Ibn Wahshiyya
Kitab Shawq al-Mustaham
863 CE
trans. Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall
1806
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NOTE |
The alchemist and
author Ibn Wahshiyya (fl.9th century CE) wrote a number of books on
Hermeticism, magic, and the occult, including the justly famous Nabatean Agriculture, which reflected ancient Babylonian material. His Ancient Alphabets is
a Hermetic discussion of the occult meaning of various Near Eastern
scripts and ciphers, both real and fictitious. While some have argued
that the text is a Renaissance forgery based on the work of Athanasius
Kircher, most scholars agree that it is a genuine ninth century Hermetic
account. (Al-Nadim discusses the book in his Al-Fihirst in
987.) It reflects material drawn from Christian chronolographic
traditions as well as Greek literature, and it presages by a century the
stories later told about Surid, Philemon, and the Pyramids. In recent
years, Okasha El Daly argued that Ibn Wahshiyya accurately deciphered
some Egyptian hieroglyphs, but this claim is quite exaggerated. The text
below is that of the translation made by Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall,
which I have collated to place the images of the alphabets in their
correct positions in the text. I have also amended a few of archaic
spellings for clarity and to reflect modern usage.
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AN
EXPLANATION
OF
ANCIENT ALPHABETS AND HIEROGLYPHICS,
&c. &c.
THE AUTHOR’S PREFACE.
Praise to God, and
health to his servants, who have pure hearts. Amen! My object is to
collect the rudiments of alphabets used by antient nations, doctors and
learned philosophers in their books of science, for the use of the
curious and studious, who apply themselves to philosophical and mystic
sciences.
Each alphabet is represented in its old shape and form, the original name of it recorded, and the power of the characters written underneath with red ink in Arabic letters, to the end that they may be better distinguished.*
I have arranged the work in chapters, and entitled it, The long desired Knowledge of occult Alphabets attained. With the aid of God!
* This distinction, for obvious reasons, has not been imitated in the printed copy.
Each alphabet is represented in its old shape and form, the original name of it recorded, and the power of the characters written underneath with red ink in Arabic letters, to the end that they may be better distinguished.*
I have arranged the work in chapters, and entitled it, The long desired Knowledge of occult Alphabets attained. With the aid of God!
* This distinction, for obvious reasons, has not been imitated in the printed copy.
AN EXPLANATION OF
ANCIENT ALPHABETS AND HIEROGLYPHICS, &c.
CHAPTER I.
The three usual (Oriental) alphabets, viz: the Cufic, the Maghrabin, and the Indian.
The three usual (Oriental) alphabets, viz: the Cufic, the Maghrabin, and the Indian.
SECTION I. The Cufic alphabet. Our Lord
Ismael (peace be with him!) was the first who spoke Arabic, and who
wrote the Cufic, of which nine different sorts were used. The ground of
all of them is the Cufic alphabet, known by the name of Sūrī.
SECTION II. The Maghrabin (western) or Andalusian alphabet.
Section III. The Indian alphabet of three different sorts.
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CHAPTER II.
The seven most celebrated old alphabets.
The seven most celebrated old alphabets.
SECTION I. The Syrian alphabet.
SECTION II. The old Nabathean alphabet.
SECTION III. The Hebrew alphabet.
SECTION IV. The Berrabian alphabet.
SECTION V. The Lukumian alphabet.
SECTION VI. The Musnad or (Hamyaritic) alphabet.
SECTION VII. The Greek alphabet, commonly called the alphabet of the philosophers.
CHAPTER III.
The particular Alphabets (or rather Cyphers) of the seven most celebrated Philosophers.
The particular Alphabets (or rather Cyphers) of the seven most celebrated Philosophers.
SECTION I. The alphabet of Hermes.
SECTION II. The alphabet of Cleomenes.
SECTION III. The alphabet of Plato.
SECTION. IV. The alphabet of Pythagoras.
SECTION V. The alphabet of Scalinus.
SECTION VI. The alphabet of Socrates.
SECTION VII. The alphabet of Aristotle.
CHAPTER IV.
The four-and-twenty Alphabets, (or rather Cyphers,) that were used after the seven preceding, by the most celebrated Philosophers and learned Men.
The four-and-twenty Alphabets, (or rather Cyphers,) that were used after the seven preceding, by the most celebrated Philosophers and learned Men.
SECTION I. The alphabet of Bālīnus, the philosopher.
SECTION II. Another Berrabian alphabet invented by the philosopher Sūrīd.
SECTION III. The alphabet of the philosopher, Pherentius, who wrote therewith his philosophical books.
SECTION IV. The Moallak, or suspended alphabet, invented by Ptolemy the Greek.
SECTION V. The Marbūt or connected alphabet, invented by Marconos? the philosopher. He wrote therewith books on talismans.
SECTION VI. The Giorgian alphabet, invented by philosopher Marjanos.
SECTION VII. The old Nabathean alphabet.
SECTION VIII. The red alphabet, invented and used by the philosopher Magnis.
SECTION IX. The Talisman alphabet, invented by the Greek philosopher Ghāmīghāshīr?
SECTION X. The mysterious alphabet, invented by Heliaosh? the Greek philosopher, who used it in his books.
SECTION XI. The alphabet of Costūdjis the
Greek philosopher. He wrote in this alphabet, three hundred and sixty
books on divinity, talismans, astrology, magic, influence of planets and
fixed stars, and on the conjuration of spirits
SECTION XII. The alphabet of Hermes Abū Tat the
philosopher. He wrote on the noble art (of philosophical secrets.) He
constructed in upper Egypt treasure chambers, and set up stones
containing magic inscriptions, which he locked, and guarded by the charm
of this alphabet, extracted from the regions of darkness.
SECTION XIII. The alphabet of Golphotorios the
philosopher. He was deeply learned in the knowledge of spirits and
cabalistic spells, in talismans, astrological aspects, and in the magic
and black art. Philosophers and learned men have used this alphabet in
their books and writings in preference to others, on account of its
different extraordinary qualities.
