A. E. Waite 
The Book of Ceremonial Magic 

Noted occult historian A. E. Waite created this meticulously researched survey in order to unite and interpret the scattered and often-inaccessible details of magical traditions. Part I contains essential passages from prominent magical texts dating from the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries; Part II analyzes these texts from a modern perspective.

A century after its debut, Waite’s work remains among the best sources of information on occult subjects related to the study of the supernatural. Although the author does not condone the practice of black magic, he defends occult practitioners and praises the disciplines of astrology and alchemy. Modern readers will find this book an extraordinarily complete tour of the history of magic, replete with details of casting spells, conjuring spirits, and other occult practices.

Table of Content

Preface


Introduction


 


Part I


I. The Antiquity of Magical Rituals


II. The Rituals of Transcendental Magic


III. Composite Rituals


IV. The Rituals of Black Magic


 


Part II


I. The Preparation of the Operator


II. The Initial Rites and Ceremonies


III. Concerning the Descending Hierarchy


IV. The Mysteries of Goëtic Theurgy According to the Lesser Key of Solomon the King


V. Concerning the Mystery of the Sanctum Regnum, or the Government of Evil Spirits; Being the Rite of Conjuration According to the Grimorium Verum


VI. The Mysteries of Infernal Evocation According to the Grand Grimoire


VII. The Method of Honorius


VIII. Miscellaneous and Minor Processes


IX. Concerning Infernal Necromancy


 


Conclusion

About the author

Best known as the co-creator of the popular Rider-Waite Tarot deck, A. E. Waite (1857–1952) is the author of the widely consulted  
Pictorial Key to the Tarot. Waite was also a noted historian of the occult and a respected expert on ceremonial magic whose many books included surveys of Rosicrucianism, Kabbalism, Freemasonry, and alchemy.