Magicka Ovriana

This ritual is to be performed after the “Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram”1 (more commonly called Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, LBRP).

The Ritual

I. Stand upright, feet together, left arm at side, right arm across body, holding the wand or other weapon upright in the median line. Then face East, and say:

II. “I. N. R. I. Yod. Nun. Resh. Yod. Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother. Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer. Sol, Osiris, Slain and Risen. Isis, Apophis, Osiris, IAO.”

III. Extend the arms in the form of a cross, and say: “The sign of Osiris Slain.”

IV. Raise the right arm to point upwards, keeping the elbow square, and lower the left arm to point downwards, keeping the elbow square, while turning the head over the left shoulder looking down so that the eyes follow the left forearm, and say: “The sign of the Mourning of Isis.”

V. Raise the arms at an angle of sixty degrees to each other above the head, which is thrown back, and say: “The sign of Apophis and Typhon.”

VI. Cross the arms on the breast, and bow the head, and say: “The sign of Osiris Risen.”

VII. Extend the arms again as in 3 and cross them again as in 6, saying: “L.V.X., Lux, the Light of the Cross.”

VIII. With the magical weapon trace the Hexagram of Fire in the East, saying: “ARARITA” (atirara).

Which word consists of the initials of a sentence which means “One is His Beginning: One is His Individuality: His Permutation is One.”

This hexagram consists of two equilateral triangles, both apices pointing upwards. Begin at the top of the upper triangle and trace it in a dextro-rotary direction. The top of the lower should coincide with the central point of the upper triangle.

IX. Trace the Hexagram of Earth in the South, saying: ARARITA.

This hexagram has the apex of the lower triangle pointing downwards, and it should be capable of inscription in a circle.

X. Trace the Hexagram of Air in the West, saying: ARARITA.

This hexagram is like that of Earth; but the bases of the triangle coincide, forming a diamond.

XI. Trace the Hexagram of Water in the North, saying: ARARITA.

This hexagram has the lower triangle placed above the upper, so that their apices coincide.

XII. Repeat I-VII.

The Banishing Ritual is identical, save that the direction of the Hexagrams must be reversed.

Commentary

In the Golden Dawn system, LRH is a ritual one receives after being initiated to the Adeptus Minor2 grade, which means it has been preceded by few years of study. It pays to be thoroughly familiar with LBRP before starting with LRH. The LRH introduces the practitioner to working with solar powers (the symbol used in this ritual is hexagram, a symbol of the sun) connected to the elements, in connection of both invocations and banishings. In the esoteric sense the solar power is manifested in all four elements, so one can “tap into” sun's energies in all its manifestations through LRH.

The ritual seems to be fairly simple, but closer look reveals a number of dimensions. As with so many other significant rituals, the deeper connotations will “open up” with studies. For this particular reason the meanings given in this commentary of the ritual are rather superficial.

One is advised to practise this ritual until the hexagrams drawn appear very vividly in air, almost strong enough to be seen by those witnessing the ritual.

Looking a Little Closer

I. – “Wand or other weapon”. Weapons include wands, staffs, swords, daggers and other “penetrating” tools of the Mage.

II. – “I.N.R.I.” This is a magickal formula, study its gematria. You can choose to use the meaning familiar from Christianity, it definitely isn't the only available option and even then it refers to an archetype, not a historical person. LRH is a solar elemental ritual and the I.N.R.I. formula has correspondences in elements, zodiacal signs, planets, gods etc.

. “Yod, Nun, Resh, Yod.” This is I.N.R.I. in Hebrew alephbet.

• “Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother.” Virgo associates to Isis as a virgin, the Great Goddess, mother of Horus and wife of Osiris. This part, like all the others, have also qabalistic meanings.

• “Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer.” Scorpio associates to Apophis, the Apophis-snake who destroys chaos in the Egyptian mythology.

• “Sol, Osiris, Slain and Risen.” Sol, that is, sun, associates to the slain and risen Osiris.

• “Isis, Apophis, Osiris, IAO.” IAO is a magickal formula. In its most simplified interpretation: I, Isis, nature who is spoled by A, Apophis the Destroyer and brought back to life by O, Osiris the Redeemer.

III – This sign is the Qabalistic cross, familiar from the LBRP.

IV – Mourning Isis, the sign represents also the swastika.

V – Typhon, the trident.

VI – Osiris risen, the pentagram.

VIII-XI – The hexagrams are situated in different directions according to astrological order. Each of the hexagrams used consist of two different triangles, but these triangles form four different hexagrams. Only the hexagram of south is the most familiar hexagram, known also by the name of “Star of David”.

The hexagram of fire represents the solar energy we can connect to. The hexagram of earth in turn represents solid, mobile and tangible solar energy, which forms matter. The hexagram of air represents the solar energy we can internalize and draw inspiration from. The hexagram of water in turn represents solar feelings we can sense.

