The Book of Forbidden Knowledge

1. Unlocking Future Knowledge Through Divination

Any unmarried woman fasting on midsummer eve, and at midnight laying a clean cloth, with bread, cheese and ale, and sitting down as if going to eat, the street door being left open, the person whom she is afterward to marry will come into the room, and drink to her by bowing, and afterward filling the glass, will leave it on the table, and making another bow, retire.

Ancient methods of foresight. Divination, the art of obtaining knowledge of future events, encompasses various practices rooted in folklore and superstition. These methods range from fasting rituals to charming the moon, each designed to unveil glimpses of what is to come. The belief is that through specific actions and observances, one can tap into a hidden realm of knowledge, offering insights into love, marriage, and even death.

Rituals for love and marriage. Many divination practices focus on revealing one's future spouse. For example, unmarried women might fast on Midsummer Eve, setting out a feast to entice their future husband to appear. Similarly, on St. Agnes' Night, specific pin rituals are performed to conjure dreams of one's future partner. These rituals highlight the deep-seated desire to control and understand romantic destiny.

Bridal cake and groaning cheese. Even wedding traditions incorporate elements of divination. A slice of bridal cake or a piece of "groaning cheese" (cheese made during childbirth) is thrown through the wedding ring and placed under the head of an unmarried woman, intended to induce dreams of her future husband. These practices underscore the belief that significant life events are intertwined with supernatural forces.

2. Dreams as Oracles: Receiving Insights into the Unknown

He who would receive true dreams, should keep a pure, undisturbed, and imaginative spirit, and so compose it that it may be made worthy of knowledge and government by the mind; for such a spirit is most fit for prophesying, and is a most clear glass of all things.

Preparing the spirit for prophecy. Dreams are viewed as a conduit to divine knowledge, but only if the dreamer is in the right state of mind. A pure, undisturbed, and imaginative spirit is essential for receiving true dreams. This involves maintaining a sound body, a clear mind, and abstaining from heavy meals, strong drink, and vices.

Four kinds of true dreams. The text identifies four types of dreams that hold prophetic value: matutine dreams (between sleeping and waking), dreams about others, dreams whose interpretation is shown within the vision, and dreams related to the dreamer within the vision. These dreams are believed to be direct representations or symbolic messages from the divine mind.

Rings and images for dream induction. To enhance the likelihood of receiving oracular dreams, specific tools and rituals are recommended. These include creating rings of the Sun or Saturn and placing images under the head while sleeping. The images, made under specific astrological conditions, are meant to vivify the dreams with spiritual and celestial virtue, guided by the operator's ardent desire and intent.

3. Navigating Life's Path: Lucky and Unlucky Days

Almost all persons (being of the male sex) that are born on the days included in the foregoing table, will, in a greater or less degree suffer, not only by pecuniary embarrassment and losses of property, but will also experience great distress and anxiety of mind, much dissatisfaction, dissension, and unhappiness in their family affairs, much disaffection to each other among the married ones, (indeed few of them can ever be happy in the married state), trouble about their Children, daughters forming unfortunate attachments, and a variety of untoward events of other description which our limits do not allow us to particularize.

Astrological influences on destiny. Certain days are deemed lucky or unlucky based on astrological influences, particularly concerning courtship, marriage, and general life affairs. These days are believed to impact individuals born on them, influencing their prospects for happiness, financial stability, and family harmony. The lists provided offer a guide to these auspicious and inauspicious times.

Unlucky days for males and females. The text delineates specific unlucky days for both males and females, suggesting that those born on these days are prone to particular challenges. Males may face pecuniary embarrassment and family strife, while females may encounter disappointments in love and marriage. These lists serve as a cautionary guide, advising individuals to be extra vigilant during these periods.

Fortunate days and hours for love. Conversely, certain days and hours are considered fortunate for courtship, marriage, and love affairs. Individuals born during these times are expected to have better prospects for a happy and successful romantic life. The text provides detailed lists of these auspicious times, offering hope and guidance for those seeking love.

4. Metagrammatism: Fortune-Telling by Transposing Names

In order that our readers may have a clearer insight into this branch of fortune-telling, and which appears to have been strangely neglected by modern practitioners, we shall lay before them a few specimens of this admirable system of discovering the events of our checkered existence; and from a study of which they will readily learn how to avoid bestowing on their children such as are of a malignant nature; and, at the same time, perceive how the secret influence of the stars that preside at our birth, act in the minutest manner even to the giving of that name at our baptism, which often times explains to the bearer of it, if he could then but know it, those events which will assuredly befall him in the course of his life.

Unveiling destiny through name transposition. Metagrammatism, or fortune-telling by transposing names, is an ancient art that reveals hidden meanings and future events. By rearranging the letters of a person's name, astrologers believed they could uncover significant circumstances and destinies. This practice was highly regarded in ancient times, with practitioners carefully selecting names to ensure fortunate significations.

