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Magic and Ritual
93 In Greek numerology, ninety-three is the value of the word “thelema,” or “will.” This is the word that has been adopted to represent the teachings of Aleister Crowley, as typified by the expression, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.” Although this seems to mean “do whatever you want,” in actuality it means find out what your true will is, your God-oriented purpose in life, and then do only those things that will lead to achieving it. The second part of this philosophy is “Love is the law, love under will.” Also in Greek numerology, 93 is the valuation of the word “Agapé,” selfless love.
People who follow this path, Thelemites, will often greet or part by saying or writing “93” as shorthand to remind them of the central words of their philosophy. The spiritual energy that drives this path is often called the “93 Current.”
A.·. A.·. This is a special abbreviation for the name of a magical order, the Astrum Argentum (sometimes the words are reversed or spelled differently) which means “Silver Star” in Latin. The three dots that form a triangle after each “A” not only mean that there is something further that is hidden (that is, there is a spiritual abbreviation), but also form a Masonic symbol indicating that the order possesses the mysterious “Lost Word” of Masonry.
Ablanathanalba A charm of the Gnostics, written in the form of a triangle with one point down. It was used to protect against the forces of evil. Although it doesn’t show well in English because the “th” was originally one letter, it is actually a palindrome, written the same way forward and backward. Traditionally, it would be written from ink derived from the dried acorn cups of the Valonia oak, a majestic, semi-evergreen (the leaves thin from October until January) native to the eastern side of the Mediterranean. It was written as follows on a piece of parchment:
A B L A N A T H A N A L B A
B L A N A T H A N A L B
L A N A T H A N A L
A N A T H A N A
N A T H A N
A T H A
T H
This is similar in design to the use of the more famous word of power, Abracadabra.
Abracadabra A traditional word of power, used by Western magicians from classical times to the present. Written in the falling way, it was used in talismans to cure fevers and asthma:
ABRACADABRA
ABRACADABR
ABRACADAB
ABRACADA
ABRACAD
ABRACA
ABRAC
ABRA
ABR
AB
A
In recent times, Abracadabra has mostly been used by stage magicians. English mage Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) altered the spelling to make it fit his new magical religion of Thelema, and in this new form the word has been much used in the Thelemite community; see Abrahadabra.
Abrahadabra A rewriting of the famous magical word Abracadabra by Aleister Crowley. This places the name “Had,” a short form of the Egyptian Hadith that, according to some sources, represents Horus of Behedet, an area in Egypt. Hadith is the second person of the Thelemic trinity. Crowley believed it was the Word of the Aeon. One aspect of this is that it has eleven letters, thus linking the symbol of humanity, the pentagram (five identical letters) with the number of God, the hexagram, (six diverse letters). It therefore represents the Great Work of personal spiritual development.
Abramelin The name of an Egyptian magician cited in The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, a magical text translated by S. L. Mathers. The French manuscript was written in the eighteenth century, but it purports to be a translation from an original text in Hebrew, dating from 1458. The grimoire contains elaborate instructions in the form of a six-month program of purification and prayer, designed to lead the magician to higher states of consciousness in which "knowledge and conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel" is possible.
Abraxas A popular magical deity in the ancient world, Abraxas (also called Abrasax) was depicted on classical amulet gems as a humanlike figure with a rooster’s head and serpents for feet, wielding a charioteer’s whip. The letters of his name in Greek add up to 365, the number of days in a year, which marked him as a solar deity and a lord of time.
In modern times, Abraxas has achieved a new popularity by way of the writings of psychologist Carl Jung, who gave him a central place in his Gnostic work, The Seven Sermons to the Dead, and elsewhere in his writings.
Abyss The void between the supernal sephiroth and the lower sephiroth on the Tree of Life that separates the ideal and the real.
Adam Kadmon The human body projected upon the Tree of Life.
Adept A person who is very skilled or proficient in a particular ability as in “When it comes to magick, he is an adept.” A description of such a person as in “He is adept at astrology.” In certain magickal orders, an adept is a person who has achieved a certain level of advancement in that group, sometimes using the original Latin form of the term, adeptus. In the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, there are two different grades, the Adeptus Minor and the Adeptus Major. Each has subgrades, such as the Neophyte Adeptus Minor.
Adeptus Minor “Lesser Adept,” the title of the lowest level of the second Order of the Golden Dawn. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was actually composed of three groups. The Outer Order, the Golden Dawn per se, was where students learned about magick and some of its very basic techniques. After going through all the degrees of this Outer Order, a student might be invited into the second or Inner Order, known as the Roseae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis (R.R. et A.C.). Here the student first starts practicing magick based on what they had learned. The first degree of this Order was known as Adeptus Minor. A person who has achieved any of the levels of Adeptus Minor (there were several sub-degrees) could do all of the magick of the system. The third Order was composed of non-physical beings.
Aethyr A spiritual plane of initiation in the Enochian system of magick.
AGLA Famous as part of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, AGLA is actually an acronym for Ah-tah Gee-boor Lih-oh-lam Ah-doh-nye or “Thou art great forever, my Lord.”
Air Dagger In the system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a symbolically decorated dagger. It is used by an adept to direct elemental air energy.
Aiwass The entity who communicated the Book of the Law to Aleister Crowley.
Aiwass The name of Aleister Crowley’s Holy Guardian Angel. Crowley spent many years trying to determine if Aiwass was merely his higher self or was, in fact, a non-physical being.
Al Awwa The 11th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Virgo.
Influence: Creates harmony between lovers
Spirit: Neciel
Al Baldah The 19th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Sagittarius.
Influence: Causes misfortune for enemies
Spirit: Amutiel
Al Batn Al Hut The 26th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Andromeda.
Influence: Aids the fisher
Spirit: Tagriel
Al Butain The 28th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Aries.
Influence: Aids in reconciliation
Spirit: Amnixiel
Al Dabaran The second Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Taurus. Note similarlity to the star name, Aldebaran.
Influence: Ill will, separation, revenge
Spirit: Enediel
Al Dhira The fifth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Gemini.
Influence: Secures material desires
Spirit: Gabriel
Al Farch Al Mukdim The 24th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Pegasus.
Influences love and favor.
Spirit: Abrinael
Al Fargh Al Thani The 25th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to parts of the constellations Pegasus and Andromeda.
Influence: Fouls liquids
Spirit: Aziel
Al Ghafr The 13th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Virgo.
Influences friendship and good will
Spirit: Fazeriel
Al Hak'ah The third Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to the constellation Orion.
Influence: Favor with authority
Spirit: Anixiel
Al Han'ah The fourth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Gemini.
Influence: Secures love
Spirit: Azariel
Al Jabhah The eighth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Leo.
Influence: Aids in childbirth and healing
Spirit: Amnediel
Al Jubana The 14th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to the constellation Libra.
Influence:Material increase
Spirit: Ergediel
Al Kalb The 16th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Scorpio.
Influence: Aids against poisons
Spirit: Azeruel
Al Na'am The 18th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Sagittarius.
Influence: Aids the hunter
Spirit: Egibiel
Al Nathrah The sixth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to the constellation Cancer.
Influence: Aids in battle
Spirit: Dirachiel
Al Sa'd Al Ahbiyah The 23rd Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Aquarius.
Influence: Aids the harvest, and plants in general
Spirit: Requiel
Al Sa'd Al Bula The 21st Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Aquarius.
Influences destruction and decline
Spirit: Bethnael
Al Sa'd Al Dhabih The 20th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to the constellation Capricorn.
Influence: Aids the fugitive
Spirit: Kyriel
Al Sa'd Al Su'ud The 22nd Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Aquarius.
Influence: Aids fertility in animals
Spirit: Geliel
Al Sarfah The tenth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Leo.
Influence: Causes disharmony between lovers
Spirit: Ardefiel
Al Sharatain The 27th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Aries.
Influence: Aids in the destruction of enemies
Spirit: Atheniel
Al Shaulah The 17th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Scorpio.
Influence: Aids childbirth
Spirit: Adriel
Al Simak The twelfth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Virgo.
Influences divorce and separation
Spirit: Abdizuel
Al Tarf The seventh Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Leo.
Influence: Causes illness
Spirit: Scheliel
Al Thurayya The first Mansion of the Moon, beginning at the Pleiades and corresponding to part of the constellation Taurus.
Influence: Good fortune
Spirit: Geniel
Al Zubrah The ninth Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Leo.
Influence: Causes fear or reverence
Spirit: Barbiel
Alchemy The word alchemy is an Arabic term comprised of the article "al" and the noun "khemi.” The later word relates to "Khem" the Coptic name of Egypt. Alchemy thus means, "that which pertains to Egypt.” Thus the words alchemy and chemistry are a reminder of the scientific legacy of Egypt. Another possible origin of the word is the Greek "cheo" which means "I pour" or "I cast"—a word often used in reference to the ancient Greek metalworkers who used many alchemical formulae. Together, alchemy and astrologya are two of the oldest sciences known to humanity. The specialized fields of herbalism, mineralogy, natural science, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine all evolved from the mother science known as alchemy.
Alchemy Alchemy is the art and science of transformation. This is not an easily understood art, because the primal medium of alchemical expression is through the use of allegory and mythological symbols, which can be interpreted simultaneously both at a material and a spiritual level. The primary goal of alchemy is to bring all things, including humanity to its pre-ordained state of perfection. To that end, the alchemical theory states that eternal wisdom remains latent, dormant and obscure in humanity so long as a mundane state of ignorance and superficiality exists. The objective of alchemy is the uncovering of this inner wisdom, and the removal of the veils and obstacles between the mind and its intrinsically pure divine source.
Alchemy The art and science of creating medicines from plants and minerals for healing physical and psychic diseases, thereby restoring the alchemist to a state of perfect harmony. These medicines can be either liquid, such as the Elixir of Life, or solid, such as the Philosopher’s Stone. Alchemy is also known as the Royal Art.
Aleister Crowley Born Edward Alexander Crowley, he was a remarkable poet, writer, mountain climber, and occultist. His strong positions on magick (his spelling) including the use of sexuality in magick have made him highly controversial. He “received” (what today might be called “channelled”) a short text, The Book of the Law, in 1904, and modified the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s magical system to fit this revelation. It also became a religious system. Followers of this system are called Thelemites.
Aleph The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Represents the number 1. The first of the three "mother letters." A Hebrew word meaning "ox." Corresponds to the element of Air, the 11th Path (between Kether and Chokmah), and Tarot trump The Fool.
Almadel 1) One of the books of The Lesser Key of Solomon.
2) General term for a talisman made from pure, white wax, and inscribed with various names and symbols.
Alpha et Omega English occult order, founded after the breakup of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1900 by former GD head Samuel Liddell Mathers and his supporters. There were two temples in Great Britain, one in London and the other in Edinburgh. The former Golden Dawn temples in the United States—Thme No. 8 in Chicago and Thoth-Hermes No. 9 in New York City—sided with Mathers during the breakup and became part of the Alpha et Omega afterwards. Three other American temples were founded after the First World War: Ptah No. 10 in Philadelphia in 1919, Atoum No. 20 (sic) in Los Angeles in 1920, and Themis No. 30 (sic) in San Francisco in 1921.
The history of the Alpha et Omega is uncertain at best, as few documents survive. All of the temples of the order appear to have gone out of existence by the Second World War.
Altar At the center of the circle is placed the altar, which magically represents the center of the universe and the center of the self. It is the working surface of ritual, the focus of awareness and power. When there is no space for a material altar, one may be visualized in the astral. The altar is square on top, cubic or doubly-cubic in dimension, and should be made of, or contain, natural stone. All these aspects symbolize that the altar is the material foundation that supports the work; it is the fixed place, the earthly buttress, where power is manifested and made actual in the world.
Amen A word used at the end of prayers and sections in Jewish and Christian rituals, as well as in some Pagan and ceremonial magick rituals. It is usually translated as “so be it,” thus equating with the magickal expression, “so mote it be.” However, it is actually a notarikon or Kabalistic acronym for the Hebrew words, “El Melech Ne’eh-mahn,” meaning “God is a faithful king.” Thus it signifies that concept that by repeating certain phrases, prayers, or rites, God will be faithful and fulfill His part of the agreement and do what is expected from the repetition of those words or actions.
AMORC Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, they claim to be the Rosicrucian Brotherhood. Although most Rosicrucians date themselves to early 17th century manifestos, AMORC claims to go back to Pharaoh Thutmose III of Egypt circa 1500 b.c.e. The order itself was founded in the US by Harvey Spencer Lewis (1883–1939), who had worked in advertising as an illustrator. Around 1915, Lewis hit upon the idea of marketing AMORC via mail order, and their ubiquitous advertisements appeared in numerous popular magazines. The organization began in New York City, but in 1918 the police raided them and Lewis was arrested for selling fraudulent books and collecting money under false pretenses. Charges were dropped, but Lewis moved the Order to San Francisco and then Tampa, Florida. In 1927 AMORC moved to San Jose, California, and incorporated as a religion. This was abandoned after a few years and the fraternal nature of the Order was stressed. In San Jose they created Rosicrucian Park, including faux Egyptian buildings, a museum, and the fifth planetarium built in the USA ( and still in use today). Teachings seem very similar to “New Thought,” the mystical system that evolved out of late 18th-century Spiritualism.
Upon his death, leadership of the order switched to his son, Ralph Maxwell Lewis (1904–1987). After Ralph's death a new leader was selected, but shortly afterward he was fired, the Order was reorganized, and the Supreme Grand Lodge moved to Quebec, Canada.
