Talismans of the Magi
Theophrastus Paracelsus revived, in the XVIth century, the ancient doctrine of Talismans, which he claimed to be able to use successfully in the treatment of illnesses and accidents. This medical doctrine, derived from the Cabala, or secret tradition of the Jewish rabbis, was said to be borrowed from the ancient occult sciences of Chaldea and Egypt. The talisman (tsilmenaia) signifies an image, a figure, and was engraved in the form of an emblem or symbol on metals consecrated to the genii of the seven planets. This magical task had to be carried out at a fixed time of a certain day, with the firm intention of attracting to the talisman the beneficent influence of the genius which was invoked, whether for health or any other protective measures. We owe to the celebrated Paracelsus the explanation of these secrets whose efficiency is recognized by many serious thinkers, in the same way as that of the Agnus Dei, so-called miraculous medals, and objects which have touched saintly relics. Now the genii of the Orient being the original types of the Christian angels, that is to say, representing the intermediary powers acting between God and man, it is possible that the invocation of one or the other may not be entirely pointless. Dogmas vary from one century to another and rites are modified; but belief in God, in the soul of the world and in the sovereign power of nature is always the same: it is to God, invisible to our eyes but visible to our consciousness, that we address our prayers, whatever the form they take.
The Talisman of Saturn
I. The Talisman of Saturn is a preservative against danger of death through apoplexy, cancer, decaying of the bones, consumption, dropsy, paralysis, phthisis; against the danger of being buried alive while in a state of coma; against the danger of violent death through secret plotting, poison or ambush.
This talisman preserves women from the mortal perils which accompany or sometimes follow childbirth.
If in time of war the leader of an army hides the talisman of Saturn in a place which is in danger of falling into the enemy's hands, that enemy will be unable to cross the limits set up by the presence of the talisman and will then retreat, either discouraged or overcome by a resolute counter-attack.
In order to make the talisman of Saturn, a plaque of very pure lead must be obtained, cut in the form of a circle about the size of an ordinary medal, and the two faces polished smoothly.
On the first face is engraved with a diamond-pointed the image of a scythe, enclosed in a pentagram.
On the other side is engraved a bull's head enclosed in a six-pointed star, and surrounded by letters composing the name Oriphiel, the planetary genius of Saturn according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see Appendix). The person who is to wear this talisman must engrave it himself, without witnesses of the deed and without having communicated his intention to anyone.
He must choose for the commencement and termination of the task a Saturday, Dies Saturni, the day consecrated to Saturn, when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first ten degrees of Taurus or Capricorn, in a favorable aspect with Saturn, according to the theory of the horoscope which is set out further on.
To find out if there is a favourable aspect between the Moon and Saturn the interested person should cast his own horoscope on the nearest Saturday containing the lunar evolution just mentioned; and if Saturn is in a favourable aspect, that is, trine or sextile with the Moon, that day will be favourable for working on the talisman. If, on the contrary, Saturn and the Moon are found to be in square or in opposition, each following Saturday must be tried until a favourable aspect is met with.
It is the Table of Epacts which gives us the beginning of each lunar evolution. On the 1st day the Moon is in conjunction with the centre of the Ram; on the 2nd she passes through the first 15 degrees of Taurus, and on the 22nd day the first 10 degrees of Capricorn. If therefore the 2nd or 22nd day of the Moon correspond to a Sunday, and if Saturn is in a favourable aspect, one or other of these days is suitable for working on the talisman.
Having found a Saturday, it is still necessary to find the hours which are governed by the genius of Saturn: these are indicated for the whole week in the following table, beginning at noon to one o'clock in the afternoon.
Table of Hours
According to this table, the hours of Saturday which are the most favourable for the making of a talisman of Saturn are from midday to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 2--3 o'clock after midnight; and from 9--10 a.m. of the following morning, reckoning the day as beginning and ending at midday. The work of engraving, interrupted during intermediate hours, ought therefore to be resumed during the hours influenced by the genius of Saturn. It is completed by the magical consecration of the talisman.
