Magistery

Use in the book

At p. 57 the author says even some Hermetic philosophers define nature badly, though they have understood enough in other respects to accomplish the priceless Magisterium (II.057.2). Practical attainment and complete theoretical explanation can come apart. The term marks success in the work, while the author reserves the right to criticize the successful practitioner’s account of nature.⁵⁹

At p. 108 he explains differences among philosophers through the processes they have employed. There are several ways of preparing the philosophical magistery (II.108.1). This is not an admission that any starting material will do. The one-subject and universal-source restrictions remain. It is a claim that correct practice need not have only one outward route.

At pp. 165–166 the perfection of the magistery is tied to anatisation and removal of superfluities. Contrariety among the separated elements concerns qualities and accidents, not essence (II.165.2). Once perfected, the magistery cannot return to its earlier form and rawness, just as flour cannot become grain again (II.166.1). The changed state is real and irreversible in the relevant respect, while the essential unity of the principles remains.

At p. 171 fire is necessary for completing the magistery, though violent fire is not the right interpretation of “burn our brass” (II.171.1). Both women’s work and a labour of Hercules can describe the task philosophically. The terminology of accomplishment therefore does not eliminate skill, patience and difficulty.

At p. 198 the magistery cannot be completed by ferment or Azoth alone. Both must be employed; even a perfected magistery cannot be multiplied without more mercurial water (II.198.1). Perfection and subsequent multiplication are distinct. The term does not designate a state in which no further operation is possible.

Finally, the perfection of the magistery supplies a pattern for the author’s argument about the world’s end (II.228.1). Its ordered transformation helps him distinguish passing accidents from enduring substance. The work’s significance is thus practical and theological without being reduced to a metaphor alone.

Places to read

1. Part II · II.057.2; II.108.12Attainment despite imperfect theory and the plurality of correct ways.
2. Part II · II.165.2; II.166.1; II.171.1; II.198.1234Purification, irreversibility, fire and the conditions of multiplication.
3. Part II · II.228.1The perfected work as a pattern for cosmic renewal.

Translation

Magisterium is rendered magistery, retaining a historical word whose context can include accomplishment and product. The Latin genitive Magisterii is recorded as an inflected form, not a different technical substance. The English avoids replacing every occurrence with “mastery,” which would shift attention from the prepared work to the operator’s mental skill.

Connections

Art and science concerns the relation of theory and accomplishment. Anatisation and Separation explain the mode of perfection. Multiplication prevents the word perfected from being misunderstood as an end to every possible increase. World and its end supplies the theological application of the work’s pattern.

Cautions

The claim to a perfected magistery is the author’s claim, not independent verification by the edition. Its plurality of ways does not override the universal subject requirement, and its theological use does not make the practical account purely allegorical. The entry describes the local range without imposing one modern equivalent.

Magisterium

Magisterium — magistery. II.057.2; II.198.1.

Magisterii

Magisterii — of the magistery; Latin genitive. II.165.2.

Magisterium nostrum

Magisterium nostrum — our magistery. II.198.1.