Exhaustive Encyclopedia of the Picatrix: Astrological Magic and Occult Philosophy

Origins and Titles: Originally written in the 9th century by an anonymous Arab author in North Africa or Spain. Its original Arabic title was Ghayat al-Hakim, which translates to "The Goal of the Sage." It was falsely attributed to the Sufi scholar al-Majriti in accordance with the customs of the era.
Translation History: The text reached Europe via the court of Alfonso the Wise, King of Castile, in 1256. It was translated from Arabic into Spanish and then into Latin. The name "Picatrix" is likely a Latinized version of an Arabic transliteration (possibly Buqratis) of a Greek name, potentially Harpocrates.
Magical Philosophy: The work is not a mere grimoire of recipes; it is an extensive treatise on the philosophy of magic. It is grounded in theurgic Neoplatonism, Mesopotamian astral magic, and influences from Ancient Egypt and Hindu traditions.
The Worldview: It operates on a hierarchical model of the universe where divine unity flows down through currents of influence. The magician's role is to understand these currents and capture them at their strongest using mathematical proportions and astrological timing.
Role of the Sapiens (Wizard): The author distinguishes the audience as "sages" or "wizards." To perform this magic, a practitioner required a vast curriculum including agriculture, military sciences, politics, law, logic, mathematics, medicine, and metaphysics.

Celestial Geometry: The heaven is a perfect sphere, round and smooth. Its shape is defined as the shape of spirit, the oldest thing in the world. The circle is considered the first and most perfect figure because it consists of a single line.
Cosmic Immortality: No generation or corruption occurs in the heavens. All terrestrial transformations (heat, growth, decay) follow the movements and rays cast by stars upon the earth (the center).
The Eighth Sphere: A critical secret involves the motion of the 8th sphere, completing a cycle of 8 degrees every $(640)$ years. This "trepidation" changes the figures of heaven and is essential for advanced magical workings.

Magical images and petitions must be timed according to the Moon's transit through these specified areas of the Zodiac:

1. Alnath: Aries $(0^{\circ} 0' - 12^{\circ} 51' 26")$ . Used for travel safety or causing discord between allies.
2. Albotain: Aries $(12^{\circ} 51' 26" - 25^{\circ} 42' 52")$ . For finding wells, treasures, or wheat planting.
3. Azoraya: Aries $(25^{\circ} 42' 52")$ to Taurus $(8^{\circ} 34' 2")$ . For alchemy, hunting, and seafaring.
4. Aldebaran: Taurus $(8^{\circ} 34' 2" - 21^{\circ} 25' 44")$ . For destruction of cities/buildings and killing reptiles.
10. Algebha: Cancer $(25^{\circ} 42' 51")$ to Leo $(8^{\circ} 34' 18")$ . For love between spouses and strengthening buildings.
15. Algarfa: Libra $(0^{\circ} 0' - 12^{\circ} 51' 26")$ . For digging wells and seeking hidden treasure.
28. Arrexhe: Pisces $(17^{\circ} 8' 36")$ to the end. For safe wagon travel and communal peace.

Saturn (Zohal):
- Properties: Cold, dry, old, bitter tastes, dark mountains, retentive virtue.
- Materials: Lead, iron, onyx, black wool clothing.
- Petition: For old men, agriculture, inheritances, and causing sorrow.
- Invocation: Address him facing the planet while burning opium, saffron, and laurel seeds mixed with black goat urine.
Jupiter (Misteri):
- Properties: Warm, moist, sweet, white/yellow, augmentative virtue.
- Materials: Tin, emerald, crystal, green silk.
- Petition: For honors, riches, judges, religious prelates, and peace.
- Ritual: Dress as a hermit/priest; burn storax, peony, and frankincense.
Mars (Marech):
- Properties: Hot, dry, red, sharp tastes, attractive virtue.
- Materials: Red copper, sulfur, red garments, iron rings.
- Petition: For battles, vengeance, surgery, and overcoming enemies.
Venus (Zohara):
- Properties: Cold, moist, beautiful, saffron/white, virtue of flavor/love.
- Materials: Lapis lazuli, pearls, silk, mirrored objects.
- Petition: For women, arts, music, and sexual desire.

Coadunation: Success in magic depends on unifying different elements (metal, time, place, image shape) into one similarity with the stars. If these components are discordant, the working will fail.
Magical Images (Talismans): These are called "violators" because they conquer the substance of which they are made using mathematical proportions ( $(220)$ and $(284)$ are cited as amicable numbers for love talismans).
Perfect Nature: A central concept where the magician invokes their personal familiar spirit, which acts as a bridge between the human intellect and the planetary spheres.
The Use of Animal Substances: The text details exhaustive recipes using parts of animals (and occasionally humans) to create effects like invisibility, causing sleep, binding tongues, and generating hostility.
- Example (Healing Bites): Grind a kite's bile with fennel juice to cure tarantula or viper bites.
- Example (Love): Give a target a mixture of gazelle brains and rabbit rennet to provoke affection.
Miraculous Stones: Aristotle supposedly taught the creation of four stones (Rayetanz, Helemetiz, Astamatis, Handemotuz) for dominion, weather control, invulnerability in war, and controlling sexual desire.

Intentional Traps: The author repeatedly warns that the book is for sages only. Some recipes labeled as "cures" contain lethal amounts of toxic substances (like oil of bitter almonds) which would kill a modern practitioner lacking traditional medical training.
Secrecy: Magical operations must be hidden from non-believers and from the light of the Sun (unless the work is Solar in nature). Doubt is the primary enemy of magical success.
Philosophical Purpose: Despite the seemingly malefic recipes, the stated goal is for the sage to ascend toward the knowledge of God andHis unity through the study of natural and celestial virtues.