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The Complete Picatrix: The Occult Classic of Astrological Magic Liber Atratus Edition
The Picatrix is the most famous grimoire of astrological magic and one of the most important works of medieval and Renaissance magic. With all four books of the Latin Picatrix complete in one volume, translated & annotated by the noted scholars, magicians and astrologers John Michael Greer & Christopher Warnock, Picatrix takes its rightful place as an essential occult text. Picatrix is an encyclopedic work with over 300 pages of Hermetic magical philosophy, ritual, talismanic and natural magic. Greer & Warnock’s complete translation is lucid and well annotated. Renaissance Astrology & Adocentyn Press have released the complete Picatrix in a variety of different editions, including the Liber Atratus and Liber Rubeus editions. All editions contain the same basic text, but add additional variant passages, either from the Arabic Picatrix or authors cited, but not found in the Latin Picatrix. The Liber Atratus edition adds a passage on poisons from Ibn Washiyya’s Book of Poisons.
310 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1256
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About the author
Maslama Al-Majriti
7 books17 followersMaslama al-Majriti or Abu al-Qasim al-Qurtubi al-Majriti (Arabic: أبو القاسم مسلمة بن أحمد المجريطي, Latin: Methilem; d. 1008 or 1007 CE) was a Muslim astronomer, chemist, mathematician, economist and Scholar in Islamic Spain. He took part in the translation of Ptolemy's Planispherium, improved existing translations of the Almagest, introduced and improved the astronomical tables of al-Khwarizmi, aided historians by working out tables to convert Persian dates to Hijri years, and introduced the techniques of surveying and triangulation.
Al-Majriti was one of the earliest Alchemists to record the usage and experimentation of mercuric oxide.
He was among the most brilliant of Spanish Muslims during the reign of Al-Hakam II. According to Şā'id ibn Ahmad Andalusī he was the best mathematician and astronomer of his time (in Al-Andalus).[2]:64 He also introduced new surveying methods by working closely with his colleague Ibn al-Saffar. He also wrote a book on taxation and the economy of Al-Andalus. (Wikipedia)
Al-Majriti was one of the earliest Alchemists to record the usage and experimentation of mercuric oxide.
He was among the most brilliant of Spanish Muslims during the reign of Al-Hakam II. According to Şā'id ibn Ahmad Andalusī he was the best mathematician and astronomer of his time (in Al-Andalus).[2]:64 He also introduced new surveying methods by working closely with his colleague Ibn al-Saffar. He also wrote a book on taxation and the economy of Al-Andalus. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2014
If you are reading the Picatrix to use its formulas in practical magical workings, and not just for a sense of magic in the past, you had best know your astrology. This is the magic that the Three Wise Men/Mages/Sages used to find Jesus and without knowledge of astrology this book would be of little use to anyone. There are also a number of formulas for cursing, compelling love, gaining fortune etc, that could be used without that art but for the most part they are filled with impractical aspects for modern magicians, are unethical for those with morals and unwise for nearly all others. Some of the ingredients are nearly impossible to obtain, however, if you understand your sympathetic magic, nothing is impossible.
These days one can have a chart calculated online, so that is not a problem if you don’t know how to do so, however, it would still help to have a book or two that speaks of the meaning of the various conjunctions, sextiles, squares, calculating the part of fortune, etc.
Still, it all comes down to this, do your magic at the most astrologically propitious time for the working you are endeavoring to achieve and know your correspondences. A good book like Stephen Skinner’s The Complete Magician’s Tables would be greatly beneficial in this regard.
The Silver Elves authors of The Elven Way: The Magical Path of the Shining Ones
These days one can have a chart calculated online, so that is not a problem if you don’t know how to do so, however, it would still help to have a book or two that speaks of the meaning of the various conjunctions, sextiles, squares, calculating the part of fortune, etc.
Still, it all comes down to this, do your magic at the most astrologically propitious time for the working you are endeavoring to achieve and know your correspondences. A good book like Stephen Skinner’s The Complete Magician’s Tables would be greatly beneficial in this regard.
The Silver Elves authors of The Elven Way: The Magical Path of the Shining Ones
December 27, 2015
A wonderful text with a great introduction by the editors. Definitely not a beginners book, however. Knowledge of the history of western magic, especially the role of this planets and basic medieval/early Renaissance astrology, will be essential to understanding the formulas in the majority of the book.
March 28, 2016
This is truly a must-read for any serious student of occultism. This work is absolutely extraordinary. This is one of the most important books in all of Western ritual magick. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!
Currently reading
April 7, 2013Wont even let me read the book...very misleading app
April 16, 2013
This was a well written book. The philosophy of the Picatrix to me hits a chord, and resonates with my belief system. The planetary magick, and energies emitted by the planets was then an unseen force. And was part of the "forces" and trinity of Matter, spirit, divinity. The explanation of astrologically, stars and planets can affect life here on Earth is revelationary, but logical. And to the medieval mind, indeed magickal.
All that said, the practical side of the picatrix is what lets the grimoire down in modern usage. Unless you have unlimited resources, and do not mind making sacrifices of animals. Needing to obtain scorpions brains, behead cows and ewes and use real gold powder in suffumigation rituals, may prove off putting to most.
Overall a grimoire to have in your library, just for the philosophy and understanding imparted. if not for the practical usage.
All that said, the practical side of the picatrix is what lets the grimoire down in modern usage. Unless you have unlimited resources, and do not mind making sacrifices of animals. Needing to obtain scorpions brains, behead cows and ewes and use real gold powder in suffumigation rituals, may prove off putting to most.
Overall a grimoire to have in your library, just for the philosophy and understanding imparted. if not for the practical usage.
October 31, 2013
having read Agrippa's work i was pleased with this.
