The Lion's Den

Announcement

2012-03-04T15:44:00.001-05:00

When I first began this blog some time ago, one of the first posts I wrote included the basic outline of a ritual with which I have enjoyed a good deal of success. Following my introduction of that rite I shared further pieces of the puzzle that constitutes the corpus from which it was drawn in my contributions to Hadean's Conjure Codex as well as another anthology, and here on my blog. After each of these articles were published, I received a plethora of email reporting the successes readers had experienced in experimentation with the workings as I provided them, and asking when I would be releasing the "full volume on this strain of magick" I had promised in Conjure Codex.

Today, nearly two years after my first public indication that a full length work on this system of magick was in the pipeline, I am pleased to report that it nears completion.

On behalf of myself and the publisher with whom I have partnered on this project, Nephilim Press, I am proud to announce

This work will manifest in the form of a Grimoire in the truest sense of the word, and remains faithful to the original Magick of the period between 100BCE and the 11th Century. The Magickal system esposed by our ancient predecessors of this period was both fully developed and comprehensive; so vast was this system that the widely known PGM was "but a small portion of the whole". The present work, to which I have given the title "The Book of Abrasax, A Grimoire of The Hidden Gods" represents an all inclusive and fully developed system of Magick in and of itself, offering instruction for several dozen complete rites, restored from fragmented and incomplete sources, carefully reassembled as pieces of a puzzle and faithful to their original forms, separated by intent of the working. With a few exceptions, the rites you will find herein have never been published in any Magickal text.

Stay tuned here and on the Nephilim website and Facebook page for further details, but expect to see this book in 2012.

Venus Talismans - 2 Left

2012-02-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

Only 2 left of the Talismans mentioned earlier in the week, so if you're mulling it over, know that they're almost out. Also beginning work on two Tables of Practice and some other things, since I've spent the last week and a half moving to the new house and am finding an abundance of supplies and materials I'd bought and never used.

The last Table of Practice I made is pictured below, as a reference. If you're interested in one of these, do let me know.

Tuba Veneris: Libellus Veneri Nigro Sacer

2012-02-23T18:52:00.003-05:00

Having had some down-time this week I finally had an opportunity to dive into a Grimoire I'd long sought and only as recently as a couple of months ago located - Tuba Veneris: Libellus Veneri Nigro Sacer. To my knowledge there are only two English editions of this work, the sold out handmade version of Waning Moon, and the one I was fortunate enough to find, brought to life by James Banner over at Trident Books. Ironically, my discovery of the copy which now sits in front of me also led to a book project which is now nearing completion.

Having looked high and low, hither and thither, to and fro for this edition for the better part of a year, and finding only a couple of copies, exorbitantly overpriced, far more than I was willing to pay, and since I'd thought Trident Press was no more I had all but given up on ever owning a copy, when, miracle of miracles, I happened upon one on eBay of all places, at the original retail price. After buying it I received an email from the seller, to wit:

Hi Mike

Thanks for your interest. Also thank you for your work with Crossed Keys, I bought it when it came out and I love it. If you ever want to do a book with Trident, let me know.

Jim Banner

Coming back to the subject at hand, Tuba Veneris, I love this work, to say the least. The Grimoire itself if a treasure, made more precious by Phil Legard's illuminating essay and Michael Putnam's preface. Also intriguing to me is that while the predominant belief is that the conjurations contained herein contain examples of what have been, in our day, termed Voces Magicae, or strings of words having no meaning in any language known to man, or "barbarous words of evocation", yet another school of thought is that they represent something different altogether - Steganagraphia. As Dee is known to have had a particular interest in this hidden writing, made popular by our beloved Trithemius, I find this not at all unlikely. While decoding this enigma is beyond the scope of my ability, I do find it a puzzle of great interest.

Also of interest to me is Charles MacKay's essay on the life of John Dee, which I enjoyed immensely. While I can't comment on the veracity of the magickal practices espoused in this work, since I haven't practiced from it YET, it is a book I am happy to have and in which I find great value.

While Trident no longer maintains a website, their hardcover and paperback books can be purchased directly from the owner, Jim Banner, via his eBay store, and he also takes special orders for the beautiful handmade leather editions for which trident has come to be known.

Quick Update On Forthcoming Venus Talismans

2012-02-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

3 out of 7 left, so if you're on the fence and undecided, now is the time to contact me. I'm grateful for the overwhelming response and for the requests for custom pieces and other planetary talismans I've received, they've come at a most fortuitous time indeed.

Venusian Talismans In Preparation - Only 4 Left

2012-02-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

While working on my forthcoming book, which contains instructions for the creation of a Venutian Talisman as found in a BCE papyrus, I was moved to create a handful or so of these pieces for myself and a few others who work with me on the restoration of this ancient system and testing the magick thereof.

Since the materials I ordered came in quantities sufficient for creation of a dozen of these talismans, I'm extending an offer to the readers of this blog, and 7 of these are being offered at $75 each. Because of the difficulty involved in obtaining the needed materials, the least expensive of which is authentic handmade papyrus imported from Egypt (as opposed to the cheap mass produced crap on ebay), I do not foresee myself making these again. Among the other items I procured for this project are, yet another 1/2 lb of sand from Giza, writing reeds as used in Egypt during the period from which the ms dates, ink made using Nile water, gum arabic and soot, small scarab beads and more*.

So, should anyone have interest in purchasing one of these 7, feel free to shoot me an email or comment on this post with your own email address and I'll contact you directly.

*If anyone is interested in such items I have a new acquaintance, Ani, who lives minutes away from the pyramids and is willing to take pictures of himself collecting them for you before you pay him.

UPDATE - 3 have been claimed, 4 remain

When The Spirits Speak, Listen...

2012-02-15T23:24:00.003-05:00

I've received an email inquiring as to why a Grimoire Magus such as myself "puts any stock in the wiccan concept of patron deities and offering to them instead of the Solomonic approach of simply commanding them about". Over the past week I've twice had the deities with whom I've built relationships intervene in my life. Once subtly, once in a very direct manner. I offer these two faithful relations of recent events in my own life as illustration of the value in building ongoing and intimate relationships with the spirits with whom we work.

The first of these events relates to the job I'd applied for within my company, of which I spoke of a couple of posts back. Initially I was excited about the prospect of further advancement and a new challenge. During the interview, however, it was explained to me that a requirement of the position was that I'd be travelling between 4 of our North America sites up to 60% of the time. Those who've read this blog for more than a month or two know that being sent hither and thither by my company is not new to me, and that I even enjoy these mini vacations, as was the case in my trip that allowed me to visit The Parthenon. Despite this, the idea if travelling more than 2 weeks of the month was not appealing. Airports piss me off. The near rectal exam required of would be air travelers pisses me off. And I have dogs. When I return from being gone more than a day or two I get the silent treatment from them until I concede defeat and offer them a steak or pork shoulder as my penance.

Following my interview, I was offered the job. Although I was not quite looking forward to it, the fact that the job came with a raise that amounts to an extra $180 a week in my pocket. That and my conclusion that declining a position I'd applied for wouldnt be the best way to assure my continued advancement led me to accept the fact that I had to take the position, and I decided I'd get in to see HR and accept the job that day.

Marduk, however, didnt agree. He seemed to think I should wait until Friday to accept, but wouldnt expand on this or provide any justification, instead doing the spiritual equivalent of an eye-roll, to which I ascribe the meaning "Dude, I'm a god." I acquiesced, despite my belief that it was merely postponing the inevitable, and made an appointment to meet with the VP in charge of the Dept to which I had applied that Friday. On Thursday, however, I was called in to meet the VP to whom I presently report. It was a very brief conversation wherein he did most of the talking, to wit "Mike let me be honest. Bill told me he picked you for the BPO job. Congratulations, I think you'll do a great job. But I dont want you to take it. I went to Adam and sold him on the fact that we need you here at operations and got him to OK a raise. I can offer you the same salary you'd be getting over at bpo to stay here. Only thing you'd be giving up is the travel, but I'm hoping your comfort level here makes up for that. What do you say?" Fuck yes, I say.

Second story, one that began this past Sunday and ended the following day, is one that requires a brief backstory, and regards the intervention of my first patron, Aset on my behalf in a much less subtle way. Sunday evening I received a call from my ex fiancee. She and I have a very long history stretching back to 2000. She is a good person, yet one who is unwittingly an extremely destructive influence on all those brave enough to become intimate with her. Her most recent lover is now deceased, having been killed by his predecessor who apparently convinced himself that shooting her current love interest was indeed the best way back into her good graces. In her defense, she really doesn't cause such troubles intentionally, she's just a magnet for male madness, much like Helen of Troy. I myself proved vulnerable to her particular charms back in 2000 when we hadnt yet begun our love story and were still just friends, and she arrived at my home in tears, having been struck by her boyfriend and given a black eye. Being a man of honor and having been raised in a traditional Sicilian home where such actions were viewed as the lowest of the low, and seeing her beautiful face tarnished, her in tears, I took great offense to this man's actions, and expressed my outrage at his behavior by beating him about the head with a blunt object, getting arrested shortly thereafter. During my detention following this incident, we quickly fell in love and became engaged. Long after our engagement ended and we each took up with others, we continued to get together on and off for romantic interludes and affairs which, without variance, left tornado like damage in their wake. Begging the forgiveness of my female readers for the crude analogy, and any horticulturists among you for any disrespect to the Dioneae Muscipula, the best way to describe her is a penis flytrap.

So why, after receiving her call this past weekend, did I find myself en route to her home? Why even give it a months thought when our every interaction has concluded with disaster? Well, because the sex is legendary. She is the one with whom I first practiced many areas of Sex Magick, and with whom the result was by far the most intense. She has no interest whatsoever in Magick, but has a voracious sexual appetite, and has no problem at all with my efforts to practice magick during our interludes, seeing it instead as a challenge, the point of which is to distract me from my purpose.

Leaving the bar where I found myself that evening I got on the highway headed toward her. Preparing to veer right toward the exit that would take me to her, my car engine stopped, steering locked and I simply rolled right past the exit. The fact that I drive a brand new car and have never had a bit of trouble with it did not enter my head as I was, perhaps, thinking with its southern counterpart, and I simply hit the button, started the car and kept on to the next exit where, instead of heading home since it is my own exit, I took a U-Turn and hopped back on the highway. Getting off her exit I proceeded toward the object of my desire, until, again, my engine stopped. Thinking I'd have to get this checked out when I leave her house in the morning, I again hit the ignition button and kept on. Coming to the next red light, the light immediately before her street, my car stalled yet again, this time resisting my pleas for it to restart and promises of a full interior detailing and waxing if it cooperated, remaining lifeless in the center of the road where the people behind me were none too pleased to be thwarted in their own paths.

My car now being no more helpful than a paperweight in getting me to my destination, I resigned myself to the fact that I'd need to push it to the shoulder of the road call for a tow. 2 hours later, when the tow truck arrived, I was informed that because I did not have the registration in my possession, I would need to go home and retrieve it in order to collect my car.

Monday, upon arriving at the dealership to which I'd towed my car, hoping my warranty would cover whatever work they'd be doing, I was informed that no such repairs were needed, as they'd simply hit the ignition button, started the car, given it a full inspection and found absolutely nothing wrong. Thankful but bewildered, I hit my little start button, heard my engine purr and drive off. Arriving home, I was surprised to see that the 7 day candle before Aset's throne on my altar, which burns in perpetuity, being extinguished only when its flame is used to ignite its successor, had gone out. Touche, Isis, Touche.

Random Thoughts On Recent Blogosphere Fun

2012-02-10T15:18:00.000-05:00

Although I haven't been posting over the last week and a half, I've managed to keep up with recent events among my fellow bloggers and as I have a few moments before my next meting this afternoon I wanted to touch on them before they grown even more stale than the time thats elapsed already has made them.

The first thing I wanted to cover, or rather rant about, is a brief discussion in the comments section of my last post with regard to the validity of Strategic Sorcery and its value to one such as myself whose path is Grimoiric, and who has been an unabashed critic of all things "New Age".

I won't rehash all of whats already been expressed in greater detail in the comments section, but in summary, one of my readers was surprised that I'd posted a field report for Strategic Sorcery, his own belief being that Jason's system is part of that New Age fad-magick for which I have expressed so much disdain. Jason and others replied to this, and after a couple of days the discussion died off, but before it did so it provoked one reader to contact me via email to say:

".....I agree that Strategic Sorcery is very a good path and it has been very useful to me but I can see why Benzimienny might think differently since it is very different. And maybe he thinks you just gave this field report because you and Jason are known to be friends and in the same order of gentlemen for jupiter, so you will always be generous with your words and not so much critical?"

This pissed me off. Here is the thing. Yes, I like Jason and consider him a friend, as much as its possible given that we've never met offline. That being the case, however, if I read something of his work with which I find fault, I'm going to call him on it, just as I know he would do, and in fact has done, when he reads something of mine that irks him. I don't shill for anyone, be it friend, foe or anything in between, and as my profile to the left attests, I have absolutely no problem calling bullshit wheresoever I smell it, regardless of from whom it was shat.

