Sacred Geometry in the Energy Theory of Magick - part 2

Continuing on with the second part of our on-going discussion about Sacred Geometry and the Energy Theory of Magick - let us consider the basic ritual patterns that form the prismatic energy structures. 

Seven Basic Ritual Patterns

There are seven basic ritual patterns that incorporate selected points in the magick circle. These seven ritual patterns represent the elementary structures that are used in my system of ritual magick. Ritual patterns are merely the parts that are used in combination to build fully functional rituals. It has always been my perspective that building functional rituals would be a lot easier if one had a finite tool set of ritual patterns that could be used, combined and qualified by devices for a specific function. If students can understand the significance and effect of a ritual pattern and the devices used to qualify it, then they should be able to build a functional ritual knowing full well what its effect will be even before it’s performed. That’s the whole purpose to using modular ritual structures and building functional rituals from a finite tool set. The following are the seven basic ritual structures placed in the order of their complexity.

Circle - the most basic and integral of ritual structures is the circle. In the tradition of magick that I work, a circle is the foundation for all magick performed. A circle is also associated with sacred space, symbolizing that the area defined within it is considered sacred and open to spiritual and magickal influences. When deployed, a circle will automatically generate a prismatic shape of a sphere, which is the most elementary one. A circle can also be drawn within an already existing magick circle, becoming a world within a world, or a more elevated sacred domain than what is defined by the outer circle.

Pylon - a pylon consists of two points (ultra and infra) with a line of force connecting them together. Often, the two points are established first by the drawing of magickal devices, such as a pentagram. The pylon fuses these two points together, producing a unified expression of their joined energies.

Trigon - usually depicted in the form of an equilateral triangle, the trigon as a ritual structure has many uses, but generally it functions as a gateway. A gateway trigon incorporates one of the Watchtowers and two opposite and corresponding Angles. For instance, a western gateway uses the Western Watchtower and the Southeast and Northeast Angles. The trigon is erected in the magick circle, so the gateway it establishes is inside as opposed to outside of the circle. A trigon gateway, when it is established over existing ritual structures, causes them to be fused together at a new level. A gateway can also be used to formulate a transition from one working to another.

Square/Cross-Roads - a square is where either the four Watchtowers or four Angles are drawn together with lines of force around the periphery of the magick circle, usually done with a dagger or a sword. The direction or vector, and the starting and finishing point are the two components that can have an impact on the quality that this ritual structure produces. A vector of clockwise will produce a decidedly masculine energy signature, and the opposite vector of counter clockwise, will produce a corresponding feminine energy signature. Typically, the masculine version is used, although the feminine variety can be used to create a hybrid structure that can produce a highly charged conical spiral vortex. Starting at a particular point (Watchtower or Angle) can also have an effect. Often it symbolizes the sequence of the four Elements associated with the specific points of the magick circle. This ritual structure tends to produce a polarization of forces that automatically generates magickal energy, particularly due to the fact that it is drawn within a magick circle. A square within a circle has its particular quality of polarized magickal power.

A cross-roads ritual structure is where the four Watchtowers or Angles are drawn together, using lines of force that cross the center of the magick circle. Thus the points that are the polar opposite of each other are joined together, causing an energy signature of fusion and union to occur. The center of the magick circle draws the polarities of the four points so conjoined into a singularity, which is the fifth or quintessential element. The mid-point also becomes an access point for the translation of matter into spirit and spirit into matter, allowing for a two-way communion or communication between both domains. A cross-roads erected in a magick circle has all of the mythic and metaphysical qualities of an actual lonely country cross-roads, the place where sorcerers are reputed to conjure spirits and meet with diabolical agents.

Concentric Spiral - a concentric spiral is one that is performed usually as a circumambulation by a single practitioner around the periphery of the magick circle, although it can also incorporate multiple individuals engaging in a form of circle dance. A positive concentric spiral is one where the vector or direction is clockwise, and a negative concentric spiral is one where the vector is counter clockwise (widdershins). A concentric spiral is expressly used to generate a magickal power that forms a cone. The point of the cone, whether to the ultra-point or infra-point, also determines the quality of the energy. There are four possible outcomes to this combination of vector and the placement of the apex of the cone, but in many traditions only one is used. In addition to the ever popular cone of power (clockwise, ultra-point), there is a spiral vortex (counter clockwise, infra-point), a negative cone of power (counter clockwise, ultra-point) and a solar spiral vortex (clockwise, infra-point). Each of these ritual constructs has a unique power signature.

