Black Magic and the Sabbath

Central to this esoteric landscape is the Sabbath, a term that encompasses both its traditional religious significance and its darker, occult connotations. The Sabbath is a gathering of witches and devils, a nocturnal revelry that involves the performance of rituals and ceremonies in honor of the devil. This concept is inextricably linked to black magic, which is characterized by its dark and harmful intents, often involving extreme and gruesome practices.

The Mendes Goat, a symbol of the devil, is a focal point for malevolent rituals at the Sabbath, where the devil manifests in visible form. This phenomenon is closely tied to the concept of Hirrenkesept, which represents the confusion and destruction of hierarchical order. The Sabbath, as a setting, embodies the breakdown of structured systems, highlighting the tension between order and chaos.

Sorcerers, a lineage of individuals who practice sorcery, are integral to the Sabbath and black magic. They manipulate magical forces for various intentions, ranging from beneficial uses to harmful or nefarious ones. The sorcerers of the Middle Ages, in particular, are known to perform rituals at the Sabbath, and their lineage includes notable figures such as Canidia, a known sorceress.

The relationship between sorcerers and black magic is closely wedded, as sorcerers are associated with the practice of black magic and create magical links with their targets through magnetic connexions. They also prepare philtres, substances used to induce love, often involving strong actions on the nervous system. Magnetized mirrors, devices used to communicate with elemental intelligences, are another manifestation of black magic in this context.

Manichaeanism, a heretical doctrine derived from the misconstrued teachings of Zoroaster, is seen as a key factor in the development of black magic. This doctrine is closely tied to the Sabbath, which is an actualized manifestation of Manichaean esoteric practices. The influence of Manichaeanism can be seen in the emphasis on the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, which is a recurring theme throughout this esoteric landscape.

The figure of Levi, associated with esoteric and magical concepts, is notable for his work on Transcendental Magic. His writings have contributed significantly to the understanding and interpretation of magical practices and their philosophical underpinnings. The Mantegna tarot pack, a deck of cards created by Mantegna, may have been influenced by Levi's Kabbalistic ideas, highlighting the connection between this esoteric tradition and the world of black magic.