AMORC has worked hard to support their claim to being the true Rosicrucian Order. In the past they have fought other groups over this, including taking R. Swinburne Clymer and his Fraternitas Rosae Crucis to court, where each claimed the other practiced black magic. At one time Aleister Crowley made a weak attempt to take over AMORC.
Amulet A magical device used for protection. Although often used synonymously with talisman, amulets are made to keep things away (such as illness) while talismans are used to bring things to you (such as good luck).
Amulet A device of some sort worn to protect the wearer from some specific evil or malady. The term amulet seems to be derived from the Latin word amulteum, a “means of defense.” Amulets are Barrier and Guardian talismans.
Arbatel of Magic Originally intended to have nine books, we only have the first book, “Isagoge,” that concerns the basics of magickal procedure in general. It contains 49 “aphorisms,” divided into groups of seven called “septenaries,” which must be learned and followed in order to succeed in magickal experiments.
Arcane Something that is understood by only a few people. Mysterious or secret.
Arrangers A secondary use of talismans from the isometric crystal system. These talismans have an internal structure that is perfectly arranged and holds the energy we need to help us arrange our life in a more orderly manner. When there is a need for arranging our paths through life, establishing equality or equilibrium, reducing chaos, aligning priorities, or just “squaring” things away, talismans made from crystals from this system are very powerful.
Assiah The "Material World." The final, fourth, and most dense of the four Qabalistic worlds or stages of manifestation. Assiah is the dense world of action and matter. It is attributed to Malkuth, the element of earth, and the Hebrew letter Heh (the final letter Heh, as opposed to the second letter Heh in the name Yod Heh Vah Heh).
Assumption of Godforms A technique used in several magickal systems. The magician creates the image of a deity by various means, including visualization of an archetypal image of the deity, concentration of the sigil of the deity, vibration of the deity’s name, etc. Once created, the magician “steps into” the image (this may be done mentally, physically, or both). The magician then functions as a manifestation of that deity. This is typically done in certain initiatory rituals, so that it is a deity performing the initiation for the purpose of using powers and abilities attributed to the deity for healing, divination, practical magick, etc., or as part of certain forms of sexual magick.
Astral Temple A place on the astral plane or in the imagination created by force of will and visualization as an astral location that is represented on the physical plane by a magician’s actual temple. When magicians consciously project into the astral plane, this is usually the first place they will go. As it is familiar to the magician, it can be used as a place of refuge in case of attack or perceived danger on the astral plane.
Athame A tool used by Witches that combines the functioning of both wand and sword is the athame, or magical knife. It is an all-purpose instrument, used for making the material objects of ritual and also for projecting power. Some Witches even use it in their cooking! They explain that since magic embraces all of life, cooking is an integral part of their Art and this is no profanation.
The magical knife is quite old. In medieval times it was divided into two—a knife with a white hilt, used for all common purposes, and a knife with a black hilt, used for drawing magic circles and compelling spirits. This distinction is still frequently observed by modern Witches. The white and black-hilted knives are in some ways analogous to the wand and sword of high magic.
Athame Possibly a misspelling of “Arthame” taken from the grimoire known as The Greater Key of Solomon (or perhaps vice versa). The Athame is primarily used by Witches and Wiccans. It is traditionally sharp on both sides and has a black handle. It may have symbols on it.
To many, the Athame is seen as an extension of their ability to direct energy. As such, although sharp, it is not used to cut any physical object. It is only used to direct energy or cut non-physical energy streams. To practitioners who use the Athame in this way, the carving of physical items was done with the knife known as a Boline.
Atziluth The "World of Nobility." The highest and most abstract of the four Qabalistic worlds or stages of manifestation. Atziluth is the divine world of archetypes. It is attributed to Kether, the element of fire, and the Hebrew letter Yod.
Ayin The sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a "voiced laryngal spirant." Represents the number 70. The tenth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "eye." Corresponds to Capricorn, the 26th Path (between Tiphareth and Hod), and Tarot trump XV The Devil.
Azoth A word composed of the first and last letters of the Hebrew and Greek alphabets. It is also called the Akasha or Astral Light. It appears as brightness and is changeable according to a person’s will.
Baneful Baneful herbs are poisonous. Such herbs - including henbane, hemlock, hellebore, mandrake and datura - were popular in Renaissance magic for inducing visions, creating the illusion of psychic awareness, drawing love, tormenting the mind and even dulling the pain of those about to be executed for the “crime” of magic.
Banish To send away. On a spiritual level, a ritual or technique used to send away unwanted entities or energies.
Banishing To send away. In metaphysical terms, a banishing is a ritual or technique that has the effect of sending away unwanted energies, entities, etc. Although banishings are used in healing (sending away the ailment), they are most often used in conjunction with magickal rituals. They are used before such rituals to make the area blank, a tabula rasa, leaving it open for any magickal work. They are used after such rituals to disperse any energies or entities that may have been attracted to the energy raised during the ritual.
Baphomet A term that first appeared during the trials of the Knights Templar. Although there have been many suggestions as the source of the term, including mystical ones, its etymology is unknown. In a book by occultist Eliphas Levi, he produced a drawing of Baphomet that he also identified as “The Sabbatic Goat.” It has been adapted as part of the Devil card found in many Tarot decks.
Barriers Talismans made from minerals that form in the triclinic crystal system possessing the form of a trapezium, a structure with no right angles. This structure gives these talismans strength in all directions, allowing them to provide barriers to attack from all directions simultaneously. Their crystal structure gives Barrier talismans the crystal energy to form an effective amulet that can aid in defending against the misfortunes of this world.
Beth The second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, B or V. Represents the number 2. The first of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "house." Corresponds to the planet Mercury, the 12th Path (between Kether and Binah), and Tarot trump I The Magician.
Binah In Binah is a thick darkness which yet veileth the Divine Glory in which all colours are hidden, wherein is mystery and depth and silence, and yet, it is the habitation of the Supernal Light. There is the Supernal Triad completed. And the Sphere of its Operation is Shabbathai, or rest, and it giveth forms and similitudes unto chaotic matter and it ruleth the sphere of action of the planet Saturn. And Jehovah Elohim is the perfection of Creation and the Life of the World to Come. And its archangel is Tzaphqiel, the Prince of the Spiritual Strife against Evil, and the Name of the Order of Angels is Aralim, the Strong and Mighty Ones who are also called the Order of Thrones. The angel Jophiel if also referred unto Binah.
Binah The third Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the topmost Sephirah on the Pillar of Severity. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Understanding." It represents the archetype of the number 3, the feminine aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name YHWH Elohim, the archangel Tzaphqiel, the angelic choir called Aralim (The Mighty Ones) and Shabbathai, or heavenly Sphere of Saturn.
Bind-runes Made up of combinations of two or more rune-staves, bind-runes expand and further refine the power and aim of runic formulas.
Binding Magickal acts ranging from a complex ritual to a simple spell that have the goal of preventing someone from committing a specific action or set of actions.
Black Magic Black Magick's aim is to harm yourself or another either purposely or accidentally. Some magicians feel that it would not be working to hurt someone else, except that they, themselves will suffer as a consequence. "As you sow, so shall ye reap" is not merely a philosophical aphorism to a magician, it is an actual physical fact. Most magicians do not want to chance getting "zapped" by the law of Karma for a foolish act of Black Magick.
Boline A white-handled knife used by some Witches and Wiccans for carving items, especially items used in ritual. For example, it would be used to carve a sigil on a candle used in a ritual. For some, it would also be used for many daily cutting purposes. To people who use the white knife in this way, the better-known black-hilted knife, the Athame, is not used to cut anything physical. Rather, it is used to direct energy.
Bonders Talismans that are made from minerals that form in the Class VIII-5 “Sheet Silicates” class. These crystals are formed when silicate tetrahedrons connect in sheets producing very cohesive minerals. They are very tough to cut. They are outstanding minerals that have the chemical earth power to make effective talismans when the need to create something that is bound tightly. Bonder talismans are useful in cementing relationships and agreements.
Book of the Law The Book of the Law, also known as Liber AL vel Legis, was channeled by Aleister Crowley in Cairo in 1904 from a "preternatural" entity calling himself Aiwass. It is divided into three sections, respectively attributed to the Egyptian deities Nuit,Hadit, and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. Its chief tenets are "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," "Love is the law, love under will," and "Every man and every woman is a star."
Breaks Interruptions in concentration. Aleister Crowley gave techniques to develop concentration and overcome these breaks.
Briah The "World of Creation." The second of four Qabalistic worlds, consisting of Chokmah and Binah. Briah is the realm of archangels. It is attributed to the element of water and the Hebrew letter Heh.
Brighteners Talismans made from Class III “Halides.” That are often very brightly colored, among the brightest of the mineral kingdom. These crystals and minerals such as Halite and Fluorite are prized for their ability to bring out the beauty in something. As talismans, the Brighteners have the chemical earth energy to help us in enhancing efforts that focus on the sensual aspects of life in which some aspect has become dull, tarnished, or dingy.
Buffers Talismans made from Class VII “Phosphate” minerals. These minerals are mostly derived from phosphoric acid which forms compounds that buffer, balance, and neutralize both acids and alkalis. Other talismans from this class have similar chemistry. Buffers have the chemical earth power to help us when we need to promote stability, balance, and centering. Also sometimes called Balancers.
Builders Talismans made from minerals of the Class V “Carbonates” classification. These are minerals that are rarely in their final forms, but rather in a transitional state. The Builders have the chemical Earth Power that is needed in applications in which something new needs to be made from something old. Woodworkers, stoneworkers, artists, painters, and others efforts involved in the creative arts benefit from these types of talismans. The Builder talismans can help artists and craftsmen to focus on the artistic outcome they are trying to achieve.
Bull-roarer A tool used in rituals by the Aboriginal people of Australia. It consists of a small piece of wood tied to the end of a string. When swung through the air it produces a buzzy, humming sound. Shown being used as a signaling and communications device in the film Crocodile Dundee.
Cabala Cabala...is a system of mysticism with its origins in Judaism, stemming in part from the "chariot" visions of first-century mystics, in part from Gnosticism and ceremonial magic.
Candle Magic “The use of candles in magic dates back many centuries, but the specific system of magic in which colored, anointed candles are the primary tools is a relatively recent innovation, developed in the nineteenth century out of Catholic devotional practices using candles of various kinds. The southern United States, with its rich heritage of hoodoo magic and African tradition, seems to be the homeland of candle magic, with New Orleans probably the original place of invention.
“The basic practices of candle magic involve a detailed color symbolism in which red candles represent sexual desire, green stand for money, white for spirituality and healing, black for cursing and banishing, and so forth. Candles used in magic are “dressed” or anointed with specific oils, which are typically rubbed onto the candle from the middle out to both ends. A candle magic working may simply involve lighting one or more candles and reciting a charm while it burns; it may also involve rearranging candles on an altar to represent the rearrangement in the world that the working is intended to bring about.
“Originally, candle magic was mostly practiced among Southern folk magicians of various kinds, but in recent decades it has spread far more widely. Many Witches and Pagans in the current Pagan revival movements make use of it, as do a great many occultists who simply picked up a book on the subject and found it to their liking.”
Cardinal Points Also known as the “cardinal directions,” they are the North, South, East, and West. Many magickal rituals are directed toward one of the cardinal points, and some rituals have work done at each point. In mathematics, points dividing the cardinal points, such as the northeast, southwest, etc., are known as “ordinal points,” but in magickal traditions they are frequently called “cross-quarter points.”
Censer An incense burner. Traditionally, a censer is a metal container, filled with incense, that is swung on the end of a chain.
Central Gaze In European magical traditions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a method of using the eyes to prevent another magician from gaining control of one’s mind and will. To use the central gaze, the magician focuses his or her eyes intently on a point between the attacker’s eyebrows, at the location of the “third eye” center. The crucial point lies in not allowing oneself to meet the attacker’s gaze directly, even for a moment; concentration must be maintained on the chosen point.
Ceremonial Magick Ceremonial Magick is one of the most complicated systems of spiritual attainment in the world. It is a mixture of Jewish, Christian, and ancient Egyptian philosophy mixed with ancient Indian and Chaldean ideas spiced with a hint of earlier Paganism. This is mixed with the ceremonial aspects of Catholicism and Masonry. It usually heavily involves the study of the Kabalah, the mysticism of the world put into Jewish and Judeo-Christian terms.
Chaldean A person living in the area of ancient Babylon (modern Iraq) associated with the Sumerian city of Ur, which was eventually ruled by the Chaldees (the biblical “Ur of the Chaldees”). Chaldea was associated with magic, and by the seventeenth century in Europe, any person who was an astrologer, diviner, or magician was generically known as a “Chaldean.”
Chalice A large goblet, frequently stemmed, used to hold wine in religious rituals. Also used to represent the element of Water in magickal rites.
Chant The process of repeating sounds, words, or phrases. This can be done melodically or simply rhythmically. The goal is to induce an altered state of consciousness that may be used for magickal purposes.
