The History of Magic: Including a Clear, and Precise Exposition of Its Procedure, Rites and Mysteries

Translation, preface and notes by A.E. Waite. Eliphas Levi was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished of the Continental exponents of occult science which the nineteenth century produced, and his writings attain an important position in the estimation of modern schools of higher magic. The first part of the book explains the principles and teaching underlying magical operations, with chapters describing: the Pillars of the Temple; Triangle of Solomon; Magical Virtues of the Tetrad; Elementary Spirits of the Kabalah; Power over Elements and Spirits; Fiery Sword; Seven Angels and Seven Genii of the Planets; Magical Lamp, Mantle, and Staff of the Kabalah; Magnetic Currents; Hermetic Magic; Evocations; Transmutations; Demonomania; Bewitchments Astrology; Charms and Philtres; Talismans; Stone of the Philosophers; Divination and Alchemy. The second part deals with the actual ritual and practice of Transcendent Magic and describes the Principles of Magical Operation; Magical Equilibrium; Triangle of Pantacles; Magical Trident of Paracelsus; Manner of overcoming and subjecting Elementary Spirits and Maleficent Genii; blazing Pentagram; Ceremonies, Vestments, and Perfumes proper to the seven days of the week; Ceremonial of Initiates; Use of Pentacles; Necromancy; Transmutations; Witchcraft and Spells; Book of Hermes; Nuctemeron of Apollonius of Tyana.