I dont make a living through my books or any other source of income related to my practice or writing, nor do I have any expectation that I ever will. I do not hold my tongue based on who my words might offend or what areas of the occult market I might alienate, or which big name author or publisher's wrath I might incur. Simply put, I write about Magick because I enjoy doing so, not for primary or secondary sources of income, not to build popularit, but because I have something of value to contribute. Because of this, since it matters little to me if I ever make another dollar through writing or not as long as what I release reaches those few for whom it is written, I am in a unique position wherein I can speak absofuckinglutely what is on my mind without regard for who it might anger.

When I go out of my way to post a review of a product, book or service, I do so because I find it to be of value and think that readers of this blog will too. I have been studying and experimenting with Strategic Sorcery for ayear now, and for 16 weeks as a student of that class, and I find it extremely relevant and useful in my own Grimoiric practice. I dont promote for friends or anyone else. If someone I consider a friend publishes something I find flawed or nonsensical, I will tell them so, as I know they would tell ME.

This is an issue that nearly kept me off the blogosphere when I initially thought of opening this blog. I hate the current atmosphere in the occult community where it is almost obligatory to "like" everyone elses work, or to find no flaws therein. This is not only counter productive but also downright destructive. Occult books and blogs are being produced at a faster than ever before rate, it has become in fashion, and all the rage. Yet instead of a wealth of new and valuable material emerging from the darkness of obscurity, we are seeing 90% of whats coming out just plain trash for cash, dressed up in beautiful wrapping with powerful marketing and big fancy words like "necromagidarkitizing sorcery of the ancient dark wyzzyrds of hell" meant to tantilize readers into thinking they contain something of value when in fact they are gold plated turds, and only 10% of new material being released of quality. Stephen Skinner and Golden Hoard are releasing some of the most valuable material we've seen in decades, perhaps even this century, and doing so in inexpensive editions, and for some reason beyond my scope of comprehension there are more raves and excitement in the occult community for the aforementioned $150 paperweights others are releasing than for the single most important release of my lifetime, The Magical Treatise of Solomon.

Lending to the success of these unscrupulous individuals is the fact that, as I've just mentioned, we seem to be in some sort of stagnation by which no one seems capable of uttering a word of criticism publicly, even while privately amongst friends we readily vilify them for their idiocy.

The moral of this story, dear reader, as long as it has run on, is that when I decide to write up an opinion on someone elses work, whether it be a book, a course, or anything else, you can be sure every word of it is a genuine representation of my opinion and in no way flavored by anything but.

A Strategic Sorcery Field Report

2012-01-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

In addition to the many hats I wear is that of a student. Despite the fulfillment I've found in my Grimoiric work, I am always looking to expand my horizons and enhance my own magickal repertoire, and to that end I study diligently the work of other successful practitioners such as Jason, RO, Aaron, Nicholaj and Conjureman, always more than willing to experiment with new tech I can possibly build into my own practice.

To that end. I am a student of the ever evolving system of Strategic Sorcery espoused by Frater Inominandum, both in his ongoing SS course and via his books. Yesterday, however, I had the privilege of "beta testing" some of his new material which you can expect to find in his forthcoming work on Financial Sorcery, and it is that material I'm going to talk about today.

As you'll no doubt recall from previous posts here and across the blogosphere, many of modern magick's most practiced and innovative minds have come together under the auspices of Jupiter, two of which are Jason and I. During his work with Jupiter, he has been blessed with an arcana uniquely Strategic Sorcery in flavor, which enables the magus, or Sorcerer, to tap into each of the four core aspects of Jupiter's areas of expertise, to wit Victory and Triumph, Abundance, Liberty and Harmony, by invocation of the four Goddesses associated therewith -

Victoria, the embodiment of victory and triumph

Libertas, the embodiment of liberty

Concordia, the embodiment of harmony

Abundanta, the embodiment of abundance and prosperity

Last night, in addition to my own offerings to Jupiter and Marduk earlier in the day, I devoted one of Jupiter's hours to working towards a relationship with these four Goddesses. I say "working towards" because in my experiences, deity, and in particular Goddesses, need to be "wooed" for lack of a better term, or courted perhaps, and one's intentions must be proven, for the good graces of the divine are generally not simply given to anyone who decides to casually invoke them, but rather to those who have a genuine interest in them.

What surprised me last night was that, when invoked using Jason's method, these four radiant deities seemed quite eager to appear and be of assistance. This I attribute to the manner in which Jason came in contact with them to begin with, which is after inquiring of Jupiter as to other means of harnessing his energies. This was both refreshing and encouraging, and it proved to be a portent of good things to come, as I was provided a bit of advice relating to an interview I have next week for a new position within my company, which I believe will be of great help to me.

Another piece of his new corpus that I intend to test drive over the next week is a set of seals which he has termed Lightning Glyphs of Jupiter, which further break down the many abilities of Jove to address specific needs, such as holding on to money, entrepreneurial work and development of financial discipline. The one I will be using, though, is one intended to facilitate promotion at ones place of employment.

Given the experiences I've had so far in test driving this small portion of his work, I'm looking forward to the release of Financial Sorcery, and will keep the blog updated on how my use of the aforementioned seal progresses.

Last Jupiter Talisman

2012-01-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

Clearing out some space for a huge influx of books, and among the items to go is the final Jupiter Talisman. Since the initial batch of three which RO spoke of here, I've sent nearly a dozen of these out, and only one remains. This one is cast in bronze unlike those pictured in the links above, but like the originals it was consecrated and given its initial charge using methods I drew directly from Crossed Keys.

So, anyone who has been on the fence, or those handful who've expressed interest in the last couple of weeks, this is the last of the mohicans, and its discounted to $100. Interested parties shoot me an email or comment here with an email address and I'll get back to you immediately.

Best Thing I've Read All Year

2012-01-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

I am moments away from hopping on a plane (something I'm doing altogether too much lately) but wanted to share something I'd just read, which is unequivocally the best thing I've read this year. It was posted at a blog of which I hadn't heard, and I was introduced to it by way of JSK's having shared it on his FB page. The piece in question deals with the predominant belief among many that Magick is an internal process only, that the spirits do not really exist outside of our own psyche (something I've spoken on extensively) and that any change brought about by Magick is limited to changing the practitioner, and not capable of making tangible changes in the fabric of reality or the world at large. This relegates magick to a form of self-help or self development, as the piece's author mentions, and is wholly detrimental to the aspiring Magus who takes it as fact. It is, quite frankly, BS.

The piece of which I speak is to be found here, and I highly recommend it to one and all who are embarking on a Magickal path.

Crossed Keys Wins Balkan's Book of the Year For 2011

2012-01-13T06:49:00.002-05:00

Sitting here at Nashville's airport awaiting my first flight of the day, I decided to open google reader on my Droid to catch up with some blogs. I am very happy I did, as the first one I read provided the news that Crossed Keys had been chosen as Balkan's Book of the Year.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my friends at Scarlet Imprint for their commitment to this project and for bringing it to life in so powerful a form.

Thank you to Balkan as well for the honor!
More info here

Egyptian Grimoire: Eustaxiani Papyrus

2012-01-09T20:28:00.001-05:00

Having had no luck at all in my searches for this book, I've decided to enlist the aid of all you bibliophiles and collectors who read this blog, or who may happen upon it at some point.

I've been searching for this book, about which I have very little info, but which fascinates me for personal reasons. Its an old International Guild of Occult Sciences (IGOS) one which was later published by IGOS offshoots IGAS, Library of New Atlantis and also BOTNL, Brotherhood of the Northern Light.

Title is "The Egyptian Grimoire: Eustaxiani Papyrus" and in my research I've seen it listed variously with Thor Templar, Val Tyr and Spinx as authors.

Google Books has the Library of New Atlantis edition listed, but offers no info or preview. The IGOS edition is listed on another site here

If anyone has any leads on a copy that might be available for sale, I'd love a heads up. You can leave a comment and/or shoot me an email.

*Incidentally, I'm also looking for any of the other IGOS/ LONA/ BOTNL titles which I dont yet have, so if you dont have the one mentioned above but do have others, shoot me a message. While some of their translations from the French are pretty shabby, there's a hell of a nostalgia in their books for me.

More On Manifestation!

2012-01-03T17:01:00.001-05:00

As is often the case after I finish what I believe to be a thorough exposition of my beliefs on any particular subject, one of my fellow blogger/ practitioners chimes in and I realize that I've left out something important. In this case, the blogger in question is RO, and the "something" I'd left out is actually plural.

RO reminds us that Ashen has stated clearly that he doesnt believe your average joe walking down the street could peer on in the window and see the evoked spirit. In this I agree fully, and also in RO's assertion that the ability to see spirits is one that is developed, not something even those among us who are more magickally inclined typically "just have". For quite some time I was among those who got their desired result, but with no greater contact than some of what you'd call "poltergeist" phenomena. I "knew" I'd been heard by the spirit I'd intended to reach, because "obviously" something had been there, and I'd achieved what I set out to do, so of course I'd succeeded, right? Not necessarily. As Ashen correctly points out, this is flawed logic; akin to sending out an email to the entirety of the world wide web saying "Hey Frieda Pint@, I'd love a picture of you" and, upon receiving one, assuming it's from her.

My ability to perceive clearly those spirits I evoke came all at once, almost as if a switch had simply been flipped within me, but this only after a huge amount of effort on my part and years of work towards that end. In essence, it was both the culmination and the beginning of a magickal career.

Is it necessary to reach this point or to be acquire this ability to succeed in your magick? NO. Not at all. Despite having not laid eyes on a spirit I'd sought, I did achieve great results, and even now when working towards specific, material goals or for a single end I do not typically resort to a full on evocation, simply because it isn't necessary. Why use a grenade to destroy an anthill? If I have a good chance of succeeding with much less work, why wouldn't I? Evocation is, for me, a higher magick. A means of communing with higher beings, learning, initiation, ascension and empowerment.

Achieving visible manifestation, for me at least, isnt about overcoming doubts about whether or not I've succeeded, nor is it about knowing WHO in the spirit world granted my petition - when my work is directed at achieving a specific goal or obtaining a specific change I dont really CARE which spirit helped or by what powers my goal was achieved. In these cases, knowing when to take YES for an answer is indeed a virtue. Evocation for me isn't done for any specific goal - i.e. I don't plan, prep and execute an evocation of Bune to ask for $500 that I'm lacking for my rent.

I also agree with RO's assertion that the "divine bliss" Ashen speaks of, which comes with the culmination of a successful evocation, is something that can't be described accurately. And thats probably half of why achieving visible appearance is of such importance to me. Simply because it IS a transcendent act, and one that brings with is a state of euphoria no drug can match. You'll recall, during the HGA debates, I stressed, quite vehemently in fact, that achieving that contact, reaching that level and standing before your HGA for the first time was something beyond words and which, by its very nature changes the Magus. That comment was met with a flurry of "no its really not that hard" and "I did it and its not that big a deal, why do you make it sound like something that big". Well, because it IS something big. Bigger than an aspirant who hasnt yet been there can fathom, and I will say once again what I said and received flack over, those who speak of it nonchalantly and as if it were a casual everyday experience are quite likely full of shit. Perhaps unknowingly so, actually believing they are correct, but nonetheless wrong.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say, albeit in my usual long winded way, is:

It is NOT necessary to visibly see a spirit in order to achieve your magickal goals.
Achieving visible manifestation is a developed skill and ability, not likely something you "just have"
Despite this, visible appearance, differing as it does from the improbably physical appearance, IS not only possible, but fact. And it is an experience you'd really have to have to understand.
Agreeing with Ashen, those who speak of it casually, like "Well hang on I'll go ask Metatron and see what he says" or "Yeah I have K&C, no biggie" are most likely (my words, not Ashen's) full of shit.*

This refers NOT to those who genuinely believe they have succeeded, but those who know they havent, who likely havent even made the attempt, but love to speak as though they are the reincarnation of Abramelin in order to aggrandize himself. A modern example of this sociological phenomena is the high school football player who, being a virgin, brags that he has bedded half the cheerleaders in the school.

Manifestation of Evoked Spirits, Physical or Visible?

2012-01-03T11:18:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend that's just past I had the pleasure of participating in a discussion with several respected practitioners with regard to the nature of manifestation of spirits. Those who know me, as well as those who read this blog and my other writings, may well know where I stand with regard to this issue, as I am quite outspoken on this, vocalizing clearly my contempt for the new age concept that visible manifestation does not occur and that all communication between man and spirit is done through "like, waaay cool and totally clear messages just popping right into my head man, way trippy".