June 29, 2022
Just find something in this book, my brain talk with me
April 19, 2022
I am so pleased to have completed the reading this prolific work. It wasn't what I expected!
Austin Coppock, in his interviews, described the picture as explaining how to do astrological magick- and so I expected more instruction, more ceremony. The Picatrix is a collection of absurd potions, spells related to difficulties that may have been relevant to the time of writing but would require us some creative interpretation now, and descriptions of talismanic images to be used for different celestial forces. In between are often beautiful works of philosophy.
I especially appreciated the addition by Greer and Warnock,. (Its editing made it more readable to me than the translation by Atrell and Porreca which I shall read next.) It's footnotes were succinct and very helpful. I especially appreciate that Warnock has made smaller excerpts of the Picatrix available, which has made the reading of the whole work a lot less intimidating.
I read the Liber Versus edition, and was disappointed by the edition specific index which could have been more exhaustive. I'll have to have a look to see this available elsewhere. (In the future I will edit this review to compare it to another version of the picatrix I own by Greer& Warnock.)
Ultimately, I am so pleased to have read this work. There a number of workings and rituals and discussions that I find to be truly inspiring I will end up writing more about on my blog.
This work must be read by anyone practicing astrological magic, especially ceremonial magic. I would suggest the beginner or intermediate practitioner begin with Warnock shorter works and excerpts.
Austin Coppock, in his interviews, described the picture as explaining how to do astrological magick- and so I expected more instruction, more ceremony. The Picatrix is a collection of absurd potions, spells related to difficulties that may have been relevant to the time of writing but would require us some creative interpretation now, and descriptions of talismanic images to be used for different celestial forces. In between are often beautiful works of philosophy.
I especially appreciated the addition by Greer and Warnock,. (Its editing made it more readable to me than the translation by Atrell and Porreca which I shall read next.) It's footnotes were succinct and very helpful. I especially appreciate that Warnock has made smaller excerpts of the Picatrix available, which has made the reading of the whole work a lot less intimidating.
I read the Liber Versus edition, and was disappointed by the edition specific index which could have been more exhaustive. I'll have to have a look to see this available elsewhere. (In the future I will edit this review to compare it to another version of the picatrix I own by Greer& Warnock.)
Ultimately, I am so pleased to have read this work. There a number of workings and rituals and discussions that I find to be truly inspiring I will end up writing more about on my blog.
This work must be read by anyone practicing astrological magic, especially ceremonial magic. I would suggest the beginner or intermediate practitioner begin with Warnock shorter works and excerpts.
June 26, 2024
'' The image of the whole human is within his partial image and a simple and primordial form of it. The image of the partial human is inside the body and a simple form of it. The image of the body is a complex idol and a complex shell for the partial human. The image of the partial human being is a complex idol and a complex shell for the whole human. The image of the whole human is an idol and a shell for the whole spirit and the whole spirit is an idol and a shell for the mind. The whole mind is an idol and a shell for the light from which the mind evolved. The light is the primordial source of the whole mind. Similarly, what is below that, which is higher, is simple and primordial to that which is below it and in addition to it and what is below that is always a complex image for what is above it and in addition to it. In fact, the human being is the complex image which uses the other bodies of nature.
He, who wants to gain the truth of this knowledge, ought to be virtuous, pure in his mind and body from ail sins and then he will see it and observe it in its reality."
Picatrix (Ghayat Al-Hakim), Al-Majriti
He, who wants to gain the truth of this knowledge, ought to be virtuous, pure in his mind and body from ail sins and then he will see it and observe it in its reality."
Picatrix (Ghayat Al-Hakim), Al-Majriti
July 29, 2022
An excellent glimpse into the world of magic of a thousand years ago. It is based on creating objects at specific times based on astrological configurations.
A modification of it could certainly be used today. Though many of the assigned characteristics of the different houses and things are rather useless in modern day or someone on the service to others path. An updated service to others version can be made on the loose model given.
The important thing I believe is to have a consistent system one is happy with and work with that. And as one uses the system it becomes stronger.
Certainly worth archiving, it is a true classic.
A modification of it could certainly be used today. Though many of the assigned characteristics of the different houses and things are rather useless in modern day or someone on the service to others path. An updated service to others version can be made on the loose model given.
The important thing I believe is to have a consistent system one is happy with and work with that. And as one uses the system it becomes stronger.
Certainly worth archiving, it is a true classic.
January 7, 2018
The translation was good, but I am just not a fan of the Picatrix it would seem.
Read
March 1, 2020Part read only
April 9, 2020
Interesante y curioso todo, pero hay que adquirir conocimiento previo como por ejemplo de astrología.
3.5/5
3.5/5
Read
August 1, 2020very nice
Read
March 1, 2021I absolutely love this book. It is one ☝️ of my all time favorites. This book has inspired me in art along with teaching me about Arabic culture.
November 7, 2022
A must-have grimoire for astrological magicians.
July 21, 2025
Jesus Is Lord.
August 25, 2022
هذا شيء عجيب
ngeri-ngeri sedap bacanya, banyak istilah-istilah serta wawasan-wawasan baru yang saya dapatkan, tapi yang pasti tak boleh dipraktekkan, karena ilmu sihir, baik سحر الابيض maupun سحر الاسود dengan segala macamnya itu mutlak haram diamalkan.
oiya, saya sarankan untuk baca versi aslinya yang bahasa arab.
ngeri-ngeri sedap bacanya, banyak istilah-istilah serta wawasan-wawasan baru yang saya dapatkan, tapi yang pasti tak boleh dipraktekkan, karena ilmu sihir, baik سحر الابيض maupun سحر الاسود dengan segala macamnya itu mutlak haram diamalkan.
oiya, saya sarankan untuk baca versi aslinya yang bahasa arab.
November 7, 2014
Lots of detail. Excellent resource.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews