The Rings of Messalah: Rawlinson 252 Fragments

Rawlinson Ms. 252, fol.80r

1. Source 

Bodleian Library Manuscript Rawlinson 252, known in the literature as the Rawlinson Necromantic Manuscript, is a 15th century fascinating collection of experiments and magical treatises in Latin and English, excerpts of which can be found in Frank Klaassen`s Transformations of Magic  and Richard Kieckhefer`s Forbidden Rites.

Only three fragments from our treatise are contained in it, namely the rings of Jupiter and Mercury and the planetary consacration, the latter being very seldom met with in English versions, corresponding closely to the Darmstadt text. 

I am indebted to professor Frank Klaassen and to Joseph Peterson for their kind help in supplying information used to write this article, whom I duly thank. 

2. Text and translation 

[79v] Annulus [Jovis] fit ergo una parte de [Solis] et alia parte de lune et fiat dies [Jovis] et eius hora. Iste annulus est bonum ad omninos lucrationem ad deliberandum homines qui sunt condamnati et eciam ad omninos accionem, ad faciendum eam monetam quam trades aliam alteri venire ad te vel quecumque alius dederis. Quando volueris hoc experimentum facere, ieiuna die [Jovis] vsque ad noctem, et in nocte cum sanguine galli fac istum karacter	[79v] The ring of [Jupiter] is made of one part [Sun/gold] and the other part Moon [silver] and it is to be made in the day of [Jupiter] and in his hour. This ring is good for all workings and for freeing men that are imprisoned and also for all actions, and for making a coin that you or another has spent come back to you or whomever gave it. When you wish to make this experiment, fast on the day of [Jupiter] until night-time and at night make this character with the blood of a cock
et scribe nomen angeli quod est phitonias1 in pelle vitulli et fac bursam inde vel aliter ponem in ista cedula qualcumque volueris moneta vel alius qud vis rehabere statim et da et statim ad te reveniet.2	and write the name of the angel that is phitonias1 in calfskin and make a pouch where you or another will put this document whenever you or some other will wish to get the coin back immediately, and give it and immediately it shall return to you.
[80r] Anulus mercurij debet fieri de cupro sicut est mars, ad habendum omnem scientiam et victoriam in omni placito cuiuscunque domini, et quod non condempnaberis ab aliquo iudice. Quando vis operare, sis ieiu[n]us die .[mercurii]. usque ad noctem. Eodem nocte, cum sanguine vulpis vel mureligi, fac istum carecterem	[80r] The ring of Mercury ought to be made from copper, just like Mars, in order to have all knowledge and victory in every struggle with any lord, and that you will not be condemned by any judge. When you wish to operate, fast on the day of Mercury to the evening. That same night, make this character with the blood of a fox or cat on the skin of a he-goat
et nomen angeli, quod est yparon in pelli hirci, et quando venis coram iudice vel aliquo alio homine, [80v] scribe hunc karacterem in pectore tuo vel in fronte cum nomine Angeli, et tene cedulam in manu tua, et ipse non habebit potestatem condempnandi te, et facies anulum in die [mercurii] et eius hora.3	and the name of the angel, which is Yparon, and when you come before the judge or any other man, [80v] write this character on your chest or forehead with the name of the Angel and hold the document in your hand, and he will not have the power to condemn you, and make the ring in day of Mercury and his hour.4
Consecratio planetarum Exorcizo vos creaturas planetarum dedicatas eorum spiritibus et in earum horis fabricatas et earum potencia factas, per Vryel, Salatiel, Acoel, et per potenciam, que vobis condonata est in creacione vestra in principio, quibus dicens Relinquo munera que sunt preciosa, ita quod vos ad illa adiuuetis que desiderare volo et patere, et quod tale adiuuamentum prebeatis ad quales particlos, estis fabricate vel scripte estis per virtutem per quam vos constrinxi estis, prestante deo in secula seculorum amen.5	Consecration of the planets I exorcise you, creatures of the planets, consecrated to their spirits and constructed in their hours and made by their power, through Uryel, Salatiel, Acoel, and through the power which was bestowed upon you in your creation in the beginning, saying to them: “I relinquish gifts which are precious” so that you may furnish benefit to those things which I wish to desire and seek, and so that you may furnish such benefit to those particulars, you [i.e., the rings] were constructed or you were inscribed through the power by which I have constrained you: you exist with God disposing forever and ever, amen.5

3. Notes

1. Possibly phitomians.

2. Transcription and translation of the Jupiter portion by myself. 

3. Klaassen, p.239, note 81.

4. op. cit., p.144.

5. op. cit., p.239, note 82.

4. Comparative seal chart

If you find this helpful, share it or consider becoming a patron, in order to keep this free resource going with as much new material as possible. Thank you.