Harnessing the “Burning Ring of Fire:” Fiery Wall of Protection Oil in Rootwork and Solomonic Conjuration

By Frater S.C.F.V.

A. Introduction: The Wall of Flame that Burns Transgressors

Fiery Wall of Protection Oil is a well-known and time-tested condition oil in the Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork traditions. While standard Hoodoo Protection Oil will ward off evil and guard the people and places anointed with it, Fiery Wall of Protection goes a step forward to ensure that if anyone crosses its protective boundary, they get burned. To illustrate this point with an analogy, if the general-use Protection Oil is a fence blocking a property, Fiery Wall of Protection is an electric fence.

Like many Conjure methods, the Fiery Wall formula finds the roots of its rationale in the Bible. Zechariah 2:4-5 states: “Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” Similarly, the Fiery Wall of Protection formula surrounds us with Divine, Angelic, and Herbal protection with power and heat behind it.

Variations on the Fiery Wall formula–of which there are many, as we’ll see shortly–have long been used by Rootworkers for a wide variety of reasons. These have ranged from combating curses, jinxes, and crossed conditions being thrown in our direction to keeping abusive men away from their children, to keeping potential mistresses away from husbands, protecting children from sexual predators, keeping away the law, protecting soldiers doing tours in active warzones and many more.

Fiery Wall of Protection is perhaps best-known as being linked to the famous candle working that uses it, but it can be used in much subtler ways when the herbal formula is applied in Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, Sachet Powders, Floor Washes, Incenses, and so on. As cat yronwode (2000) notes, you can “Use the Oil to dress yourself or any wooden furniture or metal surfaces such as door knobs. The sachet powder is deployed by sprinkling it in carpets or laying down piles in the corners of the room. The incense powders can be burned at any time to set a shield in place in a given area. The mineral crystals can be applied to an area in the form of a floor wash or sprinkled into the rinse water of your laundry, to dress the clothes you wear when dealing with people from whom you desire protection.”

About the famous Fiery Wall Candle Working, Miss Cat (2000) adds that “basically, this spell is an enactment of the results one desires, with candles standing in for the participants, somewhat after the nature of doll-babies. Often the major reason to perform this spell is to remove a bad person from a social situation such as the family or a work site. Depending on how wicked the “Perpetrator” is, this removal can be performed with differing degrees of severity, from very mild to very extreme. The form in which I learned this spell is Catholic Christian hoodoo and it calls for the total and unconditional removal of the unwanted person from life. However, it can be adapted for use in other religious — or completely non-religious — contexts, and with a lessened degree of severity, if circumstances warrant mercy. Variations such as these arise because different folks have different reasons to work such a spell and because the conditions they are working under may differ.”

The Fiery Wall formula is potent and useful, but like all tools in the Rootwork arsenal, it also has its limits. As Michelle Gruben (2017) aptly states, that “a Fiery Wall of Protection (…) does not punish your enemy for past sins, and it does not prevent them from transferring their negative attentions to someone else.” Thus, it will not necessarily be helpful to undo malefica that has already been thrown at us, whether that be jinxes, crossed conditions, or substantial mental, spiritual, or physical curses. For that, we need to look to other methods (e.g. using Uncrossing condition Oils, doing Despojos, using spiritual baths, using suffumigations of Uncrossing-related herbs and incenses, etc.). However, once that work is completed, a Fiery Wall is a wise way to seal a protective barrier around the space that has been cleansed and made spiritually “clean.”

B. Different “Woods” to Build the Fire: Herbal, Root, and Curio Variations on the Fiery Wall of Protection Formula

If you ask 10 different Rootworkers about the Fiery Wall of Protection Formula they use, you’re likely to get 10 different answers. This is because it is a folk formula that has been used for years with regional variations in different parts of the United States, depending on the availability of different ingredients, substitutions employed, and variances in “style” from say New Orleans to Louisiana.

To better understand the “root essentials” of Fiery Wall of Protection, let’s analyze some variants of the formula and then try to tease out the key components that need to be included to make the Fiery Wall formula what it is so that it can do what it needs to do.

1. First, cat yronwode (2000) notes that the Lucky Mojo formula uses “Rue, Sandalwood, Black Snake Root, and other herbs and essences.”

In Miss Cat’s formula, Rue is there for protection, warding the Evil Eye, and helping with diffusing curses and jinxes thrown our way. Sandalwood has many uses, but here, adds protection. Black Snake Root yields both protection and boldness. Like a suggestive dress, the phrase “other herbs and essences” leaves a lot to the imagination. However, we can tease out some of those possibilities by consulting other sources.

2. Second, Papa Gee Papa Gee at Aroma G’s Botanica in Nashville Tennessee, in his Fiery Wall of Protection formula, includes “Dragon’s blood resin, bay leaf, ginger root, angelica root, marjoram, red pepper, chili, Peppermint.”

This formula adds some interesting new elements we don’t see in Miss Cat’s admittedly abridged and incomplete list. Dragon’s Blood adds, not only a fiery red colour, but also protection, good luck in the operation and help in invocations (e.g. of Archangel Michael who is often called upon in Catholic versions of the Firey Wall spell). Bay Leaf helps ensure our victory against our enemies. Ginger adds not only protection, but heat — essential for Firey protection. Angelica root is a very smart choice to include if we will be calling on Angels for protection in the Candle rite; it not only protects, but helps heal if we have been burned already, and facilitates angelic work. Marjoram helps drive off those who would wrong us and also protect our business or home from jinxes. Red Pepper and Chili both add heat–more fire to the Wall–as well as warding power. Mint is a smart choice to include, because it not only adds protection, but also builds mental fortitude and helps shatter jinxes and curses thrown its way.

3. Third, Hurricane Badessa (2022) from The Conjured Saint in Rhode Island also includes Rue and Chili among the herbs used in his Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, again for protection and heat as we’ve seen.

4. Fourth, the Art of the Root‘s Fiery Wall of Protection formula includes “cinnamon, rue, salt, black pepper, dragon’s blood, and many other protection-related herbs and oils.” Some of these are familiar from what we’ve seen so far, such as Rue and Dragon’s Blood. Cinnamon here helps “fire up” the Fiery Wall and provide purification and protection. Salt provides protection and wards curses, jinxes, and Mal Ochio; it is also a “power booster” in workings, just as salt “boosts flavours” in food. Black Pepper also adds fire as well as warding evil and offering protection.

My intense Fiery Wall of Protection Oil. Formula to follow below.

5. Fifth, Hoodoo and Rootworker Mama Sarah at Conjured Cardea uses an interesting formula with some surprising twists for Fiery Wall of Protection. Her method includes “dragon’s blood resin, calamus root, allspice, cat’s claw, juniper, sea salt, iron filings, basil, orange zest, rosemary, witch grass with frankincense, amber, and cinnamon oils.” Dragon’s Blood, Salt, and Cinnamon, we’ve seen so far, but almost everything else in her formula is intriguingly different. Calamus here helps with dominating and controlling our enemies; other formulas sometimes use Master of the Woods (Woodruff) or Master Root for the same purpose. Cat’s Claw cleanses and rebalances the space it is used in (e.g. interior of the Fiery Wall Circle in this case). Juniper is likely included to add strength and energy. Iron Filings add strength and protection; in grimoire magic, they are linked to Mars. Basil protects the home and drives away the Evil Eye. Orange Peel attracts luck and success, similar to Bay Leaf. Rosemary protects against evil and cleanses. Frankincense is included for scent, blessed power, and protection. Amber is a creative and unique choice not seen in any other formula I studied, which was likely included for protection as it “protects” whatever is encased within it. Witch Grass is typically used for binding, love-magic and cursing, but can be used to try to control enemies as well, which is likely the rationale here.

6. Sixth, Dr. E (2022) at Conjure Doctor uses a variety of herbs in his Fiery Wall of Protection formula, some of which include “ginger, rue, and angelica.” These recur in formulas we’ve already seen for the reasons already outlined

7. Seventh, Ocean Delano (2011) at Turning the Magic Around synthesized several Hoodoo sources to craft the following formula for a Fiery Wall of Protection Oil that includes “Ginger • Dragon’s Blood • Rue • Cinnamon • Sandalwood • Devil’s Shoestrings • Black Pepper • Red Pepper • Angelica.” All of these inclusions are common staples of the formula and are included for reasons we’ve already seen.

In addition, Delano’s (2011) fascinating article on the subject of Fiery Wall of Protection interestingly adds a formula for a Fiery Wall of Protection Sachet Powder:

• 1-2 tbsp Powder Base (talcum, flour, cornstarch, or cornmeal)

• 1 tbsp salt, powdered

• 1 tbsp dragon’s blood resin, powdered

• 1 tbsp frankincense resin, powdered

• 1 tbsp myrrh resin, powdered.”

My Fiery Wall of Protection Sachet Powder. Formula to follow below.

