to Syrianeh

Madame,

Might you be able to give me some info regarding the Cueva de San Ciprian or
Cueva de Salamanca regarding the cave that Satan was supposed to teach students in it there in Spain....smile....where the university was built over the top of the cave......

Sounds rather interesting to me as I see it still is there.......and have you found Satan teaching there today? If so, tell him I said hello........

Thank you in advance for your reply.....

Uncle Fester

Milord,

There's a lot of urban myth and legend regarding this place, but here's what I know: it was a crypt left over from an old church that was taken down in the 16th Century.

The University was not built above it but nearby. It is one of Spain's oldest and most prestigious University. And there's a lot of myth and legend surrounding it too, probably related to its Masonic and Templar connections (you can see many telltale details on the façade and interior).

Anyway, back in the 15th Century this cave was still a crypt below ground in an ancient church. The students at the University were then basically young men from the aristocracy and royal families, and at those dark times, the Dark Arts were very much in vogue. It was a taboo topic among the upper classes, and so it was especially attractive to young students.

There was some kind of pact made among a group of these, seven to be exact. Some personage (some say it was the church's abbott, some say it was a professor, some say it was Satan himself) lured them into becoming students of necromancy. Or maybe they lured the personage. Who knows. The pact was that they would study black magic for seven years, become full adepts, and then one of them would stay behind with their teacher as payment.

At the end they made a draw amongst themselves and it was the Marquis of Villena who was "it". Legend says that he managed to fool the Devil/teacher/warlock by hiding inside a wine barrell and then escaping. But legend says that he lost his shadow (ergo his soul).

This Marquis (who might or might not also be a ficticious character) was called the "nigromanter" and he purportedly authore several books on black magic. Most of them were burnt up when the Catholic Monarchs (Isabel and Ferdinand) rose to the throne and the Inquisition was unleashed in all its splendor.

It's said some of his books did survive, though, such as an Astrology book called "Angel Raziel". They are much coveted.

As to who was the dark entity or person who instructed these students for seven years, as I said there are all sorts of theories. The most fantastic ones say it was Asmodeus, a high-ranking fallen angel. Most agree that it was probably some nigromancer who might or might not have been possessed by the spirit of some demonic entity.

All in all it's a very fascinating story, but you'd be surprised to know how much of this there is around old Medieval Spain. Only the city of Santiago is a complete boiling pot of dark legends.

I haven't seen Satan teaching in Salamanca, at least not last time I was there. But hey, maybe he was just having a nap at the time...

I hope this shed some light on your curiosity. May I ask why you want to know?

S.

I ordered a book from a publisher and in looking through his other topics of new releases I encountered a blog by an author of new material he had researched for many years and some of the material is a direct result of the above connection. It pricked my interest.......

Thank you for your description. It is very informative.

Uncle Fester

I wish I had more to tell you on this, but I'm afraid I don't.

Well, Maxx and Syrianeh, I found this to be a very interesting legend. Legends are fantastic as it cues the mind into imagination.

At the very least, it would be an interesting location to travel to. I agree with you Witchmark, it is quite intriguing...

Maxx, if possible, can you share the blog you mention?

Thanks

May be able to find it tomorrow..on way taking someone to a hospital surgery today and will return late at night....

Maxx

Thanks, Maxx. I hope it's nothing too serious.

There is no hurry at all.

Syrianeh,
Here is the page I found all this from....clicking on all the topics on the right of page will at some point find the account...

http://danharms.wordpress.com/the-books-of-saint-cyprian/

Maxx

Looking back at this it appears that story is the main one on this page....

Maxx

Thanks, Maxx. It's a really interesting blog.

Uncle Fester... Uncle Fester...

I hear an echo.......echo......echo............