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00:00:00 – 00:10:05
The video provides an in-depth exploration of historical and influential spell books, detailing their origins, contents, and impacts on the practice of magic. Among the top selections are the Book of Saint Cyprian, notable for its diverse magical instructions; the Arbatel of the Magic of the Ancients, encouraging a virtuous life through Biblical references; and the Sworn Book of Honorius, an extensive 14th-century medieval magic guide. Other significant texts include the "Black Pullet," "Greek Magical Papyri," and the "Lesser Key of Solomon," which delves into demonology. Unique entries like "The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses" and the "Simon Necronomicon" reflect cultural influences and technological advancements in their dissemination. Finally, the "Book of Shadows," pivotal to modern Wicca and crafted by Gerald Gardner, highlights the continued evolution and debate within occult practices. Noteworthy figures such as Aleister Crowley and Doreen Valiente are acknowledged for shaping contemporary occultism.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the hosts discuss their picks for the top 10 real-life spell books, excluding funerary texts. They begin with number 10, the Book of Saint Cyprian, attributed to a 3rd-century pagan magician turned Christian martyr. This text includes alchemy, divination, exorcism, love magic, and maps to hidden treasures. Next, they talk about the Arbatel of the Magic of the Ancients from 1575, noted for encouraging a kind, honest, and charitable life, and for frequently citing the Bible. Number eight is the Sworn Book of Honorius from the 14th century, an encyclopedic guide to medieval magic compiled by persecuted magicians.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the narrator discusses various historical spell books and their significance. Topics range from spell books like “The Black Pullet” from 18th century France, which contains narratives and magical talismans, to the “Greek Magical Papyri,” a collection of ancient spells and rituals dating back over 2000 years. The segment highlights the “Lesser Key of Solomon,” a grimoire focused on demonology that lists 72 demons and instructions on summoning them. It also mentions the “Key of Solomon,” a quintessential collection of Renaissance magic spells purportedly authored by King Solomon, though the real author is unknown. Each book discussed has unique features and historical impacts on the practice of magic.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator discusses several historical and notable grimoires. The segment begins with a mention of a controversial book from the 15th century that claimed to offer wisdom and power through Solomonic spells and is now available in English translation. The focus then shifts to “The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses,” purportedly written by Moses and containing biblical spells used for miracles like parting the Red Sea. This text, first published in 19th-century Germany, became widely circulated globally due to advancements in printing technology, influencing various cultural groups. The segment also covers the “Simon Necronomicon,” published in 1977, known for its Lovecraftian influence and themes of good versus evil, despite debates on its authenticity. Before revealing the top pick, the video briefly mentions other notable grimoires like “Galdrabok,” “Pikatrix,” “Pseudo-Monarchia Daemonum,” “Puits albert,” and “The Magus.” Finally, viewers are reminded to subscribe and enable notifications.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the Book of Shadows, a highly influential text in modern occultism and Wicca. Composed by English Wiccan Gerald Gardner between the late 1940s and early 1950s, the book combines religious elements with spells. Gardner claimed it was based on the knowledge from a coven of witches, although its authenticity is debated. The text was notably influenced by the works of Aleister Crowley, which were later minimized by Doreen Valiente, the high priestess of Gardner’s coven. The Book of Shadows remains significant in shaping contemporary views on the occult.