{"title":"S. L. MacGregor Mathers","description":"Aleister Crowley born Edward Alexander Crowley; 12 October 1875 - 1 December 1947, was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, he published widely over the course of his life. Born to a wealthy Plymouth Brethren family in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Crowley rejected this fundamentalist Christian faith to pursue an interest in Western esotericism. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he focused his attentions on mountaineering and poetry, resulting in several publications. In 1898 he joined the esoteric Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was trained in ceremonial magic by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. Samuel Liddell (or Liddel) MacGregor Mathers, born Samuel Liddell Mathers, was a British occultist. He is primarily known as one of the founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a ceremonial magic order of which offshoots still exist today. Mathers was born in January 1854 in Hackney, London, England. He attended Bedford School, subsequently working in Bournemouth, Dorset, as a clerk. Mathers was a polyglot; among the languages he had studied were English, French, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Gaelic and Coptic, though he had a greater command of some languages than of others. His translations of such books as The Book of Abramelin (14thC.), Christian Knorr von Rosenroth's The Kabbalah Unveiled (1684), Key of Solomon (anonymous 14thC.), The Lesser Key of Solomon (anonymous 17thC.), and the Grimoire of Armadel (17thC.), while probably justly criticized with respect to quality, were responsible for making what had been obscure and inaccessible material widely available to the non-academic English speaking world. Mathers died in November 1918 aged 64.","products":[{"product_id":"the-greater-and-lesser-keys-of-solomon-the-king-paperback","title":"The Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon the King - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis trade paperback volume contains both The Key of Solomon the King (The Greater Key) and The Lesser Key of Solomon, including all of the original illustrations, diagrams and annotations to aid the reader in their understanding of the Solomon Key.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or \"grimoire.\" Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon. Many others have assembled their own version of this ancient material since, and it is important to realize that it is the contents rather than the book itself that make up the Lesser Key. Traditionally, the source material is divided into five books: Ars Goetia, Ars Theurgia Goetia, Ars Paulina, Ars Almadel, and Ars Notoria. Mathers and Crowley indicate their edition is a translation of the first.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the preface to this edition, it is explained that a \"Secret Chief\" of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun. Traditionally, S. L. MacGregor Mathers is credited as the translator of this edition, and Crowley is given the title of editor.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScholars believe these books of Solomon and their many iterations derive from the ancient practices of Jewish Kabbalah and Arab Alchemy. After time, it is thought Greek and Roman influences were added until, finally, the work was used and molded by high Renaissance magicians. This book, as well as other King Solomon books, such as the Magical Treatise of King Solomon and the Testament of Solomon, were brought back to modern times through the labors of occult practitioners such as S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley and others around the turn of the last century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51317266612447,"sku":"9780998136462","price":21.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/4v8IxS7-MO9780998136462.webp?v=1788339121"},{"product_id":"the-greater-and-lesser-keys-of-solomon-the-king-hardcover","title":"The Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon the King - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis hardback volume contains both The Key of Solomon the King (The Greater Key) and The Lesser Key of Solomon, including all of the original illustrations, diagrams and annotations to aid the reader in their understanding of the Solomon Key.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or \"grimoire.\" Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon. Many others have assembled their own version of this ancient material since, and it is important to realize that it is the contents rather than the book itself that make up the Lesser Key. Traditionally, the source material is divided into five books: Ars Goetia, Ars Theurgia Goetia, Ars Paulina, Ars Almadel, and Ars Notoria. Mathers and Crowley indicate their edition is a translation of the first.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the preface to this edition, it is explained that a \"Secret Chief\" of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun. Traditionally, S. L. MacGregor Mathers is credited as the translator of this edition, and Crowley is given the title of editor.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eScholars believe these books of Solomon and their many iterations derive from the ancient practices of Jewish Kabbalah and Arab Alchemy. After time, it is thought Greek and Roman influences were added until, finally, the work was used and molded by high Renaissance magicians. This book, as well as other King Solomon books, such as the Magical Treatise of King Solomon and the Testament of Solomon, were brought back to modern times through the labors of occult practitioners such as S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley and others around the turn of the last century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51317266776287,"sku":"9780998136479","price":31.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/pMTlXybMsi9780998136479.webp?v=1788339122"},{"product_id":"the-magical-books-of-solomon-the-greater-and-lesser-keys-the-testament-of-solomon-paperback","title":"The Magical Books of Solomon: The Greater and Lesser Keys \u0026 The Testament of Solomon - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncludes all original images and text for The Greater Key of Solomon, The Lesser Key of Solomon \u0026amp; The Testament of Solomon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Greater Key of Solomon contains all original seals, charts and sigils first researched by S.L. MacGregor Mathers in the ancient manuscripts of the British Library.