YOGAPUNX discussion on “High Magick”

Briefing Document: Ceremonial Magic and Thelemic Magick

I. Overview

This document analyzes two distinct but related sources on magic: excerpts from Arthur E. Waite’s “Book of Ceremonial Magic” and selected sections from Aleister Crowley’s “Magick in Theory and Practice.” Waite’s work presents a traditional, heavily Christianized system of ceremonial magic, focused on invoking divine power and controlling spirits. Crowley’s work, part of his broader Thelemic system, offers a more individualized and self-focused approach to magick, centered around discovering and enacting one’s True Will. The juxtaposition of these two provides insight into the historical evolution of occult thought and practice.

II. Arthur E. Waite – “Book of Ceremonial Magic”:

A. Core Themes:

1. Divine Invocation & Protection: Waite’s extracts reveal a strong reliance on Christian prayer and invocation for protection, guidance, and power. The operator calls upon God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints.

• Quote: “O great God, by Whom all things have been set free, deliver me also from all evil… May the blessing of God the Father Almighty, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, be always with me ­, Amen.” (p. 47)

1. Hierarchical Cosmology: The texts reflect a structured universe with distinct levels: God, angels, saints, humans, and spirits (both good and evil). These beings are often invoked as intermediaries or guardians.

• Quote: “May the blessing of the Holy Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Thrones, Dominations, Cherubim and Seraphim, be with me for ever ­, Amen.” (p. 48)

1. Control of Spirits: A significant portion of Waite’s extracts addresses methods for controlling spirits. This includes the use of rituals, talismans, conjurations, and divine names. Spirits are characterized as both helpful and malevolent.

• Quote: “May it Please Thee, therefore, most Precious Jesus, by the Power of this same (Name of) Jesus, to drive away the demon from me…” (p. 52)
• Quote: “…we hereby depute unto them all power to perform exorcisms of the possessed, so that the name of Jesus Christ may be magnified, and the devil and his angels be driven to confusion” (p. 91)

1. Emphasis on Purity and Ritual: Precise instructions are given for creating talismans, preparing instruments (like knives and pens), and performing rituals. Purity and proper timing (planetary hours) are essential.

• Quote: “Take care not to perfect the instrument otherwise than on the day of Venus, and in the hour thereof…” (p. 156)
• Quote: “…on the day and in the hour of Mars, the Moon waxing… a piece of virgin parchment must be prepared…” (p. 237)

1. Specific Talismans and Their Powers: The text provides a detailed catalog of talismans with specific uses, from attracting love to achieving invisibility, reading thoughts, or opening locks, Each talisman is associated with unique symbols, materials, and evoking words.

• Quote: “II. Gives the love and complaisance of the entire female sex… The evoking words are NADES, SURADIS, MANINER…” (p. 121)
• Quote: “IX. Transports the possessor to any part of the world, and that without danger. The potent words are RADITUS, POLASTRIEN, TERPANDU, OSTRATA, PERICATUR, ERMAS.” (p. 123)

1. Exorcism and Binding: The power of God and divine names is invoked to control, punish, and bind rebellious or disobedient spirits, employing threats of eternal damnation.

• Quote: “I do hereby curse and deprive thee of all thine office, power and place; I bind thee in the depth of the Bottomless Pit, there to remain unto the Day of judgment…” (p. 233)

1. Days of the week and planetary hours: Specific days and planetary hours are prescribed for certain rituals and operations, revealing an understanding of astrological correspondences.

