Raphael's Witch!!! or, The Oracle of the Future
by Raphael, 1795-1832
William Charlton Wright: London, 1831
This first edition, with ten color illustrations including two large folding plates by R.Cruikshank & the author, was printed in 1831. It also includes sheet music composed especially for the work by J. Blewitt. The preface states: "This book is adapted to lay about in drawing rooms - to be read in gardens and groves, to ornament the boudoir - for amusement in evening parties, as an innocent substitute for cards - to be consulted in every mind and temper. For singular as it may seem, not a thought can arise, nor a wish originate, but the LADY-WITCH OF RAPHAEL will easily solve and satisfy. It removes ennui and low spirits, but cheering the heart--brightening the ideas, and alluring to virtue, happiness and bliss."
Raphael, the mystical archangel associated with Mercury, was the pseudonym of a series of astrologers. It was first adapted by R.C. Smith (1795-1832). He was an alchemist and astrologer with a extensive interest in the occult. He was one of the most prolific astrological writers of his time, and a key figure in the 19th century revival of astrology. Our library has several of his works including The Astrologer of the 19th Century; or the Master Key to Futurity; being a complete system of Astrology, Geomancy & Occult Science (1825), A Manual of Astrology (1828), The Royal Book of Dreams (1830) and The Royal Book of Fate (1833),
In this fold out plate of the Magical Wheel of Pythagoras, Raphael shows how the letters of the alphabet are assigned to certain numbers. This Pythagorean concept is the foundation of modern numerology.
The fold out illustration of the Cabalistic Tablet of the Stars shows four scenes that represent Raphael as a magician, astronomer, and astrologer. The center chart is used as a key to a system of geomantic fortunetelling.
In 1827, he began publishing The Prophetic Messenger, an almanac predicting weather and events for the year. Under his leadership, each of the almanacs featured a hand-colored frontispiece. After his death, the almanac continued to be published by six different astrologers who carried on the pen name of Raphael.
The Special Collections section of the Philosophical Research Library has over 1,200 items including rare or unique books, manuscripts, photographs and artifacts. The materials span a wide range of topics including Alchemy, Astrology, Comparative Religion, and Philosophy. Many of these items are fragile and access must be restricted. This segment of our website will showcase items from this collection.