Chaos Magic A term coined by Peter Carroll in 1978 in his book Liber Null (published in the US in combination with another work as Liber Null and Psychonaut) to describe a system of magick that its practitioners (who usually call themselves Chaoists or Chaotes) consider to be radically different from previous forms of magick. Important concepts in this tradition include the power of belief (expressed as “fake it until you make it”), the Gnostic state (being extremely focused) as necessary for most magick, and extreme eclecticism including the use of any belief system (even ones that are known to be entirely fictional) for the working of magickal rituals. Carroll, with Ray Sherwin, founded the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT), which is an important force in the very loosely organized Chaos Magic movement.
Chaote (Pronounced “kay-oat”) A term that describes a person who practices Chaos magick.
Charging To infuse an object with magical power.
Charm 1) An object imbued with some type of energy for magical purposes. See “talisman.” 2) A spell used to perform some type of magic.
Chesed The fourth Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the middle Sephirah on the Pillar of Mercy. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Mercy." It represents the archetype of the number 4, the merciful aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name El, the archangel Tzadqiel, the angelic choir called Chashmalim, and Tzedek, or heavenly Sphere of Jupiter.
Chesed In Chokmah is the Radix of blue and thence is there a blue colour pure and primitive, and glistening with a spiritual Light which is reflected unto Chesed. And the Sphere of its Operation is called Tzedek or justice and it fashioneth the images of material things, bestowing peace and mercy; and it ruleth the sphere of the action of the planet Jupiter. And Al is the title of a God strong and mighty, ruling in Glory, Magnificence and Grace. And the Archangel of Chesed is Tzadkiel, the prince of Mercy and Beneficence, and the Name of the Order of Angels is Chashmalim Brilliant Ones, who are also called the Order of Dominions or Dominations. The Sephira Chesed is also called Gedulah or Magnificence and Glory.
Cheth The eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Ch or H. Represents the number 8. The fourth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "fence" or "enclosure." Corresponds to Cancer, the 18th Path (between Binah and Geburah), and Tarot trump VII The Chariot.
Chokmah The second Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the topmost Sephirah on the Pillar of Mercy. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Widsom." It represents the archetype of the number 2, the masculine aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name Yah, the archangel Raziel, the angelic choir called Ophanim (Wheels) and the Mazloth, or heavenly Sphere of the Zodiac.
Chokmah In Chokmah is a cloud-like grey which containeth various colours and is mixed with them, like a transparent pearl-hued mist, yet radiating withal, as if behind it there was a brilliant glory. And the Sphere of its influence is in Masloth, the Starry Heaven, wherein it disposeth the forms of things. And Yah is the Divine Ideal Wisdom, and its Archangel is Ratziel, the Prince or Princes of the knowledge of hidden and concealed things, and the name of its Order of Angels is Auphanim, the Wheels or the Whirling Forces which are also called the Order of Kerubim.
Cipher Manuscripts A collection of loose papers, which are the original source of the Golden Dawn ritual and magical system, and which played a complex and still uncertain role in the founding of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
Circle The magic circle is drawn in the astral world about the Magus and the place where the ritual is worked. It forms a division between the magical place and the ordinary world, setting the interior space apart. This allows the region inside the circle to hold a heightened charge of magical potency, and because it is a pure space devoted to worship and magic, it permits the manifestation of spiritual Intelligences that could not be readily perceived in the ordinary environment. The circle also acts as a barrier that protects the Magus from the intrusion of discordant, chaotic forces that seek to disrupt communications with higher spiritual beings, or even to harm the Magus in emotional and physical ways.
The circle is always inscribed from the inside, ideally from the center, in a sunwise direction, and visualized as a glowing or flaming band of light that sustains itself in the air at the level of the heart. Often a corresponding physical circle of the same radius is marked on the floor of the chamber beforehand; but the magic circle does not actually exist until it is made in the astral by a deliberate act of will. For convenience, the circle is made of a size great enough to enclose the ritual place. A single ritualist, if working without an altar in a confined space, might project a circle of six feet in diameter. With an altar at the center, the circle might be nine feet in diameter to permit movement around the altar. Since the circle is drawn in the astral, it can be made larger than the actual physical chamber.
Whatever its size, the circle should always be large enough to comfortably hold all who work within it. Because the circle is magically real, even though immaterial, it must never be casually broken. It is extended from the heart center of the Magus clockwise from the point of the right index finger, or the point of the wand, sword, or knife. It should be reabsorbed at the end of the ritual in through the left index finger, or magical instrument held in the left hand, by retracing it widdershins——against the course of the Sun. It must never be stepped through, although this is a common mistake among occultists. To disregard the substantiality of the circle is to weaken it, and so render it a less useful tool.
Circle of Bluestone Small ring carved from Preseli Bluestone, the substance from which the Inner Ring of Stonehenge is made. It is used with Touchstones on the equinoxes and solstices to unify talismans—combining their power with all other talismans.
Circumambulation A term most often used by ceremonial magicians describing moving within a magickal circle either as part of a ritual or as a way of raising magickal energy.
City of Pyramids The destination of the Adept crossing the Abyss. The City of Pyramids is located in Binah.
Conjure Originally a practice that may have included such things as chanting and physical motions with the purpose of evoking a spirit. Now often used as a generic term for “magic.”
Correspondences A method of assigning meaning and interdependent connections to the various aspects of the visible and invisible worlds wherein each color, sound, metal, plant, animal, organs of the human body, or anything in the material world, is said to have its origin in the invisible through specific energetic signatures. Astrology plays a significant role in assigning and deciding correspondences.
Crowley Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was the foremost ceremonial magician of the first half of the 20th century. He was born in Leamington, England, on October 12, 1875, the son of fanatical Plymouth Brethren. His mother called him the Beast of Revelation, whose number is 666, and Crowley embraced this identification. He attended Cambridge and began to study occultism. He was an accomplished chess player, mountain climber, and poet. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In 1903, he married Rose Kelly. In 1904, while on an extended honeymoon with Rose in Cairo, he received The Book of the Law from a "praeternatural" entity calling himself Aiwass. This book identified Crowley as the Logos of a New Aeon, and Crowley spent the rest of his life trying to spread the new religion. He died in a rooming house in Hastings on December 1, 1947.
Cube of Space A model, found in the Sepher Yetzirah, of how the invisible energies expressed by the Hebrew alphabet interact with one another to create the invisible worlds.
Curse A spell or ritual—or the result of the spell or ritual—used to harm someone or punish the person. It may be transferable to the family of the cursed person. A curse may also cause a building, location, or object to bring “bad luck” to an owner or renter.
Daath The Qabalistic Sephirah of Daath is the conjunction of Chokmah and Binah on the Tree of Life, the Child of Wisdom and Understanding. It refers to the symbolic sphere formed within or above the Ruach by means of experience obtained, and this assimilated becomes transmuted into intuition and faculty of mind. But fundamentally it is the ascent of the Dragon or, if you wish, an upwelling of the Unconscius archetypes—a highly dangerous and unbalancing ascent, until they are assimilated to consciousness—which first renders Daath a possibility.
Daleth The fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, D or Dh. Represents the number 4. The third of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "door." Corresponds to the planet Venus, the 14th Path (between Chokmah and Binah), and Tarot trump III The Empress.
Dark Night of the Soul Term now familiar in Western mystical psychology: 16th-century Spanish Carmelite St. John of the Cross (whose writings reveal much Qabalistic understanding) used it to describe the intense desolation which characterized the eighth of his ten stages of spiritual ascent, corresponding to the experience of Binah, the Third Sephira.
Darts A small, narrow, pointed missile. Today, a game is played where darts are tossed at a circular target. The location of the dart on the board determines the score, and there are many game variations. According to Lewis Spence, the Laplanders used darts in a form of magick. The darts were made of lead and were only a few inches long. They would throw these against their absent enemies, and believed this would result in giving them horrible pains and ailments. From his description, this was a form of sympathetic magic.
Degree Different levels of grades within spiritual organizations such as magickal lodges or covens. Also used to identify the level that a member of such a group has achieved, such as a first degree, third degree, etc.
Demon CO A humorous reference to carbon monoxide. When charcoal for incense is burned, it can exhaust the air of oxygen and replace it with carbon monoxide (chemical formula: CO). The lack of oxygen can cause dizziness, sickness, unconsciousness, or death. A magician should always have plenty of air in a room when burning incense.
Dion Fortune Pen name of Violet Mary Firth (1890–1946) based on her family motto (which she used as a magical name) “Deo Non Fortuna,” Latin for “God, not fate.” She developed psychic abilities early in life, leading to a nervous breakdown. Upon her recover she became fascinated with the occult and the new studies in psychology, eventually becoming a lay psychotherapist. After studying Theosophy she eventually joined a branch of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
In order to increase membership, she formed the Fraternity (later changed to Society) of the Inner Light. It worked, but it brought her fame and the leader of the Golden Dawn supposedly didn’t like that and ousted her. But her Society continued to grow and her books became famous.
There were three major trends in her writing. Traditional Western occultism and the Qabalah filled many of her non-fiction works. Her fiction works were focused more on Pagan traditions. Those associated with her Society are more focused around mystical Christianity with a focus on King Arthur and Merlin. Her famous books include The Mystical Qabalah, Sane Occultism, Moon Magic, The Sea Priestess, and Avalon of the Heart.
She respected and corresponded with Aleister Crowley, was responsible for Israel Regardie getting initiated into the Golden Dawn, and claimed to have been involved in what was known as the “Magical Battle of Britain” where occultists used magick to prevent a German invasion of England during WWII. It is known that Hitler intended to invade England, but for some reason (about which there is much speculation) he called it off.
Dispellers Talismans that form in the orthorhombic system with a “diamond shape” internal crystal arrangements. They often appear as small multiple diamond-shaped crystals like a multitude of arrowheads or pyramids. The diamond shape of their crystal lattice acts like a radiator, with sharp points from which the energy can flow easily outward. This outward flow of energy can carry with it the undesirable elements in our lives. Dispellers are talismans used when the need is to rid ourselves of undesirable elements in our lives.
Distillation The process of boiling a fluid and then cooling the resulting gas, resulting in a purified liquid. In alchemy, the gas produced during the distillation was considered the spirit of the substance being distilled, and the purification through heat is also a form of spiritual purification of the substance being distilled.
Druidism Druidism is the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Celtic peoples, a polytheistic religion originating in the archaic proto-Indo-European past. It was carried into Western Europe by Indo-European tribes speaking Celtic dialects.
Druidism is a spiritual path in harmony with the natural flow of the cosmos. It is one of the many folk or “earth” religions that can brig us back into reverence for living things and the disciplines of hard work, productivity, physical strength and health. It beckons us to follow the wisdom of our ancestors.
Earth One of the four creative elements in magick. It is the element of form, binding, and manifestation. From an occult perspective the element of Earth is the lowest in vibratory rate of the four elements. Most modern Witchcraft/Wiccan traditions consider Earth to be a feminine element. In an occult sense, “feminine” refers to the characteristics of energy rather than to gender.
Earth Pentacle In the system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a symbolically decorated, disk of wood. It is used by an adept to direct elemental earth energy.
Egregore An energized astral form produced consciously or unconsciously by human agency. In particular, (a) a strongly characterized form, usually an archetypal image, produced by the imaginative and emotional energies of a religious or magical group collectively, or (b) an astral shape of any kind, deliberately formulated by a magician to carry a specific force.
Elemental Symbols Much of magic is done through the mediation of the four occult elements, Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. They determine both the type of energy that accomplishes the work and the avenue through which it acts. For this reason a clear understanding and proper use of the elements is vital in ritual. Each element is represented by its own material symbol, which is placed atop the altar beside the lamp in the appropriate elemental quarter. If a ritual concerns only one element, its symbol is placed on the altar alone; if all four elements are involved, all four symbols are present.
Fire is embodied in a short rod about nine inches long. This has a very specific design in the Golden Dawn magical system, but the details are not really necessary. It is the essential shape of the rod that is most important. The nature of elemental Fire is in accord with this strongly phallic symbol.
Air is embodied in a short dagger. Again, it is the associations of the blade—its flashing quickness, its piercing quality, its brightness——that are important, not details of the hilt and so on. The difference in tone between the rod and the dagger says much about the essential difference between elemental Fire and Air.
Water is embodied in a cup or chalice. It should be rounded and womblike, enclosing and protective. It is also more harmonious if the cup is made of a watery, or at least a natural, material. Blue hand blown glass is good, or earth-tone ceramic.
Earth is embodied in the disk or pentacle. This is a flat disk painted with Earth colors. Ideally it should be made of clay or stone. Usually it is of wood. It must not be too large to conveniently hold in the hand—four inches in diameter is a good size, because four is a material, earthy number.
So far as I know, the use of elemental symbols originated with the Victorian Order of the Golden Dawn in the last century, and received its inspiration from the symbols of the lesser arcana—the number cards—of the Tarot. Specific, formal symbols of the four elements were not used in medieval times, and are not strictly necessary. However, the employment of these symbols has become almost universal in modern magic, and they can be very useful. It is important that they be made to harmonize with the sensibilities of the one who will actually use them, not merely according to some arbitrary standard.
Elemental Weapons The four tools used in traditional magical work, corresponding with the four elements and four suits of the Tarot.
Elementals Elementals are spirits of the four elements. As defined by Paracelsus in the 16th century, they are:
Earth - gnomes
Air - sylphs
Fire - salamanders
Water - undines
Eliphas Levi Part of the name Eliphas Levi Zaed used by Alphonse Louis Constant (1810–1875) when he wrote books and articles. It was an attempt to translate and transliterate his name into Hebrew. Levi’s writings on magic, especially
Enchant To perform a magical ritual, usually with the purpose of having an effect on someone. The rite is known as an “enchantment.”
