Mark Stavish

The Triangular Book of St. Germain, also known as The Triangular Manuscript, is an enigmatic 18th-century French text written entirely in code and attributed to the historical figure Count of St. Germain. Its most striking feature is its physical form: an equilateral triangle, both in its binding and vellum sheets. Once deciphered, the manuscript reveals instructions for a magical operation designed to achieve specific goals. These include locating valuable objects, which requires performing the ritual during a full solar eclipse, and extending one's lifespan, which necessitates wearing a special longevity amulet. Despite being part of the Manly Palmer Hall collection of alchemical manuscripts, the text itself does not contain typical alchemical subject matter. It is believed to have been intended as a standalone work and was later grouped with other manuscripts.

The manuscript opens with a brief Latin inscription identifying it as a gift from the Count of St. Germain, followed by an image of a winged dragon. All subsequent text, including labels for diagrams, is presented in a cipher. The core of the text outlines a ritual intended for one of three purposes: finding hidden treasures (two distinct rituals) or achieving longevity. The rituals for treasure discovery are contingent on specific astrological conditions, namely a full solar eclipse. The life extension ritual, however, can be performed at any time but requires the use of a specific amulet described within the manuscript's diagrams.

Two known copies of The Triangular Manuscript exist, designated Hogart Manuscript 209 and 210, both housed at the Getty Research Institute. MS 209, dated 1775, was created for Antoine Louis Moret, a French Freemason. Its history includes ownership by French politician Jules C. G. Favre and mention by American mathematician Pliny E. Chase, who noted it was acquired in Amsterdam around 1803. It later passed through the hands of Rosicrucian Stanislaus de Guaita, Madame Barbe, and antiquary Frank Hollings before being sold to Manly P. Hall. MS 210, dated earlier in 1750, was formerly in the collection of Lionel Hauser, a Theosophist. Manly P. Hall acquired this copy in 1934 at an auction of Hauser's library.

The manuscript's equilateral triangular shape, measuring approximately 23.7 cm on each side and bound in leather with gilded embellishments, is a significant characteristic. This form aligns with European grimoire traditions where a conjuration triangle drawn on the ground was used to compel spirits to appear and respond truthfully. Such triangles were often inscribed with divine names to enhance their efficacy. By presenting the book itself in a triangular format, the author may have intended to underscore its spiritual or mystical significance and its purpose in commanding or interacting with spiritual entities.