SECTION XIV. The alphabet of Syourianos the
philosopher. He wrote in this alphabet on astronomy, and the secrets of
the stars; on talismans, and their qualities; on magic alarm-posts; on
the effects of planet-rings; and on the invocation and conjuration of
spirits.
SECTION XV. The alphabet of Philaos the
philosopher. He invented miraculous fumigations, marvellous compounds,
talismans, and astrological tables. He constructed the treasure-chambers
in the pyramids, and guarded them with the charm of wonderful
alarm-posts.
SECTION XVI. The alphabet of Dioscorides the
philosopher, commonly called the Tree alphabet. He wrote on trees,
shrubs, and herbs, and of their secret, useful, and noxious qualities in
this alphabet, used since in their books by different philosophers.
SECTION XVII. The Davidian alphabet.
This alphabet was particularly used in India, and by many learned men
in their writings on medicine, philosophy, and politics. It is one of
the most celebrated alphabets.
SECTION XVIII. The alphabet of Democrates the
philosopher. The Greek philosophers delighted very much in this
alphabet, making use of it for the secrets and mysteries of their
wisdom. They believed it to be the same with the Mercurial alphabet
extracted from the regions of darkness.
SECTION XIX. The alphabet of the Coptic Egyptian philosophers.
In this they noted their calculations and indications, and wrote the
inscriptions on their treasuries, and the secrets of divinity. Qophtrim, one of Noah’s descendants, invented this alphabet. It is even now used in calculation.
SECTION XX. The Farganian alphabet.
It was invented by seven Roman philosophers, who wrote a great number
of books on chemistry, magic, and medicine. Their principal was Diojānes, the great Roman king. This alphabet was much celebrated in his time, but is now forgotten.
SECTION XXI. The alphabet of Zosimus, a
Jew philosopher. This alphabet was very much refined by the Hebrew
philosophers, who made use of it for writing their holy books deposited
in Jerusalem.
SECTION XXII. The alphabet of Marshol the philosopher. He was a wise and learned man, who wrote on different arts and sciences.
SECTION XXIII. The alphabet of Arcadjinis the
Greek philosopher, (v. orig. p. 45.) He invented a great number of
wonderful compounds, fumigations, royal theriacs, medicines, and
effectual remedies.
Section XXIV. The alphabet of Plato the
Greek philosopher. It is said that each letter of this alphabet had
different imports, according to the affair and tiling treated of.
CHAPTER V.
The Alphabets of the Seven Planets.
The Alphabets of the Seven Planets.
SECTION I. The alphabet of Saturn.
SECTION II. The alphabet of Jupiter.
SECTION III. The alphabet of Mars, or philosopher Behram.
SECTION IV. The alphabet of the sun, the lord of heaven.
SECTION V. The alphabet of Venus, Anaitis, the celestial dancer.
SECTION VI. The alphabet of Mercury or Hermes, the secretary of heaven.
SECTION VII. The alphabet of the moon.
CHAPTER VI.
The Alphabets of the Twelve Constellations.
The Alphabets of the Twelve Constellations.
SECTION I. The alphabet of Aries, under the influence of Mars.
SECTION II. The alphabet of Taurus, under the influence of Venus.
SECTION III. The alphabet of the Gemini, under the influence of Mercury.
SECTION IV. The alphabet of Cancer, under the influence of the Moon.
SECTION V. The alphabet of Leo, under the influence of the Sun.
SECTION VI. The alphabet of the Virgin, influenced by Mercury.
SECTION VII. The alphabet of Libra.
SECTION. VIII. The alphabet of Scorpio. This
alphabet was very much used by the Chaldeans in their impressions on
hidden treasures, and in their books and writings concerning the secret
influence of the planet Mars. This alphabet was transmitted by spiritual
inspiration through Marshimine to the soothsayer Arbiasios, the Nabathean.
SECTION IX. The alphabet of Sagittarius, influenced by Jupiter.
SECTION X. The alphabet of Capricorn under the influence of Saturn.
This alphabet was particularly appropriated to the use of the
Babylonian and Persian philosophers, who kept it as a great secret. It
was discovered after their extinction in their books, carried away by
the Greeks. The Egyptian philosophers used it afterwards in their
astronomical works.
SECTION XI. The alphabet of the sign Aquarius, under the influence of Saturn. It
was particularly used by the Chaldeans and Sabeans in their incantation
books, and also in their inscriptions relative to the science of
spirits.
SECTION XII. The alphabet of Pisces.
CHAPTER VII.
Alphabets of ancient Kings, viz: the Kings of Syria, the Hermesian Kings of Egypt, the Pharaohs, the Canaanites, Curds, Casdanians, Persians and Copts.
Alphabets of ancient Kings, viz: the Kings of Syria, the Hermesian Kings of Egypt, the Pharaohs, the Canaanites, Curds, Casdanians, Persians and Copts.
SECTION I. The alphabet of king Berdois the Syrian. In this alphabet he wrote all his books on the minutiae of divinity, and natural law.
SECTION II. The alphabet of king Resiut, the Egyptian Pharaoh. He constructed wonderful talismans and magical alarm-posts. All of them in this ancient alphabet.
SECTION III. The alphabet of king Kimas the Hermesian. He wrote two hundred books on astronomy, on the secrets of physic, and on the qualities of plants and minerals.
SECTION IV. The alphabet of king Mehrarish. He
was a famous soothsayer, deeply experienced in philosophy and divinity.
He wrote more than a thousand books on other sciences.
SECTION V. The alphabet of king Taberinos the soothsayer. One of the alphabets used by the Pharaohs in their inscriptions.
SECTION VI. The alphabet of king Diosmos, the Egyptian. He was one of the Pharaohs most renowned for made, talismans, and astrological tables.
SECTION VII. The alphabet of king Berhemios the
Egyptian. This is one of the oldest alphabets used by the magicians and
Pharaohs in Egypt; and it was transferred from these to the soothsayers
of India and China.