Enoch Enoch is described in the Jewish bible and other extrabiblical sources. According to Lewis Spence, he is considered the seventh master of the world after Adam. He has been equated with the Egyptian deity Thoth. An Apocryphal book written about 100 b.c.e. is attributed to him, but only fragments remain. It is said that he didn’t die, but was “translated” (i.e., carried away) to heaven and will return at the end of time. John Dee and his assistant, Edward Kelly supposedly communicated with Enoch who communicated an entire system of magick to them. This is known as Enochian magick.
Enochian Relating to Enoch.
Enochian Chess A variant of chess practiced in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and devised by the order’s cofounder William Wynn Westcott. Based on chaturanga, the ancient Hindu version of chess, it is a game for four players in which the pieces are Egyptian gods and the board is derived from one of the four Enochian elemental tablets.
Enochian Magick The ultimate goal of the Enochian Magician is to become a living embodiment of spiritual knowledge and power. Enochian Magick works by employing techniques which strengthen the will and give control over the mind, allowing a magician to bring about personal changes as well as changes for others.
Equinox of the Gods The beginning of the Aeon of Horus; specifically, the Spring Equinox of March 20, 1904.
Evocation The process required when Evoking.
Evoke To call forth [a force or influence] from within the psyche.
Fairy magic Magical operations based upon the legendary fey folk, elemental in nature and relating to the seasons and their associated activities, especially Midsummer, Beltane eve, and All Hallows eve.
(2) Any specialized ceremony requesting and honoring fairy folk assistance in magickal ways. Both light and dark fey folk can be involved.
Fascination A type of spell or ritual effecting a person in a way that the subject of the spell sees things in a particular light. For example, as a result of such a spell a person may see another as being highly desirable when previously the subject did not feel that way.
Fetish In magical traditions, especially in non-industrialized or “primitive” cultures, an object that is believed to have magical qualities.
Fire Wand In the system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a symbolically decorated, phallic appearing wand with a magnetic bar running its length. It is used by an adept to direct elemental fire energy.
Flagellation The practice of whipping, usually with a whip that has multiple strands or “tails” known as a flogger. Some magicians use self-flagellation to increase the flow of endorphins, resulting in an altered state of consciousness that can be used in magical rituals. In certain Wiccan traditions, flagellation is used—often symbolically—as part of initiation.
Flashing Colors In the Golden Dawn system of magic, colors that produce a flashing or “strove” effect in the eyes of a view…If two colors are chosen so that each is the other’s exact opposite, and the two are placed side by side, each will appear to pulse with the other after a short period of concentrated gaze. The Golden Dawn knowledge lectures stated that this effect was associated with a stirring up of the etheric energy, and flashing colors were therefore used in consecrated working tools and talismans as a source of additional energy.
Flower The part of a plant that bears seeds. It contains the plant’s reproductive organs (carpels and stamens) that are frequently surrounded by colorful petals. In the Victorian period (1832-1901), flowers were given various meanings and were sent to others for communication in what was called the “Language of Flowers” or “floriography.” Different flowers are also used for various magical purposes.
Fluid Condenser In European traditions of magic, a substance used to store etheric energy. The most common fluid condensers are liquid, and made by dissolving small amounts of gold in water, then combining this with herbal infusions of various kinds; there are also solid fluid condensers, which are less often used. The term fluid condenser derives from the concept of etheric energy as a subtle fluid.
Flying Roll In the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, various incidental papers and lectures were termed “flying rolls” and circulated among the adepti of the order.
Fortune Dion Fortune was the pen-name of Violet Mary Firth (Dec. 6, 1890-Jan. 1946). She is well known for her many books relating to ceremonial magick. She was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn but broke with the society after a quarrel with Moina Mathers, widow of founder MacGregor Mathers. She established her own magical order, the Fraternity of the Inner Light. During World War II, she and her followers enlisted the aid of the archangels against Hitler's Luftwaffe. A powerful psychic and medium, she considered herself a Priestess of the Great Goddess.
Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy A version of the Heptameron with large portions of the original Three Books of Occult Philosophy. Influenced by the Lemegeton.
G.B.G. (More accurately, each letter has a triangle formed by three dots after it. This usage derives from the very old Masonic connections of the early Occult orders. It always signifies something “holy” or that an esoteric meaning is involved.)
Great Brotherhood of God. An occult order whose objective existence dates from 1931 to 1938 inclusive. Its founder, C. F. Russell (Frater Genesthai), had been a student of Aleister Crowley. Crowley gave Russell permission to found his own Order based on Crowley’s famous Book of the Law, the concept of doing your Will, and the idea that we were now in the age of Horus. In practice, the Order taught such things as dream recall, Tarot, Qabalah, the “Calypso Moon Language,” and three degrees of sex magick. It was not until 1969—more than thirty years after the Order closed—that one of its members, Louis T. Culling, published a brief version of its teachings and rituals.
Geburah The fifth Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the middle Sephirah on the Pillar of Severity. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Severity." It represents the archetype of the number 5, the just aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name Elohim Gibor, the archangel Kamael, the angelic choir called Seraphim, and Madim, or heavenly Sphere of Mars.
Geburah In Binah is the Radix of Red, and therein is a red colour, pure and scintillating and flashing with flame which is reflected unto Geburah. The Sphere of its Operation is called Madim or violent rushing Force and it bringeth fortitude, and war and strength and slaughter, as it were, the flaming Sword of an avenging God. And it ruleth the Sphere of Action of the Planet Mars. And Elohim Gibor is the Elohim, Mighty and Terrible, judging and avenging evil, ruling in wrath and terror and storm, and at whose steps are lightning and flame. And its Archangel is Kamael the Prince of Strength and Courage, and the Name of the Order of Angels is Seraphim the Flaming Ones who are also called the Order of Powers. The Sephira Chesed is also called Gedulah or Magnificense and Glory, and the Sephira Geburah is also called Pachad Terror and Fear.
Gimel The third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, G or Gh. Represents the number 3. The second of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "camel." Corresponds to the Moon, the 13th Path (between Kether and Tiphareth), and
Glamour Glamour is the art of enchantment. In occult lore, glamour is the ability to create an illusion around a person, place, or thing. In legend, the art of glamour was used to make the old appear young or to disguise one's appearance in different ways. It was also used to hide or camouflage something and to make one thing appear to be another.
Gnomes Gnomes are elemental spirits of Earth. The name was invented by Paracelsus in the 16th century. He identified spirits of the four elements, or elementals.
Gnomes gnome - one of a fabled race of diminutive beings supposed to inhabit the inner parts of the earth, and to be the guardians of mines, quarries, etc. The name gnome was given by Paracelsus to beings having earth as their element, so that they can move through it as freely as a fish through water (cf. sylph, salamander, undine). In later use the conception has been largely influenced by popular ideas about dwarfs, elves, and fairies, probably in particular by the Teutonic belief in "dark elves."
Goetia Goetic Magick is named for the most popular grimoire of its genre, the Goetia (Greek for "sorcery" or "Witchcraft"). Goetic Magick is the art of summoning spirits, demons, jinn, angels, and elementals.
Golden Dawn The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is an initiatory magical group that was founded in London in 1888. It is a society that is dedicated to philosophical, spiritual, and psychic evolution.
Grimoire A Grimoire is a book of ceremonies, rituals, and spells, usually dating from the Middle Ages.
Grounding A term describing how, at the conclusion of a ritual, any remaining magickal energy is dispersed by sending it to the earth. Also, in healing, getting rid of illness by sending the energy of the illness to the earth.
Haoma Sometimes personified as a deity, Haoma is a magical drink of ancient Persia (modern Iran). It was made from milk, water, and the haoma plant and was said to give immortality.
Heh The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, H. Represents the number 5. The first of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "window." Corresponds to Aries, the 15th Path (between Chokmah and trump IV The Emperor. (In the system of Aleister Crowley, Heh corresponds to the Tarot trump XVII The Star.)
Heptameron Attributed to Peter de Abano (1250–1316) and translated by Robert Turner in 1655, this was apparently written as a “how-to” accompaniment for the theories and philosophies in Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy.
herb An “herb” can be a cactus, a flower, a seaweed, a moss, a mushroom, a grass, a vine, shrub, bush or tree. “Spices” are also classified as herbs. The parts of plants used in herbalism include seeds, flowers, fruits, leaves, barks and roots.
The word “herb” implies that the plant has a specific use. Such uses may be medicinal (goldenseal); culinary (spearmint); cosmetic (almond); aesthetic (rose) or magical (sandalwood). Many herbs enjoy a rich variety of uses.
herb magic Herb magic is the utilization of the energies contained within herbs to create positive transformations. This practice doesn’t solely rely on plant power to create these changes, though. The magician sends energy into the herbs from her or his own body. The two energies (human and plant) are mixed, given purpose, and sent forth to their magical goal.
herbal A book containing descriptions of plants and their uses. The first herbals were written in ancient Greece. Most herbals included magical as well as medicinal information. Such books were copied and recopied for centuries, further spreading magical herbal lore.
Hermetic Related to the Greek god Hermes. Hermes, seen by many as a form of the ancient Egyptian Thoth, is the god of magic. Therefore, it is descriptive of any person or project involving magic. Often this involves Egyptian (or supposedly Egyptian) magical practices.
Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor Occult order founded in England sometime before 1884; the H.B. of L. was among the first examples of the occult correspondence school. Candidates for membership who responded to its advertising or were recommended by a member would be requested to send a photograph and an astrological birth chart; upon acceptance, the new member would be placed in contact with a mentor, who would send out a series of manuscripts in exchange for fees and a pledge of secrecy.
They had a running feud with the Theosophical Society, the major player in contemporary occult circles. Members went on to found the O.T.O., the Brotherhood of Light, and the Church of Light.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Full name of the magical order commonly called the Golden Dawn.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn The recent legal conflict has been resolved and we are pleased with the outcome. Our organization, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation (also known as H.O.G.D.) is the sole and exclusive owner of United States Trademark Registration No. 2, 034,866 for our mark THE HERMETIC ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DAWN & Design.
Hermeticism A later manifestation of the Hermetic tradition that grew out of ancient Hermetism. The magic and mysticism of the Western world that is descended from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It also includes Rosicrucian, Jewish, Arabic, and indigenous European spiritual traditions. The Western Esoteric Tradition.
Hex A spell, frequently a curse, created by a Pagan or Witch, typically someone practicing folk magic. The word probably comes from the German hexe meaning “Witch.”
Hexagram A six-pointed star usually formed by two interwoven triangles. Today, it is frequently seen as a symbol of Judaism (having replaced the previous symbols of the pentagram and seven-branched candlestick) and is known as the Shield or Star of David (Mogen David). A popular interpretation of the symbol is that the triangle with one point down represents God reaching for humanity, while the triangle pointing up represents humans striving to reach for the Divine.
Mystically, the downward-pointing triangle represents the feminine powers while the triangle pointing up represents the masculine powers. Thus, it is a symbol of mystical union, a Western version of the famous Yin-Yang symbol of Taoism. Magically, each point represents the astrological powers of one of the planets visible to the unaided eye. According to the book The Golden Dawn, by Israel Regardie, Saturn is at the point at the top, the Moon is at the point at the bottom, Jupiter is at the upper right point, Venus is at the lower right point, Mars is at the upper left point, Mercury is at the lower left point, and the center is given to the fire of the Sun. These attributions are used in many rituals, the most famous (due to its original publication by Regardie in the late 1930s) being the Greater Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram.
Hexagram A symbol of divinity and the macrocosm, associated with the seven planets, particularly the Sun.
High Magic A form of magic that evolved in cities. Cities tended to be in higher locations to help water and sewer drainage and improve defensive abilities. The term “high” relates to the location of its origin and does not imply superiority in any way, although some people have attempted to give it that definition.
High Magic(k) is typified by more involved rituals and elaborate tools than are regularly found in the practice of Natural or Low Magic. Today, the Kabalah (Qabbalah, Cabala, etc.) is often a major part of High Magic. Also known as Ceremonial Magic.
Hocus Pocus An expression meaning magic. Used by conjurors to imply that some sort of magic is being used. Today it is more often used in a derogatory manner by doubters in an attempt to mock the reality of magic, as in “That’s just a bunch of silly hocus pocus.” The exact origin of the phrase is unknown. Some believe it is related to a magician of Norse folklore named Ochus Bochus. However, as early as the 17th century it was suggested that it was based on the words of Catholic priests during the mass. At the high point of the ritual, where it is believed that the wafer literally becomes the body of Christ ("transubstantiation”), the priest says, “Hoc est corpus,” meaning “this is the body.”
Iklil Al Jabhah The 15th Mansion of the Moon, corresponding to part of the constellation Scorpio.
Influence: Inhibits thieves
Spirit: Atliel
Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT) International magical order, founded in Germany in 1976 by two Chaos magicians, one English and one German. Its formal name is “The Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros;” the word Thanateros is a fusion of the Greek thanatos (death) and eros (sexual love). The IOT’s central focus is Chaos magic; its teaching methods and practical work emphasize the use of altered states of consciousness, on the one hand, and the rejection of fixed patterns of belief, on the other.
The emblem of the pact is a black circle from which eight black arrows radiate. This is based on the “Banner of Chaos” from the fantasy novels of English author Michael Moorcock, and is one of several common Chaos magic borrowings from fiction.
