A set of five engraved metal discs "The Holy Pentacles or Medals" of Mercury, after designs in the Mathers edition of "The Key of Solomon the King"
NP (ca. 1980s). Each of the "pentacles" is engraved on BOTH sides of a thin sheet of circular metal disc, about three inches in diameter, which appears to be made of brass, or a composite metal with a shiny brass-like finish. There is a tiny puncture hole at the top of each, presumably so that they could be secured onto something with a thread. Nothing much is known of their origin, they were given to the previous owner by a practising magician, who presumably made them himself, around 30 years ago (late 1980s). The designs are those of the five Pentacles of Mercury and they are taken from Book 1, Chapter XVIII, "Concerning The Holy Pentacles or Medals" of the Mathers edition of "The Key of Solomon" (1889). According to that book the purpose of the Medals or Pentacles in general was "for the purpose of striking terror into the Spirits and reducing them to obedience, have besides this wonderful and excellent virtue. If thou invokest the Spirits by virtue of these Pentacles, they will obey thee without repugnance, and having considered them they will be struck with astonishment, and will fear them, and thou shalt see them so surprised by fear and terror, that none of them will be sufficiently bold to wish to oppose thy will. They are also of great virtue and efficacy against all perils of Earth, of Air, of Water, and of Fire, against poison which hath been drunk, against all kinds of infirmities and necessities, against binding, sortilege, and sorcery, against all terror and fear, and wheresoever thou shalt find thyself, if armed with them, thou shalt be in safety all the days of thy life." The specific Pentacles - of Mercury - are described as follows: "(1) The First Pentacle of Mercury. - It serveth to invoke the Spirits who are under the Firmament. Letters forming the Names of the Spirits Yekahel and Agiel. The back is blank. (2) The First Pentacle of Mercury. - The Spirits herein written serve to bring to effect and to grant things which are contrary unto the order of Nature; and which are not contained under any other head. They easily give answer, but they can with difficulty be seen. The Letters form the names of Boel and other spirits.(3) The Third Pentacle of Mercury. - This and the following serve to invoke the Spirits subject unto Mercury; and especially those who are written in this Pentacle. Mystical Characters of Mercury, and the Names of the Angels: Kokaviel, Ghedoriah, Savaniah, and Chokmahiel. (4) The Fourth Pentacle of Mercury. - This is further proper to acquire understanding and Knowledge of all things created, and to seek out and penetrate into hidden things; and to command those spirits called Allatori to perform embassies. They obey very readily. In the centre is the Name of God, El. The Hebrew letter inscribed around the dodecagram make the sentence, 'IHVH, fix Thou the Volatile, and let there be unto the void restriction.' The versicle is: - 'Wisdom and Virtue are in his house, and the Knowledge of all things remaineth with him for ever.' (5) The Fith and Last Pentacle of Mercury. - This commandeth the Spirits of Mercury and serveth to open doors in whatever way they may be closed, and nothing it may encounter may resist it. Within the Pentacle are the names El Ab and IHVH. The versicle is from Psalm xxiv. 7:- Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in.'" The "pentacles" are clearly home-made, they are not perfectly circular, and the engraving is rather basic. The surface of the metal is somewhat tarnished: we have not attempted to clean it. Most unusual - please note the accompanying photograph does not capture their look properly, they have the gold sheen of brass. Item #63088
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