The Clavis or Key to Unlock the Mysteries of Magic by Rabbi Solomon translated by Ebenezer Sibley introduction by Dr. Stephen Skinner & Daniel Clark (Golden Hoard Punlishing, 2018) Hardcover

Dr. Stephen Skinner & Daniel Clark. The Clavis or Key to Unlock the Mysteries of Magic: By Rabbi Solomon translated by Ebenezer Sibley, Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic Volume 10. Golden Hoard Publishing, 2018. Hardcover. 497 pages. 

Condition: Very Good

Description from the publisher: 

This manuscript grimoire contains magical formulae and procedures dating back to 1520, which were brought together in 1789 by Dr. Ebenezer Sibley. After his death in 1799 copyists like Frederick Hockley continued to add chapters and even whole ‘books’ to the manuscript. Finally in the 19th century this particular copy was made by a master calligrapher. Although there are a number of other manuscript copies of the Clavis or Key to Unlock the Mysteries of Magic located in libraries spread around the world (14 at last count), this one is totally unique. It is 45% longer and more complete than any other copy, and illustrated with a large number of pentacles from the Key of Solomon, featuring 8-12 for every one of the 7 planets.

There are a range of detailed methods for evoking spirits and binding them, with an explanatory commentary by the editors which is not directed towards just theory and history, but to practical usage. Specific spirits, such as Birto, Agares, Vassago and Bealpharos and the methods for invoking them are explained, with illustrations of the form the spirits usually appear in. As you might expect, there is a whole section on skrying in the crystal, and the use of the magic bell, which explains the differences between evoking the spirit outside the circle in a triangle and seeing its image in a crystal.

Methods involving the use of the Demon Kings to compel the lesser spirits, which have never appeared in any other published grimoires, are explained in detail. As well as the pentacles there are many talismans for very practical purposes, such as compelling a thief to return your stolen goods, causing destruction to your enemies, creating love between two people, or just for casual ‘amorous intrigues,’ curing some diseases, and for defending your home against both burglars and malicious spirits. This extraordinary grimoire marks the high point in Victorian illustrated grimoires.