The pact offers four grades of initiation—Neophyte 4°, Initiate 3°, Adept 2°, and Magus 1°. The honorary grade of Supreme Magus 0° is held by the head of the pact as a whole. Ordination as a Priest or Priestess of Chaos is available to members at the 3° or 2° levels.
IOT’s most important spokesman is Peter Carroll, one of the two founders and the author of several influential books on Chaos magic. According to Carroll, the IOT came into being out of a fusion of Thelemic magic, Tantra, Taoism, and the work of English occultists Austin Osman Spare (1886–1956), whose Zos Kia Cultus was ancestral to most current Chaos magic systems.
Incantation A set of words or phrases, often chanted or repeated in a “sing-song” fashion, for a magickal purpose.
Initiate As a verb (pronounced “in-ih-shee-ate”), the process—usually involving a ritual—of bringing someone into a group or magickal organization. As a noun (pronounced “in-ih-shee-uht”), a person who has gone through the process.
Initiation A ritual or event that indicates a spiritual and/or psychological change and movement to a new period in life or a new awareness. Traditionally, the candidate for initiation would symbolically die and be reborn into this new way of being. In some traditions, being initiated is supposed to confer various spiritual powers.
In magical orders, initiation also provides entry into the private organization. According to occultist Dion Fortune, there are two basic types of initiation, physical and non-physical. It is hoped that they either occur together or that the physical initiation triggers the non-physical one, however a non-physical initiation can occur at any time and at any place.
Invocation The process required when invoking.
Invoke To call [the power or presence of, for instance, a deity] in from outside the psyche.
Invultuation Invultation is the practice of sticking pins in a wax doll in order to cause pain or harm to a victim.
Kabalism The techniques and practices of Kabbalah.
Kamea A magical square consisting of numbers and/or Hebrew letters used in planetary magick.
Kaph The eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, K or Kh. Represents the number 20. The fourth of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "palm of hand." Corresponds to the planet Jupiter, the 21st Path (between Chesed and Netzach), and Tarot trump The Wheel of Fortune.
Kether The first and topmost of the Sephiroth of the cabalistic Tree of Life. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Crown." It represents the archetype of the number 1, the undifferentiated Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name Eheieh, the archangel Metatron, the angelic choir called Chayoth ha-Qadesh (Holy Living Creatures) and the Rashith ha-Gilgalim, or Primum Mobile.
Kether In Kether is the Divine White Brilliance, the scintillation and corruscation of the Divine Glory—that Light which lighteth the universe—that Light which surpasseth the glory of the Sun and beside which the light of mortals is but darkness, and concerning which it is not fitting that we should speak more fully. And the Sphere of its Operation is called Rashith Ha-Gilgalim--the beginning of whirling (or whirls, or whorls), the Primum Mobile or First Mover, which bestoweth the gift of life in all things and filleth the whole Universe. And Eheieh is the Name of the Divine Essence in Kether; and its Archangel is the Prince of Countenances—Metatron or Metraton, He who bringeth others before the face of God. And the Name of its Order of Angels is called Chaioth ha-Qadesh, the Holy Living Creatures, which are also called the Order of Seraphim.
Key of Solomon One of the famous classical grimoires also known as the Greater Key of Solomon. In French it was available in the fourteenth century. A.E. Waite is willing to allow as much as two centuries before this time for the book to have been created and transmitted (perhaps orally), placing its true original as far back as the twelfth century. It would seem that scholars generally agree on the idea that the Key (along with the Lemegeton) is the fountainhead of Medieval grimoiric writing; providing the format, style, and even the content of those which followed.
The Key is composed of two books. Book one concerns the art of spirit summoning—without offering any set hierarchies of intelligences or the use of a triangle. Instead, the spirits arrive at the edge of the circle, and it is up to the mage to question them about their names and functions. Book two concerns itself with all ritual preparations—purifications, the construction of magickal tools, incense, holy water, etc. It is also the book from which Gerald Gardner drew much of his material in his formation of Wicca.
Lamed The twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, L. Represents the number 30. The seventh of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "ox goad." Corresponds to Libra, the 22nd Path (between Geburah and Tiphareth), and Tarot trump XI (or VIII) Justice.
Lamp The spiritual focus of the circle is the flame of the lamp, which is always lit during rituals, and which resides in the middle of the altar top. The absolute magical center of the circle is the invisible point where the flame of the lamp tapers up and vanishes into infinity. Usually a ceramic or metal oil lamp is used, but a candle is acceptable. Some groups maintain a perpetual flame on their altars. This is beyond the reach of small circles or individuals, but the flame should be maintained without failing in the astral temple in the mind of each ritualist. This is the true occult perpetual lamp.
The flame is the focus of the awareness of those working the ritual. They direct their prayers to it and meditate upon it. The point at which it disappears into infinity marks the doorway in the Veil of Unknowing, which the ritual is designed to open. The flame should be conceived by the Magus as burning in the center of his or her being, throwing its light across the circle of self. When the circle is filled with light, the self is purified and exalted.
Law of Thelema Definition: The basic rule of those following the system of Aleister Crowley: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This appeared in Liber Al vel Legis, or The Book of the Law. It has early versions in Rabelais’ book, Gargantua and Pantagruel (where it was the French fay çe que vouldras or “Do what thou wilt”) and in a sermon by St. Augustine’s where he wrote, “Love, and do what you will.”
Some people have made the assumption that “Do what thou wilt” means you are free to do whatever you want. This, however, contradicts Crowley’s intent. Here, the term “wilt” means the will of your higher self, and your higher self is completely in agreement with the will of God. Therefore, the Law of Thelema is saying that a follower is called to do the sometimes long and difficult work that will enable him or her to consciously access their higher self, and then only do what is in the nature of the higher self. Thus, their actions will eventually be in harmony with the will of God.
There is a much older Sanskrit term, Svecchacarya, which means the “path of doing one’s will.” This is a belief and practice followed by some Tantrics. It should be pointed out, however, that karma is also in play. Therefore, a Tantric following this path is free to do whatever he or she wills to do, but is responsible for their actions.
Left-Hand Path A path in Western magick that is “evil.” Possible derivation from the Latin sinister or French sinestre (the source of the English word “sinister”) which means “left.” In Tantric magickal traditions, Left-Hand Path refers to traditions where practitioners actually perform rituals while Right-Hand Path refers to meditative techniques. Some Western magicians are adopting these Tantric definitions.
Lemegeton Also known as the Lesser Key of Solomon, the Lemegeton is composed of five texts that may have been separate but were collected into this book. The first and best-known section is the “Goetia,” which introduces the use of the magickal Triangle of the Art for evoking spirits.
The second part is the “Theurgia-Goetia,”which has many other spirits for summoning. The Third part is the “Pauline Art” which was supposedly discovered by the Apostle Paul and delivered in Corinth. It deals with spirits allotted to every degree of the zodiac, as well as the signs, the planets of the signs, and of the hours. It includes the way to find the Angel of your Ascendant, which is called “The Conjuration of the Holy Guardian Angel” and uses a crystal ball.
The fourth part is the “Almadel” which refers to a square tablet of wax with holy names and characters on it for the summoning of Angels. The fifth part is the “Ars Nova” (New Art) in one version and “Ars Notaria” (Notary Arts) in most others. Both versions consist of prayers and orations.
Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram Abbreviated LBRP. A basic Golden Dawn ritual that uses the figure of the pentagram to cleanse the temple or ritual space of unwanted energies.
Lesser Key of Solomon Another name for the Lemegeton.
Liber Latin for “book.” Used in the title of some medieval magical works. The practice was continued by Aleister Crowley and remains a popular naming practice by some magical writers today.
License to Depart In the magickal practice of spirit evocation, the oration given to dismiss the entity summoned. An example might be, “O thou spirit ______________, because thou has diligently answered unto my demands and hast been very ready and willing to come at my call, I do here license thee to depart unto they proper place. Go now in peace to thy abodes and habitations, causing neither harm nor danger unto humans or beasts. Depart, then, I say, and be thou very ready to come at my call, when duly conjured by the sacred rites of magick. I charge thee to withdraw peaceably and quietly, and may the peace of God be ever continued between thee and me! So mote it be!”
In the space the magicians would name the spirit who had been evoked. Variations of this occur in both the Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon. Gerald Gardner, popularizer of Wicca, was familiar with ceremonial magick, and may have adapted some parts of this for the dismissal used in Wiccan rites.
Logos (Greek, “word”) The word of creation.
Longsword Dance A form of English ritual dance usually performed between December 21 and January 6. Six or eight dancers carrying flat, dull, interlinked dancing swords and perform various figures, culminating in a “lock”, a six- or eight-pointed star. The lock is raised high for the audience to see.
Lotus Wand A wand associated with the element of Water and used in the Adeptus Minor Ritual.
Lovecraft Howard Phillps Lovecraft (1890–1937) was an American writer who specialized in short horror stories. Eventually, the stories ended up having a set of common themes, including the human race being battled over by god-like entities, a set of evil deities with the best known being “Cthulhu,” the inevitability of fate in our lives, and a mysterious book, the Necronomicon, that revealed all of this information and how people could make use of it.
Lovecraft not only used these themes in his own stories, but also within stories he ghost wrote for others such as the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini. Other contemporary writers liked the concept so much that they began to use the concepts, and expand upon them, in their own stories, eventually including even each other as inside jokes. For example, “Klarkash-Ton” was a name of a high priest, and is a play on the name of writer Clark Ashton Smith, and author August Derleth named a character “Ward Phillips” as a play on Howard Phillips Lovecraft’s name.
Because so many writers included aspects of the “Cthulhu Mythos” in their stories, and because Lovecraft wrote many stories which were published under the names of others that also used references to these ideas, some people came to conclude that there must be some validity in them. For decades, people would go to used book dealers looking for copies of the mythic Necronomicon. Eventually several versions were published.
Due to a perceived inner consistency in the Cthulhu Mythos, some occultists have assumed that Lovecraft actually tapped into something very magickal, and use concepts from his writings in their works. Some independent magicians use one of the Necronomicon versions as a basis for their magick. Others acknowledge that it is mythic, but contend that all deity pantheons are mythic and the one created by Lovecraft is as good as any other such pantheons.
Magic Magic is the art of affecting the manifest through the Unmanifest. The manifest is all that can be seen, touched, perceived, manipulated, imagined, or understood. The Unmanifest is none of these things. It is the place, or rather the non-place, from which everything issues. All that comes into being comes from the Unmanifest. All that passes away goes back to the Unmanifest.
Magic According to the famous occultist Aleister Crowley, magick is "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." ... In fact, Crowley... says that "every intentional act is a Magickal Act." If you follow his line of reasoning, there is a great deal of validity in what he says, although it is not what we are seeking at this time. We need to make the definition of magick a bit longer: Magick is the science and art of causing change (in consciousness) to occur in conformity with will, using means not currently understood by traditional Western science.
Magic The movement of natural (but little understood) energies from the human body and from natural objects to manifest change. Once a world-wide practice, Christianity attempted to stamp it out because magic placed power in the hands of the people. Early Christians linked magic with “Satan,” a false association that continues to this day.
Magic Mirror A mirror used for divination. Unlike most mirrors, a magic mirror is black instead of silver.
Magical and Ritual Tools The implements or weapons often used in the performance of rituals and magical rites. Traditionally these include tools for each of the magical elements: a stemmed goblet or chalice to represent water; a disk, paten, or pentacle to represent earth; a wand to represent fire; and a dagger to represent air. Some practitioners reverse the wand and dagger associations.
Other tools can include candles, sigils, Tarot cards, talismans, other types of wands, other types of daggers (especially the black-handled blade, sharp on both sides, known as the Athame and the lesser-used white-handled knife known as a Boline, most often used by Wiccans and Witches), gemstones, and many others.
Magical Bath This type of bath is not intended to merely take the dirt off your skin. Rather, it cleans negativity and the cares of the day from your spirit. First, take a shower to get the dirt off. Then run a warm bath. Be sure to put in some bath salts or Epsom salts with some nicely scented oil or perfume added. Then get in and just soak for a few minutes. Feel all of your cares, worries, and negativity going into the water. Now, pull the plug and let the water drain while you stay in the water. As the water drains you will feel all of the negative things which were troubling you go down with the water. After all of the water has drained out of the tub, get out and dry yourself with a clean, fresh towel.
Magical Diary A personal notebook kept to record details of Otherworld journeys or rituals carried out during your Practical Work. It is by keeping such a diary accurately and meticulously that you will be able to gauge your progress and learn in the years to come. The diary can also be used to record any coincidences which occur in your day-to-day life, or any thoughts, realizations, or ideas that may come to you at any time during of day or night, which may be of importance later.
Magical Memory A term primarily used by followers of Thelema, the magickal system of Aleister Crowley, to mean the memory of past lives.
Magical Name A magical name is more than a mere name-word. It is a name to which much thought has been given. Found at the end of a search of one's heart, mind, and self, it is the result of a quest for the perfect name.... It can be more than a name; it can be a tool. A tool for transformation.
Magick According to the famous occultist Aleister Crowley, magick is "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." ... In fact, Crowley... says that "every intentional act is a Magickal Act." If you follow his line of reasoning, there is a great deal of validity in what he says, although it is not what we are seeking at this time. We need to make the definition of magick a bit longer: Magick is the science and art of causing change (in consciousness) to occur in conformity with will, using means not currently understood by traditional Western science.
