The Canterbury Pentacles

‘The Canterbury Pentacles provides an indispensable examination of some of the earliest surviving source material of its kind. By carefully breaking down the often overwhelming visual complexities of this elaborately written and illustrated scroll of magic, it presents the content in a coherent, informative and workable format for both research and practice alike.’ – Daniel Clark

‘The Canterbury Pentacles are a unique and significant examples of mystical sigils and text-based amulets, drawing upon the power of both exoteric and esoteric elements of the Western Christian tradition. David Rankine has undertaken the extremely challenging project not only of making these accessible to the modern scholar but elucidating and clarifying their often enigmatic meanings, applying immense erudition, insight, humility and care.’ – Fr Robert Nixon

‘With The Canterbury Pentacles, David Rankine has once again made an invaluable contribution to grimoire scholarship. This book should be of great interest to both scholars and practitioners alike, providing not only the earliest source of grimoire pentacles, but tested magic that works. With expert commentary from David Rankine, clear translation from Brian Johnson, and the bold lines of Rose Laguna’s artistic reproductions, this book will be a treasure in any library.’ – Alison Chicosky

‘With The Canterbury Pentacles, David Rankine lifts the veil on the evolution of late-medieval magical procedures by giving us the earliest known proto-Solomonic material from the 13th century. With material 100 years before the Summa Sacre Magice, this tome is a vital link in the vinculum or chain of history, showing how practitioners petition God, spirits and angels via pentacles, while tracing the tributaries that evolved into the candarii and well-known pentacles of the Key of Solomon centuries later. The Canterbury Pentacles dances with readers in the dappled-shadowlight by showing how religious piety blends with practical, pre-Solomonic esoteric procedures.’ – Alexander Eth

‘In The Canterbury Pentacles, David Rankine provides a detailed analysis of one of the earliest known manuscript attestations of the genre of magical talismans that would come to be called 'pentacles', locating their origins in the context of medieval Christian apotropaic charms, phylacteries, and prayer texts which draw upon an array of biblical passages, historiolae, and a veritable pantheon of divine names and epithets in the liturgical languages of Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. This volume is a valuable comparative text for the historical study of Christian magic, as well as a practical resource for those who may wish to utilize that tradition.’ – Brian Johnson

‘David Rankine’s The Canterbury Pentacles provides an excellent analysis of what are arguably some of the oldest pentacles known in the occult world. This work painstakingly examines how each talismanic seal is presented and employed within the rich tradition of ancient Christian occult iconography and symbolism. It offers a thorough examination of the text, seals, and historical context, revealing traditions that predate many of the more widely known works of Western esotericism.

The author's impressive knowledge of religious and esoteric practices enables him to uncover the hidden meanings and powers behind these figures and symbols, even where the original texts themselves are incomplete or offer little explanation.

The ancient Christian pentacles and sacred symbols used for protection and victory may now be explored and applied by today’s esoteric practitioners. The diligent magician and serious scholar alike will benefit from integrating this material into their own studies and practice. This volume is a treasure for anyone drawn to the rich world of classical magic, talismans, amulets, and phylacteries.

I have personally fashioned several of the author's amulets, both historical and otherwise, and can attest to their efficacy and value. Readers who wish to move beyond academic study and engage directly with these images may discover for themselves the practical significance and enduring power of these ancient seals.’ – Ashan Chassan