⚜️ Ceremonial Magic −18%

The Magical Calendar: A Synthesis of Magial Symbolism from the Seventeenth-Century Renaissance of Medieval Occultism (Revised)

✍️ McLean, Adam
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$18.00 $22.00 Save $4.00 (18%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A revised synthesis of seventeenth-century celestial and magical correspondence tables by Adam McLean.

This volume serves as a critical reference for understanding the symbolic systems that emerged during the seventeenth-century renaissance of medieval occultism. Adam McLean, known for his work on alchemical texts and Hermetic ideas, curates these correspondences to provide clarity on complex esoteric relationships. The book does not offer new theories but rather organizes existing knowledge into a coherent structure. Readers will find detailed tables that link celestial phenomena with magical practices, reflecting the intellectual concerns of the era. McLean’s prior publications, including Rosicrucian Emblems and The Alchemical Mandala, demonstrate his commitment to preserving and clarifying historical occult literature. This edition continues that mission by making these specific correspondences available in a revised format. It is particularly useful for those analyzing the structural basis of early modern magic without the distraction of modern commentary or practical application guides.

Key Themes
celestial correspondences magical symbolism seventeenth-century occultism
Literary Context

The book focuses on the seventeenth-century renaissance of medieval occultism, a period marked by a renewed interest in alchemical and Hermetic ideas. McLean draws from this specific historical moment to synthesize magical symbolism that was prevalent during his research into the Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa · John Dee · The Key of Solomon
⚜️
Ceremonial Magic
🏛 Phanes Press 📅 2008 📖 142 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780933999336
Fun Fact
Adam McLean's revised 'Magical Calendar' is an unparalleled scholarly presentation of a foundational text in Western esotericism. It excels in offering an intricate, comprehensive view of 17th-century magical symbolism and celestial correspondences. This work will undoubtedly disappoint those seeking a simple 'how-to' guide or light reading, as it demands serious engagement with complex historical systems. For the dedicated scholar or practitioner, however, it stands as an indispensable primary source, cementing its position as a cornerstone in the study of traditional magic and occult philosophy.

📝 Description: The Magical Calendar: A Synthesis of Magial Symbolism from the Seventeenth-Century Renaissance of Medieval Occultism (Revised)

Adam McLean compiled The Magical Calendar to present a comprehensive synthesis of magical symbolism originating from the seventeenth-century renaissance of medieval occultism. This revised paperback edition offers readers a detailed look at celestial and magical correspondences that were central to esoteric practices during that specific historical period. McLean brings his extensive background as an authority on alchemical texts and Hermetic ideas to this work, having edited over forty books on the subject and previously published titles such as The Alchemical Mandala and Rosicrucian Emblems through his Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks series. The book functions as a reference tool for those interested in the structural elements of occultism rather than narrative instruction. It draws heavily on the traditions of alchemy and Hermeticism, organizing complex symbolic data into accessible tables. The content is designed for scholars, researchers, and practitioners who require precise information regarding the intersection of celestial bodies and magical operations as understood in the early modern era. It suits readers seeking historical accuracy and systematic organization of occult knowledge. It may not appeal to those looking for practical spell-casting instructions or modern interpretations of magic, as its focus remains strictly on the synthesis of existing symbolic frameworks from the specified period. McLean’s editorial experience with the Hermetic Journal and his work on the levity.com/alchemy website inform the depth of this publication. The text provides a clear view into how seventeenth-century thinkers categorized magical forces. This volume stands as a significant document for understanding the intellectual landscape of occult symbolism during its revival. It remains a valuable resource for anyone studying the specific correspondences that defined the magical calendar of that time.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This revised edition successfully brings a pivotal document from the seventeenth-century Renaissance of medieval occultism to light, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding hidden cosmic connections. McLean’s work is invaluable for scholars and practitioners analyzing traditional Western esotericism and macrocosmic-microcosmic correspondences. However, it does not suit readers seeking accessible, modernized interpretations or those uninterested in the dense, intricate systems of historical celestial magic. Those looking for straightforward instructional guides on contemporary ritual practice may find the focus on seventeenth-century symbolism too academic or archaic. It demands a serious engagement with esoteric history rather than casual interest.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Practitioners and scholars deeply invested in the complex systems of traditional Western esotericism will find immense value in this revised edition. Adam McLean presents an indispensable resource that illuminates the enduring relevance of a seminal historical text for new generations. Readers seeking to understand the hidden connections binding the cosmos through meticulous magical symbolism and celestial alignments will appreciate this comprehensive framework. It is particularly beneficial for those charting correspondences between the macrocosm and microcosm, offering a profound tapestry of insights derived from the seventeenth-century surge in occult knowledge. This work bridges the gap between historical curiosity and practical application, making it essential for anyone delving into the intricacies of celestial magic and its symbolic language.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
This is for the serious student of Western esotericism, the practicing ceremonial magician, or anyone deeply interested in the historical foundations of occult thought. If you seek to understand the intricate symbolic systems that shaped Renaissance magic, this text is an essential cornerstone for…

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

This revised edition successfully brings a pivotal document from the seventeenth-century Renaissance of medieval occultism to light, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding hidden cosmic connections. McLean’s work is invaluable for scholars and practitioners analyzing traditional Western esotericism and macrocosmic-microcosmic correspondences. However, it does not suit readers seeking accessible, modernized interpretations or those uninterested in the dense, intricate systems of historical celestial magic. Those looking for straightforward instructional guides on contemporary ritual practice may find the focus on seventeenth-century symbolism too academic or archaic. It demands a serious engagement with esoteric history rather than casual interest.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While foundational, this is a deep dive into historical magical systems, best appreciated by those with some prior understanding of esoteric concepts. It serves more as a primary source document than an introductory guide.
Adam McLean's meticulous revision and commentary render a complex historical work accessible to the modern reader. His expertise provides invaluable context and clarification, making this challenging text navigable for contemporary scholars and practitioners.

