Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Will the USA & EU save the Ukraine & Poland this time? 75 years ago we did not!

.

As the chest thumping and threats of sanctions fly back and forth between the US and Russia, between Obama and Putin, and between, to a far lesser degree, the EU and Russia to end the threats of a Russian invasion of the Ukraine and then Poland perhaps, let us not lose site of history.

This is the 75th anniversary of one of the darkest hours in Polish history, and the 73rd anniversary of one of the darkest hours in Ukraine history, when pledges of protection from the countries of Europe and the United States were silenced by massive invasions of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russian troops.

In 1939 it was Poland and in 1941 it was the Ukraine that virtually disappeared off the face of the earth under the Nazi and Communists attacks that would leave millions of Polish and Ukrainian innocents dead before the end of the war in 1945, and the end of the Communist occupation in 1991.

Here is a report of the tragic consequence of the invasion in Poland taken from a history book I wrote in which previously classified records from the US, Europe and USSR were discovered that shed new light on the real history of the 20th century.  The following appeared October 11, 2012 in the Coltons Point Times.

 
SAVIORS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
HITLER & STALIN
Poland - Armageddon of WW II
Monday October 11, 2010
.

SAVIORS OF THE 20TH CENTURY - HITLER & STALIN
The war of annihilation between the Nazis and Communists

ISBN 0964599317
LCCN 2004095812

Available worldwide through Amazon Kindle books

http://www.amazon.com/Saviors-20th-Century-Hitler-ebook/dp/B0040ZNU76/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1285077808&sr=1-1


Poland - Armageddon of WW II

Poland, the Armageddon of World War II, the proverbial scene of the decisive battle between good and evil. In the history of civilization it is doubtful any country faced the dire conditions and the deadly consequences faced by Poland from 1939-1945.

Sandwiched between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, it was the only nation to be partitioned without a vote between the Nazi and Communist Empires as a result of the 1939 non-aggression pact between Hitler and Stalin. Poland was a geographic buffer between these two menacing monsters, a buffer that vanished off the face of the earth during the month of September 1939.

Both Hitler and Stalin had reasons to hate the Poles. Fact is both felt justified in ravaging the nation for their own purposes. After World War I Poland humiliated the Germans as a result of the severe conditions of the Treaty of Versailles. Over one and one half million Germans were forced to abandon their homes to Poles because of the treaty.

In 1939 Poland was the fastest growing industrial nation in Europe and was much needed to support the German war machine. Both Hitler and Himmler had rejected their Catholic upbringing and there were more Catholics in Poland than any other country, making it a convenient target for religious persecution. It was also the gateway for the inevitable invasion of the Soviet Union and of vital strategic importance.


More ominously, it was the home to nearly three million Jews before the war. Ever since Catherine II established the Pale for Jews they had moved into Poland and had recently represented nearly eight percent of the population, the most of any nation in Europe.

Earlier in the 20th century, before World War I, there were over thirty million Poles, but four million were killed in World War I, thirty-four times the American loss in the war. Almost all the fighting of that World War took place on Polish soil. Yet deaths were not the only suffering by the Poles. Devastation was astounding as over 1.7 million buildings were destroyed, 6,969 churches, and 40% of all railway bridges and stations during the First World War.

The Soviets also had reason to dislike Poland. When the Communists swept to power in Russia and successfully won the Russian Civil War, the Soviet leaders decided to continue rolling right over Europe with their revolution. The mighty Red Army attacked the Poles in August of 1920 driving to the very gates of Warsaw.

A miracle of sorts happened when the embattled Poles fought back valiantly August 15 in the Battle of Warsaw outmaneuvering the stunned and vastly superior Red Army and routing them on August 18, thus saving Europe from Soviet conquest. It was a setback that reverberated throughout the Kremlin and caused the Communists to slow down the worldwide revolution they advocated. In time it came to be known as the day of the Polish Miracle.



 Yet there was more, for though the Soviets were a new nation dominated by Jewish-Bolshevik leaders and committed to stopping anti-Semitic actions, they were also committed to driving the opposition Jewish groups from influence, adversaries such as the Jewish Zionist and Bund nationalist parties.


Because of its proximity Poland had become a haven for Jewish outcasts from the Soviet Union after the revolution and civil war - those on the wrong side of Judaism who became enemies of the Bolshevik State. It also was a safe haven for all those fleeing Communist persecution throughout the Soviet Empire. To the Soviets, Poland was a nation harboring many dangerous fugitives and traitors.

Poland also was a hotbed of another faction of Jewish revolutionaries who were committed to the Communist Marxist revolution and the Soviet Bolshevik leadership. Thus some Polish Jews were enemies of the Soviets and many more were allies. Ironically Jewish participation in the Marxist revolution in Poland earlier caused the Poles and Ukrainians to distrust them as well. Active Jewish involvement in the revolutions that swept Europe after World War I would come back to haunt them.

Beyond the desire of the Soviets to save some Jews from Nazis and punish some for opposing the Bolsheviks, the Soviets were also in desperate need of access to the Baltic Sea north of Poland. A treaty with Hitler gave Stalin freedom to overrun the Baltic States and gain that ocean access.


 By 1921 the Polish population dropped to twenty-seven million, then grew to thirty-two million by 1931, the last official census before World War II. It was a diverse population as Ukrainians and Belorussians were the majority, Poles made up one third of the population, and Jews were about eight percent.

Germany and the Soviets announced to a stunned world the signing of the non-aggression pact at the end of August 1939 and on September 1 the Nazi invasion of Poland from the west was launched. It was to be a coordinated attack with the Red Army attacking from the east.

Over 1,800,000 German soldiers poured across the border with 2,600 tanks and over 2,000 aircraft supporting the invasion. Typical of the new German strategy designed by Hitler personally, it was to be a rapid and deadly strike. The Poles, like the rest of the world, were caught unprepared and less than a third of the Polish military was able to mobilize against the Nazi invasion.

Stalin, to the chagrin of Hitler, did not attack immediately as promised but waited to see what kind of resistance the Germans would encounter. He was also wary of the reaction of England and America to the invasion, as he needed Churchill and Roosevelt to be allies if he were to have any hope of defeating Hitler and Germany.


By waiting until the Germans destroyed the Polish army, he could proclaim the Soviets were invading Poland to protect the Ukrainian and Belorussian populations living in Poland from the Nazis, a tactic that infuriated Hitler when he learned of it.

The Soviet war machine finally did roll across the eastern border of Poland September 17 as Hitler's forces had secured the German half of the country and were rapidly moving into the Soviet territory. For a time it appeared as if the former bitter enemies and now allies might start fighting each other as they laid claim to the Polish nation.

One of the most intriguing comments of the dilemma faced by the Poles came from their decorated General Wladyslaw Anders, Polish Commander, speaking to General George Patton later in the war. Anders said:

"With the Nazis, we lose our lives; with the Soviets, we lose our souls… If I found my army between the Nazis and the Soviets, I would attack in both directions."



By October 5 Poland could hold out no longer against the onslaught from the Nazis and Red Army, and finally surrendered. Poland ceased to exist. Still in just a few weeks of fighting the Poles inflicted heavy losses on the Germans, 50,000 men, 697 planes and 993 tanks and armored cars, while thousands of Polish soldiers and civilians were able to escape to France and Britain.

The defeat in battle was just the beginning of the Polish suffering. In the 20 years following World War I Poland had rebuilt her industry and railroads. She now had over 5,500 railroad locomotives, 11,350 passenger cars, and 164,000 freight cars. Over 1,250 miles of new railroad track had been laid and Polish highways had been expanded by over 30%.

All of these resources were needed by the Nazis in their ambitious plans to reunite the German Empire. A vast network of nearly 200 concentration camps were soon developed throughout Poland and the surrounding area first for the purpose of providing labor, and later as the sites of the Nazi death camps. The need for industrial output was the priority and over two million Poles were among five million prisoners sent into forced labor.

When the occupation was completed Germany controlled about 13 million Poles including 2.1 million Jews, and the Soviets controlled about 13 million Poles including about 1.2 million Jews. Over 600,000 people fled from the German to Soviet sector including over 350,000 Jews during the next year. Of the total population in Soviet occupied areas about one tenth were Jewish, one third were Poles, and the majority were Ukraine and Belorussian.

Germany immediately threw 1.2 million Poles from their ancestral homes for resettlement in ghettos to make room for Germans who lost their homes after World War I. The Soviets and Polish were bitter enemies and the Soviets captured 230,000 Polish soldiers including 25,000 Jewish soldiers. Millions of Poles died in the hands of the Germans and Soviets.

Before the Nazis were driven out of Poland nearly 2.5 million Poles were murdered in camps and another 500,000 were starved to death. Millions more died during forced labor, resettlement and deportation.

