Tabula Lunarium

Ouroboros Press celebrates the Equinox with Viatorium Press by issuing the TABULA LUNARIUM being a broadside of the Table of the 28 Lunar Mansions with cognate references. Compiled by Ouroboros Press and printed letterpress on dampened paper by artist and printer Joseph Uccello on old world equipment. This printed table spearheads forthcoming collaborative work between the two presses on a grimoire of lunar praxis.

Joseph sizing up one of the prints which rests upon the Vandercook press which gave birth to it.

The imprint of the ink in the paper is distinctive due to the dampening of the paper prior to printing.

Several recently printed pieces laid out to dry.

Brief Explanation of the Lunar Mansions

The Lunar Mansions are arcs of 12 degrees, 51 minutes, which divide the ecliptic up into 28 stations and mark the motions of the moon during a lunar month.

These mansions comprise the Lunar Zodiac used in ancient times by Arab, Indian and Chinese astrologers. Each of these systems had their own names for the mansions which are; Manazil [Arabic] - Nakshatras [Indian] - Sieu [Chinese]. There are very slight variations between these 3 systems, and these are cleared up by the use of fiducials [from the latin, faith - fixed points in the sky - often fixed stars, which are used as a basis of comparative measurement].

It was the Arabic system, which had the greatest influence on the West via the Moorish-Spanish lore exchange and the Hermeticism of magicians such as Giordano Bruno and Marsilio Ficino. Of course one may find these mansions among the Three Books of Occult Philosophy of Agrippa, which is where Francis Barrett took them for use in his book the Magus.

Each mansion has its individual influence, which is transmitted to sublunar creatures by the Moon. Magical images, angels, metals or stones, suffumigations or incenses were among the correspondences applied to them.

In the astrological magic found among grimoires such as the PICATRIX, the idea was to invoke the angel of the mansion when the moon was in the correct station while burning the incense and visualizing the magical image in order to create various talismans or add specific lunar influence to other magical workings. In this same manner one may request the knowledge over those things which the angel of the mansion has jurisdiction.

TABULA LUNARIUM

The Tabula Lunarium is in the tradition of magical calendars wherein various systems of correspondence in the esoteric tradition were delineated in visually pleasing and ingenious printed broadsides. In addition to the name and number of each mansion, the table also includes the zodiacal sign and degree of occurrence as well as featuring the eidolon of Sahariel the archangel who teaches about the lunar mansions. Simultaneously a practical and magical piece of ephemera.

Measuring 12.5 x 19 inches the Table is printed letterpress on dampened Rives Heavyweight paper in an edition of 100 copies only.

$45.00 postpaid. Ordering Information

We also have letterpress printed broadsides of the Emerald Tablet of Hermes.

Giordano Bruno ~ Incantations of Circe

There can be no doubt as to the importance Giordano Bruno's life and writings had on the western esoteric tradition and the history of scientific thought. With this in mind, Ouroboros Press is pleased to be issuing the first English translation of Giordano Bruno's Cantus Circaeus, rendered from the original Latin by Darius Klein. Originally printed in Paris 1582, the eloquence of Klein's English translation is fitting for the words of the Nolan.

"To one who is about to behold the Daughter of the Sun, she who is learned in magical lore, and who comes forth from the hidden places; you shall go as a free man into the House of Circe, not bound by the fetters of Night."

From Giordano Bruno; Cantus Circaeus.

In the beginning of his Cantus Circaeus, Bruno portrays the doctrine of correspondence as used with the seven planetary invocations, which are themselves tokens of praxis in the Hermetic tradition. The incantatory litanies include the names, attributes, plants, stones, animals and other qualities associated with the astral bodies, and are thus memory palaces of planetary arcana. Through dialogue, Circe and her assistant Moeris, explicate the use of images in the imagination in order to facilitate use of the Art of Memory which constitutes the latter half of the text. Francis A Yates, author of Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition comments;

"Bruno's magic memory system thus represents the memory of the Magus, one who both knows the reality beyond the multiplicity of appearances through having conformed his imagination to the archetypal images, and also has powers through this insight. It is the direct descendant of Ficino's Neoplatonic interpretation of the celestial images, but carried to a much more daring extreme."

Francis A. Yates; Giordano and the Hermetic Tradition.

[Bust of Giordano Bruno by Maurizio Tazzuti]

Cantus Circaeus: The Incantations of Circe
First English Translation.

Now Available

Read a Review of Cantus Circaeus on 
Peter Stockinger's
Traditional Astrology Website

Heretic Vellum Edition: Small octavo, handbound in full vellum over boards with raised cords and leather spine label. Gilt stamped title and device. Marbled endsheets and silk ribbon bookmark. 144 pages, illustrated with woodcuts. Limited to 300 copies only.

