Robert Cross Smith

This special edition of 'A Manual of Astrology, or the Book of the Stars' was written by Robert Cross Smith, writing as Raphael, and first published in 1828, making it just a decade shy of two centuries old. Featuring sections on Historical and Introductory Remarks on the Antiquity, Verity, and Utility of Astrology, Elementary Principles of the Science, Solar System, Of the Planets, Phases of the Moon, The Doctrine of Nativities, and much more. This is a rare find and an absolute essential addition to the libraries of all who are interested in the Astrological Arts. IMPORTANT NOTE - Please read BEFORE buying THIS BOOK IS A REPRINT. IT IS NOT AN ORIGINAL COPY. This book is a reprint edition and is a perfect facsimile of the original book. It is not set in a modern typeface and has not been digitally enhanced. As a result, some characters and images might suffer from slight imperfections, blurring, or minor shadows in the page background. This book appears exactly as it did when it was first printed. DISCLAIMER: Due to the age of this book, some methods, beliefs, or practices may have been deemed unsafe, undesirable, or unacceptable in the interim years. In utilizing the information herein, you do so at your own risk. We republish antiquarian books without judgment, solely for their historical and cultural importance, and for educational purposes. If purchasing a book more than 50 years old, especially for a minor, please use due diligence and vet the text before gifting.

Robert Cross Smith (1795-1832) was an astrologer, magician, and geomancer. Smith founded the periodicals, "The Straggling Astrologer" and "The Familiar Astrologer", which published magical material as well as astrological advice. These writings dealt with topics as varied as alchemy, charms, the virtues of herbs and stones, invoking spirits into crystals, evoking demons, evoking spirits into circles, necromancy, invoking the fairy king Oberion, writings about fairies, geomancy, palmistry, physiognomy, divination by the "Wheel of Pythagoras", and Behmenist Theosophy." A Sorcerous Anthology" collects these writings, plus several pieces from Smith's other publications, and presents them for the first time in one place. Certain of the writings have not been in print since the 1840s, and none have been presented without the other content of the magazines. Divided into four parts, "A Sorcerous Anthology" contains sections on Divination, Low Magic, and High Magic, as well as a a selection on the history of astrology and the powers of the planets, Smith's original introductions to the works, and an obituary and horoscope for Smith written by fellow astrologer "Zadkiel". Smith's life, writings, and place in the history of occultism is examined in the introduction to the volume.