Eccentric Spiral - an eccentric spiral is one that moves from the periphery of the magick circle to the center, or from the center to the periphery. An eccentric spiral intersects the outside edge of the magick circle with its center, thereby either concentrating the force in the middle or dispersing them  to the outer edge and beyond. To make the spiral a complete ritual structure, three revolutions of the magickal circle must be performed, since three is the number of completion and manifestation. There are four possibilities in how the eccentric spiral is deployed, but only two are actually used. An eccentric spiral that travels from the outer periphery to the center always moves in a clockwise direction, compressing and focusing the energy into the very middle of the magick circle. Conversely, an eccentric spiral that travels from the center to the outer periphery always moves in a counter clockwise direction, dispersing and exteriorizing the collected forces from the middle of the circle to beyond its outer edge. Obviously, compressing the magick power would occur just prior to exteriorizing it, so these two ritual structures are typically used in the order of compressing the power, and then, exteriorizing it.

The above six ritual structures are the most basic in the repertoire of a magician who is using the extended energy theory of ritual magick. However, two more structures, which are related, can also be examined. The first is the pyramid, which is the seventh ritual structure, and the next is the tetrahedron, which is uniquely associated with the trigon gate.

Pyramid - a pyramid is formed when the four Watchtowers or Angles are joined around the periphery of the magick circle to form a square, and then a pylon is established in the center of the circle. The final step is where the magician draws lines of force from the four points of the base of the square to either the ultra-point or the infra-point, establishing an obverse or inverted pyramid. In an elaborate ritual structure, the magician could erect both an obverse and an inverted pyramid so that they would be joined at the four points of the square. This double pyramid structure is known as the prismatic structure of an octahedron, where the negative and positive pyramids would super charge the energy signature of the magick circle through the combined polarization and fusion of their generated powers.

The Tetrahedron is a three dimensional gateway, incorporating the trigon as its base, and projecting a fourth point into either the ultra or infra-point. An obverse tetrahedral gateway would have a corresponding positive energy signature, and an inverted tetrahedral gateway would have a negative one. Typically, the obverse tetrahedral gateway is a more refined structure than a gateway trigon because there is the fourth point, which is a spiritual attribute that consists of the combined expression of the three nodes of the gateway. It represents the final resolution of the three part transformative ordeal.

An obverse tetrahedral gateway, like a trigon gateway, can be oriented to any of the points of the four Watchtowers. If the fourth point of a tetrahedral gateway is occupying the infra-point, then the gateway has the quality of being negative, representing a powerful threshold to the deeper underworld structures (such as the Qliphoth). So for this reason, an inverted tetrahedral gateway always has a western or underworld orientation. Like the pyramid, a magician can combine the obverse and the inverted tetrahedral gate to create a fused double gateway, where the obverse tetrahedron would be oriented to the east, and the inverted would be oriented to the west. The fused structure would be a kind of hexahedron, and would represent the complete cycle of transformative initiation in a single holistic ritual structure.


Formulas, Declarations and Energy Colors - Use of Keywords and Concepts

In addition to using ritual structures and qualifying them with devices, the points of a ritual structure can also be qualified through the use of a formula letter, a declaration and a visualized energy color. These three additional qualifiers are used to give even more meaning and significance to the overall ritual structure, thus powerfully and significantly imprinting the prismatic energy shape with a symbolic meaning. Each of the points of the ritual structure are qualified with an occult ideal or concept, and in the case of a visualized colored energy, a specific component of energy as well.