Historical roots and practice. The art of metagrammatism dates back to Moses and was practiced by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Modern nations, particularly the French, excelled in this art, maintaining lists of lucky and unlucky names. The goal was to bestow names that, when transposed, would yield fortunate meanings, though this often proved challenging due to the potential for contradictory interpretations.

Examples of name transpositions. The text provides examples of famous names and their transpositions to illustrate the art's predictive power. For instance, "Napoleon Bonaparte" transposes to "No, appear not on Elba," foreshadowing his exile. Similarly, "Horatio Nelson" becomes "Honor est a Nilo," highlighting his victory at the Nile. These examples demonstrate the supposed connection between a person's name and their life's major events.

5. Days of the Week: Natal Influences and Daily Fortunes

A child born on Sunday will be of long life and obtain riches.

Natal influences of the days. Each day of the week is associated with specific characteristics and destinies for those born on that day. Sunday births promise long life and riches, while Monday births suggest weakness. Tuesday is considered unfortunate, with potential for a violent death. Wednesday births indicate a studious life, Thursday births great honor, Friday births a strong constitution, and Saturday births a heavy, dull disposition.

Daily influences on actions. The days of the week also influence daily activities. Having clothes measured on Sunday brings sorrow, while on Monday it ensures ample food. Putting on new clothes on Sunday brings happiness, but on Monday, the clothes will tear. Bathing on Sunday brings affliction, but on Monday, increased property. These beliefs highlight the pervasive influence of the days on everyday life.

Lucky and unlucky activities. Certain days are better suited for specific activities. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are preferable for shaving, while the other three are inauspicious. The first three days of the moon's age are lucky for business, and the 7th, 9th, and 12th for marriage. These guidelines offer a framework for aligning actions with favorable times.

6. Black Magic Secrets: Remedies and Compulsions

Thief, male or female, bring my stolen articles back, whether thou art boy or girl; thief, if thou art woman or man, I compel thee, in the name.

Corn removal and sore healing. Black magic offers remedies for physical ailments, such as corn removal and sore healing. Corns are treated by reciting incantations during a funeral, while sores are healed with virgin-parchments. These practices blend ritualistic words with physical actions, aiming to harness supernatural power for healing.

Compelling thieves and finding treasures. Black magic also includes methods for compelling thieves to return stolen property and discovering hidden treasures. Thieves are forced to return goods through boiling bread with pins and dew nettles, while treasures are located using a magnetic compass engraved with metal signs. These practices reflect a desire to control external forces and uncover hidden wealth.

Invisibility and love charms. The secrets of black magic extend to making oneself invisible and attracting love. Invisibility is achieved by piercing a bat's eye, while love is compelled through rooster feathers or turtle dove tongues. These charms highlight the use of animal parts and ritualistic actions to manipulate reality and influence others' affections.

7. Talismans, Charms, and Spells: Harnessing Occult Power

He that beareth this sign about him shall be helped in every need and necessity.

Talismanic power and protection. Talismans, charms, and spells are employed to harness occult power for various purposes, including love, protection, and victory. These objects and incantations are believed to possess inherent power, capable of influencing events and providing aid in times of need. The use of talismans reflects a belief in the ability to control and manipulate supernatural forces.

Specific talismans and their uses. The text describes specific talismans for different purposes. A talisman for love is made when Venus is the evening star, while a talisman against enemies is cast of tin during the increase of the moon. A talisman for war bears powerful words and signs, and a talisman for destroying insects is made of iron when the sun and moon enter Scorpio. Each talisman is crafted under specific conditions to maximize its efficacy.

Charms and omens for protection. Charms and omens are also used for protection and guidance. Repeating specific words with sincere faith can protect against trouble and evil influences. Observing omens, such as clouds, physical signs, and animal behavior, can provide insights into future events. These practices underscore the belief that the world is filled with signs and symbols that can be interpreted for guidance and protection.

8. Superstitions: The Enduring Power of Belief

The custom of knocking on wood to prevent ill luck is perhaps the most prevalent custom in existence, and is performed by all classes of people, the world over.

Knocking on wood and the evil eye. Superstitions, deeply ingrained beliefs often lacking rational basis, persist across cultures and generations. Knocking on wood to prevent ill luck is a widespread custom, while fear of the "evil eye" remains prevalent among Latin races. These superstitions reflect a desire to control fate and ward off negative influences.

Black cats and color superstitions. Black cats are often considered unlucky, though some believe they bring good luck. Color superstitions also influence mentality, with red governing love, orange denoting simplicity, and black signifying sadness. These beliefs highlight the symbolic power of animals and colors in shaping perceptions and emotions.

