The Middle Pillar
Page 25
The LBRP can also be used to aid your powers of focus and concentration. While lying down, formulate yourself standing up in robes and holding a dagger. Place your consciousness in this astral form and go to the east. Make yourself “feel” that you are there by touching the wall, opening your eyes, and stomping on the floor. Then let your astral form perform the ritual, circumambulating the room, and mentally vibrating the words. When you are finished, try to see your results astrally. Then walk back and stand behind your physical body and let your astral body be reabsorbed.
In the beginning of one’s magical training, the LBRP is to be performed daily for no less than a period of six months. In fact, it should be practiced daily by any magician no matter how long one has been doing the work. Some Golden Dawn and Stella Matutina manuscripts suggested doing the invoking form of this Ritual in the morning and the banishing form at night. However, we feel that the beginner needs to concentrate only on the banishing form.27 Beginners have a tendency to have their auras light up on the astral—they unknowingly attract all kinds of elementals at this early stage of the work.
It’s far more important for the beginner to know how to banish rather than to invoke. Anyone can attract an elemental or energy form. Getting rid of it can be more difficult.
The following section describes a number of different versions of the LBRP, including Egyptian, Greek, Gaelic, and Shamanic renditions.
AN EGYPTIAN PENTAGRAM RITUAL
The Egyptian Qabalistic Cross
Stand and face east. Imagine a brilliant white light touching the top of your head. Reach up with the index finger or blade of a dagger to connect with the light and bring it to the forehead.
Touch the forehead and say: “Entek Pau” (pronounced “en-tek pow,” meaning “Thou art He who Is”).
Touch the breast and say: “ta Sutenit” (pronounced “tah su- ten-it,” meaning “the Kingdom”).
Touch the right shoulder and say: “ta Sakhem” (pronounced “tah sahk-hem,” meaning “the Divine Power”).
Touch the left shoulder and say: “ta Djeser” (pronounced “tah d-jes-er,” meaning “and the Glory”).
Clasp the fingers over the breast and say: “ta Taui en Hah” (pronounced “tah tow-ee en hah,” meaning “the World, Forever”).
Say: “Nedj Her” (pronounced “ned-j her,” meaning “Homage to Thee” ).
The Pentagrams
Face east. Use dagger or the index finger of the right hand to trace a large lesser banishing pentagram. As you do so, vibrate “Nudjeru Yebeta” (pronounced “nud-jeh-ru yeh-beh-tah,” meaning “Gods of the East”). Thrust the dagger tip or index finger through the center of the pentagram and vibrate “NEF” (“Air”). Keep the right arm extended throughout, never let it drop. The pentagrams should be visualized in a flaming blue or white light.
Go to the south and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Nudjeru Resu” (pronounced “nud-jeh-ru reh-su,” meaning “Gods of the South”). Thrust through the center of the pentagram and intone “ASH” (“Fire”).
Go to the west and draw the same pentagram while vibrating : “Nudjeru Amenta” (pronounced “nud-jeh-ru ah-men-tah,” meaning “Gods of the West”). Thrust through the center intoning “MU” (“Water”).
Go to the north and trace the pentagram while vibrating: “Nudjeru Mehta” (pronounced “nud-jeh-ru meh-tah,” meaning “Gods of the North”). Charge the figure with “TA” (“Earth”).
Invocation
Return to the east and form the Tau Cross. Say: “Before me, HATHOOR, the Mother of Light. Behind me, TOUM of the setting sun. On my right hand, SAKHMET, mighty lady of Flame. On my left hand, HAPI-WER, the Bull of the Earth. For about me flames SEHEDJ” (“a heaven of stars”). And above me shines TAU NUDJER” (”the star of God”).28
Repeat the Egyptian Qabalistic Cross as in the beginning.
EGYPTIAN BANISHING RITUALS
Alternative Versions
The student may choose to replace the pentagram in the above ritual with symbols that retain a more Egyptian character. Rather than tracing the pentagram in the four quarters, the magician could draw the sign of the ankh or the wedjat (the Eye of Horus). Both were considered powerful amulets for protection. The ankh is the symbol of eternal life, while the wedjat is the symbol for health, wholeness, protection, and general well-being. (See Figure 14, p. 198.)