8. Eighth, another Rootworker, who wished to remain Anonymous, shared the following insights into the magical rationale behind the Fiery Wall of Protection Formula in 2011, stating that “traditional Fiery Wall of Protection smells rather spicy because of the addition of Ginger root/oil, and slightly woody scent because of the addition of Sandalwood, and since the “wall” is usually said to be created by St. Michael’s fiery sword, Angelica root is added into the blend. Other staple ingredients are Rue for reversing back evil to the sender, Devil’s Shoestring to trip the enemies from doing harm on you, and Black Pepper or Grains of Paradise, for protection and banishing. There are more ingredients depending from one Rootworker to another, such as Red Pepper, but with these, you can’t go wrong.”

9. Ninth, the ever-insightful Sam Block (2012) at the Digital Ambler, when analyzing the structure of the Fiery Wall formula, provides an interesting Planetary perspective to illuminate the ingredients in a style typical of grimoire magic. To quote Sam, Fiery Wall of Protection Oil “combines the essences of Fire, Mars, and the Sun to create a barrier of protection that both drives off evil and keeps harm out, a two-pronged approach that helps keep the things anointed with it safe and free from all harm.  It’s also good at driving out evil entities from a place already anointed with it, burning them out, as it were, from their current place and keeping them from coming back.  Although the oil has traditionally been categorized as more Solar than Martian, I incorporated the strength of Mars to lend the recipe and consecration a bit more oomph.”

He goes on to say that he “based my recipe off of the one Ocean Delano used, with a few extra things to pump up the power.  The idea was to combine fiery, hot, and protective Martian and Solar materia: Martian to give the oil the fire to kick anything wicked approaching it in the balls, Solar to lend the oil a defensive character to let nothing harmful pass through.  Since both Mars and the Sun are ruled by fire, anything hot, peppery, spicy, or stinging would do.  I found more than half of the stuff I needed in my spice cabinet, and the others can be found at swanky gourmet supply stores or new age/occult suppliers.”

Sam’s Fiery Wall of Protection formula includes the following:

• “1 tbsp pink rock salt (trace amounts of iron oxide)

• 1 tbsp true cinnamon

• 1 tbsp dragon’s blood resin

• 1 tbsp frankincense resin

• 1 tbsp myrrh resin (related to Saturn, but the myrrh plant is spiky and thorny, good Martian qualities)

• A dash of chili powder

• A dash of powdered Saigon cinnamon (hotter than true cinnamon, but cassia will suffice)

• A dash of crushed red pepper

• A dash of powdered ginger root

• A dash of finely ground black pepper

• A dash of red sandalwood (normally ruled by Venus, but used to “build” a wall of protection; its redness helps, and is used in hexing in some traditions)

• 1 cup castor oil

• 1/2 cup olive oil”

One thing I love about Sam’s work is that he is a master of meticulous details, a trait I wonder if he derives from his meticulous work as a computer programmer. We see this in his decision to include Pink Rock Salt in particular for the Salt component because it contains “trace amounts of iron oxide,” with iron being linked to Mars. He goes beyond most recipes to include not just Dragon’s Blood or Frankincense, but both, with the addition of Myrrh for its Saturnian connections linked to boundary-setting in the Fiery Wall as well as its spiky, thorny qualities, which fit the Fiery Wall’s intention to “bite back” at those who try to cross it. In another great example of Digital Ambler meticulousness, he includes not one, but two kinds of cinnamon, the second being Saigon Cinnamon. The other ingredients we’ve seen before. A combination of castor and olive oil are included to provide a pure and stable based to hold all of the above along. It’s a thorough and solid formula overall.

10. Tenth, in her excellent Conjure Cookbook: Making Magic With Oils, Incense, Powders and Baths, Miss Talia Fenix (2010) provide the following formula for Fiery Wall of Protection Oil on pages 48 to 49, which includes “Ginger, White Mustard Seed, Grains of Paradise, and Sandalwood.” This formula is sleek, clean and tight. Grains of Paradise are included for protection, especially of the home, and the interesting addition of White Mustard Seed both helps (1) disrupt the activities of meddling or injurious enemies and (2) offer protection.

11. Eleventh, my wise Rootwork teacher Aaron Davis kindly shared his own Fiery Wall of Protection formula with me, which includes “devil shoe string, bay, pinch sulfur, 5-finger grass, angelica, woodruff, calamus, pinch dragon blood, camphor resin/oil, petition paper ash, write petition on Isaiah 41.” Many of the fascinating staples of the formula are included from Devil’s Shoe String to Bay, Angelica, and Dragon’s Blood. However, Aaron interestingly also tosses in Sulfur; I wonder if he drew this from grimoire work, where Sulfur can be used to ward off demons after they have been conjured! In any case, it is a powerful, although stinky, warding curio. Five-Finger Herb is here for “success in all things that five fingers can do,” which is smart, given all of the hand-based work we do in the Fiery Wall of Protection candle working. Camphor is included for both its powerful cleansing ability and its protection. This idea offers another complement or substitute to the Frankincense, Dragon’s Blood, and Myrrh resins we’ve seen so far. Finally, Aaron is a master of creative uses of ash in his work and his use of it here is no difference; he has us write a petition on Isaiah 41, burn it to ash, and include that. This is a brilliant addition of biblical material for those dauntlessly unoffended by uses of this type.

If we look at all of the formulas above, we find that they have some commonalities: they must include (1) protective herbs or curios (e.g. Angelica, Rue, Sandalwood, Dragon’s Blood, Ginger, Devil’s Shoe Lace, etc.) (2) they often include herbs designed to disrupt crossings or jinxes as they come our way (e.g. Rue, Mint, Mustard, Devil’s Shoe Lace, etc.), (3) they must include hot or fiery Herbs (e.g. Black Pepper, Chili, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Ginger, (4) they often include Salt as a “power booster,” cleanser, and protector, often alongside Pepper, (5) they almost all include at least one Incense (e.g. Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Camphor), and (6) they sometimes include herbs designed to produce control or mastery (e.g. Woodruff, Master Root, etc.).

C. A Fiery Wall of Protection Incense and Sachet Powder Crafted on the Day of Mars

On this Day of Mars, 2022-08-24, I strove to integrate what I learned from analyzing the traditional and contemporary formulas given above in addition to what I had available in my current curio collection to arrive at the following formula:

I. Frater S.C.FV.’s 13-Ingredient Fiery Wall of Protection Formula:

• Ginger (Protection and Heat)

• Chili (Heat, Aggression to Boundary-Crossers, Protection)

• Cinnamon (Protection, Heat, Purification)

• Angelica (Protection, Angelic Power, Healing for the Protected)

• Rue (Protection, Warding the Evil Eye, and helping with diffusing curses and jinxes)

• Black Pepper (Heat, Protection from Evil, Warding Jinxes)

• Himalayan Pink Salt (Cleansing, “Power Boosting,” Mal Ochio and Malefica-Warding Power, and because of its “traces of iron” linked to Mars, inspired by Sam Block)

• John the Conqueror Root (Victory, Control, Luck, Commanding Power)

• Dragon’s Blood (Protection, Luck, Invocation Enhancement),

• Frankincense (Blessed Power, Protection)

• Sandalwood (Protection from Evil)

• Bay Leaf (Victory)

• Mustard Seed (Disrupting Enemies’ Work Against Us, Protection)

Steps for an Oil or Sachet Powder:

• Finely grind all dry ingredients. I tossed them all, in batches, into a coffee grinder and grinded them as finely as possible. We especially want to do this with the larger and coarser ingredients (e.g. Frankincense resin, Dragon’s Blood, Sandalwood, Rue, etc.).
While adding each ingredient, I spoke to its Spirit and asked it for what I wanted it to add to the oil or Sachet Powder (e.g. “Spirit of Ginger, bless this Oil and Powder with your fiery heat and fierce protection”). If you wish to use a similar approach, I included the role of each ingredient that we are asking it to serve in parentheses above.
• Mix all dry ingredients after grinding. You can then divide this herb mix up depending on the applications you want to do (e.g. I put some in an olive oil base and mixed some into a sachet powder base, and kept some additional amount for future uses).
• If making a Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, add the herbal mix to olive oil in a mason jar or bottle with a lid and and mix thoroughly. If you have castor oil, you can follow Sam Block’s lead above and use a mixture of the two. I only used olive oil because that is all I had on-hand. You only need enough herbal mixture total for about 1/10th of the jar, so a little bit goes a long way. For a stronger oil, add more; it’s up to you and your needs. This formula is potent.
• If making a Fiery Wall of Protection Sachet Powder, add a small amount of the herb mixture to a mixture of 2/3rds cornstarch to 1/3rd baking soda (if using Miss Talia Fenix’s method). That’s what I did. Others like to use talcum powder. The choice is yours. Experiment to find the ratio that is best for you.
• In either case, shake the bottle or mason jar thoroughly.
• Allow to rest for at least 7 days (e.g. on an Angelic Altar (e.g. St. Michael) or Ancestor Altar, if you use one). At least once per day, continue to shake the bottle thoroughly as the curios and materia will tend to settle in a layer on the bottom.

