King James: Daemonologie (1597 First Edition)

Daemonologie. First Booke.

Geomancy Divination by interpreting markings on the ground or patterns formed by tossed handfuls of soil, rocks, or sand., Hydromancy Divination by means of water, including the observation of ripples or images in a pool., Arithmancy Divination using numbers, often relating to the numerical value of letters in a name., Physiognomy The practice of assessing a person's character or fortune from their outer appearance, especially the face.: and a thousand others: which were much practiced and held in great reverence by the Gentiles original: Gentiles; refers here to ancient pagans. of old. And this last part of Astrology of which I have spoken, which is the root of their branches, was called by them the part of fortune original: pars fortunae. This part now is utterly unlawful to be trusted in, or practiced among Christians, as it relies on no ground of natural reason; and it is this part which I called before the devil’s school.

PHI. But yet many of the learned are of the contrary opinion.

EPI. I grant that, yet I could give my reasons to fortify and maintain my opinion, if entering into this disputation would not draw me quite off the ground of our discourse—besides the wasting of the whole day upon it. One word only I will answer to them, and that from the Scriptures (which must be an infallible ground for all true Christians): That in the Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 10 it is plainly forbidden to believe or listen to those who prophesy and foretell by the course of the planets and stars.

CHAPTER V. ARGUMENT.

How far the using of charms is lawful or unlawful; the description of the forms of circles and conjurations; and what causes the magicians themselves to weary of them.

Well, you have said far enough in that argument. But how prove you now that these charms...