The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses

1. The Sixth and Seventh Books: Ancient Magical Arts Revealed

This rare and wonderful book, translated under personal supervision into the English language, and published for the first time.

Unveiling ancient secrets. These books claim to contain the "Wonderful Magical and Spirit Arts of Moses and Aaron, and the Old Wise Hebrews," drawn from the Kabala and Talmud. Presented as a translation of rare Mosaic books, they promise access to powerful techniques for the good of mankind, previously hidden or sold at exorbitant rates.

A compendium of curiosities. The editor positions the work not just as a magical text but as a valuable contribution to the literature and culture surrounding magic. While acknowledging potential criticisms of fostering superstition, the preface defends its publication as making formerly expensive knowledge accessible, suggesting a historical or academic interest alongside practical application.

Beyond ordinary magic. Unlike common sorcery, the magic described is presented as rooted in divine revelation and the wisdom of ancient Hebrews. It purports to offer methods for interacting with spiritual entities and influencing the natural world, distinct from the "lowest arts" of other nations, and focused on a greater future destiny for mankind.

2. Divine Revelation and the Mystery of Mysteries

Therefore, they are Bibliis arcanum arcanorum, which means, Mystery of all Mysteries.

God's direct instruction. The core claim is that these books were revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, then passed down through a lineage including Aaron, Caleb, Joshua, David, Solomon, and the high priest Sadock. This divine origin elevates the contained knowledge above human invention, presenting it as the highest mystery.

Power over creation. Through this revelation, Moses was allegedly granted "might, power and wisdom, to rule over the spirits of heaven and hell," including ministering angels, spirits of the four elements, and those of the seven planets. This power is explicitly linked to the use of specific seals and tables given by God.

A sacred trust. The knowledge is presented as a deeply hidden secret, even from David by Sadock, only rediscovered much later. Its publication is framed as making this profound, divinely-granted authority accessible, emphasizing the sacredness and inherent power of the revealed words and symbols.

3. Seals and Tables: Tools for Commanding Spirits

Hear also the voice of thy God wherewith I give thee theseven seals and twelve tables.

Divine instruments. The text introduces seven Seals and twelve Tables as the primary tools granted by God to Moses for commanding spirits. These are described as embodying God's "omnipotence" and ensuring the "obedient service" of angels and spirits when cited using these symbols.

Specific applications. Each Seal and Table is associated with a particular choir or type of spirit and a specific purpose. Examples include:

• First Seal: Ministering Archangels, revealing hidden treasures.
• Second Seal: Angels of Hosts, bringing fortune and blessing.
• Third Seal: Throne Angels, gaining favor and defeating enemies.
• Fourth Seal: Cherubim and Seraphim, protection from misery, long life.
• Fifth Seal: Angels of Power, healing the sick (if not their time).
• Sixth Seal: Might-Angels (Elements), gaining knowledge through dreams.
• Seventh Seal: Angels of the Seven Planets, revealing treasures in the earth/mines.
• Tables (1-12): Commanding spirits of Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Planets, and general spirits for various needs (fortune, wealth, love, secrets, etc.).

Symbols of power. The book includes illustrations of these Seals and Tables, presented as exact copies of ancient stone tablets. These visual symbols, combined with specific verbal citations, are central to the magical operations described, acting as conduits for divine authority over the spiritual and material realms.

4. Citation and Dismissal: Protocols for Spirit Interaction

This citation is great and mighty; they are the names of the Creator, and the names of the two Cherubim on the Mercy-seat...

Verbal commands. The core method for interacting with spirits involves specific "Citations" or conjurations, often beginning with the phrase "I, N.N., a servant of God, desire, call upon and conjure thee, O Spirit [Name]..." These citations invoke powerful divine names and biblical references to compel spirits to appear and fulfill the conjuror's desires.

