7 Books of Magic They Don’t Want You to Know About
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Throughout history, certain books have remained shrouded in secrecy, hidden away by mystics, magicians, and occult scholars who feared their knowledge would fall into the wrong hands. These aren’t the typical magical texts filled with spells for wealth or power. Instead, these grimoires offer something far deeper: ancient wisdom, divine invocations, and profound spiritual insights.
Let’s explore seven of the most mysterious and powerful grimoires that have fascinated and frightened generations.
The Grimoire of Armadel: Christian Magic & Angelic Wisdom
When most people think of grimoires, they imagine dark rituals and demonic summoning. The Grimoire of Armadel, however, is a surprising exception. This unique French text, believed to have originated in the 17th or 18th century, is rooted in Christian mysticism. Instead of invoking spirits for personal gain, it focuses on angelic invocations to seek divine wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.
This grimoire presents highly structured rituals, each crafted to contact specific celestial beings, such as the angel Uriel. Known as the “light of God,” Uriel offers insight into natural sciences and medicine. The book includes detailed sigils—sacred symbols that practitioners use to access the energy of these angelic entities. During specific invocations, practitioners rely on these sigils to purify their minds, receive prophetic dreams, and gain a deeper understanding of spiritual matters.
Arbatel of Magic: Guide to Angelic Knowledge
The Arbatel of Magic stands apart from many grimoires for its positive approach to magic. Written in 1575 during the Renaissance, the Arbatel focuses on angelic guidance and ethical teachings. Rather than instructing on how to summon demons or control spirits, this text encourages practitioners to seek divine wisdom and personal growth.
A key feature of the Arbatel is its introduction of the Olympian Spirits—seven ruling entities connected to the planets, each offering spiritual gifts and divine insights. These spirits are invoked not for material gain but to gain wisdom, inspiration, and enlightenment. Despite its benevolent nature, the Arbatel was once banned in universities, viewed as dangerous for its challenge to traditional religious boundaries. Even today, it remains a favorite among those who seek a more ethical and uplifting path in magic.
The Heptameron: Spirit Summoning by the Day
Often attributed to Pietro d’Abano, a 13th-century Italian philosopher who faced persecution by the Inquisition, the Heptameron is a fascinating text. This grimoire offers a weekly guide to spirit summoning, with each chapter corresponding to a specific day. Its rituals, prayers, and symbols are designed for precise invocation of spirits associated with each day of the week.
Astrology plays a critical role in the Heptameron, requiring the practitioner to observe specific planetary alignments for effective summoning. This focus on astrological timing makes its rituals complex, but also adds a layer of mystical depth. Though lesser known today, the Heptameron has influenced many subsequent works in Western ceremonial magic and is a key text for those interested in spirit communication.
The Sworn Book of Honorius: Pathway to Divine Knowledge
The Sworn Book of Honorius, or Liber Juratus, is one of the oldest and most influential grimoires, dating back to the 14th century. Written by a group of magicians seeking divine favor during a time of increasing persecution, this text draws heavily from earlier Solomonic traditions.
The Sworn Book stands out because it emphasizes seeking divine knowledge and communion with God, rather than focusing on personal gain like many other grimoires. Its rituals guide practitioners to invoke angelic entities and access divine mysteries. The text provides detailed instructions for crafting sacred tools, including the magical alphabet of Honorius and the powerful Seal of Honorius, both of which help invoke divine protection and guidance.
The Book of the Office of Spirits: Hierarchy of the Spiritual Realm
The Book of the Office of Spirits, also known as Liber Officiorum Spirituum, is a medieval grimoire that takes a unique approach to spirit summoning. It meticulously categorizes spirits by their ranks and roles, serving as an early model for later texts like the Ars Goetia.
This grimoire reflects the medieval worldview, where every aspect of life, including the spirit realm, had a structured hierarchy. The text lists 82 spirits, including some that later appear in the Ars Goetia. It also mentions different types of entities, like fairies, which were believed to assist with tasks such as treasure finding and spirit communication. Though the original manuscript has never been located, many derived versions provide valuable insights into its practices and the spirits it describes.
The Black Pullet: Secrets of Talismans & Enchanted Objects
The Black Pullet, or La Poule Noire, is a unique 18th-century French grimoire that differs from most others by adopting a narrative style. It tells the tale of a French soldier in Egypt who learns the secrets of magic from an elderly man. The text focuses on practical magic, especially the creation of enchanted objects like talismans and rings, rather than spirit summoning.
The legendary Black Pullet, a mystical hen, supposedly lays golden eggs, symbolizing the grimoire’s promise of unlimited wealth for those who master its secrets. The book includes detailed instructions for crafting magical rings that grant power over spirits, wealth, and knowledge. The practical, object-focused nature of the Black Pullet sets it apart from other grimoires, making it a fascinating text for those interested in the tangible aspects of magic.
The Book of St. Cyprian: Witches’ Bible of Folk Magic
Known as the “Witches’ Bible” in parts of Spain, Portugal, and Brazil, the Book of St. Cyprian is a staple in folk magic traditions. Attributed to St. Cyprian of Antioch, a figure believed to have converted from sorcery to Christianity, this grimoire blends Christian and occult teachings.
The Book of St. Cyprian presents a collection of spells, prayers, and protective rituals. It guides practitioners in banishing evil spirits, breaking curses, and attracting good fortune. The text combines Christian piety with magical practices, creating a unique and influential grimoire that practitioners still use in folk magic today.
Wrapping Up
These seven grimoires offer a glimpse into the mystical and spiritual pursuits of ancient scholars and magicians. They are more than just books of spells—they are texts of deep wisdom, exploring divine knowledge and the complex relationship between humanity and the unseen world. If these hidden books have sparked your curiosity, explore our companion post on the 7 Most Powerful Forbidden Grimoires for even more secrets and mysteries of the occult world.