As for Poles living in the Soviet lands, 1.6 million Poles were deported to the gulags and prisons of Russia including over 130,000 Jews sent from the Soviet occupied area of Poland to Siberia as "enemies of the state." Ironically this deportation probably saved them from the Nazi holocaust. In addition to the Polish citizens imprisoned or forced into labor camps the Soviets murdered many thousands of Polish military.

Soviet treatment of the Poles changed only when Hitler violated the non-aggression treaty and attacked the Soviet Union using Poland as the launch point in June of 1941. This action caused some positive events to take place in the midst of the carnage.

On August 12, 1941, with the German army advancing on Moscow, the Supreme Soviet granted amnesty to all Polish citizens and released all Polish prisoners from gulags and prisons in order to help in the fight against Nazi Germany. The millions of Poles sent to Soviet prisons were now free, unlike the fate of most Russian citizens sent to the deadly Soviet gulag prison system.

A total of nearly six million Poles died (civilian and military) during the war, ranking Poland third behind the Soviet Union and Germany for the most deaths in the European sector of World War II. This represented nearly 22% of the entire Polish population before the war.

When the dust finally settled on the deadliest conflict in history over fifteen million people had died in Polish concentration camps. Most were Soviet and Communist prisoners captured when the Germans overran the Soviet occupied Poland, the Ukraine and western Soviet territory extending all the way to Moscow. Tens of millions of Soviet military and civilians, Communists and Communist sympathizers were exterminated. Poland once again lay in ruins and it was to remain a Soviet state for the next half century.

As destiny would have it, Poland made history in quite another way. On the very same day as the Polish Miracle, May 18, 1920, when the Poles stopped the mighty Soviet Red Army and captured Kiev, in Poland a baby boy named Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born.


This young boy grew up and helped organize a secret theater group during the Nazi occupation. By 1944 he became a Catholic priest in a secret order in Poland. Soon the equally murderous Communists under Stalin drove out the murderous Nazi regime.

The priest became a Cardinal, and then the Cardinal became the first Polish Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II. In time he would use his influence as Pope to help the Solidarity movement in Poland oppose the Communist rule, and would help lead the Polish people out from under the shackles of Communism into a new life of freedom.
.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Wish that I could see California Girls - 1960's flashback - Muscle Heads and Muscle Cars

.

Once upon a time it was the 1960's and I had a band, dressed in madras plaid and wheat jeans just like the Beach Boys and we could seriously rock.  But alas we were trapped in Iowa when all the action was out in California on the beaches.


So what is a Hayseed to do?

I enrolled in the University of Arizona in Tucson where I was just five hours from those beaches and golden tans, a lot closer than the cornfields of Iowa.  The first chance I got it was off to LA and fun in the sun to find out what the Beach Boys had been talking about in all those songs.


There was only one person I knew at Arizona and he lived in LA so between my old friend Mike and my new fraternity brothers, several of whom were from California, we set off.  By the time we got to Malibu Beach it was getting late so I raced to do last minute shopping in order to not look too conspicuous.


I wanted one of those baggy surfing swimsuits, the loose fitting kind that came almost down to your knees, to hide the frightening white legs from Iowa.  Judging by the hunks strutting the boardwalk and the babes hitting on them if you weren't golden tan and on steroids there was just no chance.


Sadly I discovered I was right.  There was simply no way in hell any of those California girls was going to give me a second look when all the slick talking surfing boys were all over the place.  So I worked at learning the vocabulary of the beach boys since they spoke some foreign tongue only they seemed to understand.


After a few hours of listening I picked up on a bunch of the slang but had no clue how to use it so I just decided to cram all that west coast crap into a single sentence and spin it on the next blond bombshell to walk by.


"Hey babe, you are some bitchin', cool, RF, staff function and my globes are glued to you."


I waited to get slapped, laughed at or ignored but the beautiful babe, at least she looked beautiful after all the Margaritas we had been putting away, just kept staring at me for the longest time.


Suddenly she started laughing, well chuckling at first but then bursting into laughter.  "Can you do that again?" she asked.


"Darling," said the stud from hog heaven, "for you I will do anything again and again."  Promptly I repeated it verbatim to her delight and magically we were invited to a beach party with all the beautiful people.

As we made our way through the sand I asked one of my frat brothers with experience in these beach parties if we had any chance of getting dates.  He laughed.


Then another fraternity brother, this one went to UCLA but was showing us around as a matter of courtesy to another brother, said he knew how we just might steal the show from the California beach boys and their hot rods.


He said he learned long ago that sun bleached locks, hot rods and surf boards could always be trumped by competition.  The California girls loved the chase and they loved watching competition, especially for their attention.


The secret was volleyball.  Everyone on the beach played volleyball in the sand, but most of them were marginal players.  The real jocks didn't hang out with the surfers.  He asked if I played volleyball and of course I did, I was a jock in five sports in high school.


The dude was brilliant. We challenged the beach studs.  Quietly we went about our business of kicking their asses from Malibu to Waikiki Beach and then we went to the bonfire with the most beautiful girls on the beach where we entertained them with guitars, singing and a little cornball humor.


After my first venture to meet the California girls I was content to find them on my turf, not theirs.  It had been a matter a great fortune that the surfer boys we beat out in volleyball had not challenged us to a surfing competition.  There was no way I would have survived riding a wave.


Still, the beach excursion did make me aware of something you rarely saw in the Great Plains.  California was truly the American Mecca for street rods, supercharged hot rods, dragsters and funny cars, and the awesome American Muscle Cars.


In honor of the 1960's California beach scene I present to you the top ten Muscle cars of all time in America.  I hope my many readers from around the world will not object to seeing some of the many extravagant products of the American life style where power is everything.


The following top ten was based on a poll of MSN Autos readers and reported by James Tate.



10 greatest muscle cars of all time

By James Tate of MSN Autos
It's hard for a car buff not to crack a smile — or at least an impish grin — at the sight of a classic muscle car. These overpowered iron beasts were built to deliver a beating and to take one. They were always willing and able to burn some rubber. And they were anything but agile. Big, heavy for the time, loud and rude, muscle cars embodied everything that was great about the American auto industry of the 1960s and 1970s. In a recent poll of our readers, we asked, "What's your favorite muscle car?" Here are the results, listed in ascending order of preference, as well as an overview of what made each beast special.

 1. 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500

6,272 votes, 17 percent of the vote
The GT500 was basically a factory-authorized tuner Mustang created by Carroll Shelby. Introduced in 1967, the GT500 joined the GT350 on showroom floors and offered a 428-cubic-inch Police Interceptor engine with a conservatively rated 355 horsepower. Despite the larger engine, it was actually designed to be a more usable road-going vehicle than the lighter, race-ready GT350. Because of this, and its negligible premium over the GT350, the GT500 was an instant hit, just as it remains to this day.

2. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427

5,540 votes, 15 percent of the vote
Although not purely American, the 427 Cobra is one of the best-known muscle cars ever made. Based on a lightweight British AC Ace roadster, the Cobra was the brainchild of automotive legend Carroll Shelby, and it was essentially created by shoehorning a mammoth Ford 427 engine under the AC's hood. The end result was a frighteningly fast roadster that was also tremendously successful on the track. Today, top examples of these cars command incredible figures at auction houses worldwide.


3. 1969 Z28 Chevy Camaro
5,471 votes, 14 percent of the vote
The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro is guaranteed to stir emotion in the hearts of enthusiasts. In Z28 guise, the '69 Camaro had a small-block 302-cubic-inch engine designed for Trans-Am racing; it was officially rated at 290 horsepower, though its true influence was known to be much more. It also featured F41 sport suspension, standard front disc brakes and a Muncie 4-speed gearbox. It wasn't the biggest, fastest monster on the street, but overall, it was a great package and left little to be desired.


4. 1970 Chevelle 454 SS
5,146 votes, 13 percent of the vote
No matter how you cut it, 454 cubic inches — roughly 7.4 liters — is a whole lot of engine, and it made for outrageous power in the 1970 Chevelle 454 SS. While its base power was already impressive at 360 horses, the LS6 upgrade made for an easy leap to a totally bonkers 450 ponies. This car, and the engine it held, basically represented the limit of the muscle-car power wars, and it is still the highest-output production car to date.


5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

4,208 votes, 11 percent of the vote
Fully redesigned for 1970, the Plymouth Barracuda was offered with no less than five high-powered V8 engines, although the awe-inspiring 426 Hemi was undeniably top dog, pounding out a crushing 425 horsepower. While its nose-heavy weight distribution made for questionable handling, no one was laughing when it came time for the Hemi 'Cuda to rip down the quarter-mile in the low 13-second range.


6. 1965 Pontiac GTO

4,150 votes, 11 percent of the vote
The Pontiac GTO, affectionately dubbed the "Goat," is about as quintessentially muscle car as it gets. For 1965, the 389-cubic-inch engine packed a stout 335 horsepower and was offered with a Tri-Power option good for an additional 25 ponies. While it was capable of dashes to 60 mph in less than six seconds, the GTO's sketchy brakes and subpar steering made the heavy beast quite a handful to control. But hey, that's all part of driving a true muscle car, right?