To trace the ankh in the air before you, start on the left side at the point where the circle meets the crossbar and, drawing in a clockwise motion, trace the circular “head” of the ankh. Next, trace the shaft of the ankh, leading from the middle of the crossbar to the lowest point of the shaft. Finally, start at the left point of the cross-bar and move straight across to the right point of the crossbar.
To trace the Eye of Horus in the air before you, start at the left point of the eyebrow line and trace clockwise. Next, trace the outline of the eye itself, starting from the left and proceeding clockwise, around the pupil, and back around the bottom of the eyelid, ending at the left side of the eye near the starting point. Then trace the lowermost line of the figure starting from the right-hand point and tracing toward the left.
Figure 14: Ritual Signs and Symbols of Protection.
A GREEK BANISHING PENTAGRAM RITUAL
The Greek Qabalistic Cross (Stauros Kabalistikos)
Stand and face east. Imagine a brilliant white light touching the top of your head. Reach up with the index finger or blade of a dagger to connect with the light and bring it to the forehead.
Touch the forehead and say: “Sou estin” (pronounced “soo-estin,” meaning “Thine is”—σoυ εστiν).
Touch the breast and say: “he Basileia” (pronounced “hay bah- sih-lay-uh,” meaning “the Kingdom”-η Bασλεα).
Touch the right shoulder and say: “kai he Dynamis” (pronounced “kigh hay din-ah-mees,” meaning “and the Power” -καη δυναµς).
Touch the left shoulder and say: “kai he Doxa” (pronounced “kigh hay dox-ah,” meaning “and the Glory”-καη δoξα).
Clasp the fingers over the breast and say: “eis tous Aionas ton Aionon” (pronounced “ace tooce eye-oh-nas tone eye-own-own,” meaning” to the Aeon of Aeons”-). Say: “Amen” (pronounced “Ah-may-n”—Aµην).
The Pentagrams
Face east. Use dagger or the index finger of the right hand to trace a large lesser banishing pentagram. As you do so, vibrate “Theios Aer” (pronounced “Thay-os Ah-ay-r,” “Divine Air‘-ΘεOς Aηρ). Thrust the dagger tip or index finger through the center of the pentagram and vibrate ”Pneuma” (pronounced ”P’ne-oo-mah,” ”Spirit” -Πνευµα).
Go to the south and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Theion Pyr” (pronounced “Thay-on Peer,” “Divine Fire”—Θεoν πOρ). Thrust through the center of the pentagram and intone “Psyche” (pronounced “P’sy-kay,” “Soul”—ψυχη).
Go to the west and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Theion Hydor” (pronounced “Thay-on Hy-dor,” “Divine Water”—Θεν Yδωρ ). Thrust through the center of the pentagram and intone “Nous” (pronounced “Noos,” “Mind”—Noυς).
Go to the north and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Theia Ge” (pronounced “Thay-ah Gay,” “Divine Earth”—Θεα Γη). Thrust through the center intoning “Soma” (pronounced “Soh-mah,” “Body”—Σωµα).
Invocation
Return to the east and stand in the position of the Tau Cross. Say: “Before me, AIOLOS (pronounced ”Ai-oh-los“—Aoλoς), Guardian of the Winds. Behind me, TETHYS (pronounced ”Tay-thys“—Tηθυς), Queen of the Seas. On my right hand, HESTIA (pronounced ”Heh-stee-ah“—Eστα), Lady of the Flame. On my left hand, DEMETER (pronounced ”Day-may-tayr“—Δηµητηρ), the Great Mother of Earth. For about me flames STEPHANOS ASTERON” (pronounced “Stef-ah-nohs ah-ster-ohn,” “a crown of stars”—Στφανoς Aστερων). “And above me shines the DUO TRIGONA” (pronounced “Doo-oh Tri-gon-ah,” “two triangles”29
—Δυo Tργωνoα).
“Ah, eh, ee, ii, oo, uu, aw.” (α ε ηo υ ω—the seven vowels of the Greek alphabet, said by some to be the true name of God.)
Closing
Repeat the Greek Qabalistic Cross.
