The Book of Gold (Le Livre d’Or) - 17th Century Book of Spells, Charms & Magic using the Biblical Psalms of David
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Verse nine of this Psalm, “Before him the Ethiopians shall fall down: and his enemies shall lick the ground” is used around the outside of a Saturnian Pentacle which is used for striking terror into spirits and controlling them (see Saturn 1, Appendix 4). A derivative version of this Pentacle was also ascribed to the Sun (see Sun 8, Appendix 5). A Martial Pentacle to be fortunate for military purposes also uses this verse (see Mars 1, Appendix 5).
This Psalm is recited before cutting the Reed used for flaying animals to make parchment in the Key of Solomon.cclxviii It is the first of the three Psalms (71, 116, 133) used in the conjuration of the parchment in the Key of Solomon. cclxix It is also one of those in the sequence of nineteen (130, 14, 101, 8, 83, 67, 71, 132, 112, 125, 45, 46, 21, 50, 129, 138, 48, 109, 52) recited for conjuration of the wax used in making the Pentacles in the Key of Solomon.cclxx This Psalm is the second of the four (81, 71, 133, 63) to be spoken over the silken cloth as part of its consecration, prior to use for wrapping the tools in the Key of Solomon.cclxxi
Verses seven and eight of this Psalm, “In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken sway. And he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth”, are given in A Treatise of Mixed Cabalah for gaining the affection of princes, lords and all men and being pleasing to them. cclxxii
The second half of verse twenty-three with verse twenty-four, “and I am always with thee. Thou hast held me by my right hand; and by thy will thou hast conducted me, and with thy glory thou hast received me”, are given in the same work for ensuring no person refuses you an honest answer. cclxxiii
PSALM 72
Quam bonus Israel Deus
Write this Psalm, attach it to your arm and you will obtain that, which you will ask for. The Moon as before this one.
ORATION
Be graceful to us, Lord, and unite us to Thee and may we love Thee in the midst of our salvation and our feelings so that we may be worthy to sing Thy praises eternally in the presence of the Children of Zion, through our Lord Jesus Christ. So mote it be.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “How good is God to Israel”.
A fourteenth century text (Harley MS 2253) advised the use of this Psalm as a textual amulet to be worn on the arm, using the same modus operandi, though for a different purpose, being healing.
This Psalm should be recited by a man who is fearful of being forced to deny his faith, while staying in a heathen and idolatrous land, according to Sepher Shimmush Tehillim.cclxxiv
This Psalm is the seventh in the sequence of eight Psalms (8, 21, 27, 29, 32, 51, 72, 134) to be recited during the consecration of the Pentacles in the Key of Solomon. The Pentacle is held over the incense towards the rising sun and the Psalms recited with devotion.cclxxv
Verse twenty-one, “For my heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed:” is used around the edge of a Venusian Pentacle to succeed in ventures of love (see Venus 5, Appendix 5).
PSALM 73
Ut quid Deus repulisti in finem
Write this Psalm in the name of your enemy; write his name along with the characters and place it into the fire. He will flee immediately.
The Moon as above.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “O God why hast thou cast us off unto the end”.
Again the roots of this use may stem from Sepher Shimmush Tehillim, which advocates this Psalm to bring enemies to a terrible end if they persecute and oppress you.cclxxvi
PSALM 74
Confitebimur tibi Deus: Raha
The one who recites it to you will be blessed by God and delivered from bondage and from prison, as were St John the Evangelist, St Thomas the Martyrcclxxvii and several others. You should say it every day, just as Saint Jerome and St Augustine affirm.
If it is written at the day and hour of Jupiter on a fox's skin – with the character and the name of the Intelligence, it serves merchants’ [205] profits well; you should wrap it in some taffeta material, bound with gold and carry it on you and recite the Psalm every day.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the beginning of verse two, “We will praise thee, O God”. As the name of the intelligence is not given in the text, the name Raha given in the heading is almost certainly the relevant name.
This Psalm is recommended for the forgiveness of sins by Sepher Shimmush Tehillim.cclxxviii
St John the Evangelist (died circa 100 CE) is often associated with St John the Apostle (although this is debated), the author of the Gospel of John. Tradition holds that St John was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus and was the only one who lived into old age and was not killed for his faith. Some people also ascribe the Book of Revelation to St John, but this is also in doubt.
St Thomas Beckett was born in London in 1118 CE and later in life became the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was known to be in conflict over the rights and privileges of the Church (mainly to do with land taxes) with the monarch, Henry II and was assassinated in 1170 CE by the king's followers. He is buried in Canterbury cathedral in South East England.