This is fallacy, and is as harmful to the student of true evocation as Crowley's assertion in his preface to the Goetia that the spirits therein are akin to repressed areas of man's own psyche. On both I vehemently "call bullshit". Fr. Ashen expresses my own view on both groups quite clearly when he says "I've found the people who argue the most against physical appearance and audibly hearing the spirit are those who have never achieved it and who have never taken the time to TRY the operation as it is given in the Grimoire. Claiming something does or does not work a certain way without really having the experience in it is obviously faulty reasoning" This, for the most part, sums it up. While I am always open to modification of traditional grimoiric ceremonies, as is evident upon perusal of Crossed Keys, and have been known to substitute logically when prudent, or modify wordage, I remain in agreement with Ashen that those who decry visible appearance in favor of mental communication are, in the main, those who simply haven't tried or havent succeeded in the work as it was intended.

In fact I'm on board with almost all of Ashen's article, and so for brevity's sake I wont repeat here, instead referring you to it here.

While I support the efforts of modern practitioners to find new ways with which we can work with the spirits indexed in our classical grimoires, such as applying practices derived from the ATR's, Hoodoo and Conjure crafts (In fact I have built many techniques of theirs into my own work) I also affirm that they bear no resemblance to traditional grimoiric evocation and magick. They work, they can yield the results we desire, but they aren't examples of successful evocation.

For my own purposes, and in the path of grimoiric magick I teach, Evocation is an act of magick wherein a spirit (angel, demon, god, or what have you) is called forth to visible NOT physical appearance, where two way communication is clearly and indisputably achieved. Much of the confusion between reality and fantasy of evocation, I think, lies in the interchangeable use of the terms physical and visible when used to describe the appearance of spirits. Physical denotes flesh and blood, corporeal manifestation wherein the evoked takes on actual form and mass, and this is, at least in my own experience, not likely. VISIBLE appearance however, and even audible appearance DO happen. By this I mean the evoked spirit takes shape, not in flesh and bone, but as book 2 of the KOS says, "the spirits have neither flesh nor bone, and have to be created of some other matter". Call it ether, call it a body of light, call it what you will, but it does take shape and is perfectly visible. It wont be PHYSICAL, you wont shake hands with it and if you happen to offend it you need not fear a punch in the nose, but it will be as visible as you or me.

This I can say in 100% certainty and beyond any shadow of a doubt, because I have done it. No "expert" or authority, no matter how articulate and learned he may be, can convince me otherwise, because this is not theoretical knowledge, not presumption, but experience. For a long time, until I achieved actual appearance and manifestation, I was perfectly content with getting the results I desired, regardless that I never SAW my spirit benefactor and had no way of "knowing" that it was they upon whom I called that delivered for me. For many magicians that may remain the case throughout their lives and they may never seek further, simply because their needs are met without the appearance of the spirits. But for me and those I've taken on as students, that is just not enough.

I expand greatly on all of this in my forthcoming book, of which I've spoken before, which is at present tentatively titled "The Art of Veritable Evocation", which I have told myself each of the past 4 years would be finished by winter. I mean it this time, I promise! Maybe. Hopefully.

Janus Is Honored First As We Enter The New Year

2012-01-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

Having taken a cue from my cultural ancestors, each New Year I "Honor First Janus". This, I've found over the years, is a good way to formally "close out" the previous year and simultaneously usher in the new in a traditional, ancient way which honors the Gods of my own earliest ancestors. From time immemorial, Romans venerated Janus as the patron of all beginnings, and was to be named first in all sacrifices for it was through Janus that the other Gods and Goddesses were to be approached. In Ovid's Fasti, he writes "See how Janus appears first in my song, to announce a happy year for you, Germanicus. Two headed Janus, source of the silently gliding year..."

Rather than delving further into the history of this God and the custom of opening the New Year through his Magick, I will present my own method of doing so, adapted from the traditional sources and made both practical and familiar for the modern Magus. Though the new year has already come, this rite is still valid for use in the coming week.

Take the ritual bath, purifying yourself throughout with the words "Haec aqua a corpore impuraties! Purga mentam, purga carnem, purga animum!"*

Stand facing East, in front of your altar on which you've placed two white candles representing the two faces of Janus, and the censer in which you burn frankincense or abramelin incense. On the altar, place 2 small cakes, the cake being a traditional offering to Janus. Before you, visualize a door, secured and impenetrable. Behind you another door, open wide.

Invoke as follows:

Ianus, Pater! Hear Me!

Ianus Consivius, Hear Me!

Ianus Bifrons, Hear Me!

In all matters, beginnings and ends are the vital factors, therefore I honor first Ianus, the beginning and end!

"Iano, Pater, te hac strue ommovenda bonas preces, precor uti sies volens propitious mihi liberisque meis domo, familiaeque meae"

Ianus Clusivus, as the passing of the year has come, I invoke thee, Janus The Closer, that by thy mighty nod I may proceed!

(Visualize the door behind slamming shut at the will of the God)

Ianus Patulcius, The Opener, I invoke thee that by thy mighty nod the New Year may be opened unto me!

(Visualize the sealed door before you being opened and the God Janus welcoming you within)

Ianus Matutinus, Dawning of The Light, I approach thee!

(Visualize the troubles and difficulties of the passing year fading as the light of the new overpowers them)

*Religio Romana uses a longer version of this in the Ablution Prayer, which is also of value and can be used here interchangeably

Happy Holidays To All

2011-12-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

Having been absent from the blogosphere for a couple of weeks now due to a pair of deaths among my friends and being overtaken by events in general, I wanted to drop in and extend my best wishes to one and all and hopes that the holidays were good to all my friends, fellow bloggers, readers and practitioners of this, our art. While I am a rather outspoken critic of all things catholic in particular and mainstream christian in general, this time of year has been sacred since long before Constantine's Council ever sat and before Yehshua lived, and one need not be of them to enjoy this time of year. Below is a graphic I've, er, appropriated, from one of my brethren's profiles which says it far better than I could.

I'm working on a handful of articles to be posted here over the next couple of weeks wherein I'll be getting back to what this blog is all about - DOING MAGICK, and expect to be announcing the completion of one of the previously mentioned projects soon as well, but for now I'll take my leave. I hope that the holidays and the forthcoming new year are fruitful to one and all!

New Year, New You. And Me.

2011-12-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

Opening my reader this afternoon to see what adventures my fellow bloggers are presently engaged in, I discovered several posts entitled, you guessed it, New Year, New You. Interesting title, and when the likes of RO, Jason and Jow are all talking about the same thing, as a general rule, you know something cool is about to happen. Opening first Head For The Red, by the 4th sentence I was IN. (that sentence being "Basically its about doing Magic like a motherfucking boss") My prerogative throughout life has always been thus, and in everything I have done I have employed that philosophy. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing like a King, and if a mile is to be gone, the only way to go is HARD. RO's one sentence explanation of Deb's project therefore was sufficient to send me right over to her blog to see just what it was we were talking about.

I'm late to the party and so I'm sure you're all familiar with this project which began as "An experiment in magical, radical transformation" over at "Charmed, I'm Sure" I hadn't previously known of this blog, it having somehow escaped my searches for quality Magickal dialogue, but I'm happy to have had it brought to my attention. I find that I enjoy the author's writing style, and if this experiment is any indication of what one might find there, I look forward to what comes next.

This is going to be a busy year for me, as I believe I've mentioned on a few occasions and in a few venues, packed with Magick, books and travels, all of which will, in the immortal words of RO, be done in a fashion befitting a motherfucking boss.

What, you ask, will I be doing?

More than I can begin to relate. Seven months into this year I will, for the first time in 10 long years, be free to travel the world. Hither and thither shall I go, sneaking and peeking, snooping and pooping wheresoever I wish!

I will fulfill a promise made in 2004 by setting foot on the sands of Giza, Abu Simbel and Luxor.
I will, for the first time, attend the excellent events held by my good friends at Scarlet Imprint, to wit the Summer of Love and the Day of the Dead.
I will attend Crucible in NJ and share a long overdue drink with Misters Miller and Opus
I will spend ten uninterrupted days, sans any electronics or communication of any kind, in my beachfront cottage doing absofuckinglutely nothing but meditating, relaxing, and recharging.

As it stands, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the thrust of my Magickal work this year will be Jupiterian in nature. My work with Marduk will be taken to its next level. I will concentrate nearly all my efforts at expansion and empowerment. Abundance. Rebuilding a Kingdom I lost 7 years ago.

Nearing completion right now is a collaboration between myself and Trident Books (yeah, TRIDENT). Next is When Kingdoms Come, the Gentlemen For Jupiter anthology of which I recently spoke and which is going to take its place among the modern classics. Following that, still this year, a Grimoiric work with Nephilim Press, who will be releasing E.A. Koetting's next and possibly last work, The Book of Azazel.

Its going to be a big year folks... Stay tuned

When Kingdoms Come - Gentlemen For Jupiter, Coming To A Bookshelf Near You

2011-12-08T11:38:00.002-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that Gentlemen For Jupiter is now engaged in the work of bringing to life our first book, tentatively entitled "When Kingdoms Come", which will be published with our good friends at Hadean Press. This work is a collaborative effort comprising essays and articles by a dozen or so members of our Jupiterian Cult. The work will be prefaced by a history of G4J as well as brief biographical notes on each of the members contributing to the work. Following that you can expect articles packed with both theory and praxis by a stellar cast of characters, some of which are

Jason

Sef Salem

Chris Bradford, who's just released a superb Guide to The Underworld

Derik Richards, who I recently mention as author of The Lunar Formula of IAO

Jack Faust

Ryan Valentine

Bryan Garner

Logan Hillier

And many others whose replies we await and will be announced as they confirm.

In this volume we have brought together many of the brightest and boldest minds in modern Magick under the rule of Jupiter, and this work promises to be one of which the Lord of Abundance himself would approve. For those G4J members who've not yet been contacted and who would like to propose a contribution of writing or art, Sef Salem is collecting and reviewing submissions for inclusion, after which I will edit and place them, so see him with your material or suggestions.

A Book Of The Offices Of Spirits

2011-12-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

Today I've have the pleasure of sitting back and reading Teitan Press' newest addition to the Fredrick Hockley collection, of which I am a big fan. As usual, the book itself is beautiful, in all its powerful black and gold simplicity, but that's just the aesthetics, and the real value lies in the content.

What we have here is a complete Grimoire of the Solomonic Tradition, never before published, which is drawn from an MS which represents one of the early examples thereof, dating at least to 1583, placing it around the time Dee and Kelley began their work, but likely having origins even further back into antiquity.

Contained herein you will find a hierarchy of spirits, similar in nature to that which is found in the Goetia of Lemegeton, describing the rank of each spirit, number of subordinates. Of particular interest, to me at least, is that we find spirits with whom I've worked before, in The Black Dragon, albeit having been herein reassigned. (i.e., Amaymon is, in this work, found in the South, Lucifer is herein restored to his place of glory as the sovereign of all infernal spirits whereas in the Black Dragon he is relegated to rulership of one of the days of the week) This aspect of the work is of value to me as it ties in to another project I am presently working on, for myself if no one else, which evaluates the tendency of a spirit such as those named to appear in one Grimoire holding one office, and in several others with as many ranks.

Also of interest to me is that the listing of spirits contained herein far exceeds that found in Goetia not only in number, but also explicating in greater detail the hierarchy of the spirits contained in the work, their subordinates, superiors, etc...

Also included are workings of Magick for various purposes, one of which purports to be the charm with which the Roman empire prospered and through which they gained knowledge of the past, present and future.

I have been a fan of the Hockley series since the first volume, the now out of print and sold out Complete Book of Magical Science, but for me, as a Grimoiric practitioner whose focus is evocation, this edition is the best of the bunch. I would recommend this book to anyone who has interest in these areas of Magick. It can be found at the Teitan/ Weiser Antiquarian site

Stregheria, The Formula Of IAO And Other Such Updates

2011-12-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

Having received not one, but two emails from readers wondering why I've "gone silent" after 11-11's monumental workings, I figured it behooves me to take a few moments to update the blog. I hadn't, in fact, "gone silent", I was simply overtaken by events and opportunities over the past couple of weeks.

As seems to be the norm for me, I have stumbled upon an opportunity to study a new field of Magick, to wit, genuine Stregheria. (referring to the Pre-Etruscan form of withcraft prevalent in Sicily and the rest of Italy between 1000bc and until the time of christianity's legalization, Not Raven G's version thereof, which I'm told is very different) Those who follow this blog as well as those who tuned in to the Witchtalk interview may recall that my introduction to each of the forms of Magick I've studied have always come about blindly, with me simply "happening" upon an opportunity. A relative who happens to be a GD initiate walking by my room when I was 15 and seeing DMK's Modern Magic taking me under his wing; The same relative, nearly two years later, making a sarcastic, tongue in cheek comment making mention of the Goetia leading me to investigate the book that would lead to my setting out on a Grimoiric path; My being in a local botanica and striking up a conversation with the owner who happened to recognize my name from CK and invite me to study with him.

