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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 · Modern English

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Light From Light · Modern English

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Original English

Now was I somewhat troubl'd with these unexpected Occurrences, when a new Appearance diverted my Apprehensions. Not far off on my right hand, I could discover a white weake Light, not so cleare as that of a Candle, but mystie, and much resembling an Atmospheare. Towards the Center it was of a purple colour like the Elysian Sun-shine, but in the Dilatation of the Circumference, Milkie; and if we consider the joynt Tincture of the parts, it was a painted Vesper, a Figure of that Splendor, which the old Romans called (a) Sol Mortuorum.

Modern English

I was somewhat troubled by these unexpected events when a new appearance diverted my thoughts. A little way off, on my right, I could make out a faint white light, less clear than candlelight: misty, and much like an atmospheric glow. Towards its centre it was purple, like Elysian sunshine, but milky where its circumference spread out. Taking the combined colouring of its parts, it was a painted twilight, an image of that splendour which the ancient Romans called (a) the Sun of the Dead.

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.