The Sworn Book of Honorius (Liber Juratus): Medieval Angelic Magic

BY NICOLE LAU

The Sworn Book of Honorius (Liber Juratus Honorii) is one of the oldest grimoires in existence—and one of the most mysterious. Written in the 13th century (possibly earlier), it predates the Key of Solomon, the Ars Goetia, and most other famous grimoires.

It claims to be the collective work of 89 magicians who gathered in a secret council to preserve sacred magic from the Church's persecution. Facing condemnation, torture, and execution, these magicians swore an oath (hence "Sworn Book") to protect the knowledge and pass it only to worthy students.

The grimoire is attributed to Honorius of Thebes—a legendary (and likely fictional) magician-pope. It's a complete magical system in 93 chapters, covering everything from summoning angels to achieving the Beatific Vision (seeing God face-to-face). It's less about commanding demons and more about ascending to divine knowledge through angelic intermediaries.

The Sworn Book is theurgy at its purest: magic as a path to God. It's rigorous, demanding, and deeply Christian. And it's one of the most important texts in the history of Western magic.

What you'll learn: The origins and legendary council of 89 magicians, who Honorius of Thebes was (or wasn't), the 93-chapter structure of the grimoire, the Beatific Vision operation (seeing God), angelic hierarchies and invocations, how the Sworn Book differs from Solomonic magic, its influence on the Golden Dawn, and why this grimoire was both condemned and secretly copied by medieval monks.

Disclaimer: This is educational content about medieval magical and religious texts, NOT instructions for angelic invocation or theurgic practice. These operations require extensive spiritual preparation and can be psychologically intense.

Origins: The Council of 89 Magicians

The Legend

The Crisis: According to the grimoire's prologue, the Church was persecuting magicians across Europe (13th century). Magicians were being arrested, tortured, and executed as heretics. Sacred magical knowledge was being lost—books burned, practitioners killed, traditions destroyed.

The Council: In response, 89 magicians from across Christendom gathered in secret. They came from different countries, traditions, and backgrounds. Their goal: preserve the most essential magical knowledge in a single book. They debated, argued, and finally agreed on the core teachings. They compiled the Liber Juratus ("Sworn Book").

The Oath: Each magician swore an oath: To keep the book secret (only share with worthy, initiated students). To copy it faithfully (preserve the knowledge exactly). To use it only for good purposes (not for harm or selfish gain). To pass it to only three students in their lifetime (maintain exclusivity). Breaking the oath = divine punishment (God would strike them down).

The Attribution: The book was attributed to Honorius of Thebes, who was chosen as the "master" or representative of the council. Honorius supposedly presented the book to the Pope (or a Church council) to prove that magic could be holy and Christian. The Church allegedly approved it (though this is almost certainly fiction).

Historical Reality

No Evidence of the Council: There's no historical record of 89 magicians gathering in the 13th century. The story is likely a literary device to give the grimoire authority and mystique. It frames the book as a collective, authoritative work (not the invention of one person).

Actual Date: The grimoire was likely written in the late 13th or early 14th century. The oldest surviving manuscript is from the 14th century (British Library, Sloane MS 3854). Written in Latin (the language of medieval scholarship and the Church). Multiple manuscript versions exist (each slightly different, suggesting evolution over time).

Monastic Origins: The grimoire was probably written by a monk or cleric (someone with extensive knowledge of theology, Latin, and Church ritual). It draws heavily from Christian liturgy, angelology, and mysticism. The "council" story may reflect real networks of magicians (or clergy interested in magic) who shared knowledge secretly.

Honorius of Thebes: Fact or Fiction?

The Legend

Honorius the Magician-Pope: According to legend, Honorius of Thebes was: A magician and scholar from Thebes (Greece or Egypt—sources vary). Later became Pope Honorius III (reigned 1216-1227). Wrote the Sworn Book and other grimoires (including the Grimoire of Honorius, a separate text). Approved magic as a legitimate Christian practice (or at least didn't condemn it).

