The main work on esotericism (magic and occultism) by the famous French occultist - "Ancient Higher Magic" ("Formulas of Higher Magic") - is a valuable collection of theoretical and practical foundations of magical practice. All information was summarized by the author based on the best and most authoritative ancient medieval books on magic, therefore it remains significant even today. The information in the book has been tested in practice by many generations of practicing magicians, and today tables, correlations, and other useful information from "Ancient Higher Magic" are cited in various modern textbooks on magic and witchcraft - both domestic and foreign. Thus, in the book, the author pays attention to occultism and its sections, detailing how to determine one's magical abilities. A whole chapter is devoted to the preparation for magical practice: planetary hours and days, the position of the Moon, and other information that is most favorable for rituals. A table of planetary hour correlations will help determine your magical abilities. A detailed table of the Moon's positions will greatly assist you in choosing the timing for various magical manipulations. The author also provides detailed information about magical alphabets and the basics of magical numerology, descriptions of beings from the astral world, angels and demons, spirits, the geniuses of day and night, zodiac signs, etc., and discusses the planetary correspondences of stones, plants, metals, colors, incense (smoking), etc. All of this is indispensable for the rituals of ceremonial magic and will enhance the effectiveness of magical practice. The secret meanings of the names of God (which will be very useful when composing spells), the symbolic meaning of the Hebrew alphabet, the occult significance of numbers will also be beneficial on your path. The practical part of the book describes the main stages of rituals: the specifics of drawing magical circles, setting up altars, preparing for the ceremony, reciting spells, as well as some secrets of black magic rituals. Instructions for making magical tools: wands, swords, censers, candles, etc., formulas for initiation, sacrifices, spells, etc., are quite ancient and, according to the assurances of modern practicing magicians, are still effective. The last chapter of the book is dedicated to pentacles and talismans: it describes in detail the specifics of their creation, drawing, recitation of spells, etc. Thus, the book "Ancient Higher Magic" rightly claims to be one of the classic summarizing and fundamental works on practical magic and is an essential source for anyone engaged in this art. Despite its small volume, the book contains all the necessary data for ceremonial magic, which are used at every stage of magical activity. Consequently, this edition will provide invaluable assistance both to novice magicians (who will become acquainted with the basics of magical art) and to experienced magicians, who will successfully expand their knowledge and utilize some new ideas and secrets related to conducting magical practices.