• Quote: “It will be seen from this table that there is a recurring rule of the planets in unbroken succession through the whole week…” (p. 152)

B. Key Ideas and Facts:

• Importance of Jesus’ name: The name of Jesus is considered a powerful tool for healing, protection, and commanding spirits.
• Quote: “at the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, in heaven, on earth and in hell…” (p. 50)
• Demons and their Descriptions: The text offers physical descriptions of spirits (particularly those of Mars) and associates them with specific symbols and behaviors.
• Quote: “The Spirits of Mars have a tall body and choleric, a filthy countenance, brown, swarthy or red in colour; they have horns like the hart, claws like a griffin and they bellow like wild bulls…” (p. 85)
• The use of blood: The text describes the use of blood, such as mole’s blood, for certain rituals, suggesting the importance of vital fluids in magical operations.
• Quote: “thou shalt make the first knife and shalt steep it in the blood of the mole…” (p. 156)
• Specific Conjurations: Elaborate conjurations, invoking names of God, spirits, and occult forces, are used to command spirits and achieve specific results.
• Quote: “LUCIFER ­, OUYAR ­, CHAMERON ­, ALISEON ­, MANDOUSIN ­, PREMY ­, ORIET ­, NAYDRUS ­, ESMONY ­, EPARINESONT ­, ESTIOT ­, DUMOSSON ­, DANOCHAR ­, CASMIEL ­, HAYRAS ­, FABELLERONTHON ­, SODIRNO ­, PEATHAM ­, Come ­, LUCIFER ­. AMEN.” (p. 239)
• Pacts with Spirits: The text acknowledges the concept of pacts with spirits, with warnings about their dangers.
• Quote: “There are two kinds of pacts, says the Grimorium Verum, the tacit and the manifest; but know at the same time that among the several kinds of spirits there are some which bind and some which do not bind, save only in a very light manner.” (p. 254)

III. Aleister Crowley – “Magick in Theory and Practice”:

A. Core Themes:

1. Thelema and True Will: Crowley’s magick centers on the concept of “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” emphasizing individual autonomy, and the discovery and fulfillment of one’s “True Will.”

• Quote: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” (Title page)

1. Magick as Self-Transformation: Magick is seen as a process of personal growth, development, and transformation through understanding and aligning with one’s true nature.

• Quote: “Every active Member of the Order has destroyed all that He is and all that he has on crossing the Abyss; but a star is cast forth in the Heavens to enlighten the Earth, so that he may possess a vehicle wherein he may communicate with mankind.” (p. 240)

1. The Use of Symbolism and Correspondences: Crowley employs a complex system of symbols, correspondences, and Qabalistic concepts to understand and manipulate reality. A vast range of systems from astrology, mythology, and alchemy are integrated.

• Quote: “These symbols are all shewn in the Atu “The Hermit”. They are the powers of the Yod, whose extension is the Vau.” (p. 183)

1. Self-Deification: The ultimate goal of magick is a kind of self-deification, the unification of the individual will with the cosmic will.

• Quote: “I am the All, for all that exists for me is a necessary expression in thought of some tendency of my nature, and all my thoughts are only the letters of my Name.” (p. 290)

1. Rejection of Traditional Morality: Crowley rejects traditional notions of good and evil, viewing them as subjective and often detrimental to the pursuit of one’s True Will.

• Quote: “Good” must be defined in terms of human ideals and instincts” (p. 183)

1. The Importance of Practice: The text stresses the importance of diligent practice, self-observation, and experimentation in the pursuit of magick.

• Quote: “Various remarkable phenomena will very probably occur during these practices. They must be carefully analysed and recorded.” (p. 285)

1. Hymns and Invocations: The text includes passionate invocations to deities such as Pan, as ways to evoke energy and connection to magical forces.

• Quote: “Thrill with lissome lust of the light, O man! My man! Come careering out of the night Of Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan!…” (p. 178)