My invitation to study "traditional" Sicialian Stregheia came about in a similar fashion. After an hour with a frustratingly hardheaded individual at work, who provoked in me an irresistible urge to beat him about the head with a stapler, I decided that while doing so might very well be the most satisfying thing I did all day, it likely wouldnt be good for me legally or professionally, and so I sought my release where all the Sicilian men of my family do. At the Italian bakery.

While enjoying my cannoli, and picking out a half dozen chocolate covered strawberries, I struck up a conversation with someone whom I'd noticed had a mano cornuto medallion on his chain, and who, it turns out only relocated here from Sicily a few years back and who is deeply involved in the practice of Stregheria. So, in addition to my own work and research, my Saturday explorations of the Santeria/ Brujeria of my botanica operating amigo, and now once a week meeting to learn a bit about the Magick of my cultural ancestors, I am a busy, busy Magus.

That, taken alongside my current writing projects, which include the restoration and rescue from obscurity of yet another set of obscure yet wildly effective Grimoires, an instructional volume on Veritable Evocation, and more, leaves me exhausted, to say the least.

I'm also anxiously awaiting the release of my friend and fellow gent Derik Richards' Guide, The Lunar Formula of IAO wherein he explores the origins of the divine name IAO and its modern applications. Yet another excellent addition to the Guides To The Underworld Series made available by the good folks at Hadean.

The Conjure Codex; A Hadean Press Anthology

2011-11-21T14:17:00.001-05:00

Having received my copy of Conjure Codex, the very first anthology to which I have contributed, and spent last night reading through the various essays and articles presented therein, I would like to encourage everyone to pick up a copy. This is an excellent collection of insights and wisdom by a great group of occultists, jam packed with jewels of knowledge from several walks of life.

Prior to receiving the book I had no foreknowledge of what it would contain, except for the brief descriptions of each essay provided by Hadean. I was pleasantly surprised that each contribution seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, and one complimenting the other.

Many thanks to Erzebet and Dis @ Hadean for conceiving such a beautiful book, and to Jake for helping to bring this one together

WitchTalk Interview Concluded

2011-11-20T18:33:00.000-05:00

My interview with Karagan and the lovely Indigo Astrea has concluded, and can be found here

Crossed Keys Fine Edition

2011-11-20T14:26:00.001-05:00

If anyone out there missed out on the opportunity to purchase one of these extremely beautiful volumes and has been waiting for another chance, send me an email at mikececc(at)ymail.com. This is the edition of which only 55 copies were offered and which sold out in hours. The one available will be one of my own personal copies, sigilized and consecrated.

On WitchTalk Tomorrow..... ME

2011-11-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be appearing on WitchTalk, discussing Crossed Keys, my current and future projects, and taking questions from listeners. The show airs at 4pm Eastern Standard Time. Anyone who isnt otherwise occupied, drop in; it promises to be a good discussion!

Blog Malfunction.

2011-11-18T18:25:00.000-05:00

I've been notified that for some reason my blog is showing up blacked out for some users. I believe it may be limited to those using Google Reader, or other Tabs. I'm trying to find out why this is happening, so bear with me. If anyone else is seeing the same thing, please comment and let me know.

Another Day of Jupiter

2011-11-17T21:18:00.001-05:00

To Zeus, Kronides , Hypatos.

I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all-seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Kronides, most excellent and great!"

Homeric Hymn 23 to Cronides

O father Zeus, who shakest with fiery light the world, deep-sounding from thy lofty height. From thee proceeds the ethereal lightning’s blaze, flashing around intolerable rays. Thy sacred thunders shake the blest abodes, the shining regions of the immortal Gods. Thy power divine the flaming lightning shrouds with dark investiture in fluid clouds. 'Tis thine to brandish thunders strong and dire, to scatter storms, and dreadful darts of fire; with roaring flames involving all around, and bolts of thunder of tremendous sound. Thy rapid dart can raise the hair upright, and shake the heart of man with wild affright. Sudden, unconquered, holy, thundering God, with noise unbounded flying all abroad; with all-devouring force, entire and strong, horrid, untamed, thou rollest the flames along. Rapid, ethereal bolt, descending fire, the earth, all-parent, trembles at thine ire; the sea all-shining, and each beast, that hears the sound terrific, with dread horror fears: when nature's face is bright with flashing fire, and in the heavens resound they thunders dire. They thunders white the azure garments tear, and burst the veil of all-surrounding air. O Zeus, all-blessed, may thy wrath severe, hurled in the bosom of the deep appear, and on the tops of mountains be revealed, for thy strong arm is not from us concealed. Propitious to these sacred rites incline, and to thy suppliants grant a life divine, add royal health, and gentle peace beside, with upright reasoning for a constant guide."

Orphic Hymn 19 to Zeus of Thunder

Abramelin Oil And Incense: French vs German

2011-11-17T12:25:00.003-05:00

Received a question with regard to mention I made in Crossked Keys about my use of the German edition's recipe for Abramelin oil as opposed to the French, and why I find this of import, how I make it, etc... Since I've begun using a new supplier instead of taking the time to make my own, I thought I'd offer up some insight here as well as provide a resource for anyone looking to switch.

First thing you need to know is that there are 3 (and some say 4) variations of Abramelin Oil, and all Abramelin Oils were not created equally. In mathers edition of The Book of The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, he erred greatly in translation, and omitted some portions of the MS that were in fact valuable. Among the errors we find in this work is his recipe for the oil, which is 4 parts Cinnamon bark quills in powder form, 2 parts of fine ground Myrrh resin, 1 part powdered Galangal sliced root, and half the weight of all these ingredients in olive oil. He here substitutes galangal for calamus, which is incorrect.

Crowley differs, instead offering 8 parts of cinammon, 4 parts myrrh and 2 of galangal, each in essential oil form, mixed with 7 parts olive oil. Crowley again leaves out Calamus in favor of galangal, as did Mathers. In Book 4, chapter 5 he provides his own reasoning, which I will not reproduce here for times sake.

The recipe of which I make use is that of the German MS of Georg Dehn's Translation, which is:

Take of Myrrh in tears, one part; of fine Cinnamon, two parts; of Calamus half a part; and the half of the total weight of these drugs of the best Olive Oil. The which aromatics you shall mix together according unto the art of the apothecary, and shall make thereof a balsam, the which you shall keep in a glass vial which you shall put within the cupboard of the altar.

For quite some time I was forced to make my own, simply because most suppliers either carry only the erroneous versions above as it is the most well known and common, carry only one sort and dont specify which formulation was used in its creation, or just dont know the difference. I'd found two suppliers that do use the correct formula, but one is prohibitively expensive, changing $25 for a small bottle, and the other is, well fucking nuts.

Recently however I've found a supplier who is both reputable AND who kay even know the recipe better than I, and who doesn't gouge you on price. For that reason I'd suggest anyone who wants to work with the authentic product check them out, its called Ancient Road. Thus far I've used their Abramelin Oil and Incense as well as their Jupiter Planetary Incense, and all of the above are of great quality. For the most part, I can usually tell when a supplier, and even moreso a manufacturer, of these types of items is what I'd call reputable. The ability of the shop owner to explain all the differences between the version of Abramelin and derivations of each quite frankly impresses me and lends me confidence that I'm dealing with someone who, for lack of a better term, knows their shit.

While many areas of our Magickal work can be readily tweaked and adapted as necessary, as I did with the Conjurations from Black Dragon, there are other areas you want to get right, and this is one of them. Kudos to Ancient Road.

A Favor To Ask...

2011-11-14T09:50:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know, I am supposed to be on R&R for the next day or two, and I am! But I wanted to drop in and ask a favor of everyone that wont cost you a penny and will help my favorite charity organization - the Villalobos Rescue Center, which is the worlds largest pitbull rescue site. If you watch TV, you may have seen them, as they have a show they do to raise awareness and generate concern in Pitbull Rescue. The Show is called Pitbulls and Parolees.

Chas* Bank has established a 3 million dollar grant for charity organizations, and the winners of the grants are determined by votes. They have several categories including breast cancer research, feeding homeless etc... and the one that brings me here today, which is for charities that help animals. I'd love to see VRC win their category and take home the prize for animal welfare charities. Its free and only requires a click on their "Vote For This Charity" button from Chas*'s Facebook page, and right now Villalobos is holding steadily in second place, with 8 days left to vote. I'm asking everyone to please do so, as this is truly a worthwhile charity.

Below is a message from VRC's page:

Keep those votes coming, we can't even dare to dream that we might finish in first place. No more struggling with broken down laundry machines, we could get a heavy duty machine in place AND keep up with blanket washing. Move the dogs to their new location and get them set up in the comfort they so deserve. Vote for us here, http://bit.ly/uoWhxW and don't forget to share this with everyone you know, there are only 8 days left to vote!

I would be very grateful if everyone would take 30 seconds of their time and vote. Here is the link http://bit.ly/uoWhxW

R&R

2011-11-13T01:13:00.002-05:00

I find myself in need of a day or three of R&R. My work yesterday was a FAR greater experience than I could have possibly foreseen. Those who read my post yesterday morning wherein I encouraged the reader to partake of the day's special power will recall that I was quite excited about the work I'd be doing and expected it to have an additional "kick" because of the day. I am at once pleased and overwhelmed to report that those expectations were exceeded ten fold. I can say, in all honesty and with no shred of doubt, that I am far better and stronger today than I was on 11-10. Whether the boost in Magickal power generated yesterday was a product of 11-11-11, 11:11pm as I believe or simply resulted from the meticulous prep, planning and anticipation put into it is a subject which undoubtedly some will argue, and yet one about which I have no doubt whatsoever.

Accompanying the success of the rite is a great deal of fatigue, and I am therefore in need of a day or so of relaxation. I've taken the first half of the forthcoming week off from work, and during that time I intend to sleep, fast, meditate and contemplate. So if you contact me via email and dont receive a reply until Wednesday, that's the reason why.

Of the working itself I can say little. It involved myself and ten others I led, including she to whom CK was dedicated, 3 students of mine, one of my first teachers, a fellow Grimoiric Magus, a Thelemite and a couple Santeros. It was in fact multiple rites divided up into 11 parts, one of which was a full on evocation. While we originally allotted 5 hours for completion, we did finish in just over 4 as the whole was well rehearsed and planned, and flowed like clockwork with successful evocation occuring much sooner than anticipated. Despite ending sooner than expected, the work has left me exhausted as very few before it have, and I am definitely looking forward to a couple days of solitude. I wish it could be longer, but work and duty call and so I'll be back at the office and blogging by Wednesday.

I hope everyone who did partake of 11-11-11 and fit some type of Magickal work into their day found it empowering and enlightening!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

As mentioned in one of my very earliest blog entries, I have plans this evening. Magickal plans. Large Magickal plans. In commemoration of 11/11/11 which is, aside from all the superstition attached and the "based on Feng Shui" emails going around about it, a very, very powerful day for me personally and I am going to take full advantage of it, as should you all.

This evening at precisely 11 seconds past 11:11pm myself and a partner will begin the largest single working I have ever undertaken. The rite in question will include a full evocation of "Ishtar" in her role as governess of Venus, and a working with the Goddess that is of a greater magnitude than anything I've previously undertaken.

Although I have broken my traditional preparation period by not forgoing all communication prior to the ceremony, I have employed the progressive fast as described in CK, a large amount of purification which will culminate in washing using water from the river jordan, and a few other steps I can't go into here.

All in all, this evening promises to be one to remember, and one from which I draw considerable power for the foreseeable future. For those of you who dont have something planned for this evening or havent yet decided how you'll work, I strongly encourage you to think it through and, even if its a usual Venutian Rite of offering or evocation, DO SOMETHING. The Magick and power upon which we can draw today is immense.

Crossed Keys Now Available In eBook

2011-11-11T06:15:00.000-05:00

For those who've not yet picked up a copy of Crossed Keys, a new option for its purchase is available thanks to our friends at Scarlet Imprint. In keeping with the times and to make their excellent works available to a wider range of readers, Scarlet Imprint has now begun offering their titles in eBook format, as mobi or epub files.

For those who have embraced new technologies such as tablets, androids and eBook readers, Scarlet Imprint's decision to release these tomes in this easily accessible and immediately available format is a blessing. While I will always be an avid lover and collector of fine Talismanic and Antiquarian Books, as one who does an tremendous amount of research which often takes place in S.I's books, I am definitely going to pick up the eBook versions for sheer convenience and search-ability. The prospect of reading Geosophia from my Droid while, eh, working diligently at the office, is a most tantalizing one indeed.

Mastering The Mystical Heptarchy

2011-11-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

Although I'd planned to devote this past weekend to revising www.grimoiremagick.org, by Friday evening I was resigned to the fact that this was not going to happen. Foremost among the reasons why that didn't happen was the arrival of a handful of books I'd just ordered 2 days prior, and which I didnt expect until today. Among them Jade Sol Luna's Asterian Astrology, which I have yet to open, Koetting's Ipsissimus, and, as the astutely observant reader will have guessed, Scott Stenwick's Mastering The Mystical Heptarchy.