📖 Who should read this

This is for the serious student of Western esotericism, the practicing ceremonial magician, or anyone deeply interested in the historical foundations of occult thought. If you seek to understand the intricate symbolic systems that shaped Renaissance magic, this text is an essential cornerstone for your library.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Celestial Correspondence

The book meticulously details the intricate relationships between planetary influences, zodiacal signs, earthly elements, and human experience. It maps out how celestial bodies are believed to exert their forces on everything from minerals and plants to emotions and spiritual states, providing a fundamental map for magical operations and astrological interpretation in the 17th century.

Renaissance Occultism

Serving as a cornerstone text, this work showcases the intellectual fervor of the 17th-century magical revival. It synthesizes medieval occult traditions with emerging Renaissance thought, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to symbolic systems and the pursuit of hidden knowledge. It reflects a period when scholars and practitioners sought to integrate magic, astrology, and alchemy into a coherent worldview.

Complex Magical Symbolism

At its heart, the volume is a deep dive into the language of symbols, presenting a highly structured system for interpreting magical iconography. It elucidates how symbols function as keys to unlocking cosmic forces, offering a practical yet profound lexicon for those seeking to understand or engage with ceremonial magic. The book's visual and textual elements work in concert to convey these elaborate symbolic networks.

📜 Historical context

Emerging from the vibrant intellectual landscape of the 17th century, 'The Magical Calendar' is a crucial artifact of a period that saw a profound resurgence of interest in hermeticism, alchemy, and astrology. It represents a culminating effort to systematize and preserve the vast body of magical knowledge inherited from antiquity and the Middle Ages, cementing its place as a foundational text in the Western esoteric tradition.

📚 Glossary

Correspondences
Occultism
Renaissance Esotericism

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How do you perceive the interconnectedness of the cosmos in your own spiritual or magical practice, and what systems do you use to map these relationships?
  2. Reflect on how historical magical symbolism, as presented in this work, continues to resonate or find new interpretations in contemporary esoteric thought and practice.
  3. Consider the role of detailed cataloging and systematic correspondence in building a coherent magical worldview. How does this compare to more intuitive or spontaneous approaches to magic?

📖 From the series “Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks”

All books in the series →
The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz Godwin, Joscelyn -51%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Godwin, Joscelyn
The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz Godwin, Joscelyn
$17.00 $35.00
86

✍️ More books by this author McLean, Adam

All books by this author →
Treatise on Angel Magic: Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
McLean, Adam
Treatise on Angel Magic: Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks
$18.95
86

🏛 Books from this publisher Phanes Press

All books from this publisher →
The Theology of Arithmetic
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Iambilichus Iambilichus, Robin Waterfield, Keith Critchlow
The Theology of Arithmetic
$17.00
86
The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz Godwin, Joscelyn -51%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Godwin, Joscelyn
The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz Godwin, Joscelyn
$17.00 $35.00
86
Eternal Hermes: From Greek God to Alchemical Magus -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Faivre, Antoine
Eternal Hermes: From Greek God to Alchemical Magus
$18.95 $22.00
86
The Mystery of the Seven Vowels in Theory and Practice -50%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Godwin, Joscelyn
The Mystery of the Seven Vowels in Theory and Practice
$14.95 $30.00
86
Robert Fludd: Hermetic Philosopher and Surveyor of 2 Worlds 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Godwin, Joscelyn
Robert Fludd: Hermetic Philosopher and Surveyor of 2 Worlds
$21.95
86

You might also like

See more →
Treatise on Angel Magic: Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
4
McLean, Adam
Treatise on Angel Magic: Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks
$18.95
86
Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Wilby, Emma
Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits
$77.95
92
The Book of Oberon: A Sourcebook of Elizabethan Magic
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Harms, Daniel
The Book of Oberon: A Sourcebook of Elizabethan Magic
$80.00
92
Low Magick: It's All in Your Head ... You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
DuQuette, Lon Milo
Low Magick: It's All in Your Head ... You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is
$17.99
86
The Chaos Protocols: Magical Techniques for Navigating the New Economic Reality
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
White, Gordon
The Chaos Protocols: Magical Techniques for Navigating the New Economic Reality
$17.99
86
Cord Magic: Tapping Into the Power of String, Yarn, Twists & Knots
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Williams, Brandy
Cord Magic: Tapping Into the Power of String, Yarn, Twists & Knots
$17.99
86
Seal, Sigil & Call: A New Approach to Ritual Magic
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
J R Mascaro, Frater Barrabbas
Seal, Sigil & Call: A New Approach to Ritual Magic
$17.99
86
The Book of Mermaid Magic: Healing, Spellwork & Connection with Merfolk -14%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Robertson, Leeza
The Book of Mermaid Magic: Healing, Spellwork & Connection with Merfolk
$17.99 $21.00
86
Egyptian Magic
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Budge, E A Wallis
Egyptian Magic
$17.99
86
Spells for Self-Care -45%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Johnson, Dee
Spells for Self-Care
$17.99 $33.00
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Esoteric Meaning

Concepts in this book

Symbolism →
Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist