Ceremony for the Consecration of a Banishing and Invoking Dagger

By Frater S.C.F.V.

Introduction

I composed this ceremony, which draws on Golden Dawn formulae, prayers, exorcisms and conjurations from the Lesser Key of Solomon, and G.D. Enochian formulae from the Supreme Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram, to consecrate a dagger for use in general banishing and invoking work from the Lesser through the Greater and Supreme forms of the Pentagram and Hexagram rituals. I also built into the ceremonial design that an added intention of the consecrations was to augment the Operator’s sensitivity and visualization ability to the Elemental and Planetary energies when mobilized through the use of this dagger.

Temple Set-Up

Altar in the center of the Temple. Black cloth. White cross and red triangle on the altar, as in the Neophyte Grade Initiation. Incense in the East, lit, Cup in the West, Salt in the North, Candle in the South, lit. Place the dagger to be consecrated in the center of the Triangle on the Altar. Place the Tarot cards of the Magician on the left of the Triangle, the Fool on the right, and the High Priestess beneath the Triangle.

Steps

Temple Opening

1. Stand on the West side of the altar, facing East. Knock three times on the altar and proclaim “HEKAS HEKAS, ESTE BEBELOI!”
2. Perform the Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram.
3. Perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram.

(QC, tracing and charging each Hexagram in golden flame with ARARITA, QC)

4. Recite the Prayer from the Lesser Key of Solomon: “ARACHIO, ASAC, ASACRA, BEDRIMULAL, FILAT, ARABONAS, IERABILEM, IODODOC, ACHAZEL, ZOPHIEL, PLAUTEL, BARACATA, EDONIEL, ELOY, EMAGRO, ABRAXATE, DREBARACH, ZAMUEL, CADAT, ERA, ELY EXA, AMISTRA, MACHED, DANIEL, DAMA, ELAMOS, BRACHEL, BEEL, SEGEN, GEMON, DEMAS.²

O Lord God, who art seated upon the Heavens, and who regardest the abysses beneath, grant unto me thy grace I beseech thee, so that what I conceive in my mind I may accomplish in my work, through thee, O God, the sovereign ruler of all, who livest and reignest unto the ages of the ages. Amen.”

4. Go to the Northeast corner of the Circle, and face outward. Extend your arms outward and upward, and proclaim:
   “The visible Sun is the dispenser of Light to the Earth. Let me form therefore a Vortex in this Chamber, that the invisible Light of the Spirit shall shine therein from above.”
5. Give the LVX signs.
6. Visualize a great brilliant Light that occupies a space above and beyond you in the East. As you contemplate this Light, visualize the figure of a white triangle traced in the brilliance before you. The white of the triangle shimmers and pulses iridescently. When the vision is very strong, proclaim “Let the white brilliance of the Divine Spirit descend!” while performing the Sign of the Spiraling Light, spiraling the right hand in to meet the hand in the heart, feeling a flood of Light through the body from head to feet.
7. Equilibrate the Light with the Qabalistic Cross. Now say
   “Khabs Am Pehkt, Konx Om Pax, Light in Extension!”
8. Say: “Let the Mystic Circumambulation take place in the Pathway of LIGHT.”
9. Circumambulate three times around the perimeter of the Circle deosil or clockwise. Imagine Magical Current flowing through you, and visualize a clockwise-spinning Vortex being created as you move. Give the Sign of the Enterer each time that you pass by the Eastern end of the Circle (in the direction you are going, without stopping). Finish in the Northeast.
10. Go to the West of the Altar, facing East. Intensely visualize a white triangle shining in the center of the Temple space. Make the Sign of Silence.
11. Perform the Rite of Adoration of the Lord of the Universe.
    “Holy art thou, oh Lord of the Universe! (Sign of the Enterer)

Holy art thou, whom nature hath not formed! (Sign of the Enterer)

Holy art thou, the vast and the mighty one! (Sign of the Enterer).

