Magic Circles in the Grimoire Tradition
By William Kiesel
Book design by William Kiesel
Hard Cover (5.5 x 7.5) - Printed paper over boards. Smyth-sewn.
80 pages, 51 illustrations, printed in black, red, blue, yellow and purple ink.
- Introduction, Notes and Bibliography
- Illustrated with magic circles, signs, seals and sigils.
Magic Circles have been depicted in popular expressions of magic and witchcraft as well as detailed with full rubrics in traditional manuals of magic such as The Key of Solomon or the Sword Book of Honorius. At the peak of their expression, magic circles provide a detailed graphical microcosm of the universe itself and an explicit schematic of the sorcerer's relation to its powers and denizens.
Using narrative, visual and textual material available from European grimoires and manuscripts, the author discusses the various forma and functions of this important piece of apparatus employed by magicians in the esoteric tradition, including their role in providing authority and protection to the operator, as well as examples of their use in divination and treasure finding. Additionally, contemporary examples of the magic circle at work in modern esoteric praxis are provided and discussed in light of the traditional approaches they exhibit.
"With the center of the circle as a starting point, orientation can take on precise meaning in the context of its ritual, which was designed to secure spiritual knowledge and material dominion in the world through the agency of spirits, stars and cabalistic arcana."
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PLEASE NOTE: This book is currently in print production for a Sept 2026 release. Orders placed now are PREORDERS.