The hexagrams are considered to be formed from two basic triangles, the basic forms of creation: fire and water. Therefore the hexagrams can be visualized bi-coloured. The upright triangle is the blue triangle of water and the downright triangle the red triangle of fire. The one exception is the hexagram of fire, which has both triangles one point up. With this hexagram, the first triangle is red and the second blue.

While drawing and visualising these hexagrams, you can meditate on each of them separately. With the hexagram of fire, you visualise fire as part of yourself and at the same time yourself as gaining the radiating power of the universe through the symbol. The hexagram of earth is visualised as being the expanding, inspiring and cleansing forces of the universe. Through the air we breathe, these forces become attainable and usable. The hexagram of water brings along the feeling aspects of sun and yourself, as well as love. The hexagram of earth in turn is the perfect material embodiment of creation. With this symbol, the qualities of the three other hexagrams are combined in perfect balance.

In the banishing form of this ritual, performed after the more microcosmically, internally cleaning and sealing LBRP, the LBRP banishes and protects the mage from outside forces and influences.

This ritual is said to have many effects on those who have internalized it; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. All these because solar workings affect one's whole being.

Sources include:

• Crowley, Aleister: Liber O vel Manus et sagittae sub figura VI.
• Crowley, Aleister: 777
• Stavish, Mark: Notes on the Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram

#Magick #Thelema #Rituals

Short Background Info

The first version of the Star Ruby was published in 1913, as the 25th chapter of “The Book of Lies” (BoL) by Aleister Crowley. Later, there was another slightly altered version of the ritual published in the Appendix VI of Crowley's “Book 4, Part III: Magick in Theory and Practice” (MTP). The ritual is also the Liber XXV in A.'.A.'.'s class D-publications (official ritual and instructions) and Liber XXV of OTO.

Star Ruby has been left in the shadow of the more widely known LBRP (Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram), even with Crowley pointing out in MTP's chapter dealing with banishings and purifications: “'The Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram' (as now rewritten, Liber 333, Cap. XXV) is the best to use” (p.104, Liber 333 is the aforementioned BoL). Some Pagans choose to rather use Star Ruby with its more Pagan symbolism than the clearly qabalistic LBRP with its archangels. Some Thelemites even consider Star Ruby as a joke played by Crowley on his students, which would explain why the ritual is less used. Another reason might be the less common – for a Ceremonial Magickian – choice of language and culture (Greek), which makes the symbolism of the ritual less easy to understand. Crowley didn't explain the ritual much either, basically only comments on numerological values and the commentary in BoL: “25 is the square of 5, and the Pentagram has the red color of Geburah. The chapter is a new and more elaborate version of the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. It would be improper to comment further upon an official ritual of the A.'.A.'.”

Analyzing beyond the traditional Thelemite sources combined with qabalistic analysis on numbers has pointed out that Star Ruby isn't just LBRP gone Greek, written as a jest with the archangels of Qabala replaced with Greek “archangels”, but a carefully constructed banishing ritual with thought-out symbolism.

The Ritual

The structure of Star Ruby is familiar for those who know LBRP. It begins with a qabalistic cross, there are pentagrams placed in each of the quarters, the pentagrams are charged with divine names, there's a part corresponding with LBRP's “Sign of Silence”, followed by an invocation. The ritual ends as it began, with a qabalistic cross.

Here are both versions of the ritual, provided with “pronouncing instructions” and translation. A small guide to read the text:

BoL-version / MTP-version in Latin alphabet pronunciation translation

***

Facing East, in the center, draw deep deep deep thy breath, closing thy mouth with thy right forefinger pressed against thy lower lip. Then dashing down the hand with a great sweep back and out, expelling forcibly thy breath, cry:

APO PANTOS KAKODAIMONOS apo pantos kakodaimonos Completely away (from here), Evil Spirits

With the same forefinger touch thy forehead, and say

SOI SOI Unto thee

thy member, and say

O PHALLE O phalle O phallus

thy right shoulder, and say

ISCHUROS ischuros strength

thy left shoulder, and say

EUKARISTOS eukaristos “honor” (blessing)

then clasp thine hands, locking the fingers, and cry

IAO IAO

Advance to the East. Imagine strongly a Pentagram, aright, in thy forehead. Drawing the hands to the eyes, fling it forth, making the sign of Horus, and roar

KHAOS / THERION khaos / therion

Retire thine hand in the sign of Hoor pa kraat.

Go round to the North and repeat; but scream

BABALON / NUIT babalon / nuit

Go round to the West and repeat; but say

EROS / BABALON eros / babalon

Go round to the South and repeat; but bellow

PSYCHE / HADIT psyche / hadit

Completing the circle widdershins, retire to the center, and raise thy voice in the Paian, with these words (io pan) with the signs of N.O.X.