Thus the points of a ritual pattern are qualified by occult symbolic ideals and a specific energy signature. They join together to formulate a fully empowered and intelligible ritual structure, to be joined with other ritual structures, fashioning a ritual with a very specific function and magickal effect. A functional ritual often has variables, where the points of the various ritual structures can be qualified by a small array of different devices, such as a different invoking pentagram to generate a certain Element. Typically, the devices in a ritual structure may be changed, but the declarations, formula letters and even the visualized colored energies remain the same, representing the fixed aspects of the ritual pattern. Sometimes, all of these qualifiers can be modified, thus producing a completely modular structure with a large array of variations.

Formula letters are specifically used to pull the points of the ritual structure together at the terminus or ending of that magickal event. This is done in a process that is called “Analysis of the Keyword” as found in the Golden Dawn ritual of the Rose Cross. Therefore, the formula letters (often in Hebrew, but also represented by Greek, Latin, Coptic or Arabic) are used to build the keyword, which acts as the touchstone for the entire ritual structure. How this is done is that the letters of the keyword are intoned at the associated points in the magick circle, along with the devices, declarations, signs (gestures) and visualized colored energies, and then when the ritual structure is complete, the formula letters are intoned together to form the keyword and a final declaration is made in the center of the magick circle.

In this manner, all of the points of the ritual structure are fused into a single keyword and a single declaration. The analysis of the keyword construct can be performed at the end of each ritual structure, and it can be performed at the end of the final ritual structure in a functional ritual. By establishing a synopsis of the fully functional ritual and the ritual structures that are contained by it, a powerful resonance of union and fusion is produced, representing the perfect expression of Spirit within a ritual magickal construct. Having this element throughout a ritual causes a subtle emulation of the spiritual essence of the godhead to be manifest in the working. This factor will ensure that the rite produces a transformative effect when it is performed.

Declarations should be kept brief and succinct, since if they are too wordy, the timing of the ritual will be expanded and the pace will be slowed down considerably. Energy visualizations should be meaningful but not distracting, if they are used at all. Formulas, declarations, keywords and energy visualizations are additional qualifications which can make a simple ritual much more complex, and even cause it to implode due to an overbearing burden of density. Special care must be used when deploying them in a ritual structure.


Conclusion - Putting It All Together

We have now concluded our initial analysis of the different components that can be used to generate geometrically shaped prismatic energy fields. All of the elements discussed above can be used to build ritual structures and fully functional rituals. An important consideration is that a fully functional ritual can stand by itself, or it can function as one of an array of rituals used to form a working, which is an event driven ritual performance where the variables (if any) have been set and a specific intent and purpose have been determined. For the competent witch or pagan, these ritual structures are used to build four basic add-on rituals that can dramatically evolve the kind of magick that is worked, from a purely wiccan or pagan basis, to that of the discipline of ritual magick. These four fully functional rituals are:

• Spiral Vortex rite,
• Pyramid of Powers rite,
• Western and Eastern Gateway rites,
• Lunar Mystery rite.

Spiral Vortex rite is where a widdershins concentric spiral is joined with a cross-roads circle structure, which produces a powerful magnetic vortex that has in its center, a singularity. A rose ankh device is set to each of the four points to give the ritual structure an obvious feminine energy signature. The utility of the spiral vortex rite, once it is activated, is that it functions as an impervious container with a negative core that can irresistibly draw together and contain everything within it. It can also impact and transform anything that happens to be symbolically linked to its released exteriorized wave-form.

Pyramid of Powers rite consists of a circle squared with a central pylon, and the four points of the square base are drawn to the ultra-point. The resultant power is drawn up and compressed with an inward clockwise eccentric spiral, imprinted with a sigil, and then released through the agency of an outward anti-clockwise eccentric spiral. Invoking pentagramic devices for a specific element are set to each of the four points of the square, and an attribute of the Deity (Qabbalistic Sephirah) is summoned and declared in the center of the circle. The pyramid of power rite is used to invoke and unleash one of the forty Qualified Powers upon a specific target as determined by the sigil.