ALTERNATIVE GREEK VERSION
A Christian Banishing Ritual
The pentagram was used by Pythagoras and his followers as a sacred symbol. Thus it fits well into a Greek framework such as that outlined in the ritual above. However, Christian magicians can easily employ a version that expresses their particular faith and also takes advantage of a Greek foundation. The cross, a sacred symbol of protection, can be readily substituted for the pentagram as in the following ritual.
To trace the cross in the air before you, begin at the shaft of the cross starting at the top and drawing downward. Then start at the left point of the crossbar and move straight across to the right point of the crossbar. (See Figure 14, p. 198.)
The Stauros Kabalistikos
Perform the Greek Qabalistic Cross as given in the preceding ritual.
The Flaming Crosses
Face east. Use dagger or the index finger of the right hand to trace a large cross. Thrust the dagger tip or index finger through the center of the cross and intone “Pater hamon ho en tois Ouranois” (pronounced “Pah-ter hay-mon ho en toh-ees Oo-ran-oh-ees,” “Our Father in Heaven who art in the Heaven”—Πατερ ηµων oεν τoς oυρανoς).
Go to the south and draw the cross again. Thrust through the center of the figure and vibrate: “Ho Kyrios Meta Sou” (pronounced “Hoh-Kree-os meh-tah soo,” “The Lord is with thee”—o Kυρoς µετα σoυ).
Go to the west and draw the cross. Charge the figure with: “Oudeis erchetai pros ton Patera ei me di emou” (pronounced “Oo-days er-che-tai pros ton pah-ter-ah eh may dee em-oo,” “No one cometh unto the Father, but by me”—Oυδες ερχεταπρoς τoν Πατερα εµη δεµoυ).
Go to the north and draw the cross. Charge the figure with: “To Phos en te Skotia Phainei” (pronounced “Toh fohs en tay sko-ti-ah fai-nay,” “The Light shineth in Darkness”—To Φως εν τη Σκoτα Φαν).
Invocation
Return to the east and stand in the position of the Tau Cross. Say: “Before me, RAPHAEL. Behind me, GABRIEL. On my right hand, MICHAEL. On my left hand, URIEL. For about me flames HE STAUROS TOU KLEOS” (pronounced “Heh Stow-ros too Kleeos,” “the Cross of Glory”—η) Σταυρoς τOυ KλεOς). “And above me shines HE CHARITI TOU THEOS” (pronounced “Heh Chah-ree- tee too Thay-os,” “the Grace of God” η χαρiτi τoυ Θεioς.
Closing
Repeat the Greek Qabalistic Cross.
A GAELIC BANISHING PENTAGRAM RITUAL
The Gaelic Qabalistic Cross
Stand and face east. Imagine a brilliant white light touching the top of your head. Reach up with the index finger or blade of a dagger to connect with the light and bring it to the forehead.
Touch the forehead and say: “Bhuait, a Cruithear” (pronounced “voo-uhch, uh Xroo-uhr,” meaning “From you, Creator”).
Touch the breast and say: “na Rìoghachd” (pronounced “nah ree-uhchk,” meaning “the Kingdom”).
Touch the right shoulder and say: “na Neart” (pronounced “nah nyarst,” meaning “the Power”).
Touch the left shoulder and say: “’s na Miadh” (pronounced “snah mee-uhgh,”30 meaning “and the Honor”).
Clasp the fingers over the breast and say: “An Talamh, gu sior” (pronounced “an tal-uhv, goo shee-or,” meaning “the World, everlasting”).
Say: “Fàilte” (pronounced “faal-chuh,”31 meaning “Hail!”).
The Pentagrams
Face east. Use dagger or the index finger of the right hand to trace a large lesser banishing pentagram. As you do so, vibrate “Gaoth an Ear” (pronounced “goo-uh a nyar,” meaning “east wind”). Thrust the dagger tip or index finger through the center of the pentagram and vibrate “Adhar” (pronounced “aar,” meaning “air”). Keep the right arm extended throughout, never let it drop. The pentagrams should be visualized in a flaming blue or white light.