Extend the arms in the form of a T, and say low but clear:

PRO MOU JUNGES... Pro mou junges Opiso mou teletarchai Epi deksia synocheis Eparistera daimones / Eparistera daimonos Flegei gar peri mou o aster ton pente Kai en th stele o aster ton hex esthke

Before me Junges Behind me Teletarchai On my right hand Synoches On my left Daimones / Daimonos About me flames the pentagram And in the column stands the six-rayed star.

Repeat the Cross Qabalistic, as above, and end as thou didst begin.

What Are You Saying and Doing?

The rituals begins with a command, determining the purpose of the ritual – banishing. In this context “All evil spirits” mean much more than just the common conception of “evil spirits”. It is used to banish away all spirits that could be harmful or restricting to the True Will of the person doing the ritual. Forcing the air out of the lungs symbolizes blowing these evil spirits away. “Kakodaimon” also refers to “evil genius”, the dark side of the Holy Guardian Angel of the Thelemite world view.

The Cross Qabalistic

The first part of Star Ruby (SOI – IAO) forms the qabalistic cross, with the basic form being the same as in LBRP and having the same purpose.

In the second part of the cross one touches one's genitals, saying “o phalle”. The “o” in front of the word phallus makes this a short celebration of that part of our bodies. Women don't say any other phrases here, as in this context phallus doesn't refer to manhood only, but sexual vitality – the “immortal essence” of both men and women. The only real explanation of Star Ruby given by Crowley advises one to search the meaning of this word by using numerology.

The Divine Names of the Quarters

As in LBRP, the next part consists of drawing the pentagrams and visualizing them in each of the quarters. The Sign of Horus mentioned is the same as the “Sign of the Enterer” of LBRP, the sign of Hoor-paar-Kraat in turn is “Sign of Silence”.

East – KHAOS / TERION

Khaos – Chaos refers to “the state of nature in the universe before order was born”, symbolizing the infinite unorganized dimensions of existence. Furthermore, Khaos is one of the primitive Greek pre-Olympian deities, the personification of space. Here, Khaos represents the element of earth.

Therion – “Beast”, wild and animalistic, masculine essence. Element: earth.

North – BABALON / NUIT

Babalon – The mother of mysteries, the great harlot... The “counter-couple” of Khaos as the primordial and primitive male/female polarity. Here, Babalon represents the element of air.

Nuit – The eternally expanding, representing the archetypical mother. Element: air.

West – EROS / BABALON

Eros – The Greek god of love, sometimes referred to as the child of Khaos, represents the earthly aspects of love. Represents the element of water.

Babalon – The significances are the same as those given for Babalon above – the archetype of femininity, counterbalancing Therion. Element: water.

South – PSYCHE / HADIT

Psyche – The one complementing Eros, spirit and life – soul as the counterbalance to body. Represents the element of fire.

Hadit – The counterbalance and complement of Nuit, eternally contracting. Element: fire.

Paian

The midmost part of the ritual is Paian, celebration of Pan. Another name for this part is “NOX of PAN”, that is “Night of Pan” (nox = night). In Paian, there are five signs of N.O.X and while giving each sign one says “IO PAN”.

(N) Puer (Boy): Standing with feet together and head erect. Let right hand (the thumb between the index and middle fingers) be raised, the forearm vertical at a right angle with the upper arm, which is horizontally extended in the line joining the shoulders. Let the left hand, the thumb extended forwards and the fingers clenched, rest at the junction of the things (Attitude of the Gods Mentu, Khem, etc.).

(O) Vir (Man): The feet being together: The hands, with clenched fingers and thumbs thrust out forwards, are held to the temples; the head is then bowed and pushed out, as if to symbolize the butting of an horned beast (attitude of Pan, Bacchus, etc.).

Puella (Girl): Standing with the feet together, head bowed, left hand shielding the area of the groin, and right hand shielding the breast (Attitude of the Venus de Medici).

(X) Mullier (Wife): The feet are wide apart, the arms raised so as to suggest a crescent. The head is thrown back (attitude of Baphomet, Isis in Welcome, the microcosm of Vitruvius).

Mater Triumphans (Set Triumphant, Isis Rejoicing): The feet are together, the left arm is curved as if supporting a child; the thumb and index finger of the right hand pinch the nipple of the left breast as if offering it to that child.

Invocation

The fourth part of the ritual is an invocation. The word translated as “column” means stele as in “Stele of Revealing”. A stele is made of stone often in a shape of a pillar or a post. They were used as a monument or a declaration of a covenant. The differing spellings of the two versions, “daimonos” and “daimones” are not the result of a misspelling. Instead, they are two different words with slightly differing meanings. Both fit the ritual in their own ways.

