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FOR VICTORIA CONTENTS
Introduction The Great Work
Preparing the Temple
Creating and Consecrating
KI wf the Magical Implements The Tree of Life The Tarot The Seven Lords Alchemy Stars of the Wise Self-initiation Angelic Magic Talismans '54 Tanwa Magic 16S The Diamond Thunderbolt Path Z&>
Index iSS Bibliography l<>2 ? i Introduction •A ^sases^
<1 So, you wont to be a magician? Or a conjuror or a mage? Well, if you are just looking to dazzle others with clever tricks, you have picked up the wrong book. However, if you are looking to penetrate the deepest mysteries of life, then you may consider yourself an aspiring mage, and read on. If you are just window shopping, thenfeelfree to stick around—if the time is right, you may choose to get involved.
•) ) Introduction
Statement of Intent Getting involved is EASY; you just have to say, "I'm in.” It's a choice, an act of will, a statement of INTENT. Involvement is the FIRST KEY to magic. Once you are INVOLVED in something, you become a NECESSARY PART of it—it INCLUDES you. The more you involve yourself, the greater the RECIPROCAL effect. It is, therefore, WISE to acquaint yourselfwith the BASIC RULES of the GAME before leaping into the fray.
Be Prepared Once you reach a CERTAIN STAGE of INVOLVEMENT, there can be no return to a state ofBLISSFUL IGNORANCE. High magic reveals AWESOME DIMENSIONS to life that cannot be safely apprehended by WEAK or FEARFUL individuals—not because these DIMENSIONS are of themselves FRIGHTENING or MALIGN, but because they demand a great deal of SELF-MASTERY and the capacity to accept PROFOUND TRUTH. Dabblers tuho PADDLE in the WATERS of magic canfind themseluesgetting in DEEPER than they had planned, sucked under by CHIMERICAL QUICKSAND or swept along by POWERFUL HIDDEN CURRENTS. The aspiring mage should know how to swim before RISKING these DEEP and potentiallyTREACHEROUS WATERS.
7 Introduction
What is High Magic?
High magic is both a science and
an art. Its roots are ancient, but its techniques continue to euolve and adapt to the conditions of all ages. The aim of magic is to eject changes in both inner and outer reality through the awareness and manipulation of unseen—therefore occult—but powerful forces.
I THE TECHNIQUES OE HIGH MAGIC INCLUDE: 0 PURIFICATION 0 MEDITATION 0 DIVINATION OKABBALISTIC EXERCISES 0 THE MAKING OF RITUAL TOOLS OTHE CREATION OFTAI.ISMANS 0 THE PREPARATION OF ALCHEMICAL ELIXIRS O CONJURATIONS 0 ANGEL MAGIC
8 GJ9 (SG) Introduction
Know Thyself The practice of the MAGICAL TECHNIQUES described in this book will lead you into ENCOUNTERS with HIGHER LEVELS of reality. It is therefore of the utmost importance that you are WELL GROUNDED. All those who aspire to HIGH MAGIC should be blessed with IMAGINATION, but befreefrom FANTASY. Magic is not a curefor MALADIES of the SPIRIT. Those suffering from NEUROSES or DEPRESSION will find such conditions more likely to worsen than improve.
You need to have GOOD EQUILIBRIUM and be COMFORTABLE in
your own skin. You must be SCRUPULOUSLY HONEST with yourself. Any SKELETONS lurking in the CLOSET are bound to leap out at some stage, so it is a good idea to spend some time MENTALLY REVIEWING the EVENTS of your LIFE. In this way you will be as PREPARED as possiblefor WHATEVER emerges.
9 9g The Great Work Hitjh magic is also known as hermetic magic because it is based on the hermetic arts and sciences. These are so-named because they are derived from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus (thrice greatest Hermes), the many-named genius of magic who mediates between the macrocosm and the microcosm, heaven and earth, the divine and the individual. The Great Work is nothing less than the achievement of godhood—union with the divine—using the three pillars of alchemy, magic, and astrology to do so.
The Egyptian Hermes
The ancient Egyptians knew HERMES asTHOTH or TEHUT1, the divine personification of WISDOM* Portrayed as the IBIS-HEADED scribe ofthe gods, he was the inventor of HIEROGLYPHICS and the patron of the SACRED SCIENdK ofGEOMETRY, MATHEMATICS, ASTRONOMY, MEDICINE, MAGIC, and 4LCHEMY. Thoth exists at every level of being. He serves the gods, but he also preceded them. Indeed, he brought them into BEING, for he is the self-creating ARCH-MAGICIAN. He has but to NAME a thing and it SPRINGS into LIFE. He is the cosmic alchemist, theINNER and OUTER TEACHER, the BALANCING POINT between all POLARITIES.
IO Gy9 The Great Work
The Greek Hermes
The Greeks identified THOTH with HERMES the DIVINE MESSENGER, who mediates between HEAVEN above and EARTH below. He is the ambivalent god of the CROSSROADS, being both GUIDE and TRICKSTER and patron of both MERCHANTS and THIEVES.
The Hermetica Hermes Trismegistus is accredited with writing THE HERMETICA, or CORPUS H ERM ETICUM. These texts were once believed to be ANCIENT, but in the seventeenth century it was established that they were written in ALEXANDRIA in thefrst three centuries ofthe CHRISTIAN ERA.They may, however, have been elaborated from much earlier MANUSCRIPTS. Some of these WRITINGS were translated by ARAB SCHOLARS from GREEK and COPTIC MANUSCRIPTS and were introduced into Europe via the MOORS of IBERIA in the TWELFTH CENTURY.
The main body of writings, however, was not translated until 1471, when COSIMO DE MEDICI, thegreat patron ofthe FLORENTINE RENAISSANCE, instructed MARSILIO FICINO to interrupt his translations of PLATO to translate into LATIN a GREEK SET of THE HERMETICA that he had obtained from BYZANTIUM. COSIMO was determined that he should read the LEGENDARY WRITINGS ofHERMES before he died. Ficino did not let him down. The recent development of PRINTING allowed forl'HE HERMETICA'S swift dispensation throughout EUROPE. The Great Work
The Great Miracle
IM ■ \ ■ The impact of THE HERMETICA on Renaissance philosophy was enormous. Here tuas an ancient body of theological, magical, and medical writings of extraordinary beauty, intellectual power, and spiritual authority, in which Jew, Christian, and Muslim couldfind confirmations, amplifications, and refinements of their own sacredtea things.
s j1 'I : Ii 3 In THE HERMETICA the CREATION MYTH becomes a much RICHER, more DETAILED, and EXPRESSIVE allegory', an awesome ALCHEMICAL PROCESS. Hermes describes man as “the great miracle," capable of achieving GODHOOD as an individual by TRANSCENDING the stages ofbeing that separate him from the divine. Man is dignified asbeing:truly made “in the image of God," being the MICROCOSM that reflects the MACROCpSM. This is emphasized by HERMES' great djctum “as about, so btioui," with its correlate “aswithin, so without." Everything in creation finds its REFLECTION . in-M AN. He therefore has at his disposal ail the TOOLS he needs to achieve his'DIVINE DESTINY, should he choose to accept it.
12 6|3 The Great Work
The Wand o/Hermes
The wand of Hermes, known as the caduceus, provides us with a master key to unlocking our divine potential and making magic. Derived font a Greek word meaning "herald," the caduceus is a key messagefor humanity, home by Hermes in his role as celestial herald. The caduceus consists of two serpents entwined around a central pillar or wand, usually surmounted by a pair of wings. The coupling snakes represent all the opposing principles at play in the manifest universe—male andfemale, light and dark, yin and yang. The central staff symbolizes the axis between heaven and earth, the microcosm and the macrocosm. The wings represent transcendence or pure universal spirit.
The caduceus is an ANCIENT SYM BOL.
The earliest known version is about 5,000 years old. It is <1 SYMBOL of PEACE, PROTECTION, and HEALING and is used to this day as a MEDICAL SYMBOL. Above all, it is a symbol of unity achieved through die RECONCILIATION of OPPOSITES. It appears in many traditions and finds one of its most significant expressions in INDIAN YOGA (see chapter eight). Btj working with the CADUCEUS, a MAGICAL EQUILIBRIUM ran be achieved that allows us, like HERMES, to sprout WINGS and ascend to the REALMS of the GODS. First, however, we must prepare ourselves and lay firm FOUNDATIONS for the Great Work ahead.
6^ 1
a W Cjuwtpr' z Preparing the Temple You will find it easier to focus your ENERGIES and perform your MAGICAL operations if you create a SACRED space within your home. Establishing this outer temple is an important first step in manifesting your sacred INTENT You also need to develop your inner temple—that is, prepare your MIND and BODY for the practice of magic, .■ As die inner temple develops, the importance of the outer temple DIMINISHES accordingly. Preparing the Temple
The Outer Temple
* If you arejortunate enough to have a spare room in your home that you can designate as your temple, so much the better.
1 Ifnot, section off PART ofa ROOM with a CURTAIN or SCREEN. The space should be LARGE ENOUGH to contain a SMALL TABLE and a CHAIR. The CHAIR should be STRAIGHT BACKED, with or without ARMS, and the right height so that your FEET rest flat on the FLOOR and your KNEES form a RIGHT ANGLE. You may also like to include a BED or COUCH to recline on during certain MAGICAL PRACTICES.
i> The Altar
A SMALL TABLE about z x 2 ft (60 x 60 cm) will work well as an ALTAR.. A square shape is ideal, but a RECTANGULAR or ROUND TABLE will do. An even better form of altar consists of a SMALL UPRIGHT CUPBOARD. The CUPBOARD is convenient for storing away MAGICAL IMPLEMENTS, CANDLES, and INCENSE. Traditionally, your altar should come up to your BELLY BUTTON. Use a piece of BLACK SILK, perhaps with TASSELS at tile CORNERS, as an ALTAR CLOTH; it should hang at least a third of the way to the FLOOR. Stand the ALTAR in the MIDDLE of the ROOM.
16 Preparing the Temple
Burn inansf and us? th? aromatic smoke tapunjy your temple.
Cleansing Once you have established the spaceJot your temple, '“you need to clean it thoroughly. Get down on your knees and scrub if you have to. Chase out the cobwebs and make everything as sparkling and fresh as you can. Then burn some frankincense, myrrh, or sage leaves, blowing the purifying smoke into all the corners, nooks, and crannies to shoo out any stagnant energies. Afresh coat of paint always transforms a room and is well worth the effort and expense. Some mages wash the walls and ceiling with salt water before painting them. Use pale colors on the walls, unless the room is particularly light, but the ceiling can look superb painted midnight blue with stenciled luminous constellations. Finally, sprinkle some salt water around the room to discourage unruly critters of all kindsfrom invading your pristine sacred space. 1
Preparing the Temple
Banners It is NECESSARY to ESTABLISH the ORIENTATION of your TEMPLE by DIVIDING it into FOUR QUARTERS at the CARDINAL POINTS NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST. Use a COMPASS to do this and MARK EACH QUARTER by hanging a BANNER made ofCARDBOARD, CLOTH, or HIDE. You may wish to decor; :BANNERS with the COLORS, ELEMENTAL SYMBOIfi, and ZODIAC IS'associated with the DIRECTION.
V HP
M West -ft ® m, V X X North: white, edi 1 A :ofn, Taurus, Virgo South: red.ff .eo, Sagittarius East: yellow, air, fib'ra, Aquarius, Gemini
West: black, water, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
18 Preparing the Temple
Magical Robes Wearing a ROBE that is EXCLUSIVELY RESERVEDfor TEMPLE and RITUAL WORK is a TRADITIONAL part ofbeing a MAGE. This can help you achieve the right FRAME of MIND and develop your MAGICAL PERSONALITY—an “ALTAR EGO” that transcends your MUNDANE PERSONALITY. Ideally, you should make the MAGICAL ROBE yourself. This can be of almost ANY DESIGN you like, but bear in mind that FREEDOM of MOVEMENT is important when practicing HIGH MAGIC.
A long DRESSING GOWN is a good modelfor a MAGICAL ROBE. You could
even take apart an OLD DRESSING GOWN—maybe one from a THRIFT SHOP—to see exactly how to cut the cloth. If you find the prospect of SEWING your own robes DAUNTING, the hardest part is probably THREADING the NEEDLE. It is unlikely to be the MOST DIFFICULT TASK you encounter—PATIENCE and DETERMINATION are KEY.
* SUITABLE COLORS O THESE INCLUDE BLACK, WHITE, VIOLET, AND CREAM. O IF YOUR MAGICAL WORK IS RELATED TO A PLANET, USE ITS CORRESPONDING COLOR (see chapterJive).
SUITABLE FABRICS OUSE NATURAL MATERIALS, SUCH AS WOOL, SILK. LINEN, AND COTTON. O AVOID USING MANMADE FIBERS BECAUSE THEY BLOCK THE SUBTLE ENERGIES WITH WHICH YOU WILL BE WORKING.
19 Preparing the Temple
The Inner Temple
Becoming a MAGE is all about being FIT—in EVERY SENSE
ofthe WORD—so you need to get in SHAPE. Creating a magical personality requires BREAKING OLD HABITS and FORMING NEW ONES. These new habits help build the inner temple oftheTRUE SELF. You should establish a ROUTINE of DAILY EXERCISES and RITUALS and adhere to them as RIGOROUSLY as possible.
Prayer and Meditation
Start your day with a period of PRAYER and MEDITATION. In prayer, acknowledge all your BLESSINGS and ask for the GRACE to help you achieve your HEART’S DESIRE. Then focus on your PRINCIPAL MEANS ofachieving this goal—SELF-KNOWLEDGE through MEDITATION.
Seated on your TEMPLE CHAIR in the PHARAONIC or EGYPTIAN GOD
POSTURE—feetfat on FLOOR, palms down on THIGHS, and BACK straight close your eyes and observe your mind at work,following your THOUGHTS with increasing DETACHMENT. Breathing deeply and rhythmically through the nose, place your ATTENTION in die SOLAR PLEXUS at tire top of the BREASTBONE, where your INNER SUN shines. Feel the warm light spreading through your body, RELAXING, SOOTHING, and VITALIZING every cell. Do not be surprised if you find it hard to achieve a state of RELAXATION at first—for most people, it takes around six weeks of practice.
20 Preparing the Temple
Cleansing
Just as you cleaned your OUTER TEMPLE, you must also PURIFY yourself. A ritual shower before prayer and meditation is a good way to start your MAGICAL DAY. All spirits have a DISCERNING SENSE of SMELL. They do not like GARLIC (anyels no more than vampires) and ONIONS, but they do like FINE INCENSE, so it is worthwhile to SMELL GOOD.
Keeping a Magical Diary
Keeping a MAGICAL DIARY can help you achieve SELF-KNOWLEDGE. A standard desktop year diary with at least HALF a PAGE per DAY is ideal. That way you will leave ACCUSING BLANKS if you fail to keep it DAILY. Record even the most apparently MUNDANE DETAILS, particularly your FAILURES and SHORTCOMINGS, but also your progress and anything you deem SIGNIFICANT. Many mages write down their dreams EVERY MORNING upon AWAKING.
f..
21 Gp Preparing the Temple
Developing Second Sight
Experiment with the exercises below, being sure to palm your eyes as described in step 1 before and after each session. Do itfbr just a few minutes once or twice a day, taking care not to strain your eyes.
1. Rub your palms together vigorously until they are CHARGED with HEAT. Place your PALMS over your open eyes, BLOCKING out the LIGHT. Relax and stare into the VELVET BLACKNESS while feeling your eyes ABSORBING the WARMTH. When your palms have cooled, repeat the process.
2. Pointyour index fingers at each other a FEW INCHES in front ofyour
OPEN EYES. Bring the FINGERTIPS TOGETHER and then separate them again. You should NOTICE a double-nailed “sausage” finger appearing between them. Bring this DISEMBODIED FINGER into clear focus and hold it steady for a couple ofMINUTES without straining. Palm your eyes as before.
j.The next day, try drawing TWO IDENTICAL SQUARES a couple ofinches apart on a piece of PAPER. Hold the paper infront of your EYES and allow yourselfto go SLIGHTLY CROSS-EYED until a THIRD SHAPE appears in the middle. Hold your ATTENTION on the MIDDLE SHAPE.
4. The day after, draw a pair ofTRANSPARENT CUBES. See a THI RD
APPEAR and FLOAT offthe page. The greater the COMPLEXITY of image that you can focus on, the more developed your SECOND SIGHT will BECOME.
Visualization exercises where you concentrate on images such as cubes help to focus the mind.
22 Preparing the Temple
Scrying
Scrying, or divination, is a way of interacting with the conscious universe.
Even the most basicforms ofscrying, such as pendulum dowsing, can be extremely effective. Dowsers refer to the technique as “relaxed concentration." Pendulum dowsing can be performed with any weight attached to a piece of thread. Traditionally, a ring suspendedfrom an 8 in (20 cm) length ofsilk thread will do the trick.
1. Sit at a table with a glass in front of you. Using the HAND YOU WRITE WITH, hold your PENDULUM between THUMB and INDEX FINGER. Prop your elbow on the TABLE next to the GLASS and allow the PENDULUM to dangle DIRECTLY in front ofyou on the OTHER SIDE of the GLASS.
2. Decide what question you are going to ask and to WHOM you will ADDRESS it—for example, a GUARDIAN ANGEL, an INNER TEACHER, or a GHOST. Establish the presence of your HIDDEN ALLY by saying aloud, “Will someone please answer my question?”
J. You may answer by allowing the PENDULUM to knock against the
glass—TWO KNOCKS for a yes, one knock for a no. If you get ONE KNOCK, you know you have a JOKER in your HAND. If you get a POSITIVE RESPONSE, go ahead and establish the IDENTITY of your RESPONDENT as CLOSELY as you can, then ask your QUESTION and wait for the ANSWER.
23 One of the first tasks of the NEOPHYTE is to make the magical objects that represent the four elements—FIRE, AIR, WATER, Creating and Consecrating the and EARTH. These objects are often called the elemental Magical Implements weapons, but some prefer to use the less bellicose term IMPLEMENTS, because they are used to implement the magical will. They are the chief tools of the MAGE. Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
The Four Elements
. : FL EMEN 1'S represent the FORCES of NATURE that make up the MATERIAL WORLD ofthe COSMOS. These elements—called FIRE, AIR, . X. u-J EARTH—are not the COMMON SUBSTANCES with which they s \xf '. HEIR NAMES. They are PRINCIPLES, and these principles are paired with FOUR QUALITIES—HOT, COLD, DRY, and MOIST.
A Fire :s hot and dry. it is symbolized by an upward-pointing TRIANGLE, BEING VOLATILE AND ASCENDING.
Air AIR IS HOT AND MOIST. ITS TRIANGLE IS CROSSED, TUTTING A BRAKE ON THE ASCENDING NATURE OF FIRE.
Water WATER IS COLD AND MOIST. AS THE DESCENDING ELEMENT, ITS SIGN IS A DOWNWARD-POINTING TRIANGLE.
Carth E.ARTH IS COLD AND DRY. IT HALTS THE FALL OF WATER, SO ITS TRIANGLE IS CROSSED.
Lun dement shares one ofits qualities with another element. This provides the dynamic cd: jsjbr transformation within matter. Earthy solids can melt into watery liquids, -mrh m ram can become yases, and then condense back intofluid or bum. Fire is the most volatile ofthe elements; earth, the mostfixed. Fire and air are the masculine tr.’i earth and u-attrfeminine. All things are mixtures ofthefour elemental qualities.
26 gjo Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Correspondences
Air TETRAMORPH: lion DIVINE NAME:
DIRECTION: east DIVINE NAME: Yahweh Elohim Tzabaoth IMPLEMENT: wand Tzabaoth (lord of Hosts) (god of hosts) COLOR: yellow ARCHANGEL: Michael ARCHANGEL: Gabriel FUNCTION: thinking ANGEL: Aral ANGEL: Taliahad SENSE: hearing ELEMENTAL: ELEMENTAL: undine METALS: mercury, salamander ELEMENTAL KING: quicksilver ELEMENTAL KING; Necksa INCENSE: yalbanum Djin ELEMENTAL RULER: TIME: dawn ELEMENTAL RULER: Tharsis SEASON: sprint] Seraph TETRAMORPH: man / DIVINE NAME: Shaddai Forth El Chai (ALMIGHTY DIRECTION: north LIVING GOD) IMPLEMENT: pantacle ARCHANGEL: Raphael COLORS: white, ANGEL: Chassan black, brown ELEMENTAL: sylph FUNCTION: sensation ELEMENTAL KING: SENSE: touch Paralda METAL: lead ELEMENTAL RULER: INCENSE: storax Ariel TIME; midnight SEASON: winter Wafer TETRAMORPH: OX Fire DIRECTION: west DIVINE NAME: DIRECTION: south IMPLEMENT: cup Adonai ha Aretz IMPLEMENT: dagger COLORS: black, blue (unto of the earth) COLOR: red FUNCTION: intuition ARCHANGEL: Uriel FUNCTIONjeeling SENSE: taste ANGEL: Phorlakh SENSE: sight METAL: silver ELEMENTAL: gnome METALS: iron, gold INCENSE: myrrh ELEMENTAL KING: INCENSE: Jrankincense TIME: sunset Ghob TIME: noon SEASON: jail ELEMENTAL RULER: SEASON: summer TETRAMORPH: eagle Kerub
27 Ctcating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Wand WAND is the IMPLEMENT of AIR, the REALM of the RATIONAL MIND nd INSPIRATION, and CORRESPONDS to the EAST. It comes under the LORDSHIP of theARCHANGEL RAPHAEL.
Making the Wand
: Select a hardwood tree that will provide a STRAIG HT STIC K that is X-1 in :-2.s cm) thick and 1-3 jl (30-90 cm) long. ASH, HAZEL, ELDER, WILLOW, BIRCH. HAWTHORN, and BLACKTHORN TREES are all GOOD CHOICES.
2. Offer the tree a gift oftobacco or silver, and explain what you wish to do. Allow the TREE a moment to withdraw its ENERGY, then cut the BRANCH with c.-.r DAGGER. Put some MUD on the CUT AREA to help heal the WOUND.
:. Trim off any side twigs or thorns, and carefully peel off the BARK. Allow the wand to DRY NATURALLY for a couple of weeks. Cut a i in (2.5 cm) long notch into the NARROWER END of the WAND with a FINE SAW BLADE. Rub the wand with SANDPAPER, and polish it with BEESWAX for a SILKY FINISH. Carefully inscribe theHEBREW NAME for the ARCHANGEL RAPHAELalong the wand.
4. Magnetize a length of piano wire by STROKING a MAGNET along it in one
ct’cnum. Tightly bind the wire around the NOTCHED END of the wand. When working with an element, insert an APPROPRIATE ITEM into the NOTCH—a feather for AIR, a shell for WATER, a stone for EARTH, or a match for FIRE.
Raphael 28 G|3 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Dagger The DAGGER (called an athame in the Wiccan tradition) is the IMPLEMENT of FIRE and CORRESPONDS to the SOUTH, which the ARCHANGEL MICHAEL protects. The qualities of FIRE are ACTIVE, MASCULINE, and GENERATIVE. The dayfler represents STRENGTH, ENERGY, COURAGE, and WILL, and with it you can command the SALAM ANDERS—the SPIRITS of FIRE—to implement your will. Like fire, the DAGGER is DANGEROUS—it is the ONLY ELEMENTAL TOOL that is also a WEAPON. If you are unable to FORGE your own DAGGER, you may BUY one, but be sure that it has not been used for MAGICAL PURPOSES before. Unlike a KNIFE, it should be EQUAL SIDED and DOUBLE-EDGED. You will KNOW your DAGGER when youjind it—IT WILL FEEL RIGHT IN YOUR HAND.
