Chapter XXXI: Part 31

25. The Shapes of Devils are answerable to the cause of their Fall, and the Dominions to which they belong. Those that belong to the Supreme Hierarchy, when they are called by Magicians, do at first appear in the form of fierce and terrible Lyons, vomiting fire, and roaring hideously about the Circle; from thence they convert themselves into Serpents, Monkies, and other Animals, till the Magician do repeat the form of Constriction or Confinement to a Trine or Triangle, as before is mentioned in the Fifteenth Book of the _Discovery_.

♦The Shapes of Devils.♦

26. After the Conjuration is repeated, they forsake these bestial shapes, and [*]indow the humane form at first like troops of Armed Men; till at last by frequent repetitions of other Ceremonies, they appear as naked Men of gentle countenance and behaviour. Yet is the Magician to take care that they deceive him not by insinuations; for their fraudulency is unspeakable in their appearance and dealings with Mankind; because we may be assured they appear not willingly, but are by forceable Conjurations compelled: so that they will ever minde their own ends in medling with man; that is, to deprave his minde, or subvert the Lives and Estates of others through his means and assistance.

♦As they appear to Magicians in the highest rank.♦

♦[*] [= indue]♦

27. The rest of the Infernal Dominions have various appearances. The two next Orders affect to represent the beautiful colours of Birds, and Beasts, as Leopards, Tygers, Pecocks, _&c._ But by Conjurations they may be likewise reduced to a Manlike form, wherein they will readily answer every demand within the compass of their capacity, answerable to the Order unto which they belong: Yet many of them appear in Monstrous forms, and can hardly be conjured to desert them. Though the Exorcist Charm them never so wisely, they will shew him a pair of Crocodiles jaws, or a Lyons paw, with other dreadful menaces, enough to terrifie any Novice from such Damnable Injunctions as the practice of Magick.

♦In the lower orders.♦

28. But more especially, the opinion of the antients is, That according to the division of the clean and unclean Beasts in the Law given unto _Moses_, the Shapes of Devils are disposed in the Infernal Kingdom: So that the most perverse and potent amongst the Devils represent the most ugly and mischievous amongst the Beasts, according to this following division; _viz._ such Devils as ►Astaroth, Lucifer, Bardon, Pownok◄, who incline men and instigate them to pride and presumptuousness, have the shapes of Horses, Lyons, Tygars, Wolves. Such as instigate to Lust and Covetousness have the forms of Hogs, Serpents, and other filthy reptiles or envious Beasts, as Dogs, Cats, Vultures, Snakes, _&c._ Such as incline to Murther, have the shapes of every Bird and Beast of prey. Such as Answer Questions humane in Philosophy, or Religion, have more tolerable shapes, almost manly, but with crooked Noses, like Mermaids, or Satyres. And of all the rest it is to be observed, that as not one single Lust or Vice hath dominion without mixture in the evil Spirits, so they are not of a distinct shape lik one single Beast, but compounded into Monsters, with Serpents-tails, four eyes, many feet and horns, _&c._

♦That the Devils are answerable to the unclean Beasts.♦

29. And as in general, these are the shapes of Devils, so the particular shapes of Damned Souls are to be considered in the same manner with the rest, only with this difference, that they are more addicted to metamorphose themselves and vary their appearances. Though, for the most part, the Damned Souls retain the humane shape after a Magical manner, so that the greatest part of that numberless number are in their antient shapes, especially when they appear in sleep to their surviving acquaintance. Their aspects are very dismal and melancholy like the Ghosts of the Astral source.

♦The shapes of Damned Souls.♦

30. Now to speak of the Times and Seasons of their Appearance. The better sort of Magicians to square their times with Astrological hours, especially of _Saturn_, _Luna_, and _Venus_, in the Moons increase, and the middle of the night, or twelve a clock at noon: In which hours they do likewise compose their Garments, Caps, Candlesticks, Figures, Lamins, Pentacles, and Circles for Conjuration. As for the Times in respect of their Infernal Courses, the fittest are when they spring up in the Wrath, or when they sink in the Dispair, which is a mystery to the learned Conjurers of _Europe_.

♦Their times and seasons.♦

31. In respect of this exterior World, they can most easily appear in solitary places, when the Sun is down; for they are naturally at enmity with the Sun, because it stands as a type of the Mediator, or Heart and Centre which they lost utterly in their fall, and now are destitute of, like a wheel without an axletree. And indeed, the want of this is the chief cause of all their torment, and of the rising of the gnawing Worm, when they consider of their irrevocable sentence, and irrecoverable loss.

♦Their places of appearance.♦

32. In storms of Hail, or Snow, Wind, Tempest, and Lightning, is accounted amongst Magicians, a time for Conjuring at an easie rate. And they say, That such Ceremonies will prove very effectual, if a Conjurer begin his Exorcisms in the hour and day of _Luna_, in the middest of a furious storm of Lightning, Rain, and Thunder, in a low Vault or Celler that is close and retired. Also when the Wind blows high, without Rain, they say, the Devils are more near the Kingdom of this World, and may with great facility be sollicited or raised at such a season, because they delight in all extremities of weather, being themselves the first cause of the disorder of the properties in the Kingdom of Nature.

♦When Tempests reign.♦

33. But in some Countries they can more easily appear then in others, according to the Constellations, for they delight much in the extremities of the two Poles toward _Lapland_, _Nova Zembla_, _Greenland_, _Tartary_; and in the _South_ towards the Islands scattered about the confines of _Terra Incognita_. They are likewise easily Invocated on the shoar amongst lofty Rocks and Precipices, or in Deserts and Wildernesses far from Towns or Inhabitants. And it is said, they do much respect the motion of the Seas in their appearance unto such as solicite them in places _Maritime_ or _Plagiary_.