B. Key Ideas and Facts:

• The Significance of 666: The number 666 is associated with the “man” of the current aeon, expressing the power of the individual will.
• Quote: “GR:Tau-Epsilon-Iota-Tau-Alpha-Nu = 300+5+10+300+1+50 = 666… — whose number is the number of a man…” (p. 184)
• The Abyss and Transformation: Crowley describes the concept of “crossing the Abyss” as a complete destruction of the old self, which leads to the birth of a new, enlightened being.
• Quote: “Every active Member of the Order has destroyed all that He is and all that he has on crossing the Abyss…” (p. 240)
• Divination as Probability: Divination is viewed as a tool for understanding probabilities based on available facts, not as access to absolute truth.
• Quote: “The astronomer himself has to enter a caveat. He can only calculate the probability on the observed facts. Some force might interfere with the anticipated movement.” (p. 185)
• The Bornless One: The text includes invocations to the “Bornless One,” a powerful archetypal figure in magickal tradition.
• Quote: “Hear Me, and make all Spirits subject unto Me: so that every Spirit of the Firmament and of the Ether…” (p. 241)
• Ritual and symbolism: Specific rituals, such as the Star Ruby, are described, which combine gestures, words, and visualization for achieving magical states of consciousness.
• Quote: “Facing East, in the centre, draw deep deep deep thy breath closing thy mouth with thy right forefinger…” (p. 289)
• The importance of self-knowledge: Crowley’s emphasis on self-analysis is evident, with exercises focusing on physical and mental endurance to be recorded, as they are keys to further self-understanding.
• Quote: “Ascertain how much alcohol you can take, and what forms of drunkenness assail you…Let all these things be carefully and conscientiously recorded; for according to your powers will it be demanded of you.” (p. 285)
• Personal experimentation: Students are advised to adapt and create practices that fit their individual natures.
• Quote: “Let the Zelator attach no credit to any statements that may have been made throughout the course of this instruction…” (p. 295)
• Mortification and Self-Denial: Mortifications of the flesh are seen as potentially useful if they serve to control the practitioner and further the pursuit of their Will, but self-punishment without a purpose is discouraged.
• Quote: “But concerning voluntary privations and tortures, without use save as against the devotee, they are generally not natural to healthy natures, and wrong.” (p. 295)

IV. Comparison and Contrast:

• Authority: Waite’s source relies on the authority of God and traditional religious structures. Crowley’s work emphasizes personal authority derived from one’s True Will.
• Goal: Waite seeks divine favor and control over external forces. Crowley aims for self-transformation, and union with one’s divine nature.
• Method: Waite utilizes Christian prayers, precise rituals, and talismans. Crowley employs symbolism, visualization, self-experimentation, and a focus on the will.
• Cosmology: Waite presents a more traditional, Judeo-Christian view with a clear hierarchy of angels, demons and saints. Crowley presents a more fluid and personalized view with incorporation of Egyptian, Greek and Indian pantheons.
• View of spirits: Waite views spirits as potentially dangerous forces to be controlled through ritual, names and divine power. Crowley views spirits as different expressions of one’s own nature.

V. Conclusion:

These two sources present radically different approaches to magic. Waite’s extracts illustrate a traditional system of ceremonial magic rooted in religious authority and seeking external control. Crowley, on the other hand, offers a more modern, individualistic system focused on self-discovery and the expression of one’s True Will. Examining these differences provides valuable context for understanding the evolution of occult thought and practice.

F.A.Q.

1. What is the significance of planetary hours in the context of this magical practice?

Planetary hours, derived from a recurring sequence of planets throughout the week, are specific times within a day that are ruled by particular planets. These hours are considered significant for magical operations because it is believed that each planet exerts a unique influence. For instance, the day and hour of Venus are suitable for preparing tools, while the day and hour of Mars are used in other types of ritual work, such as making a talisman or conjuring spirits. Understanding and working with planetary hours is thought to enhance the efficacy of magical practices by aligning actions with the appropriate celestial energies.

2. What are some examples of talismans described in these sources and what purposes do they serve?

The texts detail numerous talismans made from specific colored satins, embroidered with particular characters, and activated by spoken words or physical gestures. For example, one talisman embroidered on black satin with silver grants the love of women when used with specific words, while a gold-colored satin talisman compels truth and confessions. Others are designed to provide the ability to travel to any location, open locks, influence people’s thoughts, protect against evil, or grant virtue. Each talisman is unique, reflecting a specific intention and requiring its own specific instructions for its creation and use.