Divine authority invoked. The power of the citations stems from invoking the most holy names of God (e.g., Adonai, Emanuel, Jehova, Tetragramaton, Elohim) and referencing significant biblical events or figures (e.g., Solomon, Isaac, Abraham, Moses' serpents, Christ's suffering, Joshua stopping the sun). This emphasizes that the authority to command spirits comes from God, not the conjuror's inherent power.

Structured interaction. The process includes not only summoning but also dismissing spirits once their service is complete. Specific "Dismissal" formulas are provided, again using divine names, to ensure the spirits depart peacefully and return to their designated realms, preventing potential harm or unwanted lingering presence.

5. Hierarchy of Spirits: Angels, Elementals, and the Demonic

Even though Evil, they are still Familiar or Ministering Spirits, and Ready to Serve.

Ordered realms. The text describes a complex hierarchy of spiritual beings, ranging from the highest angelic choirs to elemental and planetary spirits, and even "evil" or "Acharontica" spirits. These are organized under specific princes or rulers, each associated with particular seals, tables, and domains of influence.

Ministering entities. The focus is often on "Ministering Angels and Spirits" who can be compelled to serve mankind. These include:

• Archangels (Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, etc.)
• Choirs (Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Cherubim, Seraphim)
• Spirits of the Four Elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth)
• Spirits of the Seven Planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon)

Controlling the "Evil". The book also provides methods for citing and controlling spirits explicitly labeled as "evil" or "Acharontica," such as Leviathan or Mephistophiles. These are presented as "Familiar or Ministering Spirits" who are "Ready to Serve" when compelled by the appropriate divine names and rituals, highlighting the belief that even malevolent forces can be subjected to divine authority wielded through these arts.

6. Biblical Magic: Prophecy, Healing, and Divine Power

They possessed an inherent power to heal diseases, and by words they cast out devils, restored the dead to life, healed, through prayer and the laying on of hands, the lame and paralytic, and caused the blind to see and the dumb to speak.

Wonders in scripture. The book extensively cites biblical examples of seemingly supernatural events, interpreting them through the lens of divine magic or magnetism. These include:

• Dreams and visions (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, prophets, apostles).
• Influencing nature (Jacob's flocks, Moses' rod/serpents, parting the Red Sea, water from rock, plagues).
• Healing and raising the dead (Elias, Elisha, Christ, apostles).
• Prophecy and clairvoyance (Moses, elders, Balaam, Samuel).

Prophecy vs. Magic. A distinction is drawn between the "true magic of the divine" among Israelites and the "theurgical magic art" of heathens. True prophets receive an "extraordinary call from God" and act as "organ of the divine will," their power stemming from faith and a pure life, unlike magicians who rely on self-elected methods or external means.

Christian healing. The New Covenant section highlights Christ and the apostles' healing miracles as examples of "humanly divine wonders." These cures, often performed without physical remedies, through prayer, touch, or word, are presented as evidence of an "inherent power" granted by God, accessible to true believers who live a pure, Christian life.

7. The Power of Holy Names and Kabbalistic Principles

Therefore, have the Hebrew Maccabees seventy-two names for God, and named and wrote Schemhamphora, the name of seventy-two letters.

Names as power. A central theme is the inherent power residing in the holy names of God and angels, particularly in the Hebrew language. These names are not mere labels but are considered "self-existent," "sacrament and emanation of divine omnipotence," capable of compelling creation and spirits.

Kabbalistic framework. The book draws heavily on Kabbalistic concepts, including:

• The Schemhamphoras: The name of 72 letters, derived from specific biblical verses, representing a powerful divine name.
• The Ten Sephiroth: Divine emanations or attributes (Cether, Chochma, Binah, etc.) through which God interacts with creation.
• Hierarchies of Angels: Orders of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, etc.) associated with the Sephiroth and planets.
• Astrological Connections: Linking angels, divine names, and human faculties to planets, zodiac signs, and elements.