Quick Divination Tip to Check on the Spiritual “Readiness” of an Oil: If you aren’t sure if your Oil has rested long enough for your Spirits to set it up for you, try doing a Pendulum reading with a yes-no question (e.g. “Should I leave this Oil to rest for another day before I use it?” If you get a Yes, leave it. If No, you can remove it and put it to use).

D. A Psalmic Arsenal for Protection: Options for Psalm Empowerment of Fiery Wall of Protection Oil

In a traditional Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork context, all we would need to do to “empower” an oil like this spiritually is to simply pray over and recite Psalms over it. Which Psalms should we use? Many options exist.

Psalm 23 is a standard “Swiss Army knife Psalm” that can be used nearly for anything. We can also add on additional Psalms depending on our circumstances.

To provide some examples, here are some ideas of Psalms to use for different contexts of use of the Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, Sachet, Incense, etc.:

• Use Psalm 12, Psalm 74. Psalm 93, Psalm 109 if you are facing severe persecution or oppression,
• Use Psalm 11 to add righteous retribution against enemies, appropriate for Fiery Wall,
• Use Psalm 14, Psalm 36, Psalm 43, or Psalm 31 if you want to use the Fiery Wall to keep our slander and gossip against you,
• Use Psalm 29 if you feel a need to drive out evil and restore peace and tranquility to your home,
• Use Psalm 30, Psalm 105, or Psalm 106 for protection from enemies, good in most Fiery Wall applications, especially if they have thrown curses at you affecting your health (i.e. what Brujeria calls “physical witchcraft”),
• Use Psalm 33 fi you are using Fiery Wall of Protection to protect all members of your family,
• Use Psalm 34, Psalm 70, if you know people are actively throwing malefica at you to destroy and cast back evil as soon as it hits your Fiery Wall of Protection,
• Use Psalm 40, Psalm 101, or Psalm 145 if your magical opponent is conjuring malevolent daimons or Muertos Oscuros (Dark, low-level dead spirits) and sending them to torment you,
• Use Psalm 44 or Psalm 116 if you fear that someone is going to physically try to come and hurt you or your loved ones,
• Use Psalm 47 if you are trying to gain mastery over your enemy,
• Use Psalm 48 if you want your enemies to be hit with terror after they throw at you as part of the “Fire” added to the Fiery Wall,
• Use Psalm 53 to protect against unknown enemies who are working behind your back to try to hurt or ruin you,
• Use Psalm 54, Psalm 55, Psalm 94 to reverse malefica back at its sender amplified by Divine retribution for evil,
• Use Psalm 76 to invoke Divine protection and retribution against enemies who have unjustly wronged you,
• Use Psalm 79 for the most aggressive form of “fire” to be added to the Fiery Wall, in cases of life and death,
• Use Psalm 88 if you want a combination of reversing evil and healing the effects it had on you, your loved ones, or client,
• Use Psalm 91 or Psalm 141 for protection against someone who is abusing you psychologically or emotionally,
• Use Psalm 112 to amplify your power and strength against your enemies,
• Use Psalm 125 if you will be traveling and anointing yourself with Fiery Wall of Protection to protect you while abroad (carry a Comfrey root and St. Christopher medal in a Mojo bag too to help with protection while traveling)
• Use Psalm 130 if you are a soldier or someone living in a war-torn area and need protection while passing by sentries in a warzone.

You can also use combinations of Psalms from different categories to tailor your Fiery Wall of Protection to exactly what you’re up against. This is sufficient to “charge” the Fiery Wall product you are making with its intended purpose from a Rootwork perspective.

E. Mixed-Method Empowerment: A Blended Solomonic and Conjure Approach to Empowering a Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, Herbal Blend, and Sachet Powder

In my case, as I am also a grimoire magician with ongoing relationships with multiple Spirits, I opted to use a mixed approach, combining Solomonic magic with Rootwork approaches.

This worker was completed on Tuesday, August 24, 2022 in the Day and Hour of Mars, to heighten the “fiery” component in the context of attuning this Oil for use in protection from magical attacks being thrown at me. In this case, the fact that I was being thrown at was confirmed by 3 methods of divination by myself as well as by 2 objective third-party readers, since I favour objective replication in such matters.

As timing was of the essence, I was not able to wait for a waxing Moon as would be more traditional in grimoire work. As I know some of my grimoire friends will be triggered by the fact that I did this working on a waning Moon day, I would humbly suggest that 5 important points are worth noting.

First, in Rootwork, urgency overrides perfection; that is, when we need something now, there ways of working around imperfect circumstances. In this case, I simply factored the waning Moon into the formula by design, such that it is the Mal Ochio and Malefica thrown at me by the enemy that wanes when it contacts the Fiery Wall.

Second, this work was done in the context of a larger multi-day working involving a whole series of cleansing baths, reversal works, despojos, suffumigations, uncrossings, etc for which there is precedent in traditional witchcraft to do during waning Moon phases when we need to get rid of something.

Third, it’s worth noting that Moon phases were not historically factored into Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork until later on when grimoire materials (e.g. 6th and 7th Books of Moses, etc.) came into the picture and influenced the way some workers operated; indeed, the American slaves and marginalized and oppressed peoples who created these systems based them on flexibility and urgent needs. If they needed something now, they found a way to make it worse.

The same goes for Planetary Days and Hours; these were completely disregarded in Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork for much of its history with zero impact on results. Therefore, many Rootworkers use them when convenient and disregard or work around them when not while others never mind them at all and still get results.

Fourth, the context of our relationships with spirits can also yield more flexibility with regards to the magical timing of operations. When I first contacted the spirits in question, I respected all of the traditional protocols included timing. However, as Aaron Leitch, myself and others have often pointed out over the years, once we’ve built up a connection with a given spirit, we can be a little more flexible in terms of magical timing because our spirits know us and come when we need them. Moreover, when we are combining Solomonic and Rootwork, we also have more freedom than we do in a strict Solomonic approach, which I’ve also done and recorded elsewhere here at Light in Extension.

The final point that’s worth noting is that what I was doing in this particular working was not a full-blown evocation of 14 Spirits. Rather, it was a call for assistance in the context of long-standing relationships that did not require the extensive back-and-forth communication of the type I would engage in within a full evocation.

In any case, the Moon was in a fitting Lunar Mansion on this Day of the Moon, namely, Al-Tarf (the Glance of the Lion’s Eye). The 11th century Picatrix says Al-Tarf is good for causing infirmities to others who have afflicted us and Agrippa agrees in the 16th century. In that respect, it seems appropriate to a Fiery Wall of Protection. It’s also good for separation work ,which is appropriate to materials designed to create boundaries (i.e. the Fiery Wall).

For the Altar set-up, I used St. Michael the Archangel’s Altar since the associated Fiery Wall of Protection Spell associated with this Oil and Powder call on Michael.

However, I was pulled by my Spirits to include not only Michael, but the full 7 Heptameronic Archangels and Arbatel’s Olympic Spirits that are my long-term Spirit allies, with whom I have been working for years. The statues of the 7 Archangels were arranged in a Circle with an orange ribbon symbolizing the Fiery Wall of Protection to be formed by them tied around them all.

The Sigils of the Olympic Spirits were positioned partly under each of the associated Archangels (e.g. Bethor with Sachiel). In the center of this circle of Angels and Sigils, which was itself located in the center of my Solomonic Circle, I placed a golden Altar Cross. Around the Cross, I placed the 2 bottles of Fiery Wall of Protection Oil, the jar of Herbal Blend with the Incense censer over it, and the jar of Fiery Wall of Protection Sachet Powder I had made with the offered candle over it.

I opened the Temple with the Bell of Art in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, conjured the 7 Archangels and Olympic Spirits with a series of prayers and conjurations, and then offered the Triune God water, a candle offering, and Frankincense in their name, which I then encouraged them to partake of. I also called on my Ancestors to assist. I then asked the Spirits of the Angels, Olympics, Ancestors, and the Spirits of the Herbs themselves to empower the Oil, Powder, and Blend with all of the virtues mentioned above, working in harmonious, exponential, and synergistic manner. At one point during this working, I saw a bright white flash surge past the outside of the Circle on my right, seemingly from a spirit arriving.

I then thanked all of the Spirits for their assistance, closed the Temple, and left the candle and incense to burn out overnight. In the next morning, I confirmed that the candle and incense had burned out cleanly with no adverse drippings or other indications. These items will remain on Michael’s Altar for the next 7 days, then a final 2 days on my Ancestors’ Altar to complete the 9-day period linked to Ancestors.

When I finally do perform the Fiery Wall of Protection candle Operation, each Guardian Candle will feature the name of both one of the 7 Archangels and the associated Olympic Spirit. In this way, the same Spirits who empowered the oil will be called again to drive the candle work. And so, the Fiery Wall will come full-circle.

