A
Previously Unpublished Grimoire Available From Caduceus Books
Ebenezer
Sibly, Solomon’s Clavis, or Key to Unlock the Mysteries of Magic, Society of Esoteric Endeavour 2008.
306pp of which 150pp carry text, the remaining being blanks. Every page is printed in full colour. Limited Edition of 144 copies each bearing a
talisman embedded in the cover, bound in either full, half or quarter sheepskin
leather, every copy is different. Page edges sprinkled.
Sibly
wrote the original manuscript c.1800, translating its core from French but also
writing many additions including a preface and the talisman designs. The text is
entirely different from the Key of Solomon as translated and publishjed by
McGregor Mathers. The occult bookseller John Denely (Mr. D. in Bulwer Lytton’s
Introduction to Zanoni) sold Sibley’s manuscript for an extraordinary sum to
the Duke of Wentworth but whilst in his possession he arranged for Frederick
Hockley to make a copy. This copy was then sold to F. G. Irwin who placed his
bookplate upon the preliminaries plus also a cut out of the catalogue
description (Manuscript…copied from very rare original manuscript with diagrams
exquisitely done by a professor).
Whilst the scribe signs himself “R.C.” the handwriting can be
confidently identified as Hockley’s. The books offered here are facsimile
reproductions of Irwin’s copy, also reproducing his bookplate and the catalogue
entry. It should be noted that each individual sheet of the original is
reproduced, and then the book has been hand sewn in the same sections as the
original. So, it is hard to tell from the pages that it is not the original
manuscript. Irwin’s bookplate, plus the
bookplate on the front pastedown that identifies it as a S.E.E. publication,
are both printed on Griffin Mill handmade papers
As with
previous S.E.E. publications there is no modern introduction or forward. A 21st
viewpoint would jar with those of the original authors and scribe. The desire
is to present these, bound in a manner respectful of their intents, so that the
reader may establish their own relationship with the material. This
relationship may range from scholarly research, and there is a great deal to
investigate concerning this work, or else of practical magic.
The
original 11pp preface by Sibly (or Sibley – both spellings occur) presents a
passionate argument for the nobility and efficacy of magic worked through
spirits. He cites Jacob Boehme as an authority.
The introduction describes how the talismans
should be made, either on appropriate metals or on animal skin parchment, the
animal being ritually slain and the skin specially prepared. An example of one
of the talismans on animal skin vellum is embedded in the front cover of each
book. The animal was not killed in the manner described however, for practical
reasons the vellum was prepared in a particular fashion. Book covers receive a
great deal of wear and there would
normally be a worry that the design of the talisman would rub off. So a rare 18th
century binding solution has been adopted. The vellum is cured to be
translucent, the image, in reverse, is then placed on the side of the vellum
that is against the book board, The design is clearly visible through the
transparent vellum. Some modern readers will feel an understandable discomfort
using an animal product in a talisman. Some of the books have the talisman
printed in a conventional manner upon “vegetable vellum” which is a paper, made
from natural plant products natural plant that is designed to have the same
appearance as vellum. These particular copies have a “VEG” component in their
order numbers.
Given the
planetary natures of the talismans it was felt appropriate that the gilt
decoration of the covers should show them encircled by stars. The cloth,
sheepskin leather (an excellent binding material rarely used nowadays) and the
textured endpapers were all chosen so as not to distract from the talisman
itself. These are elegant and hauntingly executed by Hockley. They are also an
important social document as to what magic Sibley was asked to do. Whilst the
magic involves the respectful conjuration of noble planetary spirits there is
an implied acceptance of human foibles, with talismans for the promotion of
amorous affairs and games of chance. That said, none are overtly negative.