SECTION VIII. The alphabet of king Ṣā, the
soothsayer. He was one of the seven magicians, who were at the same
time kings, doctors, soothsayers, magicians, and philosophers, who
governed and cultivated Egypt, and built the great towns subsisting till
this day.
SECTION IX. The alphabet of king Belbeis. He built a town four farsangs long, full of admirable works, and wrote a great number of books in this alphabet.
SECTION X. The alphabet of king Qophtrim, the
Egyptian. He was a great master in the art of constructing talismans
and admirable alarm-posts, treasure spells, and wonderful images. He
wrote an Encyclopedia of all sciences in tin’s alphabet.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Alphabets called Hermesian, viz. of the Disciples of Hermes, or the first dynasty of the Kings in Egypt, as we find them in the Writings of the Ancients.
The Alphabets called Hermesian, viz. of the Disciples of Hermes, or the first dynasty of the Kings in Egypt, as we find them in the Writings of the Ancients.
Every one of these
kings invented, according to his own genius and understanding, a
particular alphabet, in order that none should know them but the sons of
wisdom. Few, therefore, are found who understand them in our time. They
took the figures of different instruments, trees, plants, quadrupeds,
birds, or their parts, and of planets, and fixed stars. In this manner
these hieroglyphical alphabets became innumerable, like the alphabets of
the Indians and Chinese. They were not arranged at all in the order of
our letters a, b, c, d, but they had proper characters agreed
upon by the inventors of these alphabets, and which differed in their
figure and order, viz. they expressed water by ^^^^ They understood the
secrets of nature, and endeavoured to express every thing by an
appropriate sign, so that they might express it by its appearance.
Others followed the simple rules of geometry, deriving one alphabet from another, as the Cūfic has been derived from the Syrian, the Hebrew from the Chaldean, the Latin from the Greek, and others, in this manner, from some original. Whosoever wishes to become acquainted with all the nice points of the knowledge of alphabets, may inquire for the book entitled Solution of Secrets and Key of Treasures by Jaber Hay an Issūfi, who enters into all the necessary explanations and details of this art. Our object is only to mention the most celebrated of these alphabets of the Hermesians, (or hieroglyphics,) and to indicate their particular qualities; for nobody is capable of giving a satisfactory explanation of them all. God directs all things for the best.
SECTION I. Alphabet of the philosopher Hermes the Great.
This alphabet is used on the Obelisks, the Pyramids, the inscription tables and stones; the temples, and other old buildings, from the time of the first Pharaohs. It does not consist in a series of letters like other alphabets, but in expressions composed according to the arrangement made by Hermes the great. These expressions consist in innumerable figures and signs, which are to lead the mind directly, and immediately to the object expressed thereby, viz: there is a sign which signifies the name of God Almighty, simply and alone. If they wished to express one of the particular attributes of God they added something to the original sign, and proceded in this manner, as you will perceive by the alphabet in question.
It is divided into three series, beside the celestial oi supernatural objects. Let us begin with the celestial objects, and the figures by which they were expressed In the Hermesian language represented as we have found them.
Others followed the simple rules of geometry, deriving one alphabet from another, as the Cūfic has been derived from the Syrian, the Hebrew from the Chaldean, the Latin from the Greek, and others, in this manner, from some original. Whosoever wishes to become acquainted with all the nice points of the knowledge of alphabets, may inquire for the book entitled Solution of Secrets and Key of Treasures by Jaber Hay an Issūfi, who enters into all the necessary explanations and details of this art. Our object is only to mention the most celebrated of these alphabets of the Hermesians, (or hieroglyphics,) and to indicate their particular qualities; for nobody is capable of giving a satisfactory explanation of them all. God directs all things for the best.
SECTION I. Alphabet of the philosopher Hermes the Great.
This alphabet is used on the Obelisks, the Pyramids, the inscription tables and stones; the temples, and other old buildings, from the time of the first Pharaohs. It does not consist in a series of letters like other alphabets, but in expressions composed according to the arrangement made by Hermes the great. These expressions consist in innumerable figures and signs, which are to lead the mind directly, and immediately to the object expressed thereby, viz: there is a sign which signifies the name of God Almighty, simply and alone. If they wished to express one of the particular attributes of God they added something to the original sign, and proceded in this manner, as you will perceive by the alphabet in question.
It is divided into three series, beside the celestial oi supernatural objects. Let us begin with the celestial objects, and the figures by which they were expressed In the Hermesian language represented as we have found them.
These are the figures
of such of the celestial hieroglyphics, as we have been able to find
and make out; and now we are going to represent the three other classes,
according to promise, with all the different figures of the Hermesian
alphabets, or hieroglyphics.
THE FIRST SERIES.
Hieroglyphics to express Words relative to Animal Actions and Affections.
Hieroglyphics to express Words relative to Animal Actions and Affections.
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This figure is expressive of the most sublime secret, called originally Bahumed and Kharuj (or calf), viz. The Secret of the nature of the worlds or The Secret of Secrets, or The Beginning and Return of every thing.
To speak at length of this figure, is more than the limits of this book allow. We refer the curious, who wish for more explanation, to a book, which we have translated from our Nabathean language into Arabic, and entitled: Sun of Suns and Moon of Moons, illuminating the discovery of the Hermesian alphabets, or hieroglyphics, where he will be completely satisfied.
The Hermesians let nobody into the secrets of their knowledge but their disciples, lest the arts and sciences should be debased by being common amongst the vulgar. They hid therefore their secrets and treasures from them by the means of this alphabet, and by inscriptions, which could be read by nobody except the sons of wisdom and learning.
These initiated scholars were divided into four classes. The first Class comprehended the sect of the Haramisah Alpinawaluziyah were all descendants of Hermes the Great. They married daughters of their own race only, and never were allowed to have any kind of intercourse with strangers. No man in the world was acquainted with any of their secrets: they alone possessed them. They were the authors of the books commonly called the books of Idris (Enoch). They constructed temples dedicated to spirits, and buildings of magical wisdom. The few of those, who in our time are acquainted with this knowledge, live retired in some islands near the frontiers of China, and continue to tread the steps of their forefathers.
