The first full modern English version of Del Río's treatise, unrivalled in its breadth, detail, and scholarship, on the occult sciences as they were understood, experienced, and combatted at the end of the sixteenth century.

The first full modern English version of Del Río’s treatise, unrivalled in its breadth, detail, and scholarship, on the occult sciences as they were understood, experienced, and combatted at the end of the sixteenth century.

The first full modern English version of Del Río’s treatise, unrivalled in its breadth, detail, and scholarship, on the occult sciences as they were understood, experienced, and combatted at the end of the sixteenth century.

Vocalize the Spiritual Energy of Breath for Potent Magic Cultures around the world and throughout history recognize the human breath as the seat of spirit. The chi of the Chinese, the ruach of the Hebrews, the pneuma of the Greeks, and the spiritus of the Romans refer to the same thing—the invisible energy that permeates the breath. Now, with this book's in-depth study, you can maximize the potential of this energy in your magic. Esteemed magician Donald Tyson presents an advanced look at how to compose your own incantations, use words and names of power, control the living breath, and more. He shows you the inherent potency of vibrating words and vowels, providing numerous examples from historical texts and occult practice. Tyson presents a wide variety of spells for healing, love, and protection. He also shares enchantments for herbs, potions, wands, and even people. From binding the wind through knot magic to using alliteration and repetition, this book balances scholarship and practical workings so you can maximize the potential of breath and voice in your practice.

This is the first English translation of one of the most important, interesting and comprehensive discussions of the occult sciences ever published. Investigations into magic deals not only with magic in all its forms, from the manipulation of angelic and demonic powers to straightforward conjuring and illusion, but also with witchcraft, alchemy, astrology, divination, prophecy, and possession by evil spirits. In addition, Del Rio gives judges and confessors practical advice on the most effective ways of dealing with people who are accused of practising magic, and enlivens his whole discussion with anecdotes drawn from a remarkable range of sources, including his own experience. Nothing so panoramic had ever appeared before, and for the next one hundred and fifty years Investigations into magic was the indispensable reference work on the subject.

This volume introduces the main theological topics of Reformation theology in a language that is clear and concise. Theology in the Reformation era can be complicated and contentious. This volume aims to cut through the theological jargon and explain what people believed and why. The book begins with an essay that explains to students how one can approach the study of sixteenth century theology. It includes a guide to major events, persons, doctrines, and movements.

Martín Del Río (1551-1608) was a remarkably learned Jesuit scholar. His prolific output includes six volumes of Investigations into Magicwhich sought to be the last word on magic, witchcraft, and allied subjects such as divination and superstition, and a detailed manual of advice for judges and confessors engaged in combatting what was seen at the time as a dangerous threat to the spiritual life of humanity in this world and the next. First published in 1599-1600, Investigationswas heralded as a major contribution to the armoury of the Counter-Reformation, and went through several editions, the last appearing in 1747.