Page:Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy, 1655.djvu/81

 Scriptures: of which we have largely spoken in our third book of Occult Philosophy.

Chapter ix.
There is extant amongst those Magicians (who do most use the ministery of evil spirits) a certain Rite of invocating spirits by a Book to be consecrated before to that purpose, which is properly called, A book of Spirits (Liber Spirituum.); whereof we now speak a few words. For this book is to be consecrated, a book of evil spirits, ceremoniously to be composed, in their name and order: whereunto they binde with a certain holy Oath, the ready and present obedience of the spirit therein written.

Now this book is to be made of most pure and clean paper, that hath never been used before; which many do call Virgin-paper. And this book must be inscribed after this maner: that is to say, Let there be placed on the left side the image of the spirit, and on the right side his character, with the Oath above it, containing the name of the spirit, and his dignity and place, with his office and power. Yet very many do compose this book otherwise, omitting the characters or image: but it is more efficacious not to neglect any thing which conduceth to it.

Moreover, there is to be observed the circumstances of places, times, hours, according to the Stars which these spirits are under, and are seen to agree unto, their site, rite, and order being applied.

Which book being so written, and well bound, is to be adorned, garnished, and kept secure, with Registers and Seals, lest is should happen after the Consecration to open in some place not intented, and indanger the operator. Furthermore this book ought to be kept as reverently as may be: for irreverence of minde causeth is to lose its vertue, with pollution and profanation.

Now this sacred book being thus composed according to the maner already delivered, we are then to proceed to the Consecration thereof after a twofold way: one whereof is, That all and singular the spirits who are Written in the book, be called to the Circle, according to the Rites and Order