Naming the Dagger
O PERSONALIZE YOUR DAGGER BY GIVING IT A NAME. O CHOOSE THE NAME WITH CARE, AND MAKE SURE IT IS FREE FROM AMBIVALENT OR NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS. O IF YOU GIVE IT TIME, THE NAME MAY COME TO YOU DURING MEDITATION OR IN A DREAM. O YOU CAN ALSO ENGRAVE THE HEBREW NAME OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL ON THE BLADE.
Michael I'tc.tting and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Cup
The CUP usd in MAGIC is like a CHALICE or GRAIL.
It represents the SOUL, the ELEMENT of WATER, and the WEST, . GUARDIAN is the ARCHANGEL GABRIEL. Water is the PRIMARY PASSIVE ELEMENT, just as fire is the PRIMARY ACTIVE ELEMENT. It has 2.CVETIC, attracting quality to it; like a CUP, it receives and holds. it is: S'.CHIC and INTUITIVE and represents the ARCHETYPAL FEMININE CRINC1PLE. It is traditionally made of SILVER or GLASS. Rather than busing a CUP. it is best to RECEIVE it as a GIFTjrom someone uiho brsyou UNCONDITIONALLY, like a PARENT or SIBLING.
Inscribing the Cup
O INSCRIBE THE CUP WITH THE HEBREW CHARACTERS THAT SPELL THE NAME OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL. CASILVERCUP IS RELATIVELY EASY TO INSCRIBE WITH A SHARP METAL POINT. WHEREAS A GLASS CUP MUST BE ENGRAVED WITH A SPECIAL GLASS-ENGRAVING TOOL. 0a pinch, you can paint the name with blue enamel paint.
Gabriel
30 22 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Pantacle The PANTACLE usually has a PENTAGRAM on ONE SIDE. As a result, it is often misnamed PENTACLE, a synonym for PENTANGLE or PENTAGRAM. Pentacle means FIVE ANGLES, being a FIVE-POINTED STAR. The pantacle, however, means ALL ANGLES, being a DISK shaped like a SOLID WHEEL. The pantacle is the MAGICAL IMPLEMENT of the ELEMENT EARTH. It represents the BODY, the most MATERIAL FACTOR of life, and CORRESPONDS to the NORTH, which the ARCHANGEL URIEL DEFENDS.
Making the Pantacle
1. You will need a solid disk of WOOD, STONE, CLAY, or ANIMAL HORN, about 4 in (10 cm) in diameter. Leaving a i in (2.5 cm) BORDER around the OUTSIDE of the DISK, inscribe a HEXAGRAM—the six-pointed SEAL OF SOLOMON—onto one side. This represents the MACROCOSM, the GODHEAD.
2. Inscribe a pentagram—THE FIVE-POINTED STAR—on the other side.
This represents a human being with SPREAD LEGS and OUTSTRETCHED ARMS and symbolizes the MICROCOSM, man as the IMAGE of GOD. The pantacle therefore represents the mage in RELATIONSHIP with the DIVINE.
3. On the border of the macrocosm side, inscribe the HEBREW
CHARACTERSforthe ARCHANGEL URIEL.
Uriel Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Consecrating the Magical Implements Vt^Lah CONSECRATING the MAGICAL IMPLEMENTS is a CONNiCATED PROCESS, the VARIOUS RITUALS you will need are described .'.'...'ven this KOOK to guide you along. These include the KABBALISTIC . rcss LIGHT (set page 51) and the rituals OF the pentagram (see pages ■.■.0-11-'. You will also need to make some HOLY WATER (see page 101).
The Consecration Rite
rite is described here. The specific invocations, pentagrams, color, direction, c-d time that should be used for each implement are given on pages 34-37.
Place some burning incense and a glass of HOLY WATER on the ALTAR, then put items in the APPROPRIATE QUARTER ofthe altar to REPRESENT the FOUR ELEMENTS. North: a pinch of SALT on apiece of BREAD to denote EARTH South: a lit CANDLE or OIL LAMP to represent FIRE East: a ROSE or some DRIED ROSE PETALS to symbolize AIR West: a cup of RED WINE or RED GRAPE JUICE to signify WATER
2. Perform the kabbalistic cross of light and the
LESSER BANISHING RITUAL OF THE PENTAGRAM.
J. Pick up the glass of holy water, and SPRINKLE some into the FOUR QUARTERS while walking CLOCKWISE around the TEM PLE. Walk the circle again, this time with the INCENSE. Walk tlte circle THREE MORE TIMES, pausing in the EAST each time to say: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Creator of the Universe. Holy, Holy, Holy, formless Lord ofLife. Holy, Holy, Holy, the Absolute Almighty, Master of Polarity, Lord of Dark and Light.”
32 6J9 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
4. Perform the greater invoking ritual of the pentagram.
5. Facing the direction associated with the tool, and with the ALTAR. in front of you,TRACE the appropriate INVOKING PENTAGRAM over the IMPLEMENT. Recite thejirst invocation, resonating the names.
6. Trace the pentagram over the implement once again. Recite the second invocation, resonating the names. Use the tool to trace the INVOKING PENTAGRAM in each QUARTER.
7. Perform the kabbalistic cross of light. Wrap the implement in
a piece of SILK of the APPROPRIATE COLOR.
8. Repeat step 3, but this time walk COUNTERCLOCKWISE and make the SAME RECITATION in the WEST. Remain in the west and say:
“Any spirits cauyht
in the circle I now setJree in the name of peace.”
9. Perform the lesser banishing ritual
of the pentagram.
33 6|3 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Consecrating the Wand
this should take place atJail equinox. Use the pentagramsjbr air, face east uhcn rtatny the invocations, and wrap the wand in white or yellow silk.
Air-invoking Air-banishing
Step 5 INVOCATION In the holy and divine name of SHADDAI EL CHAI (pronounced Shah-dye el Hai), Whose word is the breath of all life, 1 invoke you great ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL (Rah-Jay-el), LORD OF AIR. I entreat you to preside over this RITE of CONSECRATION. May your ANGEL CHASSAN (Chah-snn) guide my steps upon rhe PATH. May the mighty PRINCE ARIEL (Ah-ree-el), RULER OF AIR, With the blessing of the ALMIGHTY, Invest this WAND with the SACRED POWERS and VIRTUES Whereby I may perform the OPERATIONS for which it is DESIGNED.
Step 6 INVOCATION In the name of SHADDAI EL CHAI, And o/the great ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL, his ANGEL CHASSAN, And the mighty PRINCE ARIEL, RULER OF AIR, I do command the ELEMENTAL SPIRITS ofAIR to RECOGNIZE and OBEY The POWER invested in this WAND And the AUTHORITY of the one who wields it, That they may take delight in assisting all its OPERATIONS.
34 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Consecrating the Dagger
Consecrate the dagger at summer solstice if possible. Use the pentagramsjbrfire, face south when reciting the invocations, and wrap the wand in white or red silk.
Fire-invoking Fire-banishing
Step 5 INVOCATION In the holy and divine name of YAHWEH TZABAOTH (pronounced Yah-way Tza-bah-oth), Whose fire and light is the SPARK of all life, I invoke you great ARCHANGEL MICHAEL (Mee-kay-el), LORD OF FIRE I entreat you to preside over this RITE of CONSECRATION. May your ANGEL ARAL (Ah-ral) guide my steps upon the PATH. May the mighty PRINCE SERAPH (Seh-raf), RULER OF FIRE, With the blessing of the ALMIGHTY, Invest this DAGGER with the SACRED POWERS and VIRTUES Whereby I may perform the OPERATIONS for which it is DESIGNED.
Step 6 INVOCATION In the name of YAHWEH TZABAOTH And of the great ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, his ANGEL ARAL, And the mighty PRINCE SERAPH, RULER OF FIRE, I do command the ELEMENTAL SPIRITS of FIRE to RECOGNIZE and OBEY The POWER invested in this DAGGER And the AUTHORITY of the one who wields it, That they may take delight in assisting all its OPERATIONS.
35 -
Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Consecrating the Cup
S—eyutnw is the best time to perform this rite. Use the pentagramsjbr water,face ;..Tt then re.tttng the imwations, mid wrap the wand in white, black, or blue silk.
Water-invoking Wafer-banishittg
Step 5 INVOCATION In the holy and divine name of ELOHIM TZABAOTH (pronounced El-oh-heem Tza-bah-oth), Whose celestial waters bore all the forms of creation, linvokeyougreatARCHANGELGABRIEL (Gah-bree-el), LORD OF WATER. I entreat you to preside over this RITE of CONSECRATION. May your ANGEL TALIAHAD (Tah-lee-ah-had) guide my steps upon the PATH. Moy the mighty PRINCE THARSIS (Thah-sis), RULER OF WATER, With the blessing of the ALMIGHTY, Invest this CUP with the SACRED POWERS and VIRTUES Whereby I may perform the OPERATIONS for which it is DESIGNED.
Step 6 INVOCATION In the name of ELOHIM TZABAOTH, And qfthe great ARCHANGEL GABRIEL, his ANGEL TALIAHAD, And the mighty PRINCE THARSIS, RULER OF WATER, I do command the ELEMENTAL SPIRITS ofWATER to RECOGNIZE and OBEY The POWER invested in this CUP And the AUTHORITY of the one who wields it, lhat they may take delight in assisting all its OPERATIONS.
36 Creating and Consecrating the Magical Implements
Consecrating the Pantade
Consecrate the pentacle at winter solstice. Use the pentapramsfor earth, face north when reciting the invocations, and wrap the wand in white, black, or brown silk.
Earth-invoking Earth-banishing
Step 5 INVOCATION In the holy and divine name ofADONA! HA ARETZ (pronounced Ah-don-ai ha Ah-retz), Who did create humankind as the salt of the earth, I invoke you great ARCHANGEL URIEL (Oo-ree-el), LORD OF EARTH. I entreat you to preside over this RITE of CONSECRATION. May your ANGEL PHORLAKH (For-lac) guide my steps upon the PATH. May the mighty PRINCE KERUB (Kee-rub), RULER OF EARTH, With the blessing of the ALMIGHTY, Invest this PANTACLE with the SACRED POWERS and VIRTUES Whereby I may perform the OPERATIONS for which it is DESIGNED.
Step 6 INVOCATION In the name of ADONA! HAARETZ, And ofthe great ARCHANGEL URIEL, his ANGEL PHORLAKH. And the mighty PRINCE KERUB, RULER OF EARTH, I do command the ELEMENTAL SPIRITS of EARTH to RECOGNIZE and OBEY The POWER invested in this PANTACLE And the AUTHORITY of the one who wields it, That they may take delight in assisting all its OPERATIONS.
37 KABBALAH, meaning “ORAL TRADITION” in Hebrew, evolved from a strain oflewish mysticism devoted to penetrating the inner meaning of the TORAH, the Jewish scriptures. The key The Tree of Life symbol of Kabbalah is the Tree of Life, which provides a model of CREATION. By meditating on the spheres of the Tree ofLife, the mage can become more CONSCIOUS of the true nature of being. 1'he Tree ofLife
Pathways to God The Kabbalah explains how the world came into existence Jrom the will of God. This is described as a series of emanations Jrom the divine source.
The TREE of LIFE can be seen as a
FRAMEWORK that shows how the SUPREME, UNDIFFERENTIATED CONSCIOUSNESS of the ALMIGHTY devolves into the SEIF-CONSCIOUSNESS oftheINDIVIDUAL. Italso reveals the PATHS by which we can return to UNITY with GOD, by removing those OBSTACLES that limit CONSCIOUSNESS.
40 The Tree of Life
The Sephiroth & The TREE of LIFE is depicted as an arrangement of TEN SPHERES on THREE PARALLEL PILLARS. These spheres are called SEPHIROTH (sephirah in the singular), meaning “splendid lights.” The SEPHIROTH can be understood asjhcets ofthe DIVINE PERSONALITY. The highest sphere, KETHER, represents divine glory; the lowest sphere, MALKUTH, denotes the MATERIAL WORLD in which the divine light is comparatively dim.
Below KETHER on the MIDDLE PILLAR is a nonsphere called
DAATH, meaning knowledge. This is the ABYSS, the VOID, the gulf that separates the M ANIFESTfrom the UNMANIFEST, the FINITE Jfom the INFINITE. To reach the sphere of DAATH is to attain union with the divine, the true goal of all MYSTICS and MAGES.
The Four Planes
The sephiroth exist on Jour planes, known as:
O ATZILUTH, THE WORLD OF EMANATION;
O URIAH, THE WORLD OF CREATION; O YETZIRAH, THE WORLD OF FORMATION; O ASSIAH, THE WORLD OF ACTION.
All oj'the sephiroth inhabit two ofthe planes
except Malkuth (sphere 10), which is only present in the world of action.
41 The Tree of Life
The Love Triangle
The THREE HIGHEST SPHERES, forming
a TRIANGLE on the TREE, are called the SUPERNALS. They are highly ABSTRACT emanations of divinity and beyond the APPREHENSION of HUMAN INTELLECT alone.
Kether (i) KETHER is the HIGHEST SPHERE, standing alone as the crown on top of the MIDDLE PILLAR of the TREE. It is the sphere of GOD as the CREATOR. It is the divine glory, the light of which the SUN is but a PALE REFLECTION. The first CREATIVE ACT of GOD is to SEPARATE the lightfrom the dark. This separation produces the first pair of opposites, CHOKHMAH and BINAH.
Chokhmah (2) and Binah (3)
These SPHERES are the ORIGINAL COUPLE, the FATHER and MOTHER ofthe UNIVERSE, the root of all polarity—positive and negative, male and /emale, yin and yang. They top the ACTIVE fricjht} and PASSIVE (left) PILLARS of the TREE respectively. CHOKHMAH is the ACTIVE FATHER of FATHERS; BINAH, the GREAT MOTHER. The dynamic tension between BINAH, GOD S passive understanding, and CHOKHMAH, GOD’S active wisdom, produces the DIVINE CREATIVE SPARK. This spark, drawn by CHOKHMAH from the divine source of KETHER, is the seed oflife that is received by BINAH and generates all the FORMS in the UNIVERSE.
42 The Tree of Life
The Ethical Triangle
♦b The SECOND TRIANGLE on the TREE is a REFLECTION ofthe SUPERNAL TRIANGLE.
Chesed (4) and Geburah (5)
Below CHOKHM AH on the RIGHT PILLAR of the TREE is CHESED, the sphere of MERCY or LOVE. CHESED is the constructive and organizing energy that builds the BLUEPRINTS for all forms that are LATENT in BINAH In opposition to CHESED is GEBURAH, on the LEFT PILLAR of the TREE. GEBURAH is the sphere of SEVERITY or STRENGTH and imposes the LIMITATIONS of MORTALITY on all created things. Whereas BINAH is the MOTHER of all FORMS, GEBURAH is the DESTROYER. This may seem cruel, but these LIMITATIONS are an INEVITABLE part ofthe deal. They mean that CREATED FORMS are finite in the manifest world ofTIME and SPACE. This is the PRINCIPLE of CHANGE, without which there is stasis.
Tiphareth (6) Balancing CHESED and GEBURAH is TIPHARETH, situated below KETHER and DAATH on the MIDDLE PILLAR. Meaning beauty, TIPHARETH is die reflection of KETHER. Whereas KETHER represents SUPREME CONSCIOUSNESS, TIPHARETH symbolizes consciousness of consciousness—it is the birth ofSELF-CONSClOUSNESS in creation. TIPHARETH is the visible GLORY OF GOD MADE MANIFEST, representing vitality and the WILL TO LIVE. It is the BALANCING POINT, the heart of the tree, the heart ofcreation, just as the SUN is the heart of the SOLAR SYSTEM.
43 The Tree of Life
The Lower Sephiroth
The LOWER TRIANGLE on the TREE REFLECTS
□further ORGANIZATION ofthe PRECEDING PATTERN. At the BASE is a SINGLE SPHERE, MALKUTH.
Netzach (7) and Hod (8)
NETZACH, at the BASE ofthe RIGHT PILLAR, is the POSITIVE FORCE of ATTRACTION and COHESION in the UNIVERSE. It is the sphere ofANIMAL DRIVES, sensuality, passion, instinctive responses, and the NATURAL as opposed to the CONTRIVED. Its opposite sphere, HOD, forms the base of the LEFT PILLAR and represents the DUPLICITY that results from SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS. It is the sphere of M ENTAL FACULTIES, intelligence, reason, considered responses, the artificial, ambivalent, and contrived. HOD is the NEGATIVE FORCE behind FLUX and CHANGE.
Yesod (9) Balancing the POLARITY of FLUX and COHESION is YESOD, the penultimate sephirah on the MIDDLE PILLAR. YESOD rules the constant, ordered CYCLES ofTIME, as seen in the regularly changing PHASES of the MOON. The reproductive cycles of all things on EARTH are regulated by the MOON, as are the TIDES of the OCEANS. YESOD is both fluid and precise, ruling the UNCONSCIOUS MIND and EMOTIONS on one hand and organizing the MACHINERY of the UNIVERSE on the other.
44 Tile Tree of Life
Malkuth (10} Although the last SEPHIRAH, MALKUTH, meaning KINGDOM, appears to be at the BOTTOM of the TREE, it is actually the cherry on TOP, for the ROOTS of the TREE are beyond the vanishing point of KETHER— this tree grows out of HEAVEN, not EARTH. The magical image of MALKUTH is a young woman CROWNED and THRONED. She is both the DAUGHTER and the BRIDE of GOD, but she is exiled in matter, SEPARATED from her consort by the GULF of CREATION. In this sense GOD himself is exiled from an ASPECT of HIMSELF. His queen, MOTHER EARTH, who has borne his children, is known as the SHEKINAH.
* The Shekinah O THE SHEKINAH IS SOMETIMES CALLED THE LIBERATING ANGEL, WHO JACOB IN GENESIS 48:16 REFERS TO AS "THE ANGEL THAT REDEEMED ME FROM ALL EVIL." SHE IS ALSO THE GUARDIAN OF THE TREE OF LIFE IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN. O GERSHOM SCHOLEM, A GREAT SCHOLAR OF JEWISH MYSTICISM, TELLS US THAT THE SHEKINAH WAS SEPARATED FROM GOD, HER LOVER, FOLLOWING THE FALL OF ADAM AND EVE. ONLY ON FRIDAY NIGHTS, THE EVE OF THE SABBATH, ARE THEY REUNITED BEFORE BEING FORCED TO PART AGAIN. O NOT UNTIL ALL THE ORIGINAL LIGHT OF CREATION HAS RETURNED TO ITS DIVINE SOURCE WILL THE COSMIC LOVERS BE PERMANENTLY REUNITED.
O SCHOLEM WRITES: “TO LEAD THE SHEKINAH BACK TO
GOD AND TO UNITE HER WITH HIM IS THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THE TORAH." WE ARE ALL INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS. O EVERY ACT OF LOVE AND COMPASSION BRINGS THE HEAVENLY COUPLE CLOSER TOGETHER. IN THIS SENSE, LIFE IS A LOVE STORY. O IN ESSENCE, WE ARE ALL LONELY LOVERS SEPARATED FROM OUR LOVE, WHICH CAN ONLY BE FOUND AT THE VERY HEART OF OUR BEING.
45 rhe Tree of Life
Correspondences * i. Kether MEANING: crown ELEMENT: root of air COLOR; brilliant white MAGICAL IMAGE: old, bearded king in profile ACHIEVEMENT: divine union ILLUSION: attainment VIRTUE: completion ofthe Great Work VICE: none - TAROT CARDS: the aces CHAKRA: Sahasrara (crown of head) KEYWORDS: unity, all, pure; consciousness, godhead, beginning, source DIVINEiNAM-E: Eheieh(i Ait) ARCHANGEL: Metatron ANGELIC CHOIR: Chioth Ha Qadesh MATERIAL MANIFESTATIONS: primum mobile (PRIME mover), nebulae
ELEMENT: root offre
COLOR; gray MAGICAL IMAGE: bearded patriarch ACHIEVEMENT: the vision of God face to face ILLUSION: independence VIRTUE: devotion VICE:none TAROT CARDS: the twos CHAKRA: Ajna (BETWEEN THE EYES) KEYWORDS: pure creative energy, lifeforce, wellspring DIVINE NAME: Yahweh (lord) , -r, ARCHANGEL: Ratziel jMCT ANGELIC CHOIR: Auphanim MATERIAL MANIFESTATION: zodiac
46 The Tree of Life
3. Binah MEANING: understanding ELEMENT: root ofwater COLOR.: black MAGICAL IMAGE: queen mother ACHIEVEMENT: vision ofsorrow ILLUSION: death VIRTUE: silence VICES: inertia, avarice TAROT CARDS: the threes CHAKRA: Ajna (between the eyes) KEYWORDS: limitation, karma, time and space, law, death DIVINE NAME: Yahweh Elohim (lord god) ARCHANGEL: Tzaphqiel ANGELIC CHOIR: Aralim MATERIAL MANIFESTATION: Saturn
4. Chesed MEANING: mercy ELEMENT: water COLOR: blue MAGICAL IMAGE: magnificent enthroned king ACHIEVEMENT: vision of love ILLUSION: self-righteousness VIRTUE: obedience VICES: tyranny, hypocrisy, bigotry, gluttony, waste TAROT CARDS: the/ours CHAKRA: Vissudha (throat) KEYWORDS: authority, creativity, inspiration, vision, leadership DIVINE NAME: El (him) ARCHANGEL: Tzadkiel ANGELIC CHOIR: Chasmalim MATERIAL MANIFESTATION: Jupiter
g. Yesod MEANING:foundation ELEMENT: air COLOR: violet MAGICAL IMAGE: beautiful, powerful, naked man ACHIEVEMENT: vision of the machinery ofthe universe ILLUSION: security VIRTUE: independence VICES: idleness, sloth TAROT CARDS: the nines CHAKRA: Svadistthana (genitals) KEYWORDS: perception, imagination, emotion DIVINE NAME: Shaddai el Chai (ALMIGHTY LIVING god) ARCHANGEL: Gabriel ANGELIC CHOIR: Cherubim MATERIAL MANIFESTATION: Moon
io.Malkuth MEANING: kingdom ELEMENT: earth COLORS: citrine, olive, russet, black MAGICAL IMAGE: a young woman crowned and throned ACHIEVEMENT: vision ofthe holy guardian angel ILLUSION: materialism VIRTUE: discrimination VICES: avarice, inertia TAROT CARDS: the tens CHAKRA: Muladhara (feet) KEYWORDS: material, solid, nature, heavy DIVINE NAME: Adonai ha Aretz (LORD OF THE EARTH) ARCHANGEL: Sandalphon ANGELIC CHOIR: Ishim MATERIAL MANIFESTATION: elements
50 The Tree of Life
Ritual Exercises fl HUMAN BEINGS are MICROCOSMS of the TREE of LIFE. You can consciously incorporate its ATTRIBUTES into your being by regularly performing RITUAL EXERCISES such as these.
The Kabbalistic Cross of Light
Performing this exercise toil! help you feel the power of the Tree of Life resonate through your body. It is often incorporated into more complex rituals, such as consecrating magical implements (see chapter two).
1. Stand facing the east, and imagine a BRILLIANT WHITE Light above you. Raise your RIGHT HAND above your HEAD and DRAW the LIGHT down to your FOREHEAD with the SIGN ofBENEDICTION (index and middlef nger extended, the otherftngers tucked into the palm and covered by the thumb), saying: ATEH (pronounced Ah-tay; meaning unto thee).
2. Bring the line oflight down to your BREAST and say:
IAO (Ee-ah-oh; that 1 am or my true self).
3. Drawn the light down through your BODY,
and as you point toward your FEET, say: MALKUTH (Mahl-koofh; the kingdom). I> 1\ . r xa zvz X/ Ar 1 1 4. Bring the line oflight up to your RIGHT SHOULDER, saying: VE GEBURAH (Veh Geb-oo-ruh; the.fower).
5. Draw the line straight across to your LEFT SHOULDER, saying:
VE GEDULAH (Veh Ged-oo-lah; the glory).
6. See and feel the great cross of light running through you, then cup your HANDS to your HEART, and say: LE OLAHM, AMEN (Leh Oh-lahm, Ah-men; FOR ALL TIME, AMEN).
51 The Tree of Life
The Middle Pillar Exercise
OneoftheKEY RITUAL EXERCISES in HIGH MAGIC, the middle pillar exercise vibrates the divine names of the MIDDLE riUARSEHIIROTH at the CHAKRA POINTS in the body to which they correspond (chakra, meaning "wheel of light" in Sanskrit, is an energy center in body according to yoga philosophy). By performing this EXERCISE on a REGULAR BASIS, you will become increasingly attuned to the ENERGIES of the SEPHIROTH and start to embody the SPLENDOR of the TREE of LIFE. The Tree of Life
{JUSWP - 1. Facing west, visualize the BLACK PILLAR of SEVERITY on your RIGHT SIDE and the WHITE PILLlARof MERCY on your LEFT SIDE.
2. Imagine the black pillar is reflected in your LEFT SIDE
and the WHITE PILLAR ifi.your RIGHT SIDE.
3. Visualize a flaming sphere of ofbrilliant
bril white light at your KETHER POINT, a few inches above your HEAD. Inhale deeply and vibrate the ------- divine name--------- EHEIEH'pronounCQ j Eh-heii (pronounced Jyeh). Vibrate the DIVINE NAME Eh-hel several times, IF NECESSARY, until it fills your whole being.
4. Bring down the light from above andd ivisualize a FLAMING SPHERE of BRIGHT YELLOW at your HEART ce" enter, theTIPHARETH POINT. Feel the warmth of your INTERIORS! SUN radiating „ ,you. „ through Inhale deeply and VIBRATE the divine name YAHWEH ELOAH VA DAATH (Yah-uiay Eh-Ioh-ah uah Dah-Ath).
5. Bring down the light and visualize a FLAMING SPHERE of bright
VIOLET at your GENITAL region, YESOD. Inhale deeply and VIBRATE tile divine name SHADDA! EL CHAI (Shah-dye el Hai).
6. Bring down the light and visualize a FLAMING SPHERE of BRIGHT
EMERALD at your FEET, IrlALK.UT'.fLjInh'ale deeply and VIBRATE the divine name ADONA1 HA ARETZ (Ah-doh-nye ha Ah-retz).
7. Finish by performing the kabbalistic cross of light (see page 51).
This helps to BALANCE die ENERGY that you have absorbed.
53 ■■"S • .-a,;,
The Tarot can be used to DIVINE the underlying dynamics of the
(factor 4 mage’s relationship with life. Used in structured layouts, known as SPREADS, the cards can trigger INTUITIVE and INSPIRED The Tarot responses to situations that you wish to understand more fully. The sheer depth and richness of their SYMBOLISM make them an INEXHAUSTIBLE source of inspiration and intuition.
1 - ft i The Tarot
The History of the Tarot
The origins of Tarot cards remain steeped
in mystery. Packs of cards for gambling and frtune-tclliny weref rst referred to around 1370. The standard Tarot deck as we know it today, with twenty-two trump cards (Major Arcana) and fifty-six suit cards (Minor Arcana), dates back to eared in northern Italy.
Th; Devil card jrom the medieval Marseilles Tarot deck.
Although the TAROT has become one of the PRINCIPAL KEYS
of HIGH MAGIC, it was not until the late EIGHTEENTH CENTURY that there was evidence that they were included in the HERMETIC ARTS. In 1773, Frenchman ANTOINE COURT DE GEBELIN speculated that they were ofANCIENT EGYPTIAN ORIGIN, and a contemporary ofhis called ALLIETTE named them THE BOOK OF THOTH. However, it was the great French mageELIPHAS LEVI who accorded them their PREEMINENT SIGNIFICANCE with the publication ofhis deeply influential work The Dogma and Ritual of High Magic in 1856.
56 The Tarot
Tarot and the Kabbalah
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Whatever their origins, the Tarot appear custom-madefor
kabbalistic magic. The number of Major Arcana cards equals the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet and the number of paths on the Tree of Life. The ten sephiroth correspond with the Minor Arcana, sphere i relating to thefour aces and so on.
57 rlie Tarot
The Major Arcana
H There are twenty-two Major Arcana cards, numbered 0-21. Each card has a title and bears a symbolic image. Cards with traditional imagery based on the Marseilles Tarot deck are pictured here; different decks can vary, but the meanings remain the same. Cards 8 and 11. Justice and Strength, are sometimes transposed. The Major Arcana can be used os a focus for meditation. See pages 70-71 to learn how to use themfor divination.
o. The Fool A colorfully garbed YOUNG MAN appears lost in a DAYDREAM. His face is turned to the SKY, and he carries a staff over his SHOULDER with a small bundle of POSSESSIONS. He is ready to set forth in search of LIFE'S SECRETS. He is OBLIVIOUS to DANGER, because he knows that he cannot go wrong. Everything is RIGHT—life is ETERNAL, and he is IMMORTAL. If he embarks on the JOURNEY, his last step as a child of INNOCENCE will be his first as a man of EXPERIENCE.
i. The Magician A DIGNIFIED YOUNG MAN stands before a table arrayed with the four MAGICAL IMPLEMENTS. In his RIGHT HAND, he holds aloft a WAND; with his LEFT HAND, he points ro the ground, indicating his intent to integrate the powers ofABOVE with those of BELOW. Over his head is a HORIZONTAL FIGURE EIGHT, symbolizing the eternal joining and separating of PERFECTLY BALANCED and UNIFIED OPPOSITES. The Magician is the BALANCING POINT, mediating between the ETERNAL POLARITIES.
2. The High Priestress
A seated YOUNG WOMAN is wearing a HORNED HEADDRESS, representing the crescent moon. On her lap is an OPEN BOOK, a symbol of ESOTERIC WISDOM and LAW. Like the MAGICIAN, the HIGH PRIESTESS is a balancing point between OPPOSING FORCES, but where HE isACTIVE, SHE is PASSIVE.
58 92 The Tarot
3. The Empress An ATTRACTIVE WOMAN is comfortably enthroned, and behind her head is a CIRCLE of STARS. At her side is a shield bearing the SYMBOL ofa GOLDEN EAGLE, representing COURAGE and POWER. Surrounded by flowers, the scene suggests ABUNDANCE and FERTILITY. Her number is 3, which stands for the CREATIVE UNION of OPPOSITES—MALE and FEMALE come together to produce a child.
4. The Emperor The EMPEROR is a stern, armored figure, half-seated on a THRONE. He represents SOLIDITY and CONSTRUCTIVE ENERGY. The EMPEROR holds a scepter in one hand, a SYMBOL of DOMINION. His shield is embossed with a GOLDEN EAGLE, another symbol of dominance. Without his EMPRESS, the potency of the EMPEROR is unfulfilled, his empire DEVOID of LIFE.
Lejt to right: The Fool, the Magician,
the High Priestess, the Empress, and the Emperor.
59 The Tarot
5. The Hierophant A RICHLY BEDECKED PONTIFF raises his RIGHT HAND in benediction, while in his left hand he holds a PAPAL CROSS. Before him kneel TWO PRIESTS, ready to receive his blessing. Also known as the HIGH PRIEST or the POPE in older packs, this card SYMBOLIZES the AUTHORITY of established religion.
6. The Lovers I A YOUNG MAN stands between two women, with CUPID poised above with his BOW and ARROW. The man must make a choice: between the TWO WOMEN, between IDEALISTIC LOVE and PHYSICAL ATTRACTION, between vice and virtue. This CARD symbolizes the themes of TRI AL and CHOICE.
7. The Chariot A WARRIOR PRINCE with a scepter in his RIGHT HAND stands in a CHARIOT attached to TWO HORSES, which represent EMOTION that needs to be controlled. The Chariot is a symbol ofMOVEMENT, POWER, and TRIUMPH. The CHARIOTEER is a symbol of POWER and SELF-MASTERY.
the Chariot, Justice, and the Hermit.
6° Tlie Tarot
8. Justice A majestic FEMALE FIGURE holds a sword in her RIGHT HAND and a pair of scales in her LEFT HAND. The DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD represents one edge to CONDEMN and the other to SAVE. The scales symbolize the weighing of GOOD and EVIL. This card signifies the LAW of KARMA, CAUSE and EFFECT: “As a man sows, so shall he reap."
g. The Hermit A CLOAKED and BEARDED elderly man stands motionless. In his RIGHT HAND is a lantern; in his LEFT HAND, a staff. The Hermit is a symbol of WITHDRAWAL, CONCENTRATION, ABSTENTION, and SELF-CONTROL. The number 9 symbolizes INITIATION and COMPLETENESS. The Hermit is SELF-CONTAINED, his soul illuminate by an INNER SUN, represented by his LANTERN.
i ■ ■ 1Q The Wheel of Fortune The figure on the left crawls dour the wheel, representing.decli tins fortiir es. The creature on the right > reeps upward, symbolizing fortunes risit i|. The sphiri:: at the top is armed with a ; word, sugg:;ting escape from the wheel cj fate. The uheel itself is a symbol of des :iny tnd the eternal processes tha- underlie human existence.
6l I'he Tarot
u.Strength AYOUNG WOMAN gently but firmly opens or closes the MOUTH OfJ LION. Tilt FIERY, SEXUAL STRENGTH and PASSION ofthe masculine lion is restrained to the satisfaction qf the COOL, CONTROLLED FEMININE NATURE. The card symbolizes potent but contained SEXUALITY' and the FORTITUDE required forSUCCESSFUL UNION.
12. The Hanged Man
AYOUNG MAN hangs upside down from ONE FOOT. His FREE LEG is bent at the KNEE to form a symbolic cross. The gallows from which he HANGS are formed from TWO SAPLINGS, each with SIX AMPUTATED BRANCHES, suggesting die possibility of renewed growth to come. Farfom looking TORTURED, he wears a BEATIFIC EXPRESSION. The essential meaning of the card is illumination dirough SELF-SACRIFICE.
Pt- 0 ■■ 13, DEATH The s teletai rt I figure of IT fl /Her* nf" Death nn + l| USCS fl scythe
to gathe his grisly harvest. H oweuer, he field in
which he stands is fertile. The mystic i hite rose symbo ites regeneration, new growth. and the emergence >f life from death. Death is mt absolute. It n i rks transformation, major cl 1 nge, aric thqopportunityfor life rene 1 ed.
2 Jj 62 Gyp Tile Tarot
XT.
14. Temperence An ANGEL pours a fluid from one cup into another. After DEATH, this can be seen as the ESSENCE of LIFE being poured into a NEW VESSEL; alternately, MALE and FEMALE, BODY and SPIRIT, are commingling. Temperence is the virtue of SELF-RESTRAINT, tempering the desire of the will with the selflessness of humility to achieve EQUILIBRIUM.
15. The Devil
A GRIM-FACED, bat-winged, half-human figure with the horns and legs of a GOAT perches on a plinth. The PLINTH symbolizes WORLDLY domination; the goat represents CREATIVE ENERGY but also GREED and EXCESS. This card signifies NEGATIVE POWER, SELF-INDULGENCE, and CARNAL EXCESS.
16. The Tower
The TOWER is STRUCK btj LIGHTNING and shows two HUMAN FIGURES Jailing headlong to the ground, symbolizing the FALL ofthe MIGHTY. The ivory tower of CONCEIT is destroyed in a moment of SUPREME ILLUMINATION. All false ideas and aspects of PERSONALITY fall like scales from the EYES of the MAN who sees CLEARLY for the FIRST TIME.
63 GJ9 The 1'arot
17. The Star
A NAKED MAIDEN kneels by a pool and pours the WATERS of LIFE from a pitcher in each hand. A large EIGHT-POINTED STAR and seven smaller onesJill the sky. The large star represents REGENERATION and a new life won through MAGICAL ATTAINMENT. The woman is ETERNALLY YOUNG, ETERNALLY RENEWING CREATION, giving life to both mind and matter. In turn, she herselfisa MANIFESTATION of the ULTIMATE, LIMITLESS SOURCE ofCOSMIC ENERGY represented by the STAR.
18. The Moon
Two dogs are HOWLING at the MOON, symbolizing the imagination. Beyond them, a PATH winds between TWO TOWERS to a hilly horizon. In the foreground is a pool from which a CRAYFISH emerges onto land. Man's HALF-EVOLVED NATURE is drawn toward the REFLECTED LIGHT of the IMAGINATION, which can lead it forward into the ASTRAL PLANE. Behind is the DEPTH qftheUNCONSCIOUS.jrom which nameless things emerge.
19. The Sun
Two youths stand in a WALLED GARDEN beneath a M ANY-RAYED SUN, shining benevolently down on them and dropping the dew of its bounty on the ground. The card represents the FULL LIGHT ofunderstanding that completes the EVOLUTIONARY CYCLE: die RESTORATION of INNOCENCE butwith the BALANCE of WISDOM.
20. Judgment •An angel blows his TRUMPET from the HEAVENS, and a MAN, WOMAN, and CHILD emerge from the water, hands clasped in prayer. The circle of CLOUD surrounding the angel symbolizes the END and the BEGINNING, the cycle of BIRTH and DEATH. The nakedness of the human figures indicates they haveNOTHING to conceal, suggesting a life well spent. Although summoned to judgment, they can look forward to REBIRTH in a new life.
64 The Tarot
7 The Woii
A dancer, naked exceptfor a scarfdraped around
her loins, holds two wands. The scarf and the wands are symbols of well-won achievement. She isframed by a laurel wreath, which suggests victory, the universe, totality, and wholeness. Around the wreath are a lion, a bull, an angel, and an eagle, representing thefour cardinal points: north, south, east, and west. Despite her grace and equilibrium, the dancer has a wistful countenance,for shefeels the sufferings of the world. However, her dance is one ofjoyous celebration and she signifies success, triumphant conclusion, completion, and reward.
d 01
Lrft to riflht: The Star, the Moon,
the Sun, Judgment, and the World.
65 rhe Tarot
The Minor Arcana
The MINOR ARCANA arc used TOGETHER with the MAJOR ARCANA tier DIVINATION (seepages 70-71). There are FIFTY-SIX cards divided into . OUR suits: SWORDS. WANDS, CUPS, and PENTACLES. Each suit comprises four court cards—traditionally called KING, QUEEN, KNIGHT, and PAGE— and ten pip cards numbered ace to ten. The court cards usually apply to REAL PEOPLE involved in the SITUATION being EXPLORED. The page is a BOY or GIRL under age 21, the KNIGHT is a MAN aged 21-34, QUEEN is a WOMAN over age 21, and the KING is a MAN over age 35.
'I
Swords The suit ofswords corresponds to the element air. Being a weapon, the sword suggests conflict, cruelty, pain, and suffering. The suit therefore tends to indicate miffortune, and two or more appearing in a spread is ominous.
COURT CARDS: people with dark brown or black hair; dark skin; dork brown or black eyes; and/or a bright personality
66 The Tarot
Wands The suit of wands (also known as batons, rods, staffs, or scepters) is related to the elementfire. It signifies the masculine principle, the will, and creative energy. When wands appear in a spread, they tend to relate to enterprise, initiative, and progress.
ACE: root ofthe powers offire
TWO: dominion THREE: virtue FOUR: completion FIVE: strife SIX: victory SEVEN: valor EIGHT: swiftness NINE: Strength TEN: oppression COURT CARDS: people with light or dark brown hair; light olive skin; brown, green, or hazel eyes; and/or a fiery personality
67 6p The Tarot
Cups The suit ofcups (also known as chalices) is the luckiest suit. It corresponds to the element water. Cups symbolize thefeminine principle, love, marriage, emotions, sensitivity, and pleasure when they appear in a spread.
ACE: root ofthe powers of water
TWO: love THREE: abundance FOUR: luxury FIVE: disappointment SIX: pleasure SEVEN: debauch EIGHT: indolence NINE: happiness TEN: satiety COURT CARDS: people with blond, light brown, or gray hair; fair to medium skin; blue or gray eyes; and/or a sensitive personality
68 6^3 The Tarot
Pentacles The suit of pentacles (also called disks or coins) corresponds to the element earth. It relates to all material concerns—money, property, status, and security.
ACE: root ofthe pouters of earth
TWO: change THREE: work FOUR: power FIVE: worry SIX: success SEVEN: failure EIGHT: prudence NINE: gain TEN: wealth COURT CARDS: people with red, light blond, or gray hair; fair orfreckled skin; blue orgray eyes; and/or an earthy personality
69 6p The Tarot
Using the Tarot
for Divination
Divination means “seeking to understand the hidden."
To divine the divine is the chief art of magic, but divination can also be used on a more mundane level to explore everyday situations. The person giving the reading is knotvn as the reader; the person having the reading is referred to as the querent.
The Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross Tarot spread provides a flood balance of the dynamics that come to play in almost any situation. The reader starts by choosinfl a Significator card, remcring itjrom the deck, and placing it in the center of the table. The querent then shuffles the deck and cuts it into three piles. After that, the reader restacks them in reverse order and deals the top ten cards out into the appropriate positions.
0 The Significator: represents the QUERENT; select it from the
COURT CARDS according to the QUERENT’S AGE, COLORING, and/or PERSONALITY. Place it face up in position, saying, “Here he/she is."
1 The Cover: IMPORTANT EVENTS, ISSUES, ATTITUDES, and
INFLUENCES around the CURRENT SITUATION. Place it on top of the Significator, saying, ‘The [name of card] covers him/her."
2 The Cross: OBSTACLES, PROBLEMS, CONFLICTS, and OPPOSITION
that the QUERENT must deal uiith. Place it at right angles across the first two cards, saying, “The [name ofcard] crosses him/her."
70 G-p The Tarot
3 The Root: the BASIS or ROOT CAUSE of the SITUATION. Place it directly below the first three cards, saying: “The [name of card] is below him/her."
4 The Past: EVENTS or INFLUENCES from the RECENT PAST. Place it to the left of the first three cards, saying, “The [name of card] is behind him/her."
5 The Crown: the BEST that can be achievedJrom CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
Place it above the first three cards, saying, “The [name of card] croums him/her."
5 The Future: FRESH INFLUENCES about to come into PLAT. Place it to the right of the middle cards, saying, “The [name ofcard] lies before him/her."
7 The Querent: the way the QUERENT relates to the SITUATION in
QUESTION. Place it to the right of the cross, saying, “He/she comes to rest...” 0 0 The House: the way people around the querent AFFECT MATTERS. Place it above the previous card, saying, “In the house of [name ofcard]."
9 Hopes and Fears: the querent's HOPES, FEARS, and EXPECTATIONS. Place it above the previous card, saying, “He/she hopes orfears [name of card]."
io The Outcome: the ANSWER, to the QUESTION.
Place it above the previous card, saying, “So shall it be."
□ H0 0 0 0 71 The hermetic dictum “AS ABOVE, SO BELOW” is nowhere more (fayfc*' 5 clearly exemplified than in ASTROLOGY. The PLANETS of the
The Seven Lords solar system and the constellations of the ZODIAC have long been known to bring influences to bear here on Earth. All things in the universe are WOVEN into the intricate patterns of the COSMIC loom and the endless dance of the planets and the stars. I'hc Seven l ords
The Celestial Gods
It is no wonder that the ancient Greeks,
Romans, and other civilizations conceived of the planets as gods. After all, they have particular qualities that are like those used to describe personalities.
Words such as MERCURIAL (Mercury), SATURNINE (Saturn), JOVIAL (Jupiter), and LUNATIC (Moon) were all used to define the ATTRIBUTES of the PLANETARY GODS and are still in use today to describe the same CHARACTER TRAITS. The QUALITIES and VIRTUES of the f planets also correspond directly to the SEPHIROTH of the KABBALAH (see chapter three).
74 The Seven Lords
Achieving Harmony ★ The PLANETS must be considered not merely in ISOLATION, but also in relationship with each other. The RELATIONSHIP of the PLANETS—their mutual position in space at the MOMENT we are BORN—has a .great bearinfl on our PREDISPOSITIONS AS INDIVIDUALS. Although there is not sufficient space in this book to give more than an OUTLINE of the PLANETS’ ATTRIBUTES and CORRESPONDENCES, it should be dear that the study ofASTRO LOGY forms one ofthe PRINCIPLE PILLARS of HERMETIC SCIENCE.
conscious effort to becoinefreefrom
constrictiue or unbalanced behauior
75 The Seven Lords
Saturn, Guardian of the Threshold
SATURN is the GUARDIAN of the THRESHOLD between the MATERIAL
and the SPIRITUAL WORLDS, the gateway between ETERNITY and the realm ofTIME and SPACE. The most DISTANT and SLOWEST MOVING cfthe VISIBLE PLANETS, Saturn is where the DESCENT into MATTER begins. It is the planet of RESTRICTION and INHIBITION. As the LORD ofORDER. SELF-KNOWLEDGE, and DISCIPLINE, Saturn can be a SEVERE TASKMASTER. It governs all CONDENSING, CRYSTALLIZING, end HARDENING PROCESSES, ruling the SKELETON and AGING. WO * ' ' WWW v-
■ Symbolism O IN CONVENTIONAL SYMBOLISM, SATURN IS PRESENTED AS THE SKELETAL FIGURE OF DEATH OR OLD FATHER TIME WITH HIS SCYTHE, MERCILESSLY CUTTING DOWN THE OLD, USELESS, OR UNWORTHY. O ALCHE.M1CALLY, SATURN REPRESENTS THE PROCESS OF CALCINATION, WHEN ALL IMPURITIES ARE BURNED OFF IN THE PURIFYING FIRE. O THE TERRIFYING KALI ASPECT OR SATURN CAN PRECIPITATE THE INITIATION OF THE NADIR, THE TERRIBLE TURMOIL THAT ENDS ONLY WHEN WE ABANDON VANITY AND FALSENESS AND COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE PATH OF RETURN. O THE PAYOFF FOR THE PERSON WHO SURVIVES THIS ORDEAL IS THE ENERGIZING OF T1 IE BASE CHAKRA, MULADHARA, AND THE AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI, THE SERPENT POWER COILED AROUND THE BASE OF THE SPINE. O THE PERSON THEN BECOMES AN INITIATE THROUGH ACCOMPLISHING THIS FIRST STAGE OF THE GREAT WORK.
IUPITER is by EAR the LARGEST ofthe VISIBLE PLANETS.
It has THIRTEEN MOONS, ATTRACTED by its POWERFUL MAGNETIC FIELD. Its ENERGIES ore CARRIED to EARTH by the SOLAR WIND. In contrast to the RESTRICTIVE and INHIBITORY QUALITIES of SATURN, IUPITER is expansive, generous, warm, and JOVIAL. He is the FIRE ofNATURE, the warmth in ALL THINGS. In MYTHOLOGY, he is the LUSTY, SELF-INDULGENT KING of the OLYMPIAN GODS. This tendency to excess is JUPITER’S main weakness, and in PHYSICAL TERMS can lead to LIVER PROBLEMS. Besides controlling the LIVER, IUPITER also rules the IMM UNE SYSTEM. IUPITER presides over HARMONY, LAM', and RELIGION.
