Sign-In
Cart
Elementary Treatise on Practical Magic
Hardcover
Publisher Price: $49.95
ISBN13: 9781947907027
Publisher: Rose Circle Publications
Published: Dec 12 2017
Pages: 510
Weight: 1.83
Height: 1.13 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
In 1893, Dr. Gérard Encausse, also known by his nomen mysticum, Papus, wrote a book entitled Traité Élémentaire de Magie Pratique: Adaptation, Réalisation, Théorie de la Magie, or Elementary Treatise of Practical Magic: Adaptation, Practice, Theory of Magic. This was the moment the general public came to meet 'Papus' for the first time.
Perhaps the most important word in the long title is Adaptation, for Papus makes the very important point that it isn't necessary to follow the instructions of the Grimoires slavishly, with no understanding or engagement of the intellect. He argued that modern man had neither the time to undertake the extensive and exclusive practices of old, and that many of the materials and implements required could either be purchased ready-made, or replaced with more modern substitutes. In this, he was perhaps the first public exponent of the Art to allow the ancient rituals to be adapted to modern use.
The book was a brave attempt to 'normalize' the esoteric world by placing it firmly in the realm of science, and Papus brought his medical knowledge to the challenge, in an attempt to show that everything which magic claimed to do was either firmly within the scientific domain, or would be in the near future. By applying his scientific methods to the study of esoteric phenomena, he hoped to make the magical arts a more respectable fiend of study.
To support this, he included extensive lessons on physiology, neural pathology and hypnotherapy. These were interwoven with discussions of magic, which were primarily based on the Grimoires, and in particular the Clavicles of King Solomon, to show that in some areas of study they were moving along similar paths. Yet for the high road he tries to take, Papus is not above adding phrases like 'Country' or 'Folk Magic' and 'Love Potions' to his subtitle!
That said, the book is important in the history of esoteric education for a number of reasons. It was one of the first books which brought knowledge of the Grimoires and Ceremonial Magic to the general public, rather than to a rarified group of disciples. He was also the first to try to marry esoteric studies to science, in order to make them more palatable; and indeed, his work in this field does not appear to have negatively affected his professional life.
Perhaps most importantly, it provides a fascinating insight in fin de siècle Paris, with its aspirations, energy, fears, and pride. We see a people galvanized with excitement, anticipating the World Fair in 1889, which would see the Eiffel Tower as a monument to man's scientific advances, the appearance of mass transportation by railroad, electric lighting, photography (all of which Papus mentions in this book), together with a burgeoning knowledge of the structure and functioning of the Microcosm - Man.
The text has been supplied with extensive footnotes: Papus had a habit of writing for his times, and therefore makes many assumptions of his readers regarding current politics and history, newspapers, books and magazines, and famous characters and Orders existing in his times. Since it is unlikely any modern reader would be very familiar with these references, the footnotes are intended to provide a quick background, without forcing the reader to have to keep turning to endnotes in order to look up references.
1 different editions
Also available
Also in
Occult
The Magic of the Otherworld: Modern Sorcery from the Wellspring of Celtic Traditions
Ravenna, Morpheus
Paperback
City Witchery: Accessible Rituals, Practices & Prompts for Conjuring and Creating in a Magical Metropolis
Basile, Lisa Marie
Paperback
The Occult in National Socialism: The Symbolic, Scientific, and Magical Influences on the Third Reich
Flowers, Stephen E.
Paperback
The Enneagram of Eating: How the 9 Personality Types Influence Your Food, Diet, and Exercise Choices
Gadd, Ann
Paperback
The Witch's Book of Potions: The Power of Bubbling Brews, Simmering Infusions & Magical Elixirs
Furie, Michael
Paperback
Atlantis and the Cycles of Time: Prophecies, Traditions, and Occult Revelations
Godwin, Joscelyn
Paperback
Witches, Druids, and Sin Eaters: The Common Magic of the Cunning Folk of the Welsh Marches
Hughes, Jon G.
Paperback
Witch Wisdom for Magical Aging: Finding Your Power Through the Changing Seasons
Johnson, Cait
Paperback
Thrifty Witchery: Magick for the Penny-Pinching Practitioner
Capo, Martha Kirby
Higginbotham, Vincent
Paperback
Mundane Magic: A Lazy Witch's Guide to Hacking Your Brain, Building a Daily Practice, and Getting Stuff Done
Donlan, Molly
Hardcover
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness (a New Edition of the Tarot Classic)
Pollack, Rachel
Paperback
The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
The House Witch: Your Complete Guide to Creating a Magical Space with Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners: The History, Remedies, and Spells of a Rich Folk Magic Tradition
Lily, Auburn
Paperback
Wild Witchcraft: Folk Herbalism, Garden Magic, and Foraging for Spells, Rituals, and Remedies
Beyer, Rebecca
Hardcover
The Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods and Goddesses
Illes, Judika
Hardcover
Witches: A History of Witchcraft, Witch-Hunters, and a King's Obsession: 1562-1735
Veerapen, Steven
Hardcover
The Green Witch's Sticker Book: 600+ Enchanting Stickers Inspired by Green Magic
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Paperback
The Witch's Book of Self-Care: Magical Ways to Pamper, Soothe, and Care for Your Body and Spirit
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
The Way of Orisa: Empowering Your Life Through the Ancient African Religion of Ifa
Neimark, Philip J.