The second class of the Hermesians, called Haramisah Alpinawaluziyah, the sons of the brother of Hermes, whose name was Asclibianos. They married within their own families only, and far from giving their countrymen any kind of trouble, they became necessary to them in all their business. The difference between them and the former consisted in the use of perfumes allowed to them, and in the liberty they enjoyed to see their relations at the entrance of the sun into the several signs of the zodiac, and at the commencement of each season. On the latter occasion they had a feast of seven days. The Alhawmiyah, on the contrary, were continually occupied with reading the holy books, with acts of devotion, and with fasting. They had only one feast in the year, lasting eight and twenty days (a month), beginning at the entrance of the sun into the sign Aries. At this time they approached their relations, and enjoyed perfumes and other pleasures of life. They confessed the unity of God the Creator of all things. Blessed be his Name!
They never communicated their secrets, and Hermetic treasures to any body, but they preserved them from generation to generation, till our days.
When a child was born to them, the mother took it to the priest of the temple, where trial of the children used to be made. She laid it down on the threshold of the temple without speaking a word. The priest then came with a golden cup full of water in his hands, accompanied by six other priests. He said prayers, and sprinkled water over the child. If it moved, and turned its face towards the threshold, the priest took it by the hand, and conducted it into the interior of the temple, where there was a coffin prepared on purpose. There they said prayers and performed ceremonies for an hour. Then the priest covered the face of the child with a silk handkerchief; a green one for girls, and a red one for boys; put it in the coffin, shut it up, and took in his hand a stick with three heads made of silver, and set with jewels and precious stones.
The father, mother, and relations of the child entered at this moment, and performed prayers and hymns in humble devotion. The priest then struck the coffin with his staff thrice, and cried out: “In the name of the Lord thy God who created and made thee, exist by his wisdom, speak out the inmost secrets of the events of thy life! Amen, Amen, for ever and ever!” The whole assembly performed seven adorations, and then stood up. The child said, “Health and heaven’s blessing to thee!” The priest returned his greetings, and said “What is thy name? In what consists thy sacrifice, and what means of subsistence dost thou desire? At what hour hast thou been adorned with this noble body, and these gracious features, (i. e. when wert thou born?) Art thou to remain here as thy brethren, or art thou merely a travelling guest? I ask thee in the name of God, the all-vivifying, the unchangeable, the eternal One, without end or beginning, in whose power are all things visible and invisible, the Lord of heaven and earth, the most High and supreme Being; and I conjure thee to answer and promise, that as long as thou shalt exist in this world, thou wilt never reveal our secrets to any stranger.”
The child promised it in the name of truth, which is written on the table existing from the beginning of things, in the table of Fate preserved in heaven. The child was then told, that he was received amongst the number of the wise and learned, the sons of science; or amongst the masters of mechanical arts and works. They conversed with him on every subject. They put him different questions, and heard his answers. A priest standing by noted the answers on a table of stone, and hung it up in the temple.
After this, they called the child, opened the coffin, purified it with fumigations, and performed a sacrifice consisting of a quadruped, or a bird. They burnt the blood shed, purified the body, and wrapt it up in a piece of fine white linen an hundred and twenty fold for a male, and sixty for a female. They put it into a pot of earth, and deposited it in the pit of sacrifices. All this was performed according to secret rites known to nobody but themselves.
The coffin mentioned was made in the shape of a little chest, of the length of the child, made of olive wood, and adorned with gold and precious stones. If the child happened afterwards to mention this mysterious reception, they rejected it, saying, “This child cannot be trusted with our secrets and mysteries, for it may betray them.” They afterwards brought forward some fault on which they grounded their exclusion. If the initiated person had already grown up, and wished to withdraw from their order, he was sure to die within three days.
One of their greatest secrets was involved in the sacrifice of their great feast. They took seven bulls and seven rams, and fed them with certain herbs, called Hashishat uz Zohrah and Tajulmalik and in their language Shikrek, during seven clays, and gave them purified water to drink. The seventh day of the week they decked them out with gold and jewels, and bound them in golden chains. The priests sung prayers, hymns, and psalms in the great temple. The people arranged in their different classes, worshipped God. The chief of the sacrificers advanced then, and made with the triple staff’ a sign to the bulls and rams, which, without any other action or impulse, were thereby delivered from their chains, advanced, and voluntarily stretched out their necks towards the sacrificer, who immolated them. The heads of the victims were put in the coffin, and the rest of their bodies embalmed with different kinds of drugs, as aloes, amber, musk, camphor, and, storox, and the great prayer began.
Every priest appeared in the dress of his class, reading the holy books. They prostrated themselves to the earth, remaining thus for a whole hour, and after they had raised their heads, the first of the sacrificers began to speak on all the events to be divined from this. He was followed by the second and third, and so on till the last. One of the priests wrote down every speech, the results of which they compared.
As they practised different rites, the real import and meaning of which nobody could tell but themselves; and all this proves sufficiently the great care with which they kept their secrets hidden. They said, “These things are come down from our father Adam, Seth, and Hermes, or Idris (Enoch), the triple.” There were sundry other particulars worthy to be mentioned; but we will not exceed the bounds of our expressed purpose.
The third class was called Ashrakiyun (Eastern), or the children of the sister of Hermes, who is known amongst the Greek by the name of Trismegistos Thūsdios. This class was intermixed with some strangers and profane, who found means to get hold of the expressions of their hearts. Their sciences and knowledge are come down to us.
The fourth class, denominated Mashawun, (walkers, or peripatetic philosophers), was formed by the strangers, who found means to mingle with the children and family of Hermes. They were the first who introduced the worship of the stars and constellations, and who forsook the worship of the God of Gods. (Be his glory exalted—there is no other God but him!) From hence came their divisions, and every thing that has been handed down to us, proceeds originally from these two sects, the Ashrakiyun, eastern, and Mashawiun peripatetic philosophers.
