num_pages: 177
description: In many esoteric traditions there exists an iconic or linguistic corollary between the concepts of poisoner and sorcerer suggesting a sinistral magical kinship. Indeed the use of plant animal and mineral toxins is a strand of magic originating in remotest antiquity and reaching the present day. Beyond its mundane function as an agent of corporeal harm poisons have also served as gateways of religious ecstasy occult knowledge and sensorial aberration as well as the basis of cures. Allied with Samael the fallen serpent-angel of first transgression whose Hebrew name in some translations is Venom of God this facet of magic wends through the rites of ancient Sumer and Egypt penetrating European Necromancy Alchemy the arcane the rites of the Witches Sabbath and modern-day folk magic. VENEFICIUM concerns the intersection of magic and poison. Of particular note to this study are the herbs of the so-called Devils Garden which bear relation to the allied witchcraft concepts of the Graal of Midnight the Witches Supper and the flying ointment of the witches which has exerted fascination over scholars historians and practitioners alike. Beyond consideration of the toxicological dimensions of magical power the related threads of astral and philosophical poisons are also examined and their resonance and dissonance with magical practice explored. VENEFICIUM will be of interest to students of magic witchcraft alchemy botanical folklore medicine and occult pharmacology.
language: English
title: Veneficium: Magic, Witchcraft and the Poison Path
publisher: Three Hands Press