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ARBATEL of the Magic of the Ancients

The Modern Hermeticist・65 minutes read

Magic is explored from historical, philosophical, and spiritual angles, with a focus on divine knowledge, the role of God, Olympic spirits, and the importance of faith and discernment. The text delves into the distinctions between good and evil magic, emphasizing the need for divine guidance, avoidance of sin, and alignment with God's will to harness magical abilities for eternal good.

Insights

  • Magic, as understood by the Ancients, is often misconstrued as diabolical sorcery, but it encompasses distinct sciences like Divine Magic, Astrology, and the Philosophy of Nature.
  • The text underscores the importance of faith in God, emphasizing His power as the source of all abilities and actions, guiding individuals through divine intervention and promising blessings for obedience.
  • To practice magic ethically and effectively, magicians must adhere to divine laws, avoid sin, and seek assistance from benevolent spirits while maintaining faith, honesty, and constancy.

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Recent questions

  • What is the origin of the term "Magus"?

    The term "Magus" originates from Persia, denoting one versed in divine matters. It encompasses worshiping God, as seen in the wise men in Matthew 2 worshipping Jesus.

  • How can a magician communicate with Olympic Spirits?

    A magician can communicate with Olympic Spirits by observing the sunrise, stating desires in a prayer, and releasing the spirit after an hour. The governance of the universe by seven Olympic Spirits is detailed, each having specific powers and durations of rule.

  • What are the key principles a magician must adhere to?

    A magician must adhere to seven laws, including recognizing spirits from God and trying them as per scripture. Upholding great justice, avoiding ungodly actions, and embracing the gifts of God are crucial for a magician.

  • How can a magician transition from common life to a magical life?

    Transitioning from common life to a magical life involves a shift in awareness and understanding of one's thoughts and actions. It requires distinguishing between divine influences and personal desires, focusing on eternal good.

  • What is the significance of faith in magic?

    Faith is crucial in magic, as it enables possibilities and prevents deception. God's power and guidance can lead to true knowledge and understanding, emphasizing the importance of faith, honesty, and constancy in magical practices.

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Summary

00:00

"Arbatel of Magic: Ancient Wisdom Unveiled"

  • "Arbatel of Magic" translated into English by Robert Turner, read by Dan Atro.
  • Support production at patreon.com "The Modern Hermeticist."
  • Preface by Robert Turner addresses the fall of Man and the corruption of noble arts like magic.
  • Magic, as contemplated by the Ancients, is often misunderstood and associated with diabolical sorceries.
  • Magic and Witchcraft are distinct sciences, with Witchcraft being devil-driven.
  • The term "Magus" originates from Persia, denoting one versed in divine matters.
  • Magus encompasses worshiping God, with the wise men in Matthew 2 worshipping Jesus.
  • Three kinds of magic: Divine Magic, Astrology, and Philosophy of Nature.
  • Astrology, part of magic, was used by Abraham to understand the true God.
  • Zoroaster, a divine magician, emphasized worshiping God and divine knowledge.

22:38

"Divine wisdom guides understanding and knowledge"

  • Philo's aphorism 6 emphasizes the importance of frequently revisiting and ingraining learned knowledge in one's mind to enhance understanding.
  • It is advised to focus on learning deeply about a few things rather than superficially about many, as human understanding has limits unless divinely guided.
  • The text encourages seeking help from God in times of trouble, as ignorance is seen as a mental tribulation that can be alleviated through divine intervention.
  • God's power is highlighted as the source of all abilities and actions, with everything in existence deriving its power and authority from Him.
  • The hierarchy of wisdom is outlined, starting from God and descending through spiritual creatures, natural entities, and finally to the elements and elemental beings.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of discerning the wisdom of the Creator and His creations to understand how to utilize everything for human benefit.
  • God is portrayed as a caring Father who guides and teaches His children through the scriptures, offering promises of blessings for obedience and warnings of consequences for disobedience.
  • The significance of faith in God is stressed, with the assurance that God's power and guidance can prevent deception and lead to true knowledge and understanding.
  • The Olympic Spirits residing in the firmament are described as having the role of revealing destinies and administering charms, subject to God's permission and control.
  • The governance of the universe by seven Olympic Spirits is detailed, with each having specific powers and durations of rule, as well as the ability to communicate with them at designated times for guidance and assistance.

