ARS SPECULUM
Being an Instruction on the Arte of Using Mirrors and Shewstones in Magic
By Gary St. M. Nottingham
Ars Speculum is a concise and practical work on the use of mirrors in magic. Mirrors and reflections have always fascinated mankind, and are found throughout folklore, mythology and literature. English alchemist and sorceror Gary Nottingham guides the reader through the development of the clairvoyant faculty to its use for skrying in mirrors as well as crystal shewstones.
The author travels far beyond the art of skrying to explore the diverse range of magical practices using mirrors. These include working with the four elements of air, fire, water and earth, both through elemental condensers and different elemental creatures. Other techniques within this gem of practical magic are contacting other levels of being, the conjuration of spirits, binding and ligature, the appropriate use of herbs, and creating powerful tools for healing and protection. The construction and consecration of a magic mirror are detailed, along with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.
Certain spiritual beings particularly associated with mirror magic are included in this primer, specifically the archangel Gabriel and the elemental beings sylphs, salamanders, undines and gnomes. With his lucid and eminently practical style, the author has shone a light ensuring that magical practitioners of any level no longer need to stare 'through a glass darkly'.
This book is Volume VI of the 7-volume series Foundations of Practical Sorcery by Gary St. Michael Nottingham.
2015, 58 pages. Paperback & Kindle editions available.
ISBN 978-1-905297-79-5
B&W 6.14 x 9.21 in or 234 x 156 mm (Royal 8vo) Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam
Ars Speculum by Gary St. M. Nottingham
Introduction
Of the Arte
Of the Preparation of the Arte
Of the Tools of Arte
Through a Glass Darkly
Ars Speculum Magia
Elemental Invoking & Banishing Pentagrams
Further ReadingGary St. M. Nottingham’s commitment to the study and practice of the alchemical arte, ritual magic, grimoires and spirit conjuration means that he can often be found peering at bubbling flasks or a shewstone – or otherwise engaged in deepening his knowledge and understanding of such matters. His practices also draw on the work of the 17th-century astrologer William Lilly and the arte of horary astrology.
He organised the legendary Ludlow Esoteric Conference (2004-2008), helped produce Verdelet occult magazine, has taught many free day workshops on basic occult skills and is a popular speaker at esoteric conferences.
The seven volumes of Foundations of Practical Sorcery are an unabridged collection of Gary’s much sought-after previously published work, updated and made available to a wider readership at last. Ars Alchemica and Ars Angelorum may be seen as companion volumes to this central work.
Gary was raised in south Shropshire, where, during his mid-teens, he became involved with a small Coven, thereby gaining an excellent grounding in a wide selection of magical practices. Following the conjuration of a spirit, and asking it for help that manifested when least expected, he subsequently became involved with a group of practising alchemists.
He has a background in horticulture, enjoys spending time in the garden and playing chess.