Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, sometimes referred to as De Occulta Philosophia Libri Tres, is a comprehensive grimoire written by the Renaissance scholar Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. The book was first published in 1531, and it became one of the most influential and widely read texts on magic and the occult during the 16th century. The Three Books of Occult Philosophy is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different area of occult knowledge. The first book discusses natural magic, which involves the manipulation of natural forces and energies to produce supernatural effects. It explores topics such as astrological magic, elemental magic, and the powers of herbs, stones, and animals. Agrippa emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural world and its hidden powers as a foundation for practicing magic.
Presenting the first new English translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy in more than 350 years, this three-volume hardcover boxed set repairs the gaps in knowledge pervasive in the original translation and restores the magical spirit of Agrippa’s masterpiece, allowing us to hear Agrippa speak again.
Acclaimed for his lectures on Reuchlin and the Corpus Hermeticum at universities across Europe, Agrippa acted as archivist for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Divided into three parts--the natural world, the celestial world, and the divine world--the book systematically explains the philosophy, logic, and methods of magic and astrology and how they work.
Agrippa emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural world and its hidden powers as a foundation for practicing magic. The second book delves into celestial magic, which is concerned with the influence of the stars and planets on human affairs. Agrippa provides detailed explanations of astrological principles, including the zodiac signs, planetary intelligences, and the magical properties of the celestial bodies.
Three Books of Occult Philosophy
This massive volume was originally published in 1531, and occultists have been drawing on it ever since. Now, Llewellyn is proud to produce the first complete reprint of the original English translation in the last 500 years. Donald Tyson edited this work and removed the hundreds of errors that appeared in the original translation. He also fully annotated the work, to make it understandable--and usable--by people today.
-Discover what the Renaissance scholar knew about astrology, medicine, history, herbs, geography, animals, angels, devils, Witches, charms, the weather, and a host of other subjects
-Gain immediate reference to a vast amount of arcane, but completely annotated, magical material
-Find corrected drawings of seals, sigils, and magic squares, and correctly represented geomantic figures
-Explore the practical Kabbalah, geomancy, the magic squares, the elements, the humors, and the Soul of the World
-Consult the new Biographical dictionary for background on each of the hundreds of writers and historical figures referred to by Agrippa
-Consult the new Geographical Dictionary for data on referenced rivers, mountains, nations, cities--many of which now carry different names.
The Three Books of Occult Philosophy is the most complete repository of pagan and Neoplatonic magic ever compiled. This book is packed with material you will not find elsewhere, including copious extracts on magic from obscure or lost works by Pythagoras, Ptolemy, Plato, Aristotle, and many others. Tyson's detailed annotations clarify difficult references and provide origins of quotations, even expanding upon them in many cases, in order to make Agrippa's work more accessible to the modern reader.
The Three Books of Occult Philosophy is the ultimate "how-to" for magical workings. It describes how to work all manner of divinations and natural and ceremonial magic in such clear and useful detail that it is still the guide for modern techniques. The extensive new supplementary material makes this wisdom practical for use today.
The Three Books of Occult Philosophy is an essential reference tool for all students of the occult. Get your copy today.
Eric Purdue has studied metaphysics and the occult and has practiced magic and astrology for more than thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. Through his lectures and writings on traditional astrology and talismanic magic, he has been a notable voice on the subjects of medieval astrology, traditional magical systems, and the legacy of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. His new translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy was more than 10 years in the making.
This section also explores the theory of astral spirits and how they can be invoked and controlled through various magical rituals. The third and final book of Agrippa's work is dedicated to ceremonial magic and the conjuration of spirits. It delves into the realm of angelic and demonic entities, their hierarchies, and their respective powers. Agrippa presents a comprehensive system for invoking and working with these spirits, providing detailed instructions for the construction and consecration of magical tools, as well as the performance of various rituals and invocations. Throughout the Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa draws upon a wide range of occult and philosophical sources, including ancient texts, biblical references, and his own personal experiences. He combines elements of Neoplatonic philosophy, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Christian mysticism to create a rich and multifaceted work that encompasses both practical instructions and theoretical reflections. The impact of Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy extended far beyond its initial publication. It influenced numerous subsequent occultists and magicians, including figures like John Dee, Francis Barrett, and Aleister Crowley. Despite being condemned by the Catholic Church and later dismissed by some scholars as mere superstition, Agrippa's book remains a significant contribution to the Western esoteric tradition and continues to be studied and referenced by occult practitioners to this day..
Reviews for "The Role of Astrology in Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy"
1. JaneDoe82 - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Agrippa: Three Books of Occult Philosophy," but I ended up being disappointed. The writing style was difficult to follow, and the author constantly jumped from one topic to another without providing proper explanations. I found myself getting lost and confused, unable to grasp the concepts being presented. Additionally, the book seemed to be more focused on showcasing the author's knowledge rather than teaching the reader. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for a comprehensive and understandable guide to occult philosophy.
2. OccultBookEnthusiast - 2.5 stars
While "Agrippa: Three Books of Occult Philosophy" covers a wide range of topics, I was dissatisfied with the lack of practical applications and actionable advice. The author delves into various theories and historical references, but fails to provide guidance on how to actually implement these concepts in one's own practice. As a reader interested in learning practical techniques, I found myself disappointed and unfulfilled. The book may be suitable for those seeking a purely theoretical exploration of occult philosophy, but it falls short when it comes to providing practical insights.
3. TheSkepticalReader - 1 star
Reading "Agrippa: Three Books of Occult Philosophy" was a frustrating experience. The author's writing style was overly complicated and convoluted, making it difficult to comprehend the information being presented. The book lacked clear structure and organization, with the content often jumping from one topic to another without any logical flow. Additionally, there was an excessive reliance on Latin and ancient terminology without adequate explanations, leaving me feeling alienated as a reader. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a coherent and accessible exploration of occult philosophy.