Picatrix

Overview

The Picatrix (Arabic: Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm, "The Goal of the Wise" or "The Aim of the Sage") stands as the most comprehensive and influential encyclopedia of astrological magic to emerge from the medieval Islamic world. This massive work synthesizes Hermetic philosophy, Neoplatonic cosmology, Sabian star worship, Indian astrology, and practical magical techniques into a systematic guide for harnessing celestial powers through talismans, invocations, suffumigations, and ritual timing.

Historical Context & Authorship

The Arabic original was composed in Islamic Spain (Al-Andalus) around 1047-1051 CE, though the exact author remains uncertain:

• Traditional Attribution: Pseudo-Maslama al-Majriti (d. 1007 CE), a mathematician and astronomer from Cordoba, though modern scholars agree he could not have written it
• Likely Author: An anonymous scholar working in Cordoba or Toledo in the mid-11th century, drawing on an extensive library of Greek, Persian, Nabataean, and Indian sources
• Compilation Character: The text is encyclopedic, synthesizing and translating earlier works rather than presenting original research

The work achieved its greatest influence after being translated into Castilian Spanish for King Alfonso X "the Wise" of Castile (r. 1252-1284), who maintained a famous translation bureau at Toledo. This Spanish version was then translated into Latin around 1256 under the title "Picatrix," possibly a corruption of Buqratis (Hippocrates) or another Greek name. The Latin Picatrix circulated widely in Renaissance Europe, profoundly influencing Ficino, Agrippa, and other magical philosophers.

Structure of the Work

The Picatrix consists of four books divided into multiple chapters, totaling over 400 pages in modern editions:

• Book I: Philosophical foundations - the nature of magic, the structure of the cosmos, the relationship between celestial and terrestrial realms, and the theoretical basis for astral magic
• Book II: The properties of planets, zodiacal signs, and their images; detailed descriptions of how to create talismans for each celestial power
• Book III: The mansions of the Moon (28 lunar mansions with their images, stones, and magical uses); practical instructions for elections and timing
• Book IV: Advanced magical operations including planetary prayers, suffumigations, the construction of planetary temples, and the drawing down of celestial spirits

Key Teachings

Theoretical Foundations

Hermetic Cosmology

The Picatrix presents a thoroughly Neoplatonic-Hermetic universe based on the principle of cosmic sympathy:

Magic works because "all things in the world obey the celestials and are ruled by them," and skilled magicians can manipulate these influences by understanding the correspondences that link all levels of reality.

The Nature of Celestial Influence

The text explains that planets and stars exert their influence through:

• Light and Rays: Celestial bodies emit spiritual rays that carry their qualities to Earth
• Spiritus Mundi (World Spirit): A subtle, ethereal substance pervading the cosmos that transmits celestial influences
• Forms and Images: Each celestial power has characteristic forms (images) that can be impressed upon matter to capture its influence
• Numerical Harmonies: Specific numbers, proportions, and geometric forms resonate with particular planets

The Planetary Powers

The Picatrix provides exhaustive detail on the seven classical planets, their natures, and how to invoke them:

Talismanic Magic

The core practice of the Picatrix is the creation of talismans (also called pentacles or seals) - material objects inscribed with planetary images and consecrated at astrologically auspicious times to capture and focus celestial influences.

Components of Talismanic Creation

• Material Correspondence: Using metals, stones, plants, or parchment corresponding to the desired planet
• Astrological Election: Choosing the optimal time when the planet is strong (in its domicile, exaltation, or favorable aspect)
• Planetary Images: Engraving or drawing specific figures associated with the planet's nature
• Divine Names: Inscribing the names of planetary spirits or intelligences
• Suffumigation: Consecrating through incense made from planetary herbs
• Invocation: Calling upon the planetary power through prayers and ritual

Example Talismans from the Picatrix

The Lunar Mansions

Book III presents the 28 Mansions of the Moon (Manzil in Arabic), inherited from Arabic and Indian astrology. Each mansion has specific magical applications:

Advanced Operations

Planetary Temples & Statues

Book IV describes the construction of entire planetary temples - architectural spaces designed to concentrate planetary influence. These include:

• City of Adocentyn: A legendary city built according to Hermetic principles with temples to each planet
• Animated Statues: Instructions for creating statues that speak prophecies when properly consecrated at astrological elections
• Talismanic Architecture: Buildings oriented to planetary directions and constructed with materials corresponding to desired influences

Planetary Invocations & Prayers

The text provides elaborate prayers to each planet, combining Arabic, Hebrew, and invented "angelic" languages. These invocations call upon planetary spirits by their divine names to infuse talismans with power or to request specific benefits.

