When I was fifteen my parents desired that I should be made acquainted, not only with all the natural laws in connection with the generation and corruption of bodies on earth, in the air and in the seas, but also with all the other forces _grafted_(301) (_insitas_) on these by the Prince of the World in order to counteract their primal and divine constitution.(302) At twenty I went to Memphis, where, penetrating into the Sanctuaries, I was taught to discern all that pertains to the communications of demons [Daimones or Spirits] with terrestrial matters, their aversion for certain places, their sympathy and attraction for others, their expulsion from certain planets, certain objects and laws, their persistence in preferring darkness and their resistance to light.(303) There I learned the number of the fallen Princes,(304) that which takes place in human souls and the bodies they enter into communication with. I learnt the analogy that exists between earthquakes and the rains, between the motion of the earth(305) and the motion of the seas; I saw the spirits of the Giants plunged in subterranean darkness and seemingly supporting the earth like a man carrying a burden on his shoulders.(306) When thirty I travelled to Chaldæa to study there the true power of the air, placed by some in the fire and by the more learned in light [Âkâsha]. I was taught to see that the planets were in their variety as dissimilar as the plants on earth, and the stars were like armies ranged in battle order. I knew the Chaldæan division of Ether into 365 parts,(307) and I perceived that every one of the demons who divide it among themselves(308) was endowed with that material force that permitted him to execute the orders of the Prince and guide all the movements therein [in the Ether].(309) They [the Chaldees] explained to me how those Princes had become participants in the Council of Darkness, ever in opposition to the Council of Light. I got acquainted with the Mediatores [surely not mediums as De Mirville explains!],(310) and upon seeing the covenants they were mutually bound by, I was struck with wonder upon learning the nature of their oaths and observances.(311) Believe me, I saw the Devil; believe me I have embraced him(312) [like the witches at the Sabbath (?)] when I was yet quite young, and he saluted me by the title of the new Jambres, declaring me worthy of my ministry (initiation). He promised me continual help during life and a principality after death.(313) Having become in great honour [an Adept] under his tuition, he placed under my orders a phalanx of demons, and when I bid him good‐bye, “Courage, good success, excellent Cyprian,” he exclaimed, rising up from his seat to see me to the door, plunging thereby those present into a profound admiration.(314)