3. How is the name “Jesus” utilized in this system of magic?

The name “Jesus” is used extensively for protection, healing, and invoking divine power in this system. It’s treated as a sacred name of great potency, capable of driving away demons, performing miracles, and saving those who call upon it. The texts suggest that the name of Jesus holds power over spiritual beings and that it is central to warding off evil influences, securing divine blessing, and calling on supernatural assistance. There are many prayers and conjurations that make use of this name and others associated with Christianity.

4. What is the purpose of conjurations in these texts, and how are they structured?

Conjurations are central to the rituals, serving as a means of communication, commands, and binding between the magician and various spiritual entities. They generally start with the invocation of divine names and authorities like God, Jesus, and Angels and then proceed to address specific spirits and call for specific actions, such as the revelation of secrets, granting a favor, or causing harm to enemies. They are often structured with clear commands, threats of excommunication, descriptions of desired outcomes and are delivered in a way that seeks to establish the magician’s authority.

5. What is the relationship between the magician and the spirits in this tradition, and how is this relationship managed?

The magician seeks to establish a command-based relationship with spirits. This involves compelling them to obey the magician’s will through a combination of invoking sacred names, making pacts, creating talismans, using conjurations, and performing ritual actions that are intended to bind and control. The relationship is often framed as a matter of power, with the magician seeking to assert dominance over the spirits and leverage their abilities for his own purposes, whether that is mundane or spiritual. Failure to comply with the magician’s instructions can result in threats and curses.

6. How is the concept of “Will” presented in the second source, and how does it relate to ethical behavior?

The concept of “Will” in the second source is presented as an intrinsic, individual drive towards self-preservation and fulfillment. The notion that a man has a right to fulfill himself to the utmost implies that all actions should ultimately support the individual’s true Will. The text distinguishes between true and false Wills, suggesting that unethical actions like murder or self-harm are caused by a false will, misaligned with the true nature of the individual. Ethical behavior is ultimately tied to acting in accordance with one’s deepest and authentic desires, properly understood.

7. How does the second source describe the role of the initiate in terms of understanding their own nature?

The second source emphasizes self-analysis and understanding as essential for magical practice. The initiate is urged to assess their strengths and weaknesses, including physical endurance, thought control, and emotional responses. This analysis is critical for the initiate’s understanding of their place in the universe and for self-mastery, recognizing that everything within and around them serves as a reflection of themselves. Understanding one’s limits, both in terms of their weaknesses and their strength, is part of an initiatory journey of becoming an Adept.

8. What is the significance of the Qabalah and its correspondences in this magical practice?

The Qabalah, with its intricate system of correspondences, provides a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of the universe, encompassing numbers, letters, planets, elements, colors, deities, and more. These correspondences are essential for magical practice. They dictate when, where, and how rituals are performed and what sorts of words, objects, and images should be utilized. The Qabalah is a tool used to organize and manipulate universal energies and forms and helps the magician tap into a deeper reality by aligning themselves with its principles. These correspondences guide magical practice by linking together seemingly disparate aspects of existence, creating a basis for magical operations.