The Theban Alphabet: Honorius is also credited with creating the Theban alphabet (also called the "Witches' Alphabet"). A magical script used to encode grimoires and spells. Still used in modern Wicca and witchcraft. No historical evidence links it to Honorius (it's a later invention, possibly 16th century).

Historical Reality

Pope Honorius III: There was a real Pope Honorius III (1216-1227). He was a scholar and canon lawyer (not known for magic). He approved the Franciscan and Dominican orders. No evidence he practiced or approved magic. The attribution to him is pseudepigraphic (falsely attributed to give the grimoire legitimacy).

Why Attribute to a Pope?: Attributing a grimoire to a pope was a brilliant strategy: If a pope wrote it, it must be acceptable to the Church (or so the argument goes). It frames magic as compatible with Christianity (not heretical). It gives the grimoire immense authority. It protects the real author (who remains anonymous).

"Honorius of Thebes": The "of Thebes" part is also strategic: Thebes (Egypt) was associated with ancient wisdom and magic (Hermes Trismegistus, Egyptian mysteries). Thebes (Greece) was associated with classical learning. Either way, it adds an aura of ancient, exotic knowledge.

Structure: The 93 Chapters

Part I: Foundations (Chapters 1-10)

Content: Introduction and the council story. The oath and its importance. Theological justifications for magic (magic as natural philosophy, divine science). The nature of God, angels, and the cosmos. Moral and spiritual prerequisites (purity, devotion, humility).

Purpose: Establish the grimoire's legitimacy and sacred nature. Frame magic as a path to God (not sorcery or demon worship). Prepare the practitioner mentally and spiritually.

Part II: Angelic Hierarchies and Names (Chapters 11-30)

Content: The nine choirs of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, Angels). Names of angels (hundreds of names, organized by hierarchy and function). Divine names (names of God in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin). Correspondences (angels associated with planets, days, hours, elements).

Purpose: Provide the "vocabulary" for angelic magic. Knowing the names gives you the ability to invoke and communicate with angels. The hierarchies show the cosmic order (and where humans fit in it).

Part III: Invocations and Operations (Chapters 31-70)

Content: Specific invocations for different purposes: Summoning angels for knowledge, visions, or assistance. Achieving the Beatific Vision (seeing God). Gaining wisdom, memory, and eloquence. Protection from enemies, demons, and harm. Healing, exorcism, and blessing. Divination and prophecy.

Structure of Invocations: Purification (fasting, prayer, confession). Timing (planetary hours, moon phases, holy days). Circle and tools (similar to Solomonic magic, but more Christian). Prayers and invocations (long, elaborate, filled with divine and angelic names). Waiting for the angel to appear (may be visual, auditory, or internal). Receiving the knowledge or vision. Dismissing the angel with gratitude.

Part IV: The Beatific Vision (Chapters 71-80)

The Supreme Operation: The climax of the grimoire. The goal: achieve the Beatific Vision (visio beatifica). See God face-to-face (or as close as a mortal can). Experience divine union, ecstasy, and ultimate knowledge.

Requirements: Extreme purity (months or years of preparation). Total devotion (love of God above all). Humility (recognition of your unworthiness). Specific rituals (complex, multi-day operations). Divine grace (ultimately, God must grant the vision—you can't force it).

The Vision: If successful, the practitioner experiences: A vision of God (described as overwhelming light, love, and presence). Union with the divine (temporary dissolution of the self). Knowledge of all things (past, present, future, hidden truths). Transformation (permanent spiritual change). The grimoire warns: this is dangerous. Seeing God can destroy you (if you're not prepared). Many who attempt it fail (or go mad).

Part V: Practical Magic (Chapters 81-93)

Content: More practical, everyday magic: Love spells (attracting a partner, maintaining harmony). Wealth and success (finding treasure, gaining favor). Protection (from enemies, evil spirits, curses). Invisibility (becoming unseen or unnoticed). Binding and exorcism (controlling or expelling demons). Divination (scrying, dream interpretation, prophecy).

Tone Shift: These chapters are more "practical" and less "mystical" than the earlier sections. Some scholars believe they were added later (by different authors or copyists). They're closer to folk magic or Solomonic grimoires (less focused on divine union, more on results).