7. 1970 Boss 302 Mustang

2,762 votes, 7 percent of the vote
The Boss 302 was a serious muscle car featuring the high-rev Boss 302 V8 engine, which was underrated at 290 horsepower to match its Camaro archrival. Made for Trans-Am racing excitement, the Boss 302 was good for a zero-to-60-mph sprint in well under seven seconds, and it regularly clocked a sub-15-second quarter-mile. As one poll reader described its high-rev eagerness, "Once the car hooks up and the revs climb above 3500, you better hang on for dear life."


8. 1969 Dodge Charger

2,617 votes, 7 percent of the vote
If you don't recognize the '69 Charger, then you simply weren't watching TV in the 1980s. Painted orange and nicknamed General Lee, this coupe was quite a star on TV's "The Dukes of Hazzard." The baddest of the early Chargers was the R/T, with its standard 440 Magnum under the hood churning out a solid 375 horsepower. Its top available engine, however, the all-conquering 426 Hemi cranked out an astounding 425 horses, although the engine alone weighed nearly half a ton.


9. 1968 Pontiac Firebird Coupe

1,079 votes, 3 percent of the vote
Nowadays, the name Pontiac Firebird probably stirs up images of uninspired '90s coupes, or perhaps the painted-hood icons of the 1980s. (Remember Burt Reynolds' Firebird from the movie classic "Smokey and the Bandit"?) However, the Firebird dates back earlier than either example. The first generation was one of the best all-around muscle cars on the market. As it was until just a few years ago, the original Firebird was a close cousin to the Chevrolet Camaro, and the 1968 model offered a range of engines, including a roaring 400-cubic-inch V8 good for 335 horsepower.


10. 1970 Buick GSX

893 votes, 2 percent of the vote
The 1970 GSX was built atop the already potent Buick GS 455 big-block coupe. The GSX was officially quoted as having 360 horsepower and a monumental 510 lb-ft of torque, although like many muscle cars, these power figures were underrated. This 1970 coupe made a strong statement about GM's new willingness to go over its previous 400-cubic-inch limit, and it was available only in yellow or white, both with the obligatory racing stripes, of course. Only 678 GSX coupes were produced.
. 

How long have we been kept in the dark?

.

For as long as I can remember I have been driven to question everything because the truth has been hidden from us for reasons we cannot even imagine.  The thought was ingrained in my nature since before I learned what or how to think.

I never understood it as I went through each phase of the relentless programming we are all exposed to in school, in families, in culture, in history books, in politics and even in religions.  For many years it was a journey I took alone as no one seemed to share my skepticism or cynicism or pessimism or whatever you may want to call it.

When I was very young I began a lifelong avocation of collecting old dictionaries, in particular the Encyclopedic Dictionaries of the 1800's.  That was where I began to notice the first subtle and then pronounced changes in how words were being used, and defined, and then redefined.


To a student of old dictionaries the difference between 19th century and 20th century definitions for the same words was dramatic and shocking so many liberties were used in altering common definitions.  It seemed as if history was being bent in the English usage to accommodate a history that didn't really exist.

The Native Americans have a wonderful term with some very dark connotations called "shape shifting" in which things morphed into something entirely different from what you thought you were seeing.  It was mostly used when describing the powers of the ’ánt’įįhnii, or witches from the dark side in Navajo.


These shape shifters or skin walkers altered reality to achieve their heinous goal and they date back to the First Emergence, the dawning of the age of man.  They are feared because they are murderous and full of evil.

Could it be that our very own history, culture, religion and laws of God and nature are caught up in the relentless quest of the dark side to gain the favor and then dominance over an unsuspecting public.

My search led me to several generations of Indigenous traditional spiritual leaders, to theologians, to ancient Greek philosophers, to ancient Chinese mystics and to the world of Druids and magic in search of truth.


Early on it was clear that history was not a particularly viable source of truth because the vast majority of historical accounts were written to defend or justify a person, principle, practice, philosophy or precept.  Bending the truth to justify a morally or ethically bankrupt idea was in vogue.  It didn't matter what field it was used, there was penetration by the dark side into practically all aspects of humanity.

No where was this more evident than in the ancient field of metaphysics whose definition is not even remotely recognizable today.  In fact, in barely 100 years the metaphysical definition has been turned upside down.


Let me give you an example.

Today most people view metaphysical activity as new age gobble de gook, relating to things that are thought to exist but cannot be seen or proven.  It is a definition meant to undermine all that it encompasses.  The very nature of the definition brings into doubt the veracity of anything that could be learned or extracted.

Yet over 100 years ago it meant something a great deal more.


Here is the 1906 definition from my five volume dictionary:

The New American Encyclopedic Dictionary
An Exhaustive Dictionary of the English Language
Practical and Comprehensive
GIVING THE FULLEST DEFINITION
(ENCYCLOPEDIC IN DETAIL),
THE ORIGIN, PRONUNCIATION AND USE OF WORDS.

[Yes that is the name of the 4,731 page dictionary and that length is before the last century of advances in science, medical, technology, computers and everything else.  Today Webster's New World Dictionary has compressed the old and new information into 1,692 pages, a loss of 3,039 pages of definitions.]

Metaphysics

1. History & Philosophy; A term popularly employed to denote a science dealing with subjects incapable of being dealt with by physical research.  Broadly viewed, the Aristotelian metaphysic was the science of the first principles of being, the science of the first principles of knowing, and the science of God, as the beginning and ending of all things; and these three were the foundation of scholastic philosophy, which found its highest expression in Thomas Aquinas.  Metaphysics "is made by him conversant with being as such and its modifications.  In itself each ens is res and unum; in distinction from others it is aliquid; as in harmony with the action of the knowing faculties, it is verum; and as harmonizing with the will, it is bonum."  The Roman metaphysic of the present day is, to a great extent, Thomist, and is divided into General, or Ontology, and Special, embracing Cosmology, Psychology, and Natural (as distinguished from Moral and Dogmatic) Theology.  The Leibnitzo-Wolfian metaphysic is noteworthy for its rationalistic tendency.  Its  ontology treats of the existence in general; its rational psychology, of the soul as a simple non-extended substance; its cosmology, of the world as a whole; and its rational theology, of the existence and attributes of God.  The Metaphysic of Kant was rationalist.  Summarizing the remarks accompanying his notice of the course for 1765, Wallace says:

"In the course on Metaphysics the early lectures would deal with experiential Psychology, where, avoiding all mention of a soul, a reasoned account would be given of the facts or phenomena of the mental life.  Going on next to the theory of living bodies (the Biology of the period), and thirdly to Cosmology, or the theory of the material world, he would come in the fourth place to Ontology, which expounds the general properties of things, and includes rational Psychology (where the idea of soul or spirit is brought in), and would terminate with rational Theology." -- Kant, p. 131

2. Supernatural arts. (Cockeram.)

Supernatural acts: Being beyond, above or exceeding the powers or laws of nature.  It is a stronger term than preternatural, and is frequently used as synonymous with miraculous.

"Cures, wrought by medicines, are natural operations; but the miraculous ones wrought by Supernatural arts, were supernatural."  Boyle; Works, v. 167.

The supernatural: That which is above or beyond the established course or laws of nature; that which transcends nature; supernatural agencies, influences, phenomena and the like.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Perhaps the broad nature of metaphysical before this past century explains a lot about the acceptance of pagan practices as religion before the time of Jesus and the blurred world between religion and magic, a condition that existed well into the 16th century AD if not more recently.

Possible fictional history tells us King Arthur ruled in a time when wizards and Druids shared a place of equality with priests, and during the same time period the non-fictional accounts of St. Patrick (387 AD to 493 AD) reportedly say he was trained as a Druid before becoming a priest.  Notably he is the patron saint of witchcraft among other unusual areas.

By the 16th century AD Popes were still consulting shamans and oracles and Catholics like Nostradamus and St. Teresa of Avila were the most prominent psychics of the century and many more centuries to come, having to spend their lives in fear of the Spanish Inquisition, also Catholic.


So all of this is to prepare you for yet another carefully hidden document of history by a Benedictine Abbot named Johannes Trithemius.  Johannes also happened to be a practitioner of Magic and as the following indicates, is an excellent example of the blend of Christianity, Hermetic Philosophy and the attendant "sciences" of magic, astrology, alchemy and Cabala.

Johannes was assigned by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian 1 to identify the spiritual forces or heavenly intelligences as they call it that guide the universe under God.  The result was an astonishing formal Treatise written in 1508 defining the ages of the archangels and their impact on mankind.


