On Occult Philosophy

though in this, faith is the principal thing, and not the Ceremoniæ ceremonies, even as the ceremonialists often say, this is consecrated, hallowed, blessed, etc. Or so many masses have been read over it, therefore it is against the Devil and all evil spirits. Likewise, they must flee and fear it, and cannot approach it. Oh you great arch-fool and ignorant man, who are not worthy to be called a man, who give credence to such palpable lies, and yet daily see so many examples before your eyes of how very often and many times the storms and hail strike into the churches, and even smash an altar, which occurs much during magical storms, and the Devil and evil spirits so often let themselves be seen and heard in these places, more than can be said. Thus, just like the Nigromantici necromancers with their ceremonies, it is a bag of tricks and a vendor's stall for quack medicine, with which one makes the onlookers and passersby