Maroth Miklos (Budapest, 1943. Feb. 5) Hungarian classical philologist, Orientalist, professor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Vice-President since 2008. Between 1992 and 1999 the Catholic University, Dean of Faculty of Arts. In 1961, graduated from Benedictine High School, then in 1962 was recorded at the Eotvos Lorand University, Faculty of Arts faculty of the Arabic-Latin-Greek, where in 1967 he obtained a teaching diploma. During 1964 and 1965, was a student at the State University of Baghdad. Between 1969 and 1972, the University graduated asszirologia complementary, and between 1973 and 1974 he studied at the Vienna University. University doctoral dissertation defended in 1970.

The Picatrix is perhaps best known as a manual for occultist talismanic magic based on astrological principals. Based primarily on the lunar mansions, a theoretical understanding of the cosmos that divides the sky into twenty-eight sections based on the lunar cycle within a month, the Picatrix guides its readers through a series of methods for attaining an outcome of one's desire through aligning the practitioner with the lunar cycles, sympathetic resonances to material correspondences, and optimum times to perform magical acts based on precise planetary alignments, especially in consideration of the lunar mansions. Despite the fact that the major emphasis of the author's work involves detailed recipes for ritual, he does also express a philosophical foundation with which he justifies his actions. A philosophical foundation that rests largely on the theory of hypostases articulated in Plato's Timaeus. By presenting us with a philosophical basis for his actions, the Picatrix moves out of being merely a cookbook for the occult inclined and gives way to other considerations.

This paper will attempt to explore those philosophical foundations on which the Picatrix rests. What is the purpose for the individual who sees this text? What is gained from utilizing it? The author says he does it all for wisdom. What does this text say about wisdom? This paper will first articulate the issue of authorship and a brief summary of the magical practices found in the text. The various historical and philosophical influences on the text will also be articulated. Once these particulars are addressed, the philosophical foundation as presented by the author of the Picatrix will be explored, along with a brief exploration of Plato's Timaeus. Criticisms and Conclusions will follow.