F. Conclusion: Stepping into a “Burning Ring of Fire”

The Fiery Wall of Protection is a staple of African-American Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork and will continue to remain so because of its versatility, effectiveness, and potency. May we always find ourselves at its Center, in the confines of its secure Heat, and woe betide those who, foolishly taking aim at us, would dare try to cross its Fiery Wall, for, paraphrasing Zechariah 2:4-5, “I, saith the Lord, will be unto you a wall of fire round about, and will be the Glory in the midst of you…”

References

Badessa, H. (2022). “The Fiery Wall of Protection.” The Conjured Saint. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://www.theconjuredsaint.com/product-page/fiery-wall-of-protection-oil-spiritual-protection-removes-negative-forces

Block, S. (2012). “Fiery Wall of Protection Oil.” The Digital Ambler. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://digitalambler.com/materia/fiery-wall-of-protection-oil/

Dr. E. (2022). “Fiery Wall of Protection Hoodoo.” Conjure Doctor. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://conjuredoctor.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=17

Fenix, T. (2010). Conjure Cookbook: Making Magic With Oils, Incense, Powders and Baths. Bolton, On: Amazon.

Gruben, M. (2017). “A Quick and Dirty Fiery Wall of Protection Spell.” Grove and Grotto. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/the-fiery-wall-of-protection

Mama Sarah. (2009). “Fiery Wall of Protection Ritual Oil.” Conjured Cardea. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://conjuredcardea.indiemade.com/product/fiery-wall-protection-ritual-oil-hoodoo-voodoo-witchcraft-highest-protection-removes-unwante

Delano, O. (2011). “Uncrossing Follow-Up: Fiery Wall of Protection.” Turning the Magic Around. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from (https://turningmagicaround.blogspot.com/2011/04/uncrossing-follow-up-fiery-wall-of.html?m=1)

Papa Gee. (2022). Wall of Fire: Hoodoo Wall of Protection Oil.” Aroma G’s Botanica. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://www.aromagregory.com/product/wall-of-fire-hoodoo-protection-oil-fiery-wall-of-protection/

The Art of the Root (2021). Fiery Wall of Protection. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://artoftheroot.com/products/fiery-wall-of-protection-oil-for-hoodoo-conjure-vodoo-pagan-ceremonies?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x2tfvGbk2uz6N40-fCqjMH5NBV4yqzCB3VzA0ETHQ3VdWU3uIr9Ul4aAszHEALw_wcB

yronwode, cat. (2000). Fiery Wall of Protection Magic. Lucky Mojo. Retrieved 2022-08-23 from https://www.luckymojo.com/fierywall.html

Solomonic Mercury Magic: Consecrating the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Pentacles of Mercury

By Frater S.C.F.V.

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Sun Phase: Dawn
Moon Phase: Waxing at 99.8% Full in Aquarius.
Mansion of the Moon: #25, Sa’d al-Ahkbiyah (the Lucky Star of the Hidden)
Planetary Day: Day of Mercury.
Planetary Hour: 2nd and 3rd Hours of Mercury.
Activities: Solomonic Ritual Bathing with Hyssop; Offerings to the Most High in the name of Saint Cyprian of Antioch, and to the Angels; Engraving the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Pentacles of Mercury; Solomonic Bell Sounding to the Spirits of the Quarters; Prayers of Intent; Inscribing the Vigil of Raphael with his Sigil from the Heptameron; Tracing out the 3rd Pentacle of Jupiter on the Tablet of Lights; Conjurations of Raphael, Kokaviel, Savaniah, Ghedoriah, and Chokhmahiel; Spirit Petitions and Consecrations of the Pentacles; Prayers and Temple Closing.

In the past two weeks, a number of factors coalesced to inspire me to plan to do some serious work with Mercury tonight. First, after nearly a year of work collaborating with fellow magicians in 3 different countries, we were able to purchase the skin of a non-poached lion killed by an African farmer for hunting in his field. We were able to divide the hide between 5 magicians in 4 countries on 3 different continents to each be able to fashion lion skin belts for grimoire work and thereby honour the spirit of the lion while also not supporting the poaching trade.

The challenge, however, lay in safely shipping the belt across multiple international borders. One of the aims of tonight’s work was to seek the aid of Mercurial spirits for helping to ensure that the belts arrive at the homes of their rightful owners.

Second, it seemed to me that while I was going to be opening the Temple and invoking Raphael, it would be a fitting occasion to also fashion the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mercury Pentacles from the Key of Solomon. I would be able to use these Pentacles to experiment with their capabilities and also support my work in communication and clear thinking to serve the people in my care in my professional practice.The Moon is currently in the 25th Lunar Mansion of Sa’d al-Akhbiyah, which, according to Christopher Warnock, is excellent for growth, protection, and studies and intellectual activities. As I interpret these aspects of this Mansion’s image, they are all rather auspicious for Mercury pentacle work of the kind I was anticipating. The Lucky Star of the Hidden resonates with the occult virtues of the 3rd Pentacle of Mercury in its power to reveal hidden knowledge and mysteries.

In the 2nd Hour of Mercury on the Day of Mercury, I printed my ritual script as well as paper versions of the Pentacles. These, I cut out, and reserved to be placed on the Altar in before the evening ritual work. Throughout the day, while serving my clients, I reflected on the nature of Mercury and read writings from Sam Block, Frater Acher, and Frater Ashen Chassan about the Olympic Spirit of Mercury, Ophiel, and Archangel Raphael to begin to attune myself to the Mercurial energy more deliberately.

I performed a Daniel fast to prepare myself inwardly for the spiritual work to come.As the 3rd Hour of Mercury approached, I set up the Temple for the ritual, placing Raphael’s mensa (spirit table) facing the current location of the planet Mercury in the night’s sky, as calculated by the astronomical Sky Walk 2 application.

On the Altar, I placed my Tablet of Lights with the 3rd Pentacle of Mercury drawn in chalk marker consecrated on the Day of Epiphany.

I used the same consecrated Epiphany chalk to write ELOHIM TZABAOT (אלהים צבאות) and draw the Heptameron’s Sigil of Raphael on the Vigil candle.

I also wrote out a petition asking for the empowerment and consecration of the Pentacles to be made and for help in communication, thinking, and the safe transportation of the lion skin belts to their intended recipients.

I wrote this petition on the back of the 3rd Pentacle of Mercury printed in the 2nd Hour of Mercury on the Day of Mercury with the Moon waxing.

I folded the petition up and placed it on the underside of the Vigil candle to be offered to Raphael.
With the Temple duly prepared, I purified myself with Solomonic hyssop bathing while praying for help and success. In this process, I did a total confession of sins in the style of the Key of Solomon Book I, Chapter IV, “The Confession To Be Made By the Exorcist.“ I then donned my scapular of Saint Cyprian, white Solomonic robe, priestly Stole, and placed my Cyprianic Rosary around my neck. When the Hour of Mercury began, I immediately began to draw the 2nd and 4th Pentacles of Mercury in ink consecrated in the Day and Hour of Mercury on the twin surfaces of a foldable mirror. I obtained the inspiration for this unorthodox Pentacle construction from reading Agrippa’s First Book of Occult Philosophy Chapter XXIX, in which he writes that:

“Things under Mercury are these; amongst Elements, Water, although it moves all things indistinctly; amongst humors, those especially which are mixed, as also the Animall spirit; amongst tasts [tastes] those that are various, strange, and mixed: amongst Metals, Quick-silver, Tin, the Slver Marcasite; amongst stones, the Emrald [emerald], Achates [agates], red Marble, Topaze, and those which are of divers colours, and various figures naturally, & those that are artificial, as glass…”

I placed Topaz on the Altar to add to the Mercurial occult virtues of the setup. However, the key words here are that even artificial glass and, by extension, plastic, would be Mercurial, and thus, useable for talismanic purposes. It seemed to me, therefore, that a foldable pocket mirror could be used to make Mercury Pentacles. The mirrors are silvery and reflective like quicksilver, sacred to Mercury, while made out of artificial glass, sacred to Mercury, and with plastic backing of “divers colours,” also sacred to Mercury by the extension of the logical esoteric principle laid out by Agrippa above.

After finishing drawing the Pentacles on the two mirror sections of the foldable mirror in consecrated Ink of Art, the 2nd Pentacle on the top and the 4th Pentacle on the bottom, I took my consecrated Solomonic burin and immediately engraved both Pentacles into the glass. The result was a foldable double-Pentacle that presented as innocuous and ordinary on the outside…

…while containing two Key of Solomon Pentacles engraved with a Solomonic burin and inked in consecrated Solomonic Ink of Art concealed in its interior:

Having finished engraving the Pentacles, I took them into the Temple, folded the double-mirror shut, and placed it atop the folded petition directly under the central Vigil candle for Archangel Raphael. I then picked up my Bell of Art and positioned myself outside the Circle of Art. I sounded the Solomonic Bell of Art three times before entering the Circle, as per the Hygromanteia, then sounded the Bell to each of the full Quarters, as per the Key of Solomon, saying “I greet and bless the Spirits of the (direction) with great love and respect in the Name of Adonai!” I continued greeting the Spirits of the Above and Below and all other directions. As I did this, I began to see sparks of light flickering around the Circle, suggesting the presence of Spirits.