Of these, it was Scott's that occupied the majority of my time this weekend, and it is this book I'm going to talk about now, albeit briefly since I'm on my lunch break. The first thing that impressed me about the book was to be found in the first page following the table of contents, (always a good sign when you find yourself agreeing with the author before the third paragraph) and that is that Scott differentiates between Ceremonial and Ritual Magick, which is something he and I have in common, and also where we diverge from the majority. Though out definitions are different, I like that he too makes the distinction where most just lump both practices together and use the terms interchangeably.

Another point of convergence between Scott's beliefs and my own is in the correct pronunciation of the Enochian tongue. As I've mentioned before, I am no Enochian scholar or adept and defer gladly to most of the authors who've written on the subject, but I just cant agree with the elongated Golden Dawn style pronunciation.

The rites he presents herein are easy to follow and, much to my liking, do not require one to have attained the understanding of the Enochian system that accompanies lifelong study. Part of what has stopped me from delving into this system despite its power is that it is overwhelmingly complex and I simply lack the time to study it in depth. This is a book that will enable those interested in the field of Magick to dive on in, and do so in a far more logical and true manner that works such as Schueler's, bringing us one step closer to the Magick OF John Dee, as opposed to the modern adaptations which bear little resemblance.

Talisman Field Report #1

2011-11-06T11:48:00.001-05:00

I'll have a very interesting (if I do say so myself) post later this evening, but before I head out I wanted to throw this one up. After this I'm going to cut back on posting these field reports, simply because the blog is starting to look like a fucking Finbarr book with all these testimonials, but as the sender has specifically requested this be posted, I'll indulge this last one.

Frater MC!

I wanted to share with you and ask that you post this as a field report in order to give Ishtar the honor she rightly deserves. Ive began singing the hymn's you emailed me with the talisman of venus you sold me three weeks ago and visualizing reunion with my ex and I have to say against all odds it has worked! Let me tell you why I know this. You know since she moved to Annapolis we havent seen each other and we decided long distance relationships werent healthy so we split 4 months ago like I told you, and her job there is going so well I didnt expect her to ever want to leave, and we hardly ever talk now because its akward. Well as soon as I got your talisman I started holding it in hand doing Ishtar's hyms and visualizing a reunion, and alsmost immediately afterward she started calling more often, asked me to come visit for a weekend and things like that which were cool, but now yesterday she calls me and says the job isnt worth it if it means she has to lose her love and she would always resent the job thinking what if I was the one for her and she lost me for it, and she was going to move back to Boston! Ishtar moved me to make a sacrifice for love, so since my job here is nothing special I offered to move to Annapolis and we're going to live together again! I want Ishtar to get all the honor and recogniztion she deserves here so I hope you can post this and share it with everyone so everyone who can will light a candle in her name and know she is a good goddess who loves love and wants it to thrive!

Grrrrr....

2011-11-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

Much to my dismay, I've just learned that the template I chose and customized for GrimoireMagick.org and which I've had up for a month now is in fact already in use by another occult author, albeit one of a different path. So, this weekend, which I'd earmarked for solitude and meditation, will have to include selection of a new template, application of that template on my site and transferring of my current posts to the new format. "man plans, the gods laugh"

Incidentally, if anyone has any suggestions for a good and fittingly themed template, I'd be grateful for the help.

Also, if anyone else has been trying to reach me via the email address on the site, m@grimoiremagick, please forward all correspondence to mikececc(at)ymail.com as I havent yet set up webmail or pop3 access for the grimoiremagick.org domain.

New Items Available

2011-11-03T19:55:00.000-04:00

The electricity and cable/ internet being out over the past few days, I've had an abundance of time to create. A few of those I've created and/ or consecrated are now available in the Materia Magicka section of my own website, including a unique, handmade Solar Talisman of Helios, and a custom wood burned Table of Practice I made myself.

Take a peek. I'm going to be listing some of my own Materia there in the coming weeks, including a Handmade Black Dragon Wand.

Conjure Codex Is Born

2011-11-03T14:34:00.000-04:00

Conjure Codex, the first anthology to which I have contributed and a work about which I am extremely excited, is now available for purchase directly from The Hadeans. I am pleased to be published alongside such an illustrious cast of Occultists as Jake Stratton-Kent, Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold, Humberto Maggi, Drac Uber, and all others who contributed to this project. This, I promise, is going to be a wonderful release. When you take this many of the occult's most creative and and innovative practitioners, tell them the only guideline is that the theme is Spirit work and then leave them to their wiles, with the little wheels and gears in their minds turning, spinning and smoking, you just know something good is going to happen.

Ten Magical Books Worth Remembering

2011-11-02T13:48:00.000-04:00

This morning my google reader was alight with a baker's dozen of new blog posts for me to read throughout the day. While this in and of itself is always enough to brighten up an otherwise dreary morning, one of them stood out. First, because it provided some insight into the mind of a practitioner I respect and which books he holds to be the most memorable and which have helped him develop. Second, because it provided me with my daily food for thought, and compelled me to contemplate which ten (or so) books would make MY list.

For me, though, some of them werent of the 20th Century, so I'm going to deviate from Ian a bit here and make my list consist of my most valued Magickal Books from any century. Oh, and Like Ian, I find myself unable to limit myself to ten, so I've cheated a bit and let the list run on.

In no particular order:

Hans Betz - The Greek Magical Papyrii, In Translation, Including the Demotic Spells
Stephen Flowers - Hermetic Magic; The Postmodern Papyrus of Abaris
Pablo Torijano - Solomon The Esoteric King incl. Magical Treatise of Solomon*
Rufus Opus - Modern Goetic Grimoire*
Ouroboros Press - The Picatrix, Vols 1 and 2.
Skinner & Rankine - The Veritable Key of Solomon
Skinner & Karr - Sepher Raziel
Skinner (Trans.) 4th Book of Agrippa
FL Griffith - The Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden
Joe Peterson - Lesser Key of Solomon
Jason Miller - Sorcerer's Secrets
Nineveh Shadrach - Magick That Works
Denning & Phillips - Magical Philosophy, 5 Vol.

If, for some horrific and dreadful reason, I had to reduce my personal library to bare bones, these, I think, would constitute the very barest without which I could not do. Well, I guess I could, I'd just be very, extremely pissed.

*Prior to Golden Hoard's release of a definitive and complete edition of the Magical Treatise of Solomon, Pablo Torijano's work for academia contained the only printed version thereof. I havent yet received my eagerly anticipated deluxe edition of the Golden Hoard release, but I am certain it will soon supersede the former.
*Available only in PDF format and no longer sold by RO, this is nevertheless one of my all time favorites and one which I strongly recommend. His Modern Angelic Grimoire is likewise excellent, but, well, I'm a a blasphemous little bastard and I do love my "demons". Dammit RO make this one available in print form!!

Not A Fan Of Mother Nature...

2011-11-01T12:56:00.001-04:00

Couple of you have noticed I've been unusually silent over the past few days here, in the forums and on facebook. Well, it appears that whatever horrific offense my city has committed against mother nature, whether real or imagined, hasn't quite been paid for by the 2 blizzards, the hurricane, the tornado or the earthquake we've been stricken by over the past 9 months. This past weekend she once again bent us over her knee and provided a good spanking in the form of a nor easter, which has knocked out 100%, yes 100% of the power in my city and 80% of the power in the surrounding ones.

Luckily the building in which I work a few cities over was originally a bomb shelter and was nto affected, so I'm able to get online once in a while here to follow up on emails and charge my trusty smartphone.

Nonetheless, all Talismans and other orders will be shipped on time tomorrow, so no worries there and everyone who has ordered one can expect it without delay. That goes for the books I promised a few readers as well. I'm hoping the electric co. has us up and running again this week.

Saturnian Magick Via Marduk

2011-10-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

This evening I will be undertaking a rite of introduction to Ninurta, son of Enlil and Ninlil, slayer of Anzu. In Babylonian Magick, Ninurta is the deity associated with Saturn, and during Thursday's work with the God Marduk, I was prompted to make his acquaintance. The rites used will be those described in Mardukite Magick, albeit modified according to the lore of Ninurta as opposed to Marduk's.

While I am unsure of why I should seek Ninurta, I am somewhat anxious since Saturnian Magick has proven to be of great use to me in the past when the goal was expansion of my Kingdom and elimination of boundaries, obstacles, etc... Never a dull moment, I say!

One More Field Report For Mardukite Magick

2011-10-28T22:43:00.001-04:00

Mike:

I ordered your ebook Mardukite Magic on Oct. 16th. I had an interesting experience after I read this manuscript. I ordinarily wouldn't bother you with this, but your blog post of Oct. 23rd of 'Another Field Report' detailed experiences with your manuscript that closely matched mine so I thought I'd forward the following email I sent to a friend right after it happened on Oct 17th. The email is as follows:

"Just before dawn yesterday morning when I was still near a dream state but aware, I sensed a tall imposing figure near my bedside. I felt strongly that I was being regarded, not in a friendly or unfriendly way, but as one might examine something of interest. I had a sense of this figure being robed and bearded. I felt at the time that this was 'Marduk'. I fell into a dream state, and went into a story where my family was being threatened by a rattlesnake. This snake was hiding out under a bathroom sink in a cabinet. When I wakened, I scanned my house and sure enough there was something there. It seemed to have gotten through my house shields... This snake didn't have immediate hostile intent towards us but was just hanging out. It was a nasty piece of work though, and my family has a long history of being plagued by snake-like entities. I find it funny that just reading a summoning might be enough to catch Marduk's attention. It was a nice initial offering on his part."

The thing that caught my attention was that my description of how Marduk was regarding closely matches the field report reported in your blog on Oct 23rd. It's always nice to have outside validation! What also wowed me was that reading the manuscript was enough to connect me to Marduk. Keep up the great work!

One Down, Three To Go

2011-10-27T21:52:00.002-04:00

"Calling The Sevenths To Induce Equilibrium"

2011-10-27T13:37:00.003-04:00

I received a handful of messages from people interested in the work I spoke of in my post earlier today that I prescribed for a client to bring him back into balance, so I figured I'd make it available here. It is one of the rites from the PGM corpus which has been published elsewhere on several occasions, so many of you will recognize it.

It is originally from PGM 824-834 and is called, as you've likely guessed, Calling The Sevenths To Induce Equilibrium" and it uses the 7 vowels of the Ancient Greek alphabet to open the 7 gates, planets, spheres, etc... and I use it frequently for Balancing and "Inducing Equilibrium", among other things. Its very simple and, I've found, very effective.

Facing East – Stretch out right and left hands to the left, chant “A” (Alpha.)

Face North – Put forward your right fist, chant “E” (Epsilon)

Face West – Extend both hands forward, chant “Η” (Eta)

Face South – Both hands holding the stomach, chant “I” (Iota)

Face East - Touch the ends of the toes, chant “Ο” (Omicron)

Face East – Right hand on the heart, chant “Υ” (Upsilon.)

Face East – Looking to the sky with hands on the head, chant “Ω” (Omega)

A Busy, Busy Week Magickally. And I Love it!

2011-10-27T10:10:00.001-04:00

God how I miss the days when I had nothing to draw my focus away from Magick and the only serious decisions I had to make were what Evocation I would work next, which Talisman I would create and empower, which grand change I would attempt to make in the scheme of things.

Those days are long gone and I have the world at large to concern myself with once again, including all the minutiae thereof; Bills, work, dating, family obligations, and my guilty pleasure TV shows, The Borgias and Supernatural. This week and the one that will follow it, however, I can flashback to those days. Having taken a handful of vacation days at work and received a matching number of new Magickal projects at the same time, I am thrilled to be back in my element.

This week I was hired on to assist a fellow practitioner resolve an issue with what appeared to be a rogue, and quite rude for that matter, spirit which had taken up residence in his Kingdom and has been draining him of energy, inspiring in him anger and frustration and in many other ways just being a PITA. The methodology I found most appropriate was a series of planetary work commencing Tuesday with an Evocation of Mars to shore up defenses and make an initial offensive effort, from which it was made abundantly clear to the client as well as myself that the spirit in question is powerless to do him any harm. Following that, last night was an Evocation of Mercury to bring insights into the nature of the spirit. Tonight will be, in conjunction with my own G4J work, an evocation of Marduk and consecration of a protective talisman I've decided to send him to establish a lasting connection between he and the energies of Jupiter as represented by Marduk. Tomorrow brings a Venutian working to restore peace, tranquility and happiness to his Kingdom, and Saturday I follow up with Kronos to issue a final salvo on his behalf, expanding his area of influence, dispelling all remaining disorder and chaotic elements or remnants.

I've given him some individual work to do as well, to firmly establish a balance of planetary energies in his own life by opening the gates to each of the spheres as outlined in the PGM, and will continue to do his readings and any "touch up work" until his Kingdom is firmly in order and free of any undesired influences.

