The Hours: The Καταρχαί of Hygromanteia by Mat Hadfield – Greek Magic & Magical Time

Hygromanteia, Greek magic, Key of Solomon

The Hours: The Καταρχαί of Hygromanteia by Mat Hadfield examines the magical conception of Time within the Hygromanteia, the Greek magical tradition that stands as an important precursor to the later Key of Solomon.

Rather than treating magical time simply as a system for selecting favourable moments, Hadfield explores a conception of Time that is cyclic, mythic and intertwined with the structure of the cosmos. The book follows the transmission of these ideas through Greco-Egyptian magical practices and investigates their continuing significance within the grimoire tradition.

The study moves through a rich landscape of astrological and magical material, including the zodiac, decans, lunar mansions, planetary virtues, spirits and the magical texts of the Greek and wider Mediterranean worlds. Particular attention is given to the stellar axis and the cosmological beings associated with it, as well as the relationship between planetary powers and the spirits assigned to the hours of the days of the week.

Of particular interest is the reconstruction of the Names set over the Hours of the Days of the week according to the Treatise of Solomon. Presented in a new context, this material offers practitioners and researchers an opportunity to examine the relationship between magical timing, planetary influence and the spirits associated with particular hours.

Combining historical investigation, occult philosophy and practical magical material, The Hours will appeal to readers of the Hygromanteia, Greek magic and the Solomonic tradition, as well as collectors seeking serious contemporary scholarship on the foundations of Western grimoire practice.

Premium Production Details

Author: Mat Hadfield

Publisher: Hadean Press

Edition: Hardcover

ISBN: 978-1-915933-47-8

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 146

Format: Colour