I picked up my Solomonic Sword and commanded malevolent daimons in all directions to depart in the name of Yeshuah and traced over the Circle with the Blade as recommended by Dr. Stephen Skinner. I then formally opened the Temple in the name of YHVH. I then unwrapped my Solomonic Wand from its white covering and began preliminary prayers.

I lit four large candles in each of the Four Directions as offerings to the Most High. I dressed an additional orange Vigil candle for Raphael with Solomonic Holy Oil, Parsley, Cinnamon, and Cinnamon Essential Oil; these herbs and spices are associated with Mercury according to Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy for their variegated and multi-partite natures. I also added Savoury, which some magicians also regard as sacred to Mercury.

I used my Solomonic Wand to trace Holy Anointing Oil in the form of a cross on the unleavened bread offerings to be presented to the spirits in the way Raphael had taught me. I then sprinkled these with the Mercurial herbs and spices to link them to the spirits to be conjured through the sympathetic resonance of their occult Virtues.

I also prepared offerings of orange candles for the four Holy Angels to be conjured under the authority of Raphael, namely, Kokaviel, Savaniah, Ghedoriah, and Chokhmahiel. These were placed around the central Vigil on the Epiphany chalk-drawing of the 3rd Pentacle of Mercury, which facilitates communication with the Mercurial Angels.

Formally presenting the offerings to my Patron St. Cyprian of Antioch, I asked for his help in conjuring the Good Spirits and received a vision of his face in my mind speaking “it shall be done.”

I then proceeded to Solomonically exorcise and consecrate all of the tools to be used (e.g. fire, incense–along with a batch of all new Frankincense I purchased recently–wax, etc) using the usual Key of Solomon formulae. I should note that the talismanic base–the foldable mirror–was exorcised, sprinkled with Holy Water with my Solomonic Aspergillum of Art, suffumigated with consecrated Frankincense, and anointed with Holy Oil traced in the form of the Cross prior to my engraving it.

I then proceeded with the conjuration of Raphael in the Nameof ELOHIM TZABAOT (אלהים צבאות), giving several knocks on his table, offering prayers to God, and formally invoking him. I felt a glowing, warm, radiant presence begin to fill the room, the familiar sense of Raphael.

I asked Raphael to confirm his presence through a physical manifestation, first by increasing the flare of his Vigil candle flame, which he did, then by moving the filament of incense smoke distinctly to the left, which he did as well.

I then asked the Spirit to swear by the blood of Christ that he was indeed the holy Angel Raphael, which he did. I invited him to partake of the bread, candlefire, incense, and water on the table offered to God on his behalf. A notable streak of light moved along the outside of the Circle after this.

I asked the Angel if he would please bless me by helping me to consecrate the Mercury Pentacles on the Altar and enliven the Olympic Spirit Seals and Angelic Sigils on the Altar that they might facilitate communication with the spirits.

“It shall be done if it is God’s Will…”

boomed a loving, warm voice in the interior of my consciousness,

“…but only if you use these tools for Good ends and if it is your time for their use. If you try to use them for evil, you will receive no help from me and surely reap what you sow. But whatever Good uses you put them towards to God’s Glory, I will strengthen and assist.”

I bowed, humbled myself, and expressed that I was grateful for this and would respect it as best I could. I did not know what he meant by “and if it is your time for their use” — I would find that out in the shocking and dramatic events that would folllow in the days to come — but I continued with the ritual in a spirit of faith.

I then asked for Raphael’s permission to proceed with conjuring four additional Mercurial Angels under his authority and the aegis of the Divine name ELOHIM TZABAOT (אלהים צבאות), and he nudged me to proceed.

I proceeded to conjure the four Angels in turn, briefly speaking with each in turn, asking it about its particular specialty, and inviting it to use its specialized skill towards the success of the Operation.

First, I conjured Kokaviel, lighting his candle as I did the conjuration.

I found myself nudged to vibrate his name in a resonant, harmonious, and very drawn-out tone, and felt myself attuning to a spirit newly arriving. When the spirit arrived, I observed a very peculiar effect. The candle flame offered to him visibly dimmed very low and then swelled in a golden swell of light before stabilizing. I interestingly observed precisely the same effect when each of the other three spirits arrived after him, which I found very interesting, as I had never seen that effect before, let alone four times in a row.

I greeted Kokaviel with great love and respect and invited him to partake of the offerings. I tested his identity by having him swear by Divine Names, a trial he passed, and verified his presence with physical confirmation by asking him to move the incense smoke noticeably to the right.I invited Kokaviel to present a vision to me to give me a sense of his nature. I saw a vision of a blue-robed elderly man with white hair and a white beard. When I asked the spirit about his nature, he said:

“Mine is the power of the penetrating intellect, the mind that pierces through barriers and limitations to reveal secrets and knowledge, the power to bypass boundaries and reveal hidden depths. The penetrating power of Mercury is my domain.”

I asked if he would use his penetrating Mercurial power to help penetrate and enliven the Pentacles and help ensure that the lion skin belt would penetrate all obstacles to arrive to me.

“It shall be so,” answered the spirit.

Second, I conjured the great spirit Savaniah, who appeared entirely different from Kokaviel. After observing the same dimming and flaring candle effect as with Kokaviel, the spirit appeared as a flashing, flickering being resembling a golden light with rapidly-moving wings that reminded me, somewhat humorously, of the Snitch from Harry Potter. I greeted him with great love and respect and invited him to partake of the offerings. The incense smoke began to billow and move left and right fascinatingly when I asked for physical confirmation of his presence. He confirmed his identity by swearing by Divine Names.

When I asked what his office was, Savaniah answered, in a voice that spoke rapidly and in a scintillating tone:

“Mine is the power of conveyance, of transmission from origin to destination, of the current of movement, of the transfer of information in communication and matter in travel. All that darts from here to there, all that travels, all that is transmitted partakes of my power under the authority of Raphael.”

Savaniah seemed to be in constant movement, flittering back and forth, to and fro like a darting insect. How different he was from the wisely stationary Kokaviel with the warmly penetrating presence…I asked Savaniah to please convey the current of Mercurial power into the Pentacles and also to help endue them with the power to facilitate the conveyance of information in communication and the conveyance of the lion skin belts to our homes.

“So shall it be”

was the response.

Third, I conjured the great Ghedoriah and observed the same dimming and flaring candle effect. Ghedoriah appeared to me as being of golden light, but wearing a long red cape. As with the other spirits, I greeted him with great love and respect, invited him to partake of the offerings, sought physical confirmation of his presence, tested his identity, and asked him for his office. Ghedoriah’s voice was deep, ethereal, and almost reverent sounding.

Ghedoriah spoke, saying:

“Mine is the Mercurial power to manifest change, transformation, the bringing into being through shifting the patterns of consciousness, mind, and matter.”

I asked him if he would please imbue the Pentacles with the power to cause changes and transformations, in harmony with the purpose of the 2nd Pentacle of Mercury, which causes changes in events sometimes contrary to Nature, and the purpose of the 4th Pentacle of Mercury, which causes transformations of knowledge and understanding through revelation of hidden knowledge. I also asked if he could transform circumstances to help ensure the safe transmission of the lion skin belts to their destinations.

“The changes will come”

was the answer.

Finally, I conjured the great spirit Chokhmahiel. After the same dimming down low and then flaring up of the flame on the candle offered to him, I astrally perceived a charming, intellectually pleased-sounding laugh. Then a warm voice came as the spirit introduced himself. As with the other spirits, I greeted him with great love and respect, invited him to partake of the offerings, sought physical confirmation of his presence, tested his identity, and asked him for his office.

Chokhmahiel said:

“Mine is the Mercurial manifestation of Divine wisdom. Mine is the power to coordinate disparate elements into harmonious changes in harmony with the Good, for such is the role of wisdom, to bring the right elements together to produce better ends.

Mine is not mere understanding, the grasping of a concept, or mere knowledge, the registering of information, but the power to draw on both and direct them to manifest improvements to situations. When reasoning blossoms in wisdom of mind and action, my power is manifest.”

I asked him if he could please use his wisdom to empower the Pentacles to provide wisdom in thinking, communication, and the wise conveyance of the lion skin belts. Chokhmahiel seemed to speak through a smile,

“Of course, if it is wise.”

I thanked Raphael and all of the spirits for their assistance. I then prayed closing prayers of thanksgiving, worship, and gratitude to God for all of His help and requesting His aid, wisdom, power, and support in guiding me to use these Pentacles in ways in harmony with His Will. I exorcised and consecrated the golden Altar Cross on the Altar, which had not yet been consecrated. I then snuffed out the Quarter candles, leaving the offering candles to Raphael and the four spirits burning on the Altar.I invited the spirits to remain as long as they wished to partake of the offerings, and then gave the License to Depart in the Name of ELOHIM TZABAOT (אלהים צבאות), bidding them to return to their planes but to come swiftly when called, with love and respect. Tetelestai – it was finished.