SUBLIMATION AND DISTILLATION, WHICH IN NATURE
PRODUCE THE PI IENOMENON OF DEW—MOISTURE THAT IS REFINED AS IT IS DRAWN UP FROM THE BARTII AND THAT ABSORBS COSMIC ENERGY AS Fl'RECONDENSES. O SUBLIMATION IS SYMBOLIZED BY THE STORY OF IUPITER. IN THE FORM OF AN EAGLE, CARRYING HIS CUP-BEARER GANYMEDE UP TO HEAVEN. O JUPITER'S SEDUCTION OF DANAE, THE DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF ARGOS, IN THE FORM OF A GOLDEN SHOWER SYMBOLIZES THE DISTILLATION OF PHILOSOPHICAL GOLD.
78 The Seven Lords I > i
I Correspondences i
PRINCIPLES: harmony, justice
I I ELEMENTS: jire, air COLORS: mauve, blue, purple, gray DAY: Thursday POLARITY: yang ZODIAC SIGN: Sagittarius NUMBERS: 4, 21 TAROT CARDS: the Wheel of Fortune, thejours SEPHIRAH: Chesed (mercy) CHAKRA: none S METALS: tin, zinc ALCHEMICAL PROCESSES: sublimation, distillation I DEITIES: Zeus/Jupiter/Jove, Sobek, Math, Dagda ARCHANGEL: Tzadkiel ANGEL: Sachiel PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Yophiel PLANETARY SPIRIT: Hismael CREATURES: whale, dolphin,fish, elephant, horse, eagle, water birds, bee STONES: sapphire, lapis lazuli, amethyst, turquoise, tanzanite INCENSE: myrrh, sandalwood, benzoin, gum mastic, cedar,fennel, nutmeg TREES: oak, ash, maple, horse chestnut, cedar HEALING PLANTS: amica, borage, lemon balm, sage, ginseng, comfrey, echinacea BODY PARTS: liver, arteries, digestive organs, buttocks, right ear, outer sex organs,feet BODY FUNCTIONS: Immune system, sugar economy, energy conservation, cellformation.food assimilation MENTAL FUNCTIONS: memory, humor MALFUNCTIONS: cancer, cirrhosis, stomach ulcer VIRTUES: generosity,fairness, benevolence, mercy, compassion VICES: vanity, self-indulgence, greediness, materialism KEYWORD: jovial
79 The Seven Lords
Mars, the Warrior
The FIERY RED PLANET represents the INTENSELY MASCULINE, ACTIVE, DYNAMIC PRINCIPLE qfLIFE. Its effects are INTENSIFYING, ACCELERATING. anJ VIOLENT. As the god of war, MARS has a reputation, along with SATURN, as a MALIGN BODY at CONFLICT with the other PLANETS. The negative aspects ofMars include RUTHLESSNESS, DESTRUCTION, and BRUTALITY. Its positive aspects are DETERMINATION, WILLPOWER. COURAGE, and PASSION. Mars rules the MUSCULAR SYSTEM, SEX ORGANS, and BLOOD FORMATION.
O PARACELSUS TELLS US THAT MARS GOVERNS THE
lOLARJIT BETWEEN THE BRAIN AND THE SEXUAL ORGANS. O THIS IS THE CONDUri' FOR KUNDALINI. THE SERPENT POWER IN INDIAN ALCHEMY. O MARS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALCHEMICAL PROCESS OF SEPARATION, WHICH CAN BE BRUTAL AND PAINFUL. O KNOWN AS THE IRON PLANET, THE USES OF ITS METAL REFLECT THE STRENGTH AND AGGRESSION OF MARS— SWORDS, GUNS, ARMOR. AND ENGINES. O CAMAEL, ITS ARCHANGEL, IS A POWERFUL PROTECTOR AND GUIDE, PROVIDING COURAGE AND DETERMINATION. '. '.......... 8o The Seven Lords
Correspondences PRINCIPLE:force ELEMENT: jire COLOR: red DAY: Tuesday POLARITY: yang ZODIAC SIGNS: Aries, Scorpio NUMBERS: 5, 27 TAROT CARDS: the Tower, thejives SEPHIRAH: Geburah (strength, SEVEnmj CHAKRA: Suadhistthana (genitals) METAL: iron ALCHEMICAL PROCESS: separation DEITIES: Ares, Tiu/Tyr, Bishamon, Nergal, all wargods ARCHANGEL: Camael ANGEL: Zamael PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Nakhiel PLANETARY SPIRIT: Bartzabel CREATURES: horse, fox, ram, robin, scorpion, all stinging insertsotherthan bees STONES: ruby, garnet, bloodstone, carnelian INCENSE: Cyprus, aloe, tobacco, pine, red cedar TREES: thorn, pine, savin, Cyprus, rhododendron HEALING PLANTS: hawthorn, nettle, sarsaparilla, uomic nut, basil BODY PARTS: muscular system, red corpuscles, sex organs, gall, astral body BODY FUNCTIONS: body heat, blood formation MENTAL FUNCTION: engagement MALFUNCTIONS:fever, inflammation, high blood pressure, hemorrhage VIRTUES: courage, determination, passion, protection VICES: wrath, impulsiveness, ruthlessness, brutality, destructiveness KEYWORD: martial
81 Gp The Seven Lords
The Sun,
The SUN is the RADIANT HEART ofthe SOLAR SYSTEM, without
which there could be no LIFE. The SUN is VITALITY, the WILL to LIVE, CONSCIOUSNESS, and SPIRIT. As a PLANETARY SPHERE, the Sun’s influence is benign, but ifOVEREMPHASIZED it can engender PRIDE and SELF-CENTEREDNESS. Without the COOLING, MOISTENING INFLUENCE of the MOON, it can be HARSH, ARID, and BURNING. The SUN rules the INDIVIDUAL MIND, ENERGY, and WILLPOWER. Physiologically it governs the HEART, CIRCULATION, and HEALTH.
O THE SUN IS EQUATED WITH GOLD.
THE IDEAL METAL, WHICH IT EVOLVES TO PERFECTION BY ITS HEAT AND TRANSFORMING RAYS IN THE CRUCIBLE OF THE EARTH. O IT IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVINE LIGHT IN THE KABBAL1STIC REALM; OF YETZIRAH, THE WORLD OF FORMATION. gSpl O AS THE CELESTIAL CONSORT .
1S OF THE MOON, IT IS THE MASCUL|N" I'RJNCIPLE, THE ACTIVE. ENGENDERING SEED. WHICH ALCHliMI REFER TO AS THE FATHER OF THE SIX O APPROPRIATELY. ITS zr CORRESPONDING CORRESPONDING’; CHAKRA IS ANAHATA, ' ' THE HEART CHAKRA. TnsnnEffii 82 Tile Seven Lords
Correspondences PRINCIPLES: consciousness, vitality ELEMENT: Jire COLORS: gold, red DAY: Sunday ; POLARITY: yang ZODIAC SIGN: Leo NUMBERS: 6, 30 TAROT CARDS: the Sun, the sixes SEPHIRAH: Tiphereth (beauty) CHAKRA: Anahata (heart) METAL: gold ALCHEMICAL PROCESSES: coagulation, conjunction DEITIES: Apollo, Helios, Bel, Ra, Mithras ARCHANGEL: Michael ANGEL: Raphael ■ PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Graphiel PLANETARY SPIRIT: Sorath c._ CREATURES: lion, all cats, blackbird, yellow and orange butterflies STONES: ruby, tiger’s eye, amber, chrysolite INCENSE: jrankincense, myrrh, copal, cinnamon, bergamot TREES: ivalnut, ash, citrus, laurel, juniper HEALING PLANTS: chamomile, cinnamon, clove, eyebright, ginger, Saint-John’s-wort, rosemary BODY PARTS: heart, spine, solar plexus, eyes BODY FUNCTIONS: circulation, heat and energy distribution MALFUNCTIONS: lou> vitality, cardiac problems VIRTUES: health, vitality, organization, pourer VICES: pride, egotism KEYWORD: solar
83 The Seven l ords
Venus, Goddess of Love
VENUS is the PLANET ofAFFECTIONATE LOVE, the MUSE
Of ART, FRIENDSHIP, and MUSIC. As the RULER of LIBRA, VENUS helps to mediate between OPPOSITES and to INTEGRATE DIVERSE ELEMENTS into HARMONIOUS BALANCE. Like MERCURY, Venus is a GREAT MEDIATOR, being the muse of relating. VENUS rules IMPORTANT ORGANS and FUNCTIONS within the HUMAN BODY, including the KIDNEYS, INNER-SEXUAL ORGANS, BLOOD and CELL FORMATION, and the SENSE OF SMELL. An exaggeration of the VENUSIAhi PRINCIPLE is associated with WANTONNESS and VENEREAL DISEASE.
u 2 ■ -'t/ . Symbolism O VENUS IS COMMONLY VIEWED AS THE GODDESS OF LOVE, KNOWN AS APHRODITE TO THE ANCIENT GREEKS, BUT TO THE EGYPTIANS, INDIANS, AND HEBREWS THIS PLANETARY DEIJY IS MASCULINE. O TO THE INDIANS HE IS SUKRA, WHO HAS SOME OF THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE EGYPTIAN GOD THOTH, BEING A TEACHER AND PHYSICIAN AND CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH ALCHEMY. O VENUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALCHEMICAL PROCESS OF FERMENTATION. LEGEND RELATES THAT SUKRA POSSESSED THE ELIXIR OF IMMORTALITY. KNOWN IN WESTERN ALCHEMY AS THE WHITE LION OR WHITE STONE. O THE METALOF VENUS IS COPPER. WHICH IS HIGHLY CONDUCTIVE. O THE OFFSPRING OF VENUS/APHROD1TE AND MERCURY/ HERMES IS THE DIVINE HERMAPHRODITE, THE ADEPT WHO HAS ACHIEVED ACTIVE EQUILIBRIUM.
84 6p The Seven Lords ) I •
i: Correspondences PRINCIPLES: relating, art ELEMENT: air [i ) I COLORS: rose, emerald DAY: Friday ' I POLARITY: yin ZODIAC SIGNS: Libra, Taurus I NUMBERS: 7,14 TAROT CARDS: the Empress, the sevens SEPHIRAH: Netzach (victory) CHAKRA: Vissudha (throat) METAL: copper ALCHEMICAL PROCESS:Jermentation DEITIES: Aphrodite, Sukra, Ishtar, Benten, Lakshmi, Chenrezi ARCHANGEL: Haniel ANGEL: Anael PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Hagiel PLANETARY SPIRIT: Kedemel CREATURES: deer, rabbit, dove, swallow, butterfly STONES: emerald, rose quartz, opal, jade, malachite, pink coral INCENSE: sandalwood, storax, galbanum, valerian, violet, rose TREES: apple, pear, cherry, elder, linden, chestnut HEALING PLANTS: yarrow, lady’s mantle, motherwort, vervain BODY PARTS: complexion, upper lip, throat, breasts, kidneys, abdomen, inner sexual organs BODY FUNCTIONS: cell and nervejbrmation, diuretic and emetic processes, sense 0/smell MALFUNCTIONS: problems relating to sexual organs and kidneys VIRTUES: harmony, proportion, beauty, affection VICES: sentimentality, immodesty, tastelessness, sexual intemperance KEYWORD: relating
85 Gg 1'he Seven Lords
The Moon, Queen of the Deep
t The MOON rules the EM®IONKINSTINCTS, and the SUBCONSCIOUS. It is FEMININE, NURTURING. REFLECTIVE, and CHANGEABLE. It influences FERTILITY;,GROWTH, and CONCEPTION. It also influences the WATERS of the OCEANS, the SAP in PLANTS, and all BODILY FLUIDS, as witnessed,by the TIDES and the MENSTRUAL CYCLE ofWOMEN.iye^thifig that grows on the EARTH does so ii -- .. . -------------------------------------- INTUITION, and tli? its darkside is the UNCONSCIOUS and the WILDER; ‘ *TS. Physiologically it governs JM, ANDTANCREAS.
SYMBOLtSM 1 O THE MOON CORRESPONDS TO AINA, THE CHAKRA THAT REPRESENTS THE THIRD EYE, THE PINEAI GLAND LOCATED BEHIND THE AREA BETWEEN THE EYEBRO O IN ALCHEMY, THE MOON IS,OFTEN CALLED LUNA OR DIANA, THE LUNAR GODbESS OF THE GREEKS. AND CORRESPONDS TO THE WHITER LION, THE WHITE TINCTURE. WHICH IS THE ELIXIR OF IMMORTALITY. O IN POLARITY WITHrt^ COSMIC'CpNgORT THE
SUN, THE MOON IS COLD, MOIST, AND PASSIVE.
THE FEMININE PRINCIPLBfflHAT RECTiVERf^ip SEED OF SULFUR AND BEARS THE I.ERMAP^nC CHILD,
g € 1S1B 88 Gja The Seven Lords
Correspondences PRINCIPLES: psyche, emotion ELEMENT: looter COLORS: silver, violet, royal purple DAY: Monday POLARITY: yin ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer NUMBERS: g, 1} TAROT CARDS: the High Priestess, the nines SEPHIRAH: Yesod (foundation) CHAKRA: Ajna (between the eyes) METAL: silver ALCHEMICAL PROCESSES: conjunction, coagulation DEITIES: Isis, Artemis, Diana, Selene, Cybele, Arianrhod, Astarte d PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Malach Be PLANETARY SPIRIT: Chasmbdat CREATURES: shellfish, wolf, owl, nightingale,-nightjar, moth, spider STONES: moonstone, pearl, aquamarine wJr'-;!,:'/
Ui . I i- Alchemy is one of the THREE PILLARS of hermetic science, along with magic and astrology. The mage uses alchemy to prepare MAGICAL ELIXIRS, such as planetary tinctures and Alchemy fluid condensers. Too many mages rely on ALCHEMISTS to prepare such substances for them, but it is better to practice alchemy yourself—not only is it a CRUCIAL part of the GREAT WORK, it is also grounding and purifying. Alchemy
The Tria Prima
Alchemy focuses on identifyiny and purify iny the
Tria Prima, the three principles of soul, spirit, and body—represented by sulfur, mercury, and salt.
- ■ i .> -■■ ■ J' -
f T-a1?-'"-\cofsivs/
■' ...
The PROCESSES used in the PREPARATION of ALCHEMICAL
SUBSTANCES are SYMBOLIC of the INNER PURIFICATION of the MAGE. The search for the elusive PHILOSOPHER'S STONE, which is said both to TRANSMUTE BASE METALS into GOLD and to be the ELIXIR of IMMORTALITY, signifies the ALCHEMIST'S GOAL of achieving union with the divine. A great ALCHEMICAL maxim is “solve et coagula,” meaning “dissolve the body and coagulate the spirit.” The alchemist LIBERATES (dissolves) the SECRET FIRE contained within all PHYSICAL MATERIALS, thereby PURIFYING and SPIRITUALIZING (coagulating) them.
92 Alchemy
Heavenly Deiv
To the alchemist, DEVV isflie PRECIPITATION of the COSMIC FIRE
and a key'sblvenf used in the PURIFICATION PROCESSES of the TRIA PRJMA. No other substancyin NATURE more perfectly reflects the CENTRAL ALCHEMICAL PROCESS pfCIRCyLATION than dew. It is drawn up as MOISTURE from the fat ofthe land by the ACTION ofthe SUN and condensed by the cool of'the night to settle again on the EARTH. It is the DISTILLED ESSENCE of heaven above and earth below, a condensadonof^e-ONlfeRSA^ffiklT,.known as PRANA in YOGA, CHI or QlfaCHINA, and; possibly.S’qiT-fgLECTRONS to the SCIENTIST. Tp.the DRUIDS, dew was the mostsacred form of WATER; to the ANCIENT CHINESE, it symbolized IMMORTALITY; whereas in the KABBALAH, it represents RESURRECTION.
I am the moisture that'preserues eberythingfn nature and makes it live,
I pass from the upper to the lower planes; I am the heavenly dew and .thefat of the land; I am thefiery water and the watery Jire;
..... r.. . nothing may live without rye....
The Mutus Liber
Many important ALCHEMICALELIxiRS and PROCESSES use DEW. Dew features as the PR1MA M^TERTA (prime matbridlj ^(Torie of the most famous alchemical books, the-Mutus LJBER_(Mute Book),‘firstpublished in 1677. Almost entirely wordless (hence the title), the book consists of FIFTEEN ENGRAVINGS depictirig a sequence pfALCHEMICAL PROCESSES performed by a man aryl a woman. ThelMUTUS LIBER remains highly influential in'MODERN ALCHEMICAL PRACTICE.
93 6|3 Alchemy
Planetary Tinctures
Plant alchemy, although known as the
Lesser Work, is an important initiation in the scheme ofthe Great Work.
The CIRCULATUM MINUS 'lesser circulation)—a PATH
to the VEGETABLE STON1J Moes not ALTER METALS, but it does BEHAVE in ivays thal >EFY the UNDERSTANDING ofCONVENTIONAL CHE^J^TS. The preparation of planetary tinctures LIBERATES, PURIFIES, and RECOMBINES in an exalted form the THREE PRINCIPLES in plants: the SOUL/SULFUR, or the essential oil; the SP1R1T/MERCURY, or the plant alcohol (hence spirit); and the BODY/SALT, or the alkaline, water-soluble salts.
94 Alchemy
Stage 1: Extracting Sal Salts
The Jirst stage in creating a planetary tincture is to extract some water-soluble salts jrom plant matter. SAL SALIS means "salt of the salt” and is prepared Jrom wood ashes. Hardwood is best because it contains less tar and resin. Ash (fraxinus) and lime (tiua) trees have the advantage of being ready to burn when Jreshly cut. Another consideration may be the planetary rulership of the source tree (see chapterJive).
1. Lay a fire using using untreated hardwood. The most
EFFICIENT WAY to do this is in an OPEN FIREPLACE using a GRATE, but an OUTSIDE FIRE RITUAL in a SACRED SPOT during one of the SOLAR or Fl RE FESTIVALS such as WINTER SOLSTICE or IMBOLC can produce a potent ash. Do not use PAPER because it usually contains UNDESIRABLE materials. Use DRY GRASS and TWIGS as kindling—never use PREFABRICATED FIRELIGHTERS. It is best to carry out this procedure on a SUNNY DAY so that you can use the Sun to IGNITE the FIRE. This is because the TRUE NATURE of EIRE is to be found less in the FUEL than in theAGENT ofIGNITION. Fuel feeds a fire but is not its source.
2. Use a magnifying glass to focus the errwe n onto the
WICK of a CANDLE until it becomes a FLAN he SUNLIGHT is weak, dip some FILTER PAPER in ETHANOL; the p rill readily catch FIRE, and you can use ___ ~....tf ......itto LIGHTCANDLE to LIGHT the CANDLE. the FIRE you have laid, taking care to drip as little WAX into the FIRE as possible. A HIGH GRATE will allow you to light the FIRE from underneath and AVOID DRIPPING WAX.
95 Akheiny
3. Keep adding fuel to the fire until it has produced
’ GALLONS (10 liters) of ash (enough to fill a standard mop bucket). This may take a LONG TIME, but the longer you can STAY with the FIRE, giving it your FULL ATTENTION, the better. Take the OPPORTUNITY to UNBURDEN your SOUL of any COMBUSTIBLE old matter. Allow the heat of the FIRE to MELT any STONES in your HEART. Let the EMOTION jlotu out of you and VAPORIZE in the FLAMES.
Be aware of the spirits delighting
in the fire.
*c«
IMb 96 Gp Alchemy
4. Collect the ashes and grind any solid pieces to POWDER.
5. Roast the ashes in a flameproof ceramic pot on top of a
really hot stove until they have turned GRAY. This HEATING process is known as CALCINATION.
6. Allow the ashes to cool, then put them in a LARGE ENAMEL PAN and add several gallons of FILTERED RAINWATER or SPRING WATER. Unless you have a HUGE PAN, you will have to do this in SEVERAL BATCHES.
7. Boil the liquid ashes for about 15 minutes, then filter
(through an unbleached coffee filter orfilter paper) into another LARGE ENAMEL PAN. Return the remaining solid matter, known asthcCAPUT MORTUUM (death head), to the EARTH.
8. Boil the filtered liquid, uncovered. As the LIQUID reduces,
the SALTS will start to become VISIBLE. When nearly all the LIQUID has EVAPORATED, the salts will start to SPUTTER, so take care. Reduce the HEAT, and WEARING GLOVES and GOGGLES if necessary, stir the SOLIDIFYING SALTS vigorously until they have HARDENED.
9. Break the salts into small pieces, drive off any REMAINING MOISTURE in the oven, then CALCINE again over a HIGH HEAT (covered) for at least an HOUR.
10. Dissolve the salts in filtered rainwater or spring water,
FILTER, and EVAPORATE again. Repeat this process until NO RESIDUE is left in the filter. Whenfinished, POWDER the PURE, DRY SALTS and place in an AIRTIGHT JAR. Keep a small amount in a separate container for making HOLY WATER (see paye 101). Alchemy
Stage 2: Producing the Oleum Salis The alkaline salts extracted from the ashes in theform ofSAL SALIS are strongly hygroscopic, which is to say that they readily absorb moisturefrom the air. The alchemist uses these as a magnetfor attracting dew. Once saturated with dew, the salts dissolve and become liquid. The resulting OLEUM SALIS (oil of salt) provides the best solventfor extracting the planetary virtuesfrom plants when creating planetary tinctures.
*c* i. On a still, clear evening, ideally when the SUN is in ARIES or TAURUS, spread your SAL SALIS about / in (1 cm) deep in GLASS, GLAZED EARTHENWARE, or ENAMEL DISHES. Place the dishes in the OPEN AIR about ift (30 cm) above the GROUND.
2. Retrieve the dishes before sunrise. If the salts have LIQUEFIED,
filter and preserve the liquid in a SEALED BOTTLE. If the SALTS have not liquefied, repeat the process the following NIGHT and AGAIN, if necessary.
4 Alchemy
Stage 3: Creating the Tincture The tincture should be extracted .from a plant governed by the relevant planet. It should be slowly dried and then crushed into small pieces by hand. Start makiny the tincture on thejirst day associated with that planet that occurs after a new moon. (For appropriate plants and days, see page too.)
1. On the appropriate day, pour a SEVENTH ofyour OLEUM SALIS into a
GLASS JAR. Add sufficient CRUSHED HERB to be WELL COVERED by the OIL.
2. Place the glass jar in a warm, darkCUPBOARD. A tincture made
with ALCOHOL or VINEG AR ivouldluke z- j weeks to produce, but the CONCENTRATION of COSMlC ITRE'in ffie-_OLEUM SALIS is sufficiently potent to extract a REDTINCTUREwithin a day or two.
3. Filter the red oil, and addffiyt an EQUALAMOUNT of PURE PLANT
SPIRIT (ethanol, not denatured alcoholj.lmmediately seal the jar. The RED TINCTURE and the alcohol do not mix; the alcohol will FLOAT on TOP.
4. Place the sealed jar in a warm, dark place, like a LINEN CLOSET or an INCUBATOR. The spirit above (the alcohol) will gradually draw up the SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES of the PLANT.and the OIL below. The residual impurities in the RED TINCTURE wilEeollect at the level where the two liquids meet. The spirit will ABSORB joijjgif the COLORjrom below and the LOWER tincture will become paler~lr'takes 1-3 MONTHS for the process to be completed, depending on how'warm it has been kept— approximately 3 months at 65°F (18°C) and 1 month at tjo°F (30°C).