Lord of the light, and of the darkness!” (Sign of Silence)

Say:

“In the Name of the Lord of the Universe, Who works in Silence and Whom naught but Silence can express, I declare that the Sun has arisen and the Shadows flee away.”

12. Recite this section from the Conjuration of the Lesser Key of Solomon:

“O Lord God the father eternal, who art seated upon the Kerubim and the Seraphim, who lookest upon Earth and upon sea; unto thee do I raise my hands and implore thine aid alone, thou who alone art the accomplishment of good works, thou who givest rest unto those who labour, who humblest the proud, who art the author of life and the destroyer of death; thou art our rest, thou art the protector of those who invoke thee; protect, guard, and defend me in this matter, and in this enterprise which I propose to carry out, O thou who livest, reignest, and abidest unto the eternal ages. Amen.”

Consecrating the Dagger by the Elements and Planets

13. Consecration by Air: Stand in the West of the Altar, facing East. Placing your hand over the Incense, perform the Exorcism of the Incense from the Key of Solomon, saying:

“I exorcise thee, O Spirit impure and unclean, thou who art a hostile Phantom, in the Name of God, that thou quit this Perfume, thou and all thy deceits, that it may be consecrated and sanctified in the name of God Almighty. May the Holy Spirit of God grant protection and virtue unto those who use these Perfumes; and may the hostile and evil Spirit and Phantom never be able to enter therein, through the Ineffable Name of God Almighty. Amen.

O Lord, deign to bless and to sanctify this Creature of Perfume so that it may be a remedy unto mankind for the health of body and of soul, through the Invocation of Thy Holy Name. May all Creatures who receive the odour of this incense and of these spices receive health of body and of soul, through Him Who hath formed the Ages. Amen.”

Three times, wave the incense of Air over the Dagger. Say:

“Oh YHVH, we adore Thee and we invoke Thee. Empower this sacred Dagger, to powerfully banish and invoke the forces of the ascending Element of Air and render vivid all visualizations and sensations of energies pertaining to Air. Amen.”

• Trace the Alchemical Sigil of Air over the Dagger.
• Do the Sign of the Enterer to project yellow Air energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow yellow, vibrating “RUACH YOD HEH VAV HEH” (ROO-AH-K, Hebrew for Air).
• Trace an Invoking Equilibrated Active Pentagram of Spirit over the Dagger, vibrating “EXARP” (EX-AR-PAY), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable.
• Trace the Spirit Wheel Sigil in the center of the Spirit Pentagram while vibrating EHEIEH (Eh-HAY-YEH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable to project spirit energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow white.
• Trace an Invoking Pentagram of Air in Yellow over the Dagger, vibrating
  “ORO IBAH AOZP (OH-RO EE-BAH-HAH AH-OH-ZOHD-PAY), performing the Sign of the Enterer into the pentagram on the last syllable.
• While forming the sign of Aquarius in the center of the Pentagram in Purple, vibrate “YOD-HEH-VAV-HEH,” performing the Sign of the Enterer into the Sigil on the last syllable.

14. Consecration by Fire: Stand in the North of the Altar, facing South. Placing your hand over the Candle, recite this section of the Exorcism of the Fire from the Lesser Key of Solomon, saying:

“I exorcise thee, O Creature of Fire, by Him through Whom all things have been made, so that every kind of Phantasm may retire from thee, and be unable to harm or deceive in any way, through the Invocation of the Most High Creator of all. Amen.

Bless, O Lord All Powerful, and All Merciful, this Creature of Fire, so that being blessed by Thee, it may be for the honour and glory of Thy Most Holy Name, so that it may work no hindrance or evil unto those who use it. Through Thee, O Eternal and Almighty Lord, and through Thy Most Holy Name. Amen.”

Three times, wave the candle of Fire over the Dagger, then say:

“Oh ADONAI, thou Flashing Fire, who illuminatest all things with Thine Insupportable Glory whence flow the Ceaseless Streams of Splendour which nourish Thine Infinite Spirit, we adore Thee and we invoke Thee. Empower this sacred Dagger, to powerfully banish and invoke the forces of the blazing Element of Fire and render vivid all visualizations and sensations of energies pertaining to Fire. Amen.”

• Trace the Alchemical Sigil of Fire over the Dagger.

Do the Sign of the Enterer to project red Fire energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow red, vibrating “ASH ADONAI” (AH-SH, Hebrew for Fire).

• Trace an Invoking Equilibrated Active Pentagram of Spirit over the Dagger, vibrating “BITOM” (BEE-TOH-EHM), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable.
• Trace the Spirit Wheel Sigil in the center of the Spirit Pentagram while vibrating EHEIEH (Eh-HAY-YEH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable to project spirit energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow white.
• Trace an Invoking Pentagram of Fire in Red over the Dagger, vibrating
  OIP TEAA PEDOCE (OH-EE-PAY TAY-AH-AH PAY-DOH-KAY), performing the Sign of the Enterer into the pentagram on the last syllable.
• While forming the sign of Leo in the center of the Pentagram in Green, vibrate “ELOHIM” (EL-OH-HEEM) performing the Sign of the Enterer into the Sigil on the last syllable.

15. Consecration by Water: Stand in the East of the Altar, facing West. Placing your hand over the Water, recite this section of the Exorcism of the Water from the Lesser Key of Solomon, saying:“I exorcise thee, O creature of Water, by him who hath created thee and gathered thee together into one place so that the dry land appeared, that thou uncover all the deceits of the enemy, and that thou cast out from thee all the impurities and uncleannesses of the spirits of the World of Phantasm, so they may harm me not, through the virtue of God almighty who liveth and reigneth unto the ages of the ages. Amen.

MORBALIA, MUSALIA, DAPHALIA, ONOMALIA, LITARISIA, GOLDAFARIA, DEDULSARIA, GEHUCULARIA, GEMINARIA, GEGROFARIA, CEDACH, GITACH, GODICH, ROGIL, MUSIL, GRASSIL, TANCRI, PUERI, GODU, AUGNOT, ASCHAROT, TZABAOTH, ADONAI, AGLA, ON, EL, TETRAGRAMMATON, SEDIM, ANESERON, EL, ANAPHAXETON, SIGILATON, PRIMEUMATON.”

Three times, Sprinkle the Water over the dagger, then say:

• “Oh EHEIEH, King of the Deluge and of the Rains of Spring, Thou who commandest moisture, we adore Thee and we invoke Thee. Empower this sacred Dagger, to powerfully banish and invoke the forces of the lustral Element of Water and render vivid all visualizations and sensations of energies pertaining to Water. Amen.”Trace the Alchemical Sigil of Water over the Dagger.

Do the Sign of the Enterer to project Blue Water energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow blue, vibrating “MAIM EHEIEH” (MAI-EEM, Hebrew for Water).

• Trace an Invoking Equilibrated Passive Pentagram of Spirit over the Dagger, vibrating “HCOM” (HAY-COH-MAH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable.
• Trace the Spirit Wheel Sigil in the center of the Spirit Pentagram while vibrating AGLA (AH-GLAH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable to project spirit energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow white.
• Trace an Invoking Pentagram of Water in Blue over the Dagger, vibrating EMPEH ARSEL GAIOL (EHM-PAY-HAY AHR-SEL GAH-EE-OHL), performing the Sign of the Enterer into the pentagram on the last syllable.
• While forming the sign of Eagle in the center of the Pentagram in Orange, vibrate “EL” (EL) performing the Sign of the Enterer into the Sigil on the last syllable.

16. Consecration by Earth: Stand in the South of the Altar, facing North Placing your hand over the Salt, perform the Benediction of Salt from the Lesser Key of Solomon Book II, saying:
    “The blessing of the Father Almighty be upon this creature of salt, and let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hencefrom, and let all good enter herein, for without thee man cannot live, wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me.”

