Translated from French to English by George Graham, 1834
Cleveland BF1601 C5313
This rare and unique manuscript gives a glimpse into the realm of the Art of Magic in the 1800s. This is a manuscript created for the devout practitioner of the Art. The work presented herein is one of dark devotional service and the charging of the various magical seals involves the sacrifice of various animals of which the blood is contained in bottles for the use of tracing the seals in blood ink upon the skin of a wide variety of animals.
The suggested modes of Operations of the Rituals and charging of the talismans are obviously not a practice suitable for everyone and precisely this is what makes this ancient manuscript so special. This version of the Clavicule describes explicitely the rules of engagement and requirements of which the practitioner should be aware of before treading upon the Path of the Art of Magic which is presented in this grimoire. Another interesting aspect is its dedication to Lucifer in the far end of the book, which includes a full description to call up the Superior Spirit LUCIFER. According to this book it is an operation only able to be done by the Master of the Art.
The Key of King Solomon describes in detail the aspects of The Day, the Hours and the Virtues of the Planets. Conjurations of various Spirits, on which Hours things should be prepared in order to engage and perform the Rituals, in this book called Operations and/or Experiments.
One will find in this book detailed instructions of the following:
- Of Fasting
- Of Baths
- Of Instruments
- Of the Incense Perfume
- Of the Light of Fire
- Of the Vesture
- Of the Pen
- Of the Colors
- Of the Parchment
- Of Experiments
- Of Medals and Pentacles: 32 Sigils/Seals are described including in detail their function and manner of charging the talismans
Superior Spirits of which Lucifer is in highest commandment:
- Lucifer
- Belzebut
- Elestor
Thirteen other more inferior Spirits are described as well.
Descriptions are presented on the Angels of the Day and the Angels of the Night.
In detail the book explains how one goes about the hierarchy during the modes of Operations between the Master and his Disciples and also the preferred number of Disciples, in this book also called Companions.
- Of the Master, His Disciples
- Of the Secrets
About the author:
George Graham, aeronaut, astrologer, alchemist and Master of the Magical Arts, was also a member of The Society of the Mercurii, which was an occult magical organization from London, England in the 1830s.
George Graham has contributed to a magazine The Astrologer of the Nineteenth Century which was launched by astrologer Robert Cross Smith (1795-1832) famous under his pen name “Raphael”. The magazine is best described as a compendium of occult materials by members of the Society of the Mercurii. Herein also was a chapter on George Graham written by Raphael. The magazine was published by bookseller of rare manuscripts John Denley who ran an occult bookshop in London, which at the time was at the center of the occult scene and community.
Graham was a patron of John Denleys bookshop, of which it was specialized in books on Alchemy, Cabala and Astrology, and was located near Covent Garden, London, England. George Graham was also an associate of Frederick Hockley (England 1808 – 1885) who worked for John Denley in the shop who made copies and compilations of old magic texts and manuscripts.
John Denley published various works of Robert Cross Smith such as The Philosophical Merlin which was to our knowledge George Grahams first known contribution to a publication of which he, amongst others, assisted with writing it. The Philosophical Merlin is a book on Geomancy published in 1822 in which Robert Cross Smith was credited as “R.C.S.” and Graham is credited as “G.W.G.” (George W. Graham) among others who also contributed to this book.
Graham may possibly had access to the Clavicule after the passing of Richard Cosways death in 1821 upon which The Mercurii has acquired his occult library and made it available to Robert Cross Smith.
There is very little known about George Graham regarding his possible influence and contributions to occult and magic books and ancient manuscripts during the early to mid 1800s. He obviously was acquainted with many of the more famous characters in the occult circles at the time in London and he had access to a broad variety of rare manuscripts through his membership of The Society of Mercurii of which on behalf of that group he purchased a number of important occult books providing him the necessary knowledge of the Magical Arts. (Source: Aeon Sophia’s description for their limited edition)