5. Pour off the alcohol, and preserve it in a tightly sealed DARK GLASS BOTTLE. This is your PLANETARY TINCTURE. Take no more than 10 DROPS per day in a little WINE or WATER, starting on the morning ofthe first PLANETARY DAY during a WAXING MOON.
99 Gy9 Alchemy
Plants and Days
WHEN LOOKING for APPROPRIATE PLANTS to make a PLANETARY
TINCTURE (seepage99), CONSULT a GOOD PLANT GUIDE to CONFIRM APPEARANCE, HABITAT, and GROWING SEASON. If you cannot HARVEST your own, purchase some from a RELIABLE HERBAL SUPPLIER. (See chapterJiuefor additional plants.)
SATURN Saturday; horsetail (equisetum arvense); .tale care to avoid the many poisonous plants ruled by Saturn.
Thursdayfjah^balr^^iaiss/r'orficiNAiis).
Tuesday; theflowers, young’leaueS,.of berries of the hawthorn
(crataegus) or the^ried root oftheRinging, nettle (urtica.dioica).
SundayyrosefnafyfRo.SffARtNUs officinalis].- —'
Vl ntlefAlcHEMiLLA) Friday; motherwort (LEONUROs^cAKOfAVAfor 1Ig^if^n'a the Latin nameALCHE'iiiLLA means little alchemist.
(origanum marjorana), or oregano (origanum vulgare).
moon Monday; fresh cleaners (galium aparine), the'bark of the willow (Salix), or the berries ofthe chaste treefviTEX agnus-castus).
100 Alchemy
Holy Water HOLY WATER is made from SAL SALIS (see pages 95-97) and is used in rites of consecration and purification (seepages 32-33 and 150-153). Ifkept carefully preserved in a GLASS BOTTLE, it will not lose its POWER.
1. Place a glass of spring water or filtered rainwater on your altar.
Put some SAL SALIS and CAPUT MORTUUM (plant ashes left over from malting SAL SALIS) into a small dish on the altar.
2. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram (see pages 111-113).
3. Face north with the altar before you and extend your right hand over die salt. Visualize the light of HOLY ENERGY flowing from your PALM into the SALT and say:
“May this Jire-purified salt ofthe earth become a
heavenly salt possessing the wisdom of creation. May it sustain my soul, spirit, and body and preserve them from corruption. May it nourish the earth andfortify my heart. Amen."
4. Extend your hand over die ash, and as light flows from your palm, say:
“May this ash return to the
eternalfount of living water. May it be a fertile earth. May it bring forth the Tree of Life. Amen."
5. Walk around the altar until you stand on its east side, facing west. Say:
“In the salt of eternal wisdom,
in the water of preparation, in the ash whence the new earth springeth, be all things accomplished unto the age of the ages. Amen."
101 Alchemy
Fluid Condensers
Besides the planetary tinctures, which have an extraordinary
effect on every aspect of the mage's constitution, specially charged potions and substances can be prepared for use in magical operations. All liquids and metals have particular magnetic qualities. They are able to absorb and store energies and energy patternsffom any source. The mage uses these qualities to makejluid condensers.
I O FLUID CONDENSERS CAN BE SOLID, LIQUID, OR GASEOUS—IT IS THE ENERGIES THEY ACCUMULATE THAT ARE FLUID, RATHER THAN THE CONDENSERS THEMSELVES. O THE MOST USEFUL KINDS ARE THE LIQUID AND SOLID CONDENSERS. O FLUID CONDENSERS OF ALL KINDS MAY BE MADE EVEN MORE POWERFUL BY ADDING A DROP OF THE MAGE'S OWN BLOOD AND/OR SEXUAL FLUID. O HOWEVER, THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IF THE PREPARATION IS TO BE RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MAGE’S PERSONAL USE.
102 Alchemy
Tincture of Gold The most important ingredient in any jluid condenser is gold, tuliich to the mage and alchemist is the most perfect substance that nature produces on earth. Gold can be added to a Jluid condenser in any form, and even minute amounts are useful, particularly in liquid condensers.
i. Take a piece of gold , the purer the better, but even 9-carat gold will do. Heat it until it is RED HOT, then drop it into a BOWL containing TEN TIMES its weight of FILTERED RAINWATER (thunder-rainuiater is ideal, particularly if it has been collected in a nonmetal container before hitting the ground). The water will HISS and SPUTTER furiously, so PROTECT yourself from SCALDING.
2. Retrieve die gold with a glass implement, such as a
HEATPROOF GLASS CUP or LADLE, and repeatthe process at least another SIX TIMES.
3. By this time, the water will have become saturated with
GOLD ATOMS from the CONTRACTING METAL. Filter the LIQUID into a GLASS BOTTLE, and preserve it for MAGICAL USE. Seven or eight drops are SUFFICIENT to charge up to 3 OZ (85 g) of FLUID CONDENSER.
You con use a piece ofjewelry, such as a jjold rimj, to make this tincture.
103 Alchemy
Planetary Fluid Condensers
Planetary fluid condensers can be used jor any magical operations, such as charging a talisman or amulet, where you wish to emphasize the qualities ofa particular planet or their corresponding sephiroth on the Tree of Life. You will nerd 2 0: (5s g) ofdried, powdered plantfor each planet. If the plant matter can be collected and processed on its corresponding day ofthe week, so much the better.
1. Place the powdered plant in aTALL GLASS JAR, and cover it
with UNADULTERATED GRAPE BRANDY just before SUNRISE on the first appropriate day (see below) following a NEW MOON.
2. Seal the jar and place it in a WARM. DARK LOCATION for 28 days.
3. Filter the alcohol and pour it into a DARK GLASS BOTTLE, adding an appropriate amount ofGOLD TINCTURE (sec page 103).
4. Ifyou have some salts (sal salis; see pages 94—97) derived from a plant connected with the RELEVANT PLANET, then the ADDITION ofam a PEW-GRAINS will be even more EMPOWERING.
Appropriate Saturn plants include the leaves of POPLAR
(Populus), HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense), and COMFREY (Symphytum); avoid comfrey root because it is too glutinous. Prepare die CONDENSER on the first Saturday of a new moon.
Jupiter Make the condenser on the first Thursday of a new moon. SAGE (Salvia) and die leaves of die OAK TREE (Quercus) are excellent choices.
104 Alchemy
Mars Prepare on a Tuesday following a new moon. Untreated TOBACCO (Nicotiana'tabacum) ^nd STINGING NETLLES dioi<Motyd
The first Sunday morning of the new moon, just after sunrise, is the right time to make this condenser. EYBBRIGHT (Euphrasia officinalis), ROSEMARY (Rosmnrinus officinalis), CINNAMQLJTCinnamomum zeylanicum orC. loureirii), and SAINT-IOHN'S-WORT (Hypericum) are fine choices.
vil/C22^> Prepare the condenser on the ffpitf ridajfof the new moon. VERVAIN (Verbena officinalis), YARROW (Achillea millefolium), or any of the MINTS (Mentha) would do.
Mercury Make the Mercury condenser on the first Wednesday morning after a new moon. The leaves of ACACIA (Acacia), VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis), and HAZEL (Conjlus) are good Mercurial plant products.
Moon On a Monday, pour on the brandy well before sunrise. The skin of CUCUMBERS (Cucumis sativus) and the leaves of the WILLOW (Salix) are among die best lunar plant materials to use. Alchemy
Liquid Universal Fluid Condenser
You can combine all SEVEN PLANETARY FLUID CONDENSERS to nuke a UNIVERSAL FLUID CONDENSER. This liquid is even more POWERFUL than the SUM of its PARTS. It can be used for CONSECRATING MAGICAL IMPLEMENTS and mamj other magical operations. Simply mix EQUAL AMOUNTS of each PLANETARY CONDENSER (see pages 104-105), and add a couple more drops of GOLD TINCTURE (seepage 103).
* Solid Universal Fluid Condenser Solid universal fluid condenser is parricularlg useful in preparing magic mirrors (a mirror impregnated with charged substances, such as this condenser, and used for scrying) and can also be used to charge wands. Drill a hole through the length of the wand, or just 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm)Int0 each end, then fill with condenser and plug with resin or wax. To make the condenser, you will need:
1 part each (in volume) of lead, tin, iron, gold, copper,
brass, silver, and aloe resin 3 parts of animal charcoal (meat cooked until it turns black will do) 7 parts of coal
Grind all the ingredients asf nely as possible, using suitablefiles for the metals. Mix together thoroughly and store safely. Alchemy
Elemental Fluid Condensers
These are very useful for operations involving the elements. They are made in the same way as the planetary fluid condensers (see page 104) using one or all of the plants listed below.
I°7 gp The ancients combined sacred GEOMETRY and NUMEROLOGY to generate magical figures that express the profoundest relationships of the MICROCOSM and the MACROCOSM. Stars of the Wise These Stars of the Wise form the basis of the key rituals of high magic. They are used to OPEN and CLOSE magical operations and to ATTRACT or DISPEL elemental or cosmic forces.
I.-. ~ ' --T"1 i iii.i y- —
HI a ter 'i 1 k Stars of the Wise
The Pentagram
The Jive-pointed star of the pentagram is the
holy cross ofthejive elements: thejbur physical elements of air,fire, water, and earth, plus the fifth element known as the quintessence, spirit, aethyr, or akasha.
The QUINTESSENCE is the UNIFYING SOURCE of all ELEMENTAL
ENERGY, the MATRIX that allows ENERGY to emerge through the FOUR MATERIAL ELEMENTS. The pentagram is therefore a SYMBOL of the QUINTESSENCE and also a GEOMETRIC symbol of man as the MICROCOSM— the image ofGOD imbued with spirit; the PERFECTED MAN as lord ofthe ELEMENTS, who governs the ELEMENTS by the AUTHORITY of his WILL.
The pentagram is the principle feature of RITUALS used to DISPEL or
ATTRACT spiritual energies. The two main rituals are the LESSER RITUAL of the pentagram and the GREATER RITUAL of the pentagram. Whereas the GREATER RITUAL is used for specific magical operations, the LESSER RITUAL should be performed twice each day to help die process of SELF-INITIATION (see chapter eight). It puts the ASPIRANT in contact with the INVISIBLE ELEMENTAL FORCES of nature and establishes a means of DIRECTING those forces according to will. It cleanses the AURA of all lower ELEMENTAL INTERFERENCE and infuses the mage with DIVINE LIGHT. It also creates a CIRCLE of ENERGY within which all MAGICAL OPERATIONS should take place.
HO Stars of the Wise
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram
The lesser ritual of the pentagram comes in two types: the lesser banishing ritual and the lesser invoking ritual. The banishing ritual should be performed at sunset (or before going to bed) as part of your daily routine and at the start ofany magical operation to clear the temple of unhelpful energies. The invoking ritual should be peformed at sunrise (or upon rising) and during an operation to attract desirable energies. Peform the banishing ritual with your dagger and the invoking ritual with your wand. If you do not have these at hand, use the sign of benediction (index and middle finger extended, the other fingers tucked into the palm and covered by the thumb).
1. Perform the Icabbalistic cross of light (see page 51).
2. Facing east and with your arm outstretched, draw the AIR-INVOKING pentagram with your wand or the AIR-BANISHING pentagram with your dagger, depending on the RITUAL you are performing. While doing this, imagine that you are tracing a line of BRIGHT BLUE FLAME in front of you.
Air-invoking Air-banishing
3. Now bring your hand up to your chest and THRUST it
out as if stabbing the CENTER of the pentagram you havejust drawn. resonating the DIVINE NAME ofGOD—Yeh-hoh-wah.
Ill Stars of the Wise
Fire-invoking Fire-banishing 4. Keeping your arm raised, turn to the SOUTH, tracing a QUARTER CIRCLE of BLUE FLAME as you do so. Now trace the FIRE-INVOKING or FIRE- BANISHING pentagram. Again, thrust your arm to the CENTER of the PENTAGRAM, resonating the DIVINE name of GOD—Ah-don-eye.
Water-invoking Water-banishing 5. Keeping your arm raised, turn to the WEST, tracing another QUARTER CIRCLE of BLUE FLAME. Now trace the WATER-INVOKING orWATER-BANISHING pentagram. Again,thrust to the CENTER of the PENTAGRAM, resonating the DIVINE name of GOD—Eh-ee-yay.
A v Earth-invoking Earth-banishing 6. Keeping your arm raised, turn to the NORTH, tracing another QUARTER CIRCLE of BLUE FLAME. Now trace the EARTH-INVOKING or EARTH-BANISHING pentagram. Again, thrust to the CENTER of the PENTAGRAM, resonating the DIVINE name of GOD—Ah-goo-la.
112
32 Stars of the Wise
7. Keeping your arm raised, turn once more to the EAST,
completing the CIRCLE of FLAME, which now surrounds you with the FLAMING STARS at each CARDINAL POINT.
8. Open wide your arms in the form of a cross and say:
“Before me Raphael [visualize a great yellow light with a violet aura] Behind me Gabriel [visualize a great blue light with an orange aura] On my right Michael [visualize a great red light with a green aura] On my left Uriel [visualize a great green light with a reddish brown aura] About me flames the pentagram [visualize the great circle of pentagrams around you] Above me the Father [visualize a flaming hexagram— a six-pointed star of two interlocking triangles] Beloui me the Mother [visualize another flaming hexagram] Within me the Eternal Flame."
g. Perform the kabbalistic cross of light in conclusion (see page 51).
113 Stars of the Wise
The Greater Ritual of the Pentagram
Once you hare used the LESSER RITUAL of the PENTAGRAM to prepare your TEMPLE (see pages 111-113), you should conduct the GREATER RITUAL of the PENTAGRAM to INVOKE or BANISH the ELEMENTS for MAGICAL OPERATIONS such as CONSECRATING MAGICAL IMPLEMENTS (see chapter two). This ritual creates a more DYNAMIC ENERGY by incorporating the pentagrams of the FIFTH ELEMENT, SPIRIT. There are FOUR pentagrams of SPIRIT: ACTIVE and PASSIVE INVOKING pentagrams and ACTIVE and PASSIVE BANISHING pentagrams.
The active spirit pentagrams
lected with the active 7 _ftre and air; fhe passive '/ grams, with the passive //
1. Perform the kabbalistic cross of light (see page 51).
114 Stars of the Wise
Active-invoking Active-banishing
2. Facing the east, trace the ACTIVE INVOKING or ACTIVE BANISHING pentagram ofSPIRIT, depending on whether you are performing the GREATER INVOKING RITUAL of the PENTAGRAM or the GREATER BANISHING RITUAL ofthe PENTAGRAM. As you trace the pentagram, resonate the DIVINE NAME of GOD—Eh-heh-yeh.
3. Make the active (invoicing) or passive (banishing) sign of the portal.
This involves extending the ARMS, PALMS OUTWARD, in front of the BODY. Then SEPARATE the ARMS ns if opening a CURTAIN to INVOKE, or bring the PALMS together in a CLOSING MOTION to BANISH.
4. Trace the air-invoking or air-banishing pentagram (see page 111),
resonating the divine name of GOD—Yeh-hoh-wah.
5. Make the sign of air by stretching both arms UPWARD and
OUTWARD, with the elbows bent at RIGHT ANGLES, the hands BENT BACK, and the palms UPWARD as if supporting a weight.
115 Stars of the Wise
0. Facing the south, trace the ACTIVE INVOKING or ACTIVE BANISHING pentagram efsPIRIT (see step 2), resonating the DIVINE NAME ofGOD—Eh-heh-yeh.
-. Make the active (invoking) or passive (banishing) sign of the portal (see step 3).
8. Trace the fire-invoking or fire-banishing pentagram (see page 112),
resonating the DIVINE NAME ofGOD—Eh-loh-heem.
9. Make the sign of fire by raising the ARMS above the HEAD and joining the HANDS so that the tips of the FINGERS and THUMBS meet to form a TRIANGLE.
Passive-invoking Passive-banishing
10. Facing the west, trace the PASSIVE INVOKING or PASSIVE BANISHING pentagram of SPIRIT, resonating the DIVINE NAME of GOD—Ah-goo-la.
11. Make the active (invoking) or passive (banishing) sign of the portal (see step 3).
12. Trace the water-invoking or water-banishing pentagram (see page 112),
resonating die DIVINE NAME ofGOD—El.
13. Make the sign ofwater by raising the ARMS until the ELBOWS are on a level with the SHOULDERS, then bring the HANDS across the CHEST, touching the THUMBS and tips of the FINGERS to form a TRIANGLE.
14. Facing the north, trace the PASSIVE INVOKING or PASSIVE BANISHING pentagram of SPIRIT (seestepio), resonating the DIVINE NAME of GOD—Ah-goo-la.
15. Make the active (invoking) or passive (banishing) sign of the portal (see step 3).
116 Stars of the Wise
16. Trace the earth-invoking or earth-banishing pentagram (see page 112),
resonating the DIVINE NAME ofGOD—Ah-don-eye.
17. Make the sign of earth by advancing the RIGHT FOOT, then stretch out the RIGHT HAND upward andjbruiard, the LEFT HAND downward and backward, and keep the PALMS OPEN.
18. Turn once more to the east, completing the CIRCLE of FLAME, which now surrounds you with the FLAMING STARS at each CARDINAL POINT.
ig. Open wide your arms in the form ofa cross and say:
“Before me Raphael [visualize a great yellow light with a violet aura]
Behind me Gabriel [visualize a great blue light with an orange aura]
On my right Michael [visualize a great red light with a green auraj On my left Uriel [visualize a great green lightwith a reddish brown aura]
About meflames the pentagram
[visualize the great circle of pentagrams around you) Above me the Father [visualize a flaming hexagram—a six-pointed star of two interlocking triangles]
Below me the Mother
[visualize another flaming hexagram]
Within me the Eternal Flame."
20. Perform the kabbalistic cross of light in conclusion (see potje 51)-
117 Stars of the Wise
The Hexagram
The hexagram is a six-pointed star, made by
interlocking two equilateral triangles. In hermetic science, it is known as the Seal of Solomon.
In LEGEND, it was delivered to KING SOLOMON by the
ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL as the SEAL of a RING with which he might BIND the DEMONS that were DISRUPTING the BUILDING qfthe TEMPLE. In INDIAN alchemy, it is known as the SRI-YANTRA, being the complete interpenetration of SHIVA and SHAKTI, MALE and FEMALE. The mystic alchemist JACOB BOEHME called it “the most meaningful sign in the entire universe.” He saw it as a symbol of CHRIST as ANDROGYNE, the perfectly balanced, all-reconciling DIVINE HUMAN.
O THE INTERLOCKING TRIANGLES OF THE HEXAGRAM
SYMBOLIZE THE UNION OF FIRE AND WATER, THE MARRIAGE OF SOUL AND SPIRIT. AND THE ALCHEMICAL WEDDING OF SULFUR AND MERCURY. O IT IS THE UNION OF THE ABOVE AND THE BELOW. THE MARRIAGE OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. THE MACROCOSM AND THE MICROCOSM—TWO THINGS BECOMING ONE THING. O THE HARMONIOUS RESOLUTION AND FUSION OF OPPOSITES REPRESENTS THE COMPLETION OF THE GREAT WORK AND CORRESPONDS TO THE 6 DAVS OF CREATION— THE GREAT WORK OF THE ABSOLUTE.
Il8 Stars of the Wise
The One The hexagram as a WHOLE symbolizes the one, often emphasized by enclosing it within the OUROBOUROS (the dragon or serpent eating its otun tail that represents the eternal cycle or nature).
TheDuad The two composite triangles symbolize rite unity of FIRE and WATER; ABOVE and BELOW.
The Trinity SOUL, SPIRIT, and BODY are IMPLICIT in the repeated triangles.
The Quaternity The alchemical symbols of the four elements—AIR, FIRE, EARTH, and WATER—appear in the CROSSING triangles.
The Quintessence The fifth element of SPIRIT is IMPLICIT as the mystic center, the manifesting source of ENERGY and INTELLIGENCE that is found through meditating on the HEXAGRAM as a MANDALA.
The Hexad The six points denote the SIX directions—NORTH, SOUTH. EAST, WEST, ABOVE, and BELOW—that, as pairs, define the THREE DIMENSIONS (soul, spirit, and body) within which the GREAT WORK takes place.
ng Stars of the Wise
The Hexagram and the Planets
The MAGE primarily uses the HEXAGRAM in its EQUATION with the SEVEN PLANETS. The attribution of the PLANETS to the hexagram accords with their position on the TREE of LIFE (see also chapters three andjive). SATURN/BINAH takes the position of DAATH at the TOP, being the first SEPHIRAH (and the only one of the Supernals) to manifest in the MACROCOSM.
The HEXAGRAM is therefore the SYMBOL of the SOLAR SYSTEM,
with the SUN at the CENTER. All planetary ENERGIES that the RITUAL use ofthe HEXAGRAM invokes are therefore different MANIFESTATIONS of CONSTRUCTIVE, HARMONIOUS SOLAR POWER made available to the MAGE. The destructive aspects of MARS and SATURN, for example, cannot manifest through the HEXAGRAM. In this way the HEXAGRAM also acts as a shield against DISRUPTIVE ASTRAL ENERGIES.
Saturn n Jupiter &
$ Mercury Venus
Moon 120 Stars of the Wise
The Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram
Perform this ritual as a FORM of 1MEDITA' N on the symbolism of
the HEXAGRAM, or before and after th<le GREAT RITUAL of the HEXAGRAM (see paejes 125-127). This RITE centei:rs arouni le letters INRJ, the LATIN abbreviation for JESUS ofNAZARET■H, KING theJEWS. The inscription also includes other OCCULT meaningss. One of ese is the HERMETIC maxim “igne nature renovatur Integra," which 11 re, nature is perfectly renewed.”
7/TT W tern I I JI Additional meaning can be found in the correspondence of the HEBREW LETTERS to the PATHS of the TREE of LIFE. The path corresponding to the Hebrew letter YOD (I) is United with VIRGO, that of NUN (N) to SCORPIO, and RESH (RJfo th^SUN. Virgo is also associated with the Egyptian goddess ISIS, Scorpio with APOPHIS, and the Sun with OSIRIS. Thefirst letters of these names combine toform the divine name IAO. The signs of ISIS. APOPHIS. and OSIRIS form the letters LVX—which is Latin for “light." Thus within the letters iNRI lie concealed the words IAO and LVX. IAO was considered by the GNOSTICS to be the supreme name of god.The letters also allude to SALT, SULFUR, and MERCURY in alchemy.
121 Stars ofthe Wise
1. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram to make
a MAGIC CIRCLE (sec par]cs 111-115).
2. Extend your arms like Christ on the cross (the sign of Osiris slain) ( and say, "Yod Nun Resh Yod."
5. Point your right arm straight up with the ELBOW locked.
Bow your HEAD toward your still extended LEFT ARM, forming a letter L (the sign ofthe mourning of Isis), and say, “Virgo, Isis, mighty mother."
4. Throw your head straight back, raise your ARMS above your HEAD in the shape ofa V (the sign ofApophis and Typhon), and say, “Scorpio, Apophis, destroyer." 1 , ___ .___ —-7 S. Cross your right arm oyer your left-arm on your chest, forming a letter X, bowyour head (the sign ofOsiris risen), —^=^tmra^^jf)snis7T^n-nnd arisen."
j'd. saying, “Isis, Apophis, Osiris.”
7. With arms fully extended, raise your HEAD as if to the NOONDAY SUN andYesdnate the DIVINE NAME of GOD—IAO (pronounced Ee-Ah-Oh).
