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Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · Parallel Edition

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

Lumen de Lumine

A New Magical Light · The Complete 1651 First Edition

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Lumen de LumineLight From Light · Original

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Original English Page · Branch 31 of 200

Light From Light · Original

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Original English

I had not long continued in this humor, but I could heare the whispers of a soft wind, that travail'd towards me, and suddainly it was in the Leaves of the Trees, so that I concluded my self to be in some Wood, or Wildernesse. With this gentle Breath came a most heavenly, odorous Ayre, much like that of sweet Briars, but not so rank and full. This perfume being blown over, there succeeded a pleasant Humming of Bees amongst Flowers, and this did somewhat discompose me, for I judged it not suitable with the Complexion of the place, which was darke and like Mid-night.

Modern English

I had not remained long in this mood when I heard the whisper of a soft wind travelling towards me. Suddenly it was among the leaves of trees, so I concluded that I was in a wood or wilderness. With this gentle breath came a heavenly fragrance, much like that of sweetbriers, but less strong and heavy. When the perfume had passed, a pleasant humming of bees among flowers followed. This unsettled me a little, for it seemed at odds with the character of the place, which was dark as midnight.

About This Reading Edition

The complete 1651 Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magical Light, by Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), with original and modern English, fresh translations of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew passages, the historical emblem and its inscriptions, all twelve Magical Aphorisms, 105 annotations and the complete supplied Diotimos study apparatus.

Historical Text and Translation

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magicall Light. London: H. Blunden, 1651. Governing witness: Wellcome Collection EPB/A/69096.4, digitisation b30340160, Wing V150, ESTC R146. Source credit: Wellcome Collection; Public Domain Mark.

About Diotimos Editions

This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.

Rights

The historical text and emblem are public domain. The supplied 2026 reading, translations and Diotimos editorial material are published with the site owner’s authorization.