Besides this, I will be consecrating Talismans of Venus, Mars and Saturn for others, each drawn from the Key of Solomon. And my own daily work and offerings.

Did I mention this was going to be a busy couple of weeks? Oh and I got a couple beautiful gifts today too, one of which is:

Cleaning Out My Closet. er, Bookshelf.

2011-10-25T11:04:00.008-04:00

So I find myself engaged in the daunting task of cataloging my collection of rare, out of print, limited and current books as well as other items in order to get a full appraisal done for insurance purposes. During the course of this I've come across a bunch I no longer need and which aren't quite collectible, but are still pretty good books. There's probably about a dozen of them, some of which are listed below and the rest will be posted when I get home.

They're free, and if you're in the US I'll mail them to you via media mail for free too. Leave a comment if you'd like any of them including your email address. (I wont publish the comments) I will update this post when they're taken.

Lon DuQuette - Low Magick, Its All In Your Head - GONE

Nineveh Shadrach - Magic Squares and the Tree of Life - GONE

A.E. Waite - Book of Ceremonial Magic, Paperback Copy - GONE

Elizabeth Clare Prophet - Fallen Angels and The Origin of Evil - GONE

Joseph Karika - Liber 767 vel Boeingus - GONE

Maggie Whitehouse - Total Kabbalah
Phyllis Currot - Witchcrafting

Alan Richardson - Magicians Tables; A Complete Book of Correspondences- GONE

Brotherhood of Light - Astrology

Another Field Report

2011-10-23T13:48:00.000-04:00

Just sharing one more field report before I get back to "Business As Usual" tomorrow. Thanks for sharing this with me T. and I hope it continues to work for you!

Dear Michael,

Thought you might be interested in another field report.

I'll begin by noting that almost as soon as I opened the email containing your note and the book, I felt a definite presence, a kind of tingly electrical sentience. It was very palpable and pervasive and it lingered throughout the room for a few minutes. I found it neither threatening nor overly friendly, I simply felt as though I was being observed. It was a more benign feeling than that sounds, though. At the time, I wondered if it was Marduk "checking in" on me, or even if it was a spirit that you had sent for some reason. I now think that it was more likely that it was Marduk making himself felt. Perhaps my ordering the book acted as a kind of conjuration?

I had wanted to perform the rite on the day and hour of Jupiter, but this was not possible, so I decided to perform it today, the day of Venus. I did begin the rite in the hour of Jupiter, thinking that it might help me a bit in establishing contact. I followed the text closely, using Abramelin incense and two blue 7-day candles on which I had painted Marduk's name in Greek and cuneiform the day before. I did manage to do that and my other prep work (reading the Enuma Elish, going over the names, &c.) in the hour and day of Jupiter yesterday, so as to make the items as Jovian as I could.

When I read the names, I definitely felt a presence, pretty much the same kind of feeling I had felt when I got the book. I felt it most strongly behind me, to the South. At one point I turned around briefly, but I didn't really see anything. When the energy was more or less as it's peak, there was a brief but intense moment of total silence - the traffic outside, all the other ambient noise completely disappeared and I felt a kind of suspension of time. Around this time, I smelled something quite distinctly that was definitely not the incense of Abramelin that was burning or the Jupiter Oil that I had dressed the candles with. It was a clove type of scent.

Unfortunately, near the end of the reading of the names, my apartment manager decided to make a bunch of noise and start talking to someone in the hallway right outside my door, accompanied by some kind of loud electronic beeping. Needless to say, this did little to help the rite. I tried to tune it out as best I could, but it was difficult to maintain my concentration, especially while I was trying to visualize the moment I had chosen from the Enuma Elish. I have a very low tolerance for beeping.

After the visualization, I spent some time looking at the image of Marduk I had printed out and tried to integrate the energy that was remaining in the room. I then delivered a brief and simple thank you and farewell to the god and waited for the energy to dissipate. After I had collected myself a bit, I made some notes in my journal and broke down my temporary set-up (I have a small studio apartment, so I have to improvise a bit for these rites). I plan to leave the candles burning when at home until they are used up.

I would say that the rite did make successful contact with Marduk (I'll assume it was him, anyway). I think I may have had better results if I had performed it on the day and hour of Jupiter and if mundane annoyances had not intruded. That said, I have yet to see a spirit and the presence I felt was much stronger than in nearly any of my previous attempts at conjuration. I will be on the look-out for synchronicity and shifts of awareness, especially in anything related to the Jovian current. I have been a bit preoccupied, unhappy and anxious as of late, due mostly to certain stresses and difficulties with particular people and their triggering memories of unpleasant past events. It is my hope that my contact with Marduk may help alleviate some of this. I did not make any specific requests of the god, but I do think that having made his acquaintance will make itself felt in my life in some way soon.

Let me now take a moment to thank you for making this text available and for your part in my seeking of the Mysteries.

All the best,

Field Report

2011-10-21T14:27:00.000-04:00

Just received another field report.

Dear Mike,

Yesterday evening, at the hour of Jupiter y made the Ritual for establishing contact, despite i was all day with the flu and feeling little tired, i decided to do it. My girlfriend a i prepared a table for the candles and the incense and printed a picture of marduk.

She was a little scared, because she isn´t into magick a i am, we´ve done the Gates of Jupiter rituals described by RO and she liked them, but i don´t know why yesterday she was scared of this ritual...

The ritual was very good, when i said the 50 names i really could feel a presence over the table, it was like if someone was standing there. That presence didn´t scared me or my girlfriend, in fact, i felt comfortable with that... i welcomed him, gave him the offerings and told him that we would like to establish a relationship with him in order to receive his blessings... then i said goodbye, and closed the rite....

The rite was about 15 to 20 minutes, i left the candles burning and the flames were high and beautiful.... i hope my offerings were received and to start a good relationship with Marduk...

after the rite i felt like a boast of energy in my body... the tiredness disappeared !!! ... i felt good !!!

Quick Note To Former Customers

2011-10-20T14:06:00.003-04:00

Just received an order for Mardukite Magick from someone who'd been part of my Candle Magick experiment and rather than emailing each of you who were part of that and who have ordered Talismans of Jupiter, Mars or Venus I thought I'd say it here where (hopefully) all of you can see it.

If you've ordered a Talisman or been part of the Project involving Marduk a few months back you DO NOT NEED TO BUY the eBook - Just email me and I'll send you one ... Buying a Talisman gets you these little things like eBook gratis, so dont go buying it!

Questions, Questions and Questions

2011-10-19T13:46:00.001-04:00

Over the past few weeks I've received a few dozen questions, here and on facebook, and even more so since the release of Chasing The Dragon and now Mardukite Magick spanning such a wide variety of topics as to include everything from my own religious beliefs to political views. A handful or so have popped up with more frequency, and so I figured I'd post them along with their answers here despite having replied to each of them individually. .

Q." I cant figure out your path, you have written about work with Archangels at EM, and you used the Enchiridion which is totally Christian, but you also say you're not a Christian and you also encourage work with demons. I remember you said you pray to "your" god every night, are you talking about YHVH or what? I'm not christian myself so I never tried to use books like Enchiridion because they praise Jesus, so help me out, how is it possible? And are you like a Satanist or what?"

A. I do work with Archangels and I do work with "demons". I'm NOT a Christian, I do not believe "Jesus" was a god and I do not pray to him. I am, however, a follower of the historical Yeshua, who was Man, Master and Magus but not God. The God to whom I pray and from whom I have drawn immeasurable blessings is variously referred to as "The Man of Light", "The Good" or simply "The Father", and is the God who was known to Yeshua, and of whom spoke Poimandres. The one who is before the first beginning, of whom all of nature has become an image and who the inferior hath not formed. Not the god of the old testament, the one of The Gospel of Thomas or Baruch. The Source of all, who the Gods and Goddesses are descended from. Working with the "demons" does not in any way contradict my faith in Him because they are not in opposition to him. The "fallen" angels, the "demons", those who rebelled oppose the god of the old testament who thought to enslave all and falsely decreed that he was the one and only god when in fact he was but a product of Sophia and one of many.

Q. "What do you think of the Enochian System? Do you use it at all? Ever thought of mixing it in with your Goetic invocations when you summon the Goetics?".

A. Enochian is a very powerful system when used properly. I know someone who is adept in its use and who does things that are mind blowing. I, however, have very little knowledge of it and have used it only sporadically (Ex. in my GD time during the Watchtower Ceremony and SBRP which dont quite qualify as using the Enochian system, just borrowing words from it) I'd love to delve into it at some point, but right now I have no where near the time that it would take to begin to understand such a complex system, and while I'm all for logical syncretizing, throwing in Enochian language with my Grimoiric Conjurations isnt something I'm likely to toy with.

Q. You seem to have contempt for Golden Dawn Magic, why is that?

A. While I've never been initiated into any inner order or been in the tomb of Rosenkreutz I did spend a couple years devoted to learning the system, and before that working through Modern Magic by DMK. I cant say GD isnt a valid Magickal school or that they dont, well, practice Magick, because I havent been on the inside of a temple to find out what goes on there. I can however say that my original teacher WAS an inner order initiate and I have a good friend who currently IS 6= and both of them admit that they do far less "Magick" than most people you'd talk to here in the online community who arent affiliated. (They admit this grudgingly, but admit it nonetheless). I'm not into pageantry and theatrics, holding elaborate costumed initiations and grade ceremonies or quasi masonic pomp and ceremony, I dont want to spend a year learning the hebrew alphabet or paths and tarot associations, I want to dig in and do Magick, and I've done very well at it without using a LBRP or Qaballistic Cross in the last decade or so, and the dozen or so students Ive had and have now, one of whom quit GD after reaching Exempt Adept have better results with my methods than anything else. For some the GD is a lifesaver and the greatest thing they ever do, and I commend them for that. Its just not for me. If I was going to be a part of an order I'd prefer Sangreal Sodality, Astrum Sophia or OAE.

Q. "Hey on The Lions Den you mention students, Do you accept new students or offer lessons?"

A. No. The students I speak of are offline and close enough to make face to face lessons feasible. Currently there are 5 of them and the farthest one from me is about 60 miles away, but makes the trip down here for one weekend a month. I do think making courses and curriculum available to prospective students online is a great idea and immensely valuable thing, I just dont have the time to create a lesson plan or materials. I DO however respond to ALL emails and questions here on facebook, and am always available to provide any advice or guidance you may need. If you are looking for a teacher who will take you where you need to be and give you a first rate education see RO's Red Work Courses and Jason's Strategic Sorcery .

Q. "Damn I missed out on the Jupiter Talismans can you let me know if you ever get more? Of if you can do one for me of Venus for attracting love?"

A. Jupiter Talismans can be created at any time as Botanica Santa Barbara right nearby has made them readily available to me. They can be consecrated using methods from Crossed Keys OR through Evocation of Marduk. They are available on my website here if you want the same style as shown in the link above, or you can email me for other types/ styles or ones cast in different metals. I DO also create Talismans for Venus, Sol, Mercury and Mars. I also consecrate Statues of the Egyptian Gods for Altar using ACTUAL Nile water and Sand from Giza.

If The World Ends On Friday....

2011-10-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

Once again we're told that the end is nigh; This time but a few days away. While I won't dignify this blatant fuckery with discussion, instead silently hoping that come Saturday morning he has the decency to, well, die, this subject in conjunction with a now widely known speech by the late Steve J. wherein he says "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" has me thinking.

Adding further fuel to the fire and greasing those little wheels within my head which have begun turning incessantly is that the universe seems adamant about me giving this some thought as it have twice today provoked me in that direction. Turning on the car today the song that immediately filled my ears was "If you had 24 hours to live:, and arriving at work today I discover a new poster of Steve J. with the aforementioned quote.

For me though, the question I'm mulling over in my head and which I'm going to explore here is different, you know, since I'm not a raging asshat who thinks I can predict the end even though I've made a total dick of myself on several prior occasions. MY question therefore is. "If my next Magickal work were to be my last; If I knew beyond any doubt and with absolute certainty that following my next rite, be it an Evocation, a Conjuration, Consecration of a Talisman or whatever else, it was going to be the last, what would I want to do? "

Its a tough one. Would I want to Evoke and spend my last magickal moments with my patrons, who have been as loved and revered family to me, or would I want to use my last ounce of juju to attract fortune and success. Or, in keeping with my own nature and disposition would I want to throw caution to the wind and do something huge, such as the full evocation of the biggest, baddest and most primeval sumbitch I could manage to dig up in my research.

Oh sure I could go all mother theresa and shoot for a goal of a globally benevolent nature, such as inspiring peace and kindness in the hearts of world leaders, but really, how often does our Magick work on that level? Its not out of the question, and if I knew my next work were to be my last I would devote every fiber of my being to it and it would therefore have a huge power boost, but nonetheless, that's a pretty big order to fill, and wouldn't you rather not gamble your last dollar on a long shot?

