The Art of Cyprian's Mirror of Four Kings: An Early Modern Experiment of Cyprianic Conjuration

The Art of Cyprian, found in MS Sloane 3850, contains instructions for the construction and use of a magic mirror attributed Saint Cyprian of Antioch. Along with the preparation of the mirror itself – which includes making and consecrating a particular ink for drafting certain figures of Solomon – come instructions detailing a conjuration of the ‘four worthy princes of the earth’, including a special appeal to the King of the East as their primus inter pares, and a dismissal of these same ‘four kings of the four parts of the world’. In this Guide to the Underworld, Alexander Cummins illuminates further Cyprianic dimensions of these directional courts of the various cardinal kings and their messenger-king attendants in the grimoiric corpus.

Reviews

“I just finished The Art of Cyprian's Mirror of Four Kings: An Early Modern Experiment of Cyprianic Conjuration by Dr Alexander Cummins. Some people are great scholars. Some people are great magicians. A lot of people pretend to be both, but its rare to find someone who actually pulls it off. Al absolutely does, as is shown so clearly in this short book. You are getting of course the original text and commentary, but also a load of advice on how to practically implement this, and why everything is done. The discussion on these King names and how they relate to the more commonly known names is worth twice the price of admission right there, but it doesn't stop there. You are getting commentary on Catholic Prayers. You are getting practical advice on throne building for the Kings. In just 43 pages, you get full instructions on performing a piece of historical magic that explains how to do every step. Cannot recommend highly enough.” Jason Miller, Strategic Sorcery

“An in-depth analysis of the spirit hierarchy and material constituents of an early modern experiment of spirit evocation and interrogation, with practical insights and applications drawn from contemporary magical handbooks and liturgical texts, as well as personal trial and results.” Brian Johnson, author of Necromancy in the Medici Library

Contents

I. By Lampblack, By Wax, and By Glass
Introducing MS Sloane 3850’s Art of Cyprian Cyprian and the Cardinal Kings
A Compass Rose By Any Other Name
The Dark Arts & Crafts of Cyprian’s Mirror

II. The Art of Cyprian’s Mirror of Four Kings
(excerpted from Sloane MS 3850, translation by Adam MacLean)

III. Reflections
Linens of the Instruments
Tongues of the Magi
Chairs of the Regents


Purchase here from Hadean Press

Alexander Cummins

“Necromancer (necromantes) he that practises that wicked Art, a Master of the Black Art, one that seeks to the dead; or consults with Satan in the shape of a dead man. The Hebrews describe him thus; he made himself hungry, and then lodged among the Graves, that the dead might come to him in a dream, and make known to him that which he asked, &c. Others there were that clad themselves with cloathes for that purpose, and spoke certain words, burned Incense, and slept by themselves, that such a dead person might come and talk with them in a dream.”
- Thomas Blount, Glossographia (London, 1661)