Heretic Vellum Edition: $225.00

Standard Edition: Small octavo, full black cloth over boards with gilt title and device. In a printed dust jacket. 144 pages. Illustrated with woodcuts.

Standard Edition: $40.00

Please include shipping with your order.
$6.00 in the US or $12.00 abroad for up to 2 books.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery [handbound editions, allow 4-6 weeks].

Fine Esoteric Book Arts

Picatrix Release Party

Picatrix Volume Two Ordering Information

The release party for Picatrix Volume Two was held at the Rodriguez Guerra Art Studio in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district and was an enjoyable and successful affair.

Ouroboros Press publisher, William J. Kiesel gave a brief talk about the importance of the text in the Western Esoteric Tradition and provided anecdotes about historic figures who were influenced thereby.

The event was well attended by a wide variety of locals and many out-of-state guests.







William J. Kiesel and astrologer Austin Coppock a.k.a., Baron Samadhi Coppockalypse


Speacial thanks to Carlos Melgoza of Anima Nocturna for the photography.

The Goal of the Wise Complete!

Ouroboros Press is very pleased to announce that Volume Two of the Picatrix is now complete. We have received many words of encouragement and praise from our readers during this project and we thank you all for your kindness and interest.

Picatrix Volume Two contains the 3rd and 4th books of Ghayat Al-Hakim and will complete the English translation. It is a larger book than volume one and contains much in the way of the practical working of astral and talismanic magic. Planetary and Zodiacal magic and full instructions for invoking the related spirits are provided along with all the requisite materials needed; stones, plants, inks, colors, incenses, talismans and the invocations.

In addition to this are many anecdotes relating to Arabic and pre-Islamic magical lore, including the writings of Ibn Wahshija, the Nabataeans, Sabians, Chaldeans and Assyrians. Of particular note is the magical plant and mineral lore from the Nabataean Agriculture, which portray ancient practices of pagan Iraq.

The influence of the Picatrix can be seen in several texts of well-known authors of the western esoteric tradition, including Ficino, Mirandola, Abano and Agrippa, whose works have played a major role of forming contemporary manifestations of the esoteric tradition today.

The book will be issued in the same format as volume one:

Deluxe Black Leather edition:
Full black goat leather, Hand-bound with raised spine-bands and gilt titles, silk ribbon bookmark and marbled endsheets, from the fine binders at Ars Obscura Bookbinding.
[500 copies only]: $150.00

Trade Cloth edition:
Full cloth with gilt spine title and printed dust jacket.
[1,000 copies only]: $60.00


A very limited number of copies of volume one were issued in burgundy leather and slipcases. If you own one of these copies you may contact us if you would like a copy of volume two to match. We are only issuing these to owners of the original bindings. This is also the case for Vellum copies. Contact us for details.


Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery [handbound editions, allow 4-6 weeks].


Ordering Information



Paypal payment may be sent via their website [http://www.paypal.com]: [send funds to: ouroboros@bookarts.org]


Shipping

We wrap our packages securely for safe shipping.

Domestic Shipping within the US is $6.00 for up to two books.

International Shipping is $12.00 for up to two books.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery [handbound editions, allow 4-6 weeks].

Bookshops: We offer standard trade discounts on the Trade Cloth editions only. Contact us for details on shipping.

Picatrix Volume Two

Dear Friends,

I receive frequent inquiries regarding the status of volume two of the Picatrix and I am happy to report that the translation has finally been completed. This means that the book is now in the editorial stage of development and will move into production very soon.

Volume two contains the 3rd and 4th books of Ghayat Al-Hakim and will complete the English translation. It is a larger book than volume one and contains much in the way of the practical working of astral and talismanic magic. Planetary and Zodiacal magic and full instructions for invoking the related spirits are provided along with all the requisite materials needed; stones, plants, inks, colors, incenses, talismans and the invocations.

In addition to this are many anecdotes relating to Arabic and pre-Islamic magical lore, including the writings of Ibn Wahshija, the Nabateans, Sabians, Chaldeans and Assyrians. Of particular note is the magical plant and mineral lore from the Nabatean Agriculture, which portray ancient practices of pagan Iraq.

The influence of the Picatrix can be seen in several texts of well-known authors of the western esoteric tradition, including Ficino, Mirandola, Abano and Agrippa, whose works have played a major role of forming contemporary manifestations of the esoteric tradition today.