8. Repeat the physical movements described in STEPS 3-6,
saying“L,” “V,” and “X” as each LETTER is formed.
q. Fold your hands on your chest, bow your HEAD, and say, ,' .' \“The light ofthe cross.”
10. Using the wand (for invoking), the dagger (for banishing), or the SIGN of BENEDICTION (index and middlejinger extended, the otherfingers tucked into the palm and covered by the thumb), trace the appropriate HEXAGRAM in each quarter of the CIRCLE (see steps 11-15) • Note that the ELEMENTARY correspondences of the QUARTERS differ from those used with pentagrams, in accordance with the zodiacal order of the elements: ARlES/fre, TAURUS/earth, GEMINI/air, CANCERJwater. As a result, fire is now in the east, earth in the SOUTH, air in the WEST, and water in the NORTH. 122 Stars of the Wise
A // 2 ZB z Fire-invoking Fire-banishing
11. Trace the invoking or banishing hexagram of FIRE in the EAST.
12. Bring your hand up to your chest, and THRUST it out as if
STABBING the center of the HEXAGRAM, vibrating the word ARARITA. (These seven letters correspond to the seven planets and stand for "One is his beginning; One his individuality; his permutation is One.")
A F F Earth-invoking Earth-banishing
if. Trace the invoking or banishing hexagram of EARTH
in the SOUTH, then thrust toward die center of the HEXAGRAM, again VIBRATING the word ARARITA.
123 GfO Stars bfthe Wise
Air-invoking Air-banishing
14. Trace the invoking or banishing hexagram of AIR
in the WEST, then thrust toward ±e center of the HEXAGRAM, again VIBRATING the word ARARITA.
Water-invoking Water-banishing
15. Trace the invoking or banishing hexagram of WATER
in the NORTH, then thrust toward the center of the HEXAGRAM, again VIBRATING the word ARARITA.
16. Repeat steps 2-9.
17. Conclude with the lesser banishing ritual of the
pentagram (see pages 111-113).
124 Gp Stars of the Wise
The Greater Ritual of the Hexagram
'T; . Use this ritual to invoke or banish planets or their related zodiacal signs. You will need to refer to an astrological chart toft nd out in which quarter the planet is situated at the time of the ritual.
1. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the hexagram
(see pacjes 121-124 and omit step 17).
2. Turn to the quarter of the circle in which the planet is situated at the time of the ritual, and trace the relevant INVOKING or BANISHING HEXAGRAM (see pages 126-127). F°r example, to invoke MERCURY, begin at the lower left corner of the UPWARD-POINTING TRIANGLE, inscribing the line CLOCKWISE to trace the TRIANGLE. Then trace the DOWNWARD-POINTING TRIANGLE from the top right corner, again working in a CLOCKWISE direction. Finish by tracing the ASTROLOGICAL symbol of the planet in the center of the hexagram. Banishing hexagrams are performed the other way around and traced COUNTERCLOCKWISE.
3. If you are invoking or banishing the Sun, you will need to trace ALL SIX PLANETARY HEXAGRAMS, one on top of another, before drawing the ASTROLOGICAL SYMBOL oftheSUN in the center. This is because the SUN is not connected tuith antj POINT of the HEXAGRAM.
125 Stars of the Wise
Satum-invoking Saturn-banishing
- y\ 211 /\ — 211
.23 10 Jupiter-invoking Jupiter-banishing
— 9>
Venus-inuoking Venus-banishing
Moon-invoking Moon-banishing
126 Gp ■
Stars of the Wise
■5—
Mercury-invoking Mercury-banishing
■ rf—
Mars-invoking Mars-banishing
Sun-invoking Sun-banishing
4. If you are invoking or banishing a zodiac sign, use
the HEXAGRAM of the PLANET that rules the SIGN and inscribe the ASTROLOGICAL SYMBOL of the SIGN in the center of the HEXAGRAM instead of the planetary symbol.
5. While tracing the hexagram and symbol, vibrate the word ARARITA.
6. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the hexagram
(see pages 121-124 and omit step 1).
127 Gp Stars of the Wise
The Secret Seven
Geometric representations of the number SEVEN provide FASCINATING
and SATISFYING examples of the HARMONY of the PLANETS.
O DRAW A HEPTAGON AND PLACE THE SUN AT THE TOP ANGLE, FOLLOWED COUNTERCLOCKWISE BY VENUS, MERCURY, THE MOON, SATURN, JUPITER, AND MARS. THIS GIVES THE SEQUENCE OF THE PLANETARY HOURS INTO WHICH EACH DAY IS DIVIDED (SEE PAGE l6z). O TO SEE HOW THIS FIGURE CONNECTS WITH OTHER PLANETARY SEQUENCES, START AT SATURN AND FOLLOW THE SEQUENCE COUNTERCLOCKWISE. THIS DESCRIBES THE “CHALDEAN ORDER” OF THE SPHERES. O THIS SEQUENCE, FIRST OBSERVED (SUPPOSEDLY) BY THE ANCIENT CHALDEANS OF THE MIDDLE EAST, GIVES THE ORDER OF INCREASING SPEED OF THE PLANETS AGAINST THE FIXED STARS. AS OBSERVED FROM THE EARTH. O THIS ORDERING OF THE PLANETS WAS SUPERSEDED. BUT NOT INVALIDATED, BY THE HELIOCENTRIC THEORY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM. FOR THE MAGE AS MICROCOSM. THE CHALDEAN ORDER REMAINS ENTIRELY VALID.
128 GJQ ■
Stars of the Wise
The Days of the Week
Draw a SEVEN-POINTED star, starting at the MOON, crossing over to MARS, thenMERCURY, JUPITER, VENUS, SATURN, the SUN, and back to the MOON. This provides the SEQUENCE of the 7 days ofthe week, whose names still preserve their PLANETARY CONNOTATIONS, particularly in the Latin tongues: SUNDAY, LUNDI (Monday), MARDI (Tuesday), MERCREDI (Wednesday), JUEVES (Thursday), VENDREDI (Friday), SATURDAY.
The Classical Metals
The SEVEN PLANETS equate to the SEVEN CLASSICAL METALS of ANTIQUITY. Here, too, harmonious sequences can be found. Draw a SEVEN-POINTED STAR, starting with MARS/iron, crossing to VENUS/copper, then the MOON/silver, JUPITER/tin, the SUN/gold, MERCURY/quicksilver, SATURN/lead, and then back to MARS. This sequence describes the increasing ATOMIC NUMBERS of the METALS.
pt i I . " ■1 The Musical Sequence The SEVEN-POINTED STAR also contains a MUSICAL sequence. It involves the two CONSONANT musical intervals between two SOUNDS that are one OCTAVE apart—namely, the FIFTH and the THIRD, as counted from the lower OCTAVE note. Counting clockwise in a circle, aebfcgda represent a CYCLE of FIFTHS. Counting along the LINES of the STAR, ac, ce, eg, gb, bd.anddf represent a CYCLE ofTHlRDS. Counting along the POINTS of the STAR, skipping every alternate point, abcdefga represent the SCALE.
129 Stars of the Wise
The Ogdoadic Star
f Ogdoadic means “pertaining to the number eight.” As the number oJThoth and Mercury, eight is one of the most important numbers in magic.
The STAR'S connection with HERMES/MERCURY
is APPARENT jrom the FIGURE EIGHT formed by the SERPENTS ofthe CADUCEUS, representing PERFECT EQUILIBRIUM and the UNION ofOPPOSITES. Eightwas the MYSTIC number most revered by the KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, who built many of their temples OCTAGONALLY and shared the symbol of the EIGHT-POINTED CROSS with their brother order, die KNIGHTS of MALTA. The respected MAGICAL ORDER colled AURUM SOLIS follouis the OGDOADIC TRADITION ofHIGH MAGIC.
130 Gp Stars of the Wise
Connections with the Tarot
When placed on its SIDE, the number eight is the LEMNISCATE, the symbol of ETERNITY found above the HEAD of the MAGICIAN in the Tarot. It therefore depicts the eternal cycle of RISING and FALLING JOINING and SEPARATING. Most tarot decks depict the MAJOR ARCANA card the STAR with an eight-pointed star surrounded by SEVEN SMALLER STARS, suggesting the OCTAVE of 7 + 1. The card's number is 17, numeroloyically 1 + 7. At the time when the TAROT first appeared, EIGHT corresponded in MYSTIC COSMOGONY to die fixed stars of the FIRMAMENT, denoting TRANSCENDENCE of planetary influences. It was also an EMBLEM of the regenerative HOLY WATER of BAPTISM, and this is also represented in the CARD.
131 By following the RITUALS already described in this book, you will have begun the PROCESS of self-initiation into the true nature of BEING. One of the most significant experiences on this
Self-initiation path is known as the “ATTAINMENT of the KNOWLEDGE and
CONVERSATION of the HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL.” This is a transformational encounter with your inner master, higher self, or guardian angel—the INNER DIVINITY within all things. Self-initiation
Magical Equilibrium
An encounter with the inner
voice of" truth cannot occur without achieving a state of true humility. Christ’s tvords “the meek shall inherit the earth” reveal that higher truth and the knowledge of immortality are only vouchsafed to those who accept their situation in life in the Jul I knowledge of the part they have played in it, aware that they are limited only by their own shortcomings. Such meekness requires what is known as magical equilibrium— perfect balance coupled with great poise. Of course, this is not easily achieved, but there is one exercise that can act as a key.
A 134 Self-initiation
Yoga The caduceus—the WAND of HERMES (see page 13)—perhaps finds its truest expression in INDIAN YOGA. Yoga originated aso HINDU system of PHILOSOPHY devoted to the MYSTICAL UNION ofthe SELF with theSUPREME BEING. Hermeticism is sometimes described as WESTERN YOGA, since it shares this aim. Yoga employs both PHYSICAL and MENTAL EXERCISES to achieve states of TRANSCENDENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS. The quintessence, or "SECRET FIRE" as alchemists also call it, is known in yogic philosophy as PRANA. It is a SUBTLE ENERGY flowing from the SUN that contains all the ELEMENTAL FORCES and sustains all life on EARTH. Prana can be absorbed directly as SOLAR PRANA, or as reflected ENERGY in theform of LUNAR PRANA.
ri/. Energy Channels Yoga identifies SUBTLE ENERGY CHANNELS within the BODY, known as nadis. Two of these NADIS spiral around a CENTRAL CHANNEL that runs within the SPINAL CORD. The light nadi is called PINGALA, the SUN CHANNEL. It is MASCULINE, SOLAR, and WARMING by nature and its course is from the LEFT TESTICLE in men or the LEFT SIDE of the VULVA in women to the RIGHT NOSTRIL. The dark nadi is called IDA, theMOON CHANNEL. Its nature is opposite to that of PINGALA. It is FEMININE, LUNAR, and COOLING. Its course is from the RIGHT TESTICLE or RIGHT SIDE oftheVULVAto the LEFT NOSTRIL. The central column is called SUSHUMNA and contains within itself the equivalents of both PINGALA and IDA. At its core is the BRAHMA NADI, the channel for SUPREME CONSCIOUSNESS within the INDIVIDUAL.
135 92 Self-initiation
Links with the Caduceus
The p.ir.illelsJrepXefu1 tljqNADlS and the CADUCEUS are immediate] Oarent. PINGALA and IDA correspond to the MASCULINE' ijla-ffMINlNE principles within all of us. regardless of GENDER The Brahma nadi equates to the MIDDLE I’lLLAFfofiThe KABBALISTIC TREE of LIFE. It is the link betioe rMhe MACROCOSM and the MICROCOSM, the chf| Ariel of INDIVIDUAL CONSCIDISSNESS.
Chakras The seven points at which the NADIS cross are known as CHAKRAS. These ENERGY CENTERS are named SAHASRARA (crown of head), AJNA (between the eyes), VISSUDHA (throat), ANAHATA (heart), MANIPURAKA (solar plexus), SVADHISTTHANA (genitals), and MULADHARA (feet). By bringing PINGALA and IDA into conscious balance, the yogi seeks to awaken the SERPENT POWER known as KUNDALINI—the COI LED EN ERGY that sleeps at rhe base of the SPINE. When awakened, this ENERGY rises up tite brahma NADI within theSUSHUMNA NADI and opens the chakras. When the highest chakra is reached, the YOGI experiences the bliss of SUPREME CONSCIOUSNESS of BRAHMAN, the INDESTRUCTIBLE and absolute CONSCIOUSNESS of the UNIVERSE.
136 r-.f) Self-initiation
Union with the Absolute
£ iJ (L
This exercise is one of the great open secrets of magic.
The wand that Hermes holds in his hands is a meansfor attaining union with the Absolute, although this.is not easily accomplished. It takes sustained attention, practice, commitment, and faith. The tuay to begin is to connect consciously with the Pingala and Ida channels within ourselves. You can do this through a combination of breathing exercise and visualization.
1. Sit comfortably with a straight back and relax.
Breathing regularly, begin to FOCUS on the CHAKRAS, breathing into each one in turn, starting with the LOWEST ONE for a few BREATHS and gradually moving up the SPINE. You may not sense these ZONES in your BODY directly at first, but after a few days the exercise will become FAMILIAR and the CHAKRAS will start to respond. You will be able to FEEL them.
I ,' l(. A ’ ** 1 ,,7 , T i r , j ■ I e / / /J fAt*
2. After breathing into the chakras, focus your attention
on INHALING the “Sun breath” through your RIGHT NOSTRIL (close the other nostril with afinger ifthis helps). Inhale from the BOTTOM of your LUNGS, imagining that your BREATH is following the course of the PINGALA CHANNEL.
137 6p Self-initiation
5. Switch your attention to the left nostril and allow your
BREATH to follow the course of the IDA NADI, which channels the "Moon breath.” Practice this for a few minutes twice a day. Soon you will be able to BREATHE from the BOTTOM of the CHANNELS and feel ±e ENERGY following your BREATH and WEAVING through the CHAKRAS.
4. Once you have been successful with the Sun and
Moon breaths, focus on both SNAKING CHANNELS at the same time. When you can imagine the TWO CHANNELS of ENERGY RISING SIMULTANEOUSLY and feel them FLOWING through your ENERGIZED CHAKRAS, you are well on the way to achieving INNER BALANCE.
5. When both the Ida and Pingala nadis are perfectly balanced, resonate the SUSHUMNA NADI and sense the KUNDALINI serpent begin to UNCOIL from the BASE of the SPINE and vibrate the CHAKRAS of the MIDDLE PILLAR. When you canfeel the CADUCEUS flowing within your very BEING, you will find yourself increasingly at PEACE with yourselfand at one with the WORLD. The SLUMBERING SERPENT will start to AWAKEN within you and reveal itself as the SECRET FIRE, which is none other than the LOGOS, the WORD of GOD. which will speak to you when you are STILL enough to RECEIVE it.
138 Self-initiation
/" MIC
Divine Inspiration The MAGICAL EXERCISE just described is a very POWERFUL one. By identifying the PRINCIPAL ENERGY CHANNELS within the body and RESONATING them with your AWARENESS, you release GREAT AMOUNTS of LATENT ENERGY.This must be allowed to FLOW FREELY like a RIVER, or pressure will build up with POTENTIALLY TURBULENT and DESTRUCTIVE RESULTS. Any blockages or obstacles within you, such as REPRESSED MEMORIES, ANXIETIES, or other sources ofTENSION, must be IDENTIFIED and REMOVED. This process can be upsetting, so be GENTLE with yourself and try not to FORCE things, have FAITH—everything that tomes up must be RELEASED and is better OUT than IN, but you must SURRENDER to the process. Each breath that you take in is an INSPIRATION, full of DIVINE ENERGY. Each breath that you RELEASE is an EXPIRATION, a DEATH, and a SURRENDERING of USED ENERGY.
139 S' ■
The mage engages with many SPIRITS, the most important
of which are the angels of the HEAVENLY HOST. This chapter Angelic Magic considers the ANGELIC CHOIRS and RULING ANGELS associated with the SPHERES of the Tree of Life. The mage who can summon angels for help is BLESSED with great power. (<X.) , Angelic Magic
The Angelic Hierarchy
Angelology is a complex subject that has
been studied jJjr.millennia. The tradition is shared by Judeo-Christian, Islamic, and Hermetic traditions, developed from the much older traditions of the ancient Egyptians, Chaldeans, Babylonians, and Zoroastrians. All of them agree that^ijjerent groups, or choirs, of angels are arranged hierarchically in much the same manner as the Tree-of Life of the Kabbalah (see chapter three). Only the angels of the kabbalistic traditions are discussed here.
142 6J3 Angelic Magic
Chioth Ha Qadesh The SUPREME ORDER of ANGELS that GAZE upon the SPHERE of KETHER, the greater countenance of GOD, is known as CHIOTH HA QADESH. Its angels are also known as the HOLY LIVING CREATURES and equate to the SERAPHIM OF DIONYSIUS. Their archangel is METATRON, referred to as “He who bringeth others before theface ofGod.” Metatron is the YOUNGEST of all angels, and tradition has it that he was once the BIBLICAL PATRIARCH ENOCH. The TALMUD says that METATRON is the link between GOD and HUMANITY. He may therefore be invoked, despite the fact that KETHER itselfis beyond’the MAGE’S REACH.
Auphanim ' The Auphanim are known as the WHIRLING FORCES and the CHERUBIM in CHRISTIAN ANGELOLOGY. These are the ANGELS of CHOKHMAH. ruled by the archangel RATZIEL, the prince of knowledge ofhidden dungs, also called the ANGEL OF MYSTERIES. The legendary BOOK OF THE ANGEL RATZIEL was said to contain a SECRET CODE that held the keys to the . MYSTERY OF THE WORLD, whichhot even anybther ANGEL knew.
Aralim The Aralim are the STRONG AND MIGHTY ONES. These 70,000 angels are made of WHITE FIRE and serve theSEPHIRAH OF BINAH, the sphere ofthe ETERNAL FEMALE PRINCIPLE. Their leader is the arthangel TZAPHQIEL, thePRINCE ofSPIRITUAL STRIFE against EVIL, whose name means CONTEMPLATION OF GOD. When invokingTZAPHQIEL, it is appropriate to say, “I allow Binah to show me her true nature." Binah’s symbol is the VESICA PISCIS, the pointed oval formed by TWO OVERLAPPING CIRCLES.
143 I
I Angelic Magic
Cliusinalim The BRILLIANT ONES serve JUPITER in the SPHERE ofJUSTICE, corresponding to CHESED on the TREE OF LIFE. The ruler of the CHASMALIM is the archangel TZADKIEL, PRINCE ofMERCY and BENEFICENCE, who is also a guard of the GATES OF THE EAST WIND. He may therefore be INVOKED from that quarter when the POSITION of JUPITER is not known. When invoking TZADKIEL through CHESED, the sephirah may be addressed as follows: “0 thou great one, whose name is mighty and whose nature is just, rule in me that 1 may showforth thy mercy.” Chesed’s symbol is the PYRAMID or ROYAL ORB. t rS
In Christian angelology, the SERAPHIM are the HIGHEST RANKING
of all ANGELS. They are the FLAMING ONES, the AVENGING ANGELS of DESTRUCTION who serve the SEPHIRAH ofGEBURAH, rhe sphere of the FEAR OF GOD. Their archangel, CAMAEL (whose name means "he who sees God"), bears the FLAMING SWORD, the symbol ofGEBURAH. As the PRINCE OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE, he may impart these qualities if successfully INVOKED or PETITIONED. When Geburah is invoked, the MAGE may say, “0 thou most holy, may we pass through thy purging and be dean.”
Elohim The ELOH IM, which means “gods,” equate with the CHOIR OF PRINCIPALITIES. Their ruling ARCHANGEL is HANIEL, PRINCE OF LOVE AND HARMONY, which are two qualities of NETZACH, the SEPHIRAH he serves. The symbol of NETZACH is the rose, a plant ruled by the CORRESPONDING PLANET VENUS, known in the KABBALAH as NOGAH, meaning “external splendor."
Beni Elohim Beni Elohim, the SONS ofGODS, equate with the CHOIR of ARCHANGELS and serve the SPHERE ofHOD, whose symbol is a SQUARE APRON. MICHAEL, whose name means “who is as God,” and RAPHAEL are their LEADING ANGELS. Hod corresponds to the planet MERCURY, mediator ofART and KNOWLEDGE.
Chenibim' The Cherubim, meaning “those who thtereede,” are the GUARDIAN ANGELS of mankind. They rank as the SECOND CHOIR OF ANGELS after the SERAPHIM and are associated with YESOD, the sephirah that rules the sphere of ACTION and of the MOON. Their presiding archangel is GABRIEL, whose name means “GOD IS MY STRENGTH.” Gabriel is one ofthe MOST REVERED of all the ANGELS. It was he who appeared to the VIRGIN MARY and who dictated the Koran to MOHAMMED. The symbol of YESOD is a PAIR of FOOTPRINTS.
146 Angelic Magic
Ishim
The LOWEST order of angels is the ISHIM, associated with the
SPHERE ofMALKUTH, the KINGDOM, which equates with the EARTH on the mundane level. The ISHIM are also called the BLESSED SOULS and theSOULS OF THE JUST MADE PERFECT. In this respect they equate with the BODHISATTVAS of BUDDHISM, being saints who choose to assist their FELLOW HUMANS. The archangel of the ISHIM is SANDALPHON, whose name means “CO-BROTHER." He is the twin ofMETATRON, and like his brother he was also once a PROPHET, Elias. The Shekinah (see page 45) is the GODDESS ofM^I.-KUTH and shares the same essence as the VIRGIN MARY, beinj and MOTHER ofGOD. Angelic Magic
Invoking and Petitioning Angels
Once you are FAMILIAR with the RELATIONSHIP between the
ELEMENTS (seepage 27), the PLANETS (seepages 76-89), and the SEPHIROTH (see pages 46-50), you will be able to INVOKE the ASSISTANCE qfthe ANGELS to INFLUENCE MATTERS associated with thrirSPHERES ofACTIVITY. For example, if you wish ASSISTANCE or CLARIFICATION in matters of LOVE, you may address yourself to the ELOHIM, invoking the ARCHANGEL HANIEL or one of his ASSISTING ANGELS, such as KEDEMEL, HAGIEL, orANAEL, in the sphere of VENUS/NETZACH. Start by performing the LESSER BANISHING RITUAL of the HEXAGRAM (seepages 121-124) and then invoke the SPHERE OF VENUS by inscribing the HEXAGRAM OF VENUS during the GREATER INVOKING RITUAL of the HEXAGRAM (see pages 125-127). You may then address the ANGEL directly and term your petition in an APPROPRIATE MANNER.
148 Angelic Magic
Angelic Script
O OVER THE CENTURIES PRACTITIONERS OF HIGH MAGIC HAVE
USED VARIOUS ALPHABETS THAT THE ANGELS ARE SAID TO USE. O ANGELS DO NOT WRITE. OF COURSE. BUT THE CHARACTERS OF ANGELIC SCRIPTS HOLD A SPECIFIC ENERGY LIKE ANY SYMBOL. O ANGELIC SCRIPT CAN BE USED FOR WRITING LETTERS OF PETITION AND INSCRIBING NAMES OR MESSAGES ON WAX TABLETS AND TALISMANS. O ONE ANGELIC SCRIPT THAT MAGES USE IS THE THEBAN ALPHABET. O SIMPLY SUBSTITUTE THE ANGELIC CHARACTERS FOR OUR OWN.
m1nn 1 a b c d e
W I V ci f g h i,j k
l nt n 0 p
H Ht q r s t u, v
VIA x y z
For “w," write the Theban “v" twice.
