Enchantments
(See Spells.) Enchiridion of Pope Leo, The: Is a collection of charms, cast in the form of prayers, which have nothing in common with those of the Church. It is concerned chiefly with worldly, rather than spiritual advantages. It was perhaps printed at Rome in 1523, and again in 1606. Its magical virtue rests on a supposed letter from Charlemagne to Pope Leo, in which he states that since receiving the Enchiridion he has never ceased to be fortunate. The charms it contains are supposed to be effectual against all the dangers to which human flesh is heir-poison, fire, wild beasts and tempests. When a copy of the book has been secured, it must be placed in a small bag of leather, carried on the person, and one page at least read daily. The reading must be done upon the knees with the face turned to the east, and works of piety must be performed in honour of the celestial spirits, whose influence it is desired to attract. The first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John is declared to be the most potent in the book. As for the symbols, they are mostly of oriental origin. It also includes the mysterious prayers of Pope Leo, and certain conjurations of a semi-magical character, including the seven mysterious orisons, which are merely clumsy imitations of the Roman ritual.