Copyright
ATHANASIUS KIRCHER
SOC. OF JESUS
AN ECSTATIC JOURNEY
CONCERNING THE
WORLD'S CREATION
NAMELY,
A new hypothesis is presented concerning the nature, powers, and properties of the celestial realm, encompassing both the wandering and fixed stars, as well as the composition and structure of each. This exploration extends from the Earth's lowest sphere to the farthest reaches of the World through imaginative journeys and voyages, offering fresh insights into the quest for truth.
WITH INTERLOCUTORS
COSMIEL AND THEODIDACTUS
TO
THE MOST SERENE
CHRISTINA
ALEXANDRA
Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ROME, Printed by Vitalis Mascardi, Year 1656.
WITH PERMISSION OF THE SUPERIORS.
TO THE MOST SERENE
CHRISTINA
ALEXANDRA
Queen of the Swedes, Goths, and Vandals,
ATHANASIUS KIRCHER
of the Society of Jesus
offers prayers for abundant celestial happiness.
Most Wise Queen, I present to you the Heavens as a complex book filled with stars arranged in various patterns, each chapter crafted through intricate reasoning. These celestial bodies act as characters in this cosmic narrative, with the Archetypal Mind as the workshop and the Triune God as the divine printer. During the day, God unveils this celestial book to you, its pages adorned with endless phenomena resembling purest pages. At night, it reveals itself, adorned with radiant stars that shine like magnificent golden letters for your discerning gaze. Humanity serves as both the index and summation of this cosmic book, acting as censor and approver, surveying all that has been created as "very good." Through this journey, the mysteries of this heavenly book's sacraments will become clear. With sharp clarity of mind, you will observe the many crowns and kingdoms that exist in the earthly realm, reflecting the vastness of the higher world, the domain of Almighty God. According to Cedrenus, there was a belief that King Khosrow of Persia contributed to the creation of the sky itself, orchestrating rains and igniting the stars, bringing forth every wondrous meteorological phenomenon known to philosophy, causing lightning to flash, thunder to rumble, and storms to resound. Each star followed its distinct course, apart from the movements of the Moon and the Sun, while night and day alternated in succession, with the King reigning at the center, as if seated upon the world's throne. You, O Queen, share a similar position at the center of the heavens, unaffected by the whims of weather. You will dwell at the heart of planets and stars, in a celestial realm befitting your profound intellect and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Take time to wander this celestial expanse, so you will not feel a stranger in your true homeland, the Kingdom of the heavens. You have embarked on a voluntary pilgrimage from your earthly kingdom in pursuit of this celestial Kingdom, surpassing the glory of earthly crowns. This pilgrimage reflects the immense value you place on the eternal Kingdom, the Kingdom of all ages.
O Queen, enter my heaven, accompanied by the wisdom that has journeyed through the Celestial realms alone. From this heavenly domain, like ascending a multi-tiered Celestial hierarchy, you will arrive at the very heart of cosmic order, the throne of the eternal Solomon. There, you shall delve into the timeless riches of God's eternal Kingdom, a golden realm filled with immortal treasures. You, Urania, the true celestial observer, pursued these treasures with a intellect surpassing any royal grandeur, exemplifying remarkable regal character. As you witness the works of God, the Creator of all, you will find that the heavens were His first creation. With steadfast contemplation and sincere prayers to God, you will ultimately receive these incorruptible blessings. Farewell, and may the Christian Republic endure forever.
From the Roman College, 1st of June 1656.
GOSVINUS NICKEL
Superior General of the Society of JESUS
Regarding the treatise titled "An Ecstatic Journey," authored by Father Athanasius Kircher of our Society. Following a thorough review by several theologians from the same Society, finding it suitable for publication, we hereby grant permission for its printing, providing it is deemed appropriate by those responsible for its publication. To this end, we issue these letters, bearing our signature and the seal of our authority, in Rome on the 15th day of November 1655.
Gosvinus Nickel
Let it be printed,
If it seems appropriate to the Most Reverend S.P. Ap. Mag.
M.A. Bishop of Hierapolis, Vicar General.
Let it be printed,
Fr. Raimundus Capisuccus, O.P.
Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palacesda.