This consecration consists in exposing the talisman to the fumes of a scent composed of alum, assa-foetida, scammony and sulphur, which are burned with cyprus, ash and stalks of black hellebore lighted in an earthenware chafing dish which has never been used for any other purpose and which has to be ground to dust and buried secretly in an unfrequented spot after the operation. The talisman is then placed in a black silk sachet which is hung on the breast by bands of the same material interwoven and tied in the form of a cross.
The Talisman of Jupiter
II. The Talisman of Jupiter brings to those who wear it the good-will and sympathy of everyone. It drives away all cares, is favourable to honest enterprises and increases well-being according to social standing.
It gives protection against unforeseen accidents and the perils of violent death presaged by Saturn in the natal horoscope.
It gives protection from death caused by diseases of the liver, inflamation of the lungs, malignant tumours, or that cruel affection of the spinal marrow called tabes dorsalis.
In order to make the talisman of Jupiter a plaque of very pure tin must be obtained, cut in the form of a circle about the size of an ordinary medal, and the two faces polished smoothly.
On the first face is engraved with a diamond-pointed burin the image of a crown with four points at the centre of a pentagram, or five-pointed star.
On the other side is engraved the image of an eagle's head at the centre of a six-pointed star, surrounded by letters composing the name Zachariel, the planetary genius of Jupiter, according to the Alphabet of the Magi. (see: Appendix)
A Thursday (Jovis Dies) must be chosen for the commencement and termination of this work, when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first ten degrees of the Libra and is found in a favourable aspect, that is to say, sextile or trine with Saturn and Jupiter.
In order to find out if this aspect is favourable or otherwise the horoscope must be set up on the first Thursday containing the above-mentioned lunar evolution. If the aspect of the Moon with Saturn and Jupiter is unfavourable, each following Thursday must be tried until a good aspect is met with.
The beginning of each lunar evolution can be found by reference to the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix). On its l5th day it passes through the first ten degrees of the Scales; if therefore the day corresponds to a Thursday and if Saturn and Jupiter have a favourable aspect, the time is suitable for the creation of a talisman.
Consulting theTable of Hours (see: Appendix) given below, we find that the hours of Thursday governed by the genius of Jupiter are: from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 2--3 a.m.; and from 9-10 a.m. the following morning.
The consecration of the talisman consists in exposing it to the fumes of a scent composed of frankincense, amber-gris, balsam, cardamon, saffron and mace (the inner bark of the nutmeg tree), all of which are burned with oak, poplar, fig and pomegranate branches in an earthenware vessel which must afterwards be destroyed, as above. The talisman is then placed in a sachet of sky-blue silk (iii cyaneo serico) and hung on the breast by bands of the same material interwoven and tied in the form of a cross.
The Talisman of Mars
III. The Talisman of Mars is a preservative against the attacks of dangerous enemies. Its influence keeps at bay the danger of death in battle or argument. It preserves the wearer from death by St. Anthony's fire, malignant ulcers or epidemic. It neutralises the danger of violent death by torture presaged in a birthday horoscope.
If this talisman is hidden in a citadel by the commander defending it, no attack from outside will succeed.
In order to make the talisman of Mars a plaque of very pure iron must be obtained, cut in the form of a circle about the size of an ordinary medal, and polished smoothly on both sides.
On the first side is engraved with a diamond-pointed burin the image of swords enclosed in a pentagram.
On the other side is engraved the image of a lion's head at the centre of a six-pointed star and surrounded by letters composing the name Samael, the planetary genius of Mars, according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see: Appendix).
A Tuesday must be chosen for the work, the day consecrated to Mars (Martis Dies), when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first ten degrees of the Ram or Sagittarius and is found in favourable aspect with Saturn and Mars.
In order to find out if this aspect is favourable, the horoscope must be set up on the nearest Tuesday containing the lunar evolution with Saturn and Mars in favourable aspect.