Lucky stones and birthstones. Lucky stones and birthstones are believed to induce fortunate occurrences. Each month and day of the week is associated with specific stones, offering guidance for selecting gems that align with one's destiny. These practices underscore the belief that certain objects possess inherent power to attract good fortune.

9. Love and Attraction: Charms and Methods

If a maid wishes to see her lover, let her take the following method: Prick the third or wedding finger of your left hand with a sharp needle (beware a pin), and with the blood write your own and lovers name on a piece of clean writing paper, in as small a compass as you can, and encircle it with three round rings of the same crimson stream, fold it up, and exactly at the ninth hour of the evening bury it with your own hand in the earth, and tell no one.

Blood magic for love. Charms and methods for attracting love often involve ritualistic actions and symbolic gestures. One method involves pricking the wedding finger and writing names in blood, then burying the paper at a specific time. This practice reflects a belief in the power of blood and secrecy to compel a lover's return.

Folklore of pins and marriage. Pins are associated with marriage folklore, with brides discarding every pin worn on their wedding day to ensure good luck. Conversely, single friends may rob the bride of her pins, believing that possessing one will lead to marriage within a year. These customs highlight the symbolic significance of pins in matters of love and marriage.

Magical properties of pins. Pins are also believed to possess magical properties for curing diseases. In Alabama, warts are treated by sticking a pin into an ash tree and then into the wart. These practices underscore the belief that pins can transfer ailments and harness natural forces for healing.

10. Spirit Mediumship: Connecting with the Other Side

The spirit-circle is the assembling together of a given number of persons for the purpose of seeking communion with the spirits that have passed away from earth into the higher world of souls.

The spirit circle and its purpose. Spirit mediumship involves assembling a group of people to seek communion with spirits. The spirit-circle aims to combine magnetisms, develop mediumship gifts, and promote fraternal intercourse. This practice reflects a belief in the ability to communicate with the deceased and receive guidance from the spirit world.

Conditions for a successful circle. Successful spirit circles require specific conditions, including opposite temperaments, moral characters, and contrasting physical temperaments. The number of participants should range from three to twelve, and the room should be well-ventilated with subdued lighting. These conditions are believed to create an environment conducive to spirit communication.

Opening the seance and following impressions. The seance should be opened with prayer or music, followed by quiet conversation. Participants should have a slate, pen, and paper available and avoid disturbances. Impressions, or the voices of spirits, should be respected and followed, even if their meaning is not immediately clear.

11. Mesmerism: The Art of Hypnotic Influence

The method used to bring about the hypnotic conditions consists essentially in an imitation of the process of ordinary sleep, by means of verbal suggestion.

Hypnosis as induced sleep. Mesmerism, or hypnosis, involves inducing a sleep-like state through verbal suggestion. The skill of the operator lies in making the subject believe they are going to sleep, leveraging the power of imagination. This practice reflects a belief in the ability to influence the mind and body through suggestion.

Preparing the subject and environment. To hypnotize a subject, place them in a comfortable chair with their back to the light. Ensure the environment is quiet and free from distractions. The operator should remain calm and confident, conveying the belief that they are competent to hypnotize the subject.

Methods for inducing hypnosis. Various methods can be used to induce hypnosis, including focusing on a bright object, staring at the operator's fingers, or gazing into their eyes. The operator uses verbal suggestions to induce drowsiness and relaxation, guiding the subject into a hypnotic state. Once hypnotized, the subject is susceptible to suggestions and commands.

12. Davenport Brothers' Mysteries: Unveiling Spirit Manifestations

The “manifestations" of the Davenport Brothers are produced in either a. cabinet or a darkened room. And in no instance while the operators are in full view of the audience.

The Davenport Brothers' performances. The Davenport Brothers were known for their "spirit mysteries," which involved producing phenomena such as thrumming guitars, ringing bells, and moving instruments in darkened rooms or cabinets. These performances were often presented as evidence of spirit power, captivating audiences with their seemingly supernatural occurrences.

The mysterious cabinet and spirit tying. The Davenport Brothers used a specially designed cabinet with doors and apertures to create their illusions. They would be bound by a committee from the audience, then enclosed in the cabinet, where they would produce various sounds and movements. They would also claim to be tied by spirits, showcasing hands at the aperture and playing instruments while supposedly bound.

Unveiling the illusions. The Davenport Brothers' "spirit manifestations" were achieved through clever techniques and misdirection. In darkened rooms, they would swing instruments around, using their fingers to vibrate the strings. They would also use subtle movements and hand placements to create the illusion of being bound while still able to manipulate objects. These techniques, combined with the audience's expectations and beliefs, contributed to the perception of supernatural events.

Last updated: March 13, 2025