Class: Exploring the Picatrix

Instructor: Erik Arneson

The Picatrix, one of history’s most famous grimoires, blends Arabian paganism, classical Hermeticism, and medieval Islamic scholarship. Originally titled Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm (“The Aim of the Sage”), this text presents a complete system of celestial magic based on precise astrological timing.

In this course, we’ll explore the Picatrix’s electional astrology for choosing auspicious moments for magic. We’ll study the 28 Mansions of the Moon—lunar stations offering monthly opportunities for magical work—and examine the planetary magic framework adaptable to various operations. We’ll also address the grimoire’s controversial aspects: “meat magic” recipes with animal substances, toxic fumigations, and ethically questionable practices. Students will gain insight into medieval magical philosophy while learning to approach these instructions with historical understanding and careful judgment.