Unlock the mysteries of a medieval magical text with ‘Ars Notoria: The Notory Art of Solomon’, and read the complete grimoire online for free.
Ars Notoria: The Notory Art of Solomon is a fascinating and enigmatic medieval grimoire, part of the larger corpus of Solomonic magical texts that captivated the learned imagination of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Attributed pseudepigraphically to the biblical King Solomon—the archetypal wise magus—the Ars Notoria (The Notory Art) stands apart from other ritual magic books. Its primary goal is not the conjuration of spirits or demons, but the acquisition of prodigious knowledge, memory, eloquence, and wisdom through divine revelation.
The text comprises a series of intricate prayers, notae (magical diagrams or “notes” filled with divine names and sigils), and ritual instructions intended to be performed over specific periods (lunar cycles, holy days). The practitioner, through intense meditation, purification, and the contemplative recitation of these prayers while gazing upon the complex notae, petitions angels and God Himself for the instantaneous infusion of the seven liberal arts, philosophy, theology, and even mastery of all sciences. Unlike the coercive magic of other grimoires, the Ars Notoria frames itself as a holy and pious pursuit—a form of “angelic magic” or “theurgic prayer” that seeks grace and intellectual gifts directly from the divine source. This unique text offers a profound window into the medieval desire to transcend human intellectual limits through spiritual means, blurring the lines between magic, mysticism, and scholastic devotion.
On this page, you can examine this rare and influential occult manuscript. We offer a complete English translation of the Ars Notoria for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Ars Notoria: The Notory Art of Solomon |
| Author | Unknown (Traditionally attributed to King Solomon) |
| Year of Publication | Composed in Latin c. 13th century; various manuscripts from 13th-17th centuries. |
| Genre | Grimoire, Magical Text, Theurgy, Medieval Esoterica |
| Language | English (Translation from Latin) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain (As a historical manuscript) |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read Ars Notoria Online]
Contemplate the divine diagrams of knowledge. Begin your exploration of this arcane art by examining the preliminary prayers and figures interactively below.
This preview presents an introduction to the art’s purpose and a sample nota, but the full collection of all prayers, orations, and the complete set of mystical figures for each discipline is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About Ars Notoria: The Notory Art of Solomon
This text represents a unique strand in Western esotericism, one that seeks to bridge the gap between human intellect and divine omniscience through ritualized contemplation.
The Goal: Infused Knowledge
The core promise of the Ars Notoria is scientia influsa—knowledge “poured in” or infused by God or His angels, bypassing normal study. This reflects a Neoplatonic and Augustinian worldview where true wisdom comes from divine illumination. The art promises mastery of Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Music, Geometry, Astronomy, Philosophy, and Theology in a remarkably short time.
The Notae: Visual Keys to Power
The notae are the text’s most distinctive feature. These are complex geometric figures, often circular or square, filled with Latin prayers, divine names (like Tetragrammaton), angelic names (e.g., Uriel, Michael), and cryptic sigils. They are not to be simply read, but gazed upon (speculatio) during prayer, serving as focal points for meditation and channels for angelic communication. They are believed to contain the very essence of the knowledge they confer.
Ritual Purity and Procedure
The operation demands rigorous ascetic preparation. The practitioner must observe sexual abstinence, fasting, and ritual cleanliness. The prayers (called “orations”) are to be recited at precise astrological hours and lunar phases, often for many days consecutively. This strict regimen aligns the magus’s body and spirit with the celestial harmonies, making him a receptive vessel for divine gifts.
Theological Justification and Danger
The text is careful to frame itself within a Christian context, invoking the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, and saints. It distinguishes itself from “necromancy” or “goetia” by appealing to holy angels. However, it was viewed with deep suspicion by many church authorities. It was condemned in the 13th century and later included in lists of forbidden books. The danger lay in its attempt to manipulate divine grace for personal intellectual gain, which bordered on sacrilege or heresy.
Historical Context and Influence
The Ars Notoria circulated in manuscript among clerics, monks, and learned magicians. It influenced later Renaissance magi like Cornelius Agrippa, who discusses it in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy. It represents a high-medieval synthesis of Christian piety, classical learning (the liberal arts), and Hermetic/Neoplatonic theories of symbolic magic.
Comparison to Other Grimoires
Unlike the Key of Solomon (which commands spirits for material ends) or the Lemegeton (which summons demons), the Ars Notoria is fundamentally intellectual and spiritual. It is closer to the tradition of Theurgy—the practice of rituals with the intention of invoking divine action—aimed at inner transformation and enlightenment.
The Modern Perspective
Today, the Ars Notoria is studied as a crucial historical document in the history of magic, science, and education. It reveals the profound medieval yearning for a shortcut to universal knowledge—a dream that later found expression in the scientific revolution, albeit through very different means. For contemporary esoteric practitioners, it remains a challenging and profound system of devotional magic.
Why Read Ars Notoria Today?
For historians, it is an indispensable source on medieval magic and psychology. For students of the occult, it offers a rare glimpse into a non-demonic, angelic magical tradition. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of faith, symbol, and the pursuit of knowledge, it is a uniquely ambitious and mysterious work that challenges modern distinctions between religion and magic.
FAQ
Is this a Satanic or demonic text?
No. The Ars Notoria explicitly invokes God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and holy angels. Its framework is Christian, albeit an unorthodox and often condemned form of Christian magic. It belongs to the tradition of “white” or “celestial” magic.
Could this actually work to grant knowledge?
From a historical and phenomenological perspective, practitioners believed it did. The intense meditative and ritual discipline could certainly induce altered states of consciousness, enhance focus and memory (the placebo or ritual effect), and potentially lead to insights or creative breakthroughs. There is no empirical evidence for the instantaneous infusion of knowledge as described.
How is it related to the “Lesser Key of Solomon”?
They are part of the same pseudepigraphical Solomonic tradition but serve entirely different purposes. The Lemegeton (Lesser Key) is a demonological manual for summoning and commanding spirits. The Ars Notoria is a theurgic manual for receiving divine wisdom. They are like two branches of the same mythical tree.
Are the notae like magic squares or seals?
They are related but distinct. Magic squares (like those in planetary magic) are grids of numbers. Demon seals are symbolic signatures of spirits. The notae are complex contemplative diagrams that combine text, divine names, and geometric patterns designed for visual meditation and prayer.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes, though the intricate details of the notae may be better appreciated on a larger screen. The textual prayers and instructions are perfectly suited for study on any device.