St Augustine of Hippo was born in 354 CE in Thagaste, which is in modern-day Algeria. He is considered to be one of the most important philosophers and was extremely influential in the development of the Early Christian Church and was known to be heavily influenced by the Neo-Platonism of Plotinus. He was the one responsible for the doctrines of Original Sin and the Justification of War. He died in 430 CE in Hippo Regius (also in Algeria).
PSALM 75
Notus in Judea Deus:
Write this Psalm at the waxing of the Moon and hang it from the door of a house, where there are Spirits and they will be dispelled.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “In Judea God is known”.
This Psalm may be used for defence against dangers of fire and water according to Sepher Shimmush Tehillim.cclxxix
PSALM 76
Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi:
Write this Psalm on a glass plate then wash it in clean water, which you will give to drink to the person who has been bound to enchantments and he will be healed.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “I cried to the Lord with my voice”
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim states that when this Psalm is prayed daily, no danger will touch you.cclxxx
Part of verse fourteen, “who is the great God like our Elohim” is used around the edge of a Martial Pentacle which is used for exciting war, discord and hostility, as well as resisting enemies and striking terror into rebellious spirits (see Mars 3, Appendix 4). In this a parallel to the destruction of enchantments described in the charm may be seen.
PSALM 77
Attendite popule meus legem meam:
If you have any enemy, take a bronze drinking vessel and write this Psalm along with its characters inside this vessel, then fill it with clean water and say this Psalm over it 7 times and then pour it out in front of the door of your enemy.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “Attend, O my people, to my law”.
In Sepher Shimmush Tehillim, this Psalm is used for receiving favour from kings and princes.cclxxxi
PSALM 78
Deus venerunt gentes in hereditatem tuam: Had
Write these characters on a new tablet and say this Psalm seven times over rose oil and wash these characters in it and then rub your face with it and you will be received honourably.
[206]
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “O God, the heathens are come into thy inheritance”.
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim states that when prayed, this Psalm is fatal to enemies and opponents.cclxxxii
PSALM 79
Qui regis Israel, intende:
Write this Psalm on a new cooking pot along wi
th these characters and fill it with clean water. Then say this Psalm seven times over it and wash a woman with the water and she will be chaste.
The Moon as above this one.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the beginning of verse two, “Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel”.
One of the oldest known Psalm-based amulets, the lead scroll of Rodas from the first-third century CE, contains this Psalm.cclxxxiii
According to Sepher Shimmush Tehillim, this Psalm can help to save a man from falling into unbelief and from other errors.cclxxxiv
In the Goetia, the thirty-seventh Shemhamphorash angel, Aniel, is associated with verse eight of this Psalm, “O God of hosts, convert us: and show thy face, and we shall be saved”.cclxxxv
PSALM 80
Exultate Deo adjutori nostro:
Write these characters on a leaf from an olive tree and perfume it with mastic and attach it to the arm of a sick man then read this Psalm and the haemorrhage will cease.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “Rejoice to God our helper”.
According to Sepher Shimmush Tehillim, this Psalm can help to save a man from falling into unbelief and from other errors.cclxxxvi
This Psalm is the fourth in the sequence of five Psalms (17, 13, 54, 80, 117) to be recited whilst bathing before conjuration in the Key of Solomon.cclxxxvii
PSALM 81
Deus stetit in synagoga Deorum:
Write these characters and read this above Psalm and wash them with common oil or with rose oil and rub your face with it – you will be agreeably and honourably received.
The Moon as above this one.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “God hath stood in the congregation of gods”.
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim recommends this Psalm may be used to help an employee perform his job to the satisfaction of his employers and to allow his business affairs to prosper and succeed.cclxxxviii
This Psalm is the first of the four (81, 71, 133, 63) to be spoken over the silken cloth as part of its consecration, prior to its use for wrapping the instruments of the Art in the Key of Solomon.cclxxxix
In A Treatise of Mixed Cabalah, verses one and two, “God hath stood in the congregation of gods: and being in the midst of them he judgeth gods. How long will you judge unjustly: and accept the persons of the wicked”, are used for winning a law suit.
PSALM 82
Deus quis similis erit tibi?
Take a new cooking pot and write the following characters in it; fill it with water, with which a woman has washed herself and read this Psalm over it seven times. Then pour it out in the house of your enemy and he will be destroyed.
The Moon as above this one.
[207]
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “O God, who shall be like to thee?”
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim recommends this Psalm for being kept safe during war, avoiding defeat and captivity; though if captured, you will not be harmed. The Psalm should be written on parchment and hung around the neck.ccxc
This is the first of the two Psalms spoken over the swallow or crow feather used to make a pen of the art in the Key of Solomon.ccxci
PSALM 83
Quam dilecta tabernacula tua Domine virtutum:
If you wish to have access to a Prince, write this Psalm until Respice in faciem Christi tui. Bind it to your arm. You will be honourably received. The Moon as before this one.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is verse two, “How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts!”
