The Munich Manual of Demonic Magic
Like so many grimoires, The Munich Manual of Demonic Magic largely covers three kinds of magic: Illusionist, Psychological, and Divinatory, as well as demonology and necromancy. Richard Kieckhefer edited the text of the manuscript in 1998 under the title: Forbidden Rites: A Necromancer’s Manual of the Fifteenth Century. Currently, much of the Munich Manual remains untranslated, so don’t forget to explore it. Here is what we currently have translated (more or less). So, what do we know about this strange grimoire?
The grimoire is currently preserved in the Bavarian State Library in Munich. It is written in Latin, and includes a detailed analysis of the text and its context.
Although at first glance, you may believe this book to cover only demonology, it’s actually more about magic. What you might call a spellbook, others understand as a “recipe book” of magic. As mentioned above, there were three major types of spells:
Psychological: These spells hone in on the victim’s humanity, and usually allow for political sway, emotional manipulation, or just plain power of will over others.
Divinatory: These spells reveal secrets and information about both the past and present.
Illusionist: Also known as ‘Glamour Magic’, these types of spells allow the intended victim to see whatever the sorcerer wishes.
In addition to these kinds of spells, the book also focuses on black magic rituals, including exorcisms and summoning demons. The Digital Amber has translated one of these rituals that directs one how to summon spirits. Based on the context of the tex, it is believed that this summoning spell was used for ‘adversarial’ spirits, including demons, ghosts, and other dark entities.
For the ritual, according to The Digital Amber, one would need
-A small knife with a white or black handle with the name AGLA written on one side and TZABAOTH on the other hand
-An incense burner
-Church incense (most commonly a mix of frankincense and myrrh)
-Another person (in an assistant-like role)
-A remote place to carry out the ritual where those practicing won’t be disturbed
Create a large circle with the knife on the ground repeating, “I make this circle in the name of God the omnipotent Father, who alone created the universe by the Word.”
Once this has been created, on the edge of the circle write the name AGLA to the west, TERAGRAMMATON on the east, ADONAI on the south, and TZABAOTH on the north. At the same time repeat, “I make this circle in the name of the living God, who redeemed the human race with human blood.”
Create another circle, then another and while making the third and say, “I make this circle in the name of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, who illuminated the hearts of the apostles and prophets by his grace.”
In the middle of the third circle, create a large cross that cuts through the circle and say, “The grace of God drive off all evil from us, by this sign of the Holy Cross.”
Once this has been complete, your ritual circle is complete. Then, you may light the incense and walk clockwise around the circle repeating “The grace of God drive off all evil from us, by this sign of the Holy Cross.”
Then, return to the east of the circle and face west in its direction, repeat Psalm VII. Once completed, say: “I adjure you, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, O eternal and unchanging God, understand now my call, my spirit, and the groans of my heart, and that I may rest in you, my Savior. Give me a holy and honest understanding, and withdraw from me all that which is evil; grant me growth, transforming me in all your goodwill by which you formed and saved me. Hear, O Lord, the prayer I have cried out to you, and hear me. Reveal and illumine my eyes, my mind, and my flesh, that I may subside and understand your miracles. Enliven me in your justice, that I may prevail in gazing upon my enemies and upon the Devil.”
Now, you are ready to call up the spirit that you hope to contact.
Interested in more? There are a specific set of ‘Hide and Seek’ spells and rituals that help you find something, for example: finding something in your sleep, discovering information about theft with crystal gazing, and discovering hidden treasure. You can view them here.
The image is a photocopy of the Munich Manual of Demonic Magic.