“IMANEL, ARNAMON, IMATO, MEMEON, RECTACON, MUOBOII, PALTELLON, DECAION, YAMENTON, YARON, TATONON, VAPHORON, GARDON, EXISTON, ZAGVERON, MOMERTON, ZARMESITON, TILEION, TIXMION.”

Three times, Sprinkle the salt of Earth over the dagger, then say:

“Oh ATAH GEBUR LEOLAM ADONAI, Whose Name shaketh the Arches of the World, Thou who causest the Seven Metals to flow through the veins of the rocks, we adore Thee and we invoke Thee. Empower this sacred Dagger, to powerfully banish and invoke the forces of the grounding Element of Earth and render vivid all visualizations and sensations of energies pertaining to Earth. Amen.”

• Trace the Alchemical Sigil of Earth over the Dagger.

Do the Sign of the Enterer to project black Earth energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow black, vibrating “ARETZ AGLA” (AH-RETZ, Hebrew for Earth).

• Trace an Invoking Equilibrated Passive Pentagram of Spirit over the Dagger, vibrating “NANTA” (EN-AH-EN-TAH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable.
• Trace the Spirit Wheel Sigil in the center of the Spirit Pentagram while vibrating AGLA (AH-GLAH), performing the Sign of the Enterer on the last syllable to project spirit energy into the Dagger, seeing it glow white.
• Trace an Invoking Pentagram of Earth in shining Black over the Dagger, vibrating EMOR DIAL HECTEGA (EE-MOR-DEE-AHL-HEK-TAY-GAH), performing the Sign of the Enterer into the pentagram on the last syllable.
• While forming the sign of Taurus in the center of the Pentagram in White, vibrate “ADONAI” (AH-DO-NAI) performing the Sign of the Enterer into the Sigil on the last syllable.

17. Consecration for Planetary Invoking and Banishing Work:Say “The heaven is above and the Earth is beneath. Between the light and the dark do vibrate the colours of life. I supplicate the forces and powers governing the nature, place, and authority of the Planetary forces of Sol, Mercurius, Venus, Luna, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturnus, by all Divine Names, to bestow this present day and hour, and confirm their mystic and potent influences upon this Dagger, which I hereby dedicate to purity and to occult work. May all sensitivity to the planetary energies invoked or banished by workings with this Dagger be intensified and all related visualizations and astral senses amplified and enhanced in this holy work.”Trace each planetary sigil over the Dagger, one at a time, and project Divine Light into it to activate it while performing the Sign of the Enterer and vibrating its associated Divine Name in Descending order down the Tree of Life:

– Trace the astrological Sigil of Saturn over the Dagger, project shimmering black Saturnian energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: YHVH Elohim

– Trace the astrological Sigil of Jupiter over the Dagger, project shimmering blue Jupiterian energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: EL

• Trace the astrological Sigil of Mars over the Dagger, project shimmering red Martian energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: Elohim Gibor
• Trace the astrological Sigil of Sol over the Dagger, project shimmering yellow Solar energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: YHVH Eloah Ve-Da’at
• Trace the astrological Sigil of Venus over the Dagger, project shimmering green Venusian energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: YHVH Tzazba’ot
• Trace the astrological Sigil of Mercury over the Dagger, project shimmering orange Mercurian energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer vibrating: Elohim Tzaba’ot
• Trace the astrological Sigil of Luna over the Dagger, project shimmering Purple Lunar energy into it via the Sign of the Enterer, vibrating: Shaddai el ‘Chai

Say: “May my grasp upon this Dagger strengthen me in the work of the nature and attributes of the Four Elements and the Seven Planets. Oh great One of the forces of Nature, great one who has been known by a thousand-thousand names since before remembered time, let thy influence descend and consecrate this sacred Dagger which I dedicate to thee for the performance of the works of the magic of Light. So mote it be, Amen. ”

Temple Closing

18. Reverse-circulate the Light:
    Say: “Let the Mystical Reverse Circumambulation take place in the Pathway of Light.”