The beginning of each lunar evolution can be found from the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix). On its 30th day it passes through the first ten degrees of the Ram and on its 19th day the first ten degrees of Sagittarius. If therefore one of these days corresponds with a Tuesday, and if Saturn and Mars are in a favourable aspect with the Moon, the time is suitable for the creation of the talisman.
Consulting the Table of Hours (see: Appendix) given above, we find that the hours of Tuesday governed by the planetary genius of Mars are from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 2--8 a.m., and from 9--10 a.m. the following morning.
The consecration of the talisman consists in exposing it to the fumes of a scent composed of desiccated absinthe and rue. The talisman is then placed in a red silk sachet, hung on the breast as described above.
The Talisman of the Sun
IV. The Talisman of the Sun brings to those who wear it the good-will and the favour of those in high positions. It preserves the wearer from death by syncope, heart disease, aneurism, epidemic and conflagration.
To make the talisman of the Sun a plaque of very pure gold must be obtained.
On the first side is engraved the image of a circle enclosed in a pentagram.
On the second side is engraved a human head enclosed in a six-pointed star and surrounded by letters composing the name Miihael, the planetary genius of the Sun, according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see: Appendix)
A Sunday must be chosen for the operation (Solis Dies), day consecrated to the Sun, when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first to degrees of the Lion and is found in favourable aspect with Saturn and the Sun. In order to find out if this aspect is favourable, the horoscope must be set up on the nearest Sunday containing the lunar evolution with a favourable aspect of the Moon with Saturn and the Sun.
Consulting the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix), we find that the lunar evolution in its 10th day passes through the first to degrees of the Lion; if therefore this day corresponds to a Sunday, and if the Moon, Saturn and the Sun are in a favourable aspect, the time is suitable for the creation of the talisman.
Consulting the Table of Hours (see: Appendix), we find that the hours of Sunday governed by the Sun are: from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7-8 p.m.; from 3-4 a.m., and from 9-10 a.m. the following morning.
The consecration of the talisman consists in exposing it to the fumes of a scent composed of cinnamon, frank incense, saffron and red sandalwood, which is burned with laurel and dried heliotrope stalks in an earthenware vessel. The talisman is then placed in a sachet of pale yellow silk (in sindone lutea), hung on the breast.
The Talisman of Venus
V. The Talisman of Venus preserves harmony and affection between man and wife. It keeps away those who may offend by envy and hate. It preserves women from the terrible illness cancer. It protects men and women from violent death by poisoning, criminal or accidental. It neutralises the dangerous presages given by the genius of Mars in a natal horoscope. If it is possible to make a sworn enemy drink a liquid in which the talisman of Venus has been dipped, that enemy's hatred is transformed into affection and devotion for life.
To make the talisman of Venus, a plaque of very pure copper is required.
On the first side is engraved the image of the letter G, enclosed in a pentagram.
On the second side is engraved a dove at the centre of a six-pointed star surrounded by letters composing the name of Anael, the planetary genius of Venus, according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see: Appendix)
A Friday must be chosen, day consecrated to Venus (Veneris Dies), when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first 10 degrees of the Bull or the Virgin and is found in favourable aspect with Saturn and Venus.
To find out whether or not this aspect is favourable, the horoscope must be set up on the nearest Friday containing the lunar evolution with the Moon in favourable aspect with Saturn and Venus. Consulting the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix), we find that the lunar evolution begins in its 2nd day to pass through the first 10 degrees of the Bull, and on its 13th day through the first to degrees of the Virgin. If therefore this day is a Friday, and if the Moon, Saturn and Venus are in favourable aspect, the time is suitable for the creation of the talisman.
Consulting the Table of Hours (see: Appendix), we find that the hours of Friday governed by Venus are from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 2--3 a.m. and from 9-10 a.m. the following morning.
The consecration of the talisman consists in exposing the talisman to the fumes of a scent composed of violets and roses burned with olive wood in an earthenware vessel. The talisman is then placed in a sachet of either green or pink silk and hung on the breast.
