The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy

By Francis Barrett

Book Overview

2018 Reprint of 1801 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. The book was originally published with three books in a single volume, as was common with many texts of this period. All three parts are included in this facsimile. It facilitated the modern revival of magic by making information from otherwise rare books more readily available. It may have influenced novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton and occultist Eliphas Levi. 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 occult works, and was fundamental for many exploring the Western magic tradition at the dawn of the Victorian Occult Revival. Contents include:

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 others.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1684222583
• ISBN13: 9781684222582
• Release Date: September 2018
• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Length: 424 Pages
• Weight: 1.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Essential for the Occultist in You!

I can confidently place Francis Barrett's The Magus along with the greatest of all magical/occult books in mainstream press: Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson, Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa, Black Magic by AE Waite, and Aleister Crowley's 777. For those that are hardcore occultists or even those who are merely curious, this book has alot to offer everyone.

Good for hysterical purposes, and then some ...

Let's clear up a few misconceptions, by turning to a reliable authorty, as far as most modern occultists would be concerned: Israel Regardie, in an essay from his book 'Foundations of Practical Magic,' (no doubt soon to be reprinted) described Barrett's MAGUS as 'a hotch potch of superstitious nonsense, blended with some basic magical information..the student (of serious magic) could do far worse than acquire a copy...' Besides, it contains, for your shelf, a copy of Pietro d'Abanos' to put next to your greater and lesser Keys of KIng Solomon. So, follow the mighty Mr. Regardie's lead ( and if you don't know Mr. Regardie enough either to admire him or despise him, no serious magician could consider you a serious student of modern western magic), and get a copy.

Desparetly seaking a copy

Durring my divorce it seams i lost mine along with many other possessions...most were replacable, but The Magus. This book is a must have book, and if someone would like to sell their used copy if would be forever greatful...oldworldvamp@prodigy.net

Historical worth of The Magus

Many people have written very dispariging remarks about The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer [first published in 1801]. They probley write such knowagable insights about another auther as well - the Most Honored Counsellor to King Charles the Fifth, and a Judge of the Prerogative Court...Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa lived around 500 years ago, and he wrote a book that is still having an impact today - 'The Three Books of Occult Philosophy'. It is the standard by which all other magical tomes are judged, and The Magus is no exception. The fact that Barrett basterdized the 'Three Books' is well known. But keep in mind, the 'Three Books' had long since fell into obscurity (300 years old by Barretts reconing) and there were no other tomes of any worth (save perhaps Johann Weyer's 'De praestigiis daemonum'). Also keep in mind the timeframe Barrett was living in (1801): 25 years after the American Revolution, 11 years after the first French Revolution, 2 years after George Washingtons death, the Marquis de Sade was still alive then, and Napolion was comming into power. Barrett did an outstanding job, concidering. His book stated the 'modern day magic movement' and directly influenced Eliphas Levi, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley, and so-on. Its impact was enormass, regardless of the glaring inconcistances (and errors) in the text, tables, and with the glyphs. Its history alone make it a book to be respected and admired. Sincerly, Shawn W. Ooten