Make three counter-clockwise circumambulations of the Temple while envisioning the white triangle in the center of the room disintegrating. Imagine the Divine Light from the triangle flowing back through your heart center and up into the greater Triangle above you in the East. At the end of the circumambulation, turn again toward the East and, with your hands interlocked over your heart, begin the Reverse Spiral of Light, which is simply the total reversal of the Sign of the Spiraling Light.

Say: “The Mystical Circumambulation is accomplished. It is the symbol of Fading Light.”

19. Recite these sections from the Prayers of the Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines, and Gnomes:

“Spirit of Life, Spirit of Wisdom whose breath giveth forth and withdraweth the form of all living things; Thou, before whom the Life of Beings is but a shadow which changeth, and a vapor which passeth; Thou who mountest upon the clouds, and who walketh upon the wings of the wind, We praise Thee and we bless Thee in the changing Empire of created Light, of Shades, of reflections, and of Images and we aspire without cessation unto Thy immutable and imperishable brilliance. Let the Ray of Thine Intelligence and the warmth of Thy Love penetrate even unto us; then that which is volatile shall be fixed, the shadow shall be a body, the Spirit of Air shall be a soul, the dream shall be a thought. And no longer shall we be swept away by the Tempest, but we shall hold the bridles of the Winged Steeds of Dawn, and we shall direct the course of the Evening Breeze to fly before us.” (Air)

“O Universal Father! One and Alone! Father alike of Immortals and of Mortals! Thou hast created Powers marvellously like unto Thy thought Eternal and unto Thy venerable Essence. Thou hast estab lished them above the Angels who announce Thy Will to the World. Lastly, thou hast created us third in rank within our Elemental Empire! There our continual exercise is to praise and to adore Thy desires! There we ceaselessly burn with Eternal Aspiration unto Thee! O Father! O Mother of Mothers, O Archetype Eternal of Maternity and of Love!” (Fire)

“Speak unto us also in the murmur of limpid waters, and we shall desire thy love. O Vastness wherein all the Rivers of Being seek to lose themselves, which renew themselves ever in thee. O Ocean of infinite perfections! O Height which reflectest Thyself in the Depth! O Depth which exhalest thyself into the Height! Lead us into Immortality through sacrifice, that we may be found worthy one day to offer unto Thee the Water, the Blood, and the Tears, for the remission of Sins!” (Water)

“King of the Seven Lights! Rewarder of the subterranean Workers! Lead us into the desirable Air and into the Realm of Splendor. We watch and we labor unceasingly, we seek and we hope, by the twelve stones of the Holy City, by the buried Talismans, by the Axis of the Lodestone which passes through the center of the Earth. O Lord, O Lord, O Lord! Have pity upon those who suffer. Expand our hearts, detach and upraise our minds, enlarge our natures. O Darkness veiled in Brilliance! O Day clothed in Night! O Master who never dost withhold the wages of Thy Workmen! O Silver Whiteness! O Golden Splendor! O Crown of Living and Melodious Diamond! Thou who wearest the Heavens on Thy Finger like a ring of Sapphire! Thou who hidest beneath the Earth in the Kingdom of Gems, the marvelous Seed of the Stars! Live, reign, and be Thou the Eternal Dispenser of the Treasures whereof Thou hast made us the Warders! Amen.” (Earth)

20. Pick up the newly consecrated Dagger. With it, perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.
21. With the newly consecrated Dagger, perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram.
22. Say: “I now release any spirits who may have been imprisoned by this ceremony. Depart in peace unto your habitations, and peace between us, now, and in time to come. In the name of YOD-HEH-VAHV-HEH, I now declare this temple duly closed. So mote it be.”

***

For an account on my experience of performing this ceremony with Soror C.R., see this article.

For more on the dagger design, see this journal entry.