149 Angelic Magic
Evoking Angels
An EVOCATION differs jrom an INVOCATION or a
PETITION in that it represents a REQUEST for a SPECIFIC SPIRIT to APPEAR bfore the MAGE. However, this can be DIFFICULT to achieve, and great care must betaken with EVERY ASPECT ofthe ritual because any MISTAKE can result in an UNPLEASANT, possibly DANGEROUS, experience.
J? .'S
/ ■>■
7, ' 7 - '' Preparation From the point of view that sees ANGELS as POWERFUL MANIFESTATIONS of PSYCHIC ENERGY, an EVOCATION mag be said to be a potentially MIND-BLOWING experience, unleashing POWERFUL ENERGIES from the UNCONSCIOUS. From the TRADITIONAL PERSPECTIVE, the mage is drawing into a CONFINED SPACE a spiritual being of ENORMOUS ENERGY, the VIBRATIONS of which could literally make the WALLS shake. For these reasons, it is important that you neverattemptan EVOCATION until you are FULLY CONVERSANT with INVOCATIONS, have made successful CONTACT with your personal GUARDIAN ANGEL, and have familiarized yourselfwith the ENERGETIC QUALITIES of the ANGEL to be evoked through INVOCATION and PRAYER.
150 6p Angelic Magic
'.a ^Evocation ofHagiel
UL W This<iffaf euokesonfof the most beautiful angelic presences, the angel Hagiel, who is connected.with V^ius, the planet of love and hqnmony.^bestpws'the gift of unconditio^al'fu.f?^rs^nqliz'ecIJove on another person. I.tf^ ad&ted/fom the work of the gre^tCzech.m'a^SFranz Bardon. Before attenip.finffita,rftual, you should familiarize yours'elf with it so well that ybiifan ^isuqifze\f)erything with your eyes;fhut.|l^dwi(^checklist of all necessary ftemsJWn’y ofuhich you will have to them ready. Thejritudt s^duldie performed during th'.e:hou^dfter-sfinrise on a Friday, the dayf m^houfof Venus.
1 J 151 Gp Angelic Magic
Purify yourself in advance.
After bathing, put on a GREEN robe and a COPPER necklace with a GREEN stone, such as JADE, MALACHITE, or EMERALD. Anoint your wrists, BREAST, and TEMPLES with APRICOT OIL mixed with a drop each oj SANDALWOOD and CINNAMON OILS.
Put a green light bulb in the OVERHEAD light of the temple, and sprinkle HOLY WATER (see page 101) around the EDGES of the room.
J. In the east quarter of the temple, place a TRIANGLE of
GREEN silk with EQUAL SIDES about 18 in (45 cm) long. On the cloth, place a SEVEN-SIDED STAR cut from GREEN card and inscribed with the sigil for Hagiel (see chapter ten). ‘ H' S 4. Make a circle around the cloth (clockwise) with forty-nine green stones—49 being HAGIEL’S number, or SEVEN (the number oJVenus) squared.
5. Place a green candle in all four quarters of the temple.
Light them and EXTINGUISH ALL OTHER LIGHTS except the green light bulb.
6. Burn some cinnamon and sandalwood, ideally in a
SMALL CENSER thatyou can take around the room to SUFFUSE it with VENUS-SCENTED SMOKE.
7 . Now face the east, with the CLOTH a fewJett infant of you, and perform the LESSER BANISHING RITUAL of the hexagram (see pages 121-124).
152 6p Angelic Magic
8. Facing the quarter where
Venus finds itself at the time (which will be the west or north, because Venus is never more than 47° Jrom the Sun), perform the GREATER INVOKING RITUAL of the hexagram of Venus (see pages 125-127).
g. Invoke the angel Hagiel by intoning her nameSILENTLY
seven times in your mind (Ha-gee-el); then whisper her name seven times; then call her seven times in RINGING TONES, concluding, equally loudly, “Come thou before me!”
10. If you have been in calm, confident command of the whole
process up until this point, you should observe a BEAUTIFUL feminine form MATERIALIZE before your eyes. Hagiel does not look the same to everybody, but if she has GREEN EYES you can be sure it is her.
11. You will likely be stunned by her presence, but her manner is always SWEET and AFFECTIONATE. Keep control of yourself and ask her to bestow the gift of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE on the person ofyour choice. If she CONSENTS, and she invariably does, you can be sure she will FULFILL your wish.
12. Thank her, and bid her hail and farewell. She will slowly FADE from SIGHT. You will not forget her in a hurry and will feel PROFOUNDLY JOYFUL every time you think of her.
153 vjc 7>
One of the most POWERFUL tools of the mage is the
talisman. A TALISMAN represents a specific requirement, a WISH that the mage wants to have fulfilled. It is a specially Talismans designed OBJECT that has been magically prepared and charged with POWER. There are many different ways to do this; the use of HEBREW NUMEROLOGY is described here.
'Irt r~~— ------------ '---------------- '------ ■■'■■■■ ■■■ g
k-M? \ F A ■J
k- L wra Talismans
Hebrew Numerology X Numerology is the art of using numbers as a key to understanding the relationship between all things and fundamental principles. The numerology method traditionally applied to the making of talismans in high magic uses gematria. Gematria is an integral technique of the traditional Jewish Kabbalah and can be defined as “Hebrew numerology.” Talismans
Numerologica! Connections Each Hebrew letter represents a number and vice versa. Gematria consists of adding up the number values ofthe letters in a word. Words that add up to the same number have some kind of connection. To give a neat example, the Hebrew word for "corpse” has the same numerical value as the word for “to extinguish.” Other connections may be less easy tofathom and only perceived through deep contemplation. Such efforts are neverfutile, no matter how tenuous a perceived connection may appear, because one ofthe principal aims ofthe mage is to understand the relationships among all things.
p The Aiq Bekar Systems of KABBALISTIC GEMATRIA come in several different types, most of themgrouped under the heading TEMURAH, uihich means “PERMUTATION." The one commonly used to make MAGICAL TALISMANS is a NUMBER/LETTER arrangement known as AIQ BEKAR, or the KABBALAH of the NINE CHAMBERS, which divides the alphabet into NINE GROUPS according to letter value. The system derives its name from the FIRST SIX LETTERS of the top row (Hebrew is written from right to left and has jew vowels). In talismanic magic, AIQ BEKAR is used to allocate a NUMERICAL VALUE to the letters in the HEBREW name ofa SPIRIT or ANGEL.
Sh L G R K B Q Y A 300 3° 3 200 20 2 too 10
M* S V K* N H Th M D 600 60 6 500 50 5 400 40 4 Tz* Tz T p* P Ch N* 0 Z 900 90 9 800 80 8 700 70 7 * when final letter of a word
157 Talismans
Magic Squares 1 To turn the SERIES of NUMBERS produced by the A1Q BEKAR into the SIGIL (signature) of a SPIRIT or ANGEL, you need to use a magic square, known in KABBALAH as a KAMEA. Magic squares have been used for thousands of years in India and China, where they probably originated. Their first appearance in the WEST was in the work of the GREAT ALCHEMIST of BAGHDAD, JABIR (C.721-C.815), but it was probably KABBALISTS whofrst applied their use to TALISMANIC ANGEL MAGIC.
3 Kameas are a SERIES OF NUMBERS in a square grid, cunningly arranged so that each ROW, COLUMN, and (usually) DIAGONAL adds up to the same number. Each PLANET has a kamea of increasing complexity, according to its position on the TREE of LIFE. Saturn has the simplest KAMEA. whereas the MOON has the most complex one. As an example, the MAGIC SQUARE of the SUN has 36 numbers:
6 32 3 34 35
7 11 27 28 8 3°
19 14 16 15 23 24
18 20 22 21 17
25 29 10 9 26 12
36 5 33 4 2 3i
I58 Gja Talismans
An Example Using the Sun’s Magic Square
To see how to use MAGIC SQUARES together with AIQBEKAR, let us construct the sigil <jf the ANGEL NAKHIEL, who is the “INTELLIGENCE" ofthe SUN, (see pju/e 164). The idea is to convert each letter in the name NAKHIEL iin Hebrew this is spelled LAYKN) into a number, then MARK effiNUMW>iii,tfr|UN’S £AMEA. Finally, construct the-SIGJL byptywfNVpNESfbefwperithesaNUMBERS.
The numbet. 50 does NOT appear ph thttSl SQUARE,
so to accommodate.it, usd'theWlIMERPLe 1CAL t'riclcof reducing it (no more than necessaryI'ptjtU'itjfits.-ynerefc 7,50 becomes 5 + 0 = 5; the number 5 does appearwithin fhcMAGl 'SQUARE. Simply draw a line through the-NUMBERS ---------- . LtAk tlpLETTERS in the correct order. ' that*MLE Joining these FIVE NUMBERS^ives the SIGIL for NAKHIEL.
6 32 3 34 35
7 11 27 28 30
19 14 16 23 24
18 22 21 17 13
25 10 9 26 12
36 33 4 2 31
159 gp Talismans
Making a Talisman
In the tables on pages 164-167 you willjind
all the information to construct a planetary v ■ talisman, but to show how this information can be applied, consider the example of Nakhiel. Why would you want to engage the assistance of MnHiioW As Nakhiel? the in+olIfnowro Ac +ho ofthe Sun, intelligence nf'+ho Qi in Nakhiel Mzilzkioj
charisma, andfortui V V V iif I T I A 9 H '|V Wl corresponding to notions such as vitality, rulership, and fortune. If you wish to use these may, then, the Si qualities in some way, Sun would be the c. . sphere of influence and Nakhiel the appropriate appropriate intelligence. If on the other hand, you simply wish to increase- your physical vitality,' > Ulf | then Sorath, the spirit of the Slun, . , may . .be more useful. /TNiY/ I I Ji?! The planetary intelligences are more personal, guiding, and inspirational, whereas the planetary spirits tend to represent the energy orforce itself.
160 Talismans
Fashioning the Object
Having chosen who to call on, fashion the talisman itself. Six is the NUMBER of the SUN, so the talisman should have SIX SIDES and a diameter of SIX UNITS—for example, 6 in (12 cm). The talisman should be the APPROPRIATE COLOR, which in this case is GOLD. As for material, that can be anything corresponding to the SUN, such as GOLD, AMBER, orlVALNUT WOOD. The most important factor is color, however, so a piece of cardboard painted GOLD would be FINE. Carve or paint (in black or the complementary color) the following onto the talisman:
4* 1. The kamea (magic square) ofthe planet.
2. The planetary seal. This is a device that theoretically touches all
NUMBERS on the KAMEA. (The traditional forms ofthe planetary seals are pictured on pages 164-167. Some ofthese have been adapted over timefor ease of use and you will find that they do not in reality touch all the numbers.)
3. The sigil of the intelligence or spirit.
4. The objective. This should be framed as CONCISELY and SPECIFICALLY
as possible in one sentence—for instance, “Give me more vitality
The talisman can also be charged with the appropriatejluid condenser (see chapter six). When completed, wrap it in silk and store it safely before consecrating it.
Planrtary seal of th: Sun.
161 Gp Talismans
Timing The talisman should be CONSTRUCTED on the CORRECT DAY and at the CORRECTTIME. The SEQUENCE of the PLANETARY HOURS can be found on page 128. but how do you apply this sequence to the hours ofthe day? There are VARIOUS SYSTEMS, but for many the most SATISFACTORY is a FLEXIBLE SYSTEM beginning at the moment of SUNRISE on SUNDAY.
If the Sun rises at 6:35, the HOUR OF THE SUN (the planet that corresponds with Sunday) is from 6:35 to 7:35, followed by the HOUR OF VENUS until 8:35, then Mercury, the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. The sequence then repeats until SUNRISE on MONDAY MORNING, which coincides with the HOUR OF THE MOON (the planet that corresponds with Monday), and so on. Tie last hour before sunrise will be a little longer or shorter than 60 minutes to accommodate the lengthening or shortening ofthe days.
Ok .. mens, fation for the for Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars are omitted. This is because the spirits associated with those spheres are .tremeiy d.^cult to connect?ipit^br falisrnanic purposes. Those of Mars are dangerous becausfthey are difficult to control, and. those ofJupiter and Saturhafe too remote and abstractJrpSifa human point of viewforjiny but the most experfeniedland skillful maqeslfifby able to engagejbith successfuliij.
163 Talismans
The Sun 6 31 3 34 35
7 11 27 28 8 3° >9 14 16 15 23 24
18 20 22 21 17 13
25 29 10 9 26 12
36 5 33 4 2 31
HEBREW NAME: Shemesh
NUMBER: 6 DIVISIONS IN KAMEA: 36 SUM OF ROW OR COLUMN: ill SUM OF DIAGONAL: ill SPIRIT OF THE SUN: Sorath (ThRVS in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF SPIRIT: 4, 20, 6, 6 INTELLIGENCE OF THE SUN; Nakhiel (LAYKN in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF INTELLIGENCE: 30,1,10, 20, 5 C0LOg>goId COMPLEMENTARY COLOR; purple T-- '' DAY: Sunday INFLUENCE ON HUMAN SPHERE: health, ego, creativity, superiors, success, advancement, leadership, -friendship, grourth, light
164 op Talismans
Venus 22 47 16 41 10 35 4
5 23 48 17 42 n 29
30 6 24 49 18 36 12
13 3i 7 25 43 19 37
38 14 32 1 26 44 20
21 39 8 33 2 27 45
46 15 40 9 34 3 28
Ck HEBREW NAME.- No.gtlh O
NUMBER: 7 DIVISIONS IN KAMEA:49 SUM OF ROW Olt COLUMN: 175 SUM OF DIAGONAL: 175 SPIRIT OF VENUS: Kedemel (LAMDK in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF SPIRIT: 30,1, 40, 4, 20 INTELLIGENCE OF VENUS; Hagiel (LAYGA in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF INTELLIGENCE: 30, I, 10, 3,1 y/ COLOR: COMPLEMENTARY COLOR: red ( D^6 Fndritf INFLUENCE ON HUMAN SPHERE: love, pleasure, female sexuality, the arts, luxury, srent, social affairs
l6| Talismans
Mercury 8 58 59 5 4 62 63
49 15 14 52 53 11 10 56
41 23 22 44 45 19 18 48
32 34 35 29 28 38 39 25
40 26 27 37 36 30 3i 33
17 47 46 20 21 43 42 24
9 55 54 12 13 5i 5° 16
64 2 3 61 60 6 7 57
HEBREW NAME: Kokab
NUMBER: 8 DIVISIONS IN KAMEA: 64 SUM OF ROW OR COLUMN: 260 SUM OF DIAGONAL: upper left to lower right 175; upper right to lower left 257 SPIRIT OF MERCURY: Taphthartharath (ThRThRThPT in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF SPIRIT: 40, 20, 40, 20, 40, 8, 9 INTELLIGENCE OF MERCURY: Tiriel (LAYRYT in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF INTELLIGENCE: 30, 1, 10, 20,10, 9 COLOR: orange COMPLEMENTARY COLOR: blue DAY: Wednesday INFLUENCE ON HUMAN SPHERE: intellect, business, writing, buying and selling, information, wisdom, cleverness, science, memory
166 GyB Talismans
The Moon 37 78 29 70 21 62 13 54 5
6 38 79 3° 7i 22 63 14 46
47 7 39 80 3i 72 23 55 >5
16 48 8 4° 81 32 64 24 56
57 17 49 9 41 73 33 65 25
26 58 18 50 1 42 74 34 66
67 27 59 10 5i 2 43 75 35
3® 68 19 60 11 52 3 44 76
77 28 69 20 61 12 53 4 45
HEBREW NAME: Leuanah
NUMBER: g DIVISIONS IN KAMEA: 81 SUM OF ROW OR COLUMN: 3 6g SUM OF DIAGONAL: 36g SPIRIT OF THE MOON: Chasmodai (YADVMShCh in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF SPIRIT: 10,1,4, 6, 40, 30, 8 INTELLIGENCE OF THE MOON: Malkah be-Tarshisim We-ad be-Ruachoth ha- Schechalim (MYLChSh ThVChVRB DOV MYSYShRTB AKIM in Hebrew) NUMERICAL SEQUENCE OF INTELLIGENCE: 60,10, 30, 8, 30, 40, 6. 8, 6, 20, 2, 4, 70, 6, 40,10, 60,10, 20, g, 2, i, 20, 30,40 COLOR: purple COMPLEMENTARY COLOR: yellow DAY: Monday INFLUENCE ON HUMAN SPHERE: clairvoyance, sleep, dreams, emotions, astral travel, imagination, women’s mysteries, birth, reincarnation
167 %
In classical Indian YOGIC philosophy, the five elements—
77 EARTH, WATER, FIRE, AIR, and SPIRIT—are known as TATTWAS. COLORS and SYMBOLS have been associated Tattwa Magic with these fundamental principles for thousands of years, and by CONTEMPLATING the Tattwas, the mage is able to GENERATE shifts in individual CONSCIOUSNESS.
■ ■ Tattwa Magic
Tattwa Modes of Being
Tattwa means “thatness,” referring not to
specific things but rather to states—modes of being that things can assume. Water, for example, can freeze, Jlow, evaporate, or even explode, depending on its Tattwa at any given time. The attributes of the Jive elements in Tattwa are identical to those of the Ji ve elements of hermetic philosophy.
The Five Elements
O THE SOURCE ELEMENT Of TATTWA IS AKASHA, EQUIVALENT TO AETHYR, SPIRIT, OR QUINTESSENCE, FROM WHICH THE FOUR MUNDANE ELEMENTS EMERGE. O VAYU. THE PRINCIPLE OF AIR, MEDIATES BETWEEN THE PRIMARY ELEMENTS OF FIRE AND WATER, THE FIRST POLARITY IN THE MATERIALIZING WORLD. O FROM THE INTERACTION OF THESE THREE PRINCIPLES, PRITHIV1, OR EARTH. EMERGES AS THE PRINCIPLE THAT COALESCES ALL THE PRECEDING ELEMENTS, GIVING THEM A SOLID FORM.
I/O GJQ Tattwa Magic
Creative and Destructive Polarities
O M N IA \ AB V N O /ilAT uka\ All four LOWER ELE/vIent& conpain a polarity within I them, one of which is CREATlVEJancl the other DESTRUCTIVE. i ■ Fire is ELECTRIC; it provides TIGHT arid WARMTH, but it also BURNS. i Water is MAGNETIC;.jts,a'ctive-pble is fI0URISHING~and PROTECTIVE, but its negative,nofc p^Q^^jri^jTERMEW/Wr/taites its qualities i from both of the''PIUM\RY ELEMENTS—v/a'rmTH front FIRE and HUMIDITY/rom-WATER. It'is rlie midyvife thatdelivers the EARTH I PRINCIPLE that acts as a NJAGNET and contains the preceding ELEMENTS within itself.
, / ,7 •
Despite the&WPH^SlS on.theplements in HIGH MAGIC,
little useful literature is available to help the ASPIRING MAGE understand his or her ESSENTIAL NATURE on a practical level. The Tattwa elements comlintb their own in this respect, because the COLORS and SYMBblS-Qss'btjiated with them work on a PRIMAL LEVEL. They can Ge used as MEDITATIONAL TOOLS that trigger responses within the^DIVlDUAL,' generating experiences that lead to INCREASING AWARENESS of how the ELEMENTS operate in CORRESPONDENCE with''alIiEVELS OF BEING, right up to TRANSCENDENCE of INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS. \ ‘ . I
if ' 1 It
VERI TAS III H SIMPLEX
■-’i L- ■
POCULUM PAMSOPHi/E. 171 Tattwa Magic
Tattwa Cards
The Tattwa symbols are easy to use.
They can be painted onto plain cards and used in daily exercises and meditation (see pages 174-179).
Prithivi, Earth Earth is represented by a YELLOW SQUARE. Although the color differs from the traditional WESTERN CORRESPONDENCE (which is white, black, or brown), you should be familiar with the SQUARE, which is analogous to the NUMBER FOUR, representing PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION and SOLIDITY. For meditational purposes, paint the YELLOW SQUARE on a PURPLE BACKGROUND, purple being the COMPLEMENTARY color of yellow.
Apas, Water The principle of WATER, or APAS, is represented by a SILVER CRESCENT MOON. This symbol is apt because the MOON controls ALL LIQUID ACTIVITY on the planet. The Moon is also MAGNETIC and CONTAINING. Its element, WATER, is represented by the mage’s CUP. Half-fill a TEST TUBE with water, and you will see that the surface is convex, the liquid appearing to be drawn up the sides ofthe glass like this TATTWA SYMBOL. The complementary color of SILVERY APAS is black.
172 Tattwa Magic
Tejas, Fire Like the HERMETIC ALCHEMICAL SYMBOL for FIRE, TEJAS, the PRINCIPLE of FIRE, is depicted by an upward-pointing EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE, suggesting its VOLATILE, ascending nature. The color of this TRIANGLE, as in WESTERN ESOTERICISM, is red. Its COMPLEMENTARY color is green.
Vayu,Air When the great vault of the SKY is EMPTY, it appears perfectly BLUE and arches over the EARTH as ifit is contained in a GREAT BOWL. It consists entirely ofAIR. The Tattwa SYMBOL jbrVAYU, the PRINCIPLE of AIR, is therefore a BLUE CIRCLE. Its COMPLEMENTARY coloris orange.
Akasha, Spirit AKASHA is sometimes called SPACE; it is the matrix that provides room for the other ELEMENTS to EMERGE and ESTABLISH material life. It is the SOURCE, the MYSTERIOUS ORIGIN ofall things. In this sense it is like a WOMB and its symbol suggests as much, being a BLACK or INDIGO oval like an EGG. As a TATTWA card, paint the symbol INDIGO on a GREENISH YELLOW background.
173 Tattwa Magic
The Subelements
In Tattwa. the FIVE ELEMENTS can be SUBDIVIDED into twenty
subelements. For example, EARTH, or PRITHIVI, has its EARTHY aspect (hard and heavy like iron), its FIERY aspect (volatile like explosives), its WATERY aspect (fluid like mud), and its AIRY aspect (light, like styrofoam). Again. Tattwa provides PRIMAL SYMBOLS to represent these SUBELEMENTS and allow you to WORK with them INTERNALLY.
The symbols of the subelements are simply the MAIN ELEMENT
SYMBOL with a smaller version—the “seed”—of the ASPECT ELEMENT within it. For example, the AIRY ASPECT of EARTH is depicted as the SLUE CIRCLE of AIR within the YELLOW SQUARE of EARTH on its PURPLE BACKGROUND. Conversely, the EARTHY ASPECT of AIR is depicted as a YELLOW SQUARE within a BLUE CIRCLE on an ORANGE BACKGROUND.
Making the Cards
To make a set ofTattwa cards, you will need:
1. Twenty-five white cards, 4-6 in (10-15 cm) square, one for each TATTWA ELEMENT and SUBELEMENT.
2. A set of rich bright paints, such as artist’s ACRYLIC PAINTS. You will need five for the Tattwa colors (INDIGO, BLUE, RED, SILVER, and YELLOW) and five for rhe complementary background colors (GREENISH YELLOW, ORANGE, GREEN, BLACK, and PURPLE).
