The Prophecies of Paracelsus: Magic Figures and Prognostications made by Theophrastus Paracelsus about Four Hundred Years Ago (Forgotten Books)

Like the better known Prophecies of Nostradamus, the Prophecies of Paracelsus are exceedingly cryptic, filled with allegorical symbols and capable of being reinterpreted for any purpose. It comes with 32 surreal woodcuts which seem to reveal additional details about each prophecy.

This short book, published in London in 1915 in the shadow of the Great War, was written anonymously (I have yet to figure out who 'J.K.' is). It wraps the 32 prophecies in introductions and interpretations by the mysterious J.K. as well as Eliphas Levi, the French occultist--who apparently felt that this text should be left to the experts. The original J.K. edition is somewhat rare, and it was reprinted in 1974 by Weiser, although the latter is out of print.

Paracelsus, a renowned scholar who is known for his chemical and alchemical writings, may have meant this not only as a set of predictions about the path of the Reformation, but as an allegory of the evolution of the soul. This would not be surprising, as other authors of the period cloaked arcane messages in almost impenetrable layers of symbolism to escape eccelsiastical scrutiny. (Quote from sacred-texts.com)

About the Author

Baruch de Spinoza (1632 - 1677)
Baruch de Spinoza Portuguese: Bento de Espinosa, Latin: Benedictus de Spinoza) (November 24, 1632 - February 21, 1677) was a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Jewish origin. Revealing considerable scientific aptitude, the breadth and importance of Spinoza's work was not fully realized until years after his death. Today, he is considered one of the great rationalists of 17th-century philosophy, laying the groundwork for the 18th-century Enlightenment and modern biblical criticism. By virtue of his magnum opus, the posthumous Ethics, Spinoza is also considered one