Western and Eastern Gateway rites - these two rites, which act as a completed unit, represent the underworld access and the over-world ascension associated with the cycle of personal transformation. Both rites use a gateway trigon, with devices, formula letters and declarations made at each of the three points of the gate. The formula letters form a keyword, which is analyzed and declared as the final ritual action of the rite. The gateway points are usually qualified by three deliberately selected Tarot trumps, so the formula letters are tied to the Tarot trumps chosen. The underworld gateway, and the ascension gateway, have their own mythic themes, which don’t vary, but can be qualified by a combination of Tarot trump and associated formula letter.

Lunar Mystery rite - this is one of three different mystery rites, but it is the most important, since it is used to establish the astrological and lunar foundation for a basic ritual working. The Lunar Mystery rite has at least four variables, but it can have as many as eight variables, depending on whether the lunar phases or the lunation cycle are used. Other variables would be the astrological sign that the sun resides at the time of the rite (solar season) and the astrological sign that the moon is in during its specific phase. The Lunar Mystery rite has the following ritual structure (as taken from the generic mystery rite outline).

1. Spiral Vortex rite.
2. Underworld Gateway rite.
3. Cross-roads for mystery working - four points set to the specific qualities of the phase. The cross-roads can also be a double cross-roads consisting of eight points (for the lunation cycle).
4. Draw inner concentric circle focusing on where the cross-roads meet.
5. Establish the sacred pylon (link to the specific mystery godhead).
6. Godhead assumption and communion.
7. Mythic theme for lunar aspects established
8. Optional secondary inverted tetrahedral gateway (deep gate) - this rite would qualify and encapsulate the personal working of the Pyramid of Powers.
9. Pyramid of Power rite (performed within the mystery vortex).
10. Closing of optional gate (using sealing spirals).
11. Closing Western Gateway, and performing Eastern Gateway of Ascension.
12. Concluding feast and outer lunar celebration (if any).

As indicated above, an optional inverted tetrahedral gateway would be used to unify and build a deeper foundation for the performance of the Pyramid of Powers rite. The Lunar Mystery rite could also be worked without steps 7 through 9, omitting the Pyramid of Powers working and thereby focusing on the specific lunar mystery. This ritual outline characterizes how a completed ritual working would be performed, showing all of the required steps and components.

Our objective (in this work) is to examine this ritual working in greater detail, and carefully go over all of the individual rituals and examine how they are constructed and function. (Some of these rituals have already been examined in previous articles, others will be soon forthcoming.)

We have now thoroughly discussed all of the required elements for a basic modular system of ritual magick. What remains to be examined later is the mythic content and meaning of these ritual structures as they are deployed in the four basic rituals.

To recap the important points in this article:

• Energy is movement/action performed in sacred space,
• Energy is symbolized by the joining of the archetypal male and female,
• Energy is perceived while in a powerful altered state of consciousness.

Prismatic energy shapes are determined by ritual structures, magickal devices, specific circle points associated with a strategic ritual pattern, and can be further qualified by formula letters, declarations and visualized colored energies. Keywords can be used to unify all of the points and components of a ritual structure.

Frater Barrabbas

Sacred Geometry in the Energy Theory of Magick - part 1

This is part 1 of a two part article on the topic of sacred geometry and the energy theory of magick. We will be introducing this subject in these two articles, and then expanding on it in future articles. At this point, let us establish the foundation for this discussion. 

Continuing with our discussion of the use of prismatic energy forms in the discipline of ritual magick, we should touch upon the fact that these prismatic structures emulate a form of simple sacred geometry. If that idea can be accepted as a fact, then we can then consider examining these structures as they exist in a symbolic formulation as archetypes, as well as actual energy structures which have a direct practical application.
   
Sacred Geometry is defined as the geometrical physical shapes that are deliberately used in the architectural design of buildings and precincts that are used for religious or spiritual purposes. There is an entire discipline that is devoted to identifying, classifying and deriving the meaning of such geometric shapes. This article isn’t going to discuss the elements of sacred geometry as found in sacred structures; instead, it will demonstrate the more limited domain of sacred geometry as found in the extended energy theory of magick. While very complex and dense magickal rituals can use an extensive repertoire of different prismatic energy shapes in regards to the magickal power generated and deployed, we are going to concern ourselves with the fundamental structures that a beginning ritual magician might use.

