The Magical Art
An original translation of MS.983, L’Art Magique by Aaman Lamba, with full colour manuscript images from Wellcome MS.983 and redrawn images by S. Aldarnay. Hardcover and paperback editions available for pre-order now.
Special edition hardcover is printed on 80gsm cream, covered in Wibalin black cloth with printed marbled endpapers and black head and tail bands, 300 copies, strict. Image shown is the cover of the paperback edition.
‘The synthesis of Solomonic rituals, Christian Kabbalah, astrology, divination, early transcendentalism, and spirit evocation, as well as finely drawn seals in an artist’s hand, makes this a comprehensive basis for practical operations and discovery of the magical arts.’ – Aaman Lamba, from the ‘Introduction’
First and foremost, this is a practical work, combining earlier texts to provide a working manual which would influence subsequent works like the Grimorium Verum and Grand Grimoire. Heavily footnoted and with gorgeous colour illustrations, this work is essential reading for practitioners and students of the grimoire tradition.
The value of a grimoire manuscript may be seen in what it continues from the past, and what it adds from its unique synergy of material. Sitting firmly in the Solomonic stream of grimoires, The Magical Art (Welcome MS 983) is an early eighteenth-century French text which includes material from the Heptameron and the Key of Solomon, along with unique material not found elsewhere. The inclusion of the first known examples of material from the Grimorium Verum, one of the most popularly worked grimoires of today, further adds to the significance of this work.
The influence of Christian rather than Jewish Kabbalah stands out as a unique feature, as seen in the use of the Pentagrammaton and the psalm annotations of the German polymath Athanasius Kircher (creator of the modern Tree of Life image). Another significant figure referenced in this grimoire is the French alchemist and magician Arnaldus de Villa Nova. Among the numerous spirits listed is a curious national ‘Spirit of France’, and the archangel Uriel is also found in an operation of onimancy (skrying on the fingernail), harking back to the divinations of the ancient world.
The Magical Art combines earlier texts to provide a working manual which influenced subsequent works like the Grimorium Verum and Grand Grimoire. This work is essential reading for practitioners and students of the grimoire tradition.
Endorsements:
“The Magical Art is a wonderful example of the synthesis of material from diverse grimoires into a working manual, drawing from a palette of better and lesser known works. Aaman Lamba has carefully and thoroughly set this book in the context of the tradition, contributing another valuable piece to the expanding grimoire jigsaw.” – David Rankine, author of The Grimoire Encyclopaedia
“I reviewed The Magical Art and I was much impressed by the knowledge contained within...it contains more footnotes than Yngwie Malmsteen’s stage boots and as a bonus it contains pictures which I consider fundamentally mandatory to any occult literature.” – Will Moore
“Dive into the mystical depths of L’Art Magique as presented by Aaman Lamba, a treasure trove of grimoire materials and spells that bridges the ancient and the contemporary. This essential volume offers original translations juxtaposed with the original French, complete with direct manuscript graphics and invaluable editorial insights. Lamba, known for his definitive work on The Complete Illustrated Grand Grimoire, brings forth a collection spearheaded by variants of the Grimorium Verum, revealing the practical aspects of conjuring and the rich tapestry of a magician’s mindset. A must-read for grimoire aficionados, The Magical Art serves as a gateway to understanding the legacy and application of magical arts, resonating powerfully with today’s seekers of mystical knowledge.” – Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut, author of Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint
“Assembled from multiple sources, some now lost, this important text is crucial to reconstructing and understanding the widely influential and popular Grimorium Verum. Aaman Lamba’s translation from the old French has finally made it accessible to a wide audience.” – Joseph H. Peterson, founder of Twilit Grotto: Archives of Western Esoterica <https://www.esotericarchives.com>
“It is a delight to live in this golden age of magical translation. Hermes Hermeneutes, the god of translators, has clearly lent his blessing to this project; it is clear, well-researched, and, most importantly, useful.” – Sara Mastros, author of Sorcery of Solomon: A Guide to the 44 Pentacles of the Magician King
“I had the privilege of reading the manuscript of Aaman Lamba’s forthcoming book, The Magical Art or “L’Art Magique,” which he has expertly translated and extensively researched. Without a doubt, it is an essential contribution to the realm of esoteric studies. Building upon his remarkable contribution in The Complete Illustrated Grand Grimoire, this latest book will not disappoint. The astounding level of research and meticulous attention to detail in this book truly conveys Aaman’s love for the grimoire traditions. I think, just like his previous book, this one is essential reading if you are interested in occult studies, and especially if you find yourself down the grimoire path.” – Baal Kadmon, Author, Linguist and Occultist
“A must have for anyone interested in grimoire magic in general and the Grimorium Verum in particular. Meticulously researched with extensive footnotes, this book fills in many important gaps in the history of the Grimorium Verum.” – Stian Kulystin
The Magical Art
An original translation of MS.983, L’Art Magique, or The Magical Art
Volume 1
Aaman Lamba
Redrawn manuscript images by S. Aldarnay.
Manuscript images taken from Wellcome MS.983 and are in the public domain.
ISBN 978-1-915933-06-5 (HB)
ISBN 978-1-915933-07-2 (PB)
Official release 28 May 2024.
178mm x 254mm.
192 pages.
Contents
Foreword by Jake Stratton-Kent
Introduction
The Manuscript and Structure of MS.983¸ L’Art Magique
The Spirits of MS.983, L’Art Magique
The Instruments of the Art
The Sanctum Regnum, or Holy Kingdom and Christian Kabbalah
Arnauld de Villa Nova
The Sanctum Regnum
The Heptameron, or The Magical Elements of Peter de Abano
Onimancy, or The Invocation of the Angel Uriel
The Schemmaphoras and the Invocation of the 72 Angels
Conclusion
MS.983, L’Art Magique: The Magical Art
Chapter One
The Grimoire, Or Book I of the Keys of Solomon, Part One
The Third Part of the Holy Kingdom
Chapter Two
The Instruments of the Art
The Burin of the Art
The Knife
The Knife with a Black Handle
The Penknife
Of the Wand of Reed or Elder Wood
The Aspersion of the Water
The Aspersers
The Aromatic Perfumes
Smelly Odors
The Quill of the Art
Of the Horn and Ink
The Blood of Bats, Doves and Others
The Virgin Parchment
Regarding the Parchment of Parchment Makers and the Perfume Vase
Parchment made from Deer or Goat Skin
Conjuration of Arnauld de Villa Nova
Concerning the Aspersion of all the Items of the Art
The Magical Elements of Peter Abano, Philosopher Magician, 1309
Of the Circle and its Composition
Concerning the Names of the Hours and the Presiding Angels
Concerning the Consecrations and the Benedictions
Of the Garment and the Pentacle
On the Means of the Operation
Exorcism of the Spirits of the Air
Prayer to God that should be said to the Four Parts of the World in the Circle
Concerning Visions and Apparitions
Tables of the Angels of the Hours, according to the Days of the Week
Conjuration of Maymon, King
Onimancy, or dealing with the Invocation of the Angel Uriel
Appendix I: Transcription of MS.983
Appendix II: Hierarchy of Spirits from MS.983 and Related Sources
Appendix III: A Corrected Table of Angels and Psalms
Appendix IV: A Personal Invocation of Lucifer, Based on the Manuscript
Bibliography
Index