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lesser Key of Solomon, perfected by Aleister Crowley himself, compiles ancient sources, writings and other material to create a workable grimoire for the student of Magick.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Testament of Solmon, written by Solmon himself, illustrates the use of this magick against demons and other powers in the time of Solmon the King.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis collection is a must have for any serious student of esoteric knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51317735588063,"sku":"9781684931507","price":22.88,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/5hR0oJaR7f9781684931507.webp?v=1788348403"},{"product_id":"the-three-magical-books-of-solomon-the-greater-and-lesser-keys-the-testament-of-solomon-hardcover","title":"The Three Magical Books of Solomon: The Greater and Lesser Keys \u0026 The Testament of Solomon - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the first time, the three great magical works of King Solomon are together in one volume. The Greater and Lesser Keys give a practical guide to the operation of his magic. The testament gives a historical account of its use by Solomon himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Key of Solomon the King was originally researched and translated by S.L. MacGregor Mathers from ancient manuscripts in the British museums. Included by Mathers is the Order of the Pentacles of Solomon, the Ancient Fragment of the Key of Solomon, The Qabalistic Invocation of Solomon, and 15 plates full of figures, seals and charts, as well as the original text giving detailed instruction for spells and invocations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe work is traditionally divided into two books detailing the Key of King Solomon. Book One explains the operation of conjurations, curses, spells and other magical works. Book Two instructs the practitioner on the proper attire, purification rituals and other means of obtaining the goals of the Goetia. Between these two books is the list of plates that contain numerous illustrations and secret seals of Solomon, including the Mystical Seal of Solomon, the Pentacles of Solomon, and the Mystical Alphabet, which impart the mechanisms and requirements for the invocation of spirits and demons.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Lesser Key of Solomon, or the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, or Lemegeton, is a compilation of materials and writings from ancient sources making up a text book of magic or \"grimoire.\" Portions of this book can be traced back to the mid-16th to 17th centuries, when occult researchers such as Cornelius Agrippa and Johannes Trithemisus assembled what they discovered during their investigations into their own great works.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs a modern grimoire, the Lesser Key of Solomon has seen several editions with various authors and editors taking liberty to edit and translate the ancient writings and source material. In 1898, Arthur Edward Waite published his The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, which contained large portions of the Lemegeton. He was followed by Mathers and Crowley in 1904 who published The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the preface to this edition, it is explained that a \"Secret Chief\" of the Rosicrucian Order directed the completion of the book. The original editor was a G. H. Fra. D.D.C.F. who translated ancient texts from French, Hebrew, and Latin, but was unable to complete his labors because of the martial assaults of the Four Great Princes. Crowley was then asked to step in and finish what the previous author had begun.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Testament of Solomon is a pseudepigraphical work attributed to King Solomon the Wise of the Old Testament. Written in the first-person narrative, the book tells the story of the creation of the magical ring of King Solomon and how Solomon's ring was used to bind and control demons, including Beelzebub. In this book of King Solomon, the discourses between the King and the various spirits are told, and the story shows how Solomon uses his wisdom to withstand the demons' tricks and guile and enlist their aid in the building of his temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe manuscripts from which this work was discovered date from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. All were written in Greek. This dating makes most experts believe that the work is medieval. But some scholars, including D.C. Duling, argue that it is likely that the work comes from the 5th or 6th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51317743681759,"sku":"9781946774101","price":46.06,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/QehOASp5Vn9781946774101.webp?v=1788348420"},{"product_id":"the-book-of-the-sacred-magic-of-abramelin-the-mage-paperback","title":"The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage\" is the mysterious and fascinating grimoire which was first translated into English by S. L. MacGregor Mathers in 1897. Originally written in German sometime in the early 17th century and later translated into French and Italian, the book tells of the journeys of Abraham of Worms, Germany to find magic and wisdom. He meets several magicians and sorcerers before he finds Abramelin, a magician of great power, on the banks of the Nile in Egypt. Abraham is taught Abramelin's complete system of magic, which is based mainly on the Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish mystical text. Abraham recounts the complicated purification rituals that must be performed over several months in order to invoke the guardian angel spirits and the demons of hell so that the initiate may acquire the magical power needed to cast spells and uncover hidden riches. Mathers was a notable British occultist and his translation of Abraham's mystical secrets, from a French manuscript of the original German book, was hugely influential on many prominent occultists, such as Aleister Crowley. The book's rituals were an important part of the practices of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an occult group which continues to exist to this day. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51376684204255,"sku":"9781420973525","price":21.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/NxCzNisTfM9781420973525.webp?v=1789221686"}],"url":"https:\/\/blackandbarhe.com\/collections\/s-l-macgregor-mathers.oembed","provider":"Black \u0026 Barhe Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}