Grimoire: La Veritable Magic Noire ou le Secret des Secrets

5RR, The Real Black Magic, or the Secret of Secrets; Manuscript found in Jerusalem in the Tomb of Solomon. 1750. 19th century printing, In French.

Notes

Grimoires are books of magic, often containing instructions on performing spells, rituals, and invocations, as well as detailed knowledge of astrology, alchemy, and other occult practices. They have played a central role in Western esotericism and occult traditions for centuries. The term "grimoire" is often associated with a practical guide to the occult arts, and the contents of grimoires may vary widely, including magical symbols, prayers, and procedures for communicating with supernatural entities, especially spirits or angels. Historically, grimoires were used by magicians, witches, and practitioners of the occult to gain power, knowledge, or divine favor, often blending religious elements with folklore and arcane teachings.

La Véritable Magie Noire ou le Secret des Secrets (The True Black Magic or the Secret of Secrets) is a French grimoire, often classified as a work of occultism that deals with the practice of black magic. The title itself speaks to the theme of the book: it promises to reveal the most hidden and powerful secrets of the magical and supernatural world, focusing on the darker aspects of magic. Like many grimoires from the 17th and 18th centuries, it contains detailed instructions for invoking spirits, summoning demons, and performing rituals meant to bring about specific outcomes, such as power, wealth, or influence, often at the expense of others.

The grimoire is associated with the occult tradition of ceremonial magic, but it emphasizes the use of dark forces—sometimes even at the risk of invoking dangerous or malevolent entities. It is filled with magical symbols, diagrams, and chants, some of which are intended to be used in the context of ritual practices designed to call upon supernatural beings, both for protective and destructive purposes. The text reflects a blend of Christian mysticism, folk magic, and the deeper esoteric practices of the time, with the practitioner often required to perform acts that could be seen as transgressive or even heretical from a religious standpoint.

La Véritable Magie Noire has garnered attention for its focus on black magic and the occult, and it is considered by some to be a highly controversial and dangerous work, due to its focus on manipulating supernatural forces for personal gain. It is typically associated with the more sinister side of the magical tradition, and while it promises to unlock the "secrets of the universe," it also emphasizes the risks involved in dealing with dark magic. As with many grimoires of its type, the work contributes to the historical understanding of occultism, black magic, and the exploration of forbidden knowledge in Western esotericism.

Description

Marbled boards with green leather spine. Gilt lettering on the spine. Marbled edges. Rubbing to the extremities. Some chipping along upper and lower edges as well. Many colored images throughout. Minimal browning. 19th century reprint. Fine condition overall.