The Seven Spirits According to God

Johannes Trithemius
(1462-1516)

Johannes Trithemius was born Johann Heidenberg in Trittenheim on the Mosel in what is now the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz on February 1, 1462.  His Latin name, Trithemius, derives from Trittenheim, his city of birth.  He broke with his family to pursue a scholarly life and studied at Heidelburg.
Having taken refuge in the Benedictine abbey of Sponheim during a snowstorm he resolved to stay and at the age of 21 became its abbot. As Abbot of Sponheim, Trithemius studied, wrote and amassed a large library.  In 1506 Trithemius left Sponheim and became the Abbot of the Monastery of St. Jacob in Wurzburg.  He died in 1516.


Trithemius' Work and Thought

The major works of Trithemius include Steganographia written circa 1499, Polygraphiae, a cryptographic work and De Septum Secundeis, a History of the World based on astrology, both of which were published in 1508.
Steganographia is primarily concerned with the sending of secret messages by angels, though it also touches on cryptography and a system of rapid learning.  Trithemius sets forth a hierarchy of angels and spirits ruling over regions of the Earth as well as days and hours.  Ultimately these angels are subject to the seven planetary angels, also set forth in De Septum Secundeis.
Trithemius is an excellent example of the Renaissance fusion of Christianity, Hermetic Philosophy and its attendant sciences of magic, astrology, alchemy and Cabala.  His magical system depends on the sympathy and harmony between the three worlds of the material, celestial and angelic/Ideal.
What is true of all of the Renaissance Magi, with the possible exception of Giordano Bruno, is their adherence to Christianity, albeit of a rather heterodox nature.  This insistence on the consonance between magic and Christianity is particularly pronounced in Trithemius, a Benedictine Abbot.
Trithemius says, "The word magic is the Persian term for what in Latin is called wisdom, on which account magicians are called wise men, just as were those three wise men who, according to the Gospel, journeyed from the East to adore, in his crib, the infant who was the Son of God in the flesh."
Nepiachus, cited in Braun, Trithemius and Magical Theology said Trithemius' work had considerable influence on later Renaissance writings on magic, particularly on Cornelius Agrippa.  In his Three Books of Occult Philosophy Agrippa states that he conferred with Trithemius, "of diverse things concerning chemistry, magic and Cabalie, and of other things, which as yet lie hidden in secret sciences and arts."



Johannes Trithemius
1462-1516
Abbot of Sponheim

A TREATISE ON THE SEVEN SECONDARY CAUSES, I.E.,
INTELLIGENCES, OR SPIRITS, WHO MOVE THE SPHERES
ACCORDING TO GOD
(Written 1508)
                                                                               
Of the Heavenly INTELLIGENCIES
 Governing the Orbes under GOD.
1508

To the august and pious Maximilian 1, Emperor & Caesar by the Grace of God:

Renowned Caesar, it is the opinion of Ancients, that this lower World by ordination of the first Intellect (which is God) is directed and ordered by Supernatural Intelligences, to which Conciliator Hermes assents, saying, that from the Original or first beginning of heaven and earth, there were Seven Spirits assigned to the seven Planets.  Each of these Spirits rules the World for a period of 354 years, and four months.


Many learned scholars have approved this assertion, which I do not guarantee, but only lay before you Most Blessed Majesty.

The first Angel or Spirit, that of Saturn is called Oriphiel, to whom God confided the government of the World from the beginning of Creation.  Oriphel’s reign began March 15 in the first year of the World, and it endured 354 years and 4 months.

The name Oriphiel was given to him on account of his spiritual office, not his nature.  Under his dominion men were crude and savage, did cohabitant together in deserts and uncouth places, in the homely manner of beasts of the wild.  This needs no demonstration for it is clearly evident in the Text of the Book of Genesis.

The second guiding Spirit World is Anael, the Spirit of Venus, who following Oriphiel began to rule according to the influence of this Planet in the year of the world 354 the fourth month, that is, the 24th day of the month of June.  Anael ruled the world 354 years, and 4 months, until the year from the Creation of the world 708 as appears to any that shall calculate the Age thereof.

Under the rule of this Angel, men began to be more civilized, built houses, erected cities, invented manual arts and began the manufacturing of weaving and spinning of yarns.  They also indulged plentifully in the pleasures of the flesh, took unto themselves faire women for their wives.  Neglecting God, they grew distant in many things from natural simplicity; they invented games and songs, set themselves to playing the harp (kithara), and did imagine all that had to do with the worship and purpose of Venus and her cult.  And this wantonness of life in men did continue until the deluge, receiving the just punishments for their depravity.

The third ruler of the Spirit, Zachariel, the Angel of Jupiter, began to govern the world in the year of the Creation of Heaven and Earth 708, the eighth month, that is, the 25th day of the month of October.  Zachariel ruled the World 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World’s Creation 1060 inclusively.

Under Zachariel’s direction men began to take turns usurping Dominion over one another.  They began to hunt, to make tents, to adorn their bodies with all different kinds of garments.

There arose a great division betwixt the good and evil men; the Pious invoking God, such as Enoch, whom the Lord took into Him in Heaven, while the wicked plunged into snares and pleasurable allurements of the flesh.

Men under the Dominion of Zachariel began to live more civilly, to submit to laws and commands of their Elders, and did distance themselves from their former barbarism.  Under his rule Adam the first man died, leaving to all posterity an assured testimony, that necessarily we all must die.

Various arts and inventions of men did about this time first appear and manifest themselves, as historians have more clearly expressed.

The fourth Ruler of the World was Raphael, the Spirit of Mercury, whose rule began in the year of the Creation of Heaven and Earth 1063 the 24th day of February and he reigned 354 years 4 months.  His dominion continued until the year of the World 1417 and fourth month.  In these times writing was first found out, and letters excogitated in the form of trees and plants, later to be modified into more graceful shapes.  The Nations varied or changed the face of their characters according to their own fancy.

The use of musical instruments, under the time and rule of this Raphael began to spread.  Commerce and trade betwixt man and man was now first invented.  A presumptuous, rude and simple audacity in these times begot Navigation or the manner of sailing from one place to another, and many such like things in one kind or other.

The fifth Ruler of the World was Samuel, the Angel of Mars, who began the 26th day of the month of June in the year of the World 1417 and swayed the rule of this World 354 years 4 months, until the year of the World 1771 and eighth month.

Under Samuel’s rule the empire and government of men imitated the nature of Mars.  Also under the dominion of this Angel, the universal deluge of waters happened in the year of the World 1656 as evidently it appears by history out of the Book of Genesis.

It is a remarkable fact, as the ancient philosophers have told us, that so often when Samuel the Angel of Mars is ruler of the World, there ariseth notable changes of monarchy.  Religions and sects do vary and are overturned.  Laws are changed.  Principalities and kingdoms are transferred to strangers, whom we may easily find out, by perusal of histories.

Notwithstanding Samuel such changes do not occur at the beginning or entrance of his dominion but manifest according to the disposition of his behavior or custom when he hath exceeded the middle time of his governance, which very thing is likewise to be true concerning the Angels of the other Planets, (as it may be manifested from histories).  That is, the influence of the Angel’s powers reaches its peak when their stars reach the zenith of their revolution.

The sixth Ruler of the World is Gabriel the Angel of the Moon, who began after Samuel the Angel of Mars had finished his course, the 28th day of the month of October in the year of the World 1771 and eighth month.  He rules the affaires of the World 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the World 2126.

Again in these times men were multiplied, and built many new cities.  And we must note that the Hebrews do affirm that the General deluge was in the year of the World 1656 under the moderation of Mars.  But the Septuagint interpreters, Isidorus and Beda, confirm the Deluge to be in the year of the World 2242 under the Rule of Gabriel, the Angel of the Moon, which seems unto me by multiplication to be rather closer unto truth, but to express my further conception hereof, is not the work of this present discourse.

Michael the Angel of the Sun was the 7th Ruler of the World, who began the 24th of February, in the year of the World according to common computation 2126, and he governed the world 354 years and four months, until the year of the age of the world 2480 and four months.

Under the Dominion of the Angel of the Sun even as histories consent with truth, Kings first began to appear amongst mortal men, of whom Nimrod was the first that with an ambitious desire of sovereignty, did tyrannize over his companions.

The worship of several Gods by the foolishness of men was now instituted, and they began to adore their petty Princes as Gods. Sundry arts also about this time were invented by men; to wit, the mathematics, astronomy, and magic.  That worship which formerly was attributed to one God now began to be given to diverse creatures.  The knowledge of the one true God, little and little, and because of the superstition of men, became forgotten.


About these times architecture was found out, and men began to use more policy both in their civil institutions and in their manners or customs of living.

From henceforth the eighth time in order, again Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn began to govern the World the 26th day of the month of June, in the year from the beginning of the world 2480 and four months.  He continued his government of the world this second return, 354 years and four months, until the year of the world 2834 and eight months.

Under the rule of this Angel the nations were multiplied, and the earth was divided into regions, and many kingdoms instituted.   The Towel of Babel was built, and the “Confusion of Tongues” then fell out.

Men were dispersed into every part of the earth, and men began to till and manure the earth more accurately, to ordain fields, sow corn, plant vineyards, to dig up trees, and to provide with greater diligence, what ever was more convenient for their food, and raiment.

