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THE CLAVIS OR KEY
TO THE MAGIC OF SOLOMON
by EBENEZER SIBLEY. M.D.
From a manuscript prepared by FREDERICK HOCKLEY
With Introduction and Commentary by JOSEPH PETERSON
“The Clavis or Key to the Magic of Solomon is one of several notebooks from the estate of Ebenezer Sibly, transcribed under the direction of Frederick Hockley (1808-1885). Sibly (aka Sibley) was a prominent physician and an influential author, who complemented his scientific studies with writings on the "deeper truths" including magic, astrology, alchemy, and mesmerism. Most of the texts in this collection were probably obtained in 1799 by antiquar- ian bookseller John Denley (d. 1842) along with other items from Sibly's estate. Sibly had hoped that his collection would be preserved as a working library after his death, but it was quickly sold off. Fortunately Hockley, working for Denley early in the century, made manuscript copies of these and other texts for resale.1 At the same time Hockley was able to assemble a substantial col- lection of rare texts for himself. Both Sibly and Hockley were major inspirations in the occult revival of the past two centuries, influencing A. E. Waite, S. L. Mathers, W. Wynn Wescott, Aleister Crowley, as well as the Golden Dawn, Rosicrucian, and Masonic movements. This collection includes eight independent texts. They generally reflect Sibly's teachings on the practical use of celestial influences and harmonies, although his undisputed writings denounce the commerce with spirits so prev- alent here. The Clavis contains clear and systematic instructions for construct- ing magical tools and pentacles for many practical purposes. The Mysterious Ring gives directions for preparing magic rings. Experiments of the Spirits Birto, Vassago, Agares, and Bealpharos, show how to call upon angels and spirits, and crystal scrying. The Wheel of Wisdom gives concise directions for using celestial harmonies. The final text, the Complete Book of Magic Science, is closely akin to the Secret Grimoire of Turiel, but more complete; Hockley claimed authorship himself, drawing on a variety of sources.
The manuscript reproduced here is the most accurate and complete known, very beautifully and carefully written, with extraordinary hand-colored seals and colored handwritten text. Given the inclusion of the final text, it must have been copied by one of Frederick Hockley's friends from one or more of his autograph exemplars. He was known to have held this collection in high regard, and only rarely lent it and other texts to people he could trust so they could make copies, chiding them when they hurried themselves too much to make good copies.”
-Eld