Learn then, O reader! the secrets, mysteries, and treasures of the Hieroglyphics, not to be found, and not to be discovered any where else. Formerly a knowledge of them could not be acquired but by immense pains and expense, by a great number of years, and a long course of travels, and now lo! these treasures are laid open for thy enjoyment. Take possession of them, keep and guard them with the utmost care and secrecy. Profoundly learned philosophers and curious students only have attained this knowledge. Let us now proceed to explain the hieroglyphics promised above.
To speak at length of this figure, is more than the limits of this book allow. We refer the curious, who wish for more explanation, to a book, which we have translated from our Nabathean language into Arabic, and entitled: Sun of Suns and Moon of Moons, illuminating the discovery of the Hermesian alphabets, or hieroglyphics, where he will be completely satisfied.
The Hermesians let nobody into the secrets of their knowledge but their disciples, lest the arts and sciences should be debased by being common amongst the vulgar. They hid therefore their secrets and treasures from them by the means of this alphabet, and by inscriptions, which could be read by nobody except the sons of wisdom and learning.
These initiated scholars were divided into four classes. The first Class comprehended the sect of the Haramisah Alpinawaluziyah were all descendants of Hermes the Great. They married daughters of their own race only, and never were allowed to have any kind of intercourse with strangers. No man in the world was acquainted with any of their secrets: they alone possessed them. They were the authors of the books commonly called the books of Idris (Enoch). They constructed temples dedicated to spirits, and buildings of magical wisdom. The few of those, who in our time are acquainted with this knowledge, live retired in some islands near the frontiers of China, and continue to tread the steps of their forefathers.
The second class of the Hermesians, called Haramisah Alpinawaluziyah, the sons of the brother of Hermes, whose name was Asclibianos. They married within their own families only, and far from giving their countrymen any kind of trouble, they became necessary to them in all their business. The difference between them and the former consisted in the use of perfumes allowed to them, and in the liberty they enjoyed to see their relations at the entrance of the sun into the several signs of the zodiac, and at the commencement of each season. On the latter occasion they had a feast of seven days. The Alhawmiyah, on the contrary, were continually occupied with reading the holy books, with acts of devotion, and with fasting. They had only one feast in the year, lasting eight and twenty days (a month), beginning at the entrance of the sun into the sign Aries. At this time they approached their relations, and enjoyed perfumes and other pleasures of life. They confessed the unity of God the Creator of all things. Blessed be his Name!
They never communicated their secrets, and Hermetic treasures to any body, but they preserved them from generation to generation, till our days.
When a child was born to them, the mother took it to the priest of the temple, where trial of the children used to be made. She laid it down on the threshold of the temple without speaking a word. The priest then came with a golden cup full of water in his hands, accompanied by six other priests. He said prayers, and sprinkled water over the child. If it moved, and turned its face towards the threshold, the priest took it by the hand, and conducted it into the interior of the temple, where there was a coffin prepared on purpose. There they said prayers and performed ceremonies for an hour. Then the priest covered the face of the child with a silk handkerchief; a green one for girls, and a red one for boys; put it in the coffin, shut it up, and took in his hand a stick with three heads made of silver, and set with jewels and precious stones.
The father, mother, and relations of the child entered at this moment, and performed prayers and hymns in humble devotion. The priest then struck the coffin with his staff thrice, and cried out: “In the name of the Lord thy God who created and made thee, exist by his wisdom, speak out the inmost secrets of the events of thy life! Amen, Amen, for ever and ever!” The whole assembly performed seven adorations, and then stood up. The child said, “Health and heaven’s blessing to thee!” The priest returned his greetings, and said “What is thy name? In what consists thy sacrifice, and what means of subsistence dost thou desire? At what hour hast thou been adorned with this noble body, and these gracious features, (i. e. when wert thou born?) Art thou to remain here as thy brethren, or art thou merely a travelling guest? I ask thee in the name of God, the all-vivifying, the unchangeable, the eternal One, without end or beginning, in whose power are all things visible and invisible, the Lord of heaven and earth, the most High and supreme Being; and I conjure thee to answer and promise, that as long as thou shalt exist in this world, thou wilt never reveal our secrets to any stranger.”
The child promised it in the name of truth, which is written on the table existing from the beginning of things, in the table of Fate preserved in heaven. The child was then told, that he was received amongst the number of the wise and learned, the sons of science; or amongst the masters of mechanical arts and works. They conversed with him on every subject. They put him different questions, and heard his answers. A priest standing by noted the answers on a table of stone, and hung it up in the temple.
After this, they called the child, opened the coffin, purified it with fumigations, and performed a sacrifice consisting of a quadruped, or a bird. They burnt the blood shed, purified the body, and wrapt it up in a piece of fine white linen an hundred and twenty fold for a male, and sixty for a female. They put it into a pot of earth, and deposited it in the pit of sacrifices. All this was performed according to secret rites known to nobody but themselves.
The coffin mentioned was made in the shape of a little chest, of the length of the child, made of olive wood, and adorned with gold and precious stones. If the child happened afterwards to mention this mysterious reception, they rejected it, saying, “This child cannot be trusted with our secrets and mysteries, for it may betray them.” They afterwards brought forward some fault on which they grounded their exclusion. If the initiated person had already grown up, and wished to withdraw from their order, he was sure to die within three days.
One of their greatest secrets was involved in the sacrifice of their great feast. They took seven bulls and seven rams, and fed them with certain herbs, called Hashishat uz Zohrah and Tajulmalik and in their language Shikrek, during seven clays, and gave them purified water to drink. The seventh day of the week they decked them out with gold and jewels, and bound them in golden chains. The priests sung prayers, hymns, and psalms in the great temple. The people arranged in their different classes, worshipped God. The chief of the sacrificers advanced then, and made with the triple staff’ a sign to the bulls and rams, which, without any other action or impulse, were thereby delivered from their chains, advanced, and voluntarily stretched out their necks towards the sacrificer, who immolated them. The heads of the victims were put in the coffin, and the rest of their bodies embalmed with different kinds of drugs, as aloes, amber, musk, camphor, and, storox, and the great prayer began.