The Talisman of Mercury
VI. The Talisman of Mercury is the protector of all kinds of commerce and industry. If it is buried in the ground underneath a shop or place of business, it attracts clients and prosperity.
It preserves all who wear it from attacks of epilepsy or madness.
It protects from death by murder or poison. It guards against treason. If it is placed beneath the head during sleep, it produces prophetic dreams.
To make the talisman of Mercury, a plaque composed of an alloy of silver, tin and mercury is necessary.
On the first side is engraved the image of a winged caduceus with two serpents enlaced, at the centre of a pentagram.
On the other side is engraved a dog's head, enclosed in a six-pointed star surrounded by letters composing the name Raphael, the planetary genius of Mercury, according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see: Appendix)
A Wednesday must be chosen, day consecrated to Mercury (Mercurii Dies), when the evolution of the Moon is passing through the first to degrees of Gemini or Scorpion and is found in favourable aspect with Saturn and Mercury.
To find out if this aspect is a favourable one, the horoscope must be set up on the nearest Wednesday containing the lunar evolution with a favourable aspect of the Moon with Saturn and Mercury.
Consulting the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix) we find that the beginning of the lunar evolution passes on its 4th day through the first 10 degrees of Gemini and on its 17th day through the first to degrees of Scorpio. If therefore one of these days is a Wednesday, and if the Moon is in a good aspect with Saturn and Mercury the time is favourable for the creation of the talisman.
Consulting the Table of Hours (see: Appendix), we find that the hours of Wednesday governed by Mercury are: from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 2-3, a.m.; and from 9-10 a.m. the following morning.
The consecration consists of exposing the talisman to the fumes of a scent composed of benzoin, mace and storax which is burned with the dried stalks of lilies, narcissi, fumitory and marjoram in an earthenware vessel. The talisman is placed in a sachet of purple silk which is hung on the breast.
The Talisman of the Moon
VII.The Talisman of the Moon protects travelers and persons dwelling in a foreign land. It preserves the wearer from death by shipwreck, or from epilepsy, dropsy, apoplexy and madness. It also keeps at bay the perils of violent death presaged by the saturnine aspects of the horoscope.
To make the talisman of the Moon, a plaque of very pure silver must be obtained.
On the first side is engraved the image of a crescent, enclosed in a pentagram.
On the other side is engraved a goblet enclosed in 2 six-pointed star and surrounded by letters composing the name Gabriel, the planetary genius of the Moon, according to the Alphabet of the Magi (see: Appendix)
A Monday must be chosen, day consecrated to the Moon (Lunae Dies), when the lunar evolution is passing through the first to degrees of the Virgin or Capricorn, and is found in favourable aspect with Saturn.
To find out if this aspect is favourable, the horoscope must be set up on the nearest Monday containing the lunar evolution and with the Moon and Saturn in favourable aspect.
Consulting the Table of Epacts (see: Appendix), the lunar evolution begins to pass on its 13th day through the first 10 degrees of the Virgin, and on its 22nd day through the first 10 degrees of Capricorn. If therefore one of these days is a Monday and if the Moon is in a favourable aspect with Saturn, the time is suitable for the creation of the talisman.
Consulting the Table of Hours (see: Appendix), we find that the hours of Monday governed by the Moon are: from mid-day to 1 o'clock; from 7--8 p.m.; from 9--9 a.m.; and from 9-10 a.m. of the following morning.
The consecration consists in exposing the talisman to the fumes of a scent composed of white sandalwood, camphor, aloes, amber and pounded cucumber seeds, which is burned with dried stalks of artemisia, selenotrope and ranunculus in an earthenware vessel. The talisman is then placed in a sachet of white silk and hung on the breast.