Magick Square A box design enclosing a group of numbers. The numbers, when added vertically, horizontally, or diagonally have the same total. Each magick square contains numbers that correspond to planets. Each planet is said to influence various aspects of life, spirits, and elementals, as well as natural and supernatural phenomena. Magick squares are used for invocation or evocation. Traditionally the name of a spirit associated with the planetary magick square is selected, then each letter of its name is given a number. Next, a line is drawn on the magick square beginning with the number of the first letter of the name. This continues in a process similar to “connecting the dots” until each number of each letter of the name has been connected. The resulting design is the sigil of the spirit.
Magickal Diary A
A record each magician keeps of his or her magical workings. It should include such things as date, time, moon phase, weather, your emotions at the start, your physical condition, name of the rituals performed, purpose of rituals, how everything went, etc. Later, complete entries with the results (success, partial success, etc.). By viewing this over time you will see which conditions encourage success and have proof of your developing magickal abilities.
Magus An adept who has crossed the Abyss and who has mastered the science and art of magick.
Malkuth The tenth Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the bottom Sephirah on the whole Tree. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Kingdom." It represents the archetype of the number 10, the manifested aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name Adonai ha-Aretz, the archangel Sandalphon, the angelic choir called Eshim (flames), and Olam Yesodoth, the sphere of the elements.
Malkuth And from the rays of this Triad there appear three colours in Malkuth together with a fourth which is their synthesis. Thus from the orange tawny of Hod and the green nature of Netzach, there goeth forth a certain greenish 'citrine' colour, yet pure and translucent withal. From the orange tawny of Hod mingled with the puce of Yesod there goeth forth a certain red russet brown, 'russet' yet gleaming with a hidden fire. And from the green of Netzach and the puce of Yesod there goeth forth a certain other darkening green 'olive' yet rich and glowing withal. And the synthesis of all these is a blackness which bordereth upon the Qlippoth.
In Malkuth, Adonai ha-Aretz is God, the Lord and King, ruling over the Kingdom and Empire which is the Visible Universe.
And Cholem Yesodoth the Breaker of Foundations, (or Olam Yesodoth—the World of the Elements) is the Name of the Sphere of Operation of Malkuth which is called the Sphere of the Elements from which all things are formed, and its Archangels are three:Metatron, the Prince of Countenance reflected from Kether, and Sandalphon, the Prince of Prayer (feminine), and Nephesch ha Messiah, the Soul of the Reconciler for Earth. And the Order of Angels is Ashim or Flames of Fire, as it is written 'Who maketh his Angels Spirits and his Ministers as a flaming Fire,' and these are also called the Order of Blessed Souls, or of the Souls of the Just made Perfect.
Mansions of the Moon Manions of the Moon refer to the influence of the Moon as it travels across the sky viewed against the background of constellations.... The Janarric system begins in the Pleiades and ends in Perseus.... The Chaldean system was in use as late as the nineteenth century and was popular in medieval grimoires.... Each of these [28] mansions was believed to emanate an influence that could be harnessed by magick.
Mathers, MacGregor Samuel Liddell "MacGregor" Mathers (Jan. 8, 1854-Nov. 20, 1918)—"The true magician of the Golden Dawn, S.L. MacGregor Mathers, was an accomplished ritualist. Of the three founding members of the Order, Mathers was the one most responsible for making the Golden Dawn a truly magical, initiatory Order."
Mathers, Moina Moina (or Mina) Mathers was born Mina Bergson on February 28, 1865, and died July 25, 1928. She was the wife of MacGregor Mathers, one of the founding members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and probably contributed the bulk of the Order's study material and methods by channeling via the Ouija Board. After the death of her husband in 1918, she continued to be active in the order, establishing a temple called Alpha et Omega.
Mem The thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, M. Represents the number 40 (or, as a final letter, 600). The second of the three "mother letters." A Hebrew word meaning "water." Corresponds to the element of Water, the 23rd Path (between Geburah and Hod), and Tarot trump XII The Hanged Man.
Mezla The flow of energy, consciousness, and matter through its various phases of expression in the Tree of Life, from subtle unity of the absolute to the dense realm of matter.
Microcosm Man; the internal, subjective universe.
Middle Pillar The central pillar on the Tree of Life. The Exercise of the Middle Pillar is a Golden Dawn technique for awakening the sephiroth or Galgalim of the Middle Pillar within the magician's sphere of sensation.
Morris Dancing A form of English ritual dance usually performed in the spring. Dances consist of either a set of six or a solo performance known as a jig. Morris dancers wear shin pads or garters covered with small brass bells, and have either staves or large white handkerchiefs in their hands.
Mote An old English word that means “must.” Many Pagan and magickal rituals include it at the end of a section in the phrase “so mote it be.” Its use is thus similar to the use of the word “Amen” in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Motto A magickal name or expression. Magicians choose one for themselves as a representation of what they magically represent. The use of such mottos is common in many magical orders, the most famous known examples being from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. However, most of those mottos were simply family mottos or taken from a book of family mottos. Similar to the magickal name used by many contemporary Pagans.
Mutus Liber A famous alchemical book, written anonymously, first published in 1677. The title means “wordless book,” and the entire work consists of fifteen illustrations that supposedly reveal the secrets of how to accomplish the “Great Work” and create the Philosopher’s Stone.
Natural Magic Natural Magic is the type of magic that uses natural objects from the world around you. This includes such things as herbs, roots, oils, crystals, stones, and various other items. It may include various chants, spells, charms, and incantations and tends to exclude the complexities found in some other forms of magic.
Natural Magic is commonly used by followers of various Pagan paths, ranging from solitaries and Hedge Witches to members of traditional covens. In the past, Paganism was most frequently associated with people of the fields. Since they didn’t have lots of irrigation systems, they needed to be in lower lands where water from rains would accumulate for their crops. As a result, Natural Magic is also known as “Low Magic.” This should not imply that it is in any way lower, of less value, or less spiritual than other forms of magic, only that its European sources were in the fertile lowlands.
Necronomicon Horror story writer H. P. Lovecraft invented the entire idea of an evil book called the Necronomicon. In January of 1934, Lovecraft wrote a letter where he says that the Necronomicon is nothing but a figment of his imagination.... There are many books which claim to be THE Necronomicon. I have several books with that name and several articles which are supposed to be excerpts from the "real" thing. They all have just one thing in common: they are nothing but inventions of contemporary authors.
Neophyte Literally a “new plant,” a name or term used to describe a person just starting and growing in a particular spiritual path. In some Orders, it is the name given to a newly initiated person.
Netzach The seventh Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the lowest Sephirah on the Pillar of Mercy. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Victory." It represents the archetype of the number 7, the raw creative aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name YHVH Tzabaoth, the archangel Haniel, the angelic choir called Elohim (gods), and Nogah, or heavenly Sphere of Venus.
Netzach The beams of Chesed and of Tiphareth meet in Netzach and thence in Netzach arises a green, pure, brilliant, liquid, and gleaming like an emerald. And the Sphere of its operations is that of Nogah of External Splendour, producing zeal, love, harmony, and it ruleth the Sphere of Action of the Planet Venus and the nature of the vegetable World. And Jehovah Tzabaoth is a God of Hosts and of Armies, of Triumph and of Victory, ruling the Universe in justice and Eternity. And its Archangel Hanial is the Prince of Love and Harmony, and the Name of the Order of Angels is Elohim or Gods who are also called the Order of Principalities. The Angel Cerviel is also referred unto this Sephira.
Notarikon An aspect of the Kabalah that works with acronyms or abbreviations.
Nun The fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, N. Represents the number 50 (or, as a final letter, 700). The eighth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "fish." Corresponds to Scorpio, the 24th Path (between Tiphareth and Netzach), and Tarot trump XIII Death.
Ordo Templi Orientis (Latin, “Order of Oriental Templars”) One of the largest magical orders in the world today, the Ordo Templi Orientis emerges from the complicated world of central European fringe Masonry in the early twentieth century. Its beginning dates back to 1895 when Freemasons Carl Kellner (1851-1905), a wealthy Austrian industrialist, and Theodor Reuss (1855-1923), a journalist and former opera singer, began discussing the possibility of forming a “Masonic Academy” of esoteric studies.
Ouanga A term used in voudoun traditions relating to charms, amulets, talismans, etc. It especially relates to fetishes for love. An Ouanga that has a negative or evil purpose is known as a Wanga.
Pathworking Originally the process of astrally or mentally projecting up and around the paths of the Kabalistic Tree of Life in order to gain information, instructions, meet entities there, and ask favors of those entities. More recently, some popular writers have described any visualized journey as pathworking, and this has become the popular meaning of the term. Some occultists now refer to the original concept as “kabalistic pathworking.”
Peh The seventeenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, P, Ph, or F. Represents the number 80 (or, as a final letter, 800). The fifth of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "mouth." Corresponds to the planet Mars, the 27th Path (between Netzach and Hod), and Tarot trump XVI The Tower.
Pentagram A star drawn with five points. This image can be drawn without lifting the drawing tool from the paper. Also known as the Star or Seal of Solomon, it was a symbol for Judaism (as was a seven-branched candelabra) until replaced by the hexagram starting around 1800 C.E.
The five points are said to represent the five elements: earth, fire, water, and spirit, and because the image can be drawn without lifting the drawing tool, it indicates their interconnection. Today, the pentagram is symbolic of occultism in general and Wicca or Witchcraft in particular.
When drawn or worn with one point (spirit) up, it is said to represent positive concepts. This is also an image of a human standing upright, with the head at the top point, the hands at the next two highest points, and the feet at the lower points. If the pentagram is drawn or worn with two points up (frequently called “inverted”), it is said to represent negativity with the feet above the head. It is also used in this mode to represent Satanism, as the two upper points are like the horns in the popular image of Satan.
Philosopher's Stone A term used in alchemy to describe a substance that is the catalyst in the reaction that transmutes a base metal such as lead into gold. Although called a “stone,” it is probably not a stone at all. The name is used to hide the true nature of the substance. It is also believed to be an elixir that provides perfect health and great longevity or even immortality.
For some, alchemy is a metaphor for increasing spirituality. In this case the philosopher’s stone is the result of purifying the self with years of prayer, meditation, and focusing on the spiritual rather than the physical world.
Philosopher's Stone The goal of alchemical work, a substance that brings good health and long life to those who ingest it.
Philosophus The fifth grade of initiation in the Golden Dawn associated with the element of Fire and the sephira Netzach.
Phoenix Wand A wand associated with the element of Fire and used in the Adeptus Minor ritual.
Phylactery A small box or case, traditionally made of leather, containing magickal words, phrases or symbols on parchment. Phylacteries are generally not popularly used today, but were used as talismans for protection, health, luck, etc. Orthodox male Jews wear two of them, known as tefillin, during certain religious practices.
Picatrix An Arabic text (Ghâyat al-Hakîm fi’l-sihr) that may be a major source of the famous classical grimoires such as the Key of Solomon. Not currently available in English, its Latin was available in 1256 CE. Topics in the book include talismans, magick, astronomy, astrology and love, and practical magick.
Pilebogar In some English folk traditions of magic, a staff with a forked upper end into which a crystal or a hen’s egg painted red is inserted. Pilebogars are used to dispel disruptive magical energies.
Planetary Hours Also known as “Magickal Hours,” a division of the day and night into sections ruled by the energies of the planets. To determine the length of each planetary hour, divide the daylight hours by 12. They will be different in length than the night hours (to discover the length of which you divide the total time of darkness into 12 equal periods) except on the equinoxes when the planetary hours are all sixty minutes in length. Used for selecting the optimum time to perform a magickal ritual.
Planetary Magick The art of invoking and evoking, directing and experiencing, the forces related to the luminaries of our Solar System: a magical art developed through more than two millennia.
Portal The sixth grade of initiation in the Golden Dawn associated with the element of Spirit.
Practicus The fourth grade of initiation in the Golden Dawn associated with the element of Water and the sephira Hod/a>.
Purification Once the lamp has been lit and the circle made, the interior of the circle is purged with the materials of purification, which represent one or more of the occult elements. Some groups purify with all four elements, or with the three active elements of Fire, Water, and Air (Earth is regarded as a mixture of these three), as described in The New Magus.
In my personal rituals I often use the ancient materials of cleansing: salt, water, and flame. Salt symbolizes elemental Earth, water elemental Water, and the flame combines elemental Fire and Air in the form of a smoking candle or incense stick.
The salt, previously blessed by prayer and consecrated to its purpose, is cast in small pinches sunwise around the circle at the four cardinal points of South, West, North, and East. The water, likewise consecrated, is sprinkled from the fingertips in a similar manner at the four quarters. The flame is waved three times in the air at each of the corners of the circle. Usually the entire act of cleansing is accompanied by prayer.
Remember that you are cleaning the house of the spirit so that the light of the spirit will descend and reside within it. This is a sacred act. It has been said by other writers that purification is the most important part of any ritual. It sets the stage for what is to follow. When done negligently, the work that comes after it will likely be futile, because it will lack a solid foundation.
Qabalah "Qabalah" is a Hebrew word which means "tradition.” It is derived from the root word "Qibel," meaning, "to receive." This refers to the ancient custom of handing down the esoteric knowledge by oral transmission. What the word Qabalah encompasses is an entire body of ancient Hebrew mystical principles that are the cornerstone and focus of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Virtually all Western spiritual systems can trace their roots to the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The exact origins of the Qabalah are unclear, but it certainly contains some vestiges of Egyptian, Greek, and Chaldean influence.
