The Medieval Grimoire "The Picatrix" on the Colors and Pigments of the Zodiacal Sign of Aries

The Medieval Grimoire "The Picatrix" on the Colors and Pigments of the Zodiacal Sign of Aries

The Picatrix (or in Arabic Ghāyat al-Ḥakīm) is an early medieval book of magick, astrology, and alchemy (an early form of chemistry). In the study of esotericism and the magickal arts, this book has been used for centuries as a grimoire, as well as an important historical source text. One section of the book is dedicated to describing the colors associated with the Zodiac signs, and how to make inks, pigments, and paints corresponding to those colors. The instructions for the sign of Aries are as follows (some of these substances are toxic, so do not try this at home!):

"§13 The color of the first face of Aries is red and is made thus: take one part each of oak gall, gum arabic, and orpiment. Grind them up separately, then mix them together. When you desire to write or paint anything with it, combine it with egg whites."

[The word "Orpiment" is an elision of the Latin "auri pigmentum", or "gold pigment." It is a deep yellow-colored arsenic sulfide mineral (As2S3) found around volcanoes and hot springs. It is a byproduct of the decay of another arsenic mineral, realgar (α-As4S4). Orpiment has long been used as a gold pigment base from ancient Rome to China.]

"The color of the second face is yellow of a golden hue, and it is made thus: take equal parts of blue vitriol and talc. Grind them up separately, and mix them with honey. Distill this into a little gum arabic, and set it aside for the ritual."

[Blue vitriol, also known as calcanthum, is a copper sulfate.]

"The tincture of the third face is white and is made thus: take equal parts of white lead and talc."

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The Ahl al-Bayt are the Door to the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

The Ahl al-Bayt are the Door to the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

An excerpt from Nahjul Balagha (Peak of Eloquence) by Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (s.a.):

"Remember, that we are the Ahl al-Bayt of the Holy Prophet. We are his true companions; we are trustees and treasurers of the knowledge granted to him and we are the doors through which one can reach this store-house of wisdom and learning. It is unlawful to enter a house but through its door, and he who disregards this principle is a trespasser or a thief.

"The Ahl al-Bayt own and possess in their deeds and words the excellence and nobleness which the Holy Qur'an preaches. They are the treasure-houses of the Mercy and Benevolence of God, and they are the sources from which real wisdom and true knowledge, destined by Him for man, can be obtained.

"Their (successors of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.)) speeches contain nothing but truth. If they do not speak about any subject, it is not because they do not know anything about it or anyone else could speak better, but simply because it is advisable not to speak then. It is imperative on the man, who has been destined by God to guide humanity, to explain things correctly and truly to his followers; he should utilize his wisdom for their well-being; he should think more of the next world and teach people to attach more importance to it - because from there they have come, and to there they will have to return."

Originally posted on our Random Religion and Spirituality blog at:

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