Ritual Work for Friday, November 19, 2010

Date: Friday, November 19, 2010
Time: 5:40-6:45 (Day of Venus – Hour of the Sun)
Sun Phase: Set
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous, 97% Full
Activities: Rite of Purification by Water, Relaxation Ritual and Fourfold Breath, Great Invocation of the Light, Fivefold Elemental Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram (FELIRP), Middle Pillar Ritual, Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, Tarot Consecration Ritual, Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, Themis Meditation, Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, Formal Temple Closing

Reflections/Procedure:

Today, Frater J. and I performed a whole series of rituals in full temple and regalia, with red socks, sash, nemyss, robe, and ritual belt. We began by purifying ourselves according to the R.P.W., in which we added a modification, vibrating IAO prior to the invocation of Spirit with ETH. This added an additional sense of power since it connected to the Analysis of the Keyword.

We then entered the temple and lay down on the temple floor, where we performed the Relaxation Ritual. This was indeed relaxing and left us feel peaceful and prepared for ritual. We then arranged our tarot decks on the altar, above and below the Tablet of Union, Cross, and Triangle, and placed the boxes for our decks, and the Consecration Cloths I had prepared yesterday. We then took our cards and wiped them one by one with the Consecration Cloth. This was a prolonged process, since every card needed to be wiped, but the process itself functioned as a cleansing meditation, which also prepared us for the rituals to come.

We then placed out Tarot cards and Cloths on the altar, Frater J. took up his personal wand of Double Power, and I took up the Hierophant’s wand. We proceeded to the East of the Altar, where we performed the Great Invocation of the Light. This produced a strong sense of inner glowing for me, especially during the Analysis of the Keyword section.

From here, we moved directly into the Fivefold Elemental Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram. This produced a strong sense of the elemental Powers that, after the invocation of Spirit, was almost dizzying for a moment for me. I felt the flood of elemental energies from each Invoking Pentagram and the wheel of Spirit shining within me. This preceded the Middle Pillar Ritual, which helped to centralize the invoked energies within the microcosmic column.

Thereafter, we offered an Adoration to the Lord of the Universe and moved into the Tarot Consecration Ritual. This ritual was performed in the light of the Spirit Candle on the Altar. When the Angel HRU was invoked, I felt immediately lighter and more peaceful. I seemed to see sparks of energy in the area around us. We asked the Angel to invoke the Light into our tarot cards that they might serve to guide us into the Wisdom of the Hidden Knowledge and lead us in our quest for the Light Divine.

Subsequently, we offered another Adoration to the Lord of the Universe and sat in the West, facing the East, where we performed the Themis Meditation. This was a very visual experience for me, as I sat with eyes closed.
I saw the Goddess stand in Greek robes, where she greeted me. She placed her Golden Scales into me, which equilibrated and balanced me. She then handed me her Golden Cup from which to drink. She said it contained the “Nectar of the Gods and the Fluid of the Lower, uniting the Above and the Below,” and suggested that it symbolized, like the scales, “Balance.”
I asked if she would guide me into a vision of where I must go next on the Path and guide me towards the Hidden Wisdom. She opened up her robe and I saw her beautiful body; her skin turned Gold and my attention was drawn into it. I then saw the image of Osiris, dressed in a Nemyss as a Pharaoh. This morphed into a Golden Image of the Buddha. She spoke, saying “You must become like these images. Like the Pharaoh, you must embody the Divine energy that flows within and without all things, the Inner and the Outer. Like the Buddha, you must walk the Middle Way, the Path of Balance. You must cultivate compassion, wisdom, and peacefulness. Your desires are strong and you see me through your own lusts; transmute them into a purer form. Unite the Divine aspirations and the Lower passions. Then, truly, will you become the Stone, the Osiris risen. In short, seek balance.”
I then asked if she would join me in adoring the Lord of the Universe, of which she was the representative. She stood in my vision and I stood to offer reverence to the One who Alone deserves praise.

