Jacques Gaffarel

“ The Hebrew word Maguen, though it signifie a Scutcheon, or any other thing, noted with Hebrew Characters, the Vertue whereof is like to that of a Scutcheon : and although these Characters, according to the Opinion of those that are most versed in these Theologicall Mysteries, are some kind of Imperfect Images ; yet notwithstanding the word in this place is not properly taken for an Image that is Graven, carved, or painted ; because that the Jewes, in making any such, should have sinned against the Commandement : Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any graven Image. ”

“ But to leave these men to enjoy their owne Ignorance, and referring these Considerations to some other time, we shall only in this place prove, (against all those that have condemned them,) that the making of these Figures we here speak of, is Lawfull ; and the Power they have, is Naturall, Constant, and Certaine. In the first place therefore let us consider their Name.
2. They are called in Hebrew מגן‎ Maguen, that is to say, a Scutcheon, or Sheild: in Chaldie, Ægyptian, and Persian, צלמניא‎ Tsilmenaia, which signifies a Figure, or Image : in Arabicke תלצמם‎ Talisman, or צלמם‎ Tsalimam ”

“ There is nothing in the whole businesse of Philosophy, that hath more perplexed our New Philosophers, then this Subject, concerning Images, or Figures, made under some certaine Constellations. Th greatest part of them therefore have rejected the Practice of these Operations, as Vaines, and Superstitious : yet some others, who are not so overswayed with Passion, have both allowed, and defended it ”