As was mentioned above, the names Junges, Teletarchai, Synoches and Daimonos / Daimones have been considered to be just Hellenized names of the archangels. This isn't the case. They aren't names made up by Crowley either. They originate from the late Neo-Platonic Pythagorean school's Chaldean Oracles, dating back to approximately second century current era.

The names aren't those of any singular “beings”, but refer more to “classes” of semi-divine “beings”. When reading the Chaldean Oracles, one should consciously try to distance oneself from the usual meanings of many words used. For example “intelligible” and “intellectual” don't refer to the intelligence and understanding of our common usage of the words. These words are used to mean the highest accomplishes of consciousness beyond the abyss. “Father” shouldn't be understood to mean the Judeo-Christian Demiurgos. It is a gendered – unfortunately so, one could say – term referring to “the All, the Undifferentiated”.

Junges

In the east, the target of the invocation is Junges (alternative spellings: Iugges, Iuggec, Iunges, Iynges). Aeschylus used this word to metaphorically refer to “spell, charm, passionate yearning”. The word comes from the Greek word IUGMOS denoting a shrieking sound and it was used, due to the voice of the bird, of the wryneck. The wryneck is connected to the symbolism of the wheel, as it is said that ancient Greek Witches tied wrynecks to wheels in order for the bird to collect `souls' while turning the wheel.

Junges is said to be (paraphrased) “the giver of life-carrying fire. it fills the life-giving bosom of Hekate and plants the enlivening power of Fire, ended with mighty power, into Sunoches.” According to Pletho, Jungers are “the Intellectual Species which are conceived by the Father; they themselves also being conceptive, and exciting Conceptions or notions, by unspeakable or unutterable Counsels is as much as unmoved, for speaking consists in Motions”;

The possible meanings are connected to a higher class of beings above the void; love spell; witchcraft or lust; or void or bottomless depth itself.

Teletarchai

In the west, the target is Teletarchai (alt. spellings: Teletarxai, Teletarkai, Teletarch`). As the one performing the ritual is standing towards the east, the Teletarchai in the west symbolize what he has left behind, that what's behind his back. The word Teletarchai is thought to mean “those responsible for initiations”, being connected not only to the initiation itself, but also the result of an initiation. Teletarchai represent the result of Junges fertilizing Synoches. Placed behind the Mage, the symbolic value is that of stepping on the initiatory path.

Synoches

In the invocation, Synoches (Sunoces, Synoxec) are in the south. The word doesn't seem to come directly from any known Greek word, but it has been deduced that it derives from a word meaning binding / holding together, referring to the notion of eternity. Where Junges is a conjuration, Synoches is a binding, with love (see Love under Will), connecting and strong.

Junges, Synoches and Teletachai are part of the Second Mind, “Empyrean world”, in the system of the Chaldean Oracles. They are intellectual and intelligible, forming the “Intellectual Triad”, the Supernals.

Daimones / Daimonos

“Daimon” refers to god and goddess. Even though it is the basis for our term “demon”, this more malevolent meaning dates back only to the times of the creation of the New Testament. Daimonos, used in the later version of Star Ruby, is the plural of Daimon and refers to spirits or “beings of the spirit world”.

In the system of the Chaldean Oracles, Daimonos are below the demigods. When compared to the previous three groups of beings, Daimonos represent a much more “earthly” concept. “The direction of the greatest darkness”, north, belongs to them.

Daimones seems at first to refer to the same beings, but the meaning of the word is a different one. Hesiod used this word to refer to ““the souls of men of the Golden Age, forming a link between gods and men”. Daimones is a group of people who have reached their True Wills – the former masters now gone, who “had their genius.” A Couple of Final Comments

Some people recommend that Star Ruby wouldn't be performed as a stand alone ritual, but that it should be followed by some kind of invocation. The reason usually given for this is that Star Ruby is even more effective as a banishing ritual than LBRP – at least for those who know and understand it. The ritual creates a type of “vacuum” and unless you “fill” it with something you've called yourself, the vacuum may attract less welcome visitors.

As a small hint: this ritual can be performed dance-like.

Sources included:

Aleister Crowley, The Book of Lies Magick in Theory and Practice Frater A.L.,An Analysis of the Star Ruby Ritual E.A.O.A., Ritual of the Star Ruby, Text, Translation, Commentary William Wynn Wescott, The Chaldean Oracle

#Magick #Thelema #Rituals

A Peek at History

The word “thelema” originates from the Greek language (in Modern Greek “thelima”) and means “will” and “intention”. Thelema as a religious-philosophic term is first mentioned in Francois Rabelais’ Gargantua & Pantagruel (1532), an adventure story where the main characters of the book visit “Abbey of Thélème”. This abbey concentrated on refining human virtues on the principal of “do what you will”, which Rabelais described as being the opposite of the Christian decency of his time. In Rabelais’ Thélème the basis of philosophy is laughter, which makes life both enjoyable and mock-able at the same time, resulting in “otherness” without asceticism. Even though some of the ideas presented in Rabelais’ book were approached every now and then during the centuries after the book’s publication, it wasn’t until the 20th century before a religious-philosophic path called Thelema was born.