45:07

"Unlocking Secrets: Magicians, Spirits, and Governors"

  • The spirit can easily provide familiar spirits and teach all arts, dignifying individuals with the ability to convert Quicksilver into the Philosopher's Stone and change metals into silver.
  • The spirit governs lunary matters, heals the dropsy, provides water spirits in corporeal form, and extends human life to 300 years.
  • Governors act with their spirits either naturally or by free will, able to perform tasks quickly or over time.
  • A true magician can utilize all creatures and governors of the world at will, with obedient spirits executing commands.
  • Seven governors in each element move with the firmament's motion, with inferiors dependent on superiors.
  • A magician must avoid sins to communicate with spirits, as evil spirits may appear due to sinners' actions.
  • Belief and willingness enable possibilities, while wavering minds hinder progress, emphasizing faith, honesty, and constancy.
  • To call Olympic spirits, observe the sunrise, state desires in a prayer, and release the spirit after an hour.
  • Secrets are attainable through God, spirits, dreams, or celestial knowledge, leading to heroic and learned individuals.
  • Creating a circle with specific divisions symbolizes the Seal of the world's secrets, drawn from the invisible God to the entire creation.

01:06:59

Angelic wisdom and faith in prayer

  • The wisdom of the West is strength, the South is tillage, the North is a more rigid life, and the East is commended as the best.
  • The Meridian is considered mean, the West and North are lesser.
  • The seal of Secrets helps identify the origins of spirits or angels, who possess powers and names based on their roles.
  • Some angels have powers like the sword, pestilence, or inflicting famine, as ordained by God.
  • Angels are protectors of kingdoms or individuals, and their names can be formed in any language.
  • Asking angels for various types of wisdom or assistance requires serious, faithful, and constant requests.
  • Faith is crucial in surpassing all seals and aligning them with human will.
  • Using angelic symbols as memorials is acceptable if done without idolatry or falling into the devil's snares.
  • Prayer is emphasized as a means to obtain desires, with a warning against idolatry and the devil's deceptions.
  • Magic is categorized into different divisions based on its purpose, tools, and the beings involved, with a focus on simplicity and faith in God.

01:28:16

"Magician's Divine Laws and Spiritual Essence"

  • Daniel was commanded to seal some things and not declare them publicly, similar to Paul who couldn't speak openly about all he saw in a vision.
  • A magician must uphold great justice, avoiding ungodly, wicked, or unjust actions to be divinely defended from evil.
  • To perform any magical task, a magician must adhere to seven laws, including recognizing spirits from God and trying them as per scripture.
  • Superstition, idol worship, deceitful imitations by the devil, and false magical ceremonies must be avoided by a magician.
  • Magicians should embrace the gifts of God and His holy spirit, cleaving to them with their whole heart and strength.
  • A magician is defined as one whom spiritual essences serve to reveal the universe's knowledge and nature's secrets, while an evil magician serves evil spirits for destruction.
  • A magician must be predestined for their work by divine grace, avoiding aspiring to the highest forms of magic to prevent harm to their soul and body.
  • Magic leads to eternal good and temporal enjoyment with thanksgiving, contrasting with magic focused solely on worldly pleasures in contempt of God.
  • Transitioning from common life to a magical life involves a shift in awareness and understanding of one's thoughts and actions, distinguishing between divine and personal influences.
  • The greatest precept of magic is discerning what to accept from assisting spirits, learning from the word of God, and avoiding unnecessary distractions to focus on eternal good.

01:48:14

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