These are the principal Talismans whose traditions have been preserved for us by the most ancient monuments of the highest magical art and by the most reliable archaeologists in this type of research. These talismans are recommended under the name of Teraphim by the Hebrew Qabalists of the Middle Ages," who replace the names of the planetary Genii of Egypt by those of: Oriphiel (Rempha), Zachariel (Pi-Zeus), Samael (Ertosill), Michael (Pi-Rh3), Anabel (Suroth), Raphael (Pi-Hermes) and Gabriel (Pi-Ioh). These Cabalists add another seven talismans to which they attribute the power of conjuring the influence of seven demons who, according to their doctrine, share with the seven planetary angels the government of the divine creation. Against the angel of Saturn they set the demon Nabam; against the angel of Jupiter the demon Acham; against the angel of Mars the demon Nambroth; against the angel of Venus the demon Lilith or Naemah; against the angel of Mercury the demon Astaroth or Tharthac; and against the angel of the Moon the demon Sathan, See Judges xvii and xviii in the Bible. The Teraphim appear to correspond to the serpent images or seraphim. which in turn are said to derive from the Kabeiri Assyrian divinities worshipped at Hebron (Beni Anak). The Daimons or male spirits of the planets are now given by esoteric students of the Qabala as: Adonai=sun, Evoe=Moon. Saba=Mars, Astaphoi=Mercury, Eloi=Jupiter. Ouraioa=Venus and Ilde-baoth, or according to the Orphites Jahweh= Saturn.
APPENDIX
The Alphabet of the Magi
Table of Hours:
Table of Lunary Epacts:
| 6 |
1991 |
| 17 |
1992 |
| 28 |
1993 |
| 9 |
1994 |
| 20 |
1995 |
| 1 |
1996 |
| 12 |
1997 |
| 26 |
1998 |
| 7 |
1999 |
| 18 |
2000 |
| 30 |
2001 |
| 11 |
2002 |
| 22 |
2003 |
| 3 |
2004 |
| 14 |
2005 |
| 25 |
2006 |
Epact (E"pact), n. = The moon's age at the beginning of the calendar year, or the number of days by which the last new moon has preceded the beginning of the year. Annual epact, the excess of the solar year over the lunar year, -- being eleven days. Menstrual epact, or Monthly epact, the excess of a calendar month over a lunar.
Table of Monthly Lunar Phases:
Days 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 0 29 0 29 28 27 26 24 23 22 21 20 2 29 28 29 28 27 26 25 23 22 21 20 19 3 28 27 28 27 26 24 24 22 21 20 19 18 4 27 26 27 26 25 23 23 21 20 19 18 17 5 26 24 26 24 24 22 22 20 19 18 17 16 6 25 23 25 23 23 21 21 19 18 17 16 15 7 24 22 24 22 22 20 20 18 17 16 15 14 8 23 21 23 21 21 19 19 17 16 15 14 13 9 22 20 22 20 20 18 18 16 15 14 13 12 10 21 19 21 19 19 17 17 15 14 13 12 11 11 20 18 20 18 18 16 16 14 13 12 11 10 12 19 17 19 17 17 15 15 13 12 11 10 9 13 18 16 18 16 16 14 14 12 11 10 9 8 14 17 15 17 15 15 13 13 11 10 9 8 7 15 16 14 16 14 14 12 12 10 9 8 6 5 16 15 13 15 13 13 11 11 9 8 7 6 5 17 14 12 14 12 12 10 10 8 7 6 5 4 18 13 11 13 11 11 9 9 7 6 5 4 3 19 12 10 12 10 10 8 8 6 5 4 3 2 20 11 9 11 9 9 7 7 5 4 3 2 1 21 10 8 10 8 8 6 6 4 3 2 1 0 22 9 7 9 7 7 5 5 3 2 1 0 29 23 8 6 8 6 6 4 4 2 1 0 29 28 24 7 5 7 5 5 3 3 1 0 29 28 27 25 6 4 6 4 4 2 2 0 29 28 27 26 26 5 3 5 3 3 1 1 29 28 27 26 25 28 3 1 3 1 1 29 29 27 26 25 23 23 29 2 " 2 0 0 28 28 26 24 24 22 22 30 1 " 1 29 29 27 27 25 23 23 21 21 31 0 " 0 " 28 " 26 24 " 22 " 20
[Primary source: Ancient Texts]