♦According to the situation of Regions.♦

34. As for their Rancks or Orders, there is some difficulty in the true discovery thereof, by reason that we know not certainly of what Orders they were that _Fell_. The opinion of most men is, _That of every Order many fell_. But those that better know the nature of the Heavenly Hierarchies, have sufficiently proved, _That of any Ranck or Order none can fall unless all do follow_. Therefore with more reason may it be judged, That before the Devils fell, the Hierarchy of Heaven did consist of three Rancks or Orders; to wit, the Order of ►Uriel◄, of ►Michael◄, of ►Lucifer◄: That of ►Lucifer◄ is totally in _Hell_: The other which is under ►Michael◄, is the dominion of _Heaven_: The last which is ►Uriels◄, are more in the dominion of this third principle of the _Stars_, having the _Planets_ in their dominion, with the influences thereof.

♦Their Ranks and Orders.♦

35. So that the foregoing Catalogue, transcribed by the Author of this _Discovery_, is utterly feigned and fictitious, because it makes these many sorts of Devils to have Dominion over several Legions in several distinctions of _Seraphims_, _Powers_, _Thrones_, _Dominations_, _Cherubims_, &c. Whereas the whole Kingdom of Hell consists but of one only Hierarchy, which is that of ►Lucifer◄ and his _Legions_, reduced by their exorbitances into that Lacrymable posture wherein they now are and shall be for ever. Which Doctrine seriously weigh’d will prove the attempts of Conjurers and Magicians to be utterly vain, and their forms of Invocation vanity and falshood.

♦In three distinctions.♦

36. Their number may be thought upon more narrowly, if we consider that they consist of one Hierarchy and no more; yet must we confess that the limit is not to be put thereunto, because their nature is to Germinate and Multiply as they please, contracting and dilating themselves according to the force of their imaginative powers and faculties. But although this be granted, yet there is a setled number of Devils that varyeth not. Though of Damned Souls the number is numberless and unfathomable; yet as to their extent of room or place, it is never the more because of their multitude, they being able to truss a thousand Legions into the carcass of a man. As for the opinions of Authors, they are various; it is believed by some, _That the Starrs are answerable to their number_; others speak of _the Sands upon the Seashore_: however it be, this is certain, _They are even innumerable in respect of humane Capacities_.

♦Their numbers.♦

37. Their Natures are now to be considered as they belong to the hellish source or quality. In themselves they rest not, neither are they capable of the length or shortness of time, nor of the alternate courses of day and night. The wickedness which they committed in this life, are their continual torment, which do Magically gnaw and corrode them, rising and boyling up perpetually within them, all the refrigeration which they have, is by intercourse when the height of Wickedness begins to stirr them in blasphemies against God, and towring up above heaven and goodness, in their adulterated Imaginations, which is unto them as sport and pastime with one another, and lasteth such a space as with us makes up forty minutes. Neither doth this any whit advantage them, but rather adds to their torment; for pain discontinued is the greater: neither would vexation be vexation, if it had no respite or forbearance; That the contrary might be also manifest, _Nam contraria juxta se posita majus elucescunt_. Yet is their torment exceedingly different, so that the torment of one, in respect of another, is but a Dream or Phansie; I mean, amongst the Damned Souls, and not the Devils, for the pain and sorrow of the Devils is greater then the greatest of the lost Souls, by many thousand degrees, according to the course of nature and reason; for that which falls highest, suffers most, and _optima corrupta fiunt pessima_.

♦Their natures and properties.♦

♦Their torments♦

38. But wonderful and manifold are the torments which all in general of the Infernal troops, do suffer according to the various lusts they reigned in whilst they lived upon the earth. The cruel Murtherers that died in the boyling source of blood and envy, their torment is the greatest, they are continually Murthering in their imaginations, and seeking, like dreaming men, to do what the want of the Organ will not suffer them; for according to the saying of the wisest upon this Subject, this is the torment and misery of all the Damned, _That they are continually wishing and woulding; and in wouldings they generate Ideas and representations, which are the species of their continual aggravations and deceiving phansies_.

♦The Variety thereof.♦

39. Those that were buryed in Lust and Gluttony, Drunkenness and Lasciviousness, are also in miserable torments, yet much inferiour to the first; they are continually imagining their former pleasures in the _Magia_ as in a dream, which when they wake, torments them cruelly; they are often hanging, stabbing, and mangling themselves for love, and perpetually sinking down in sorrow and despair, if they were such as died in love, or in the height of their Astral affections, leaving behind them a heap of desires and lusts, which are the only cause of all their torment. And we may well compare the passions of Melancholy persons, or such as in Deserts, Woods, and Mountains, pine away for love of Women, unto their torments; which indeed being the trouble of the mind, are absolutely the greatest and heaviest that the source or property of this World affordeth, I mean, the perturbations of the minde in general.

♦The Nature thereof.♦

40. Such souls in whom the boyling source of Anger and Rage, hath had a dwelling or receptacle, if they depart unmortified, do also enter into a most dreadful kind of torment, which continually ariseth as a biting Worm and hungry fire to double and accumulate the excess of despair upon them, if they have much domineered therein whilst they lived in this World. Also these that reigned in Pride and Envy, are ever seeking to pluck God from his Throne, and towring up in their Imaginations, as men that dream, still seeking for the Kingdom of heaven, to insult and boast therein; but the quality thereof is utterly occult and estranged from them; so that they can never finde, taste, hear, nor see it, though it be through and through with their own peculiar principle. This adds perpetually to their misery, and ariseth at times with horrible pangs and gnawings, like the irksome and vexatious pains and aches subject to Mans body, which cease a while and then begin to shoot and ake by intercourse, as the Gowt, Tooth-ach, Head-ach, Convulsion, Gripings, and the Stone.

♦Their torment in the source of Anger.♦

41. Thus their torments are in brief described, but indeed the capacity of Man is not able to reach the description of their cruel miseries, and continual pangs which they contracted upon themselves; for every faculty is sufficiently plagued. The Sence of Hearing is disturb’d with harsh and rugged sounds, which are as an antipathy to that Organ; as rough and scraping sounds externally offend the ears, and set the teeth on edge, by affecting the tender fibres of the same. Their Sight is likewise cruelly offended and affrighted with monstrous appearances and Ideas represented continually to their imaginations. And there is not any loathsome taste in the Kingdome of this World, either Animal, Vegetative, or Mineral, which they are at any time void of, being continually pestered and suffocated with filthy fumes and smoaks of hellish fruits, as of Sulphurean stinks, and abominations.

