Transcendental Magic II: The Ritual (Éliphas Lévi) · 78 of 123 · tr. A.E. Waite
15. The Sabbath Of The Sorcerersj
This madman confessed at his trial that Satan had appeared to him frequently, but had always deceived him by promises of treasures which he had never delivered.
It transpired from the judicial informations that several hundred unfortunate children had fallen victims to the cupidity and atrocious fancies of this monster.
Themes
◆Forbidden Knowledgesoteriology
Transgressive knowing acquired against divine prohibition — the Watchers' teaching of metallurgy, sorcery, and cosmetics in 1 Enoch, the Gnostic Eve narratives, the Promethean mytheme; explicitly contrasted with gnosis_direct_knowledge, which is salvific.
The madman's attempt to gain treasure through Satanic contact aligns with the transgressive acquisition of power characteristic of forbidden knowledge.
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