Sepher Raziel
The Sefer Raziel, also known as the Book of Raziel the Angel, encompasses a Hebrew and Aramaic written grimoire possibly from the Middle Ages that delves into Practical Kabbalah within the Solomonic tradition. As in the case with many obscure texts, this enigmatic grimoire has seen numerous versions published. It is considered Jewish in origin and written by different anonymous authors sometime around the 13th century, hence gaining most of its notoriety in the late 1400’s. And while its origins have yet to be definitively constrained to a date earlier than the 13th century, certain segments of its text have been traced back to late antiquity. More so, the title Sefer Raziel is referenced in the apocryphal book on magic, The Sword of Moses, scribed in Hebrew during the 11th century or possibly earlier. Additionally, it is worth noting that Trithemius explicitly mentioned that Sefer Raziel served as one of his primary sources for his intricate work, the Steganographia. This sentiment was echoed by Agrippa, who also acknowledged the influential role of Sefer Raziel in his own magnum opus, On Occult Philosophy. Sefer Raziel is an important text of magical lor and ritual instructions.
The infamous Hebrew legend of the Sefer Raziel text, tells the story of how it was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden by God through the Angel Raziel. According to the myth, this was considered to be the first book ever written and was of direct divine origin, containing knowledge about angelic hierarchy, astrology, Qabalah, and Gematria. Some believe that it possibly served as the original and primary source for much of the magic and qabalistic literature.
Within the Jewish mysticism tradition of Kabbalah, a minor tradition exists called Practical Kabbalah (Kabbalah Ma’asit) that focuses on the use of magic, which they specifically refer to as "white magic." This practice includes the usage of incantations of angelic or holy divine names, the implementation of amulets, various forms of divination, as well as the utilization of the Sefer Raziel HaMalakh/The Book of Raziel the Angel. It is believed that this book contains all the knowledge of the Universe known at the time, including astrology of the planets in our solar system, the creative life energy of earth, birth, death, and reincarnation of the soul.
While traditional Kabbalah is about trying to understand the nature of God and our existence, Practical Kabbalah involves creating life through magical means by summoning or communicating with God and angels. There is a bit of contradiction here in that Jewish texts for the most part regard magic as evil and condemn its practice - however, they regard Practical Kabbalah as pure and holy and only reserved for the Jewish elite.
Raziel, derived from the Hebrew language, is said to refer to the profound meaning of ‘secrets of God,’ which characterizes the mystical nature of this enigmatic figure. Often heralded as the “angel of mysteries” or “keeper of secrets” within Jewish mysticism, Raziel holds a significant place as an archangel. Depicted as a cherub in attendance of the divine presence, he also assumes the role of one of the Ophanim, the celestial wheels described in Ezekiel’s vision, and chief of the Er’elim, a high-ranking echelon of angels. His appearance is described as adorned with blue wings, a flowing gray robe, and a glowing yellow halo, embodying the essence of wisdom. According to belief, Angel Raziel was dispatched by God to the world below to impart knowledge on humanity and serve as a guide so that mankind may learn how to once again return to his spiritual origins and come home. It is said that Angel Raziel stands at hearld upon Mount Horeb everyday proclaiming the sacred revelations to humankind, symbolizing the bridge between the earthly realm and the divine.
The Book of Raziel draws upon greatly from other texts, such as Sepher Yetzirah and Sefer Ha-Razim. Multiple manuscripts versions contain up to seven tractates, consisting of (1) Clavis - focusing on astrology and its application in magic, including detailed interactions with planets, signs, and houses, (2) Ala - delving into the magical virtues of stones, animals, and herbs, (3) Tractatus Thymiamatus - dedicated to determining perfumes and suffumigations, (4) Treatise of Times - providing intricate information on the correct hours of the day for each operation, (5) Treatise of Preparations - centered on ritual purity and abstinence, (6) Samaim - exploring the different heavens and their respective angels, and (7) Book of Names - elucidating the virtues and properties of names, including the 7 semiforas of Adam and the 7 semiforas of Moses. Alternatively, the printed version of Sefer Raziel is sectioned into five books, which include The Book of Vestment, The Book of the Great Raziel, The Holy Names, The Book of the Mysteries, and The Book of the Signs of the Zodiac. However, others state that it actually consists of 7 books: The text, in either version, is reputed to delve into intricate descriptions of the holy names of God, the classification of Heaven and Hell, the names and hierarchical structure of the angels, and more. Additionally, it offers profound insights into the symbolic interpretations of the Book of Genesis and Sepher Yetzirah.
