PREFACE

...I consider that I have thought [these things] out, striving against myself with a certain intensity so that I might grow inspired, I impel myself toward some kind of imitation of those who went before, even with the newest efforts. Nor, as I think, has my opinion entirely deceived me; for I have learned many things through continuous study of reading which I previously did not know: and I have opened an entrance for my thoughts to understand more secret things and matters altogether hidden from others.

For although I am not of such great erudition or industry that I would dare to profess that I have grasped in every part that way of hiding the mysteries of the ancient sages: nevertheless I have found certain modes—many and various—not entirely (as it seems to me) to be despised, by which I can communicate the most secret intention of my mind to another who knows this art, as widely as I wish, securely and without deception, suspicion, or the reproach of anyone, through open messengers or letters.

And I have committed to writing the new invention of this most secret art at the instance of the Most Serene Prince, Lord Philip, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and ever-invincible Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, the wisest Patron original: "Mæcenatis" — referring to Gaius Maecenas, the famous Roman protector of poets; here used to honor Philip as a great supporter of scholarship. of all Philosophers, to whom no one seemed more worthy to me that this great secret should be revealed; and not without the greatest labors have I gathered it into the present volume.

Lest, however, this great secret reach the ears of common, ignorant, or wicked men, I have considered it no small part of my duty—since it teaches how to understand mysteries while the ignorant remain unaware—to wrap it in mysteries, so that no one from the number of the ignorant shall be hereafter, no one unless he is most studious, who could perfectly and fully penetrate the secret of this science according to our intention by his own virtue alone, unless by receiving it from a teacher, which the Hebrews call Kabbalah original: "Cabalam" — Trithemius uses this term to describe a tradition of oral transmission where a teacher explains the "keys" to hidden knowledge to a worthy student., which is set over the most hidden mysteries.

Nor would the knowledge of this most secret art, if divulged to the wicked and the reprobate, harm the Commonwealth original: "Reipub." (Republicae) — the state or public good. less than it would benefit the good. Since indeed, just as good men and those studious of virtues use all inventions for good and common utility: so the evil and reprobate hunt for opportunities for themselves not only from bad things, but even from good and most holy institutions, by which they may become worse. A similar thing can happen to this most secret and otherwise useful and most honorable invention of ours; so that just as it offers itself as an instrument for the best things to good and holy men, so through...