R.A. Priddle, a magician and expert on Francis Barrett, discusses Barrett's life as a magician and teacher of magic. They explore Barrett's fraudulent balloon experiments, his studies with Ebenezer Sibly, and his influence on Eliphas Levi and Edward Bulwer-Lytton. They also reveal that a talisman from Barrett's book was carried by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-Day Saints.
The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer, authored by Francis Barrett, served as a crucial resource for preserving occult secrets.
Francis Barrett's life intertwined magic with science, as he explored chemistry and experimented with hydrogen ballooning.
The Megas, despite facing accusations of plagiarism, revolutionized magic by providing a comprehensive curriculum and inspiring future magical traditions.
Deep dives
The Megas: An Introduction to Magic
The Megas is a groundbreaking textbook that provides an easy introduction to the practice of magic. Published in 1801, it served as a comprehensive curriculum for studying magic and understanding Western esoteric traditions. The book was compiled by Francis Barrett, who condensed and annotated various sources to create a practical and accessible guide. Barrett's work aimed to fill a gap in magical literature during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period often considered devoid of magical practice. Despite being criticized for plagiarism, the Megas became highly influential, inspiring future magical traditions and even influencing works like 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.' The Megas is a valuable resource for beginners and offers a glimpse into the history and development of Western magic.
Francis Barrett: A Ballooning Magician
Francis Barrett, the creator of the Megas, led a fascinating life that combined magic and science. He was a special collection librarian and historian of magic, religion, and science. Before delving into magic, Barrett explored the world of chemistry and attempted balloon launches using hydrogen gas, a reckless and innovative choice at the time. While his ballooning attempts were not entirely successful, they showcased his daring spirit and ambition. Barrett's pursuit of various magical and scientific endeavors reflected the changing landscape of knowledge and the blending of disciplines during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Structure of the Megas: A Revolutionary Textbook
The Megas revolutionized the field of magic by being the first comprehensive textbook on the subject. It distilled the wealth of occult philosophy into practical information for aspiring magicians. Barrett's editing process involved condensing and shortening existing works, focusing on the most practical and useful aspects of magic. The book covered a wide range of topics, from alchemy to Kabbalah to drawing spirits into crystals. It provided a structured curriculum for students to study and included references to other sources, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Western esoteric traditions.
Legacy of the Megas: Influence on Magical Traditions
Despite being criticized for plagiarism, the Megas played a pivotal role in shaping magical traditions. Its publication marked the beginning of a new era in English magic, inspiring future movements like the hermetic order of the Golden Dawn, Thelema, and Theosophy. The Megas sparked imagination and influenced the works of countless magicians and writers. Its impact is still felt today, as elements from the Megas continue to shape contemporary magical practices and serve as a foundation for further exploration and study.
Unanswered Questions: The Enigma Surrounding Francis Barrett
While much has been uncovered about Francis Barrett, there are still mysteries surrounding his life and work. The exact relationship between Barrett and the consul general of Portugal remains unclear, as does the final chapter of Barrett's life and where he passed away. Additionally, the true origin of the 'Art of Drawing a Spirit into a Crystal' section is yet to be determined. Despite these unanswered questions, Barrett's contribution to the world of magic and his enduring legacy as the creator of the Megas cannot be denied.
Mr. R.A. Priddle joins me to explore the world of fraudulent ballooning magicians. No, not the Wizard of Oz, but rather Francis Barrett, author of that famous early 19th century tome of ritual magic, The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer. Mr. Priddle, or Robert, as I usually call him, wrote his dissertation on Barrett and as I learned very quickly, it is actually not fair to label Barrett as fraudulent. He was instead a working, professional magician and teacher of magic, and his influential book was crucial for keeping alive many earlier occult secrets for later generations.
Barrett led a life filled with interesting characters and dangerous adventures. He was an alchemist who experimented with hydrogen ballooning. He studied under Ebenezer Sibly, the 18th century astrologer famous for casting the natal chart for the United States of America. Barrett also attempted a translation of George von Welling's massive tome, Opus Mago-cabbalisticum et Theosophicum.
Barrett's legacy is also impressive. He influenced Eliphas Levi and Edward Bulwer-Lytton, thus becoming a major contributor to the 19th century occult revival. In addition, a talisman drawn directly from The Magus was carried by none other than Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-Day Saints (you know, the Mormons).
I have a feeling that you will love this episode of the podcast. Mr. Priddle's enthusiasm in exploring Francis Barrett's life, work, and influence is infectuous. Barrett is an historical character worth examining, and I think you will agree that his work is worth a closer look.
