Books by Francis Barrett

All three books of Francis Barrett's superb compendium of occult thought are presented in this single volume, complete with the original charts and illustrations.Commencing with Magic, we are offered a comprehensive accounts of its capabilities and the tools needed for its use. Natural magic is defined, as are the many philters and potions which may be created and imbued with its essence. Various historical examples of magicians who had, for good or ill, gained public notice for their practices are given. The later chapters meanwhile concern the properties of magical stones such as the legendary Philosophers Stone, and the arcane arts of combining creatures of nature, and the sometimes monstrous results. The Magus itself is termed the Celestial Intelligencer; beginning with a basic account of the four elements, we traverse each in more detail before delving into the more esoteric practices. The symbolism of numbers and of the astronomical bodies of the heavens are detailed, sometimes with charts.

When first published in 1801, The Magus presented a complete study in the practice of ritual magic. It was compiled by Barrett from many different occult sources, such as Agrippa's work, the Heptameron, and various manuscripts of The Key of Solomon, in response to renewed public interest in magic and the ancient, classic texts. As such, it was the first readily accessible English translation, or republication, of rare, long-out-of-print works, and was fundamental for many exploring the Western magic tradition at the dawn of the Victorian Occult Revival. The Magus is actually separated into three books combined in one volume.Book I covers: Natural Magic -- the occult properties of animals, minerals, and vegetables; including the preparation of charms, potions, "monsters", and sorcery; alchemy -- the Philosopher's Stone and how to make it; transmuting base metals into gold, the origin and history of alchemy including famous alchemists; the nature of the elements, the spirit world, planets, numerology, astrology, and talismanic magic.Book II covers: the occult powers and uses of magnetism, including an essay on the Weapon Salve; and a comprehensive study of the cabala and ceremonial magic; includes divine names associated with cabala; use of the cabala to contact, summon, and bind spirits; names and descriptions of good and evil spirits along with the numbers, characters, and seals associated with them; construction of magic circles; and ceremonies of consecration, invocation, and conjuration.Book III is a compilation of biographies of famous magi, cabalists, and philosophers, such as Zoroaster, Albertus Magnus, Doctor Dee, Raymond Lully, and many others.This facsimile is a photo-reproduction of all three books from the first edition. A renowned and often-referenced classic of the Western Mystery Tradition, it remains a useful foundation for the study and practice of magic.