The First Necromancer: How a Medieval Sorcerer Combined Astrology & Black Magic

The origins of medieval necromancy remain mysterious. But by the early 14th century, daring attempts to systematize astrology and the conjuration of demons appeared in the lectures and commentaries of Cecco d'Ascoli—efforts that led to his execution by burning in 1327.

By the end of the century, Antonio da Montolmo would introduce the first true theory and practice of astral necromancy in his Liber de Occultis et Manifestis (Book on the Hidden and Manifest). This bold text, the first publicly authored book of black magic, presents both the theory and method for combining astrological elections with the Solomonic tradition of conjuring and binding demonic beings—referred to here as the “Intelligences Outside Divine Grace,” imprisoned beneath the Moon.

Join me as I explore this obscure but foundational work in the history of Western magic.