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim gives an interesting use for this Psalm. This Psalm with the divine name Av (AB, ‘Father’) are pronounced over a pot of water on which the sun has never shone, and the water poured over a person to banish bad smells acquired during a severe or protracted illness.ccxcii
This Psalm is one of those in the sequence of nineteen (130, 14, 101, 8, 83, 67, 71, 132, 112, 125, 45, 46, 21, 50, 129, 138, 48, 109, 52) recited for conjuration of the wax used in making the Pentacles in the Key of Solomon.ccxciii
This Psalm is the second of three written with some characters on a piece of virgin parchment and placed under the pillow for a dream vision of a thief and where he placed stolen goods.ccxciv
PSALM 84
Benedixisti Domine terram tuam.
Write this Psalm on some laurel leaves and perfume it with mastic and with incense, mixed with rose oil and anoint your face with it. You will be fortunate and lucky. The Moon as above.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “Lord, thou hast blessed thy land”.
A Treatise of Mixed Cabalah also gives a similar use to be lucky in all things, with verses twelve and thirteen, “Truth is sprung out of the earth: and justice hath looked down from heaven. For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit”.ccxcv
This Psalm is recommended by Sepher Shimmush Tehillim for reconciliation with a former friend. The Psalm and the divine name Vah (VH, the second half of Tetragrammaton) should be recited seven times facing south in an open field (note south is associated with wisdom in the Qabalah and in the Talmud).ccxcvi
PSALM 85
Inclina Domine aurem tuam & exaudi me:
Read this Psalm twenty times over a wine press and write the characters and place them in the wine press. There will be blessings upon the wine.
The Moon as above.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is part of verse one, “Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me”.
This is the fifth of the five Psalms in the sequence for preparing the holy drink against elf influence and the devil’s temptations in the Anglo-Saxon Lacnunga manuscript (C10th-11th CE).ccxcvii
This Psalm is recommended by Sepher Shimmush Tehillim for frequent prayer to divert evil and attract good.ccxcviii
PSALM 86
Fundamenta ejus in montibus sanctis:
Write this Psalm along with the characters with the blood of a dove and perfume it with mastic and aloe wood; attach them to your arm and all your affairs will be soon fulfilled.
The Moon and hour as before this one.
[208]
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the second half of verse one, “The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains”.
This Psalm is recommended by Sepher Shimmush Tehillim for frequent prayer to divert evil and attract good.ccxcix
PSALM 87
Domine Deus salutis meæ, in die clamavi, Saday.
If any enemy has harmed you in any thing, write this Psalm in a new cooking pot, filled with water from a well or a spring that has never seen the Sun nor the Moon and write these characters onto a glass plate and wash it with water, in which a woman will have washed; place this into the pot and pour it out at the door of your enemy, apart from that, also write these characters:
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is most of verse two, “O Lord, the God of my salvation: I have cried in the day”. Saday is a spelling of the divine name Shaddai (ShDI, ‘Almighty’, a divine name of the Sephira of Yesod on the Qabalistic Tree of Life).
This Psalm is recommended by Sepher Shimmush Tehillim for frequent prayer to divert evil and attract good.ccc It is also said to be especially good for the welfare of the community and the congregation.ccci
In the Goetia there are three Shemhamphorash angels associated with the verses of this Psalm. These are the sixteenth angel Hakamiah, with verse two “O Lord, the God of my salvation: I have cried in the day, and in the night before thee”;cccii the fortieth angel Yeiazel with verse fifteen “Lord, why castest thou off my prayer: why turnest thou away thy face from me”;ccciii and the forty-third angel Vevaliah with verse fourteen “But I, O Lord, have cried to thee: and in the morning my prayer shall prevent thee”.ccciv
PSA
LM 88
Misericordias Domini in æternam cantabo. Jad
Write this Psalm on the head of a person who has pain there and he will be delivered; read it also over holy water and sprinkle it in the house and God's blessing will be upon it.
COMMENTARY:
The Latin in the title is the first half of verse two, “The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever”. Jad may be a corruption of the Hebrew letter Yod, which like Aleph is often used as a shorthand for the divine.
A Similar use is given in A Treatise of Mixed Cabalah, with verse eighteen, “For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy good pleasure shall our horn be exalted”, being given against headaches.cccv
Sepher Shimmush Tehillim recommends this Psalm for two diverse purposes. The first is for cases of severe and rapidly developing illnesses, where the Psalm is recited over olive oil and this poured onto ram’s wool, which is used to anoint the patient’s body. The second use is to liberate an arrested person, by going to an open field, raising your eyes to heaven and reciting the Psalm with a suitable prayer.cccvi