When you read that the Heptameron is a grimoire, do you know what this last term means? The grimoires They are books that are characterized by magic spells and spells. Something like a book of recipes but, in this case, of spells with which to carry out the actions that the magician wants to perform in each case and that do not necessarily imply black magic .
Although these are books that have been persecuted for many centuries , some of them have reached our days, revealing a wisdom that, at least, is striking and interesting to know. One of these grimoires is the Heptameron, one of the books of oldest spells of which we have knowledge and that, in addition, served as inspiration for many of those who came later.
Heptameron | The secrets of this medieval magical grimoire
Written by Pietro d'Abano
The Heptameron is a grimoire that is attributed to Pietro d'Abano (1259-1316), which was a Italian doctor and professor who worked in Italy . In fact, this makes it one of the oldest grimoires to be conserved, since most of the spell books that have been recorded date back to the 18th century.
One of the oldest grimoires known
The Heptameron has elements that later appear in other grimoires, which makes us suspect that it inspired these books. Some examples would be The Major Key of King Solomon or the Lemegetón . In these grimoires there are some spells very similar to those that can be found in the Heptameron. In fact, barring some minor differences in writing, it's about spells that would have been copied almost literally of this book.
Spells to perform exorcisms
The Heptameron contains many spells, but some of the most numerous are those destined to carry out exorcisms . An example is the spell for air spirits , which is intended to expel from the mortal bodies evil spirits associated with this element. Also, spells can be found to exorcise those possessed by spirits of fire, which are considered to be some of the most harmful to mortals. Undoubtedly, it seems that possessions were an issue that preoccupied the ancients, although today we know that behind these cases Many times the influence of a cruel human being and capable of abusing others was hidden.
Spells to invoke spirits
However, in addition to including spells to perform exorcisms, it also contains spells intended to invoke some spirits. These spells must be pronounced within a magic circle with different characteristics. In fact, depending on the characteristics of that circle, invoke one spirit or another , which makes sense according to the objectives that the magician wants to carry out.
The magic names
Another of the most interesting features of the Heptameron is that it contains a large number of magical names. In fact, it contains the magical names of the seasons, months, days and even hours of the day , which is interesting when you want to carry out spells that have to have their effects at certain times.
Magical objects and gadgets
In addition, the Heptameron also includes certain instructions that allow elaborate gadgets and garments destined to the use of magic . For example, one of the most important garments, whose manufacture is detailed in this grimoire, is the Exorcist habit , which should be white linen and tight around the body.
The Pentacle of Solomon
Another of the teachings in the Heptameron is how to perform the so-called Solomon's Pentacle. This magic circle, which includes a five-pointed star and various Hebrew names inscribed in it, it constitutes the main protective shield against those spirits that do not obey the magician or the exorcist, which makes it of vital importance when performing spells and invocations if you do not want to end up being possessed by the spirit in question.
A Christian book
Although the Heptameron is a grimoire, and, as such, contains many spells and magical spells, it is a book intended for the use of Christians. In fact, most of the spells and sentences that appear in it constitute invocations to both God the Father and to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit , who would be the mediators who would grant their power to the magician or exorcist to carry out the actions that he intends. However, it is a book that it was a clear heresy , which caused the Inquisition to persecute and condemn him.
As you can see, the Heptameron is much more than a simple grimoire, because, due to its age and the spells it contains, it can be considered one of the most important magical books of medieval European culture. Without a doubt, an interesting reading for those who are interested in magic and spiritism.