There is no cursing of your neighbours to be found. The ones for good fortune
in military affairs reflect the Napoleonic Wars then raging. Curiously there is
one for protection against and freedom
from slavery. Though some Barbary pirates kidnapped people from the West
Country coast at this period, it is a surprise that people in c1800 England
feared slavery. However further
description of the talisman in the text makes it clear that transportation and
bonded labour are also being referred to. We find that we know of these
practices by their official euphemisms whilst those who had to fear them just
called it slavery.`
The magic
described is a curious mix The exposition of planetary hours, magic squares and
so forth being quite mainstream and scholarly, whilst other aspects are of the
nature of folk magic. The incenses are not, at all, vegetarian involving a
curious mixture of body parts of various wild animals plus plants etc. The
astrological considerations involve some star lore and occasional, apparently
folkish application of lunar mansions. Also some named Jewish Cabalists are
cited as an authority. Whilst the writers all consider the magic to be
consistent with Christianity, and Christian powers are invoked, it is not in
the Catholic, Ecclesiastical Underground tradition of the Grimoire of Pope
Honorius or the Grimoire of the Spirit of the Place. In these works infernal
beings are compelled to appear and obey by means of Christian powers. In
Sibley’s Clavis of Solomon the powers invoked are noble spirits which are
respectfully invoked.
Other
texts are appended at the end:-
The
Mysterious Ring is a 4pp instruction for the creation of magical rings. The
text was influential. The anonymous author of Grimoire of the Spirit of the
Place, also published by Society of Esoteric Endeavour, wrote a ritual based on
this test.
There is
then a series of short texts, some with diagrams, describing the method of
working with particular spirits:-
An
experiment of the spirit Birto is 4pp
An
experiment of the spirit Vassago 5pp
An
experiment of the spirit Agares 4pp
Of the
Spirit Bealphoras 6pp
The Wheel
of Wisdom is a 10pp work probably by Sibley himself concerning the diagram
given here which describes a system of attributions. Concentric circles are
divided into eighty. One segment gives the title of each ring ie name of angel;
name of star (ie planet); metal, stone; tree; herb; animal; bird; colour;
odour; day etc. It is a simple system of planetary attributions presented for
the purpose of working magic.
The
manuscripts of Frederick Hockley has attracted considerable interest in recent
years. This is an important example with significant connections with others. A
copy of this Society of Esoteric Endeavour edition is the net best thing to
owning the original manuscript.
Some
images of the books:-
Image 1 Full
leather with mercuric talisman for protection against slavery
Image 2 Half
leather with venusian talisman for secret love
Image 3 Quarter
leather with lunar talisman to have familiar spirits to command
Image 4 A page of
text from the book
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
As in the
Clavis itself the copies are arranged by the planetary attribution of the
talisman embedded in the cover. In the order number:-
F = A full
leather binding which has a ring of stars gilt stamped around the talisman and
a further border of stars on the edge of the front and back board
H = Half
leather binding, where the leather covers the spine and corners of the book,
the rest in cloth. The talisman is surrounded by a gilt blocked circle of stars
and there is a line of stars along the edges of the leather
Q = Quarter
leather binding. The leather along the spine of the board, the rest in cloth. A
gilt blocked circle of stars surrounds the talisman and a line of stars runs
along the dges of the leather.
VEG = vegetable vellum rather than
translucent animal vellum has been used on these copies.
Prices
The cost
of a full leather copy is 155 UK Pounds
The cost
of a half leather copy is 125 UK Pounds
The cost
of a quarter leather copy is 95 UK Pounds
The cost of
a quarter leather with vegetable parchment is 75 UK Pounds
The one
half leather with vegetable parchment is 105 UK Pounds
Postage is
extra at cost, all copies will be sent by a signed for, fully insured service.
If no preference is stated they will be sent by airmail.
UK
6.40 UK Pounds
Europe
airmail 9.86
UK Pounds
Rest of
the World Airmail 14.41 UK Pounds
Rest of
the world surface 9.71 UK
Pounds
When ordering
you may wish to list a number of copies in order of preference.
Sun
Pentacle
for honour
Order Nos.
SU-1-F, SU-1-H-VEG, SU-1-Q-VEG
For riches
Order Nos.
SU-2-F, SU-2-H & SU-2-Q
Pentacle
for honour and dignity
Order Nos.
SU-3-F, SU-3-H & SU-3-Q
Pentacle
against dread and fear in the darkness of the night
Order Nos.
SU-4-F, SU-4-H & SU-4-Q
Pentacle
against beasts and fishes
Order Nos.
SU-5-F, SU-5-H & SU-5-Q
Pentacle
at the view of which all spirits are obedient
Order Nos.
SU-6-F, SU-6-H & SU-6-Q
Pentacle
to preserve health
Order Nos.
SU-7-F, SU-7-H & SU-7-Q
Moon
Pentacle
for travellers by sea and land
Order Nos.