From that time forward, first of all, amongst men, the discerning of nobility begun to be taken notice of; which was, when men in their manner of living, and in wisdom did excel the rest of men, undertaking trophies of glory from the great ones of the earth, as rewards for their merits.

From hence first of all, the whole world began to come into the knowledge of men, whilst every where the nations being multiplied, many Kingdoms did arise, and various differences of tongues did follow.

The ninth time in order and course, Anael, the Angel of Venus began again to sway the world the 29th day of October, and in the year of the Creation of Heaven and earth 2834 and 8 months: and he presided 354 years, four months, until the year of the World 3189.

In these times men forgetting the true God, began to honor the dead, and to worship their statues for God, which error hath infected the World more than two thousand years.  Men did now devise curious and costly ornaments, for better trimming, and adorning their bodies.

They found out different kinds of musical instruments.  Again men prosecuted too much the lust and pleasures of the flesh, instituting, and dedicating statutes and temples to their Gods.  Witchcraft and incantations in these times were first excogitated by Zoroaster King of the Bactrians (and diverse others as well as he) whom Ninus King of Assyria defeated in war.

In order the tenth time Zachariel the Angel of Jupiter, again began to rule the world the last day of February, in the year of the building, or framing the heaven and earth, 3189 and he moderated according to his custom, and manner 354 years, and four months, until the year of the world 3543 and four months.

These were joyful times, and might truly be called golden, wherein there was plenty of all manner of useful things, which much conduced for the increase of mankind, giving thereby exceeding beauty and adornment to the things of this World.


In like manner about this time, God gave to Abraham the Law of Circumcision; and first of all promised the Redemption of Mankind by the Incarnation of his one and only begotten Son.  Under the government of this Angel, the Patriarchs first Founders of Justice were famous, and the righteous were divided from the ungodly, by their own proper endeavor and consent.

About these times in Arcadia, Jupiter grew famous, who was titled also Lisania, the Son of Heaven and God, a King, who first of all gave Laws to the Arcadians, made them very civil in their manners and behavior, taught them the worship of God, erected them temples, instituted priests, procured many advantageous benefits for mankind, for which his people so greatly benefit.  He was by them called Jupiter, and after his death accounted for as a Deity or God.

He originated from the priestly sons of Heber, viz. Gerar, as ancient Histories do record to posterity.  It is also reported under this Angel that Prometheus, also the son of Atlas, is reported to have found men rude and ignorant, and he made them wise and knowing, humane, courteous, accomplished in learning and manners.

He made images by art to move of themselves.  He first found out the use of the ring, scepter, diadem, and all kingly ornaments.

In or about these times other jovial men did excel, men most wise and women also, who by their own understanding delivered many profitable inventions to mankind.  When they died for the greatness of their wisdom they were reputed as Gods.  Photoneus, who first of all instituted amongst the Greeks laws and judgements, also Sol (Apollo), Minerva, Ceres, and Serapis amongst the Egyptians, and very many besides.

In order the eleventh time Raphael the Angel of Mercury again undertook the ordering of the world the first day of the month of July, in the year of the world 3543 and fourth month; he continued in his commands 354 years, and four months, until the year of the Creation of heaven and earth 3897 and 8 months.

Verily in these times, as it evidently appears from the Histories of the Ancients, men more earnestly applied themselves to the study of wisdom, amongst whom the last learned and most eminent men, were Mercurius, Bacchus, Omogyius, Isis, Inachus, Argus, Apollo, Cecrops, and many more, who by their admirable inventions, both profited the world then, and posterity since.

Several Superstitions also about these times, concerning the worship of their Idols were instituted by men.  Sorceries, incantations, and arts of framing Diabolical Images were now in a marvelous manner increased, and whatsoever either of subtly, or wit, that could possibly be attributed to the invention or cunning of Mercury about these times, did exceedingly increase.

Moses the wisest Commander of the Hebrews, expert in the knowledge of many things and arts, a Worshipper of one only true God, did deliver the people of Israel from the slavery of the Egyptians, and procured their liberty.  About this time Janus first of all reigned in Italy, after him Saturnus, who instructed his people to fat their grounds with soil or dung, and was accounted or esteemed for a God.

Near these times Cadmus found out the Greek Letters, or Characters, and Carmentis, the daughter of Evander, the Latine.  God Omnipotent, under the Government of this Raphael, the Angel of Mercury, delivered by the hands of Moses, to his people a Law in writing which giveth a manifest testimony of our Saviour Jesus Christ, his future birth and nativity to be born in the flesh.

Here arose in the World a wonderful diversity of Religions: During these times, here flourished many Sybills, Prophets, Diviners, Soothsayers, or such as used inspection into the entrails of Beasts, Magicians, or Wise men, Poets, as Sybilla, Erythraea, she of the Isle of Delphos, she whom we call the Phrygian, because she lived in Phrygia with the rest.

Again in order the twelfth time Samuel the Angel of Mars, began to exercise his Dominion upon the world, the second day of the month of October, in the year of the world 3897 and eighth month, and his time of ruling, was 354 years, and four months from thence, until the year 4252.

Under Samuel’s empire and rule was that great and most famous Destruction of Troy in Asia the less (Minor).  Also an admirable mutation and alteration of monarchies as many kingdoms came together with new institutions, or moldings of many new cities, as Paris, Mainz, Carthage, Naples, and very many besides these.

Many new Kingdoms were newly erected, or now had their first beginning, as that of the Lacedemonians, Corinthians, Hebrews, and divers more.  Here in these times all over the whole world there were very great wars, and battles of kings and nations, and several alterations of empires.  The Venetians from this time do compute and reckon the original both of their people and taking the city of Troy from the Trojans.


And its observable that very many other Nations, as well in Europe as in Asia, pretend to have taken their original from the Trojans, to whom I thought good to give so much credit, as they themselves were able to persuade me was truth, upon sufficient testimony and proof.

The Arguments they produce concerning their nobility and antiquity are frivolous, being desirous to magnify themselves openly, as if there were no people, or nation in Europe, before the Destruction of Troy, or as if there had been no peasant, or clown amongst the Trojans.

Under the moderation also of this Planet, Saul was made first King of the Jews, after him David, whose son King Salomon, built in Jerusalem the Temple of the true God, the most famous and glorious of the whole world.

From hence the Spirit of God illustrating and enlightening his Prophets with a more ample illumination of his grace, they did not only foretell of the future incarnation of our Lord and Savior, but also many other things, as holy Scriptures do testify, amongst whom were Nathan son of King David, Gad, Asaph, Achias, Semeias, Asarias, Anan, and many others.

Homer the Greek Poet, writer of Troy's Destruction, the Phrygian Dares and the Cretan Dictis who witnessed and have likewise described it, are supported to have been alive near about these times.


The thirteenth time in order, Gabriel the Spirit of the Moon, again undertook the ordering of this world the 30th day of January in the year from the beginning of the Universe 4252 and he presided in his Government 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World 4606 and fourth month.

In this time many Prophets were famous and excelled amongst the Jews: Elisha, Micah, Abdias, with many others.  There were many alterations of the Kingdom of the Jews.  Lycurgus gave Laws and Ordinances to the Lacedemonians.  Capetus, Sylvius. Lyberius Sylvius, Romulus Sylvius, Procas Sylvius, Numitor, Kings of Italy flourished during the moderation of this spirit.  More Kingdoms also had their Original or foundation under him, as those of the Lydians, Medes, Macedonians, Spartans, and others did.  The Monarchy of Assyrians under Sardanapalus now ended.

And in like manner the Kingdom of the Macedonians was consumed, or worn out.  Sundry laws are imposed on men, the worship of the true God is neglected, and the Religion of false Gods too much propagated.  The City of Rome is built under the Dominion of this Spirit, in the year 1484 which year in order, was the 239 of the Angel Gabriel.  The Kingdom of the Sylvans in Italy now ended, and that of Rome began in these times.  Thales, Solon, Cheilon, Periander, Cleobulus, Bias of Priene, and Pittacus, the seven wise men (Seven Sages) of Greece flourished, and from thence Philosophers and Poets came into high esteem.

At Rome, Romulus the first founder of the city reigned 37 years being a fratricide and a stirrer up of sedition.  After whom Numa Pompilius continued that Kingdom in peace a full 42 years as he amplified the worship of the Gods, and lived in the time of Hezekiah King of Judea.

About the end of the rule of this Angel of the Moon Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, took Jerusalem, and destroyed Zedechiah the King and carried away all the people as captives.  Jeremiah the Prophet, now famous; foretold of this destruction and also their future delivery from Babylon.

When Gabriel had finished his course, again Michael Angel of the Sun did assume the fourteenth government of the World, who began the first day of the month of May, in the year of the World 4606 the fourth month, and did rule the World according to his own order 354 years and 4 months, until the year of the World's Creation 4960 and eighth month.