Go to the south and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Gaoth a Deas” (pronounced “goo-uh a jays,” meaning “south wind”). Thrust through the center of the pentagram and intone “Teine” (pronounced “chay-nuh,” meaning “fire” ).
Go to the west and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “Gaoth an lar” (pronounced “goo-uh a neeuhr,” meaning “west wind”). Thrust through the center intoning “Uisge” (pronounced “oosh-guh,” meaning “water”).
Go to the north and trace the pentagram while vibrating: “Gaoth a Tuath” (pronounced “goo-uh a too-uh,” meaning “north wind”). Charge the figure with “Talamh” (pronounced “tal-uhv,” meaning “earth” ).
Invocation
Return to the east and stand in the position of the Tau Cross. Say: “Before me, DON, Queen of the Heavens. Behind me, LLYR, King of the Sea. On my right hand, BRIGID, Lady of the ever-burning Fire. On my left hand, CERNUNNOS, Lord of the Forest. For about me are NA DÈATHAN” (pronounced “nah jee-aahn,” meaning “the Gods”). “And in the center is CO-COTHROM” (pronounced “co-cho-ruhm,” meaning “Equilibrium”).
Repeat the Gaelic Qabalistic Cross as in the beginning.
ALTERNATIVE GAELIC BANISHING RITUAL
A circled cross may be substituted for the pentagram in the ritual above. This symbol has several meanings, one of which is the circle of the heavens containing the four elements or four cardinal points.
To draw the circled cross in the air before you, trace the shaft of the cross starting at the top and drawing downward. Next, start at the left point of the crossbar and move straight across to the right point of the crossbar. Finally, start at a point on the left side of the circle and trace clockwise. (See Figure 14, p. 198.)
A SHAMANIC BANISHING RITUAL
(NOTE: This ritual employs the names of deities from several different Native American tribes.)
The Shamanic Cross
Stand and face east. Imagine a brilliant white light touching the top of your head. Reach up with the index finger or blade of a dagger to connect with the light and bring it to the forehead.
Touch the forehead and say: “To WAKANDA.”32 Touch the breast and say: “To MICHABO.”33 Touch the right shoulder and say: “To IOSKEHA.”34 Touch the left shoulder and say: “To WHOPE.”35
Clasp the fingers over the breast and say: “And to all the Ancestors, I give thanks.”
The Pentagrams
Face east. Use dagger or the index finger of the right hand to trace a large lesser banishing pentagram. As you do so, vibrate “WABUN.”36 Go to the south and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “MANITOU.”37 Go to the west and draw the same pentagram while vibrating: “KABUN.”38 Go to the north and trace the pentagram while vibrating: “INNUA.”39
Invocation
Return to the east and stand in the position of the Tau Cross. Say: “Before me, SILA.40 of the air. Behind me, AULANERK,41 ruler of waves. On my right hand, ABABINILI,42 of the flames. On my left hand, NOKOMIS,43 the Grandmother. For about me are the Four Winds, and upon me shines UTEA.”44
Repeat the Shamanic Cross as in the beginning.
Endnotes
1 Atah is the more correct Hebrew pronunciation of this word than the traditional pronunciation of Atoh used by magicians in the past.
2 For the Qabalistic Cross the magician may choose to stand either in the eastern part of the room or in the center of the room, facing east. For the drawing of the first pentagram, however, the magician should walk to the eastern part of the room and move to the southern, western, and northern portion of the temple as required for the tracing of the pentagrams. For the Invocation of the Archangels and the final Qabalistic Cross, the magician can again move to the center of the room. If the temple space is very small, the magician can simply stand in the center of the room throughout the entire ritual and turn toward the qu
arters to trace the pentagrams.
3 Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the three archangels that are most often cited in the Bible. The Bahir, an important Qabalistic text, lists the three major angels as Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel (see The Bahir translated by Aryeh Kaplan, page 41). Uriel also figures prominently in non-canonical lore, but in some texts, Uriel is confused or replaced with Phanuel.One of the most important magical texts used by magicians, Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, published in 1531, lists Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel as the “the four princes of the angels, which are set over the four winds, and over the four parts of the world.” (Refer to page 533 of the Llewellyn edition, edited by Donald Tyson.)