Thelema was founded in 1904 by Aleister Crowley, who is considered the prophet of the religion. Even before this, Crowley was known for his skills as a mage and he was initiated to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In addition to Western magico-mystical and ceremonial magick, Crowley familiarised himself with many Eastern esoteric systems during his many journeys. The magickal systems he studied, influenced his world view and through him, Thelema.

A turning point in the birth of Thelema is Crowley’s and his wife Rose’s trip to Egypt in 1904. According to accounts, Rose – who had been taught the basics of magick and astral by Crowley – demanded Aleister to perform a magick ritual in Cairo at the time of the Spring Equinox. Rose went into a spontaneous trance and told Aleister: “They're waiting for you. About the Child”. Later on, Crowley found out that he had been in contact with the “secret masters” of the Golden Dawn, the same masters Mathers had been talking about. He was supposed to open the new era of the mankind, which was supposed to last for the next two thousand years. Shortly after this, Aleister and Rose visited the Boulak-museum of Cairo, where they saw a stele (“Stéle of Revealing”) numbered 666 in the catalogue, with Crowley recognising Ra-Hoor-Khuit (Horus) in it. This occurrence had a strong effect on Crowley, so he obeyed his wife and sat down in their “temple” for three consecutive days at 12 o’clock sharp, April 8-10, 1904, to write down what he heard… This dictation became The Book of the Law.

One can consider the historical basis of Thelema being not only the above-mentioned book by Rabelais, but also Edward Kelly’s and John Dee’s “Enochian Magic” –system from the 17th century; the Qabalah interpretations of the Middle Ages and the renaissance; different ideas of Magick including Witchcraft and Alchemy; and getting nearer to the present day, the resurrection of Magick in Rosicrucian and Freemasonic brotherhoods; spiced with the revival of Paganism and the 19th century and early 20th century books that influenced the revival.

The Basics, Teachings and Practices of Thelema

Those who follow Thelema as a religious path are called Thelemites. The teachings of Thelema are based on “the holy books of Thelema”, the most important of which is Liber AL vel Legis, sub figure CCXX, which is most commonly known as The Book of the Law. The holy books of Thelema include thirteen “inspired” texts by Aleister Crowley. Other important but not holy books include Liber XXX Aerum vel Saeculi, sub figura CDXVIII or The Vision and the Voice and The Paris Working. The unofficial canon includes Crowley’s pre-Thelema books on I-Ching and Tarot.

The books in the Thelemic canon are divided into four different classes. “Holy books” belong to class “A” and they have been defined as being unchangeable books, where even the style of letter shouldn’t be touched. Holy books shouldn’t even be criticised, only commented. Class “B” consists of enlightened books and writings resulting in earnest scholarship. Class “C” books are more suggestive material and class “D” consists of official instructions and rituals. Some books belong partly or wholly in more than one class.

The basics of Thelema are usually put forward “in a nutshell” in the following sentences:

– “Every man and every woman is a star”

This refers to that every human being is an individual and that each individual has their own path to follow in the universe. Each individual follows his/her own path freely without colliding with other human being’s paths.

– ”Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” and “thou hast no right but to do thy will.”

According to most Thelemites, every human being has his/her own True Will, which is the purpose of their being. The Law of Thelema defines that everybody should first find and then follow their own True Will in order to find the fulfilment of their own life without restrictions. Because two different True Wills can’t be contrary to each others (“Every man and every woman is a star”), the law forbids individuals to meddle in the True Will of any other individual.

– ”Love is the law, love under will.“

This is closely connected to the previous sentence, pointing out that the innermost basis of the Law of Thelema is love. Every individual unites with his/her True Self in Love and growing stronger from this union, all the aware individuals of the world will unite in Love with all the other beings.