The contents of volume two follow:


Picatrix: Ghayat Al-Hakim
The Goal of the Wise
Ouroboros Press (c) 2007

Volume Two Contents

Book III

1. The Fortunes of Planets from Three Generating Origins

2. The Fortunes of Constellations

3. The Life of Planets, Their Shapes, their Incense, and their Garments. The Views of Constellations Which Influence Magic Work, the Characteristics of the Regions Tangential to the Planets, and the Characteristics of the Countries

4. The Secrets Known to Those Who Are Profoundly Versed in Science

5. Certain Excerpts of Animals’ Characteristics and How to Call Spirits with the Aid of Planetary Configurations

6. The Art of Calling Spirits Known as the Perfect Nature, According to Aristotle and Hermes, and the Meaning of Talismans and Its Appearance

7. Calling Planetary Forces by Rising Up and Exchanging Secret Conversations with Them and Sharing with Them the Effects of Actions by Using Words, Offering Sacrifices, Making Supplications, and Producing Incense, as well as by Using Astrological Ratios as Explained in the Sabian School of Thought

8. Glorifying the Astrological Potential of the Sun and Saturn and How to Secretly Converse with Them

9. Calling Planetary Forces Individually, the Spiritual Names of the Forces Placed Beside the Six Directions and Using Them in Accordance with Aristotle’s Instructions

10. Weaving Spiritual Magic and a Vehicle to Repel the Harmful Effects of Actions as Presented in Aristotle’s and Hermes’ works in Magical Talisman operations, by Using Foods, Incense, Perfume, and Ointment, and Decoding Their Effects from the One to Which They Were Attached

11. Different Magical Talismans Work for Different Purposes as Taken from Former Scientist Works in Imagination, Reversing Perception and Conjuring Various Images According to the Desired Purpose. Magical Talismans to Put One to Sleep, to Make Him Motionless, to Kill Him, and to Neutralize Poisons

12. Scientific Recommendations and Enigmas

Book IV

1. Extending Illumination from the First Cause to Effects Below It. Talking About the True Essence of the Physical and Metaphysical Realities, the True Essence of the Mind, Its Sections and Reality, as well as the Truth of the Inner Life and Its Reality

2. Calling the Spirits and Forces of the Moon When it is New and as it Enters the Constellation as it Spreads its Forces on Earth, According to Some Kurdish and Abyssinian Schools. The Seven Day Fasts in Accordance with an Indian School of Thought

3. Some of the Copts’ Concealed Secrets and Some of their Symbols in This Regard

4. Exploring Some of the Most Important Works and Enigmas by Prominent Adepts in this Craft to be Used in Preventing its Outcome

5. Specifying the Ten Sciences Which Produced These Two Conclusions

6. Making Planetary Incense and the Vehicles Needed for This Principle is One of the Most Practical Secrets of India

7. Abu Bakr Ibn Wahshija’s Translation of Nabatean Magical Works and Talismans

8. Effects of Things are a Function of Their Characteristics

9. Special Components of Charms Taken from Various Books, Followed by Recommendations

______________________________________________

More information regarding volume one may be had by clicking on its cover on the right side of the navigation bar.

Heptameron and Arbatel of Magick

This grimoire is devoted to the angels of the seven days with diagrams of circles, magical sigils and conjurations of the ceremonial art. Magical images of the planets engraved by Bernhard Maler [1482] and tables showing correct planetary hours are included. The Arbatel offers seven sepentaries of aphorisms of a kind of Theophrastical Magic. The initial groups of these aphorisms serve to introduce the Ritual of the Olympic Spirits, dwelling in the firmament and in the stars of the firmament, between whom the government of the world is distributed. Two volumes bound as one.

Translated by Robert Turner

Small octavo. Black cloth with gilt title and woocut decorative initials and completely re-set in Renaissance Fell Types designed by Johnathan Hoefler. Limited Trade Edition $40.00 USD.

Also available in Full Imperial Vellum [$225.00] and Full Goatskin Leather [$175.00] inquiries may be sent to ouroboros @ bookarts . org

Ordering Information

Picatrix: Ghayat Al-Hakim

The Goal of the Wise. The text of this Medieval work consists of the first two books of the classic Arabic manual of Astrological and Talismanic Magic. The Author has compiled information derived from 224 books by 'ancient sages' with the intention of uniting all these diverse arts into a practical system. Brought out of the obscurity of the Middle East it passed through the hands of many prominent figures throughout the history of Hermetic thought. Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, Peter de Abano & Cornelius Agrippa were among them.

Available in full black goat leather, Hand-bound with raised spine-bands and gilt titles, silk ribbon bookmark and marbled endsheets, from the fine binders at Ars Obscura Bookbinding.


Picatrix Volume Two now available for ordering!

Ordering Information

Volume One is Sold Out in all editions.