J. Ten brand-new paintbrushes.
174 Tattwa Magic
< Paint the cards in the appropriate colors and shapes. It is easiest to I do the backgrounds Jtrst and paint the colored symbols on afterward, ( making sure the background is completely dry Jirst. I
A o 0
□ AA 00000
VS (cXA Tattwa Magic
Card Exercises
Once your SET qfTATTWA CARDS is COMPLETE,
you can START PERFORMING BASIC EXERCISES with them. Start with the FIVE MAIN ELEMENTS, beginning with PRITHIVI, then APAS, TEJAS, VAYU, and AKASHA. Just one a day will suffice to start with. Then move on to include the SUBELEMENTS, perhaps working with ALL FIVE CARDS of each element on the same day, again starting with PRITHIVI. You can incorporate TATTWA EXERCISES into your DAILY ROUTINE in the MORNING and EVENING. Do not be tempted to do TOO MUCH TOO SOON—these are POWERFUL TOOLS and can easily give you HEADACHES and other DISTURBANCES ifABUSED,
1. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram
to clear the space (see pages 211—113).
2. Sit in the chair in your temple facing the QUARTER.corresponding
to the card you have chosen (prithivi/north, apas|west, tejas/south, vayu/east, akasha/center of altar). Prop the card on your ALTAR or attach it to the WALL at EYE LEVEL, as appropriate. Stick a BLANK CARD or WHITE PIECE OF PAPER next to the card (a whitewall is fine).
F \*
J. Palm your eyes as described on page 22 (step 1).
4. Gaze at the Tattwa card in a RELAXED-BUT-ALERT manner
fora COUPLE OF MINUTES or until a pronounced RIM AURA appears. The image may eves) start FLASHING.
5. Shift your(gaze to theJBLANK CARD, paper, or wall.
You will see that your MIND’S EYE transfers the shape of the SYMBOL onto the WHITE SPACE, buLinlhe COMPLEMENTARY COLOR. The YELLOW SQUARE ^fPRI^HJ^lMill therefore appear PURPLE. Hold it for as Long as jkArcan./-' ,
7. Record your experience in your MAGICAL DIARY, noting your
mbod BEFORE and-AETMUhe exercise. -a-'’-- '
8. Having worked with all the cards; try to MEMORIZE them and VISUALIZE them in both their TRUE COLORS and COMPLEMENTARY colors. This can be done while PALMING the eyes.
177 Tattwa Magic
Card Meditation
Once you are able to visualize
any card at will, you can start meditation work. The aim of this practice is to use the complementary images of the Tattwa symbols as doorways into the elemental realm. Begin with the prithivi card, then the other elements, followed by the subelements.
1 A A.
1. Sit facing the quarter of the ELEMENT in question
(prithi vi/north, apas/west, tejas/south, vayu/east, akasha/center of altar).
2. Visualize the complementary image of the card and INTENSIFY it,
then EXPAND it to the size ofa DOOR.
I78 Tattwa Magic
3. Imagine your astral body passing through this DOOR,
leaving your PHYSICAL BODY behind.
4. Once through the door, pause to observe the
NEW SPACE you find yourselfin. With PRACTICE, you may find yourself being able to move into this NEW VISTA and INTERACT with the PHENOMENA you find there. Be sure, however, I to return through the TATTWA DOOR.
5. Imagine your astral body reinhabiting your PHYSICAL BODY.
Then imagine the TATTWA DOOR you have returned through REVERTING to its normal color, symbolizing the CLOSING ofthe DOOR to the ELEMENTAL ASTRAL REALM.
6. Perform the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram
1 (see pages 111-113).
7. Record all the details of your experience in your
MAGICAL DIARY.
179 MAHAYANA BUDDHISM contains some of the oldest and most highly developed paths of magical ATTAINMENT known to the
The Diamond world. Their highest masters REINCARNATE again and again to develop the TEACHINGS and help their fellow beings transcend Thunderbolt Path SAMSARA, the wheel of life. The Diamond Thunderbolt Path is one method ofTRANSCENDING the wheel. The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
Vajrayana Buddhism Vajrayana Buddhism, also called Tantric Buddhism, is known as the Diamond Vehicle or Diamond Thunderbolt Path—vajra (dorje in Tibetan) means both “thunderbolt” and “diamond.” It developed out ofthe Mahayana teachings in northwest India around 500 b.c.e. and spread to Tibet, China, and Japan. Today, it is practiced mainly in the Himalayan regions and involves esoteric visualizations, rituals, and mantras, most of which can only be learned by stydymg with a master.
jA
o j. Union with the Divine O EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON ATTAINING UNION WITH THE DIVINE BY DEVELOPING MAGICAL POWERS AND ABILITIES. O IN THE VAJRAYANA PATH, ALL SITUATIONS CAN AND SHOULD BE USED AS PART OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. O THE WORD TANTRA MEANS “CONTINUITY," IMPLYING THAT NO DIVISION EXISTS BETWEEN SACRED ACTION AND SECULAR ACTION.
182 G|3 The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
Channeling Sexual Energy
Vajrayana teaches not to SUPPRESS ENERGY but rather to TRANSFORM it. Some aspects ofTANTRA dealing with SEXUAL YOGA were assimilated into certain western magical organizations in the late nineteenth century. These consist of techniques for RETAINING and CHANNELING SEXUAL ENERGIES. To these primarily PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES were added various RITUALS designed to CONSECRATE the sexual act and HONOR the sexual partner as a GOD or GODDESS, thereby reenacting the SACRED ACT of CREATION. Masters of the DIAMOND THUNDERBOLT PATH believe that, without a CLEAR MOTIVE to help others and a STRONG GROUNDING in MEDITATION, practicing tantra is DANGEROUS and ULTIMATELY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
■—
Al! forms of MAHAYANA BUDDHISM use mantras as a KEY PART of their
daily practice. Mantras are PHRASES orSERIES ofPHRASES that are chanted repeatedly. These chants are usually MONOTONOUS, with perhaps one or two other NOTES punctuating them. Mantras are essentially MAGICAL INCANTATIONS. The words CHANT, INCANTATION, and ENCHANTMENT all come from the same LATIN word meaning “to sing." The aspiring MAGE soon learns the POWER of vibrating CERTAIN WORDS and PHRASES. Mantras are nothing other than EXTENDED INVOCATIONS. The VIBRATIONAL qualities of certain sounds, particularly when repeated over and over, alter the electromagnetic frequency of the MAGE, attracting those FORCES whose VIBRATIONAL SIGNATURE they bear.
183 The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
The Hundred-syllable Mantra
. ♦
One of the key mantras o/vdjrayana is the so-called Vajrasattva
Hundred-syllable Mantra. The principal purpose of the mantra is repentance. It is intended to help you recognize hotvfallible you are and hou’far short you may havefallenfrdm the high standards you set yourself: Any inharmonious-experience should be humbly accepted as evidence of your.failings/The effect of the mantra is to dissolve karma by purifying the individual on every level. It helps u’ipe the slate clean of the consequences of previous actions.
The ESSENCE of the MANTRA is EMPTINESS. It FLUSHES all
IMPURITIES out ofthe SYSTEM, which is IMPORTANT in helping you REMOVE OBSTACLES that might otherwise HINDER you on the PATH. It also frees you from any PSYCHIC DISTURBANCES that may AFFECT you, protecting you from OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE and INNER RESISTANCE. Practicing it daily is GREATLY ENCOURAGED. The mantra is written out here PHONETICALLY, with dashes marking the RHYTHMIC PHRASING.
The Mantra OM VENSA SATTVA SAMAYA—MANUPALAYA—VENSA SATTVA TENOPA— TISHTA DRI DHO ME BHAVA—SUTO KHAYO ME BHAVA—SUPO KHAYO ME BHAVA—ANURAKTO ME BHAVA—SARVA SIDDHI ME PRAYATSHA—SARVA KARMA SUTSA ME—TSITTAM SHRIYAM KURD HUM—HA HA HA HA HO— BHAGAVAN—SARVA TARTAGATA—VENSA MAME MUNTSA— VENSA BHAVA MAHA—SAMAYA SATTVA AH
184 6f) The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
Translation 4* The meaning ojthe words is of less importance than their vibrational pourer, but below is a rough translation. There are also some tips on how to say the mantra. It is worth making every effort to get it right, but bear in mind that it is chanted in various ways in different parts ofthe Himalayas without apparent variation in effect.
Om Vajrasattva [one ojtheJive Buddhas], please keep your vows.
VAJRASATTVA, empower [reside in] me and make me FIRM [in my Buddha nature]. Make me SATISFIED. Be FAVORABLE, be NOURISHING for me. Grant me all the MAGICAL ATTAINMENTS. Indicator of all KARMA, make GLORIOUS my mind.
Hum! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Hoh!
[Hum is related to om, amen, and omni—everything. Each Ha represents one oftheJour elements. At the end ojthe last Ha, take a breath. Hoh is considered the most joyful sound in the universe and is vibrated on a higher note.]
Blessed one, diamond of all the Tathagatas,
[Buddhas], do notforsake me; make me as a diamond. Great being ofthe votu AH!
[TheJinal Ah should be extended, Jailing in tone at the end.]
l85 The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
Tibetan Initiatic Meditation
The following teaching, the White Lotus, is taken
.from the Bde-Michog-Tantra, which wasfirst translated into English in igig, in part by Kazi Dawa Samdup, who alsojielped. translate the Tibetan BOOK OF THE DEAD into English.
The aim of this MEDITATION is tofree the MIND of its own
IMAGERY on the path toward achievingSH.UNYATA, a state that transcends even NIRVANA. SHCTNYATA means, literally, "EMPTINESS.” It is the state of ABSOLUTE FREEDOM, within which ANYTHING is possible. It corresponds to VAJRA, being the DIAMOND MIND of pure activity.
186 The Diamond Thunderbolt Path
The White Lotus
This translation isfreely based on the original English translation. As the radiant, incorruptible essence ofall things, Vajra corresponds to Kether, the crown of the Tree of Life. The supreme Devata can be thought ofas Kether; the Vajra couple as Chokmah and Binali; Heruka and his consort as Chesed and Geburah; and the other Deuatas and beings as the lower sephiroth. Hum can be imagined as the word of God, and the Bindi as the sound ofthe absolute Being.
LJLjl , ■ fW". 1. Imagine yourlnavel as eigptfM I w lite lotus. In its center i > ,y upafcTisk^pi^wicHTire V, JRASATTVA (the personification-oftheDinmondfliunderboltj-and his consort in ECSTATIC UNION, the mantra “Hum” in their hearts. 2. Imagine rays of light pouring forth from the HUM in all directions, creating a space that you define as the SUPREME DEVATA (God), a vessel containing the other GODS and DIVINE BEINGS. Focus intently on this image. Then IMAGINE that the RAYS of LIGHT issuing from the HUM energize all these beings, activating them, just as a MAGNET excites IRON DUST into activity. 3. Then the rays begin to draw back in, taking with them the VESSEL of LIGHT and all its contents, absorbing them into the FORM of HERUKA (the ctiigf external deity) and his consort, just as MERCU^bSirbs PARttdMcfGOLD.
4. Next, the consortpfHeruka js. ie'd into the MALE,
the two becpitmfreNE FACE '0 HANDS. 5. Then Heruka is absorbed ii htyVALRA couple on the LUNAF5 DISBTrtffhe Lfl ffifthd LOTUS.
6. Next, Vajrasattva’s c< links i|mo w LIE, then gradually the
MALE dissolves into the I (the HIEARTHS the HUM slowly resolves itself into the BIN DU (point), :ina!ly, the Bit DU recedes, becoming SMALLER and FAINTER until itfades awdy completely ai SAL1\dissolves in WATER.
I87 Index
A c D Aiq Bekir 157, i$8.159 caduceus13,130,135,136, Daath 41,43,120 air 28,46,48.50.06.79,85. ■37.138 dagger 27, 29, in, 122 calcination 76, 77, 97 co name 29 hexagrams for 124 caput mortuum 97,101 to consecrate 35 pentagrams for 34.111.115 cardinal points 32, 65,117 days of the week 129 sign of 115 colors of 18 for fluid condensers akasha 170.173 of elements 18, 27,122 104-105,107 alchemy 10. S4.86.91. 92 of tattwas 177 for planetary tinctures 100 Indian 11S and zodiac signs 18 dew 93, 98 plant 94-100.104-107 Celtic Cross 70-71 Diamond Thunderbolt Path processes 76,78. 80. 93 chakras 52,136,137-138 181,182, 183 altar 16.32,33 and planets 77-89 diary 21,177 doth 16 and sephiroth 46-50 distillation 78, 79 ancient Egyptians 10. 56.142 Chaldean order 128 divination 23, 70-71 angelic choirs 141.143-147 Chasmalim 47,144 divine names 27, 34, 35, 36, and sephiroth 46-50 Cherubim 50,143,146 37, in, 112,115,116,117, ange&c script 149 chi (qi) 93 121,122 angdology 142,143,144 Chioth Ha Qadesh 46,143 and sephiroth 46-50, 52, angels 21.45,141 Chokhmah 42,43, 46,143, 53 and dements 27 187 to evoke 150-153 coagulation 83, 89, 92 E guardian 23,133,146,150 colors: earth 28,31,50, 69,77,171 in numerology 157.158 of cardinal points 18 hexagrams for 123 to petition 148 complementary 164-167, pentagrams for 37,117 and planets 77-89 172-173.»74.177 sign of 117 spas 172 of elements 27 east 28, 32, 51, in, 115,117, Apophis 121,122 for magical robe 19 123,124,144, 152 Aralim 47,143 of planets 77, 79, 81-89, eight, figure 58, 131 astrology 10.73,74 164-167 elements 25, 26, 32,107, 114, Auphanim 46,143 of sephiroth 46-50 119,148 of tattwas 169,171,172-173 active and passive 30 B copper 84,85,129 aspects of 174 banners 18 correspondences: correspondences 27,122 Beni Elohim 49,146 elements 27,122 primary 170,171 Binah 42,43,47,77.120,187 planetary 76-89 and sephiroth 46-50 symbol 143 of sephiroth 46-50 symbols 26 body 31,92. 94,119 creation 12, 39,42,43,118 tattwa 169,171,176,178 breathing 20.137-138 cup 27, 30,172 elixir of immortality 84, 88, Buddhism 147,181-187 to consecrate 36 92
188 Index
Elohim 49, 146,148 Great Work, the 10,13, 76, kamea(s) 158, i6f, 164-167 energy/energies: 86,91,94,118,119 of the Sun 158-159 to balance 53 karma 61,184 to banish 17, in H Kcrub 27, 37 chakra 136,138,139 Hagiel, evocation of 151-153 Kether4i,42.43,45,46,143, circle of no, 122 Hebrew letters/names 28, 29, 187 cosmic 78 30, 31, 57,121 Knights ofMalta 130 creative 63, 67 in numerology 157 Knights Templar 130 elemental no Hermes 10, n, 12,13,84,87, Koran 146 holy 101 130.135.137 kundalini 76, 80,86,136,138 planetary 120 hermetic magic/sciencc 10, psychic 150 56,75,91,118,135,142 L sexual 183 Hermetica.Theii, 12 lemniscate see eight, figure spiritual no hexagram 31,118-119 Lesser Work, the 94 subtle 19,135 greater ritual 121,125-127, Ldvi, Eliphas 56 energy center 52,136 ■48.153 Love Triangle 42 equilibrium 13, 84,130,134 lesser ritual 121-124,125, Ethical Triangle 43 127,148,153 M exercises, ritual 51-53,172 and planets 120 macrocosm 12,31,109,118, with tattwa cards 176-177 symbolism 118,120 120,136 Hod 44,49,87,145,146 magic squares sre kamea(s) F holy water 32, 97,152 Major Arcana 56, 57, 58-65, foil equinox 34 to make 101 66,131 feminine principle 26, 30, 68, Malachim 48,145 88,135,136,143 I Malkuth 41,44,45,50,131, fire 28, 29, 46, 48,49, 67, 79, ida 135,136,137.138 147 81, 83,119,171 implements, magical 25, 51, mandala 119 hexagrams for 123 58,106,114 mantra(s) 182,183 pentagrams for 35,116 to consecrate 32-37 Hum 187 sign of 116 incense 21,32 Hundred-syllable 184-185 fluid condensers 91,102-103, iron 27, 80,81,129 Mars 48,80,120,163 161 Isis 121,122 correspondences 81 elemental 107 symbolism 80 liquid universal 106 J masculine principle 26,29. planetary 104-105,106,107 Jewish mysticism 39,45 67.80,82,135,136 solid universal 106 Jupiter 47,74,78,144,163 meditation 20,21,58,119, correspondences 79 121 G symbolism 78 Buddhist 183 Gabriel 27, 30, 36, 50, 89, tattwa 171,172,178-179 113,117,146 K Tibetan initiaic 1S6—1S7 Gcburah 43, 48, 81,144,187 Kabbalah 39,40,74,93,142, Mercury 49,74,86,125.130, gematria see numerology 146,156,158 146 gods, planetary 74 of the Nine Chambers 157 correspondences 87 gold 27,82,83,129 kabbalistic cross of light 32, kamea of 166 philosophical 78, 92 33. 51. 53.1“. “7 symbolism 86
189 Index
metals: pendulum dowsing 23 Q
of elements 27 pentagram 31, 33,101. no, quicksilver 87,129 planetan 119 114 quintessence no, 114,135 quicksilver active 114.115-116 Michael 27. 29, 35.48.49, for air 34,111,115 R 83,87.113. if*. 145.146 tor earth 37,112 Raphael 27, 28, 34, 48, 49, microcosm 12. 31.51,109, for fire 35,112 83,87,113,117,118,145, 110,118,12S,136 greater banishing ritual 146 Middle Pillar 41.43,44,136 115-117 reincarnation 181 exercise 52-53 greater invoking ritual 33, relaxation 20 Minor Arcana 56, 57. bb-bg 115-117 repentance 184 mirror, magic 106 lesser banishing ritual 32, robe, magical 19 Moen 5c. 74, Sa,88,14b. 172 33,111-113,122,124,125, routine 20, in, 176 breath 13S 177.179 correspondences 89 lesser invoking ritual s hour of162 m-113 salsalis 98,101,104 kamea of 15S, 167 passive 116-117 to extract 95-97 phases of 44 for water 36,112 salamander 29 symbolism 88 philosopher’s stone 92 samsara 181 musical sequence 129 pingala 135,136,137, Saturn 47, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, Mutus Liber 93 138 120,158,163 planetary seal 161,163 correspondences 77 N planets 73, 74,100,104-105, symbolism 76 nadi(s) 135 148 Scholem, Gershom 45 Brahma 135.13b days of die week 129 scrying 23,106 Nakhiel 164 and hexagram 120, Seal of Solomon 31,118 sigil of 159 125-127 second sight 22 talisman of 160 hours 128,162 Secret Fire 92,135,138 north 31. 37.101,112,115 kameas 158 Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians numerology 109.131,154, plant alchemy 94-100, 93 156-157 104-107 self-initiation no, 133—139 plants: self-knowledge 9, 20, 21, 76 O and days of the week 100, sephiroth 41, 57, 74, 104, ogdoadic star 130-131 107 148,187 oleum salts 98. 99 and planets 100,104-105 correspondences 46-50 opposites, reconciliation of polarities 10,13, 42, 44, 58, lower 44-45 13. 58. 59, 84,118,130 80, 88, 170,171 planes 41 orientation of outer temple 18 prana 93, 135 points 53 Osiris 121.122 prayer 20, 21,150 upper 42-43 Ourobouros 119 preparation 9 Seraphim 48,144,146 of inner temple 20-23 of Dionysius 143 P of outer temple 16-18 seven, symbolism of 128-129 palming the eyes 22,177 Prima Materia 93 Shekinah 45,147 pantade 27, 31 prithivi 170,172,174,177, sigil(s) 152,158,161 to consecrate 37 178 ofNakhicl 159
IQO Index
sign of benediction 51,122 of Seven 128-129 Tria Prima 92,93
sign of the portal 115 ofSun 82 smoke, purifying 17,152 tattwa 172-173, WW* u I south 29, 35,112,115,123 178 unconscious 44,64,88.150 solar system 43, 73, 82,120 ofVenus 84 union with the divine 10,12, soul 30, 92,94,119 40,41,135,137-139.182 spirit 82, 92, 94,119 T Uriel 27, 31, 37,113,117 element of no, 119 talismans 149,155,156,157 pentagrams of 114,115-117 to consecrate 162 V universal 93 to make 160-162 Vajrasattva 187 spirits 21,141,157 planetary 164-167 Hundred-syllable mantra spring equinox 36 Tarot cards 55 184-185 star: divination with 70-71 vayu 170,173 eight-pointed 64,130-131 history of 56 Venus 49,84,146,148,151, five-pointed 31, no and Kabbalah 57 153 seven-pointed 128-129,152 Major Arcana 58-65 correspondences 85 six-pointed 118 Minor Arcana 66-69 hour of 151,162 ■ subconscious 88 and number eight 131 kameaofi65 subelcments 174,176,178 tattwa 169,170-171 number of 152 Sukra 84, 85 cards 172-173. l74~l75 symbolism 84 summer solstice 35 door 179 visualization 22,137-138, Sun 42, 43, 48, 82,88, 93, exercises 176-177 177,178-179,182 120, 121, 125, I35, l6o meditation 178-179 breath 137 subelements 174,176,178 W correspondences 83 symbols 172-173.*74“i75» wand 27,58,106, in, 122 hour of162 178 to consecrate 34 intelligence of 159,160,164 tejas 173 of Hermes see caduceus kamea of 158-159,164 temple: to make 28 number of 161 inner 15, 20-23 water 28, 30,47,49, 68, 88, spirit of 160, 164 outer 15,16—18, 21, 32, in, 89,119,170,171 symbolism 82 114,152 hexagrams for 124 Supernals 42, 120 Temurah 157 pentagrams for 36.116 sushumna 135,136,138 Theban alphabet 149 sign of 116 symbols/symbolism: Thoth 10,11, 84,87,130 west 30, 33, 36,53,101,112. astrological 125,127 Book of 56 115. IM ofBinah 143 tincture: White Lotus meditation of eight-pointed star 131 gold 103,104,106 186-187 elemental 18, 26 planetary 91,94,98,99, 102 winter solstice 37,95 of hexagram n8,120 red 99 of Jupiter 78 Tiphareth 43,48,83,145 Y ofMajor Arcana 58-64 Tree of Life 39,40,45, 51, 57, Yesod 44, 50. 89.146 of Mars 80 104,120,121,131,142, yoga 52.135.183 of Mercury 86 158,187 of Moon 88 and angels 141 z of Saturn 76 exercises 51-53 zodiac 18,73,125, U7 Bibliography
The Alchemist's Handbook, Frater Albertus
The Book of the Sacred Magic ofAbra-Melin, S.L. MacGregor Mathers The Book ofThoth, Aleister Crowley The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic, Israel Regardie A Dictionary ofAngels, Gustav Davidson A Dictionary of Symbols, J.E. Ciriot A Garden of Pomegranates, Israel Regardie How to Learn Astrology, Marc Edmund Jones How to Make and Use Magic Mirrors, Nigel R. Clough 1 Ching: The Book ofChanges, James Legge edition An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Symbols, J.C. Cooper Initiation into Hermetics, Franz Bardon The Inner Structure ofthe I Ching, Lama Anagarika Govinda Inner Traditions of Magic, William Gray Kundalini Yogafor the West, Swami Swivananda Radha The Ladder of Lights, William Gray Magick, Aleister Crowley, edited by John Symonds and Kenneth Grant The Mystical Kabbalah, Dion Fortune Planetary Magick, Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips The Practical Handbook of Plant Alchemy, Manfred M. Junius The Practice of Magical Evocation, Franz Bardon Secret Power ofTantrik Breathing, Swami Sivapriyananda A Self Made by Magic, William Gray The Shining Paths, Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki The Tarot, Paul Foster Case The Way ofthe Suf, [dries Shah
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