On the World View

The Thelemic word view is mystical and metaphysical and it combines pluralistic, dualistic, monist, mystical and nihilistic views of the world within an over-all cosmic principle. This view is described using rather detailed symbolism. The basic premise is the existence of two cosmic principles. All of the visible existence arises from the interaction of these two. One of these principles is the all-pervading Space-Time Continuum, which is personified by the Goddess of Infinite Space Nuit, who represents continuality and the primal source of everything. The other principle is the individually expressed principle of life and wisdom, the winged serpent Hadit, who is the spouse of Nuit and represents the continuing forces of creation. However, Thelema is only seemingly dualist. Dualism isn’t actually a feature of Thelema, as everything, in the end, originates from Nuit – including Hadit. These two form a one in Nuit, so that even Hadit originates from Nuit and is a part of Her. Nuit is “the perfect emptiness of nothing”, but She isn’t static, unchanging nothingness. Instead, She is the dynamic foundation of all existing – observable – universe, who strives to form diversity as an integral part of Her own being. The interaction of these two principles, Nuit and Hadit, gives birth to the Principle of Consciousness, who governs life and existence. This is personified by the hawk-headed sun god Ra-Hoor-Khuit (Horus).

Thelema’s idea of soul follows the traditional Hermetic model, where each individual has a soul or “body of light”, which surrounds the physical body in layers of sheaths. Every individual is also considered to possess a “Holy Guardian Angel” (Augoeides, HGA), which can be considered both as the “higher self” and as a separate sentient divine being.

Life and death are seen as a continuum in Thelema, with death being an integral part of the whole. In order for the mortal life to continue, the mortal life has to end. However, HGAs are considered to be immortal, independent on both life and death. Bodies of light are considered to be “reincarnating” (metempsychosis – the transmigration of a soul from one body to another after death) after the death of the body so that it will develop in wisdom, awareness and psychic powers to the point that its fate after death may ultimately be determined by the Will of the individual.

The ideas of cultural and personal consciousness are combines in Thelema. History is divided in cycles of Aeons. Each aeon has their dominant concept of divinity and their own models of redemption and advancement. The present aeon is considered to be the aeon of Horus. The previous aeon was that of Osiris, and the previous to that was the aeon of Isis. According to the Thelemic understanding, the Neolithic aeon of Isis was dominated by the Maternal idea of divinity and its model centred on honouring Mother Earth in return of the nourishment and shelter She provided. The Classical/Medieval aeon of Osiris was dominated by the Paternal idea of divinity, the model being self-sacrifice and submission to the Father God. The current aeon of Horus is considered to be dominated by the principle of the Child – the sovereign individual – and its model is that of growth leading to better self-understanding in both consciousness and love.

According to the teachings of Thelema, the expression of the Divine Law during the aeon of Horus is “Do what thou Wilt”. This Law of Thelema should not be interpreted as being a permission of fulfilling any and all whim you might come up with, but as a divine mandate to find your True Will and your real meaning of life. The “acceptance” of the Law of Thelema is what defines who is a Thelemite and who isn’t. The goal of a Thelemite is to find his/her True Will and to fulfil it. An integral part of this process is to achieve “Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel”. The methods of gaining this goal vary and they are usually grouped under the general term “Magick”.

The Thelemic system utilises the gods of many different cultures and religions as the manifestations of certain divine, archetypal and cosmic forces. You are most likely to meet Ancient Egyptian deities within the Thelemic system, as per the interpretations of Crowley’s time and the birth of Thelema, the early 20th century. Egyptology has taken vast steps forward during the one hundred years of Thelema’s existence, so loads of Crowley’s interpretations are obsolete today, causing Kemetic Pagans to grow grey hairs… However, researching other religions is important to many Thelemites, as according to the Thelemite teachings, all religions are based on universal truths.

On Practices

The type of Magick practiced by each individual Thelemite depends on the individual in question and his/her needs. Some practices resemble those used by many practitioners of current and past religions, like prayer, meditation, researching religious texts, chanting, rituals, self-discipline etc. Many practices in turn are what some might call occult, say astrology, divination, numerology and communication with “angels” or “entities”. All these methods are used as a means of getting insights on one’s own being and one’s place in the universe.

According to Thelemites, “black magic” is any act of magick that isn’t about finding and fulfilling your own True Will. This includes acts that interfere in other individuals’ lawful finding and fulfilment of their own True Will. There is a concept reminiscent of the eastern concept of Karma in Thelema. This concept says that the disharmony and imbalance caused by actions against one’s own True Will creates a compensatory, equilibrant response from the universe. There is no Judaeo-Christian concept of Devil/Satan in Thelema. “Choronzon” is not “a deity of evil”, but a pseudo-personification of confusion, distraction, illusion and egotistical ignorance.

Crowley mentions invocations, self-control, regular rituals, sexual magic, devoting to a certain deity by the means of worship, breathing exercises, guided visualisations, using personal symbolism, centring etc as a means of self-advancement. The means to attain the goal are vast. One might say that whatever means will develop you True Will and distance yourself from the self-sufficiency from the world-view surrounding yourself – the mean is what you can use. Every single Thelemite is not only entitled, but also obligated to find THE way to find and fulfil his/her True Will, writing down each step along the way. When it comes to “organised Thelemites”, they should report to their tutors, who should then be able to guide the seeker along. All in all, the needs of each individual are far more important than following a certain formula or pattern of practice.