Every priest appeared in the dress of his class, reading the holy books. They prostrated themselves to the earth, remaining thus for a whole hour, and after they had raised their heads, the first of the sacrificers began to speak on all the events to be divined from this. He was followed by the second and third, and so on till the last. One of the priests wrote down every speech, the results of which they compared.
As they practised different rites, the real import and meaning of which nobody could tell but themselves; and all this proves sufficiently the great care with which they kept their secrets hidden. They said, “These things are come down from our father Adam, Seth, and Hermes, or Idris (Enoch), the triple.” There were sundry other particulars worthy to be mentioned; but we will not exceed the bounds of our expressed purpose.
The third class was called Ashrakiyun (Eastern), or the children of the sister of Hermes, who is known amongst the Greek by the name of Trismegistos Thūsdios. This class was intermixed with some strangers and profane, who found means to get hold of the expressions of their hearts. Their sciences and knowledge are come down to us.
The fourth class, denominated Mashawun, (walkers, or peripatetic philosophers), was formed by the strangers, who found means to mingle with the children and family of Hermes. They were the first who introduced the worship of the stars and constellations, and who forsook the worship of the God of Gods. (Be his glory exalted—there is no other God but him!) From hence came their divisions, and every thing that has been handed down to us, proceeds originally from these two sects, the Ashrakiyun, eastern, and Mashawiun peripatetic philosophers.
Learn then, O reader! the secrets, mysteries, and treasures of the Hieroglyphics, not to be found, and not to be discovered any where else. Formerly a knowledge of them could not be acquired but by immense pains and expense, by a great number of years, and a long course of travels, and now lo! these treasures are laid open for thy enjoyment. Take possession of them, keep and guard them with the utmost care and secrecy. Profoundly learned philosophers and curious students only have attained this knowledge. Let us now proceed to explain the hieroglyphics promised above.
SECOND SERIES.
Hieroglyphics significant of Words relating to Trees and Plants, and their Produce.
Hieroglyphics significant of Words relating to Trees and Plants, and their Produce.
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Now we have to mention, if it pleases God, the hieroglyphieal figures for minerals, or the Third Series of Hieroglyphics.
The philosopher Dusham mentions these signs in his book on the qualities of planets and minerals. He used this alphabet to design their secret qualities. Learn it, and keep it well, O reader, for it is one of the profoundest secrets.
The philosopher Dusham mentions these signs in his book on the qualities of planets and minerals. He used this alphabet to design their secret qualities. Learn it, and keep it well, O reader, for it is one of the profoundest secrets.
THE FOURTH SERIES.
Hieroglyphics expressive of Words and Ideas belonging to Minerals.
Hieroglyphics expressive of Words and Ideas belonging to Minerals.
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And here end the figures of the hieroglyphics, which we have found, and can make out.
We have mentioned only those we are certain of? but these we know to be exact and right. Perhaps every one of these figures may have had more than one signification, according to the different classes of priests, who wishing to hide their secrets one from the other, gave their signs different meanings.
God is the leader to the best.
We have mentioned only those we are certain of? but these we know to be exact and right. Perhaps every one of these figures may have had more than one signification, according to the different classes of priests, who wishing to hide their secrets one from the other, gave their signs different meanings.
God is the leader to the best.
APPENDIX.
Antediluvian Alphabets preserved by the Nabateans, Chaldeans, and Sabeans.
Antediluvian Alphabets preserved by the Nabateans, Chaldeans, and Sabeans.
The first called the Shīshīm alphabet, was used for writing sentences of wisdom on clay, which being burnt became pottery.
The following
alphabet was also used by the Pharaohs, who convinced of its being an
antediluvian one, used to write with it the books of prayer and
liturgies, which they used in their temples before their gods.
I have myself seen in Upper Egypt, inscription tables and stones engraved with this alphabet. The Pharaohs firmly believed in its antiquity, and the Nabatheans and Chaldeans continued in the same opinion.
I have myself seen in Upper Egypt, inscription tables and stones engraved with this alphabet. The Pharaohs firmly believed in its antiquity, and the Nabatheans and Chaldeans continued in the same opinion.
The original alphabets, from which all other ancient and modern ones have been derived, are no more than three.
1. The old Syrian alphabet, or the first original divine alphabet, taught by God the Almighty to Adam.
2. The Celestial alphabet, or the alphabet in which the books which Seth (health be with him) received from heaven were written.
3. The alphabet of Enoch brought down by the angel Gabriel.
This opinion is generally received and agreed upon by different nations and sects.
Chanukha has confirmed the truth in his books. Agathodaimon is of the same opinion in his book on secret things. He says, that all divine (inspired) legislators have preserved their secrets in one of these three alphabets. The indication of this great man was our guide, we have collected and copied these alphabets, according to his opinions and belief. Pay attention, in order that thou mayst walk in the right path.
The Syrian alphabet had, according to the opinion of the most learned men, the following characters:
1. The old Syrian alphabet, or the first original divine alphabet, taught by God the Almighty to Adam.
2. The Celestial alphabet, or the alphabet in which the books which Seth (health be with him) received from heaven were written.
3. The alphabet of Enoch brought down by the angel Gabriel.
This opinion is generally received and agreed upon by different nations and sects.
Chanukha has confirmed the truth in his books. Agathodaimon is of the same opinion in his book on secret things. He says, that all divine (inspired) legislators have preserved their secrets in one of these three alphabets. The indication of this great man was our guide, we have collected and copied these alphabets, according to his opinions and belief. Pay attention, in order that thou mayst walk in the right path.
