The Mystic Figures of the Enchiridion are symbols, meant to be used along with incantations and prayers, to perform transcendental magic. Most have religious symbolism and are used for spells to protect from secret enemies, wild beasts, poisoning, and bad weather, among other things. From The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts, A.E. Waite, 1910. Source: archive.org
Alchemist and Magician Edward Kelly, in the act of invoking a spirit of the dead at the churchyard of Walton Ledale, from “The book of black magic and of pacts” by A.E. Waite, 1898. The companion in the circle is likely Paul Waring, who helped him with all of his conjurations. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind
This image, from “Hermaphrodite Child of the Sun and Moon” by Johann Augustin Brunnhofer (1752), represents an alchemical process, with seven planetary figures in an order relating to its ingredients, actions and elements. It also references a poem, Trevisan’s Fountain, and the many layers of the earth. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind
Arepach is a demon of the night, who serves under Raysiel, the demon king of the north. He only appears when it’s dark and is known to be particularly evil and obstinate. He’s a duke who commands 20 lesser spirits.
Art by me, Eve Harms, released under the CC BY 3.0 license.
Art with alchemical symbolism from the book “Au seuil du mystère” by Guy Bechtel’s “Essais de sciences maudites” series, 1915. The title and series name translates to “On the Threshold of Mystery (Essays of the damned sciences 1)”. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind.
A witch at her cauldron, standing in a magic circle, surrounded by demons. A grimoire (book of magick spells) can be seen in the right corner, and a goat, representing the Devil, can be seen behind her. Etching by Jan van de Velde II, 1626. Source: Wellcome Library
Depiction of an unscrupulous practitioner of black magic from “Le serpent de la Genèse” (The Serpent of Gensis) Volume 2, by Stanislas de Guaita, 1920.. The book describes this type of sorcerer as desecrating the sacred science of magick for the purposes of tyranny, personal gratification, disorder, crime, and intimidation. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind.
A wild witches’ sabbath from the book of black magic, “Le serpent de la Genèse” (The Serpent of Gensis) Volume 2, by Stanislas de Guaita, 1920. Source: Embassy of the Free Mind
Magic circle diagrams. The diagrams are to be copied on to the floor, and stood on for protection while practicing magick, particularly when summoning, spirits, fae, and demons. From “The discouerie of witchcraft” by Reginald Scot, 1584. Source: Wellcome Library
Bookplate found in “Des marques des sorciers et de la réelle possession que le diable prend sur le corps des hommes” by Jacques Fontaine, 1865. The title of the book roughly translates to “Marks of sorcerers and real possession of the devil taking over men’s bodies”. Source: Wellcome Library
Demon costumes from the Nuremberg’s Schembart Carnival. The carnival was popular in the 15th century, with its parade of elaborate costumes and huge ships on runners, known as “Hells.” It ended after 90 years following a famous preacher’s complaint. From Schempart Buech, 1590. Source: UCLA Library Digital Collections.