Practically every Thelemite keeps a “magickal journal”, writing down his/her practice of magick and development. Many include in their daily practice a model of prayer, found in Liber Resh vel Helios, which is repeated four times a day. A usual form of daily practice include a banishing ritual (Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram or Star Ruby) repeated twice a day.

Many a Thelemite will take a mystical name or “magical motto” as a sign of devotion to the path. They will often greet each others (and others) by saying: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”, which is then replied with “Love is the law, love under will.” In written media, this is usually transformed to where you will begin a message with “Do what thou…” and end it with “Love is the law…”. These sayings get usually shortened to their numerology, so that you’ll greet with “93” and end with “93/93”. For Thelemites, 93 denotes both “Will” and “Love”.

Other recommended regular habits include sanctifying the food with a certain formula: “Knock 3-5-3: say, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” The person at the other end of the table replies: “What is thy Will?” You: “It is my Will to eat and drink.” He: “To what end?” You: “That my body may be fortified thereby.” He: “To what end?” You: “That I may accomplish the Great Work.” He: “Love is the law, love under will.” You, with a single knock: “Fall to.” When alone make a monologue of it: thus, Knock 3-5-3. Do what, etc. It is my Will to, etc., that my body, etc., that I may, etc., Love is, etc. Knock: and begin to eat.” (Aleister Crowley: Magick Without Tears)

The Thelemic Calendar

The Thelemic chronology starts from the year 1904 e.v. (Era Vulgaris ~ “common era”), that is – the year Liber AL was written. The turn of the year is at approximately 20th of March, on the Spring Equinox of the northern hemisphere. The method of counting years is two-fold. On the “upper” lever one counts periods of 22 years since 1904, the “lower” counts the year of the current 22-year period. This makes the year 2001 the year IVIX in the Thelemic system, as 1904 + (4 x 22) + 9 = 2001. More specific times are often expressed by the positions of the Sun and the Moon on the Zodiac, which would make 6 PM December 6th, 2001 to be given as: “IVIX , Sol 14o Sagittarius, Luna 29o Leo.” Using this system, the precise time and location can be calculated within approximately two hours.

The official holy days follow the instructions given in Liber AL (ch. II, v. 36-41) and Crowley’s commentary on the dates.

• On equinoxes and solstices are The Rituals of the Elements and Feasts of the Times
• April 8-10 is The Feast for the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law, beginning at midday each day. During these three days, the writing (or as Thelemites often say, receiving) the Book of the Law is observed and the book read a chapter a day.
  • August 12th is The Feast for the First Night of the Prophet and His Bride, which is the day when Aleister Crowley married his first wife Rose Kelly in 1903.
  • October 12th is Crowleymas, Crowley’s birthday.
  • December 1st is Crowley’s Greater Feast, remembering the date of Crowley’s death.
  • March 20th is the Feast of the Supreme Ritual (the Invocation of Horus), which opens the Thelemic New Year.
  • The Spring Equinox celebrates the foundation of Thelema in 1904 with The Feast of the Equinox of the Gods.
  • There are three points of passage celebrated by Thelemites. There is Feast for Life at birth and Feast for Fire (boys) or Feast for Water (girls) at puberty. Death is commemorated in the Greater Feast for Death.
  • Various Thelemite groups have their own commemorating celebrations.

Thelemite Organisations

Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is considered the largest Thelemic organisation, even though it is originally German and founded before the birth of Thelema. O.T.O. operates in 58 different countries (figure from 2001). Within Thelema, O.T.O. serves as a fraternal, initiatory brotherhood, which also trains towards initiations. O.T.O. includes a special liturgical branch, Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C, Gnostic Catholic Church), which Dr Gerard Encausse (Papus) conjoined with the O.T.O. in 1908. E.G.C. did continue its independent existence even after this event. The major ritual of both E.G.C. and O.T.O. is the Gnostic Mass and one can join the organisation through baptism and confirmation. The baptism is open for all who have reached puberty, confirmation to adults. The baptism alone doesn’t make one a member. O.T.O.’s members of good reputation are eligible for serving as priests of E.G.C, if they have reached at least the K.E.W.-grade (above the first triad). Unofficial deacony is open to II-members, bishophood – the only sovereign priestly position within the E.G.C. – isn’t open to members lower than VII-grade (third triad).

In addition to the Gnostic Mass, the E.G.C. celebrates seasonal feasts, passages of life and other religious milestones. A number of local O.T.O. branches celebrate the Gnostic Mass and official membership isn’t required for participation. However, the celebrations are usually closed events, not something one could go and take a look at as a “tourist”.

