Picatrix
Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm, 'The Goal of the Wise'
Arabic and Latin astral magicArabic, c. 10th–11th century; Latin 1256
In brief
A vast Arabic compendium of astral magic, compiled in al-Andalus and translated into Spanish and then Latin at the court of Alfonso X of Castile in 1256. It teaches how to make talismans at astrologically chosen moments, describes the 28 mansions of the moon, the images of the decans and the prayers to the planets of various traditions, all set within a Neoplatonic philosophy of a living, interconnected cosmos.
Key ideas
- Talismans made when the heavens are favourable
- The 28 lunar mansions
- Planetary prayers and correspondences
- A Neoplatonic cosmos joined by sympathy
Why it matters
Picatrix carried Arabic astral science into Europe and deeply influenced Ficino, Agrippa and Renaissance magic. Its astrology underlies the planetary timing in the Keys of Solomon.
Study it in Luxryne
Further reading
- Dan Attrell & David Porreca (trs.), Picatrix: A Medieval Treatise on Astral Magic (2019)
- John Michael Greer & Christopher Warnock (trs.), The Picatrix (2010–11)
- Liana Saif, The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy (2015)
The deep dive
Opening the deep dive…