This in mind, I think what I'm going to do is take this week to decide just what I would do under those circumstances, and then begin planning to make it a reality. Not as my last work, but as a work to remember. Then I'll start planning whichever I chose as runner up.

First Field Report

2011-10-15T23:05:00.001-04:00

This will be a brief post as I'm writing on my droid and have not yet mastered the art of touchscreen typing. (Fat fingers and small keys are not the most compatible combination) Besides that, I'm at a restaurant awaiting my amaretto sour and rib eye and at the moment I'm being given a remarkably dirty look by my date. Nonetheless, I'm extremely pleased with a field report I just received and wanted to share it immediately. Below is the portion that has me excited enough to risk the wrath of an angry lady dinner companion.

"Dear Mike, I am happier than I've ever been right now and I had to write and thank you! First letme tell you honestly because you need to know. I have been practicing magic for 6 years and lately Ive been having doubts because despite my effort I never was able to contact spirits and could never communicate with them. I went through modern magic and then bardon but never succeeded in invocation or evocation, until now. I used the introduction and calling to Marduk from Mardukite Magick of yours yesterday and for the first time ever I succeeded! Marduk appeared beautifully and in regalia like a warrior with a lightning bolt in his hand and he spoke very clearly to me as if he were right there in the flesh!! This is a super super thing and I am in tears! ........"

I've omitted the remainder as he here gets rather personal and inclusion of the rest of the story wouldnt add anything more.

CONGRATULATIONS JUAN!!!

OK Back to my date

Now Available - A Mardukite Magick eBook

2011-10-13T20:28:00.002-04:00

Based on the responses I've received to my earlier blog post about the pros and cons of releasing works in eBook format vs hardcover/ paperback, as well as the discussions taking place on Facebook and other forums, I've decided to float a test balloon and release a brief work which I've spent a lot of time developing as an eBook, similar to those RO offers.

The work in question is a brief one on the Magick of Marduk which was originally going to be released in a 15 page chapbook/ pamphlet form. Having received a great deal of interest via comments here and emails after my brief blog post on working with Marduk, I decided to offer a much more comprehensive tutorial wherein I take you through making initial contact with the God, introduction, offering, petitioning his aid and establishing a long term relationship with him as I've begun doing myself over the last half year or so.

This brief work contains 5 complete rituals of which you can readily make use, an opening rite, an invocation, an introduction to the God, a petition to the God for his aid, and a method of offering to him. Also included are the true 50 Names of Marduk taken directly from the source, which ARE quite different from those you find in the Necronomicon along with detailed info on the virtues, powers and specialties of each name and a means to petition whichever suits your need at the time. In addition I've provided the Hyms and Incantations in the original Sumerian for those ambitious enough to attempt them in their original tongue.

The Conjurations, Hymns and Invocation are NOT those you will find in the Necronomicon or any other modern work - I have pulled directly from Enuma Elish, An:Anum, The Cuneiform Tablets and other original sources and everything presented here has been and is still used by myself, every Thursday.

ALSO

Everyone who orders this eBook will be invited to participate in a Group Ritual dedicated to Marduk on Thursday November 17th. On that day, in the hour of Jupiter, all who wish to participate will perform a group conjuration of the God in his name GUGAL - Lord of Abundence and Opulence.

In order to make it available to anyone with any interest in working with Marduk, the price is only $10 payable via paypal. Delivery will be via email. Paypal address is mikececc(at)ymail.com If you'd like the eBook delivered to an email address other than your paypal address, just note it in the comments section of the payment page and I'll send it there instead.

Picking A Path

2011-10-06T12:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Jason posted with regard to the fact that his Magickal Practice is eclectic and diverse as opposed to that of others who are able to say that they've chosen a single path which provides all that they need. RO followed up explaining the ways in which his own journey hasn't been as singular as one might have thought and includes as variant work as Taoism and even Chaos Magic (that one was a surprise to me)

Jason's post got me thinking on my own path and how it has changed and evolved over the years. When describing my own style of work I invariably refer to myself as a Grimoiric Magus, which most tend to interpret as one who practices strictly from the "Classical" Grimoires. Thats partially correct, and for a handful of years working with the most well know Grimoires (Lemegeton, Red Dragon, The Key of Solomon, Verum, The Arbatel, etc...) did constitute the whole of my work. Oh I certainly didnt stick to the script so to speak, as shown in CK and Chasing The Dragon I kept the formulas intact but modified the structure as necessary and thought outside the box, finding new ways to work with the Spirits identified in the Grimoires. But the dozen or so classic Grimoires were about all I needed (I thought) and I rarely looked outside that comfort zone.

Now, however, I've evolved considerably. I do still consider myself A Grimoiric Magus, as the thrust of my work is, in keeping with the Grimoire Tradition, Evocational and Spirit Work. (Yes the Grimoires do prescribe other techniques and methods such as Talismanic Magick, but by far the focus is on Evocation and communication) But now my work is drawn from the Grimoires AND such diverse sources as Enuma Elish and Starr's Conjure, and I'm happier and more successful than ever.

As I've admitted before, when I first set out on a Magickal path, or more accurately said, when I realized my path in life WAS a Magickal one, I began with a Golden Dawn/ Inner Order Adept who was my teacher. He took me through the knowledge lectures, the curriculum, the LBRP/BRH/ Rose Cross Ritual, Don Kraigs Modern Magic, the whole 9. I learned the Hebrew alphabet, the paths and correspondences, drawing the tree of life, everything he gave me I absorbed. But through it all, despite my earnest sincerity and desire, I always felt it was more theatrics than magicks. Daily LBRP's, Middle Pillars, Watchtower Ceremonies, etc... Sure I felt pretty cool afterwards, but then I'd always find myself thinking, "Great, but what did I actually DO?" Ok, I cleared my temple of Astral Nasties, I Pore Breathed Fire until my eyes felt like they were boiling, I invoked and banished the poor little salamanders and gnomes via pentagram rites with such rapidity that they surely though I was bi-polar, inviting them then kicking them the hell out so frequently, but at the end of all this daily work, what really had I done? How was my life any different than it had been beforehand?Sure as hell wasnt making any tangible improvements in my finances or station in life, so what exactly was I accomplishing?

I asked my teacher that question so frequently that finally I elicited an exasperated "Mike, GD isnt about gettin rich or improving your life in temporal ways, its about fucking spiritual development and enlightenment, its about learning how the fucking universe works and our place in it and its a fucking brotherhood like the masons, if thats what you want then youre in the right place. If you want to conjure up wealth and power and talk to demons go get the fucking Goetia!"

So later than night when I was reading the Goetia I'd just purchased (Mathers/ Crowley Edition BTW) I was immediately fascinated. Reading of Bune, I remember thinking "See?! THIS is the shit I'm looking for!" And while my reasoning over the last decade and a half has changed, every time I crack open a new Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic release, a new Joe Peterson Edition or another such work, I still think "THIS is the shit I'm looking for."

Except that now I'm learning, courtesy of Strategic Sorcery, Conjureman Ali, RO and Moloch's Pragmatic Magics among other sources, ways to incorporate traditions and methods as diverse as my background into my Grimoiric work giving it a power boost akin to throwing a NOS tank in a performance car. Now when I work from Cyprian's Clavis Inferni I can make offerings TO Cyprian courtesy of Conjureman's recent blog post. When I intone the God Name IAO I can use the corresponding Mudras thanks to Jason Miller, and I can use Grimoiric Evocation to say hello to my departed dog thanks to RO.

I guess, then, that my point in this typically long winded article is that while Grimoiric Magick may have been everything I needed, my new style provides additionally everything I want.

Gotta Love Divine Subtlety

2011-10-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

Received a new tarot deck I'd ordered a couple days back, sat down at my desk, cracked open the box and gave the deck a good shuffle before a three card spread and pulled

A New Work On The Magick Of Saint Cyprian

2011-10-04T20:08:00.000-04:00

Just placed an order for Conjureman Ali's new Guide To The Underworld, Saint Cyprian - Saint of Necromancers. Since his recent blog entry where he provided an example of his work with Cyprian that I love, I've been hoping he'd offer up further insight into the subject of Cyprian as the emeritus patron of Magicians and even more so his own methods of working with him.

Although it is altogether unlikely that anyone reading this post is unfamiliar with Conjureman or his blog, here's the link.

Get his work on Saint Cyprian from the good folks at Hadean

A Brief Review Of Palo Mayombe; The Garden Of Blood And Bones

2011-10-04T10:53:00.001-04:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, this past weekend I received my copies of both Palo Mayombe and Pomba Gira by Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold. I havent yet begun Pomba gira, simply because Palo Mayombe has had me engrossed and will require at least a couple more read throughs to begin to grasp, and so it is Palo Mayombe alone that I will speak of in this post.

Although I am usually skeptical about books touching on the subject of Palo, since it is a highly guarded tradition and one previously spoken on only in exalted circles of those lucky enough to be initiates, I has quite hopeful that this book would be something special simply because Nicholaj is an author with whom I am familiar and I know first hand that Scarlet Imprint releases only the best of the best.

I am quite happy to say then that the faith I had put in both Nicholaj and Scarlet Imprint to produce a worthwhile tome on this most elusive of traditions has proven to be well justified, and Palo Mayombe; The Garden of Blood and Bones is most certainly going to be one I read over and over again as years go by.

My introduction to Nicholaj's writings came via Kiumbanda, A Complete Grammar of the Art of Exu, which I picked up immediately after its release and which is also a volume I can highly recommend, and everything he has written that I've read since then has proven equally valuable.

Palo Mayombe has, although wholly alien to me, always been a fascination of mine simply because despite being in the company of Santeros since I was 15, I had never met anyone who would admit to any knowledge of Palo. In fact anytime it came up, it would inevitably bring with it a sense of fear among those present. While may field of study and practice has always been Grimoiric (with the exception of a couple short years in the tutelage of a GD initiate in the very beginning), I have always been in the company of Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Mexicans, Domincans, Columbians, Venezuelans, and every other Spanish speaking peoples due to my affiliation in a certain, eh, fraternal organization which consists of 23,000 members across the US, 94% of whom are one of the above. So whether it was visiting one of my brother's homes and meeting their parent's who are Santeros, or consulting one who at the time owned the only botanica in the city, Santeria and related traditions have always been within arms reach to me - and yet I never found anyone willing to speak of Palo or who didnt shiver when hearing it mentioned.

For that reason I am extremely grateful to Nicholaj for finally bringing it the widespread attention it deserves and allowing me to break down the long held assumptions instilled in me by the aforementioned shudders of terror among Santeros that it is a horrifying anomaly among traditions.

Speaking from an author's perspective, I love the way that Nicholaj takes a very complex topic and explains it in a way that makes it easily understandable to even those with no prior knowledge of the subject. It is a testament to his teaching ability that someone can pick up this book, having never before heard of Palo, and upon finishing it have an excellent, lucid and clear understanding of all that was presented therein.

In summation, this is a work for which we can all be grateful. Not only is it an insider's perspective into the most secretive and elusive of Magickal traditions, but it is as masterfully written as if inspired by the spirits themselves.

OH and lest I forget, it is a truly fucking beautiful book externally as well!

The Magical Treatise of Solomon

2011-10-03T21:27:00.000-04:00

Having just moments ago placed my order with the good folks at Golden Hoard for the leather, deluxe edition of the just published Magical Treatise of Solomon, I wanted to take a minute to discuss this invaluable work.

While this edition represents the first widely available English language translation, this is not a work I am unfamiliar with. A while back I was introduced to MToS by a friend out in Singapore and since then Ive been fortunate enough to come across both the a digital reproduction of the Greek original and a Spanish translation thereof by Pablo Torijano for the world of academia. Owing to my own impetuous nature, I sought to practice from this Grimoire despite much of the Greek being illegible, and Torijano's Spanish being incomplete.

The section I used was a "Prayer to Helios", in conjunction with a Solar Invocation.

King of those who rule and Lord of those who are lords, the origin
that is prior to the beginnings, ever-flowing power, inconceivable
light, boundless light, the only provider of wealth, the dispenser of
the mercy, observe us through your grace and kindness so that we
may be able to subdue Helios, the planet now present and to hold
fast his force. I adjure you, untouched, unextinguishable, splendour
of the day, Helios, by your temporal cycle, by your four seasons,
and by your course, by your rays, by your wings, by your powers
and by these your names: Glibiöd, Antikon, Lithetioud, Touldörag,
Êmnôan; by these names I adjure you; do not disobey me, but
through your grace, assist me in this service.

I am quite fond of this Grimoire, and have made use of not only the Prayer Of Helios, but also Ares and Aphrodite, and while it has been some time since I worked with MToS, I recall clearly the beauty and simplicity of its methods, and am extremely happy that a definitive edition is now available in English.

This week, in addition to my Jupiterian work with Marduk, I will be taking some time during an earlier hour to offer to Zeus using this Grimoire's prayer to him.