First of all, magickal energy is a deliberate action or movement of some kind within sacred space. Therefore, movement/action generates magickal energy when the conscious mind is attuned to subtle and spiritual phenomena. Whenever a ritual action is performed it produces some kind of energy signature. Also, energy is generated through a contrast or polarization, which can be implicit (through symbols and archetypes) or explicit (through obvious sexual activities, whether direct or indirect).

Another important consideration is that magickal energy is best perceived and manipulated when one is in the proper mental state, which is the kind that meditation and simple breath control can produce. So the first step is learning to become competent with alternate states of consciousness, mastered through the basic processes of asana (assuming a comfortable posture), prana-yama (fourfold breath counting technique), and perhaps even some mantra work, such as the ubiquitous mantra AUM. Performing these techniques, one should focus the mind strictly on what is occurring - in other words, to be a witness to what is occurring within the body and the mind, but to avoid and side step distracting thoughts and emotions.

Performing these techniques as a meditation session will produce a refined state of consciousness that will allow one to perceive subtle and paranormal phenomena.  Learning to attune to the subtle will assist one in being able to sense phenomena that normal conscious states would typically omit, and it will allow one to perceive magickal constructs and sense magickal energies, such as prismatic energy shapes produced through the use of strategic energy ritual structures.

From this foundational state of consciousness, as produced by the meditation session, one can then perform actions that will produce magickal energy. So how is it generated? There are seven techniques in the repertoire of the basic ritual magician, and these techniques should be practiced and used until they become automatic.
 

• Circumambulation (around the sacred space or consecrate magick circle)
• Slowly turning in place (dervish dance)
• Sacred dance (alone or with a small group)
• Ritual actions (drawing lines of power, etc.)
• Breathing techniques (advanced forms of prana-yama - cool breathing, hyperventilation)
• Visualization - building mental images (moving the mind)
• Sacred sexuality.

The symbolic analogue representing magickal power is the union of the archetypal masculine and the archetypal feminine. So this could symbolize the joining of Light and Darkness, Life and Death, the Yang and the Yin, the Lingam and the Yoni, or the joining of a god and goddess. From this state of union, all power and energy proceeds. This is how visualization alone can generate magickal power, since one would visualize this sacred union of opposites. One can surmise that prismatic energy structures as used in ritual magick would employ the use of polarity (mutual attraction and resistance) and fusion (union).

Techniques of using magickal power have a fourfold progression, which begins with the generation of magickal power through one or more of the above methods, qualifying (defining with a magickal device), focusing and imprinting the energy, intensifying it to a climax and finally, releasing the energy.  This fourfold pattern, taken from the beginning to the moment of release is called “resonance”, because it represents a process of both iteration and intensification. However, when you think about it, this process sounds a lot like the human sexual cycle, too. And indeed, it is quite significantly analogous. Perhaps this is why sacred sexuality has always been an important part of the practice of ritual magick.

Prismatic energy shapes generated in a ritual working are defined by the ritual structures inherent in a magick circle and qualified through the use of specific magickal devices. To truly understand these shapes, we need to define the magickal devices and the methodology of specific ritual patterns. A ritual structure has both a ritual pattern and uses specific points in the magick circle to give it a characteristic shape, and the devices placed at those points help to further qualify it. A prismatic energy structure is used by a magician when performing any variation of a ritual of empowerment - it is often found throughout the basic ritual repertoire. So let’s carefully examine all three of these qualifying components.

A magickal device is basically a geometric symbolic shape that is drawn to one of the points in a magick circle. For the beginning ritual magician, there are a total of six devices. These six devices consist of the following forms:
 

• point,
• line,
• triangle,
• cross,
• star,
• spiral.

Ritual patterns, which incorporate the points in a magick circle to generate a prismatic shape, consist of seven basic patterns that are analogous to the six magickal devices. These formulations produce the following energy shapes:
 

• circle - sphere,
• pylon - two points and a line of force,
• trigon - triangle, tetrahedron,
• square, cross-roads, circle-squared,
• concentric spiral - electric/magnetic conical container,
• eccentric spiral (with three revolutions) - inward/outward spiral,
• pyramid - circle squared and central pylon.

