The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage is one of the best-known, but seldom-used magical grimoires. The book describes an elaborate ritual whose purpose is to obtain the "knowledge and conversation" of the magician's "Holy Guardian Angel." During the period of the work, which lasts six months, the magician must pray daily before sunrise and again at sunset. Also, during this preparatory phase, there are many restrictions: chastity must be observed, alcoholic beverages refused, and the magician must conduct his business with scrupulous fairness. After the preparatory phase has been successfully completed, the magician's guardian angel will appear to reveal to the magician magical secrets.