In the time of this Angels moderation of evil Merodach King of Babylon, did restore both the liberty and king to the people of the Jews, according to the direction of the Angel Michael, who as Daniel wrote, stood for the Nation of the Jews, unto whom they were committed by God.

In these times likewise the Monarchy of the Kingdom of the Persians began, whose first King Darius and the second Cyrus did bring to utter ruin that most powerful Kingdom of Babylon in the days of Balthazar, as Daniel and the Prophets had predicted.

In these times the Cumaean Sibyl was much spoken of and grew famous; who brought nine books to Tarquinius Priscus the King to be bought for a certain price, in which were contained the reason, order, and succession of future predictions of the whole commonwealth of the Romans.

But when the King refused to give her the price demanded, Sibyl (the King seeing it) burnt the first three books, demanding the same price for the other six; which when again he had denied to give her, she committed to be burnt three of those remaining, and would have done so by the rest; unless the King by persuasion and Council of others, had not redeemed them from consuming, giving the same price for the three last, for which he might have had the whole nine.

Moreover the Romans having abrogated Government by Kings constituted two Consuls to reign every year.  Phalaris the Tyrant in these times occupied Sicilia.

Magique (magic) or natural philosophy was also in these times highly esteemed amongst the Kings of Persia.  Pythagoras the Philosopher and very many others flourished amongst the Greeks.  The Temple and City of Jerusalem are reconstructed.  Esdras the Prophet restored from memory the books of Moses, burned by the Chaldeans, who were also called Babylonians.  The text was called the Babylonian version.

Xerxes King of the Persians brought his Army against the Greeks, but had no success therein. The City of Rome is taken, burned, and destroyed by the Gauls except for the Capitol only preserved by a goose, who stirred up the sleeping soldiers with his honking.  The Athenians had eminent wars in these times.  Socrates and Plato the Philosophers lived now.

The Romans lessened the power of their Consuls and instituted Tribunes and Aediles.  Also about these times they were involved in many calamities.

Alexander the great after the expiration of the rule of Michael, reigned in Macedonia, destroyed the Monarchy of the Persians in Darius, conquered all Asia, and annexed it with part of Europe to his own Empire.  He lived 33 years, reigned 12 after whose death infinite wars and many mischiefs followed, and his Monarchy became divided amongst four.  Now amongst the Jews, first of all, they began to contend for the Priesthood.  The Kingdom of Syria began.


After the Spirit of Michael had finished his course then the fifteenth time in order, Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn, the third time assumed the regulating of this World, the last day of the month of September, in the year from the building of the Universe 4960 and eighth month: and he did rule in Chief 354 years, 4 months, until the year of the World 5315.

Under whose moderation, the Punic war began betwixt the Romans and Carthaginians.  The City of Rome was almost wholly consumed by fire and water.  The Brazen Molten Image called Colossus, in height one hundred and twenty six feet fell down, being shaken by an earthquake.  At or near this time the City of Rome enjoyed peace one year after the Punic War, which Commonwealth had never been without War in 440 years before.

Jerusalem together with the Temple is burnt and destroyed by Antiochus and Epiphanes.  The History of the Machabees and their Wars were now acted.  In these times Carthage 606 years after its first foundation is destroyed, and burned continually for the space of 17 whole days.  In Sicilia seventy thousand slaves made a Conspiracy against their Masters.

Many great wonders in these times were beheld in Europe.  Tame domestic cattle fled to the woods, it rained blood, a fiery ball shined, appeared, and glistered out of heaven with great noise and crackling.  Mithridates King of Pontus, and Armenia held wars with the Romans for 40 years. The Kingdom of the Jews is restored, which had interruption 575 years from the time of Zedechias until Aristobulus.

The people also of Germany called the Teutonic invaded the Romans and after many fights are overcome and one hundred and threescore thousand (160,000) of them slain, besides innumerable others of them who perished with their families under the rule of Caius and Manlius the Consuls.  Notwithstanding this, many of the Romans were before this killed by them, after which time Civil Wars did much shake the Roman Commonwealth, which endured full 40 years.

Three Suns appeared and were seen in Rome, but not long ere they were reduced into one.  A very few years succeeding, Julius Caesar usurped the government of the Romans, which Octavius Augustus after him amplified, and joined Asia, Africa and Europe into one Monarchy.  He reigned 36 years by whom, or whose means God gave peace to the whole World.


In the year from the building of the City 751 and of Caesar Octavius Augustus the 42nd year, 245 years and the eighth month, the 25th of December, of the government of the aforesaid Oriphiel the Angel of Saturn, Jesus Christ the Son of God is born in Bethlehem of Judea, of Mary the Virgin.

Note how fair and wonderful the Ordination of Divine providence is for the World at first was created under the rule of Saturn his Angel Oriphiel and mercifully redeemed, restored, and made new again under his third government so that the great number and agreement of concurring actions may seem to administer no small belief to this manner of description, or setting forth, that this World is governed by the seven Angels of the Planets.  For in the first Governance of Oriphiel there was one only Monarchy of the whole World, under his second (as we mentioned before) it was divided amongst many.

Again, during his third, (as is manifest) it was reduced into one, although, if we consider or measure time aright, it is manifest also that in the second government of Oriphiel there was but one only Monarchy, when the Tower of Babel was built.

From this time forward the Kingdom of the Jews was quite taken away and the sacrifice of meat-offerings ceased, nor shall liberty be restored to the Jews before the third Revolution of the Angel Michael, and this shall be after the Nativity of Christ, in the year 1880 the eighth month.  In the year of the World 7170 and eighth month many of the Jews in those times, and of the Gentiles also, shall embrace Christian Religion, most plain and simple men preaching the word of God, whom no humane institution, but a divine spirit hath inspired.  The World shall then be brought to its first innocence of its simplicity, the Angel of Saturn Oriphiel governing the World every where.

Celestial things are mixed with earthly, many of the Christians for that faith which they did preach shall be slaughtered by the rulers of this World.  About the ending of the rule of Oriphiel Jerusalem is destroyed by the Romans, and the Jews are dispersed into every Nation, there being massacred of them eleven hundred thousand (1,100,000), and four score thousand (80,000) sold for slaves, the residue of them fled; and so the Romans wholly destroyed Judea.

After that Oriphiel had finished his government, Anael the Angel of Venus, the sixteenth in order, the third time reassumed his Regiment of the World the last day of January, in the year of creating the Heaven & Earth 5315 but from the year of the birth of Christ 109, and he regulated the affairs of the World 354 years, 4 months, until the years of the World 5669 and 4 months, but of the Nativity of our Saviour Jesus Christ in the flesh 463.

And its remarkable that almost during the whole rule of this Anael the Angel of Venus, the Church of Christians did flourish in her persecutions, and prevailed, many thousands, of men being butchered for the Faith of Christ.  Moreover in these times very many Heresies began to be broached in the Church, which were not extinguished but after some time, and with labor and the blood of good men.

Many men were eminent about these times in all manner of learning, and such as were learned and eloquent Divines, Astronomers, Physicians, Orators, Historiographers, and men of like quality, not only amongst the Gentiles but also Christians.

At length the persecution by Infidels ceased after Constantine (Caesar) the Great, had assumed the Christian faith, in the year of the World 5539 after the middle of the Government of the aforesaid Anael the Angel of Venus.

Although those professing the religion and faith of Jesus Christ in some measure were now and then disturbed and molested by the Ungodly; yet notwithstanding the peace of the Church did remain free from molestation a long time.

From this time forward Mankind which from the time of Ninus the King for almost
the space of two thousand and three hundred years had most miserably gone astray about the worship of Idols was now revoked mercifully to the knowledge of only one God.

Various arts of subtlety in these times were augmented, and increased in reputation according to the nature of Venus.  For the manners of men are changed with the time, and the inferior bodies are disposed according to the influence of the superior bodies of the heavens.

The mind of man (verily) is free, and receives not the influence of the Stars, unless it doth too much accommodate his affection by attaching itself with the body.  For the Angels who are the movers of the Orbs can neither destroy nor subvert any thing which nature itself hath constituted or framed.

A Comet of unwonted and unusual greatness did precede the death of Constantine.  The Aryan Heresy in many Countries disturbed the Holy Church.  Toward the end of this Angels rule, in the time of the Emperor Julian, Crosses appeared in the garments of men.  In Asia and Palestine wars followed along with pestilence and famine in those places where apparitions of the Crosses appeared.

In these times also about the year of our Lord 360 the Franks or Franconians in Germany had their Original, who afterwards wasted Gaul, gave the name unto it of France, having first overcome and conquered the people thereof.  The description of France in greatness is long and wide, or of great circuit, whose metropolis Moguntia sometimes was, now truly and only Herbipolis (Mainz).

