Transcendental Magic — Éliphas Lévi

p. 318disappears of itself when the light manifests. Such is our final word of prophecy, and the secret of the future. Gaffarel adds some prognostics drawn from the stars, as, for example, the progressive weakening of the Ottoman empire ; but, as already said, his constellated letters are exceedingly arbitrary. He states, for the rest, that he derived his predictions from a Hebrew kabbalist, Rabbi Chomer, but does not himself pretend to understand him especially well. Here follows the table of magical characters traced after the zodiacal constellations by the ancient astrologers ; each of them represents the name of a genius, be he good or evil. It will be known that the signs of the Zodiac correspond to various celestial influences, and consequently signify an annual alternative of good or evil.

The names of the genii designated by the above characters are : — For the Earn, SATAARAN and Sarahiel ; for the Bull, BAGDAL and Araziel-, for the Twins, SAGRAS and Sarawl\

THE WRITING OP THE STARS 319 for the Crab, RAHDAR and Phakiel ; for the Lion, SAGHAM and Seratiel ; for the Virgin, IADARA and Schaltiel ; for the Balance, GRASGARBEN and Hadakiel ; for the Scorpion, RIEHOL and Saissaiel ; for the Archer, VHNORI and Saritaiel ; for the Goat, SAGDALON and Semdkiel; for the Water- Bearer, ARCHER and Ssakmakiel ; for the Fishes, RASAMASA and Vacdbid.

The wise man, who would read the sky, must observe also the days of the moon, the influence of which is very great in astrology. The moon successively attracts and repels the magnetic fluid of the earth, and thus produces the ebb and flow of the sea ; we must, therefore, be well acquainted with its phases and be able to distinguish its days and hours.

The new moon is propitious to the beginning of all magical works ; from first quarter to full moon its influence is warm ; from full moon to third quarter it is dry ; and from third quarter to last it is cold. Here follow the special characters of all the days of the moon, distinguished by the twenty-two Tarot keys and by the signs of the seven planets. 1. The Juggler, or Magus.

The first day of the moon is that of the creation of the moon itself. This day is consecrated to mental enterprises, and should be favourable for opportune innovations. 2. Pope Joan, or Occult Science. The second day, the genius of which is Enediel, was the th of creation, for the moon was made on the fourth day. birds and fishes, created on this day, are the living deroglyphs of magical analogies and of the universal doctrine )f Hermes.

The water and air, which were thereby filled ith the forms of the Word, are the elementary figures of Mercury of the Sages, that is, of intelligence and speech, lis day is propitious to revelations, initiations, and great )veries of science.

p. 3203. The Celestial Mother, or Empress. The third day was that of man's creation. So is the moon called the MOTHER in Kabbalah when it is represented in association with the number 3. This day is favourable to generation, and generally to all productions, whether of body or mind. 4. The Emperor, or Ruler.

The fourth day is baleful ; it was that of the birth of Cain ; but it is favourable to unjust and tyrannical enterprises. 5. The Pope, or Hierophant. The fifth day is fortunate; it was that of the birth of Abel. 6. The Lover, or Liberty. The sixth is a day of pride ; it was that of the birth of Lamech, who said unto his wives : " I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. This day is propitious for conspiracies and rebellions. 7. The Chariot. On the seventh day, birth of Hebron, who gave his name to the first of the seven sacred cities of Israel. A day of religion, prayers, and success. 8. Justice. Murder of Abel. Day of expiation. 9. The Old Man, or Hermit. Birth of Methuselah. Day of blessing for children. 10. EzekieVs Wheel of Fortune. Birth of Nabuchodonosor. Eeign of the Beast. Fatal day.