A.’.A.’. is an initiatory educational body, which was one of the first organisations teaching Thelema. It mainly focuses on the spiritual advancement of its individual members. A.’.A.’. is closely connected with O.T.O. The organisations are separate, but the O.T.O. assists A.’.A.’. on a regular basis.

Furthermore, there are Thelemic Golden Dawn brotherhoods, devoting themselves to studying the teachings of Thelema, Aleister Crowley and the Golden Dawn, even though one of G.D.:s founders, Samuel Liddel MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley didn’t (to put it simply) quite get along at the latter times of knowing each others…

Recommended Reading

Crowley, Aleister: Liber AL vel Legis, sub figure CCXX (The Book of the Law) Eight Lectures on Yoga Liber Aleph vel CXI: The Book of Wisdom and Folly Magick in Theory and Practice Magick Without Tears Moonchild (novel) The Book of Lies

Hymenaeus Alpha (ed.): The Holy Books of Thelema, Samuel Weiser, York Beach, Maine, 1983 Regardie, Israel (ed.): Gems from the Equinox, Falcon Press, Phoenix, Arizona 1982

Sources

The text relies heavily on the information given by Thelemic organisations and individual Thelemites. Other sources include books by Aleister Crowley. The author isn’t herself a Thelemite, but the text has been corrected for accuracy by Fr. HRN III* (O.T.O.).

Listen to the words of the God, the Mighty and the Terrible, the Kind and the Wise, the Lord of the Dead and the Dying, the Walker between the worlds, he whose face is beautiful among the gods, the god who's Name is great:

Here I am.

I appear before you, I show myself to you, without alarming, without decieving, I come through this mouth, I speak through these words.

I am He who was, I am He who is, I am He who always will be.

I am the Lord of the Mysteries, the Guardian of the gates of Underworld. I am the Foremost of the westeners, He who is in the place of Embalming.

I am the Chief Physician, I am the Good Oxherd. I am the Opener of mouths and Weigher of hearts. I am the Guardian and the Guide.

I am He of the watchful eye, I am the comforting strenght. I am the giver and the taker, I hold the Keys of life. I am He who walks between the worlds, I am He who opens the gates of Beyond.

I am the light and the darkness. I am the wind of the desert and the soothing of rain. I am the change and the strenght to bear the change.

I am the love and the laughter, I am the lust and the longing, I am the grief and the tear, I am the memories, I am the lesson and growth.

From me is the gentle tap on your shoulder, From me is the vigorous push, From me is the comfort and strength, From me is the doubting and gain.

With me you never fear death, with me you never fear life, with me you never fear the changes and the lessons. With me you live your life. With me you have the ending, With me you get what is beyond the ending.

You have my and my darkness, for without both you know neither. You have my wind and my raining, for without both you know neither. You get my change and my stillness, as by change and the stillness you learn.

Fear not. I am here.

#Charge #Paganism #Deities

Listen to the words of the Goddesses, who through times and the timeless have been called with their many names – Gaia, Nuit, Danu and Vesta, Artemis, Diana, Isis, and Manalatar, and by many others as they are many.

We are the watery depths of life yet to come. The ones who never were, who ever are and who will yet to come.We are the darkness and chaos and will to be one. We are the starry skies, the sun, moon and the clouds. We are the ground and the life and the moist and the rot. We are the leafs and the greenness, the flesh and the red. We are the hoof and the claw, the sound, and the silence.

When you hear us, we are there. When you need us, we are there. In your need and your plenty do gather or seclude. Learn our ways, learn our words and our rites, in your heart. For we have our ways, we each have our words and our rites. Adore us in secret, adore us in light, adore us in the night of the day and adore us in your blight. Be you needfull or plenty, enslaved or flying free.

Sing, feast, dance, make music and love. Rage, cry, with tearing and tears and laugher. Give sacrifice, a willing gift to us who so require. We are every emotion and your living is in our life. Ours is the joy and the sorrow, and life ever changing.

We're the chaos of nothing and the potential to all. We are the life and the sex, the birth and the pains of birth. We are the sadness and relief of life not yet to come, the joys and the growing, the cry and the smile of child. We're the bewilderment, the arrogance and wisdom of youth, we are the awakening. We're the virginal and the holy whore, the barren and the fruitful. We are the nurturing, the giving of life, the warring and the slaying. We're the beauty and the ugliness, the vanity and the vengeance. We're the aging and the wisdom of old, the fragility and the strength, the sickness and healing, the death and the death-head.

You will find us in the heart of your hearts and see us in your life. Look inside and around and you'll know who of us is calling. Live and learn, learn to live, find yourself and be just. For we are here as we have always been, to be found within and without.

#Charge #Paganism #Deities