♦In all the five Senses.♦

42. Neither are the other Sences of the Touch and Smell behind in participation of the like Torments, which their own iniquities do perpetually excite and create unto them; besides, they are ever vexing one another; and if any be in the same misery with whom they had acquaintance here on [*]eath, the very Magical knowledge, and perceivance, or remembrance thereof, doth beyond utterance or conception, most miserably afflict and macerate their Souls and all their Sences.

♦By their acquaintance on earth.♦

♦[*] [_read_, earth]♦

43. For the nature of their habitation is such, that their torment is exceedingly aggravated thereby, because the extremity of the four Elements is there converted into a whole Principle of wrath and vexation. The excess of cold and heat, drought and moisture, are continually raging amongst them by intercourse. Neither is there any light or lustre to be seen within their Courts, but that which comes from their fiery Eyes, as a deadly glance or glimmering, being sudden fiery flashes and sparkling, as the enkindling of Gunpowder, or _Aurum fulminans_ for a similitude.

♦The Nature of Hell.♦

44. And as every kinde of Being feeds upon somewhat of its own nature, property, and element, whither it be Plant, Animal, or Metalline kinde; so the Devils are neither destitute of meat, drink, nor cloathing, according to their own Kingdom and quality, having fruits springing and growing before them of hellish, sour and poysonous natures, which are real and palpable unto them, and not imaginary or typical, though to us magical and invisible; neither is this to be wondered at, if we consider the nature of Man’s Soul, _In Media Natura_; for if it feed not upon the internal[*] and substantial Word, which is the very Bread of Life it self, it must of necessity ruminate on something else, _viz._ the fruits of Iniquity, which it takes in and drinketh up as the Oxe drinks water, so that to the soul the sin becomes palpable, glutting, and satiating; yea, so substantial unto the Soul, as Dirt or Ink upon fair white Linnen is to our external Eyes; neither can the Soul be freed from these spots till the water above the Firmament wash them away.

♦The food of Devils.♦

♦[*] [? eternal]♦

45. Also in respect of the Astral source they are not destitute of food, when they bring themselves into the same; for the gas of the air and bias of the water is their nourishment, while they stay here, as is before alledged: These influences of the air and water they take into their _Limbus_, and convert into their own poysonous natures; as of sweet and wholsome herbs the filthy Toads and other venemous Beasts do make their poyson, converting them into a nature like themselves. And on the contrary, the poysonous herbs are converted into good and wholesome nourishment by other cleanly Beasts.

♦Their food in the Astral source.♦

46. And as the Infernal Troops are considered in respect of the four Elements, they have a distinct and peculiar tone or language, which they exercise and speak one amongst one another, as mortals do. But they have utterly lost the dignity of their sounds according to the eternal nature. And are likewise totally corrupted in their pronouncing, or Dialect, since they fell from their first cælestial glory; so that their speech is harsh, doleful, and terrible, like the fruits they feed upon, and the life they dwell in. Which depravation is very apparent in the Kingdom of this World in the divided Languages of every Region, according to the Constellation under which they are situated: The true and magical Language of nature being hid from all the Countreys of the earth.

♦Their Speech.♦

47. But when they appear in the outward Elements, they do many times express themselves in _Irish_, _Welch_, _Latine_; or _Russian_, which are the Languages most affected by them to answer unto Conjurations, or Compacts. So that if any Magician, who is ignorant of these aforesaid Languages do at any time Raise or Exorcise such Spirits, he must be mindful to confine them to his mother tongue; least their gibberish prove altogether unintelligible; for as every thing appears in what it most affecteth, or is addicted to; even so the Spirits have their distinct affections, passions, and postures, both in word, habit, shape, and gesture; so that the Magician must be wary in Exorcizing with them, that he confine them to a different place, posture, shape, and language, to answer their intentions without impediment.

♦What Language they affect.♦

48. For they are very variable and unconstant in their dealings with mankind, nor will they stand to any thing that hath not bound them by the obligations of Words, Characters, and Imprecations, except the skill of the Exorcist be such, that he is able to confine them into a Magical Triad, which hath the certain force of obliging or compelling them to utter truth, and nothing false in all their Answers, or Informations. But with such miserable men and women as they have made Covenants and Indentures for body, soul, and works; with such I say, they keep no faith, nor are they lyable to their commands; but on the contrary, have them hampered and subjected to their will and power, till they have terminated their lives in their destruction.

♦Their unconstancy.♦

49. Yet have not any of the most potent Princes in the Hellish Power, the least ability to destroy the least of the sons of men, without the consent of the mind and senses of the Soul; for until the will of the Soul be opened unto him, his threatnings, sleights and stratagems are without any power or force, as the nerves of a dead man. Although naturally every evil Spirit boasteth, as if all the world were at its command, and every Soul were subject to its authority and beck, with the Goods or Possessions of the external World.

♦Their Power.♦

50. When any evil Spirit is raised up by Conjurations, without League, or Compact; these Spirits so raised, are exceeding fraudulent and deceitful, as stubborn servants that do their Masters will by constraint, and not by any natural act of obedience unto his Commands. But with such as they have compacted, they are frequent and officious, imploying them as Agents for the destruction of others and their substance: and being marryed unto such, they are even become one with them, being incorporated into them, so that they are nothing different from incarnate Devils, save that the spark of divine Light, which was the gift of God unto repentance, is not totally eradicated until the body fall away.

♦When they are called up.♦

51. From such as Covenant with these unconstant Spirits, do they daily obtain Fumigations, Odours, and Offerings, or Sacrifices of Blood, Fire, Wine, Ointments, Incense, Fruits, Excrements, Herbs, Gums, Minerals, and other Ingredients, by which from a Magical cause, they have more influence and authority over the bewitched party to insinuate into their affection, peircing even through their bones and marrow, till they have so habituated them to their service, that the same becomes their daily bread and sole delight in accomplishing every villany and abomination which the malicious and subtle instigation of Satan leads them to.

