Picatrix: Ghayat al-Hakim (The Aim of the Wise)

Anonymous (Medieval Islamic author, often attributed to Maslama al-Majriti or his school)1050
Primary Sourcecomplete

The Picatrix is the most famous manual of astrological magic. Originating in 11th-century Muslim Spain, it synthesizes Arabic Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism, and Sabian talismanic lore from Harran. It provides exhaustive instructions for creating talismans based on the 28 Lunar Mansions, the 36 Decans, and the planetary spirits. It treats magic as a rigorous science and a philosophical discipline intended to align the human soul with the celestial spheres.

Also known asGhayat al-Hakim · The Aim of the Wise · The Goal of the Wise
This edition2003
EditionModern edition reflecting the synthesis of the Arabic Ghayat al-Hakim and the 1256 Latin translation commissioned by Alfonso X.
Talismanic MagicAstrology and Horoscope CastingPlanetary magicastrologyInvocations to the PlanetsSpirit summoning and bindingArabic MagicArabic NeoplatonismAstral Light (as a concept)Creation of astrological talismansplanetary correspondencesHermeticismAstrological MagicHarranian Sabian lore

Contents8 chapters

  1. 01Book I
  2. 02Book II
  3. 03Prologue
  4. 04The Essence and Reality of Astrology
  5. 05The Use of Astrological Ratios in Making Talismans
  6. 06Examples of Required Astrology Ratios to Make Talismans for Certain Functions
  7. 07The Vague Meaning of Being Has Been Concealed by Philosophers
  8. 08How This Knowledge Can Be Obtained

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Various (including the Ouroboros Press or Greer/Warnock translations)translator

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