Results:

• August 16, 2019 – While the main double mirror-engraved Pentacle continues to rest beneath the Vigil of Raphael, I carried one of the consecrated paper 4th Pentacles of Mercury I made with me to work today. Communication was a breeze all day. I was stunned when a client who usually refuses to meet with me and speaks in gibberish when he does speak witb me not only accepted to meet with me today, but spoke lucidly when we did meet! Since this was the first time this had occurred in months of working with this client, nothing else having changed, I can only attribute it to the effects of the Pentacle and the work of the Spirits who empowered it. Hail to thee, mighty spirits!
• Sunday, August 18, 2019 – The candles offerered to Kokaviel, Savaniah, Ghedoriah, and Chokhmahiel have all burned cleanly down to the base of the Tablet. Raphael’s Vigil continues to burn clean and clear. Today, while carrying the paper 4th Pentacle of Mercury at Church, I felt myself conversing easily with my fellow brothers and sisters. Much to my surprise, a woman in the worship band came down from the stage and walked all the way to my pew to speak with me during the meet and greet time where we shake hands and offer peace to one another. She told me “I know we’ve never spoken, but I felt drawn to speak with you for some reason…”
• We had a wonderful conversation for which I was very grateful. Meanwhile, the main engraved Pentacles continue to be worked upon by the Angels beneath the Vigil candle of Raphael still burning on the Altar…
• 
• Monday, August 19, 2019 – While I was carrying the paper 4th Pentacle of Mercury, I received a call from a low-income elderly friend with cancer who called me in desperation saying that she had received a Seizure of Property notice from the Montreal Municipal Court and had to pay nearly 2,500.00 $ in fines. She asked if I could help her and call the Courthouse on her behalf. I did so and explained that she had neither the finances nor the physical ability in her advanced age to do community service to repay her debts. I asked how she should proceed. I felt the Spirits of the Pentacle working on my communication as I learned about an organization I had never heard of that advocated for people in situations like these.
• The next day, on August 20th, I accompanied my friend to that organization, carrying the Pentacle. The worker there helped us to work out a repayment plan where my friend wous only have to pay the Court 5$ per month and she would be safe from repossession! She was so happy and relieved she had tears in her eyes. Glory be to God!
• 
• Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 – While carrying the paper 4th Pentacle of Mercury, I went to work and was alarmed to find out that we had a mandatory meeting in the afternoon at the same time I had previously booked a session with a client that took months to book because she repeatedly refused to meet and cancelled the previous session. I did not have high hopes that she would accept to reschedule the appointment later in the week. When I called her to ask if we could reschedule with the Pentacle on my person, I was shocked by her answer: “sure, no problem.” What?! Huh?! It was that easy. I was stunned. That same morning, as I studied and wrote about Matthew 6:21, I felt a flood of insights into the verse and felt the Holy Spirit was revealing things previously unknown and unseen to me in the verse and the Ancient Greek language in which it was written. I was filled with wonder and gratitude at it all as I remembered the Key of Solomon‘s description of the Pentacle as bestowing the power to help the magician “to acquire the understanding and knowledge of all things created, and to seek out and penetrate into hidden things…” Thus far, I had learned that it had the power by the grace of God to reveal not only spiritual knowledge, but also practical knowledge, such as the knowledge of legal recourses and previously unknown organizations I used to help my vulnerable friend in need…
• 
• Wednesday, August 21, 2019 – Catastrophe Strikes: Today, I had a very difficult meeting planned, so I decided to borrow the engraved mirror 2nd and 4th Pentacles of Mercury to help me through the day. The began wonderfully, but soon took an unexpected turn when the double-Pentacle of Mercury spontaneously fell out of my pocket. The 4th Pentacle of Mercury remained impeccably preserved, but the 2nd smashed to pieces on the hard tiled floor on this Day of Mercury of all days… I was reminded that Mercury rules all transportation and I immediately felt the impact of the broken Pentacle. As soon as I stepped onto the metro carrying the broken Pentacle, the power immediately went out on the entire train. I mean within moments of me embarking. I was shocked. But that wasn’t all. When the emergency lights came on, they were followed by an announcement to say that there was smoke throughout the tunnel of a complete metro line. It was down and had to be evacuated. What’s more, 3 other metro lines in the system were down. Dear God… I took this picture after the emergency lights came on in the train:
• 
• Later in the day, I reached out to the Holy Archangel Raphael and asked if he would kindly bestow some insight what had happened with the shattering of the 2nd Pentacle of Mercury. What followed was well-deserved severity. The Angel informed me that
• “You suffered the consequences of two great blunders, O Son of Adam. First, for your hunger and greed for power. Your work now is to center on the 4th Pentacle of Mercury and on knowledge, wisdom, understanding, revelation of Mysteries, and communication, gifts in which I can aid you through the 4th Pentacle. For that reason, I did not destroy the 4th and you find it unharmed. In your greed, however, you tried to claim the wonder-working of the 2nd Pentacle of Mercury as well. That is not for you now. Had you asked me, I would have guided you on this point — have I yet misled you in any matter? Rest assured, I will guide you when the time has come to work with the 2nd Pentacle. But that time is not now. Therefore, your 2nd Pentacle has been destroyed. Be encouraged — you will remake it when the time to learn its lessons has come.”
• “Your second blunder was to take the Pentacle from the Altar before my Candle burned to its base. You removed it prematurely and presumptuously without consulting the Wisdom of God first, preferring instead to rely on the foolishness of your own intellect. This was a break of our protocol and a violation of the working. Had you asked me, I would have instructed you in this — that you would not remove the Pentacle from the Altar until at least the morning of the Day of Jupiter a week after its consecration. But again, you chose to lean on your own understanding rather than on the ways of those who could instruct you in wisdom. Be cautioned against meddling with great Forces you do not understand — lest the Forces disrupt your world and bring you to a halt, like a stalted train.”
• 
• I understood what that last sentence meant all too welll. It was a clear reference to the incident with the train. apologized sincerely, regretting my own errors. The Angel responded with a a glowing feeling of loving warmth and consolation.
• “You are forgiven. Did I not say that this is a time of initiation into wisdom and learning for you? Next time, humble yourself and ask. I am happy to help. Did I not teach you in the ways of scrying and the consecration of the bread of Offering? Why should I fail you now? I delight in teaching you what you can use to bless others as God Wills.“
• 
• I thanked the Angel sincerely and asked what I should do about the broken Pentacle. The Angel explained:
• “Remove and deconsecrate the remaining shards from the case that houses them. Pray over them that the Most High removes all blessings and virtues bestowed on them and that they be restored to naught but shards of glass. Dispose then of them. If you do this, no more negative consequences will follow you. Repent of the spirits, learn, and do not repeat the blunders of today in the freshness of tomorrow. If you return the 4th Pentacle to the Altar until my Vigil has burned to its base, the protocol will be restored and we will complete the work.“
• I agreed to do all of these things. Before the Day of Mercury came to a close, all these things were accomplished as the Angel instructed. I placed the engraved Pentacle back on the Altar beneath the Vigil candle of Raphael as the Angel instructed.
• 
• Examining the water goblets (Fuentes) offered to St. Cyprian of Antioch and the Angels, I noticed a tremendous difference. Both goblets were offered at the same time from the same container of filtered water. The Angels’ Fuente was crystal clear. Saint Cyprian’s on the other hand, was absolutely filthy, a dark, murky white. I understood immediately that Saint Cyprian had shielded me from negative consequences I would have incurred from the Spirits angered by the involuntary smashing of their Pentacle. I thanked the great Saint for his help, threw the murky water out of my house, thoroughly cleansed his goblet with soap and water, and then offered fresh, clean water in thanks both to him and to the Spirits. The image below shows the striking contrast between the clear water offered to YHVH on behalf of Angels on the right and the murkiness in Saint Cyprian’s water on the left:
• 
• Friday, August 23, 2019 – With the protocols all rectified, the Vigil is burning smoothly this morning. These candles normally burn to their base within 7 days. We’re 9 days in now and it’s still going strong.
• Today, I received four bottles of Florida water. Prompted by the spirit, I added them to the Altar, asking the Lord to exorcise them and bless them to serve in the cleansing, exorcism, and purification of magical tools. Note that Florida water is highly flammable. The only reason I felt comfortable adding them to an Altar with a burning candle is that the Vigil candle is nearly out and well protected by its casing and ceramic base. Do not place Florida water near any unprotected open flames and beware placing it near glass-cased vigil candles that are at risk of shattering. It can be difficult to work in an exploded Temple…
• 
• Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25: The Pentacles continue to sit on the Altar and the Vigil continues to burn.
• 
• Monday, August 26th: This 6-day Vigil candle has been burning for an amazing 12 days. I had an intuitive nudge that Raphael and his Angels will finish their work on the Pentacles tonight. The candle will be out by morning.
• 
• Tuesday, August 27th: The Vigil candle is out. I approached the Altar this morning and asked Raphael if I coupd respectfully begin to carry the 4th Pentacle now. I received this reply from the Angel: “Yes, thank you for your patience. Take it freely. May it aid you in accomplishing all good works involving communication and discovery of hidden truth.” Thanking the spirits for their help, I picked up the Pentacle and reverently and gratefully slipped it into my pocket.
• 
• Tuesday, August 27, 2019 – Against all odds, I was informed by my fellow magician in the U.S. that the lion skin belts had been safely conveyed across international lines all the way from Namibia, Africa into the United States. Customs had not even opened the package, but allowed them through any way! Not only did they safely arrive, but they safely arrived one day early!
• September 4-11, 2019: The spirits continue to oversee the safe transmission of the belt aided by respect for permits and laws. On the Day of Mercury, September 4th, it arrived in Denver, Colorado. On the Day of Jupiter, overseen by my Patron Sachiel, it arrived in San Francisco, California. On the Day of the Sun, September 8th, overseen by my Patron Michael, who rules over Solar animals like Lion, the belt crossed the U.S. Border into Canada. Raphael and his four Angels continued to oversee its transmission until the belt arrived in my city in Montreal on the Day of Mercury, September 11th.
• September 12, 2019 – As promised by the Angels, on the Day of Jupite while I carried the 2nd Pentacle of Jupiter, my Patron Sachiel gave me the good fortune of ensuring the belt safely arrived in my home. Hail to you, Holy Angels and great Archangel Raphael! Thank you Lord and Source of all Good!
• September 15, 2019 – In the Day and Hour of the Sun, I opened the package and did a ritual to welcome the spirit of the lion into my spiritual Court. I calmed the spirit’s fear and distrust of humans, nurtured her with soothing and offerings, brought her under the protection of my Patrons. I obtained her consent to work together for our mutual benefit and permission to inscribe nomina magica on the inside of the belt for our mutual protection.
• 
• I’m so grateful to the One who made us both Who generously brought us together and to all of the spirits He allowed to assist us in this matter. I thanked them with additional offerings offered to God on their behalf for all of their help. Hail to you, Holy Raphael, Kokaviel, Savaniah, Ghedoriah, and Chokhmahiel! Hail to you dear Sachiel and Michael! Hail to you Holy Angels of the 2nd Pentacle of Jupiter and all praise and worship to the God who made us all, spirits and matter, lions and men! Thank you, thank you!
• 

