Agrippa v. Nettesheim — De Occulta Philosophia. Vol. IV - The Fourth Book

Translated and introduced by Paul Summers Young
Cover Design by Alice Rocchetti
 
Then rise to your feet and turn around your circle, from east to west, until your head spins and you fall to the ground and be still; like that, you will be enraptured, and the spirit you seek will appear and tell you all you want to know.
 
This final section of "The Three Books of Occult Philosophy" includes new translations of extracts from Agrippa's work "De Incertitudine et Vanitate Scientiarum" (1530) and the potentially apocryphal "Liber Quartus de Occulta Philosophia" (1559), which also contains the Heptameron, or Elementa Magica de Petri de Abano.
 
"Liber Quartus" serves as a practical guide to magical rituals, grounded in Agrippa's academic text. It reflects the magical subculture of his time and offers an open-source approach to magic. On the other hand, the Heptameron, although related to Agrippa's work, is a sequence of texts prescribing magical rituals more akin to liturgical handbooks.
 
Agrippa's work in "De Incertitudine et Vanitate Scientiarum" satirizes various aspects of human endeavor and emphasizes the importance of revelation and happiness. He criticizes astrology and hints at paradigm shifts and the possibility of other worlds. Agrippa uses humor to make his critique engaging and explores various magical arts. While he critiques charlatans, he presents a nuanced view of natural magic, suggesting that these matters need a rational approach.
 
This collection of extracts captures Agrippa's engaging and thought-provoking tone, making his humor and wisdom accessible to modern readers. It includes discussions of monks and prostitution, where Agrippa's warmth, humor, and societal critiques shine through. These passages provide insight into Agrippa's complex personality and his views on various aspects of life, magic, and human nature.