How today’s eclipse will work, as explained in the 13th Century

From MS. Canon. Misc. 161.

The Rawlinson necromantic manuscript, 15th century

This collection of texts on magic and fortune-telling - popularly known as the Rawlinson necromantic manuscript - is written in Latin and Middle English. It contains spells, conjurations, invocations and ‘experimenta’ (true experiences) of angels.

The two devices shown above are sigils, and pentagrams such as the one on the left have long been accredited with esoteric powers. The ancient Greeks saw in them a demonstration of mathematical perfection, while medieval Christians saw in them an image of the five wounds of Christ, while many now see it as an occult sign used by practitioners of magic to invoke both heavenly and diabolic spirits.

The Art of Alchemy in Medieval Manuscripts

The manufacture of colored pigments and inks was part of the science of alchemy, the forerunner of modern chemistry. Concerned with the transformation of matter, alchemy was closely tied to artistic practice.

A new exhibition at the Getty Center explores alchemy in manuscripts. The Alchemy of Color is open through January 1, 2017!

Cats being cats in the 13th century.

Dear Diary,

We is hobbits.

Best,

Dindimus