Francis Barrett (occultist)

Francis Barrett (occultist)

Francis Barrett (born probably in London around 1770-1780) was an English occultist.

Barrett, an Englishman, claimed himself to be a student of chemistry, metaphysics, and natural occult philosophy. He was known to be an extreme eccentric who gave lessons in the magical arts in his apartment and fastidiously translated Kabbalistic and other ancient texts into English.

He was very enthusiastic about reviving interest in the occult arts, and published a magical textbook called "The Magus". Apart from possibly influencing the English occult novelist Bulwer-Lytton, the book gained little notice until it influenced Eliphas Levi.

"The Magus" dealt with the natural magic of herbs and stones, magnetism, talismanic magic, alchemy, numerology, the elements, and biographies of famous adepts from history.

"The Magus" also served as an advertising tool. In it Barrett sought interested people wanting to help form his magic circle. An advertisement in "The Magus" (Vol. 2, p. 140) refers to an otherwise unknown school founded by Barrett.

According to the advertisement :

:"The Author of this Work respectfully informs those that are curious in the studies of Art and Nature, especially of Natural and Occult Philosophy, Chemistry, Astrology, etc., etc., that, having been indefatigable in his researches in those sublime Sciences; of which he has treated at large in this book, that he gives private instructions and lectures upon any of the above-mentioned Sciences; in the course of which he will discover many curious and rare experiments. :"Those who become Students will be initiated into the choicest operations of Natural Philosophy, Natural Magic, the Cabbala, Chemistry, the Talismanic Arts, Hermetic Philosophy, Astrology, Physiognomy, etc., etc. Likewise they will acquire the knowledge of the Rites, Mysteries, Ceremonies and Principles of the ancient Philosophers, Magi, Cabbalists, and Adepts, etc." :"The Purpose of this school (which will consist of no greater number than Twelve Students) being to investigate the hidden treasures of Nature; to bring the Mind to a contemplation of the Eternal Wisdom; to promote the discovery of whatever may conduce to the perfection of Man; the alleviating the miseries and calamities of this life, both in respect of ourselves and others; the study of morality and religion here, in order to secure to ourselves felicity hereafter; and, finally, the promulgation of whatever may conduce to the general happiness and welfare of mankind."

When writing about witches Barrett stated that he did not believe that their power to torment or kill by enchantment, touch or by using a wax effigy came from Satan. He claimed if the Devil wanted to kill a man guilty of deadly sin, he did not need a witch as an intermediary.

Barrett's belief in magical power might be summed up this way: :"The magical power is in the inward or inner man. A certain proportion of the inner man longs for the external in all things. When the person is in the appropriate disposition an appropriate connection between man and object can be attained."

External links

* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/grim/magus/ "The Magus or Celestial Intelligencer"] at Sacred Texts
* [http://www.renaissanceastrology.com/barrett.html Biography of Francis Barrett]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Francis Barrett — Francis or Frank Barrett may refer to:*Francis Barrett (occultist) English occult writer *Francis Barrett (boxer) Irish boxer (generally known as Francie Barrett ) *Frank Barrett (baseball) (1913 1998), pitcher *Frank Barrett (footballer) (1872… …   Wikipedia

  • Астарот — (Астерот, Асторет) (ивр. עשתרות‎  стаи, толпы, собрания), согласно западной демонологии  один из самых высокопоставленных демонов в адской иерархии. Некоторые исследователи полагают, что его имя является искажением имени Астарты… …   Википедия

  • Ceremonial magic — Ceremonial magic, also referred to as high magic and as learned magic,[1] is a broad term used in the context of Hermeticism or Western esotericism to encompass a wide variety of long, elaborate, and complex rituals of magic. It is named as such… …   Wikipedia

  • List of occultists — List of notable occultists and mystics. This is a list of notable people, whether contemporary, historical or legendary, who are or were involved in any of the following practices and traditions: occult science paranormal magic, black or white… …   Wikipedia

  • The Magus (handbook) — The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer is a handbook of the occult and ceremonial magic compiled by Francis Barrett and published in 1801. Much of the material was actually collected by Barrett from older occult handbooks, as he hints in the… …   Wikipedia

  • Astral body — The Astral Sleep by Jeroen van Valkenburg The astral body is a subtle body posited by many religious philosophers, intermediate between the intelligent soul and the physical body, composed of a subtle material.[1] The concept ultimately derives… …   Wikipedia

  • Beelzebub — Ba‘al Zebûb, Ba‘al Zəbûb or Ba‘al Zəvûv (Hebrew בעל זבוב, with numerous variants) [In addition to Beelzebub, Ba‘al Zebûb, and Ba‘al Zəvûv, (בעל זבוב), there are several variants, such as Belzebud, Beezelbub, Beezlebub, Beazlebub, Belzaboul,… …   Wikipedia

  • List of new religious movements — A new religious movement is a religious community or ethical, spiritual, or philosophical group of modern origin, which has a peripheral place within the dominant religious culture. NRMs may be novel in origin or they may be part of a wider… …   Wikipedia

  • List of poets — This is a list of poets. It lists notable poets. Alphabetical listcompactTOC NOTOC A Ab Ak*Dannie Abse (born 1923), English poet *Milton Acorn (1923 ndash;1986), Canadian poet, writer, and playwright *Léonie Adams (1899 ndash;1988), American poet …   Wikipedia

  • September 16 — Events*1400 Owain Glyndŵr is declared Prince of Wales by his followers. *1701 James Francis Edward Stuart, sometimes called the Old Pretender , becomes the Jacobite claimant to the thrones of England and Scotland. *1776 American Revolutionary War …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”