St Cyprian of Antioch is an infamous figure of Catholic hagiography. Said to have been a pagan love sorcerer of the fourth century CE who converted to Christianity once his wicked sorceries were defeated by the pious counter-magic of Saint Justina, generations of nigromancers have asked themselves: did Cyprian really convert and, like Prospero, drown his black books of magic? Or did he just add to his magical arsenal with a host of potent Christian spell-crafts?
In this class, contemporary cunning-man and historian of magic Dr Alexander Cummins will explore the myths, magics, and mysteries of this alleged patron saint of black magic. We shall examine the Sorcerer Saint’s appearances in Iberian folk sorcery and treasure-hunting, and in particular trace some of the sources and influences of the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the Ciprianillo – Cyprian’s darkest books of black magic, sometimes supposed to be learned from the Devil himself. We will consider the historical spread of Cyprianic magics throughout Europe and into the Americas, including the Scandinavian Cyprianuses and wider Svartkonstböcker (“Black Art Books”) traditions.
And we will pay particular attention to the manners in which Saint Cyprian appears in the early modern English grimoiric corpus: such as appearing in invocations of magical lineages of dead magicians, being cited offering practical ‘Instructions’ and specific advice on summoning demons, and indeed patronising the core spirit catalogues and spellbooks of early modern goetic magic.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Alexander Cummins (@grimoiresontape) is a professional diviner, consultant sorcerer, & historian of magic. His work focuses on grimoires, divination, & folk necromancy. He co-hosts Radio Free Golgotha, & can be booked for talks, workshops, readings, coaching & consultation at www.alexandercummins.com/. His recorded classes can also be obtained from The Cauldron Black archives.
THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! The class recording link will be emailed to you within 3-5 business days of the conclusion of the class and will be available to you for 30 days. You must be 18 years old to purchase this class recording. There are no refunds or exchanges.
By purchasing this class you agree to the following Non Disclosure:
This Agreement is between The Cauldron Black (“OWNER”); & the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through substantial effort, research, time, & expense certain inventions, design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable material & trade secrets directed & related to this class. (“INFORMATION”); WHEREAS, OWNER desires to disclose the INFORMATION on a confidential basis to RECIPIENT. The OWNER wishes to maintain the confidentiality of the INFORMATION & the protection of OWNER'S intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, & conditions contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION A. OWNER agrees to disclose INFORMATION to RECIPIENT for the purposes of an online class. B. RECIPIENT agrees to receive such INFORMATION & to refrain from copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any & all of said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential & refrain from disclosing any & all of the INFORMATION, & to take all necessary & reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of any & all of the INFORMATION. Failure to uphold this NDA may result in legal action.