The Syrian alphabet had, according to the opinion of the most learned men, the following characters:
These, however, were the figures of the letters in the earliest ages, which were changed by time, as you may perceive.
This is the alphabet
in which Adam (peace be with him) wrote his books. Who says the contrary
says falsehood, and God knows the best.
On the Shīmshīm Alphabet.
It was inspired by divine revelation, and varied in four different manners by the people who used it, viz. the Hermesians, the Nabateans, the Sabeans, and Chaldeans, These are the four most ancient people, from whom all modern nations have derived their writing.
The characters of the Hermesians, with the particular names and powers of their letters.
The characters of the Hermesians, with the particular names and powers of their letters.
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Many of these letters
are not used either in Arabic or Persian, except by those who have the
knowledge of this language- They are arranged in a contrary order to
that commonly received of A, B, C. The order in which they are disposed,
is founded on the nature of their language. Understand this, that thou
mayst go the right way.
The Nabatheans gave the preference to the figures of animals, disposed according to their natural order, and each of these figures had its secret signification, viz.
If they wished to express a powerful, brave, cunning, and avaricious king, they painted the figure of a man with the head of a lion, pointing with one of his fingers to a fox before him. If they wished to express the attribute of understanding, sagacity, and wisdom, they represented a man with the head of an elephant, pointing with one of his fingers to a sitting ape. If they wished to give him the attributes of justice, generosity, and liberality, they drew a man with a bird’s head, and before him a balance, a sun, and a moon. If they meant to represent him cruel, faithless, and ignorant they gave him a dog’s, ass’s, or boar’s head, with a pot of fire, and a sword before him.
The Nabatheans gave the preference to the figures of animals, disposed according to their natural order, and each of these figures had its secret signification, viz.
If they wished to express a powerful, brave, cunning, and avaricious king, they painted the figure of a man with the head of a lion, pointing with one of his fingers to a fox before him. If they wished to express the attribute of understanding, sagacity, and wisdom, they represented a man with the head of an elephant, pointing with one of his fingers to a sitting ape. If they wished to give him the attributes of justice, generosity, and liberality, they drew a man with a bird’s head, and before him a balance, a sun, and a moon. If they meant to represent him cruel, faithless, and ignorant they gave him a dog’s, ass’s, or boar’s head, with a pot of fire, and a sword before him.
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A sick, weak, and decrepit man was represented by the figure of a man, followed by the figures
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and before him the figure of Saturn, sometimes with the figures
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A man killed by
violent death, was represented by the figure of a man with the head of
an owl, or a bat, and behind him a scorpion with the character
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and the figure of the devil behind him, with these characters
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If he was poisoned,
he was represented with a crab’s, or beetle’s head, and a glass, or
bowl, before him, and the characters
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Death occasioned by
plague, a hot fever, or corruption of the blood and the humours, was
represented by a man sitting in a chair, with an arrow in his hand and
over his head a upon the back of the chair, and before him the figures
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Honours, authority,
and a comfortable situation, were designed by a man holding in his hand a
ball, or circle, upon his head a crown, before him a raven, and behind
him a dog, with these characters in a circle round them
A man of perfect
wisdom and understanding, accomplished in all his ways, and without the
least blame, was painted with a beautiful face, with wings like an
angel, holding in his hands a book, in which he looked, a sword and a
balance, and behind him two vases, one of them full of water, and the
other of blazing fire. Under his right foot a ball, with a crab painted
on it, and under his left a deep pot full of serpents, scorpions, and
different reptiles, the covering of which had the shape of an eagle’s
head.
See, my son! these are the secrets of these people, with which nobody was acquainted but themselves. I have seen, in one of the hieroglyphical buildings in Upper Egypt, the representation I am going to describe.
This building was a temple of the Lord Adonai, whom sun and moon serve. It represented a coffin, adorned with curious figures and admirable ornaments. A vine growing, with its leaves spread over it. The Lord (God) was standing upon the coffin, with a staff in his hand, out of the end of which a tree shot forth and overshadowed it.
Behind the coffin was seen a pit full of blazing fire, and four angels catching serpents, scorpions, and other noxious reptiles, throwing them into it. On his head a crown of glory; on his right the sun, and on his left the moon, and in his hand a ring, with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Before the coffin, an olive tree sprouted forth, under the branches of which different kind of animals were collected. On the left, and a little further back, a high mountain was seen, with seven golden towers supporting the sky. A hand stretched forth from this sky, poured out light, and pointed with his finders to the olive tree. There was also the figure of a man, whose head was in the sky, and whose feet were on the earth. His hands and feet were bound. Before the Lord stood seven censers, two pots, a vase filled with perfumes, spices, and a bottle with a long neck (retort), containing storax. The hieroglyphic representing day, was under his right foot, and the hieroglyphic representing night, under his left Before the Lord was laid, on a high desk, the book- of universal nature, whereon a representation and names of the planets, the constellations, the stations, and every thing that is found in the highest heaven, was painted. There was also an urn filled half with earth and half with sand, (viz. the hieroglyphics of earth and sand being represented therein). A suspended ever-burning lamp, dates, olives, and in a vase of emerald. A table of black basalt with seven lines, the four elements, the figure of a man carrying away a dead body, and a dog upon a lion.
These, O brother, are the mysterious keys to the treasures of secrets, of ancient and modern knowledge. The wise may guess the whole from a part. It is impossible to embrace here the whole extent of this knowledge. We have here stated the ground of the business, giving the representation of things in general, their ends, courses, movements, turns, and returns, so that thou mightest easily and by degrees distinguish the one from the other, and at last become master of all the secrets of the world. These hints are sufficient for him who has organs, and an understanding heart.
Here follows one of the hidden alphabets above mentioned.
See, my son! these are the secrets of these people, with which nobody was acquainted but themselves. I have seen, in one of the hieroglyphical buildings in Upper Egypt, the representation I am going to describe.
