This episode of the podcast explores the connection between math and magic in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Occult Philosophy. Topics covered include the role of math in magic, the significance of numbers in various fields, magic squares, and the use of sacred geometry in magic. The hosts challenge negative preconceptions about math and encourage listeners to embrace its importance in occult philosophy.
Mathematics played a central role in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's occult philosophy, governing natural virtues through number, weight, and measure.
Magic squares, grids of numbers with unique orders and corresponding constants, were used in cryptography, sigil creation, and empowering talismans.
Deep dives
The Significance of Mathematics in Occult Philosophy
In this podcast episode, the host delves into the importance of mathematics in occult philosophy. Despite many people's aversion to math, the episode highlights how math played a central role in the work of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. Agrippa believed that mathematics was necessary for magic, as it governed natural virtues through number, weight, and measure. The episode explores the fields of study that comprised mathematics in Agrippa's time, such as arithmetic, geometry, music, optics, astronomy, proportions, weights and measures, and mechanical arts. The podcast also delves into the nature of numbers, their existence, and their role as the foundation of reality. It discusses the Pythagorean system, the significance and power of magic squares, and the role of sacred geometry. The episode emphasizes how the proper configuration and proportion of geometric figures can attract virtues to them through a cult or divine love. Overall, the podcast presents an intriguing exploration of the relationship between mathematics and occult philosophy.
Magic Squares and their Numerical Significance
One of the key aspects discussed in this podcast episode is the significance of magic squares in occult philosophy. Magic squares are grids of numbers, where each row, column, and diagonal add up to the same sum. The episode explains that magic squares were used in various applications, from cryptography to creating sigils and empowering talismans. Each planetary magic square had a unique order and a corresponding magic constant, which represented the repeating sum. The podcast highlights the enchanting properties of magic squares and their ability to communicate with planetary spirits and affect the material world. It also touches on the recreational aspect of creating magic squares and their historical importance in Renaissance education.
The Power of Sacred Geometry
The podcast episode delves into the concept of sacred geometry and its role in occult philosophy. Sacred geometry involves the study of geometric figures and their proportions, which are believed to have inherent power and influence. The episode explores how properly configured geometric figures attract virtues and act as a binding force through a cult or divine love. Agrippa emphasizes the importance of proportion and the manner in which geometric figures are constructed. Sacred geometry finds practical application in rituals, sigil making, and the creation of magical experiences. The episode concludes with a mention of the mysteriously unexplained ability to create mirrors that allow remote viewing. Overall, the podcast provides insight into the connection between sacred geometry and magical practices.
Let me congratulate you on having both the courage and curiosity to listen to this episode! This is part five of our deep dive into Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy. If you feel lost and would like to catch up with earlier episodes in the series, you can find them on the series page.
Why are courage and curiosity so important for this episode? Because we're going to be talking about math. Math and magic. I have been looking forward to this episode for a long time, but I know that for a lot of people, the idea of reading about and learning about math is pretty miserable. When occultists discover how much Agrippa loved math, and how central math is to Agrippa's Occult Philosophy, they sometimes seem pretty disappointed.
Much of book two of Occult Philosophy deals with numbers and mathematics. If you would like to really get an amazing head start on this episode, read books 2, chapters 1 through 23. However, if that is too much, I think you can be pretty well prepared for this episode by just reading book 2, chapters 1, 2, 21, 22, and 23.
Some of the math topics we will be talking about in this episode are the philosophical concept of number, the relationship between math and occult correspondences, magic squares, and sacred geometry. There is a lot of great material, and I hope you give it a listen even though math might seem like it's a bummer!
Eric Purdue has studied metaphysics and the occult and has practiced magic and astrology for more than thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic.
Andrew B. Watt is known to long-time listeners of the Arnemancy show. He's an astrologer and textile artist living in western Massachusetts, and an enthusiast of geometry and number theory.
Sword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.com
