What is the Book of Raziel?
The Book of Raziel (in Hebrew, Sefer Raziel HaMalakh, “the Book of the Angel Raziel”) is a legendary book said to have been given by the angel Raziel to Adam, the first human. It is said to contain every secret of the universe: how heaven and earth came to be, the movements of the stars, the names of the angels, and even events still to come. The name Raziel is said to mean “secret of God” in Hebrew.
From Adam to King Solomon
According to Jewish tradition, when Adam was grieving after being driven out of the Garden of Eden, the angel Raziel, who knew God’s secrets, gave him this book. But other angels, jealous that a human should learn God’s secrets, snatched the book and threw it into the sea. God ordered an angel of the sea to retrieve it and return it to Adam.
The book was then handed down among Adam’s descendants. The sage Enoch, who was taken up into heaven, studied it, and before the Great Flood, Noah is said to have built the ark using its knowledge. Later it reached King Solomon, famed for his wisdom, who is said to have gained magical powers from it.
The real “Book of Raziel”
Apart from the legendary book, a book called the Book of Raziel really exists. It brings together several medieval texts of Jewish mystical thought, such as Kabbalah, and covers the secrets of creation, the names and roles of angels, astrology, the mystical meaning of letters and numbers, and how to make amulets. In the 13th century, a Latin manuscript translation was also produced at the court of King Alfonso X of Castile in Spain.
The book was first printed in Amsterdam in 1701 and became widely read.
A book that protects the home
The printed Book of Raziel was treasured not only as something to read but also as a protective charm. People believed that keeping it in the house would protect the home from fire and misfortune, and especially protect mothers giving birth and newborn babies from evil spirits. The book even included amulet designs and inscriptions for protecting mothers and children.
Who is the angel Raziel?
Raziel is an angel of Jewish tradition said to stand right beside God’s throne and to hear every secret and decision spoken in heaven. For this reason he is also called the “angel of secrets” or “angel of mysteries.” Because his role was to convey God’s secrets to humans, he came to be seen as an angel who brings wisdom and revelation. Today his name also appears in fantasy works as a mysterious angel or fallen angel, for example as the hero of the video game Soul Reaver.
Separating legend from history
The story of Adam receiving the book from an angel is a legend of faith; the actual Book of Raziel was compiled from the Middle Ages onward. Even so, it is studied in the history of religion and magic as a valuable record of people who sought to touch the secrets of angels and God. For medieval European books of magic, see also grimoire and the Lemegeton (Lesser Key of Solomon), which bears King Solomon’s name.