Accessing divine influence. By knowing and properly invoking these names and understanding the Kabbalistic structure of the cosmos, the practitioner can allegedly tap into divine power, command spirits, and influence the material world. This knowledge is presented as a key to performing supernatural feats, but requires purity and reverence.

8. Practical Instructions for Magical Operations

Keep God's commands as much as you can possibly do.

Moral and spiritual prerequisites. Success in these magical arts is contingent upon the practitioner's moral and spiritual state. Key requirements include:

• Keeping God's commands and living a pious life.
• Building and trusting solely upon God's might and power.
• Maintaining steadfast faith and perseverance.
• Purifying soul and body (e.g., fasting, bathing).
• Receiving holy sacraments (for Christians).

Ritual elements. Specific physical and timing requirements are detailed for operations:

• Timing: Specific hours on certain nights of the week, new moon, full moon, or when certain planets are visible.
• Preparation: Drawing a consecrated circle (often with specific names/symbols), wearing a breastplate, using a ram's horn, holding specific items (palm-twig, laurel wreath).
• Procedure: Standing in the circle, facing Zion/East, pronouncing citations/prayers, using incense or other materials.

Caution and secrecy. The text warns against frivolous use, unworthy persons, and revealing secrets. It emphasizes that the power comes from God and should be used with fear and trembling, primarily for good, and that failure can result from lack of faith or improper procedure.

9. The Use of Psalms for Specific Needs

The Use and Efficacy of the Psalms, And the Many Purposes To Which They May Be Applied...

Psalms as tools. A significant portion details how specific Psalms can be used for practical purposes, ranging from healing and protection to gaining favor and influencing events. This section presents the Psalms not just as prayers but as containing hidden powers and holy names.

Diverse applications. Each Psalm (or group of Psalms) is linked to a particular need or problem:

• Protection: Against storms, robbers, enemies, evil spirits, fire, water, weapons.
• Healing: Various diseases (headache, eye issues, fever, paralysis, wounds), melancholy, infertility.
• Gaining Favor: With God, men, princes, judges, spouses.
• Influence: Winning lawsuits, finding lost items, taming animals, changing hearts, promoting business success.
• Spiritual Growth: Overcoming evil desires, gaining wisdom, repentance, strengthening faith.

Methods of application. The use often involves reciting the Psalm with devotion, sometimes multiple times, combined with:

• Keeping a specific holy name in mind.
• Uttering a tailored prayer.
• Using physical objects (water, oil, earth, parchment amulets, specific plants, wine, honey, eggs, lead/tin plates, salt, mustard).
• Performing specific actions (anointing, bathing, scattering, burying, tying knots).

10. Cosmic Influences and Astrological Connections

That the Cosmos constitutes an organic whole, whose separate parts operate upon and in opposition to each other, was well known to the ancients.

Microcosm and Macrocosm. The text incorporates the ancient belief that man (microcosm) reflects the universe (macrocosm). It links human faculties, bodily parts, and life events to celestial bodies, elements, and divine/angelic hierarchies, suggesting a cosmic interconnectedness.

Sidereal influence. The influence of the sun, moon, planets, and zodiac signs on earthly life and human condition is acknowledged. Specific angels are assigned to govern these celestial bodies, elements, times (hours, days, months, years), and even parts of the world and winds.

Timing and alignment. Success in magical operations is tied to aligning actions with favorable celestial times and influences. Understanding the "order of all things" from highest (God) to lowest (elements) through natural connections is crucial for attracting and drawing desired influences, much like a magnet attracts iron.

Angels and planets. The text lists specific angels associated with the seven heavens and seven planets, detailing their roles and influences (e.g., Saturn/Zaphiel for tribulation, Jupiter/Zadkiel for honor, Mars/Camael for wrath, Sun/Raphael for light/life). This astrological framework provides a basis for choosing the right time and invoking the appropriate entities for specific magical aims.

Last updated: May 14, 2025