By its nature, mysticism is knowledge that cannot be communicated directly, but may be expressed only through symbolism and metaphor. Like other esoteric systems, Qabalah also draws upon the mystic's awareness of the transcendence of the Divine or the Eternal. Another element of Qabalah is that of theosophy, which seeks to reveal the hidden mysteries of the Divine as well as the relationship between the Divine Life on one hand, and the life of humans on the other. The goal of the Qabalist is to discover and invent keys to the understanding of arcane symbols that reflect the eternal mysteries.
Qabalistic Worlds A fourfold division of the Tree of Life that separates the Tree into four levels of manifestation in accordance with the YHVH formula. The highest level is the most abstract and ethereal, while the lowest level is the most dense. They include Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, and Assiah.
Qabalistic Worlds Cabala speaks of the Four Worlds, from the most spiritual to the most material, which correspond to the consonants of Tetragrammaton.
Yod - Olam Atziluth (World of Nobility) - Divine names
Heh - Olam ha-Briah (World of Creation) - Archangels
Vau - Olam ha-Yetzirah (World of Formation) - Angels
Heh - Olam ha-Assiah (Material World) - Heavenly Spheres
Some attempt to divide the Tree of Life into four parts that correspond to the Four Worlds (Kether, Chokmah and Binah, Chesed through Yesod, and Malkuth). Others say that a complete Tree exists in each World. These two approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Qlippoth Qlippoth is a Hebrew word meaning "shells." The Qlippoth are the Evil Demons of Matter and the Shells of the Dead.
Qoph The nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Q or hard K. Represents the number 100. The twelfth and last of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "back of head." Corresponds to Pisces, the 29th Path (between Netzach and Malkuth), and Tarot trump XVIII The Moon.
R. Swinburne Clymer (1878–1966) Heavily influenced by 19th century occultist and sex magician Paschal Beverly Randolph, he kept several of Randolph’s books in print and used the concepts in the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis when he became the Grand Master of that group in 1922 (succeeding Edward H. Brown). Besides running that order and writing numerous books, Clymer is famous for battling another Rosicrucian group, AMORC, in court.
Resh The twentieth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, R. Represents the number 200. The sixth of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "head." Corresponds to the Sun, the 30th Path (between Hod and Yesod), and Tarot trump XIX The Sun.
Right-Hand Path A path in Western magick that is “good.” Possible derivation due to being the opposite of the Latin sinister or French sinestre (the source of the English word “sinister”) which means “left.” In Tantric magickal traditions, Left-Hand Path refers to traditions where practitioners actually perform rituals while Right-Hand Path refers to meditative techniques. Some Western magicians are adopting these Tantric definitions.
Ring The final essential instrument that I mean to mention here is the ring. This fits over the index finger of the right hand, and acts as a sort of magical magnetic coil, magnifying the force of the will that passes along the index finger. It also serves as a miniature representation of the magic circle, and protects its wearer from harm. Perhaps the best form of the ring is a plain gold or silver band, a bit broader than usual. By it the Magus is wedded to the Art of magic. It is customary to inscribe the ring with names of power such as the Hebrew YHVH, the divine Tetragrammaton.
Several different rings may be made for specific purposes. For example, an individual spirit can be made to reside in a ring, and its power utilized when the ring is put on. The ancient Greek magician Apollonius of Tyana possessed seven rings named after the seven planets, given to him as a gift by Iarchas, leader of the Brahmans of India. He wore each of these rings in rotation on the day of the week related to its planet. As is true of all the instruments, there is no exact pattern for the magic ring. The shape and choice of inscription depends on its use, and the personality of its maker.
Ritual Magic Magic is real. It exists. It works. It is the most potent and beautiful force in the universe. Magic is the flowing lifeblood of the Soul of the World. It is the essence that separates the living from the dead. It is the divine gift that renders humankind immortal. Magic moves below the surface of things. It can give you inner peace and self-confidence, personal magnetism, the power to attain your goals in life, and most important of all, a true understanding of yourself and your place in the universe.
Ritual Magick Ritual magick allows practitioners to make changes to their consciousnesses or the world around them through the repetition of certain words, phrases, and actions. Some rituals used in magick are quite old, while some are very modern. The rituals of this form of magick tend to be longer than those of many other forms of magick. They are popular among practitioners because they have proven their effectiveness over years, decades, or even centuries.
Ritual magick is usually performed alone or in front of a small or large group. It is often used synonymously with “Ceremonial Magick,” although the latter tends to be oriented toward groups rather than individuals, wherein many or all members participate.
Rituals Any set of repeated actions. Usually thought of in terms of such things as religious rituals and magickal rituals. In the latter instance, the repetition of certain actions is done with the goal of achieving certain ends. Thus, a banishing ritual clears away unwanted energies in the area.
Robe The Magus is usually robed in a special garment used only for ritual purposes. Since it is kept pure and apart, and since it is only worn after the Magus has bathed and purified his or her own body, donning it is akin to putting on a cloak of light. It can be helpful both in raising the consciousness to a higher awareness of spirit, and also to shield the Magus from discordant influences. The robe must be comfortable, and more importantly must feel appropriate to its wearer. I prefer white because of its benign associations. Colors tend to have specific emotions bound up with them, and these are not merely social commonplaces, but run to the primal roots of human response. For example, red is always a color of violence and rage, no matter what a particular political propagandist or French designer might wish it to be. Any loose, comfortable clothing can become the ritual garb, provided it is set aside and treated with reverence.
Rose Cross A symbol of the Great Work accomplished, traditionally consisting of a rose of five petals (man) and a cross of six squares (divinity).
Rosicrucianism A mystical, philosophical movement that emerged in the seventeenth century and spawned several secret organizations or orders concerned with the study of religious mysticism, alchemy, Qabalah, and professing esoteric spiritual beliefs. The symbolism of Rosicrucianism is primarily Chrstian and the Rosicrucian path emphasizes the way of transformation through the Christ impulse.
Ruach Ruach is a Hebrew word meaning breath, wind, or spirit. It is also used as a term for Air as one of the four elements. In cabalism, Ruach is used to designate the mind and reasoning powers and is considered to be the middle part of the three-part soul. As such, it is associated with the Sephirah Tiphareth.
Salamanders Salamanders are elemental spirits of Fire.
Salamanders salamander [ME salamandre, F salamandre, L salamandra Gr. salamandra; cf. Per. samander, samandel.] In the theory of Paracelsus, a being inhabiting the element fire.
Samekh The fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, S. Represents the number 60. The ninth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "prop" or "support." Corresponds to Sagittarius, the 25th Path (between Tiphareth and Yesod), and Tarot trump XIV Temperance.
Secret Chiefs In certain magical and mystical Orders, especially in the 19th century, it was popular to have leaders other than the known leaders. They would generally stay out of the regular functioning of the group and hand out mystical information through the known leaders, thus giving the very human known leaders extra authority and leading cynics to doubt their existence. The best known of these were the teachers of the Theosophical Society who would leave written notes known as the “Mahatma Letters” for one of the society’s founders, Madame Blavatsky. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn moved the Secret Chiefs into the non-physical realm and was founded through their auspices.
Sepher Yetzirah The Book of Formation. A brief Kabalistic book that supposedly dates to the second century C.E. or earlier. Although not printed until the middle of the sixteenth century, it is mentioned in many earlier sources. It does not have many of the later concepts of the Kabalah. Instead, it is limited to the ten Sephiroth (although not described as a tree), the powers of the Hebrew alphabet (although not described as being paths that connect the Sephiroth) and how God controls the universe through the transposition of His four-letter name, the Tetragrammaton, Yud-Heh-Vahv-Heh. Sometimes the title is incorrectly translated as The Book of Creation. Occasionally has other works attached to it, including The Fifty Gates of Intelligence and the better-known Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn uses the Sepher Yetzira in its teachings.
Sephiroth Cabalism, at least in the Western occult tradition, is built around a diagram called the Tree of Life. This diagram contains ten circles representing the Sephiroth (singular: Sephirah); that is, the "spheres," "numbers," or "emanations." The Sephiroth are the numbers 1 through 10 considered in their archetypal sense. Each Sephirah is an archetypal idea. Also, the Sephiroth represent emanations from God and describe the process of creation. In the material world, they represent the heavenly spheres according to the classical conception.
Sex and Tantra While sexual activities are most commonly practiced for pleasure and procreation, there has been a secret knowledge held among various groups that that the energy raised during sexual activity, as well as the mental state that occurs during prolonged sexual activity, can be united to create remarkable changes in our spiritual selves and physical environment. The techniques to do this are commonly called Sex Magick.
Many thousands of years ago, the philosophy and techniques that would become known as Tantra developed in northern India. Over the centuries, it developed into a complete spiritual system, involving worship of deities, rituals, magick, healing, and virtually every aspect of life. This includes an in-depth study of the non-physical aspects of the body (such as the aura, chakras, and energy paths) and sexuality, especially the use of sex in a way that can lead to spiritual enlightenment. In the West, the Tantric sexual techniques (often confused with the complete spiritual system that is Tantra) have been popularized and described by numerous writers and authors.
Over the past century, there has been an increasing link between Western Sex Magic and Tantric sexual techniques such that some people equate them.
Sex Magic Sex magic directs the energies raised during sensual arousal to achieve a desired goal. Western sex magic often uses alchemical terminology, although its sources go back to ancient shamanism, pre-Christian Pagan practices, and some sects of Gnosticism. Basic concepts include the extension of sensual activity to build up the energy and that the thought held at orgasm comes to pass. Prominent proponents include the O.T.O., Louis T. Culling, and Aleister Crowley. In recent decades, these Western practices have been influenced by Indian and Tibetan Tantra as well as Chinese Taoist alchemy.
Shin The twenty-first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Sh or S. Represents the number 300. The third and last of the three "mother letters." A Hebrew word meaning "tooth." Corresponds to the element of Fire, the 31st Path (between Hod and Malkuth), and Tarot trump XX Judgment.
Shroud of Concealment In [Hermetic Order of the] Golden Dawn magic, a shell of etheric substance built up around the magician by intensive ritual work that prevents other people from perceiving the magician. The creation of the Shroud of Concealment is fundamental to the Golden Dawn method of magical invisibility. The technique is closely related to the odic shield of other magical systems.
Sigil (From the Latin sigilum, meaning “seal” or “signature,” although some say it may be related to the Hebrew segulah, which means action, word, or something that has a spiritual effect.) In ceremonial magick, a sigil is considered to be the signature of an entity summoned by the magician and used to control that entity. In some forms of magick, a sigil is a representation of the Will of the magician and used to empower the goal of the Will through various means.
Smudge/Smudge Stick To spiritually cleanse an object by waving incense over and around it. A smudge stick is a bundle of several incense sticks.
Spagyric The “Spagyric Art” is another name for alchemy. “Spagyric” is derived from two Greek words meaning “to tear apart” and “to unite,” which is a good description of what is done in alchemy. The term is traced back to the Gnostics of the second century c.e., but it is not in common use today.
Spell A simple and basic act of magick that incorporates the use of raised power or drawn power. In a spell the mind is conditioned by each step or phase of the spell as it unfolds. The process of performing a spell allows the mind to draw upon its inner powers. The spell is a focus for the mind, a catalyst to unlocking its abilities, and it enables the mind to create changes in the astral substance, which will then cause changes to occur in the physical world.
Spells Spells are magical rituals. Magical rituals may also be spells (though there are many different types of rituals). A spell, then, is an act of magic in which energies are raised, “programmed” with a magical need (such as love or money) and directed to do their work.
A few spells are secret; most are not. Secret spells aren’t more effective than their non-secret cousins. Any spell will work, provided that it’s been properly written, and provided that it’s properly performed.
Spells usually consist of gathering together the needed items, charging them with power, and using them in some fashion. Herb spells are among the easiest to master. [In this guide,] I’ll use the words “spell” and “ritual” interchangeably.
Sufi A practitioner of Sufism.
Sword Less useful, but still necessary for high magic or theurgy that involves chaotic spirits, is the sword. This is similar in its functioning to the wand, but whereas the wand has a neutral nature, the sword is overtly offensive, projecting power to dominate and hurt. It is supposed to be made by the Magus, but I hazard to say that not one in a thousand occultists who possesses the magic sword has actually fashioned the blade by hand. It is considered acceptable to procure a short sword, or long knife, and after thoroughly purifying it, consecrate it by anointing and prayer to its magical purpose. I use an old British army bayonet myself, which is shaped as a sword, hilt and all, and find it effective—perhaps especially so due to its military associations.
Sword A tool used in many Wiccan/Witchcraft traditions to cast ritual and magickal circles. The sword is also employed in rituals of initiation by the challenger or guardian. In many traditions the sword is a symbol of the God and it is often assigned to the High Priest as a token of his office.
Sworn Book of Honorius The introduction states that the book was fashioned in response to the Medieval inquisitions. It could be called a Catholic magickal text related to the “Ars Notoria” of the Lemegeton. The magickal operation described consists of twenty days of purification followed by the actual magickal work. This is similar to the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage.
Sylphs Sylphs are elemental spirits of Air.