♦Fumigations made unto them.♦

52. Thus have I Essayed to illustrate the Natures of Infernal Beings, which notwithstanding is a Subject so intricate and copious in it self, that great difficulty accompanies the Explication thereof; by reason of the variety of their natures in the source of darkness, wherein they live, move, eat, breath, and inhabit, having qualities, actions, and passions innumerable, to us men-kinde utterly unknown and incomprehensible: So that to attempt an ample demonstration of this present Subject, would require deeper speculation then the matter doth deserve, in regard that there be so many _Protei_ and Changlings in that gloomy Kingdom, who do never stay or continue in the same nature, property, and form for an hour together; but may be compared to the swiftness of the Windes, or the likeness and form of swift running Waters, that pass away as a thought; and are no more remembered. So it is with the Spirits of Darkness, whose life is a meer anguish and inconstancy from one sorrow to another unto all Eternity.

♦The Conclusion.♦

CHAP. VI.

_Treating of the Nature, Force and Forms of Charms, Periapts,
Amulets, Pentacles, Conjurations, Ceremonies_, &c.

1. Before Appearances are made, after forms of Conjuration are repeated, the Infernal Spirits make various and wonderful shews, noises, and attempts as fore-runners to their appearance: At the first attempts of novices in Conjuration, they are accompanyed with noises, tremblings, flashes, howlings, and most dreadful shriekes, till after further progress and experience therein they approach nearer unto this Elemental nature, till by degrees they can manifestly be apparent unto their Exorcist.

♦Shews before Spirits appear.♦

2. When _Chiancungi_, and his sister _Napala_, did first attempt to call up Spirits, they begun with the Spirit ►Bokim◄, in the twentieth degree: they hung a vault under ground with black both on the top and bottom, lining it therewith; and having drawn the Circle of the Order of Thrones, with the seven Planets, and their Magical Characters in the Center, they proceeded to the Ceremonies of Conjuration after they had frequently repeated the forms of calling, and nothing as yet appeared; they were grown so desperate therein, that forsaking the Circle, and every defensive Character or Ceremony, they at last betook themselves to the most accursed and detestable branch of Magick, which consists of Compacts, or Confederacy; and having by a solemn League summoned the aforesaid Spirit ►Bokim◄, they obtain’d 155. years from the Spirit, Covenanting therewith for body, soul, and works.

♦A Relation of a Magician.♦

3. In which damned life they continued exercising strange wonders in every Countrey. By the help of this Magician the _Tartars_ did destroy above 100 sail of Ships belonging unto _China_; many losses did he bring upon that Kingdom in their Children, Fruits, Corn, Silk, and Navigation; he could frequently transport himself through the Air, and carry in one hand a thousand pound weight, to the astonishment of all that knew him. He had many publick contests with Magicians of other Countries, being tryals of skill in Magical Art, wherein he was said to excel all that ever went before him.

♦His Actions.♦

4. Such another was _Lewis Gaufridi_ a _French_ Priest, who had compacted with the Devil, and served him 14 years in these detestable works, sacrificing Infants unto him, worshipping him in a filthy shape, and tempting others to their Magical society or nocturnal Conventions; in which, as it is reported, they did ever feast and junket with varieties and dainties, which though they did seem delectable, were yet notwithstanding gustless and unsavoury.

♦Another Magician.♦

5. Leaving these relations, something shall be said of _Charms_ and _Spells_, as they are divided in this following manner; first, such Amulets as being engraven and molded in the fashion of Money, or Coyn, do serve to provoke any one desired unto love and familiarity, being hung about the neck in certain Planetary hours. Secondly, Spells or Charms in Parchment with Magical Characters, as Periapts to Cure diseases; to make one valiant, memorative, and constant. Thirdly, Corselets, which are an ancient _Danish_ Charm of Neck-laces, composed of Thunderstones ingraven with Magical Letters, to resist all noxious influences, and the danger of Lightning.

♦What Charms are.♦

6. _Pentacles_ are a fourth sort of appendix, which Conjurers, Charmers, and Magicians use, being made with five corners, according to the five Senses, and the operation thereof inscribed upon the corners; the matter whereof they are composed, is fine Linnen doubled, and done with Cere-cloth between. This figure the Magician holds in his hand, lifting it up from the skirt of his Garment to which it is annexed, when Spirits that are raised are stubborn and rebellious, refusing to be conformable unto the Ceremonies and Rites of Magick.

♦Pentacles.♦

7. Also by the holding forth of _Pentacles_, with these words, ►Glauron, Amor, Amorula, Beor, Beorka, Beroald, Anepheraton◄, repeated at the instant. The evil Spirits that possess the bodies of bewitched people are cruelly tortured and amazed, being by the frequent repetition thereof forced at last to depart by the assistance of the Exorcism of the sixth Cannon for the order of Seraphims.

♦Their force.♦

8. When Magicians exercise Conjuration by Moon-light in the Mountains or Valleys, they have another sort of Charm by way of Telesms, which they bury within a hundred paces of the place where the Circle is composed towards the _East_, _West_, _North_, and _South_; For such spells have the secret power to hinder any living creature for coming near them, till their Exercize be done, except the Infernal Spirit, whose presence they do so ardently desire.

♦Telesms.♦

9. Such _Spells_ as are made in some Edible matter, with _Characters upon them_, are given for _Agues_, _Head-ach_, _Epilepsie_, _Mother_, &c. Especially being powerful in operation, when the party is ignorant of the Charm taken in; many such I know have taken wonderful effect. But as for _Philtres_, _Potions_, and _Love-cups_, they proceed rather from a natural cause; whether their effects be to afflict with Diseases to Poyson, or to provoke unto Love of a Party whom they disdain: Neither are such to be numbered amongst Charms; because their effect is meerly natural, from a natural cause.

♦For Diseases.♦

10. But to insist further upon the nature of Conjuration, Magicians do much exercise their time in _Fumigations_ unto those Spirits whom they are about to provoke; their fumes being distributed according to the nature of the Spirit under any of the seven Planets, which the antient Conjurers were very punctual in observing, though in these days it be much forgot, as superfluous, or rather dangerous to insert amongst the Ceremonies of Conjuration. A division of Fumigations according to the Influence of the Planets, and Orders of Spirits, we will here set down in this manner.

