The Book of Abramelin

The Book of Abramelin presents itself as the magical testament of Abraham of Worms, passing to his son a system learned from an Egyptian sage. At its centre is a single, demanding operation lasting many months of prayer, purification, and withdrawal.

Its goal is the "Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel" — direct, sustained contact with one's higher divine self — after which the magician is said to gain authority over the lower spirits. Power over the outer world is made strictly consequent on inner alignment with the divine.

Rediscovered and translated by S. L. MacGregor Mathers, it became a pillar of modern Western ceremonial magic, its central rite adopted as the very aim of the magical path.