The Bavarians, Suevians, the people of Rhine, Saxons, Thuringers, this day do occupy a great part of France including Germany, under jurisdiction of the Papacy in some places. Moreover in the 280th year of the governance of this Angel Anael, the Roman Empire began to decline, whilst the City Rome was taken and burned by the Goths.  The Imperial seat was first moved into Greece under Constantine, to Byzantium, a fatal deed that caused the declining of that whole Monarchy.  For near the end of the rule of this Angel Anael historians tell there did arise Radigifus, Alaricus, Atholfus, Kings of the Goths, who were soon followed by Ganseric, King of the Vandals and Attila, King of the Huns – all of whom invaded all over Europe and did most miserably tear the Empire asunder, as is evident in these Histories.

When Anael the Angel of Venus had finished his rule then Zachariel the Spirit of Jupiter did reassume the Universal Government of this World the seventeenth time, the first day of June, in the year of the World 5669 the fourth month, but in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 463 and four months; and governed in his turn 354 years and four months until the year of the World 6023 and eighth month, but of our Lord God 817.

Many men in these times out of their affection to Christian Philosophy betook themselves to live in the Wilderness.  Many wonders occurred, comets, earthquakes, and it rained blood.

Merlin, born in Tumbe (Caledonia) at the beginning of Zachariel’s rule, predicted wonderful things in the beginning or entrance of this Angels Government.  Arthurus who commonly is called Arthur, the most glorious King of Great Britain, who overcame the Barbarians, restored peace to the Church, went away and conquered in many battles, propagated the Faith of Christ, and subdued to his dominion all Gaul, Norway, Denmark, and many other Provinces.  He was the most glorious of all Kings that lived in his time, who after many famous actions performed, did never more appear, being expected to return by the Britains for many years.  In times past many praise-worthy songs were published by the Bards of that people of wonderful Poesie, for whilst he reigned, England was in its most flourishing condition unto whom three times ten kingdoms were subject.

In or near these times the several Orders of Monks began to multiply in the Church of God.  Theodoric King of Goths being an Aryan did possess all Italy, slaying Boetius their Consul.  All manners of Estates were full of perturbation, as well the Empire as Church affairs, or Church and Commonwealth were now in great distress.

Zenon and Anastasius, Aryan Emperors in the East, Theodoric and his successors in Italy, Honorius King of the Vandals in Africa did exercise no small Tyranny.

Clodoucus (Clovis) King of France at length in Gaul being turned Christian, both overcame the Goths and restored peace in many places, though not in every country and kingdom.

In the time of St. Benedict and year of Christ 500 or thereabouts, in the beginning of the government of this Angel Zachariel the Spirit of Jupiter, whose spirits’ property it is to change empires and kingdoms, which was done in this rule, histories do manifestly declare, and what himself could not perform, he ordained Raphael the Angel of Mercury, his successor, to perfect through Charlemagne, King of Frenchmen.

Many Kingdoms came to their end under these 350 years, the Goths, Vandals, Burgundians, Lumbards, Thuringers, Almains, Bavarians, and very many besides.  Justinian the Emperor was the first about these times to beautify the Commonwealth very deservedly with his Laws.  Many gallant and most admirable men flourished under Zachariel.  Justinian built the Temple of St. Sophia in Constantinople consisting of 400 Towers.

About this time the Empire is divided and made Bipartite, and Ever and Anon is more and more oppressed with mischief.  Many signs in heaven appeared about these times, as is easily collected from Histories.  Kusro, King of the Persians took Jerusalem.  Later he was killed by Heraclius the Emperor.  Mahomet the Arabian in these times about the year of Christ 600 introduced the Sect of Saracens, by which Sect the Roman Empire of Asia is now quite extinguished.

Dagobert King of France slew the English, at that time called Saxons (whom in battle he overcame). Its remarkable that little by little Christianity about these times began to fail in Asia and Africa, upon entrance of the Sect of the Saracens therein, which now had almost poisoned the whole world except Europe where the Order of St. Benedict spread the Christian religion.

About the year of our Lord God 774 Crosses appeared in the garments of men and not long after the Roman Empire is divided, one part of the monarchy passing into Charlemagne who was of the Franks Nation in Germany.  He preserved the Empire and Church from perishing and fought many famous battles.  The name of Western Gaul, or Westphalia’s in Saxon after his victory first had its beginning.

In the eighteenth place after finishing the rule of Zachariel, the Angel of Jupiter, Raphael the spirit of Mercury undertook the disposing of this worlds affairs the third time, on the second day of November in the year of the Creation of the World, 6023 eighth month, and he swayed the scepter of the World 354 years, four months, until the years of the world 6378 and of our Lord God 1171.

In the first beginning of this rule of Raphael the Angel of Mercury, the Monarchy of the Roman Empire (as we mentioned before) was translated to Charlemagne the Great.  After Charlemagne his son Lodowick ruled 25 years who after dying, his sons contending amongst themselves, did again weaken the strength of the Empire.

The Normans harrowed FranceRome is twice scourged by the Saracens.  Under Lodowick II it rained blood from Heaven in Italy, by the space of three whole days.

In Saxony a certain village with all its buildings and inhabitants was in a moment swept away by a horrible gaping or opening of the earth.  About the year of our Lord God 910 there were many great motions in Italy, and Italy fell from the Empire of the Franks or Franconians, and ordained proper kings for themselves of their own election.  The first whereof was Berengarius the Duke of Fonolivium, after whom seven in order succeeded, near upon fifty years, until the passing of the Empire to the Germans. 

The first Emperor that was thereof was Otto, from which time the Empire began to be reformed, unto whom Otto II his son and his nephew Otto III after succeeded in the Empire.  Under Otto III the Hungarians are converted to the Christian Faith but Otto III dying without children instituted after his death the Electors of the Empire in the year of Christianity 1002 even as they remain to this present day.  Jerusalem is again taken by the Saracens.  Many strange sights are seen in the air, in the Heavens, in the Earth and sea, and in waters.

Otto III being dead, Henry I by election of the Princes succeeded and reigned 20 years.  He founded the Church of Hamburg.  His wife, Kunegund, died a virgin and was famous for her glorious miracles.  After Henry Konrad, first Duke of the Franks is chosen Emperor and ruled 20 years.  Godfrey, Count of Bouillon, recovered the Holy Land and City of Jerusalem from the hands of the Infidels.

Before the end of Raphael’s rule many signs and omens were seen and a little time after the nation of the Tartars went beyond the bounds of their own country and did many mischiefs to the Empire of Rome.

There was famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in the Empire.  Three suns were seen in the East, and as many Moons.  In the year of our Lord God 1153 Frederick I called Barbarossa began to reign and ruled 33 years beginning in the 336 year of Raphael.  He did many noble exploits and enlarged the strength of that Empire, performed sundry wars with great success, in whose ninth year the Egians and Lituotrians were converted to the Faith of Christ.

Samuel the Angel of Mars in order, the nineteenth time came to accept the governance of the universal world, it being now his third return, and this he did the third day of March in the year of the World 6378 and he regulated mundane affairs 354 years four months, until the year of the World 6732 four months, and of our Lord God 1525.

Under whose predominance many wars were all over the whole world, by which means infinite thousands of men perished and sundry kingdoms lost their former bounds.  Emperor Frederick I had many differences with the Princes of Italy, many controversies arose, sundry great battles were fought, and many thousands of Romans perished.

The aforesaid Frederick did wholly subvert Milan.  Leige is destroyed.  Jerusalem is again taken by the Saracens.  The Empire of the Tartans grew the greatest in the whole world about these times.  This was a true calamity for the world and continues until this day.

After Frederick, Henry his Son is elected Emperor. On Henry’s death a schism confounds that Empire under Philip and Otto.  Many battles followed in the confines of Germany, at Argentine, Cologne, Lieden, Spires in Wurtemburg and all over the Kingdom.

The sect of the Mendicant Friars began in these times, in the 40th year, or thereabouts of Samuel, from whence it is most apparent that all things are done by providence. The Saracens fought many battles against the Christians in Asia and Africa. Constantinople is taken by the Germans.  Baldwin Earl of Flanders is instituted Emperor.  In Almain more then twenty thousand young men are drowned in the sea by pirates, seduced by a vain spirit that did give forth they would recover the Holy Land.

From Spain many shepherds or keepers of cattle united themselves together, coming to Paris despoiling the clergy of their property and livelihoods, the common people taking part with them, or being well pleased with it.  But when they extended their hands to take away the goods of the Laity, they were quite cut off and destroyed.

In the year of Christ 1212 Frederick II is elected, he reigned 33 years, and did many acts against the Church.  In the year 1238 an eclipse and a continuous earthquake undid many thousands of men.  Frisia also by continuous incursions of the sea, was almost wholly submerged and there did perish more then one hundred thousand men and women.  The Tartars devastated Hungary and Poland, and conquered Armenia the Greater and many regions besides.

In the year of Christ 1244 a certain Jew digging in the ground at Toledo in Spain, found a book, in which it was written, in the third world Christ shall be born of the Virgin Mary and shall suffer for the salvation of man.  The man believing converted immediately and was baptized.  It was the third rule of the Angel of Saturn, concerning which, as we have shown, in the beginning of whose reign Christ was born of a Virgin.