The eleven points in a magick circle consist of the classic six (four cardinal directions, and the zenith and nadir occupying the middle of the magick circle) with the addition of the four angles (cross cardinal directions) and the central mid point, which is between the zenith and nadir. I prefer to use the nomenclature of the ultra-point (zenith), infra-point (nadir) and the meso-point (mid point) when speaking about the three points in the middle of the magick circle. So the eleven points consist of the following directions:

• Four cardinal directions - also called the Watch Towers,
• Four cross-cardinal directions, called the Angles,
• Ultra-point,
• Meso-point,
• Infra-point.

We have now examined the three different components that are used to shape magickal energy into prismatic geometric shapes. The six devices, seven ritual structures and eleven points of the magick circle aren’t exhaustive, so one can see that more complex structures are possible through the use of additional components and more complex ritual patterns. We will limit ourselves to discussing the basic energy shapes that can be defined with the above devices and ritual structures.


Six Archetypal Devices

As stated above, there are six archetypal devices that are used to qualify a magickal energy structure. The devices are represented in the order of the most simplistic to the most complex, arranged as they are on the numbers one through seven. Let’s examine each of them in greater detail.

Point - the most simplistic device is a point, symbolizing a single dimension of reality or existence. From the standpoint of a ritual device, a point is a specific place or location, often indicated with a pointing device, such as the index finger, wand or dagger. The ritual action of making a point with a pointer draws the attention to that location and highlights it. Such an action is one of “declaring” that something exists or has been made. The point is most often an imaginary one, perceived in the mind after the pointer reveals it.

Line - this device is called a line of force, since it is the linear structure that connects two points or two features. A line of force is drawn with a pointer, like the finger, wand or dagger, and characterizes that an energy conduit has been drawn and established. Lines of force are used to connect points together, forming a bond, where energy may travel in either direction. Like the point, the line of force is perceived in the mind, but may not actually exist as a physical phenomenon.

Triangle - a triangle is where three points and lines converge to produce a pure two dimensional form, which is defined as a plane. A triangle is also a gateway or doorway, and represents the quality of harmony as the dialectic process of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. A triangle may be drawn with the vertex pointing up or down, symbolizing the archetypal male or female, respectively. When joined together, a six-pointed star is formed, which symbolizes the union of male and female. A triangle is more often used in a ritual pattern than drawn as a device with a pointer.

Cross - a cross has a variety of forms, each with its own specific meaning, but it generally represents the union of heaven and earth. It is defined as the confluence of the polarities of spirit and matter, joined into an indivisible whole. Crosses are usually drawn with the hand or a wand to produce a softer and more invocative form than a dagger. Some of the cross variations that are used in basic ritual magick have the following designs.

Equal Arm Cross - this cross is a pure representation of union, the confluence of heaven and earth, spirit and matter, where precedence is given to neither one. It can also symbolize the union of the four elements, where each identical sized leg demonstrates that the cross consists of four outer dimensions with a hidden fifth where they join, which is the quintessence.

Rose Cross - this cross has an extended base that gives it five parts instead of four, so the aspect or attribute of spirit is no longer hidden or implied. The rose is an invoking spiral that is superimposed over the center of the cross, where the five parts are joined to form a hidden sixth. The rose symbolizes the passion, pathos and material seduction of sorcery; when the rose occupies the center of a five part cross, it symbolizes the passion of spiritual and magickal redemption, which is the ultimate power of healing, protecting and spiritual guidance. A rose cross projects a powerful solar force that is closely associated with the solar godhead.

Rose Ankh - the Roseate Crux Ansata, or Rose Ankh, is also a five part cross, but the fifth element is a loop that replaces the upper arm, and the base is extended. The ankh symbolizes the power of eternal life, since it characterizes a cross that is “pregnant” with life. It is also the Egyptian hieroglyph of a sandal strap, signifying that life is integral to all living (animate) things. When a rose, or invoking spiral, is superimposed over the point where the loop, the arms and base join, it symbolizes the power of the life force that is fully activated and empowered. A rose ankh is often a proper symbol of the female godhead. It also projects a feminine, magnetic and mesmerizing force that is associated with the descending grace of the sacramental godhead.