Frater J. and I then rose and performed the Adoration of the Lord of the Universe. With great passion, we then performed the final Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, which was very powerful for me, and even moving. I felt an inner warmth that I still feel as I write these words. Overall, it was a successful and productive ceremonial sequence.

We closed with the formal temple closing and knocks followed by “Khabs. Am. Pehkt. Konx. Om. Pax. Light. In. Extension.”

Sunday, October 31, 2010 – Samhain Celebration

Date: Sunday, October 31, 2010
Time: 1:30-2:20
Sun Phase: Zenith
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent, 36.7% Full
Activities: Samhain Feast, Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, Ceremony of Apples for the Dead and Returning Gifts to the Earth

This morning, Laney and I went to the store to purchase some fresh apples, oranges, bread, donuts, and chicken. We set up the food as a Samhain feast and ate it together while expressing thankfulness to the Lord of the Universe and to the Planet Earth. We left a plate for the Spirits. (I do suspect my father ate some of this Spirit food…).

At noon, we wrote messages for the Spirits of the Dead, for on Samhain, the ancients believed that the veil between the World of the Dead and the World of the Living is especially thing.

We attached our messages to apples via strings. I performed the Rite of Purification by Water and we proceeded outside.

Once there, we said we respectfully “break the earth in order to heal the earth.” We then dug a hole beneath the lilac tree. We lit a stick of incense and candle in a green candle holder saying “We light this incense and this candle to announce our presents and our gifts for the Spirits and to help them to find these gifts.”

We then placed light paper in the Earth and I performed the Adoration of the Lord of the Universe towards the East. Laney they did her own silent ritual to the spirits:
–raising her hands to show that she was making a gesture to the Spirits
–then she arched her hands over towards the center to make a primordia mound
–she moved her hands down towards the center to form a yonic symbol for Mother
–she did the symbol for children, with a fist with thumb up on top of an open hand
–she waved her fingers as she spread out her hands to symbolize the spreading out of the Children across the Earth, the mound shape
–she then turned her hands towards the mound and raised the people to the Sky or Heavens.

The message of this ritual was to address the Earth Mother, asking her to bless her Children with increase across the land and to the Heavens and the Spirit World.

Then Laney and I read, in harmony, our letter to all Spirits in the Spirit World, specifically the Spirits, the Earth, the Totems, the Ancient Ones, and those who came before, which read:

“To the Spirit World, Earth, and Totems,

Please have the strength to repair yourself and sustain the children who depend on you. Please bless us with wisdom to care for you and use your gifts to care for ourselves. Please help us to help ourselves and work with you to care for all around us. Please bless us with increase, health, and sustain us through our lives. Thank you for your wisdom, bounty, medicine, and fertility.

Love,
Your Children”

Then we lit the fire and placed our letters to our loved ones into it, so that the messages could be conveyed up through the fire to the Spirit world. We then placed in some pieces of birch bark into the fire pit, saying “we return to you your gift of wood.”

Then we put in two stones, saying “we return to you your gift of stone, which has helped our people to become great.” Then, we put in two pennies, saying “we return to you the gift of metal, which has helped our civilization to develop.” Then, we placed some pieces of bread into the pit, saying “we return the gift of bread, which has helped us feed our people from the wheat grown in your soil.” We returned some salt to the pit, saying “we return the gift of salt to the earth, which is an essence of life, within all of us, and gives our life flavour.”

We then sang a song called “Land of the Mother,” which is a beautiful wordless melody. Thereafter, we placed the apples with the attached name tags into the pit, beginning with the Spirit apple, proceeding to the apple for Laney’s father, and ending with the apple for my uncle and grandparents. The fire had burned out by this point.

Then, we said that we would return the gift of the earth that we had broken to the Earth Mother, and said “we wish you will accept our humble gifts, which were given from you to us.” We took turns filling the earth into the pit, over top the apples. While we did this, Laney said “we would like to return the gift of your earth so that you can accept your gifts. We offer thanks to you.” We sprinkled water over the mound of earth and said “we would like to return the gift of water, which has sustained all life, and that we hope to care for the Earth more in the future. We would like you to ask us when you need our help and we will ask for your help in return. We return the earth to help heal the Earth. We offer you the gifts to increase your bounty in order that you might help us increase ourselves. We placed the leaves over our buried earth and apples so that we might heal the scars that we have created.” We did so and left the incense burning so that the Spirits might find where we left their gifts.