♦Fumigations.♦

11. _Fumigations_ for _Saturn_ are made of Frankincense Trees, Pepperwort Rooots,[*] Storax, and Galbanum; by these the Spirits ►Marbas◄, ►Corban◄, ►Stilkon◄, ►Idos◄, &c. And all of the first order in the astringency are appeased and provoked, when the _fumes_ are put upon a _Tripod_ in the hour of _Saturn_ according to the Planetary division. These _Fumigations_ make these Spirits appear like old men, with promiss beards, and meager looks; like Serpents, Cats, Wolves, Badgers, Panthers; like old Men in Armour; like Trumpeters in many ranks and divisions.

♦For _Saturn_.♦

♦[*] [_sic_]♦

12. For Spirits under _Jupiter_, they take Lignum Aloes, Ashen-Keys, Benjamin, Storax, Peacocks-feathers, and _Lapis Lazuli_, mixing the same with the blood of a Stork, a Swallow, or a Hart; the brains being also added. The _fumes_ are kindled in _Jupiters_ hour, and in a place appropriate to his nature. And by this sacrifice the Spirits of the next order are called up, like glorious Kings with many attendants, and mighty pomp; with Heralds before them, and Ensign-bearers, Trumpeters, Guards, and all sorts of musical Instruments.

♦_Jupiter._♦

13. They make _Fumigations_ unto such Spirits of the order of Powers, as are under _Mars_, in the Planetary division with Aromatick Gum, Bdellium, Euphorbium, Load-stone, Hellebore white and black, and an addition of Sulphur to make them into an Amalgama, with Man’s blood, and the blood of a black Cat; which mixtures are said to be exceeding magical: so that without any other addition, they say, this _fumigation_ is able of it self to make such Spirits to appear before the Exorcist; at their appearance they come with weapons brandishing, and shining Armour, being terrible in their looks; yet of power inferiour to the Spirits of _Saturn_, though they can likewise shew themselves as Lions, Wolves, Tygers, Bears, and all other cruel or ravenous Beasts.

♦_Mars._♦

14. They do likewise unto the Spirits under _Sol_, being of the order of Thrones, _Suffumigate_ Saffron, Musk, Laurel, Cinnamon, Ambergriece, Cloves, Myrrhe, and Frankincense, Musk, and the Balsamick Tree mixed up together with the brain of an Eagle, and the blood of a white Cock, being made up like Pills, or little Balls, and put upon the _Tripod_; their appearances are Castles, Gardens, Mountains, Rivers, Fisher-men, Hunters, Reapers, Dogs, Sheep, Oxen, and other domestick Beasts.

♦_Sol._♦

15. Under _Venus_ are the Spirits of the sixth order in the Powers; their appearances are very stately, like the nature of the Planet; like Courtiers, Ladies, Princes, Queens, Infants, Children, and fragrant smells. The _fumigations_ appropriate unto them are Roses, Coral, _Lignum Aloes_, and _Sperma Ceti_ made up with Sparrows, brains and blood of Pidgeons to be fumigated with a Song.

♦_Venus._♦

16. _Mercury_ sendeth Horsemen, Fishers, Labourers, Priests, Students, Servants, _&c._ Also, Foxes, Serpents, Dogs, Hares, Hyena’s, Hydra’s, and other Monstrous Animals; unto him they _fumigate_ Frankincense, Mastick, Cinkfoyl, incorporated with the brain of a Fox, and the blood of a Mag-Pye.

♦_Mercury._♦

17. Spirits under _Luna_ are like Ghosts and shadows, very gastly to behold; though in humane shape sometimes male, sometimes female. _Fumigations_ are offered unto them of Frogs dryed, white Poppy-seed, Bulls Eyes, Camphire, and Frankincense, incorporated with Gooses blood, and the menstruous blood of Women.

♦_Luna._♦

18. These are the divisions of _fumigations_, neither can it be denyed, but that in many Ceremonies of this kind, there is great inherent virtue according to the Doctrines of Sympathy and Antipathy, whereby every thing is drawn by its like in the Idea, whither by words or actions, according to the saying, _In verbis, herbis & lapidibus latet virtus_, so that the Ceremonies and Charms, with other circumstances used by Magicians, are doubtless prevalent to the accomplishment of that work which they undertake; to wit, _The calling up and Exorcizing of Infernal Spirits by Conjurations_.

♦Why such Ceremonies are of force.♦

CHAP. VII.

_Being the Conclusion of the Whole; wherin divers antient Spells,
Charms, Incantations and Exorcisms are briefly spoken of._

1. Besides what the Author hath set down, there be many other _Spells_ and _Charms_, which Tradition hath left unto Posterity, being many of them effectual for the thing intended by them, as in the precedent Chapter is set down, wherein the _Orders_ of _Fumigations_ are described. Besides there are _Magical Characters_ attributed to the Planets, whereof _Telesms_, _Periapts_, _Amulets_, and _Philters_, are composed by _buryings_, _writings_, _bindings_, _engravings_, _alligations_, &c. to effect various purposes in Astrological hours. To conquer Enemies, cure diseases, overturn Cities, stop Inundations, render bodies Invulnerable, and the like; which are all effected by medium’s of this kind, with the assistance of Imagination.

♦Charms.♦

2. Yet are there many natural Compositions, which have very stupendious effects of themselves, without assistance of Superstition; for the commixtion of things is of two-fold force or vertue: First, When the Celestial vertues are duly disposed in any natural body; so that in one thing are couched various Influences of superiour Powers. The second is, from Artificial mixtures and Compositions of natural things amongst themselves, in a certain proportion to agree with the Heavens under certain Constellations. This proceeds from the correspondence of natural things amongst themselves, whereby things are effected even unto admiration, as _Agrippa_ declares, _Cap._ 35. _lib._ 1.