The Beatific Vision Operation

What Is the Beatific Vision?

Christian Theology: The Beatific Vision is the ultimate goal of Christian mysticism. It's the direct, unmediated vision of God. In Catholic theology, it's what the saved experience in Heaven (after death). Mystics and saints sometimes experience it while alive (e.g., St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross). It's described as overwhelming joy, love, and knowledge.

In the Sworn Book: The grimoire claims you can achieve the Beatific Vision through magic (or theurgy). It's not just for saints or the afterlife—it's accessible to the dedicated practitioner. But it requires extreme preparation, purity, and divine grace.

The Preparation

Moral Purification: Confession (acknowledge and repent all sins). Fasting (abstain from meat, wine, sex, and worldly pleasures). Prayer (daily, intense, focused on God). Charity (give to the poor, help others). Humility (recognize your dependence on God and your unworthiness).

Duration: The grimoire specifies different preparation periods depending on the operation: Minimum: 9 days (for simpler visions or angelic contact). Standard: 40 days (echoing Jesus' 40 days in the desert). Maximum: Months or years (for the full Beatific Vision).

The Ritual

Timing: Specific holy days (Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, etc.). Planetary hours (usually the hour of the Sun or Jupiter). Moon phases (full moon or new moon, depending on the operation).

The Circle: Similar to Solomonic magic, but more Christian: Drawn with consecrated chalk or inscribed on parchment. Inscribed with divine names (YHVH, Adonai, Agla, etc.). Crosses at the cardinal points (instead of pentagrams). Prayers and psalms written around the circumference. The practitioner stands or kneels inside.

The Invocation: Long, elaborate prayers invoking: God (by many names). The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). The nine choirs of angels. Specific archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel). The practitioner begs for the vision (with humility and devotion). The invocation may last hours (repeated prayers, chants, meditations).

The Vision: If successful: The practitioner sees a brilliant light (too bright to look at directly). Feels overwhelming love, joy, and peace. Experiences union with God (temporary dissolution of ego). Receives knowledge (answers to questions, understanding of mysteries). Is transformed (permanently changed by the experience). The grimoire warns: the vision may be too intense. Some faint, weep, or are unable to speak afterward. Some are driven mad. Some die (their mortal body can't contain the divine presence).

After the Vision

Integration: The practitioner must integrate the experience. This can take days, weeks, or months. They may be unable to return to normal life (the mundane seems meaningless after seeing God). They may become a mystic, hermit, or saint. Or they may struggle with the gap between the vision and ordinary reality.

Secrecy: The grimoire emphasizes: don't speak of the vision to the unworthy. It's sacred, personal, and beyond words. Sharing it with skeptics or mockers diminishes it (and may bring divine punishment).

How the Sworn Book Differs from Solomonic Magic

Goal: Union vs. Command

Solomonic Magic: Goal is to command spirits (angels and demons) for practical purposes. The magician maintains authority and control. Spirits are tools to achieve worldly goals (wealth, love, knowledge, power). The relationship is transactional ("I command you, you obey").

Sworn Book: Goal is union with God (or at least communion with angels). The practitioner seeks transformation, not just results. Angels are guides and intermediaries (not servants). The relationship is devotional ("I pray to you, please help me"). Practical magic is secondary (and some versions omit it entirely).

Tone: Piety vs. Authority

Solomonic Magic: Tone is authoritative, commanding. The magician speaks with confidence (backed by divine names and the ring). Threats are used if spirits disobey. The magician is in control (or tries to be).

Sworn Book: Tone is humble, prayerful, devotional. The practitioner begs for grace and mercy. Acknowledges unworthiness. Success depends on God's will (not the magician's skill). The practitioner is a supplicant (not a commander).

Demons: Bound vs. Avoided

Solomonic Magic: Demons are summoned, bound, and commanded. They're dangerous but useful. The grimoires provide detailed instructions for controlling them. Demon work is central (especially in the Ars Goetia).

Sworn Book: Demons are mostly avoided. The focus is on angels and God. When demons are mentioned, it's usually in the context of exorcism or protection (not summoning). The grimoire warns against demon work (it's dangerous and spiritually corrupting).