Solomonic Invocation of Archangel Gabriel and Cauldron of Art Consecration

By Frater S.C.F.V.

Note: This article and all images contained herein are Offerings of thanks to the great Archangel Gabriel, not unto my glory, but unto the glory of the Most High. May all of the praise and honour be to Him and Him alone. All photos were taken after the Temple was closed. All communications from the Angel are shared here with permission for the extension of the Good for the benefit of all beings and the accomplishing of the Divine Will. May all beings be well, blessed, and free from suffering, amen!

Date: Monday, January 14, 2018
Sun Phase: Set
Moon Phase: Waxing, First Quarter (58% Illumination, as close as possible to the 50% suggested by the Heptameron) in 3 degrees Taurus
Mansion of the Moon: Thurayya
Planetary Day: Day of the Moon
Planetary Hour: Hour of the Moon
Activities: Solomonic Ritual Bathing with Hyssop; Crafting Gabriel’s Sigil; Dressing Candles for Cyprian and Gabriel; Preliminary Prayers; Offerings to the Most High and to Saint Cyprian of Antioch; Heptameron Prayer; Invoking the Angels of the Four Directions as per Heptameron; Psalm 103 Recitation; Conjuration of Gabriel; Exorcism and Consecration of the Cauldron by Cyprian and Gabriel; Scrying with Gabriel; Temple Closing 

For the past few days, I have felt a strong call not only to consecrate my new Cauldron of Art, but to invoke the Archangel Gabriel as well as my Patron St. Cyprian of Antioch for help in the process.  I was receiving a strong nudge, of the kind I often receive from Saint Cyprian or the Holy Spirit, that Gabriel would have a message for me. Therefore, I began a 3-day regime of ritual purity in preparation, culminating in today.

The timing for the Operation was appropriate. The Heptameron requires in “Of the Manner of Working” that if possible, “Let the Moon be increasing and equal, if it may then be done;” at 58% illumination, the ‘equal’ requirement was almost perfectly met  (Peterson, 2008). In addition, the Moon today is in the Lunar Mansion of Thurayya, which is, as Picatrix (12th century) says, proper for “the acquisition of all good [things].” Agrippa (16th century) adds that it is good for “happy fortune and every good thing.” It is especially a good time for new creative ventures and asking for assistance and favours.

After a ritual bath with hyssop, I got into my white robe and stole, put on my Cyprianic rosary, scapular, and Cyprianic bracelet, and covered my hair with a black covering.  Proceeding to the Temple, which had already been arranged prior to the beginning of the Planetary Hour, I sounded the Bell of Art three times before entering the Circle as per the Hygromanteia. Then, I entered the Circle, and began preliminary prayers to the Divine while asperging the Circle, Altar, and all Instruments of the Art with Holy Water.  I then took up my Solomonic Sword and traced over the outer line of the Circle with its point. I put down the Sword and picked up my Wand. 

First, I presented Offerings to the Most High and asked for His Help in sending His servant, Gabriel to be present with me and aid me in this Operation of the Art. Next, I presented Offerings to my Patron, St. Cyprian of Antioch, of Frankincense, a Candle dressed with Chili, Mugwort, and San Cipriano Oil, and bread drizzled with Maple Syrup. I poured his previous week’s offering of Spring Water into the Cauldron on the Altar and sprinkled it with Mugwort. I asked St. Cyprian to assist me in exorcising it, which I proceeded to do, while rubbing it with water from St. Cyprian’s water glass as Conjureman Ali recommends. I then asked if the Saint would bless it for use in all Operations of the Art and empower and charge it with prayers to the Most High and his own skill in the Art.

With this done, I proceeded to the Heptameron Prayer prior to Conjurations. I then asked Cyprian to aid me in bringing to the Circle those Spirits I would call and similarly called upon the Holy Spirit to aid me in this way. Then, I took up the Bell of Art and my Wand and then called the appropriate Angels of the First Heaven, ruling on Monday, as per the Heptameron, as follows:

• From the East.
  • Gabriel. Gabrael. Madiel. Deamiel. Janael.
• From the West.
  • Sachiel. Zaniel. Habaiel. Bachanael. Corabael.
• From the North.
  • Mael. Vuael. Valnum. Baliel. Balay. Humastrau.
• From the South.
  • Curaniel. Dabriel. Darquiel. Hanun. Anayl. Vetuel (Peterson, 2015).

Next, I sang Psalm 103 and then, while holding the Wand, proceeded with the Heptameron Conjuration of Gabriel. I performed the Conjuration in song-like vibratory pitch, slow and powerful. When it was done, I suffumigated and sprinkled Gabriel’s Sigil, which I had drawn in the Day and Hour of the Moon during the waxing Moon at its ‘equal’ stage, and stared at while vibrating Gabriel’s name over and over again. I continued in this way until I felt his presence in the room growing stronger. His presence struck me, as always, as powerful, incredible ancient, and yet warm and compassionate. I gave him consent to speak into my mind, or through the incense smoke, or otherwise to guide me how best he would like me to communicate with him on this day.

To begin, I asked him to confirm his presence by moving the three streams of incense smoke visibly to the left, which he promptly did. Then, I welcomed him, knelt before the Altar, and blessed him with great love and respect and offered him gifts of incense, bread drizzled with maple syrup, a blue candle dressed with Saint Cyprian Oil, Mugwort, and White Sesame (sacred to the Moon). I asked him if the Offerings were acceptable to him and a deep, warm voice began to speak in my mind, feeling quite distinct from my own, saying:

“These gifts were not necessary. But the kindness of your heart is appreciated.”

I told him I was glad to hear this and how grateful I felt that he was here. I reminded him that I had always felt a loving connection with him and hoped I could learn much from him as he accompanied me on the journey of life.

I then asked him if he had any wisdom to offer me at this point in time. His message was as profound as it was moving:

“O Son of Humankind, turn your vision to this candle flame you have offered unto me. To we Angels, this is what your human lives are like — a fleeting flame, that burns for the flash of a moment. Just as soon as it came, it is gone. For us, your entire human history, all that has passed, is now, and ever shall be, is but a flame of this same kind. Simply a flash of light in the darkness. The light of your life is not even yours, but a gift from your Lord, a sharing of His Light. And yet, how arrogant are your fellow human beings! How great you exalt yourselves, while fleeting flames!”

I felt so humbled by his words as I knelt before the Altar. I confessed my own shortcomings in this area, the many ways in which I had missed the mark. I then asked the Archangel what we, as individuals can do to help our fellow human beings in this time when we fleeting flames are so exalting ourselves, so out of balance, and seemingly so lost. The great Angel replied:

“First, notice the fragility of human life. How easily blown out is a small and flickering flame. Give thanks for the light bequeathed to you. Then tend to your flame. Having tended to your own flame to strengthen it, tend to the flames of those with whom you share your world. Let your every meeting with another strengthen their flame, not weaken it. And as you strengthen them, so shall you be strengthened.

