The Olympic Spirits by Frater Acher

The reputation of Swiss physician Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus (1493–1541), looms large in European esotericism, particularly regarding his groundbreaking work in pharmacy, chemistry, and medicine. As a practicing alchemist, his contributions to the Royal Art remain subjects of modern inquiry. However, serious studies of his occult works, particularly those concerning operative magic, have been notably lacking.

Within the corpus of Paracelsian writings, many texts were magical in nature. Perhaps the most enigmatic among these concerned the Olympic Spirits, a hierarchy of seven powerful spiritual intelligences with whom the practitioner of magic could establish ritual contact. Frater Acher's The Olympic Spirits explores this hierarchy and their powers with a detailed, holistic approach designed for the modern practitioner.

The book is divided into three categories: biographical, historical, and practical. The biographical approach examines the often larger-than-life personality of Paracelsus as creator of the term Olympic Spirits and the radical new magical concept behind it. The historical approach examines the transformation these spirits have undergone as they migrated through different books and manuscripts over five centuries, constantly evolving with each recension into new forms and magical operations. The practical dimension examines the lived experience of the Olympic Spirits within magical practice and offers guidance for the student's own work with the Paracelsian retinue.

With his characteristic clarity and practical approach, Frater Acher brings the complex and original Renaissance magic of Paracelsus into the twenty-first century, making it accessible for contemporary students. The book provides ample access to the writings of Paracelsus by translating original sources into English for the first time. Four critical appendices include first-time English translations of important works by Robert Fludd and Adam Haslmayr, significant inheritors and propagators of the mystical legacy of Paracelsus, as well as an English translation of the late 17th century grimoire text Cod.Mag.55: The Conjuration of the Olympic Spirits according to Solomon, Son of David.

The Olympic Spirits contains original illustrations by visionary occult artist Joseph Uccello, known for his work in Occlith 0 Omniform and Occlith 1: Codex Homunculi, both of which include translated works of Paracelsus.

Specifications: Softcover edition with color cover

Sold as curio only for historical, educational, and spiritual interest.