Sylphs sylph [F. sylphe, m., prob. fr. L. Sylphus, Sulfus, name of some divinity] An imaginary [sic] being inhabiting the air; a name given by Paracelsus to the elemental beings of the air, conceived as mortal but soulless.
Talisman A talisman is any object, sacred or profane, with or without appropriate symbols, charged or consecrated by appropriate means and made to serve a specific end.
Tau The twenty-second and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Th or T. Represents the number 400. The seventh and last of the seven "double letters." A Hebrew word meaning "tau cross." Corresponds to Saturn, the 32nd Path (between Yesod and Malkuth), and Tarot trump XXI The World.
Telesmatic Image A system used by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn to develop images for visualization of a non-physical entity for magickal purposes based on the letters of the name of the entity to be given an image.
Temurah A kabalistic method of finding new meanings in words by exchanging letters in them with other letters according to codes. There are several forms of Temurah. In Atbash, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is replaced by the last, the second by the second to last, and so fourth. In Albam, the first Hebrew letter is replaced by the twelfth, the second by the thirteenth, etc. In Avgad each letter is replaced by the following letter. One of the most used forms of Temurah is Aik Bekar, which begins by setting up a pattern like a tic-tac-toe board. Into each of the nine squares, three Hebrew letters are placed according to a predetermined system. A letter in any of the squares or “chambers” can be replaced by either of the other letters in same box.
Testament of Solomon A text written in Greek before the end of the fourth century C.E., it includes a great deal of mythic and magical information on how King Solomon was able to control demons and build the Temple in Jerusalem. It has a great deal of astrological information, relating such things as how the decans are ruled by demons.
Teth The ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, hard T. Represents the number 9. The fifth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "serpent." Corresponds to Leo, the 19th Path (between Chesed and Geburah), and Tarot trump VIII (or XI) Strength.
The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage Although often linked with other grimoires, the principal upon which the text is based is that all material happiness can only come from spiritual evolution. The text is divided into three books. The first is an autobiography of the author—a man who calls himself Abraham the Jew. The second book has the instructions for the sacred magick given to Abraham by Abramelin. It involves six months of purifications after which an Angel will appear and bond with the aspirant. The third book is a collection of magick-square talismans.
The Equinox A series of book-sized journals created by Aleister Crowley. The ten issues of the first volume appeared on the equinoxes between 1909 and 1913. Volume II was never published. The first issue of volume III was published in 1919 and was known as the “Blue Equinox” due to the color of the cover. The second issue of the volume was not published. Crowley published issues 3–5 between 1939 and 1944. Other issues and volumes have been published after Crowley's death by people representing—or claiming to represent—Crowley’s legacy.
Controversy began with the first issue as it revealed some of the secrets of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The Order’s head, MacGregor Mathers, filed a lawsuit to halt publication, but lost. (Curiously, Israel Regardie was attacked by members of the Golden Dawn for publishing material about the Order in the volumes of his book, The Golden Dawn, even though Crowley had published much of the same material almost 30 years earlier.)
The articles in "The Equinox" comprise one of the most complete explications of the Western occult tradition and magick ever published, combined with poetry, book reviews, and even personal attacks. In 1974, Israel Regardie published only the magical information from the ten numbers of volume I and the "Blue Equinox" in Gems from The Equinox (originally from Llewellyn Publications, now from New Falcon Publications).
The Grand Grimoire Also known as the “Red Dragon,” this best known of the “black” grimoires includes instructions for making pacts with devils.
The Grimoire of Armadel Often confused with the Lemegeton’s “Almadel” or the Arbatel of Magic (it borrows from the latter), it is a very simple book, full of colorful Sigils related to recognizable Angels and spirits along with borrowed conjurations. Apparently, one is intended to inscribe the Sigils on consecrated parchment, and use them to contact Angels and spirits who have mysteries to reveal.
The Magus Published in 1801 and also known as the “Celestial Intelligencer,” it was meant as a textbook for classes in magick the author, Francis Barrett, was teaching. The material was taken from earlier works, including Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, the Heptameron, and the Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy.
Thelemic Concerning the religion of Thelema as propounded by Aleister Crowley.
Thelemite A follower of the religion of Thelema as propounded by Aleister Crowley.
Theoricus The third grade of initiation in the Golden Dawn associated with the element of Air and the sephira Yesod.
Theurgy Magick, and especially the use of rituals, for the purpose of becoming more spiritual or achieving oneness with the Divine. Also refers to working with Divine spirits as opposed to lower entities or demons.
Three Books of Occult Philosophy First drafted in 1509–10 by Henry Cornelius Agrippa (student of Johannes Trithemius), this is the single most important grimoiric text in existence. It is not, in fact, a practical manual, but is instead a compendium of the theories and philosophies upon which Medieval and Renaissance magick are based.
Tiphareth The sixth Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the central Sephirah on the Middle Pillar. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Beauty." It represents the archetype of the number 6, the descent of the Godhead into consciousness. It corresponds to the divine name YHWH Eloah va-Daath, the archangel Raphael, the angelic choir called Melekim (Kings), and Shemesh, or heavenly Sphere of the Sun.
Tiphareth In Kether is the Radix of a Golden Glory and thence is there a pure, primitive and sparkling, gleaming golden yellow which is reflected unto Tiphareth. Thus is the first reflected Triad completed. And the Sphere of its operation is that of Shemesh, the Solar Light, and bestoweth Life, Light and Brilliancy in metallic matter, and it ruleth the sphere of action of the Sun. And Yhvh Eloha va-Daath is a God of Knowledge and Wisdom, ruling over the Light of the Universe; and its Archangel is Raphael, the Prince of Brightness, Beauty and Life. And the Name of the Order of Angels is Melechim or Malakim, that is Kings or Angelic Kings, who are also called the Order of Virtues, Angels and Rulers. The Angels Peniel and Pelial are also referred unto this Sephira. It especially rules the Mineral world.
Tree of Life Cabalism, at least in the Western occult tradition, is built around a diagram called the Tree of Life. This diagram contains ten circles representing the Sephiroth (singular: Sephirah); that is, the "spheres," "numbers," or "emanations." The Sephiroth are the numbers 1 through 10 considered in their archetypal sense. Each Sephirah is an archetypal idea. Also, the Sephiroth represent emanations from God and describe the process of creation. In the material world, they represent the heavenly spheres according to the classical conception.
Tzaddi The eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Tz or Ts. Represents the number 90 (or, as a final letter, 900). The eleventh of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "fishhook." Corresponds to Aquarius, the 28th Path (between Netzach and Yesod), and Tarot trump XVII The Star (or, in the system of Aleister Crowley, IV The Emperor).
Undines Undines are elemental spirits of Water.
Undines undine [G. undine or F. ondine, fr. L. unda, a wave, water.] 1. One of a class of fabled female water spirits who might receive human souls by intermarrying with mortals;--so called by Paracelsus, who conceived them as the elementary beings of water. 2. [cap.] (German pronunciation, oon-dee-neh) Such a being, the heroine of a romance of this name by De la Motte Fouque'. She was a changeling in the hut of a fisherman, where Sir Huldbrand fell in love with her and married her. But he soon neglected his wife for the lady Bertalda, and Undine was carried away by her sisters into the sea. She returned on the day of her husband's wedding with Bertalda, and gave him a fatal kiss.
Vav The sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, V or W. Represents the number 6. The second of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "nail." Corresponds to Taurus, the 16th Path (between Chokmah and Chesed), and Tarot trump V The Hierophant.
Vodou and Voudoun Vodou is an animistic Caribbean spiritual tradition, most usually associated with Haiti, which traces its lineage to the shamans of ancient Africa. It blends together (through a process known as "syncretisation") a number of traditional African beliefs with elements from other faiths, most notably Catholicism (the religion of the French slave traders who took the shamans of Africa to the Caribbean New World), but also those of the indigenous Haitian Taino and Arawak people and the European pre-Christian pagans who also came to settle there.
Vodou believes in one creator-God called Gran Met ("Great Master") and a pantheon of lesser deities known as the Lwa. These entities, as well as the spirits of the ancestors ('zanset yo'), are directly available to man through the mechanism of possession, a trance-like state where a person is taken over by one of these spirits so it may dispense healing, advice, or wisdom to the community faithful, who are known as Vodouissants.
The shaman-priest of Vodou is known as the Houngan and the priestess as the Mambo. Often accomplished healers, magicians, and leaf doctors (herbalists), these spiritual leaders are also experts on the nature, desires, and ways of interacting with the spirits, as well as therapists, counsellors, and doctors for their community.
Wane To get smaller. The waning Moon occurs when, due to the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, the visible Moon appears to be decreasing in size. This is the period from the full Moon to the new Moon when sunlight does not reflect off the Earth’s neighbor. When doing magick, this is traditionally a time for doing rituals to get rid of or end things such as bad habits, unwanted relationships, banishings, etc.
Ward Something used for protection from outside forces. A ward can be a spell of protection. Magickal barriers.
Water Chalice In the system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a symbolically decorated, stemmed goblet, usually made of glass. It is used by an adept to direct elemental water energy.
Waxing Getting larger. The waxing Moon occurs when, due to the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, the visible Moon appears to be increasing in size. This is the period from the new Moon to the full Moon when sunlight reflects off the entire visible surface of Earth’s neighbor. When doing magick, this is traditionally a time for doing rituals to bring things to you and for growth, such as gaining wisdom, positive relationships, love, money, etc.
Westcott William Wynn Westcott (Dec. 17, 1848-June 30, 1925)—"The primary creator of the Golden Dawn was Dr. William Wynn Westcott. A London coroner who was interested in occultism, Westcott was a Master Mason and Secretary General of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia or the Rosicrucian Society in England (also called the SRIA). Westcott, along with two others founded the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in 1888. However, the Golden Dawn was definitely Westcott’s brainchild."
White Magic White Magick has [divine] union as its goal. It is also known as contacting your higher self, contacting your spirit guides, cosmic consciousness, mysticism, or gaining the Knowledge and Conversation of your Holy Guardian Angel. There are many other names for this type of magick, too.
Witches' Pyramid A concept employing the triangle of manifestation. The Witches’ pyramid consists of three mental faculties: the will, imagination, and visualization. By employing the imagination, directed by the will, and merging with visualized images, the energy of magick begins to condense. This technique employs the ability of the mind to raise power or energy and to form it into a conceptual desire.
Wizard A term for a magician, sorcerer, etc. Usually applies to a male. The female equivalent is “wizardess.”
Woodman William Robert Woodman (1828-1891)—"Dr. Woodman was a retired physician and a leading member of the SRIA [Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia]. Along with Mathers, Woodman was asked by Westcott to become one of the leaders of his new Order [of the Golden Dawn] in 1887. Woodman was an excellent Qabalist who had probably had a leading role in developing in the Qabalistic studies of the Golden Dawn. However, he died in 1891, before the Order was fully developed."
Working A ritual or magickal rite.
Yeats William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, dramatist, and essayist who won the Nobel Prize in 1923. He was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which influenced much of his poetry, and feuded with Aleister Crowley.
Yesod The ninth Sephirah of the cabalistic Tree of Life, the third Sephirah on the Middle Pillar. The term is a Hebrew word meaning "Foundation." It represents the archetype of the number 9, the manifesting aspect of the Godhead. It corresponds to the divine name Shaddai El Chai, the archangel Gabriel, the angelic choir called Kerubim, and Lebanah, or heavenly Sphere of the Moon.
Yesod The beams of Chesed and Geburah meet in Yesod and thence ariseth in Yesod a brilliant deep violet-purple or puce, and thus is the third Triad completed. And the sphere of its operation is that of Levanah, the Lunar beam, bestowing change, increase and decrease upon created things and it ruleth the Sphere of Action of the Moon and the nature of mankind. And Shaddai is a God who sheddeth benefits, Omnipotent and Satisfying, and Al Chai is the God of Life, the Living One. Its Archangel is Gabriel the Prince of Change and Alteration. And the name of the Order of Angels is Kerubim or Kerubic ones who are also called the Order of Angels.
Yetzirah The "World of Formation." The third of four Qabalistic worlds or stages of manifestation and the realm of angels. Yetzirah is attributed to the spheres of Chesed, Geburah, Tiphareth, Netzach, Hod, and Yesod. It is attributed to the element of air and the Hebrew letter Vav.
Yod The tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Y. Represents the number 10. The sixth of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "hand." Corresponds to Virgo, the 20th Path (between Chesed and Tiphareth), and Tarot trump IX The Hermit.
Yod The yod is formed by two planets in sextile aspect, each forming a quincunx to a third. Also called the Finger of God, the "finger" is the planet receiving the two quincunxes. This configuration suggests a need to blend opportunity with an apparently discordant element, which adds a different level of vibration to the personality. Sometimes a need to develop special talents or awareness is associated with this pattern.
Zayin The seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Z. Represents the number 7. The third of the twelve "single letters." A Hebrew word meaning "sword." Corresponds to Gemini, the 17th Path (between Binah and Tiphareth), and Tarot trump VI The Lovers.
Zealtor The second grade of initiation in the Golden Dawn associated with the element of Earth and the sephira Malkuth on the Tree of Life.
Zohar Arguably the most famous of all Cabalistic books, the Zohar is a mystical commentary on the Jewish holy scriptures. Although attributed to Simeon bar (or ben) Yochai (or Jochai) of the 2nd century C.E., it was first published (and many say written) by Moses de Leon in the 13th century.
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