♦Natural Operations.♦

3. And as unto every Planet certain _fumigations_ are ascribed; so unto such Spirits as are under them, certain _Places_ are adopted for the Ceromonies[*] of Conjuration, which Magicians chose when they set upon their works of Darkness. Unto _Saturn_ are ascribed dark melancholy _Places_, Vaults, Tombes, Monasteries, empty Houses, Dens, Caves, Pits. Unto _Jupiter_, Theaters, Schools, Musick houses, Judgment seats. To _Mars_, Fields where Battels have been fought, Bakehouses, Glass-houses, Shambles, Places,[†] of Execution. To _Sol_, Palaces, Mountains, Meddows, Sunshine, Groves, and upper Rooms. To _Venus_, Fountains, Meadows, Gardens, and the Sea-shore. Unto _Mercury_, all publick places belonging unto Cities. To _Luna_, Wildernesses, Woods, Rocks, Forrests, Ships, High-wayes, _&c._

♦Places ascribed to the seven Planets.♦

♦[*] [_sic_]♦

♦[†] [_sic_]♦

4. In like manner are _Spells_ and _Charms_ adapted to the thing which they must effect, according to the matter, form and place of their composition; as for the _procuring of Love_, they bury Rings, Ribbons, Seals, Pictures, Looking-Glasses, _&c._ in Stews, Baths, Beds, that in such places they may contract some Venereal faculty: When they gather Herbs or other Ingredients; they chuse the hour and place, when such Planets have Dominion as are over these Herbs, which they collect, ever remembring to turn their faces to the East, or _South_, when _Saturnine_, _Martial_ or _Jovial_ Herbs are gathered, because their Principal houses are Southern signs; for _Venereal_, _Mercurial_, or _Lunary_ herbs, they must look towards the _West_ or _North_, because their houses are chiefly Northern signs. Yet in any _Solar_ or _Lunar_ operations the body of the Sun and Moon must be respected in the operation.

♦Spells.♦

5. Colours are also much regarded amongst Magicians, according to the Planet, as black, leaden, brown, unto _Saturn_; saphire, vernal, green, purple, golden, unto _Jupiter_; red, burning, violet, bloody, and iron colours unto _Mars_; golden, saffron, scarlet, _&c._ unto the _Sun_; white, fair, green, ruddy, pleasant mixed colours unto _Venus_, _Murcury_, and _Luna_. In like manner they ascribe colours unto the twelve Houses, and according to the Planets have also certain compositions for fire that produce wonderful operations; as Lamps of Serpents skins will make Serpents to appear. Oyl that hath stood under Grapes, being lighted, presenteth the Chamber full of Grapes. Centaury and the Lapwings blood makes people seem like Gyants, and in the open air will make the Stars seem to move up and down in the Elements. The fat of a Hare lighted in a Lamp, will cause Women to be exceeding merry and facetious. And Candles composed of things that are _Saturnine_, raise terrours and melancholy in the party that lights them, and in those that are lighted by them.

♦Secret Conclusions.♦

6. Such wonderful effects have natural things being fitted unto their Hours and Constellations, as also when they are used to prove such effects as the nature of the things doth produce of it self, though in a weaker degree. To raise _Tempests_ Magicians burn the Liver of a Camælion on the house top. To cause _strange sights_ they hang the Gall of a Ox over their Beds; to bring _Apparitions_ and _Spirits_, they make a strange fume of a Mans Gall, and the Eyes of a black Cat; _Which_, _Agrippa_ saith, _he hath often made experience of_. There is also a strange Magical Candle described amongst _Chymical_ Authors, which being lighted, foretells the death of the party to whom it belongs. The manner thereof is thus; _They take a good quantity of the venal blood luke-warm as it came out of the vein, which being Chymically prepared with Spirit of Wine and other Ingredients, is at last made up into a Candle, which being once kindled, never goes out till the death of the party whose blood it is composed of; for when he is sick, or in danger, it burns dim and troubled; and when he is dead, it is quite extinguished_; of which Composition a Learned man hath wrote an intire Tractate, _De Biolychnio_, or, _The Lamp of Life_.

♦The Candle of life.♦

7. But to proceed to the nature of _Characters_, _Sigils_, and other _Ceremonies_, we find that not only such as pretend to command over all sorts of Spirits; but also they that do make Compacts, and have sold themselves unto him, do make use of such; which instance is sufficient to prove what a wise man hath asserted, that although Evil Spirits have so blinded Mens Eyes, as to make them believe they are defended by such Ceremonies, and that these Characters are as Munitions against the Devils malignancy; Yet these very _Characters_, _Sigils_, _Lamins_, &c., are _Compacts_ themselves, which the Devils did at first cunningly disguise with strange Repetitions in uncouth Language.

♦That Characters are compacts.♦

8. So that we have grounds to believe, that none is able absolutely without _Compact_ to call up any _Spirit_. But that whosoever hath pretended to be famous in the Art of Magick or Conjuration, hath (to himself unknown) _compacted_ with and _worshipped the Devil_, under strange _Repetitions_ and mystical _Characters_, which to him seemed to have effects quite contrary to what they really had.

9. Neither is this to be admired, that without the Knowledge or Consent of the Magician, a _Contract_ is made with _Evil Spirits_; when we consider the magical strength of _Words_ and _Characters_, which of themselves can cure Diseases, pull down, infect, save, destroy, charm and inchant without the Parties assistance, either in knowledge of the Cause, or in belief of the Consequence or Effect.

♦The force of Words and Characters.♦

10. But on the contrary, I could instance a multitude of Examples of such as have spent much time in _Conjurations_ to no purpose, still attempting by Exorcisms and Defensive Prayers to conjure a Spirit, or cause Personal Appearances, with severe Imprecations and powerful Charges, and yet notwithstanding have never attain’d their purpose, nor at any time heard, or seen any Beeing, which may be called _Spectre_, or _Apparition_.

♦The vanity of Conjuration.♦

11. Which is nothing wonderful, if we minde the _sympathy_ of things in Nature, how each desires its _like_, and hunteth after it as the Loadstone draws Iron; the male coveteth the female; the evil after the evil, and the good after the good; which is seen in wicked Men and their Association, in Birds and Beasts of prey; while on the contrary, the Lamb delights not in the Lyon, nor the Sheep in the society of the Wolf; neither doth the nature which is totally depraved and estranged from God, care to be forced or drawn compulsively by another contrary nature, _viz._ innocent, just, and harmless.

