The Many Faces of the Rylands’ Jewish Manuscripts

Amongst the magical works in this manuscript, there is a long list of spells with explanations. It includes a divination technique called onomancy – to foresee the fate of an ill person by using their names. Will they live or die? How quickly or slowly will they recover or pass away? 

In this manuscript, a circular chart accompanies the explanation. The chart contains the numerical sequences you need for the calculations. In Latin manuscripts, onomancy is often associated with the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, and the chart is called the Sphere of Life and Death. 

Sphere of Life and Death