Structure & Contents

Book I: Theoretical Foundations

Chapters 1-5: The philosophical basis of magic

• Definition and nature of magic as natural philosophy
• The structure of the cosmos and celestial hierarchies
• How celestial influences descend to the material world
• The role of the magician as mediator between heaven and earth
• The importance of proper timing and astrological elections

Book II: Planetary Magic

Chapters 1-12: Comprehensive treatment of the seven planets

• The nature, qualities, and dignities of each planet
• Zodiacal signs and their planetary rulers
• Images of the planets in each sign (36 decans)
• Planetary spirits, angels, and divine names
• Materials, stones, plants, and animals corresponding to each planet
• Talismanic images for various purposes under each planet
• Suffumigations and offerings appropriate to each celestial power

Book III: The Moon & Lunar Magic

Chapters 1-9: The most practical and widely-used section

• The 28 Mansions of the Moon with detailed descriptions
• Images, stones, and purposes for each mansion
• How to determine which mansion the Moon occupies
• Elections for various purposes based on lunar position
• The powers of each mansion for talismanic magic
• Incenses and suffumigations for lunar operations
• How to combine lunar mansions with planetary hours

Book IV: Advanced Theurgy

Chapters 1-12: Complex operations and higher magic

• Planetary prayers and invocations in multiple languages
• The construction of planetary temples and sacred spaces
• Methods for animating statues and images
• Operations for attracting planetary spirits
• The creation of complex composite talismans
• Advanced astrological elections for major works
• Suffumigations and ritual procedures for consecration
• Magical recipes including incenses, oils, and compounds

Influence & Legacy

Renaissance Magic

The Latin Picatrix profoundly shaped Renaissance magical philosophy:

• Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499): His De Vita Coelitus Comparanda (On Obtaining Life from the Heavens) draws heavily on Picatrix for its system of attracting planetary influences through music, diet, talismans, and environment
• Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa (1486-1535): Book II of De Occulta Philosophia extensively quotes and systematizes Picatrix's talismanic magic and celestial correspondences
• Giordano Bruno (1548-1600): Used Picatrix's theory of celestial images in developing his art of memory and Hermetic magic
• Tommaso Campanella (1568-1639): Applied Picatrix's principles in designing his utopian City of the Sun and in constructing a papal horoscope-correcting ritual

Islamic Occultism

In the Islamic world, Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm influenced:

• Andalusian Magic: Became foundational text for Iberian Islamic magical practice
• Ottoman Occultism: Turkish translations and commentaries continued into the 19th century
• Sabian Studies: Preserved knowledge of pre-Islamic Mesopotamian star worship
• Arabic Astrology: Its system of lunar mansions became standard in Arabic astrological texts

Modern Occultism

Contemporary magical traditions have rediscovered the Picatrix:

• Ceremonial Magic: Modern grimoire practitioners use it for talismanic work and astrological magic
• Traditional Astrology Revival: The renaissance of medieval astrology has brought renewed interest in Picatrix's election methods
• Academic Study: Scholarly translations in English (2002) and other languages have made it accessible to researchers
• Practical Application: Contemporary magicians have tested and adapted its rituals, reporting varied results

Cultural Impact

Beyond occultism, the Picatrix influenced:

• Architecture: The concept of talismanic architecture influenced Renaissance building design
• Art: Planetary images and iconography from Picatrix appear in Renaissance art
• Literature: References appear in works by Dante, Chaucer, and later writers
• Philosophy: Contributed to debates about natural magic versus demonic magic

Primary Sources & Editions

Cross-References & Related Texts