MO-1-F, MO-1-H & MO-1-Q
Pentacle
for love
Order Nos.
MO-2-F, MO-2-H & MO-2-Q
Against
earthquakes and to enchant treasures
Order Nos.
MO-3-F, MO-3-H & MO-3-Q
Talisman
to enchant treasures
Order Nos.
MO-4-F, MO-4-H & MO-4-Q
To have
familiar spirits at command
Order Nos.
MO-5-F, MO-5-H & MO-5-Q
To have
familiar spirits at command
Order Nos.
MO-6-F, MO-6-H & MO-6-Q
Against dangers
in travelling by sea and land
Order Nos.
MO-7-F, MO-7-H & MO-7-Q
Mars
To render
a military life happy
Order Nos.
MA-1-F, MA-1-H & MA-1-Q-VEG
To make
one invulnerable
Order Nos.
MA-2-F, MA-2-H & MA-2-Q
For
military expeditions
Order Nos.
MA-3-F, MA-3-H & MA-3-Q
To make
one invulnerable and inspire arms
Order Nos.
MA-4-F, MA-4-H & MA-4-Q
To avoid
enemies and insurrections
Order Nos.
MA-5-F, MA-5-H & MA-5-Q-VEG
Talisman
against firearms and weapons
Order Nos.
MA-6-F, MA-6-H & MA-6-Q
To defend oneself
against ambushes and traitors
Order Nos.
MA-7-F, MA-7-H & MA-7-Q
Mercury
Pentacle
against slavery
Order Nos.
ME-1-F, ME-1-H & ME-1-Q
A talisman
over games of hazard
Order Nos.
ME-2-F, ME-2-H & ME-2-Q-VEG
For
success of merchants & travellers
Order Nos.
ME-3-F, ME-3-H & ME-3-Q-VEG
Talisman
to be invincible
Order Nos.
ME-4-F, ME-4-H & ME-4-Q
Talisman
for eloquence
Order Nos.
ME-5-F, ME-5-H & ME-5-Q
To be
successful in games of hazard
Order Nos.
ME-6-F, ME-6-H & ME-6-Q
To be
successful in games of hazard
Order Nos.
ME-7-F, ME-7-H & ME-7-Q
Jupiter
Talisman
for a game of hazard
Order Nos.
J-1-F, J-1-H & J-1-Q-VEG
Talisman
for a game of hazard
Order Nos.
J-2-F, J-2-H & J-2-Q-VEG
Talisman
for health
Order Nos.
J-3-F, J-3-H & J-3-Q-VEG
Talisman
to preserve health
Order Nos.
J-4-F, J-4-H & J-4-Q-VEG
A talisman
to discover treasures
Order Nos.
J-5-F, J-5-H & J-5-Q-VEG
To obtain
honourable charges and dignities
Order Nos.
J-6-F, J-6-H & J-6-Q-VEG
For
Success in trade & finance
Order Nos.
J-7-F, J-7-H & JUPITER-7-Q
Venus
A talisman
for amorous intrigues
Order Nos.
V-1-F, V-1-H & V-1-Q-VEG
A talisman
for amorous intrigues
Order Nos.
V-2-F, V-2-H & V-2-Q
To engage
the fair sex to love
Order Nos.
V-3-F, V-3-H & V-3-Q
To engage
the fair sex to love
Order Nos.
V-4-F, V-4-H & V-4-Q-VEG
To make
ourselves agreeable to those we wish to please
Order Nos.
V-5-F, V-5-H & V-5-Q
For the
love of aged persons
Order Nos.
V-6-F, V-6-H & V-6-Q
A talisman
for secret love
Order Nos.
V-7-F, V-7-H & V-7-Q
Saturn
A talisman
for the fruits of the Earth
Order Nos.
SA-1-F, SA-1-H & SA-1-Q-VEG
A talisman
for mines and hidden treasures
Order Nos.
SA-2-F, SA-2-H & SA-2-Q
For a
revelation in the night
Order Nos.
SA-3-F, SA-3-H & SA-3-Q
Against
sounds charms and evil spirits
Order Nos.
SA-4-F, SA-4-H & SA-4-Q
A pentacle
to find hidden treasures
Order Nos.
SA-5-F, SA-5-H & SA-5-Q
Against
tempest, hail & floods
Order Nos.
SA-6-F, SA-6-H & SA-6-Q