♦By Similitude.♦

12. Neither doth it consist with natural reason, That _Evil Spirits_ should affect the society of those that are their Enemies, who make use of the dreadful and holy Names of God in Conjurations to call them up; whereas they are rather antidotes against Apparations,[*] as may be seen in various Examples of holy Men, who by Prayers and Exorcisms have banished _Evil Spirits_ in all Ages, which is also further evident, in that the very form of _Dispossessing_ and _Exorcising_ is made up of divers Prayers and Defensive Blessings against the obnoxious influences of _Infernal Spirits_.

♦Exorcising, or casting out.♦

♦[*] [_sic_]♦

13. Therefore though I would be far from describing an undenyable course of Conjuring Spirits, or of causing Apparitions: Yet this I must assert conclusively from what is before alledged, That if any thing would be called or wrought upon, it must be with something which is of its own nature, as a bait to catch or tempt it; for in catching Birds, Beasts, or Fishes, such esculents as are properly for these Animals, are made use of to allure them, neither can mankinde command them by any threats to come into his custody.

♦Like desires its like.♦

14. How much less is mankind able to compel the _Infernal Spirits_, the very least of which Kingdom, is able, if let loose, to exterminate a thousand lives, and utterly over-turn poor mortals and their doings, as various by-past accidents can evince: But whosoever hath compacted with them for body, soul, and works, such they are at unity with, and unto such they appear for the advancement of their Kingdom in the destruction of others; for they are grafted into them and incorporated into their very heart and soul, which unavoidably becomes their wages when the body falls away.

♦Nothing is compelled by contraries.♦

15. Yet many wayes there be by _Images_, _Telesms_, and _Amulets_, which have little or no dependance upon Conjuration, or the strength thereof, being rather effectual from sympathetical Causes, as many natural conclusions prove. And _Paracelsus_ speaks of a way by the Image of any Bird or Beast to destroy that Animal, though at a distance; so by hair, fat, blood, excrements, excrescences, _&c._ of any Animal or Vegetable, the ruin or cure of that thing may be effected.

16. Which is seen in the Armary Unguent, and the Sympathetical Powder. In the instance of divers Histories, of such as used Waxen Images, composed in divers postures, and under certain Constellations, whereby several have been tormented and macerated even unto death; and according to the punishment or torment which the Magician intends to afflict, accordingly do they dispose the hour of the Composition, and the posture or semblance of the Image.

17. For if a malitious minded Witch intends to consume and pine away the Life or Estate of any miserable Man or Woman, she makes his Image of Wax in such an ominous aspect as may conduce to her design, making several magical Characters upon the sides of the head, describing the Character of the hour or Planetary time upon the breast of the Image; the name of the party on his forehead; the intended effect to be wrought upon him upon his back. When they cause aches, pains, and violent pangs in the sinews and the flesh, they stick thorns and pins in divers places of their arms, breasts, and legs. When they cast them into Feavers and Consumptions, they spend an hour in every day to warm and turn the Image before a doleful and lingring fire, composed of divers exotick Gums, and magical Ingredients of sweet Odours, and strange Roots of shrubs, efficient for their purpose.

♦Of Images of Wax, and what is wrought by them.♦

18. Wonderful are the various postures and pranks which Magicians play with Images; neither will I mention the most perfect and prevalent part of the practice of Images, and the powerful operations thereof, least the evil minded should work abominations therewith upon the Persons or Possessions of their neighbours.

♦Further concerning Images.♦

19. According to the nature of what they would effect they frame their Images; if by Images they would provoke two parties to love, or be enamoured on one another, they frame their Images naked, with Astrological Observations and Imbraces of those that are Venereal; to provoke unto enmity they place malignant Characters and Aspects, and the Images in a fighting posture.

♦Of Images provoking Love.♦

20. If their intentions be for good, all their Characters are engraven upon the foreparts of the body. But if they would afflict the party with Consumption, or with death, they thrust Needles through the hearts, and engrave their Characters upon their Posteriors, or upon their shoulders, using all their Conjurations retrograde, and repeating every Charm opposite to the former.

21. Thousands of strange and uncouth Charms might be here described, according to the exact form wherein Tradition hath left them; But I have only insisted upon the description of the natures in General; And as by _Images_ and _Telesms_, the _Europeans_ have effected admirable things: so the _Tartars_ have a wonderful ways[*] of producing the like effects, by _Botles_, _Sheep-skins_, _Rods_, _Basins_, _Letters_, or _Missives_, unto certain Spirits, and many otherwayes unheard of in _Europe_.

♦[*] [_sic_]♦

♦Forms of Charms in _Tartary_.♦

22. As for the _Tying of the Point_, which is a strong impediment in Conjugal Rites, to restrain the acts of secresie betwixt two marryed persons; This knot or ligament is become so notorious both in the practice and effect throughout _France_, _Italy_, and _Spain_, as also in all the _Eastern_ Countries, that the Laws of several Nations have prohibited the performance thereof; neither is it fit to be openly described in this place.

♦The tying of the Point.♦

23. Other stratagems they have by _turning the Sive_ with a pair of Sizzers by _voices uttered_ out of _skins_, which is in common amongst the _Turks_ by _Letters_ wrote unto certain Spirits, which by due appointments will have their answers returned. By the _Turning_ of the _Cord_ with several names wrapped round the same, which with certain repetitions will of it self be tyed into several strange knots which unty themselves again. Besides the many wayes by _Lots_, in extractings[*] Scrolls, consulting with the Staff and the empty Pot, with others tedious to be enumerated.

♦Charming by the Sive.♦

♦By Bottles, Skins, Letters, Cords, Lots.♦

♦[*] [_sic_]♦

24. The _Art of Transplantation_ is also reckoned amongst _Charms_ with the vulgar. And indeed one member thereof, _viz._ the Transferring of Diseases is really Magical, and much in practice amongst Witches; for by certain baits given to any domestick Beasts they remove Feavers, Agues, and Consumptions from Martial men, or from one to another by burying certain Images in their neighbours ground they bring all evil fortune to the owner of the ground, yet though they add strange Words and Conjurations in the practice, the effects thereof are more from Nature then Conjuration.