Star - A star is a device that is drawn with a single uninterrupted stroke and whose structure has five or more points. Two forms of the star that are used are the pentagram and the hexagram, but there are many others as well, such as the septagram, octagram, enneagram, decagram, undecigram and the duodecagram. However, I have found that beyond the unicursal hexagram, the more complex star forms are generally too difficult to draw in the air by memory. Therefore, I tend to trace the lines of a septagram using a large painted talisman - the same rule of thumb applies to the rest of the star forms that have more than six points.

Pentagram - a star with five points, the pentagram symbolizes the four elements dominated by the fifth, which is spirit. A pentagram can be drawn to invoke a specific quality of an element or spirit by tracing a line along the pentagram towards the specific point that represents the target element. I usually prefer to start at the point opposite and draw towards the targeted point, and then continue following the line that makes up the pentagram until the point opposite the target point is achieved. I have a preference of drawing one last stroke from the point opposite to the target point at the end of the tracing, but others quit when reaching the point opposite the target point, which is also the starting place. Additionally, I finish with an invoking spiral drawn over the pentagram, which gives it added power. A banishing pentagram is drawn from the target point to the point opposite, with the motion going away from the target point, following the line of pentagram to the final repeated stroke. I then draw a banishing spiral over the pentagram. (When we get to spirals later on, we’ll go over the different types of spirals used.)

A pentagram can be drawn obversely, with the point of spirit above the points of the four elements, or inverted, with the point of spirit below the four elements. There are some who believe that the inverted pentagram is an evil symbol, representing the dominance of the four elements over spirt as a kind of chaotic revolt over the expected status quo. Satanists and some followers of the left hand path have made the inverted pentagram an emblem of the goat’s head, a symbol of Satan. However, the inverted pentagram has a simple meaning, which is the opposite of the obverse pentagram. The obverse pentagram symbolizes the ascent of the powers (as the elements) into spiritual union, and the inverted pentagram symbolizes the descent of grace or sacramental blessings from the godhead. Thinking about that distinction makes the belief that the inverted pentagram is somehow evil appear quite silly, and indeed, it is.

Hexagram - a hexagram is a six sided star that is generally used to invoke one of the seven planets of the ancients (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn). There are two types of hexagram in use. The old classic version consists of two triangles superimposed to create a star form, and the new version is called a unicursal hexagram, which is drawn with a continuous line. The unicursal hexagram is much more useful for invoking the planets than the classic version, since it then becomes more like the pentagram. However, I prefer to use the septagram for invoking the planets, and I use the hexagram in its classic form to symbolize a state of union between the archetypal masculine and feminine qualities.

Since planetary magick is more advanced, we will consider just the conjoined triangles symbolizing the union of archetypal polarities. There are also three lesser hexagram devices, where the triangles are not joined but in eccentric or overlapping relationship to each other. I use these devices to represent the three qualities of cardinal, fixed and mutable when working with astrological magick. Obviously, we will pass over a further explanation of these devices as well.

Spiral - a spiral is drawn to invoke, banish, seal or unseal. So there are four different kinds of spirals produced by only two different qualities - focus (inward/outward) and direction (clockwise and counter clockwise). A spiral is generally drawn with a wand, unless it is accompanying an invoking or banishing pentagram, then the dagger is used. The following four spirals are produced by a the qualities of focus and direction.
 

• Invoking spiral - clockwise spiral from the periphery to the center,
• Banishing spiral - counter clockwise spiral from the center to the periphery,
• Sealing spiral - counter clockwise spiral from the periphery to the center,
• Unsealing spiral - clockwise spiral from the center to the periphery.

An invoking spiral is used to invoke or empower something into manifestation. A banishing spiral causes something to become unmanifest or driven away. A sealing spiral is used to seal or preserve something, and an unsealing spiral is used to unseal something that has been sealed. Sealing and unsealing spirals are used in conjunction with magickal operations that cause a vortex to be warded (sealed) for future use, and unwarded to make it ready for use. 

Frater Barrabbas