by ancient pagans.
  • The text discusses the importance of astrological timings in magical operations.
  • Images, talismans, and objects can be infused with astrological powers through specific elections.
  • The Exorcist must be in a pure state, confident, and employ correct circles and pentacles for effective magic.

33:31

Synthetic Magical System Combining Astrology and Conjuration

  • The system combines astrological elections, Islamic and hermetic image magic, and the conjuration of intelligences from Solomonic tradition, creating a synthetic magical system. Antonio Monomo de Ultis' work, largely unknown, was detailed in a 1934 book by Thorndike and received a critical edition and translation in 2012, situating it in the history of magic.
  • The text can be found in Penn State's magic and history series, with a critical edition in Latin and English, while Antonio's work on hermetic image magic is available in French. Despite modern magic's dominance in discussions, medieval magic still offers surprises, promising more on necromancy and medieval magic exploration.
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