We ended with “thank you,” returned the shovel to the shed and carried our implements back into the house.

It was a moving ceremony of thanks, gratefulness, and appreciation for the Earth and our ancestors.

Magical Work for August 30, 2010

Date: August 30, 2010
Time: 8-9 p.m.
Sun Phase: Setting
Moon Phase: Last Quarter, 57% Full
Activities: Qabalistic Cross, Fourfold Elemental Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram (FELIRP), Adoration of the Lord of the Universe, Instruction in the Rite of Elemental Equilibration, Practice by Quarter,  Rite of Elemental Equilibration, Qabalistic Cross, Mindfulness Walk, ESP Card Practice, Hebrew letter Study

J. and I began by setting up the Temple in accordance with the Golden Dawn traditions with the parts of the Mystic Repast of the Four Elements upon the altar in their appropriate directions (rose in East, red candle in South, cup of wine in West, bread and salt in North). I also added in some of my other symbols of the Earth element alongside the bread: a pinecone, a green stone, a quartz crystal, a branch of pine.  We put on our sashes and took up our banishing/invoking wands.

I began by explaining to J. the nature of the elemental attributions to the pentagram within the G.’.D.’. tradition and we discussed these together along with some points about the larger G.’.D.’. system.  We planned out how we would perform the FELIRP as a group since J. had not yet learned the full details of the basic LIRP formula.  We decided that we would perform the QC in synchronization, vibrating at the same time and performing the same ritual gestures.  Then I would guide the performance of the FELRIP and he would focus on the visualizations and on projecting his energy with the Sign of the Enterer as we charged the Invoking Pentagrams in each of the directions.  He would strengthen the visualizations with his energy during the calling of the Archangels and we would once again perform the QC in tandem to close the ritual.

The experience of this ritual was quite strong.  I felt the flow of the energies rushing into the temple with the different qualities of the elements.  J. later told me that at one point during the ritual he felt that the room was positively humming with energy.  My own experience supported this feeling.

After this, we performed the ALU side by side towards the East, which added to the sense of reverence and connection with the Divine LVX established by the QC and FELIRP.

Since we had invoked the elemental energies of Air Water, Fire, and Earth, it was necessary to equilibrate these.  J. did not yet know the Rite of Elemental Equilibration, so I explained it and practiced it with him step by step until he felt ready to practice the whole Rite.  We then did so in tandem, following the pattern of the synchronized Qabalistic Cross.  The result was a profound feeling of balance, peace, and energy.   We closed with a final QC to finalize the equilibration.  We then partook of the Mystic Repast and closed the temple with great respect for the powers and energies of the elements that had been present for the ceremony.

Following this, we took a walk outside and practiced being mindful of our feelings in relation to the Elements in our surroundings.  Both he and I independently reported feeling a connection to Earth and Air that was especially strong on that windy night.  J. later told me that was the most meaningful walk he had been on in years.

Returning to the Temple, we practiced the ESP exercise with the Duke University ESP cards.  We did quite poorly; I only correctly guessed 2 out of 25, while Jordan scored 3.  I did note an interesting phenomenon however; though Jordan incorrectly guessed the card in my hand, in 10 of these cases his guess corresponded not to the card I was holding, but to the following card to be guessed.

We ended off the night by studying some of the basic Hebrew letters and practicing drawing them correctly and bid farewell.  Overall, it was a deeply fulfilling night and gave us the first sense of an “egregoric” energy forming between us.  The experience of vibrating the words of the QC was particularly strong for me; the resonance and harmony of our voices and the synchronous invocation of energy seemed to double the strength of our individual efforts.