Ceremonial Magic Study Guide

Quiz

1. In the Tuesday prayer, what blessings are invoked in addition to those of God? The prayer asks for the blessings of the Holy Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Thrones, Dominations, Cherubim and Seraphim, as well as the Patriarchs and prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the saints of God. This is in addition to the blessing of the bread and wine that was consecrated by Christ.
2. What are some physical characteristics associated with the spirits of Mars? The spirits of Mars are said to have a tall body and choleric nature, a filthy countenance that is brown, swarthy or red, horns like a hart, claws like a griffin, and a bellow like a wild bull. They are associated with the motion of burning fire and the sign of thunder and lightning.
3. According to the text, what is the purpose of the talismans? The talismans described in the text, in conjunction with rings and specific words, are meant to grant various powers to the bearer, including securing the love of women, compelling men to reveal secrets, teleporting across the world, opening any lock, and knowing the thoughts of others. Each talisman is said to have a specific use, and associated words, metals, colors and hand placement.
4. What are “planetary hours” according to the text? Planetary hours are specific times during the day and night that are ruled by particular planets. They follow a recurring sequence throughout the week, with each planet ruling the first and eighth hours of the day and the third and tenth hours of the night on the day associated with it.
5. What is the purpose of exorcising and blessing salt, and in what ritual is it used? The salt is exorcised to remove any illusions and is blessed to serve to make the virgin chart. This process is part of a larger ritual of preparing materials for magical work, and it is followed by placing the salted skin in sunlight.
6. What is SARGATANAS said to have power over? SARGATANAS is said to have the power to make any person invisible, transport them anywhere, open all locks, reveal what is happening in private homes, and teach all the arts of the shepherds. He also commands several brigades of spirits, with others as his inferiors.
7. What happens if an invoked spirit is disobedient? If a spirit is disobedient and does not appear or respond, the conjurer is instructed to curse the spirit, deprive them of their office, and bind them in the Bottomless Pit. They are cursed by the Company of Heaven, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, and the Light of the Hosts of Heaven.
8. According to the text, what is required for creating a piece of virgin parchment, and who must weave the thread? To create virgin parchment, a piece must be prepared on the day and in the hour of Mars, with the Moon waxing, and at the first hour of the day. The thread used to bind the finger must be woven by a virgin girl. The operator then pierces the finger to form a symbol with the blood.
9. What is the “Blasting Rod,” and how should it be used? The Blasting Rod is mentioned in the text as a powerful instrument, to be held by the conjurer, that should be used while the Kabbalistic circle is described and the word “Rofocale” is pronounced in order to call spirits and is only to be used when the conjurer has been purified. The text stresses that spirits will appear when the Rod is used correctly.
10. What are the two types of pacts mentioned, and what should one be wary of? The two kinds of pacts are tacit and manifest. One should be wary of spirits that require something personally belonging to you when you agree to a pact, as these can become guileful enemies and that they can extract a high price to be paid.

Answer Key

1. The prayer asks for the blessings of the Holy Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Thrones, Dominations, Cherubim and Seraphim, as well as the Patriarchs and prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all the saints of God. This is in addition to the blessing of the bread and wine that was consecrated by Christ.
2. The spirits of Mars are said to have a tall body and choleric nature, a filthy countenance that is brown, swarthy or red, horns like a hart, claws like a griffin, and a bellow like a wild bull. They are associated with the motion of burning fire and the sign of thunder and lightning.
3. The talismans described in the text, in conjunction with rings and specific words, are meant to grant various powers to the bearer, including securing the love of women, compelling men to reveal secrets, teleporting across the world, opening any lock, and knowing the thoughts of others. Each talisman is said to have a specific use, and associated words, metals, colors and hand placement.
4. Planetary hours are specific times during the day and night that are ruled by particular planets. They follow a recurring sequence throughout the week, with each planet ruling the first and eighth hours of the day and the third and tenth hours of the night on the day associated with it.
5. The salt is exorcised to remove any illusions and is blessed to serve to make the virgin chart. This process is part of a larger ritual of preparing materials for magical work, and it is followed by placing the salted skin in sunlight.
6. SARGATANAS is said to have the power to make any person invisible, transport them anywhere, open all locks, reveal what is happening in private homes, and teach all the arts of the shepherds. He also commands several brigades of spirits, with others as his inferiors.
7. If a spirit is disobedient and does not appear or respond, the conjurer is instructed to curse the spirit, deprive them of their office, and bind them in the Bottomless Pit. They are cursed by the Company of Heaven, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, and the Light of the Hosts of Heaven.
8. To create virgin parchment, a piece must be prepared on the day and in the hour of Mars, with the Moon waxing, and at the first hour of the day. The thread used to bind the finger must be woven by a virgin girl. The operator then pierces the finger to form a symbol with the blood.
9. The Blasting Rod is mentioned in the text as a powerful instrument, to be held by the conjurer, that should be used while the Kabbalistic circle is described and the word “Rofocale” is pronounced in order to call spirits and is only to be used when the conjurer has been purified. The text stresses that spirits will appear when the Rod is used correctly.
10. The two kinds of pacts are tacit and manifest. One should be wary of spirits that require something personally belonging to you when you agree to a pact, as these can become guileful enemies and that they can extract a high price to be paid.

Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast the use of Christian and non-Christian symbolism and entities in the rituals presented in “Arthur E Waite – Book Of Ceremonial Magic,” noting the purpose of each.
2. Analyze the role of language and specific words or phrases within the magical practices outlined in the source material, and how they are believed to achieve their effects.
3. Discuss the ethical and practical considerations presented in the texts concerning the interaction with spirits and the pursuit of magical power.
4. Explore the different forms of self-discipline and preparation outlined in “liber4 part3 magic in theory and practice” and how these practices relate to the attainment of magical ability.
5. Analyze the concept of Will, as presented in “liber4 part3 magic in theory and practice,” and discuss its significance in occult practice and the attainment of personal goals.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Adept: A person who has achieved a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area, often used in the context of occult or magical traditions.
• AUMGN: A word used to symbolize the whole course of spiritual life. A is formless hero; U is the six-fold solar sound of physical life; M is the silence of death; and GN is the nasal sound of generation and knowledge.
• Assiah: In Kabbalah, the lowest of the four worlds, the material world.
• Atu: A term used in the Qabalah and associated with specific cards in the Tarot.
• Clavicle: A term referring to a key or text that unlocks secrets, often used in the context of magic.
• Conjugation: The act of binding or compelling a spirit through invocation or prayer; a formal summoning of spirits.
• Exorcism: A ritual process intended to remove or expel evil spirits or negative influences.
• Goëtic: Refers to a form of magic that involves summoning and controlling spirits, often associated with darker or more manipulative practices.
• Grimoire: A textbook of magic, typically containing instructions for rituals, spells, and other magical practices.
• Hand of Glory: A magical object made from the hand of a hanged man, believed to have the power to open locks.
• Hoor-paar-Kraat: The term refers to Horus in his silence and is a concept central to Crowley’s Thelema, symbolizing the hidden and inner self.
• Ipsissimus: The highest grade in certain occult orders; a state of complete freedom from limitation.
• Kabbalah: A system of Jewish mysticism that interprets the scriptures and creation through symbols and numbers.
• Lamen: A magical symbol or emblem worn as a talisman, often associated with ceremonial magic.
• Liber: Latin for “book,” often used in the titles of occult texts, as in Liber 777
• Lucifuge Rofocale: A demonic entity in occult lore, often associated with pacts and the acquisition of wealth.
• Maat: A concept meaning Truth and is the title given to the Master of the Temple in one of the texts.
• Necromancer: One who practices necromancy; that is, the magic art of conjuring up the spirits of the dead for purposes of divination or to use their powers.
• Pantacle: A talisman with a specific magical purpose, typically a disc or flat object bearing symbols or sigils.
• Pentagram: A five-pointed star, used in various magical traditions and practices.
• Planetary Hours: Specific time periods during the day and night associated with particular planets, thought to be conducive to certain magical practices.
• Qabalah (also spelled Kabbalah): A system of Jewish mysticism that interprets the scriptures and creation through symbols and numbers.
• Sephiroth: The ten emanations or attributes through which the divine manifests in the Qabbalah.
• Sigil: A symbol created for a specific magical purpose; often used in talismans.
• Talisman: An object believed to have magical powers, often used for protection or to bring about a specific result.
• Tetragrammaton: The Hebrew name of God, represented by the letters YHWH, considered highly sacred in various magical traditions.
• Thelema: A philosophy and spiritual system developed by Aleister Crowley, centered around the principle “Do what thou wilt.”
• Yetzirah: In Kabbalah, the world of formation, one of the four main levels of creation.
• Zelator: A specific grade in certain occult systems, typically that of a student or an initiate.