Then turn to the flames as yet unlit, flames only to be lit hundreds and thousands of years from now, the flames of future beings. Let your actions now, tend to their flames then. Tread lightly on the Earth, lest, in seeking to strengthen your own flame, your actions blow out theirs. Many among you are desperate and hurting. We see you and we help you as best we can as we are Willed to do. You are not alone. Show your fellow beings hope as you have been shown hope. Strengthen them as you have been strengthened. Nurture the Light bestowed on you. For your Father is in you as you are in Him. And all you meet are but Him in disguise.”

I thanked him for his wisdom. Then, out of curiosity, I asked Gabriel something I had long wondered. How did Mary, mother of Yeshua, respond when Gabriel went to see her and told her she would give birth to a son? Asked this question, his presence in the room seemed to brighten as if resonating with a fond and beautiful moment and he said:

“She was surprised, as any would be. But she was humble. She surrendered to God’s Will. She did not elevate herself, but lowered herself, grateful. Her life became an offering, for she knew the blessings bestowed on her would be given to all.”

I asked Gabriel if he would aid me by touching and blessing this Cauldron of Art for work to extend the Good as is the Will of the Most High. I was instructed to place the candle I offered unto him into the Cauldron and place his Sigil over the rim of the Cauldron.

Then Gabriel spoke these words:

“As this candle flame’s light fills this Cauldron, so, too does my Light bless it now. Use it for good or not at all.”

I said I would and then asked Gabriel for another request. Would he bless me with the honour of formally becoming one of my Patrons, to guide me in life and in my service to others, and lead me deeper into the Divine Mysteries? Much to my joy, the Angel replied:

“As you have asked, it shall be. If you humble yourself and nurture the flames in others, then I will nurture the flame in you. Wherever you are, I too, will be. When you worship your Father, I will be there by your side. As God is in you, so be in God, for you and your Father are One. And there is none that do not abide in Him. Some know it, some do not. Nurture those who know and those who do not alike.

The wise know this: to humble yourself infinitely is to realize the Divine infinity in you. If you are willing to lay yourself so low as to be Nothing, then you shall realize the Nothing that is All. If you raise yourself up, you shall be brought down, but if you bring yourself down, you shall be raised up. To those who offer themselves for the good of the All, the All will be offered for the good of them. Receive by giving.”

I asked if there was any final thing that the Archangel would like to show me before we closed.

“Gaze carefully into the Candle flame within the Cauldron.”

I did as instructed. Soon my gaze begun to fade out, distant and yet close. Both of my hands gripped the Altar on either side. I remained there for a few moments. And then a peculiar thing began to happen. My perspective seemed to zoom out, so that I could see my body kneeling before the Altar. Suddenly I became aware that Gabriel was not confined to the candle flame, to the Cauldron, or to the Altar. Instead, he was all around me, everywhere I looked and everywhere I could not see. His massive presence with thousands of wings surrounded the entire Circle…

Gazing within the Cauldron, the perspective shifted out further and further and further. Until I saw the whole Earth in Gabriel’s embrace, his vast white Wings of light wrapped around it, nothing out of his reach…

“Remember the smallness of the candle flame…” He said.

I thanked him for his presence and invited him to enjoy the Offerings as long as he pleased, as I did to Cyprian. I then thanked the Angels and Spirits of the Four Directions for their presence and aid, blessing them with the Bell and with prayers each in turn. I gave the License to Depart to all spirits present and then formally closed the Temple, leaving the candles offered unto Cyprian and Gabriel flickering in the Temple.

A humbled, but joyful loving feeling glowed within me for hours after the Operation. How grateful I feel for even a moment in the presence of Gabriel. How grateful I feel for all of the beautiful candle flames whose light adorns my life, my friends, family, students,  colleagues, Fraters and Sorors, and loved ones. How they bless me with their light. May I always remember my responsibility to each of them and never take them for granted. I close with these all-important words of an Angel far wiser than this humble flame…

“First, notice the fragility of human life. How easily blown out is a small and flickering flame. Give thanks for the light bequeathed to you. Then tend to your flame. Having tended to your own flame to strengthen it, tend to the flames of those with whom you share your world. Let your every meeting with another strengthen their flame, not weaken it. And as you strengthen them, so shall you be strengthened.”

Crafting a Cyprianic Rosary

By Frater S. C. F. V.

Today is a very special Day of the Sun, which also happens to be the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a day on which we pray for and commemorate all of the Martyrs who died for their faith throughout history, including Saint Cyprian, Saint Justina, and Saint Theocistus.

On this auspicious day, I finished a new hand-made devotional rosary to Saint Cyprian of Antioch for use in prayer and work with him as well as to be worn around my neck or wrist during Solomonic grimoire work.

This very unorthodox and untraditional rosary / circlet features:

• Purple beads symbolizing Saint Cyprian, Bishophood, regalness, and the Sephirah of Yesod and the Moon, magic, and divination.
• Three small transparent crystal balls to symbolize the Trinity, Triangle of Manifestation, Supernal Triad and Scrying Crystal.
• Silver Cinquefoil roses suggesting the Divine Love of Mary, Venus, and the Fivefold Elemental Pentagram of which there are a total of 12 to allude to the 12 Apostles, 12 Tribes of Israel, and 12 Zodiac Signs as well as the gematric values of “loved” (חבב), “One” (חד), and “want / desire” (אוה).

• A red, white, and golden image of Cyprian that was custom-coloured and printed on a pure silver medallion.
• Six-pointed silver spacers symbolizing the Solomonic Hexagram, of which there are a total of 16 or 1+6=7 to allude to the 7 Planets and due to 16 being the gematric values of אודה (ode/praise), and אזוב (ezob – hyssop),

and

• A gold Crucifix that hung around my Saint Cyprian statue’s neck on his Altar for weeks, including during his recent Novena, and was charged during recent Archangelic Invocation work.

The entire rosary will be exorcised, Solomonically consecrated, sprinkled, suffumigated, anointed with Holy Oil and blessed, then charged on Cyprian’s Altar with Offerings. Finally, it will be consecrated by Mass following the method described in my cryptoconsecratio article.

From Theory to Practice: Some Intended Uses of the Cyprianic Rosary

My intended uses of this rosary are to me as diverse and integrative as my own magical history of initiation through different traditions and communities. Interestingly, the design of this rosary was not derived from the Christian tradition at all.  On the contrary, it is an homage to the Naqshbandi Sufi Order, from whom I learned both the practice of dhikr, or remembrance of the Divine, and how to make prayer beads in the Sufi style.  My Sufi brothers and sisters taught me how to make tasbih (Muslim-style prayer bead circlets) in three sections of 33 beads totaling 99 and representing the 99 Names of Allah and that is the design I maintained here.

I am planning to use this rosary / mala / tasbih circlet, for it is at once a bit of each of these in both intended use and design, in a number of ways. First, I will use it in the Muslim style, cycling through one Divine Name per bead in dhikr (remembrance) practice; I intend to use it in such ways with both the 99 Names of Allah and also with Jewish Divine Names from the Qabalah and grimoires. Whether with Jewish or Islamic names, I proceed through the three traditional dhikr stages from verbal recitations to heart and tongue recitation in harmony to the nondual absorption stage of La ilaha ill’Allah, in which there is no reality except God.

Second, I will use it for Christian style rosary practices with one bead per prayer as in the Catholic system and in the OSC Cyprianic chaplet system, even though it does not strictly resemble the standard Cyprianic chaplet.  In this use, it serves as an anchor for bhaktic devotion within the Christian mystical modality.

Third, I will use it in mantra work as taught by my Guru as a quasi-mala using the mantra I received in shaktipat diksha (energetic transmission / initiation) from my Teacher.

In this triad of devotional usages, the circlet will symbolically unite my Christian, Muslim, and bhakti yogic roots and serves as a practical nexus for all three.

Fourth, I will wear it talismanically, both apotropaically / protectively and as as a way of bringing myself into greater sympathetic harmony with Saint Cyprian in my work with him as well as with the Archangels with whom I have used the Crucifix on this rosary in the past.

Fifth, I have some ideas for how this rosary could be used as a kind of tabletop divination circlet in the style of Dr. Al Cummins’ “Circling Ways in Geomancy.”

Sixth, I will use it in candle magic and Christian “rosary magic” in the style of authors like Agostino Taumaturgo, Jean-Louis de Biasi, and Bishop Tau Michael Bertiaux.

Seventh and finally for now, when not ritually or votively employing it, I will place it around the neck of Saint Cyprian on his Altar as a rough analogy to the votive gesture of placing Hindu beaded garlands around statues in Vedic puja ceremonies as practiced by my Guru.

Hail to you Holy Saint Cyprian of Antioch, Mage, Martyr, and Mystic! ☦ Theurge, Thaumaturge, and Theophoros! ☦ Sage, Sorcerer, and Saint! ☦ Together with Saint Justina and Saint Theocistus, pray for us now and at the hour of our death, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen! ☦