♦Transplantation, Ceremonious.[†]♦

♦[†] [Ceremonies]♦

25. For, by the same Cause, those that are profound, can destroy diseases, take off Warts, and other Excrescences, kill, cure, purge and poyson at a distance from the party, by their hair, fatt, blood, nails, excrements, _&c._ or by any root, or carnuous substance, rubbed upon their hands, breasts or leggs, by burying which, they free them from Diseases, which experiments take effect according to the _Mediums_ and their Consumption under ground.

♦And meerly natural.♦

26. And as by natural reason every Magical Charm or Receipt had its first institution; In like manner have Magicians disposed the Matter and Manner together with the times of their Utensils and Instruments, according to the Principles of Nature: As the Hour wherein they compose their Garments, must either be in the hour of _Luna_, or else of _Saturn_, in the Moons increase.

♦Magical Instruments:♦

27. Their _Garments_ they compose of White Linnen, black Cloth, black Cat-skins, Wolves, Bears, or Swines skins. The Linnen because of its abstracted Quality for Magick delights not to have any Utensils that are put to common uses. The skins of the aforesaid Animals are by reason of the _Saturnine_ and _Magical qualities_ in the particles of these beasts: Their sowing thred is of silk, Cats-guts, mans Nerves, Asses hairs, Thongs of skins from Men, Cats, Bats, Owls, Moles, and all which are enjoyn’d from the like Magical cause.

♦Their matter,♦

28. Their Needles are made of Hedge-hog prickles, or bones of any of the abovesaid Animals: Their _Writing-pens_ are of Owls or Ravens, their _Ink_ of Mans blood: Their _Oyntments_ Mans fat, Blood, Usnea, Hoggs-grease, Oyl of Whales. Their _Characters_ are ancient _Hebrew_ or _Samaritan_: Their _Speech_ is _Hebrew_ or _Latine_. Their _Paper_ must be of the Membranes of Infants, which they call _Virgin-parchment_, or of the skins of Cats, or Kids. Besides, they compose their _Fires_ of sweet Wood, Oyl or Rosin: And their _Candles_ of the Fatt or Marrow of Men or Children: Their _Vessels_ are Earthen, their _Candlesticks_ with three feet, of dead mens bones: Their _Swords_ are steel, without guards, the poynts being reversed. These are their Materials, which they do particularly choose from the Magical qualities whereof they are composed.

♦Substance,♦

29. Neither are the peculiar shapes without a natural cause. Their _Caps_ are Oval, or like Pyramids with Lappets on each side, and furr within: Their _Gowns_ reach to the ground, being furr’d with white Fox-skins, under which they have a Linnen Garment reaching to their Knee. Their _Girdles_ are three inches broad, and have many Caballistical Names, with Crosses, Trines and Circles inscribed thereon. Their _Knives_ are Dagger-fashion: and the _Circles_ by which they defend themselves are commonly nine foot in breadth, but the _Eastern_ Magicians give but seven. And these are the matter and manner of their Preparations, which I thought fit here to insist upon, because of their affinity with the _Instruments_ of _Charms_, for both which a natural cause is constantly pretended.

♦And Form.♦

30. Thus I have briefly spoken of the Nature of every Spirit _good_ or _evil_, so farr as _safety_ or _convenience_ would permit; adding also this last Discourse of _Charms_ and _Conjurations_, in their _speculative part_, forbearing to describe the _Forms themselves_, because many of them are not only _facil_, but also of _mighty power_ when they are seasonably applyed: So that to describe distinctly, by what means Magicians _kill_, _cure_, or _conquer_, were to strengthen the hands of the Envious against their Neighbours Lives and Fortunes. And therefore the Readers must rest contented with what is here related of the _Nature_ of _Astral_ or _Infernal Spirits_.

♦The Conclusion.♦

_FINIS._

SHAKESPEARE NOTINGS.

————

P. 99. Bodin’s “asseheaded man”. N. Drake, in his _Shakespeare and his Times_, vol. ii, p. 351, suggested that Bottom’s “translation” was derived from p. 315 in Scot, where a receipt for such transformations is given. This may in part have been in Shakespeare’s memory, as may the commonly received belief that magicians could do such things. He may, too, have remembered another tale, told at p. 533, of Pope Benedict IX having been condemned after death to walk the earth (I presume at night, after his purgatorial day) in a bear’s skin, with an ass’s head _in such sort as he lived_. But I incline to think that these after-statements only caused him to remember the more this first, full, and remarkable M. Mal-Bodin-Cyprus tale; and more especially this passage, for in iv, i, 30, Bottom declares—“Methinks I have a great desire to a bottle of hay: good hay, sweet hay hath no fellow.” So acute and ready an observer may have the more remembered the epithet “asseheaded” because, as most readers must observe, Scot uses this word, though the sailor in the tale is an ass from his snout and ears down to the end of his tail and the tips of his hoofs.

P. 542. His “white spirits”. Because in the 1623 folio _Macbeth_ we have in iv, 1, _Musicke and a Song. Blacke Spirits, &c._, and because in Middleton’s _Witch_ the words are given at length, it has been held that Middleton was either Shakespeare’s coadjutor, or his after interpolator, that these lines were his, and were first used in his _Witch_. But, according to most of Malone’s arguments—for one certainly is not sound—the _Witch_ was some years later than _Macbeth_, as is also likely from Middleton’s age. And that it was later is in especial shown by a hitherto unnoticed passage in ii, 1:

“Some knights’ wives in town
Will have great hope upon his reformation,” etc.

For it is clear that this must have been written when the price and quality of knighthood had much come down, and its commonness increased beyond what it was in 1605. Secondly, it is an assumption, and a most unlikely one, that the _Macbeth_ MS. intimation of the song was due to the players’ knowledge of it through the _Witch_. It presupposes that the supernumeraries who played the witches’ parts were the same in both plays. Also that the writers of the MS. knew that these would be the same, and would certainly remember the words: for a playhouse copy is either for the use of the prompter, or a text whence the players’ parts can be extracted. Moreover, the _Witch_ had been, as the author himself tells us, “an ignorantly ill-fated labour”, in other words, a failure.