1572 - Occult Symbolism of the Church
Gulielmo Durando was a fascinating 13th century French bishop who participated in the Second Council of Lyons (1274), which attempted to reunite the Eastern and Western churches. He was for some time also a knight in the papal army.
The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. In the book, Durando dedicates sections to discussing rites designed to banish and control demonic influence. This covers exorcism of spaces, as well as holy salt and water, which are powerful against evil spirits. Durando focuses on the specific rites and gestures of exorcism, reminding us, for instance, to "Observe how the exorcist’s hand, shaped into the very sign of our Salvation, is a weapon most feared by the infernal foe. For its motion enacts the suffering that was endured in order to deliver mankind from sin's bondage, a yoke most despised by the Enemy." [my translation] He also warns readers that deceptive demons might disguise themselves as angels or figures of holiness to lead the faithful astray.
Durando also clarifies the mystical significance of the chancel site, the glazed windows and pillars, the bell and its clapper, the altar cloths, and how the steps leading up to the altar refer both to Jacob's Ladder and to the degrees in worshippers' hearts.
Durando analyzes the grotesque figures on cathedrals and explains that they served as apotropaic devices (to ward off evil).
He is also completely obsessed with bells and their mystical powers. Beyond summoning worshippers, Durandus suggests their pealing is detested by demons, has protective qualities, and can even disrupt storms or drive off pests. Sound itself, according to Durando, has a direct spiritual effect.
This is a wonderful book that had a massive influence on everyone from exorcists to theologians to architects for more than five hundred years. The sections on bells alone are worth the price of the book.
1572. A R.D. Gulielmo Durando Mimantensi Episcopo. I.V.D. Rationale Divinorum Officiorum (The Foundational Symbolism of the Early Church, Its Structure, Decoration, Sacraments and Vestments). Venice. Publisher: Apud Cominum de Tridino Montisferrati. Eighteenth-century parchment binding with handwritten title on the cover and spine (front cover partially missing and restored with period parchment). Frontice, one page of table of contents, and two opening pages replaced with contemporary reproductions rebound into book, tastefully done. Resewn. (8) + pp. 375+(1). Printer's mark on the title page, numerous engraved figurative drop caps. Interior of the book in good condition, with some small stains, but overall it remains a nice, clean and tidy copy. Pp(4); 6NN. 780; pP(2)
Gulielmo Durando was a fascinating 13th century French bishop who participated in the Second Council of Lyons (1274), which attempted to reunite the Eastern and Western churches. He was for some time also a knight in the papal army.
The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. In the book, Durando dedicates sections to discussing rites designed to banish and control demonic influence. This covers exorcism of spaces, as well as holy salt and water, which are powerful against evil spirits. Durando focuses on the specific rites and gestures of exorcism, reminding us, for instance, to "Observe how the exorcist’s hand, shaped into the very sign of our Salvation, is a weapon most feared by the infernal foe. For its motion enacts the suffering that was endured in order to deliver mankind from sin's bondage, a yoke most despised by the Enemy." [my translation] He also warns readers that deceptive demons might disguise themselves as angels or figures of holiness to lead the faithful astray.
Durando also clarifies the mystical significance of the chancel site, the glazed windows and pillars, the bell and its clapper, the altar cloths, and how the steps leading up to the altar refer both to Jacob's Ladder and to the degrees in worshippers' hearts.
Durando analyzes the grotesque figures on cathedrals and explains that they served as apotropaic devices (to ward off evil).
He is also completely obsessed with bells and their mystical powers. Beyond summoning worshippers, Durandus suggests their pealing is detested by demons, has protective qualities, and can even disrupt storms or drive off pests. Sound itself, according to Durando, has a direct spiritual effect.
This is a wonderful book that had a massive influence on everyone from exorcists to theologians to architects for more than five hundred years. The sections on bells alone are worth the price of the book.
1572. A R.D. Gulielmo Durando Mimantensi Episcopo. I.V.D. Rationale Divinorum Officiorum (The Foundational Symbolism of the Early Church, Its Structure, Decoration, Sacraments and Vestments). Venice. Publisher: Apud Cominum de Tridino Montisferrati. Eighteenth-century parchment binding with handwritten title on the cover and spine (front cover partially missing and restored with period parchment). Frontice, one page of table of contents, and two opening pages replaced with contemporary reproductions rebound into book, tastefully done. Resewn. (8) + pp. 375+(1). Printer's mark on the title page, numerous engraved figurative drop caps. Interior of the book in good condition, with some small stains, but overall it remains a nice, clean and tidy copy. Pp(4); 6NN. 780; pP(2)
Gulielmo Durando was a fascinating 13th century French bishop who participated in the Second Council of Lyons (1274), which attempted to reunite the Eastern and Western churches. He was for some time also a knight in the papal army.
The Rationale Divinorum Officiorum is arguably the most important medieval treatise on the symbolism of church architecture and rituals of worship. In the book, Durando dedicates sections to discussing rites designed to banish and control demonic influence. This covers exorcism of spaces, as well as holy salt and water, which are powerful against evil spirits. Durando focuses on the specific rites and gestures of exorcism, reminding us, for instance, to "Observe how the exorcist’s hand, shaped into the very sign of our Salvation, is a weapon most feared by the infernal foe. For its motion enacts the suffering that was endured in order to deliver mankind from sin's bondage, a yoke most despised by the Enemy." [my translation] He also warns readers that deceptive demons might disguise themselves as angels or figures of holiness to lead the faithful astray.
Durando also clarifies the mystical significance of the chancel site, the glazed windows and pillars, the bell and its clapper, the altar cloths, and how the steps leading up to the altar refer both to Jacob's Ladder and to the degrees in worshippers' hearts.
Durando analyzes the grotesque figures on cathedrals and explains that they served as apotropaic devices (to ward off evil).
He is also completely obsessed with bells and their mystical powers. Beyond summoning worshippers, Durandus suggests their pealing is detested by demons, has protective qualities, and can even disrupt storms or drive off pests. Sound itself, according to Durando, has a direct spiritual effect.
This is a wonderful book that had a massive influence on everyone from exorcists to theologians to architects for more than five hundred years. The sections on bells alone are worth the price of the book.
1572. A R.D. Gulielmo Durando Mimantensi Episcopo. I.V.D. Rationale Divinorum Officiorum (The Foundational Symbolism of the Early Church, Its Structure, Decoration, Sacraments and Vestments). Venice. Publisher: Apud Cominum de Tridino Montisferrati. Eighteenth-century parchment binding with handwritten title on the cover and spine (front cover partially missing and restored with period parchment). Frontice, one page of table of contents, and two opening pages replaced with contemporary reproductions rebound into book, tastefully done. Resewn. (8) + pp. 375+(1). Printer's mark on the title page, numerous engraved figurative drop caps. Interior of the book in good condition, with some small stains, but overall it remains a nice, clean and tidy copy. Pp(4); 6NN. 780; pP(2)