This building was a temple of the Lord Adonai, whom sun and moon serve. It represented a coffin, adorned with curious figures and admirable ornaments. A vine growing, with its leaves spread over it. The Lord (God) was standing upon the coffin, with a staff in his hand, out of the end of which a tree shot forth and overshadowed it.
Behind the coffin was seen a pit full of blazing fire, and four angels catching serpents, scorpions, and other noxious reptiles, throwing them into it. On his head a crown of glory; on his right the sun, and on his left the moon, and in his hand a ring, with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Before the coffin, an olive tree sprouted forth, under the branches of which different kind of animals were collected. On the left, and a little further back, a high mountain was seen, with seven golden towers supporting the sky. A hand stretched forth from this sky, poured out light, and pointed with his finders to the olive tree. There was also the figure of a man, whose head was in the sky, and whose feet were on the earth. His hands and feet were bound. Before the Lord stood seven censers, two pots, a vase filled with perfumes, spices, and a bottle with a long neck (retort), containing storax. The hieroglyphic representing day, was under his right foot, and the hieroglyphic representing night, under his left Before the Lord was laid, on a high desk, the book- of universal nature, whereon a representation and names of the planets, the constellations, the stations, and every thing that is found in the highest heaven, was painted. There was also an urn filled half with earth and half with sand, (viz. the hieroglyphics of earth and sand being represented therein). A suspended ever-burning lamp, dates, olives, and in a vase of emerald. A table of black basalt with seven lines, the four elements, the figure of a man carrying away a dead body, and a dog upon a lion.
These, O brother, are the mysterious keys to the treasures of secrets, of ancient and modern knowledge. The wise may guess the whole from a part. It is impossible to embrace here the whole extent of this knowledge. We have here stated the ground of the business, giving the representation of things in general, their ends, courses, movements, turns, and returns, so that thou mightest easily and by degrees distinguish the one from the other, and at last become master of all the secrets of the world. These hints are sufficient for him who has organs, and an understanding heart.
Here follows one of the hidden alphabets above mentioned.
The next following
alphabet was used by the Sabeans in their talismans, magical
alarm-posts, and astrological conjuration tables.
Agathodaimon says, that it is from this source he drew the art of his talismans, in which he is unparalleled among either ancients or moderns. Learn, therefore, and comprehend this alphabet.
Agathodaimon says, that it is from this source he drew the art of his talismans, in which he is unparalleled among either ancients or moderns. Learn, therefore, and comprehend this alphabet.
The Chaldeans were
the wisest men of their times, being well acquainted with every science
and art. Their first equals and rivals were the Curds. But, however, there is as great a difference between these two nations, as between a glow worm and a fixed star. The first superiority the Kurds had over them, was in agriculture and botany. They pretended to descend from the sons of Bineshad) and to have got possession of the books of Adam on agriculture, and of the books of Safrith and CūihamL They pretended to have all the seven antediluvian books inspired by heaven.
They pretended to possess the art of magic and talismans, but this is not so; for all these sciences were handed down to them from the Chaldeans, who first cultivated them. This pretension to the antiquity of their learning, is the reason of the inveterate hatred between the Chaldeans and Kurds.
The oldest Chaldean alphabet.
They pretended to possess the art of magic and talismans, but this is not so; for all these sciences were handed down to them from the Chaldeans, who first cultivated them. This pretension to the antiquity of their learning, is the reason of the inveterate hatred between the Chaldeans and Kurds.
The oldest Chaldean alphabet.
Another Chaldean alphabet.
Another old unknown alphabet.
This the Kurds falsely pretend to be the alphabet, in which Binushad and Massi Surali composed all their scientific and mechanical works.
We are ignorant to what alphabet these letters belong, as we never could make out the language which they express; but I saw at Bagdad, thirty-three inscriptions written in this alphabet.
During my stay at Damascus, I met with two books, one of them on the culture of the vine and the palm tree, the other on water, and the means of finding it out in unknown ground, I translated them both from the Kurdic language into Arabic, for the benefit of mankind. This is the reason this treatise was not finished before. I finished it at last, with Heaven’s assistance, after one and twenty years, and have, by the grace of God, attained the object proposed. I deposited it in the treasury of the Caliph Abd-al-Malik bin Marwan: be his reign glorious, and may he be the everlasting column of the faith!
Tuesday, the third of the month of Ramadan, in the year two hundred and forty-one after the Hegira.
Praised be God!
We are ignorant to what alphabet these letters belong, as we never could make out the language which they express; but I saw at Bagdad, thirty-three inscriptions written in this alphabet.
During my stay at Damascus, I met with two books, one of them on the culture of the vine and the palm tree, the other on water, and the means of finding it out in unknown ground, I translated them both from the Kurdic language into Arabic, for the benefit of mankind. This is the reason this treatise was not finished before. I finished it at last, with Heaven’s assistance, after one and twenty years, and have, by the grace of God, attained the object proposed. I deposited it in the treasury of the Caliph Abd-al-Malik bin Marwan: be his reign glorious, and may he be the everlasting column of the faith!
Tuesday, the third of the month of Ramadan, in the year two hundred and forty-one after the Hegira.
Praised be God!
The first copy of the manuscript before us, was taken from the original by Hasan Bin Faraj, Bin Ali, Bin Dawud, Bin Sinan, Bin Thabat, Bin Karra al Harrani, Al Babali, An Nukani, Tuesday the seventh of the month of Rabi-ul akhir, in the year four hundred and thirteen of the Hijra; and this copy (the one from which this was printed), which was made from it, was begun Monday the second of the month of Muharram, in the year of the Hijra, one thousand, one hundred, and sixty-six. And it was finished on Friday, the tenth of the month of Jamadi ul Akhir, of the same year.
FINIS.
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Source: Joseph Hammer (trans.), Ancient
Alphabets and Hieroglyphic Characters Explained; with an Account of the
Egyptian Priests, their Classes, Initiation, and Sacrifices in the
Arabic Language by Ahmad Bin Abubekr Bin Wahishih (London: 1806).
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