Grimoires & Black Books: Ancient & Modern

The Black Pullet, Red Dragon, and the Black Screech Owl are all examples of magickal texts, grimoires, or instructional books. Grimoires became very popular from the 1600's to the 1800's and these three examples probably date from then. The Black Pullet was most likely written in Rome in the late 18th century and contains instructions on the creation of magickal talismans, amulets, and jewelry. It was also published under the title Black Screech Owl with only slight alterations. These texts were often used by ceremonial magicians to conjure and control demons, angels, spirits, etc.

Grimoires contain elaborate rituals, many of which are echoed in modern Witchcraft rites such as consecrations and quarter calls. The Key of Solomon is a famous grimoire that contains the most correlations with Witchcraft rites. Doreen Valiente and the Farrars (Janet & Stewart) suggest that the material was adopted by Gerald Gardner to fill the missing gaps in some rituals. It has also been suggested that Aleister Crowley aided or encouraged these adaptations.

Red Dragon is another 'black book' that is also entitled Grand Grimoire and was published in 1822. It allegedly dates back to 1522, however there is little evidence to substantiate this. Sources for the information in the various Grimoires include Greek and Egyptian magical texts from 100-400 A.D. and Hebrew & Latin sources.

A List of Grimoires:
Some reprints of these titles are available through bookstores.

Verus Jesuitarum Libellus (or True Magical Works of the Jesuits) Not so 'true', this one is A FAKE

Copyright © 2007 by PaganPath.com, A. Minahan (Volute) and K. Minahan (AbaKus). This article is used with permission and may be freely distributed on the internet, provided no editing is done, and this unaltered notice is included with the article. Click here to read more articles and to learn more about taking online courses in Witchcraft, Tarot or Herbs

 

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