The Old Book of Magic; A Precise History of Magic, Its Procedure, Rites and Mysteries as Contained in Ancient Manuscripts, Embellished with Engravings of Wonderful Charms and Talismans

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ...of hostile irradiations, he foresees, with an unerring eye, the different prospects, as they individually appear in the vista of futurity_; thus possessing a knowledge which, of all others, approaches the nearest to divinity, even as the science itself is, of all others, the most sublime and beautiful. Even astronomy, without the sister science of Siderial Influence, is but a "casket ' Se_e CHAPTER VI. of this work. 1' It is an authenticated fact, that no one can be at all considered a skilful Astrologer, or worthy of implicit confidence, who has not had a liberal education; or, at least, he should be well versed in mathematical rinciples and the philosophy of nature. The calculation of_a nativity is most intimate y connected with geometrical science and algebraical analysis--it requires the aid of numbers, logarithms, and trigonometry, brought into use by a clear sound judgment and extensive experience. Professors of this description are rarely met with. without a jewel," and presents but a mighty combination of numbers and nothingness. Who, then, shall dare to revile the astrologer? who shall dare to gainsay the superiority he possesses over the professors of all other science? He alone, of all other students, can, with propriety, adopt the words of Milton:--"Into the heav'n of heav'ns I have presumed, An earthly guest, and drawn ernpyreal air." The fates have decreed his destiny; the horoscope of his fortunes 'is fixed, and unalterable as the' laws of the universe (subject only to divine control); and, while absorbed in contemplation of those celestial orbs, whether fixed or erratic, benign or malevolent, he alone can be resigned in all things to that which he has foreseen, and is the only true...