Heptameron, the spell to hell

The word Heptameron literally means “seven days” and comes from the Greek ηπτα — “seven” and ημερα — “day”).

Heptameron des Ludowici Zypriani, from Mongold Arcanum Secretum, die Schaetze zu heben is an entire genre of grimoires popular in 18th-century Germany, Austria, and parts of neighboring Switzerland. Many of the texts were attributed to saints such as Saint Corona, Saint Christopher, Saint Gertrude, and, with the current text, Saint Cyprian (Zypriani) of Antioch.

Treasure hunters went to great lengths and expense to obtain copies of manuscripts like this. Treasure hunting was a capital crime in many Catholic German states until 1776, making this type of magic particularly high-risk.

Although they share a common title, the text is not the same as Pietro d'Abano's Heptameron. The text contains instructions for conjuring angels during the seven days of the week, which is probably where its title comes from.