The Sacred Book of Hermes to Asclepius
The Sacred Book of Hermes to
Asclepius is an important Hermetic astrological text, written in Greek,
probably dating back to the 1st-4th centuries A.D., but surviving
in Medieval manuscripts (post 13th century). It lists the 36 decans their secret names, their images, and instructions for
their use which involve talismanic packets for healing purposes: for each the
reader is instructed to engrave the image on a particular stone, to place a
plant or herb under it, and to wear the whole as a talisman. The text also
contains warnings to abstain from certain types of foods, whose energies will
presumably hinder the intended effects. Some of the stones and herbs named in
the text are not entirely known. Each decan governs a body part or organ, and
thereby we can determine which one to use for a particular affliction or
illness.
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