Influence: Jewish Kabbalah vs. Christian Mysticism

Solomonic Magic: Heavily influenced by Jewish Kabbalah. Uses Hebrew divine names, angelic hierarchies from Kabbalah, and the Tree of Life. Blends Jewish, Christian, and Islamic elements.

Sworn Book: More purely Christian (though with some Kabbalistic elements). Draws from Christian liturgy, prayers, and mysticism. References saints, the Trinity, and Church ritual. Feels more like a mystical prayer book than a grimoire.

Influence on Later Magic

The Golden Dawn

Adoption: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (founded 1887) studied and used the Sworn Book. S.L. MacGregor Mathers (co-founder) translated and adapted it. The Golden Dawn incorporated its angelic hierarchies, divine names, and invocation structures.

The Beatific Vision: The Golden Dawn's highest grade (Ipsissimus, 10°=1°) involves a vision similar to the Beatific Vision. Union with the divine, knowledge of all things, transcendence of the ego. The Sworn Book provided a model for this operation.

Modern Ceremonial Magic

Angelic Work: The Sworn Book influenced how modern magicians work with angels. Emphasis on purity, devotion, and humility (not just command). Use of Christian prayers and divine names. The idea that angelic magic is "higher" than demonic magic.

Theurgy Revival: The grimoire helped revive interest in theurgy ("god-working"). Magic as a spiritual path (not just a tool for worldly gain). The goal is transformation and union with the divine (not power or wealth).

Christian Occultism

Legitimacy: The Sworn Book provided a model for "Christian magic." It showed that magic could be compatible with Christianity (if framed correctly). This influenced later Christian occultists (e.g., Dion Fortune, Gareth Knight). It also influenced Christian mysticism (some mystics used grimoire techniques, even if they didn't call it "magic").

Why Monks Copied It (Despite Condemnation)

The Paradox

Official Condemnation: The Church condemned magic as heretical and demonic. Practicing magic could result in excommunication, torture, or execution. Owning a grimoire was evidence of heresy.

Secret Copying: Yet many Sworn Book manuscripts were copied in monasteries. Monks (who were supposed to condemn magic) were secretly preserving it. Why?

Reasons

Intellectual Curiosity: Monks were scholars. They were curious about all forms of knowledge (including forbidden knowledge). Copying grimoires was a way to study them (even if not to practice).

Christian Framing: The Sworn Book frames magic as Christian and holy. It invokes God, angels, and saints. It claims to lead to the Beatific Vision (a legitimate Christian goal). Monks could justify copying it ("It's not sorcery, it's divine science").

Mystical Aspiration: Some monks were mystics who genuinely sought union with God. The Sworn Book offered techniques (prayer, fasting, invocation) that overlapped with monastic practice. They may have used it (or adapted it) for their own spiritual work.

Preservation of Knowledge: Monks saw themselves as preservers of knowledge (even controversial knowledge). They copied grimoires to prevent them from being lost. They may not have practiced the magic, but they valued the texts as cultural and intellectual artifacts.

Conclusion: The Sworn Oath

The Sworn Book of Honorius is one of the oldest and most sacred grimoires in Western magic. It's not about power, wealth, or commanding demons. It's about ascending to God through angelic intermediaries. It's theurgy in its purest form.

The 89 magicians (real or legendary) swore an oath to preserve this knowledge. Monks copied it in secret, despite the Church's condemnation. Modern magicians still study it, seeking the Beatific Vision or communion with angels.

The oath remains: this knowledge is sacred. It's not for the casual or the unworthy. It demands purity, devotion, and humility. And if you achieve the vision—if you see God face-to-face—you will never be the same.

In the next article, we'll explore the Picatrix, the massive Arabic grimoire of astral magic that brought planetary talismans, astrological timing, and Hermetic philosophy to medieval Europe.

Eighty-nine magicians swore an oath. The book was sealed. The knowledge was preserved. And the vision remains—waiting for those pure enough, devoted enough, brave enough to seek it. Will you swear the oath?