The Book claims to refer to an interaction between Adam and the Angel Raziel shortly after the Fall. Cast out, Adam humbly prays to God and earnestly apologizes for his betrayal. Touched by Adam’s sincerity, God is moved and dispatches his most trusted Angel, Raziel, to aid Adam on earth, “improve Man’s existence outside of paradise,” and find his way back and guide him toward redemption. Raziel imparts profound wisdom on the power of words and how to speak as well as the power thoughts can have on shaping both the person’s spiritual and physical worlds. It delves into the laws of nature, planetary influence, and the intricate balance of life between the earthly and celestial. Angel Raziel goes on to teach Adam that the human soul, albeit confined within flesh, is the means to finding balance between the spiritual and temporal realms while on Earth. More so, he discusses the significance of the Hebrew alphabet and how the 22 letters can be used; revealing how creation and energy arises first from a thought inspired by the divine. This thought moves from the spiritual realm into the to tangible, finding manifestation in speech and action, key mystical teachings encompass the names of God and Angels, the magical use of the zodiac, as well as the crafting of protective spells and healing amulets.
Another myth associated with this book, which runs parallel with the central theme, suggests that the other angels were angered by the prospect of humans receiving another chance at redemption. They felt that humans had done very little to deserve it and could never be worthy of redemption. Out of this resentment, they conspired to steal the text and cast it into the ocean. However, God retrieved the book and entrusted its safeguarding to the lineage of Adam, with Raziel imparting wisdom to Noah for the construction of his ark. It is further believed that the book went missing after the reign of Solomon, only to be later recovered by medieval German mystics.
While several theories exist regarding the date of origin, the theory that the Book of Raziel more likely originated during the Middle Ages is the more widely accepted theory as this version served as the primary source for its Latin translation - Liber Razielis or Liber Salomonis - from its Aramaic and Hebrew version as commissioned by Alfonso X. Also, critical historians go on further and claim it originated among the Chassidei Ashkenaz, as citations from it begin to appear only in the 13th century, further supporting the theory of medieval work. However, certain sections are indeed older as one of the authors said to have been the Jewish mystic Eleazar of Worms (1160-1237) of “Sefer Galei Razia”, which developed into the now “Sefer Raziel HaMalakh”. Other sections of it date to the 16th century, but may have been possibly compiled and put together in the 17th century. It is said the first printed edition was issued in Amsterdam in 1701, due to its special nature to be utilized as a tool for spiritual protection and not for actual reading. These first editions of Sefer Raziel printed have been auctioned for upwards of $24,600; with second editions not printed until almost 100 years later. By the 19th century, there were 25 editions of the book. As mentioned previously, The Sword of Moses, a Grimoire presumably from the 11th century, also makes reference to the Book of Raziel.
Liber Salomonis claims to be a book given directly to King Solomon by a mysterious prince and sorcerer from the East. Content included high occult invocation, names of angels, Judeo-Christian god, herbal medicine, creation of incense for calling the spirits and categorization of 24 beasts and stones to coincide with the hours of the day; ruled over by 7 angels and 7 celestial bodies.
Lore indicates that Sefer Raziel was the first book ever written and made of sapphire (angel’s tears). It was given by God and entrusted to Angel Raziel to give to Adam, his descendants, including King Solomon who was shown the book via a dream by Raziel. The following were revealed: (1)Secrets and mysteries of creation, (2)Secret wisdom of 72 letters of the name of God, (3)Esoteric 670 mysteries, (4)1500 keys, which had not been given to the angels, (5)5 names of the human soul, (6)the 7 hells, (7)Divisions of the Garden of Eden, (8)Types of angels and spirits who have dominion over things in creation, (9)Angelic scripts, angel languages, magical incantations for directing memunim, (10)Deputy angels, and (11)Magical instructions for rituals and talisman and amulet making.
Additional names that are also used to refer to Sefer Raziel are: Sefer ha-Raziel, Sefer Reziel, Sepher Rezial Hemelach and Raziel ha-Malach.