Paperback
The Apothecary of Belonging: Seasonal Rituals and Practical Herbalism
Cunningfolk, Alexis J.
Hardcover
Spellcrafting: Strengthen the Power of Your Craft by Creating and Casting Your Own Unique Spells
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
Protection & Reversal Magick (Revised and Updated Edition): A Witch's Defense Manual
Miller, Jason
Paperback
The Green Witch's Garden: Your Complete Guide to Creating and Cultivating a Magical Garden Space
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
The Spooky Season Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the Best Time of Year
Witched, Bea
Hardcover
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences: A Comprehensive & Cross-Referenced Resource for Pagans & Wiccans
Kynes, Sandra
Paperback
The Green Witch Illustrated: An Enchanting Immersion Into the Magic of Natural Witchcraft
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
Psychic Spellcraft: A Modern-Day Wiccapedia of Divination & Intuition Rituals
Greenaway, Leanna
Robbins, Shawn
Hardcover
The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women's Magic
Stewart, Lindsey
Paperback
Forbidden Magic Spells From The Bible: Ancient Spells, Charms and Enchantments Using Verses From The Old and New Testament
Springfield, Jessica C.
Paperback
The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece
Three Initiates
Paperback
Protection Spells for New Witches: A Guide to Banishing Negative Energy with Essential Spells and Rituals
Carlson, Jess
Paperback
The Witch's Way: A Guide to Modern-Day Spellcraft, Nature Magick, and Divination
Robbins, Shawn
Greenaway, Leanna
Hardcover
The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot: Your Complete Guide to Understanding the Tarot
Alexander, Skye
Hardcover
Magic from the Hilltops and Hollers: Folk Witchery, Superstitions, and Healing Practices from Appalachia
Middleton, Leah
Paperback
The Kitchen Witch: Your Complete Guide to Creating a Magical Kitchen with Natural Ingredients, Sacred Rituals, and Spellwork
Alexander, Skye
Hardcover
The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music, and Freedom
Rosen, Lauren Coyle
Difranco, Ani
Hardcover
Witches, Midwives, & Nurses (Second Edition): A History of Women Healers
Ehrenreich, Barbara
English, Deirdre
Paperback
Liber Null & Psychonaut: The Practice of Chaos Magic (Revised and Expanded Edition)
Carroll, Peter J.
Paperback
Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of Rocket Scientist John Whiteside Parsons
Pendle, George
Paperback
The Magical Books of Solomon: The Greater and Lesser Keys & The Testament of Solomon
Mathers, S. L. MacGregor
Conybear, F. C.
Crowley, Aleister
Paperback
The Three Magical Books of Solomon: The Greater and Lesser Keys & The Testament of Solomon
Crowley, Aleister
Mathers, S. L. MacGregor
Conybear, F. C.
Hardcover
The Good Witch's Guide: A Modern-Day Wiccapedia of Magickal Ingredients and Spells
Bedell, Charity
Robbins, Shawn
Hardcover
Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate's Modern Witchcraft - Second Edition
Brannen, Cyndi
Paperback
Telekinesis: Development of Psychic Power for Beginners (A Beginner's Step-by-step Guide to Developing Telekinesis)
Aoki, Rudolph
Paperback
Psychic Self-Defense: The Classic Instruction Manual for Protecting Yourself Against Paranormal Attack
Fortune, Dion
Paperback
The Big Book of Tarot: How to Interpret the Cards and Work with Tarot Spreads for Personal Growth
Bunning, Joan
Paperback
The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites, and Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order
Regardie, Israel
Hardcover
Psychic Witch: Deluxe Hardcover Edition: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation
Auryn, Mat
Hardcover
Notes for the Journey Within: Essentials of the Art of Living
Shankar, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi
Hardcover
Lincoln's Ghost: Houdini's War on Spiritualism and the Dark Conspiracy Against the American Presidency
Ricca, Brad
Hardcover
Compendium of the Occult: Arcane Artifacts, Magic Rituals, and Sacred Symbolism
Williams, Liz
Hardcover
Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, and the Familiar Spirit for the Solitary Practitioner
Horne, Roger J.
Paperback
The Montauk Project - Experiments in Time: Silver Anniversary Edition
Moon, Peter
Nichols, Preston B.
Paperback
Green Witchcraft: A Practical Guide to Discovering the Magic of Plants, Herbs, Crystals, and Beyond
Vanderbeck, Paige
Paperback
Lemegeton: The Complete Books I-V: Ars Goetia, Ars Theurgia Goetia, Ars Paulina, Ars Almadel, Ars Notoria
Shaw, Victor
Paperback
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
Adler, Margot
Paperback
The Black Book of Manifestation: Hidden Secrets & Forbidden Techniques to Shape Your Reality
Sharma, Sagar
Paperback
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs: Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs
Nock, Judy Ann
Hardcover
The Holistic Witch: Connecting with Your Personal Power for Magickal Self-Care
Robbins, Shawn
Greenaway, Leanna
Hardcover