During this period of Samuel the Popes of Rome, deposing the Emperor Frederick, left the Empire vacant 28 years, until the election of Rudolph, Count of Hapsburg, chosen by election of the princes in favor of other princely candidates: Henry, Count of Schwarzenburg at Thuringia; William, Earle of Holland; Konrad the Son of Frederick; Alphonzo, King of Castille; Richard Earl of Cornwall and brother to the King of England.  Many evils were multiplied upon the face of the Earth.

At or near this time about the year of our Lord God 1260 the Confederacy of the Swiss began, a small people in number, but increased with time.  They have slain many of their nobility and being a warlike people have banished and frighten away many others of their nobles from their proper habitations, whose Commonwealth is now known to all the people of Germany.

In the year of Christians 1273 Rudolf of Hapsburg is constituted Emperor by Election of the Princes.  He reigned 18 years, the best of men, prudent in all manners of affairs, from whom afterwards descended all the Dukes of Austria. The Tartans invading the Lands of Christians, Constantinople and Greece brought infinite damage to the Christians.

The Saracens do occupy many cities in Asia, kill and destroy more than four hundred thousand Christians.  Rudolf being dead, Adolf of Nassau is elected Emperor and he governed six years.  Albert, Rudolf’s son, defeated Adolf at Worms and killed him, then was chosen Emperor in the year of Christ 1298.  He governed ten years and was slain by his brother’s son.

The Order of the Knights Templar by command of Pope Clement the fifth is destroyed.  The Isle of Rhodes is recovered by Christians out of the hands of the Saracens after a siege had continued four whole years.  Albert being slain by his nephew; Henry VIII is constituted the eighth Emperor, being Count of Luxembourg, who reigned 5 years.  After him Louis IV of Bavaria reigned 32 years, beginning in the year 1315 unto whom the Popes of Rome gave him the crown.

Frederick Duke of Austria opposed them but he was defeated.  After Louis, Charles IV, King of Bohemia is constituted Emperor; who converted the Bishop of Prague into an Archbishop and he reigned 31 years.  There were most fearful Earthquakes.

Charles did institute many things in favor of the Princes Electors, concerning their customs, which were not in use formerly.  Gunther, Count of Schwarzenburg styled himself King and opposed Charles the Emperor, but prevailed naught at all against him.

After Charles, his son Winceslaus governed 22 years, after whom Jodocus Marques of Moravia succeeded.  Sigmund Cozen, German of Winceslaus was disposed, Leopald Duke of Austria, eight Earls and more than 4000 soldiers fighting against the Swiss were all by them slain.  During the rule of Winceslaus King of Bohemia Emperor, the Tenets of John Huss had their beginning. Winceslaus being deposed, Rupert, Count Palatine of Rhine, and Duke of Bavaria was elected, and ruled 10 years.

In the year of our Lord God 1369 the Christians did engage themselves in a war against the Saracens, which succeeded ill by reason of the French men’s arrogance: because more than one hundred thousand of our men did die in that war; besides such as were made captives, amongst whom was John, Duke of Burgundy.   Many were the wars of those times.

In the year of the World 1407 Sigmund is made Emperor, and governed 27 years.  He endeavored to waste and destroy the Kingdom of Bohemia thereby to extinguish heresy, but it little availed him. The Kingdom of France is most grievously wasted and consumed by the English and Burgundians.

Sigmund being departed of this life, Albert, Duke of Austria, Sigmund's son in Law, succeeded in the year of Christians 1438 and only reigned two years, an admirable man and worthy of the Empire.  He being deceased, Frederick III, Duke of Austria, the Son of Ernestus, by election of the Princes, is chosen Emperor and reigned 56 years.  A man of a Divine soul and peaceable conversation, who began to rule in the year 1440.

In the year of Christians 1453 Constantinople is taken by the Turks by Treachery of a certain Janvens.  A little after by degrees all Greece fell from their Christian faith.  For a little time after many Kingdoms and Provinces of the Christians were harrowed, wasted, and taken by the Turks.  Many and most grievous wars the Christians had amongst themselves about this time, in France, England, Saxony, Westphalia, Prussia, Flanders, Sweden, and other places.  In these times the art of printing was newly found out, and invented at Mainz, the metropolis of Germany, a wonderful industry and not without the special gift of the Deity.

In the year of Christ 1456 the Turks were overthrown in Hungary by the faithful Christians, whereof many of them perished.  The Pilgrimage of young men to Saint Michael was wonderful.  There were Earthquakes in the Kingdom of Naples, and more than forty thousand people perished thereby.

In the year of the World 1462 Mainz is taken and spoiled being the metropolis of the Franks in Germany.  Charles, Duke of Burgundy overcame the Franks in the year 1465 and after that in 1467 he destroyed the cities Dinant and Liege.  In 1473 he entered Gelderland, and with much valor obtained it and in like manner all the whole Dukedom of Lorraine.

A comet during all the month of January 1472 appeared.  Charles, Duke of Burgundy not long besieged the Town of Nussicum one whole year’s space; in or about 1474 whose magnanimous Prince was slain in war in 1467.  The Turks took away from the Christians about these times many of their cities, Nigropont in Euboia, the Kingdom of Bosnia, Dukedom of Speta, Achaia, Mysia, and more Kingdoms besides these in the East.

In the year 1476 a convocation of fools was in Franconia of Germany near Niclaushausen, full of errors.  In the year 1480 they besieged the Rhodians with a powerful Army but prevailed not; departing the same year from Rhodes, they took the city Hydruntum, more than twelve thousand Christians being slain there, only 22 soldiers escaping.  The next year Mahomet Emperor of the Turks died, to whom Bajazet his first born succeeded in the Kingdom, having reigned now at this present 27 years.

In the year of Christ 1486 Maximilian the Son of Frederick was instituted King of Romans at Frankford, and saluted Julius Caesar by the Pope in 1508 who instituted the Order of Warfare of Saint George purposely against Heretics and Turks.  He brought the Swiss low by war and even to this day makes war against the rebellious Sicambrians.  He will be fortunate against all such as break their Leagues or Covenants with him.

The King of France after his wonted manner, a constant persecutor of the Empire, is discovered to plot new devices against it.  The Omnipotent protects those assigned to the Government of Samuel.  In the year 1508 the Venetians, rebels to the Empire of Caesar, are threatened with War and Banishment.  Punishment of stubbornness will be the reward of an advised satisfaction.  About the end of this third rule of Samuel, the image of alteration shall pass to the first and shall be the Perdition of many men for unless Aries be reduced again, (God assisting) (ad algos) there will be transition of one monarchy, or of some great kingdom.

A strong sect of Religion shall arise, and be the overthrow of the Ancient Religion.  It's to be feared least the fourth beast lose one head.  Mars first of all in the rule of Samuel foretold the Flood.  In his second return, the siege and destruction of Troy.  In his third toward the end thereof will be found great want of virtue from matters preceding may be judged what will or ought to succeed.

This third rule of Mars shall not be consummated without Prophecy, and the institution of some new Religion, from this year of our Lord 1508 here yet remains until the end of the rule of Samuel 17 years wherein signs and figures shall be given, foreshadowing the beginnings of evil.

For in the year 1525 Crosses were seen in the garments of men by the space of ten years before, what is past already shall have their consequences.  Thirteen years from hence being justly summoned away, thou shalt surrender thy place and thou shalt revive again far greater to me, after the Fates in the third; unless it be lawful thou obscure thyself in a cloud.

The twentieth time in order, Gabriel Angel of the Moon received the moderation of the World, in the year of the World 6732 the fourth month, and fourth day of June in the year of Christ 1525 and he shall regulate the world 354 years, and four months, until the year of the world 7086 and eight months, but of our Lord Christ 1879 and 11 months (the twenty-first time in order and third rule of the Angel Michael).

The future Series of this Rule requireth Prophecy.  Most sacred Caesar, I have not written these things assertively, or that we must believe it by any means whatever with the faith of Orthodox Divinity.  There are some who believe these periods correspond to Lunar months, which if thou hold fit to consent unto, then those things I have written must be changed.

I bear witness with my own proper hand, and confess with my own mouth, that in all these things delivered I believe nothing and admit only what the Catholic Church has approved by the authority of its Doctors.  The rest, I refute and contemn as vain, feigned and superstitious.
Finis Johannes Trithemius

Christian Years of the Third Cycle of the Ruling Angels

         Reign                             Angel                  Planet

45 BC-109 CE                      Oriphiel               Saturn
109 CE-463 CE                     Anael                  Venus
463 CE-817 CE                   Zachariel               Jupiter
817 CE-1171 CE                  Raphael              Mercury
1171 CE-1525 CE                Samuel                  Mars
1525 CE-1879 CE                Gabriel                 Moon
1879 CE-2233 CE                Michael                  Sun
.