Ars Speculum is a concise and practical work on the use of mirrors in magic. Mirrors and reflections have always fascinated mankind, and are found throughout folklore, mythology and literature. English alchemist and sorceror Gary St Michael Nottingham guides the reader through the development of the clairvoyant faculty to its use for skrying in mirrors as well as crystal shewstones.
The author travels far beyond the art of skrying to explore the diverse range of magical practices using mirrors. These include working with the four elements of air, fire, water and earth, both through elemental condensers and different elemental creatures. Other techniques within this gem of practical magic are contacting other levels of being, the conjuration of spirits, binding and ligature, the appropriate use of herbs, and creating powerful tools for healing and protection. The construction and consecration of a magic mirror are detailed, along with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.
Certain spiritual beings particularly associated with mirror magic are included in this primer, specifically the archangel Gabriel and the elemental beings sylphs, salamanders, undines and gnomes. With his lucid and eminently practical style, the author has shone a light ensuring that magical practitioners of any level no longer need to stare 'through a glass darkly'.
This book is Volume VI of the 7-volume series Foundations of Practical Sorcery by Gary St Michael Nottingham.