Bibliophile Porn

2011-09-30T23:23:00.000-04:00

For me, as an admitted bibliophile and collector of beautiful tomes, today was a beautiful day. With today's mail I received not one, not two, but THREE new books which I've been eagerly awaiting. Oh, and with them came my author's copy of the Fine Edition of Crossed Keys.

Today's treasure trove included two titles from my fellow Scarlet Imprint Alumnus, Nicholaj De Mattos Frisvold, Pomba Gira and Palo Mayombe, as well as The Complete Picatrix, Liber Atratus Edition by Christopher Warnock and John Michael Greer.

And did I mention the Fine Edition of Crossed Keys? When I first saw the photos Scarlet Imprint posted of this museum-grade tome I commented that it was by far the most beautiful book I had ever seen. Well, I am sorry to have to retract that initial assumption, but it was incorrect. The truth is it is far more amazing than that. And I'm not just saying that because I wrote it. This, however, will not be a surprise to anyone who is familiar with Peter and Alkistis' work, and I am proud to congratulate them on having been recognized not only by the occult community, but by the British Book Design and Production community as a whole.

Jupiter's Day, Once Again Observed

2011-09-29T22:55:00.000-04:00

Kept it rather simple this evening; Storax incense, blue jumbo candles, orphic hymn and my usual adoration to Marduk as well as Aset, Asar, Anpu and Heru giving thanks and offerings for the blessings of the week before

Yet Another Clarification

2011-09-29T16:57:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when I am particularly passionate abut something (or have a particularly big bug up my ass as was the case here) I tend to make broad and sweeping statements that I DO mean, but which also require further explication on my part.

Twice now Jason Miller has alerted me to such mishaps, and I am very grateful for this as if he hadnt and no one else bothered, I might look somewhat prick-ish to readers who interpreted my post earlier today as he did.

So, here we go again. Earlier I posted with regard to the many facets of occult authorship and publishing in the modern day, and when I did I let certain contemptuous feelings bleed through the keyboard onto the blog, which now require a brief qualification.

I mentioned the tremendous amount of rubbish being brought forth by the You-Write-It-We'll-Publish-It internet based outfits like lulu and createspace. I didn't say all or even most of these books were of no value, what I said was these types of outfits "can and frequently do contain horseshit". As mentioned at various times, I am a big believer in Sturgeons Law which states that 90 of anything on any given subject is crap, and with sites like lulu its even more true. I provided links to one example of these in the original post.

However, as my post indicates, while we do frequently find such crap on these sites, this isnt ALWAYS the case. I recently bought Moloch's Pragmatic Magics which is a lulu book, and just ordered Chris Warnock;s Picatrix Liber Rubeus edition, literally 4 days ago. Anyone whos on my facebook would have seen that just yesterday, a full day before this post, my facebook status was:

So clearly when I said lulu and such sites frequently contain the aforementioned horseshit, what I meant was indeed frequently and not always, and I apologize to those authors such as Chris Warnock and Moloch who publish there. I have bought both of your books there and recommend them to all.

As for my comment on llewellyn, I did say that what they publish is usually suspect until proven otherwise, and yetI have to admit there are some which HAVE proven as valuable as anything any other publisher releases; Examples being Aaron Leitch's "Secrets...", as well as his Angelical Language set, their original editions of Denning and Phillips' series, those they release for Golden Hoard and DMK's Modern Magick. Despite these excellent contributions to the corpus of the Western Tradition, the vast majority of their books dont make the grade and they DO publish a lot of fluff. Therefore I do agree with the selfsame Moloch mentioned above in his having labeled them "ll EWE llyn", and place the same emphasis as Big Mo' on the "Ewe"

Occult Authorship and Publishing in The Digital Millenium

2011-09-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

An ongoing discussion (perhaps better termed debacle) with regard to electronic piracy of books and the impact it has on the authors and publishers thereof has provoked significant and emotional debate among the online occultism community this past week.

While I am not going to move that discussion into the blogosphere or open that can of worms here at The Lions Den, I'll give a very brief summary of the viewpoints expressed, only because it pertains to the subject of today's blog post.

First, we have those who are vehemently opposed to the sharing of books online on torrent sites etc... on the grounds that it does irreparable damage to the author and publisher both, by significantly hurting their sales. Next, we have some, chief of which is RO, who believe that while unpleasant, any loss in sales due to piracy is negligible and in fact the widespread distribution of their books in such a way can be good for business, being tantamount to free advertising and generating a ton of word of mouth, resulting in increased sales of larger ticket items such as courses, services, etc...

My own opinion was that if my own work were to be uploaded somewhere I would definitely be, for lack of a better term, pissed off. Not because of lost sales or revenue, but because to upload my work without the courtesy of an email to me saying "Hey, we'd really like to share some of your work, do you have anything you wouldnt mind contributing?" is pretty fucking rude.

From there the conversation evolved into a discussion on the fact that authors in our field dont make a living off their writing, and indeed profits are pretty small. RO mentioned that DMK only sees about .25 cents per copy of Modern Magick sold, which is just a goddamned shame. Self published authors, such as those who use lulu, create a less expensive product and see more profit from each copy sold, but they have to market their work on their own or, literally, sell none. Also, the target audience already knows that any book published with, say, Scarlet Imprint or Hadean is going to be of excellent content and contain wisdom from one of the brightest minds in the field, simply because they know that Peter & Alkistis at SI or Erze and Dis at Hadean know their stuff and live the life, and thus only publish what they believe in, whereas self published books can and frequently do contain horseshit.

On the other side of the coin, true occult publishers like the aforementioned Scarlet Imprint and Hadean Press put out only quality material from those who, for lack of a better term, know their shit, and they make both beautiful talismanic books and inexpensive paperbacks, and they have an automatic, well deserved credibility so any author whose work is published by them benefits from their good names before the work is even released. (As opposed to, say, a llewellyn author whose book is automatically suspected of major suckage until proven otherwise just because it is being released by a publisher who is about as occult as Pokemon)

The intent of today's post, then, is to take this portion of the debate "to the streets". I'd like to see what YOU, the readers and buyers of our works prefer. Do you prefer for authors to release their material in eBooks for Kindl*/PDF, for Talismanic Hardcover & Inexpensive Paperback combo, Lulu self published & less expensive but also mass-market no visual appeal, or do you prefer courses and lessons such as RO's Red Work Series or Jason Miller's Strategic Sorcery Course?

During all this debate on what mode of release is most favorable and desired by the readership, I thought it most prudent to, you know, ASK the readership. So, Im creating a poll for you all to vote and share your opinion, and you can also comment to share other options and/or ideas. Check them out, get your vote in and let an author know how you prefer books.

Looking For Forum Administrators

2011-09-27T22:08:00.000-04:00

Looking for volunteers to help set up and moderate the GrimoireMagick.org forums. It is a very simple interface and very straightforward PhpBB installation. If you're not sure what that means, its the same style of board as evocationmagic.com. In a nutshell, its going to have threads for each of the multitudinous Grimoires and related texts, each thread containing multiple sub threads for discussion, study resource lists, listing of MSS of the work, practical work section, etc... Also plan to set up virtual classrooms for online learning & lectures. All of this is simple to do, but given the sheer amount of threads, sub-threads, data etc... I simply dont have enough time to do it all myself.

Anyone interested in helping out with this project, shoot me an email, a comment or message on facebook.

Fine Edition of Crossed Keys

2011-09-22T14:54:00.000-04:00

Just taking a moment to admire the absolutely amazing design of the Fine Edition of Crossed Keys. I have to extend deep appreciation to Peter and Alkistis over at Scarlet Imprint for their having conceived of a book as beautiful as this; It really is beyond anything I've ever seen and I am sure all those who managed to pick up a copy before it sold out (Within a few hours) will be as astounded as am I.

Chasing The Dragon

2011-09-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

For those who've recently emailed me asking when the supplemental material to Crossed Keys was coming out, the answer is 21 Sept. 2011

Hadean Press released Chasing The Dragon as the latest in their series of Guides to the Underworld, offering in significant detail the modified rites of evocation I used when performing the rite of The Black Dragon. Included are the ritual framework, preparation, conjurations and further details of which you can avail yourself. IF, that is, you are one of the precious few who are daring enough to step momentarily into the realm of "demonic" Magick.

*If you haven't yet picked up a copy of Crossed Keys, it behooves you to do so now, as I have just been informed that the beautiful standard hardcover editions are about 2/3 sold out.

If you're still unsure, check out these reviews:

Gordon

More Magick With Marduk

2011-09-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

While I fully intend to pick up where I left off in my series explaining my definitions of varying spirits and the natures Ive found them to have, I'm going to segue a bit to share some unrelated work I'm enthusiastic about and a few other updates.

Those who have been following this blog for a bit or who have been part of the discussions at Gentlemen For Jupiter know that in the early weeks of my participation with that group, I began working with the God Marduk, as he is traditionally associated with Jupiter, and one to whom I am inexplicably drawn. Well, perhaps not so inexplicably if you know me at all. Anyway, throughout my work with Marduk, he's been remarkably benevolent and generous towards me and those I've been working for and with. In my earliest work with him Marduk made it clear that he yearns to once again be seen as a loving, paternal and protective God, as he was unto those of Babylon. Following the Chrislemews demonization of any God, Goddess or Spirit who committed the unforgivable crime of not being YHWH, Jesus or Allah, he was cast in an unfavorable light as were all his contemporaries, and seen as a pretender to the throne of the "One True God", despite having been known and beloved to his people long before the aforementioned came into the picture, and having been the model of a benevolent and kind father figure to all who sought him.

Forgoing further detail, I'll sum up by saying that I brought Marduk into the lives of a handful who have all reported changes in their lives and remarkably clear visions from him during their adorations and incantations to him, as well as many boons received which they attributed to his intervention on their behalf.

Given the benevolence shown by the God and how helpful hes been towards those who've worked with him, I thought I'd share a method with which the reader can do so.

The rite of offering provided here is drawn from Enuma Elish and our own Western Tradition, combining time honored adorations from the former with modern magickal formulae used in the latter.

In the simple altar seen in the photo above you see the following:

Blue 7 day candle onto which is placed the traditional depiction of Marduk standing atop the slain Tiamat
Blue 7 day candle onto which is painted the name of Marduk, in this case in Greek. (Each week I use a different name, Hebrew/Aramaic, Akkadian, English, Greek, and will continue until I've exhausted all of the 50 names of the God)
Small incense burner w/ charcoal and incense in resin form
Sand from Iraq (Site of Babylon/Mesapotamia)
Bowl of offerings and herbs
Suspended above is my own Jupiter talisman which I energize in this way weekly
2 handmade daggers, one plated in gold and the other in black

On Thursday, in the hour of Jupiter, purify your temple, robe up according to your Will, and enter your temple. Light the candles and incense, and meditate briefly on the image of Marduk, while contemplating his victory over the dragon Tiamat, then begin

Gazing above to the heavens - In the name ZULUMMAR, secure for me the peak of this temple of Amar.Utu

Facing East - In the name MARUKKA, secure for me the Easternmost Point of this temple of Amar.Utu

Facing South - In the name ASARULUDU, secure for me the Southernmost Point of this temple of Amar.UTU

Facing West - In the name MUMMU, secure for me the Westernmost Point of this temple of Amar.Utu!

Facing North -In the name EPADUN, secure for me the Northernmost Point of this temple of Amar.Utu

Gazing below to the depths - In the name TUTU, secure for me the foundation of this temple of Amar.Utu

Incant the specific name of Marduk with which you are working, and which has been painted on the candle as shown above, 50x.

Carry out the adoration/ evocation as follows:

"You are the most honored of the great gods,
Your decree is unrivaled, your command is Anu.
You, Marduk, are the most honored of the great gods,
Your decree is unrivaled, your word is Anu.
From this day your pronouncement shall be unchangeable.
To raise or bring low--these shall be in your hand.
Your utterance shall be true, your command shall be unimpeachable.
No one among the gods shall transgress your bounds!

Adornment being wanted for the seats of the gods,
Let the place of their shrines ever be in your place.
O Marduk, you are indeed our avenger.
We have granted you kingship over the universe entire.
When you sit in Assembly your word shall be supreme.
Your weapons shall not fail; they shall smash your foes!
O lord, spare the life of him who trusts you,
But pour out the life of the god who seized evil."

King who gathers up the divine powers of heaven and earth, foremost son of Enki, Marduk, mighty lord, perfect hero, foremost of the Great Princes, strong one of the Anuna, the great gods who have given him justice and judgment! Great prince, descendant of holy An, lord who decides destinies, who has everything in his grasp, wise, august knower of hearts, whose divinity is manifest, who shows concern for all that he looks upon! Your ancestor An, king of the gods, has made your lordship effective against the armies of heaven and earth.

Hear me, King Marduk, and accept these offerings made unto thee by a soul stretched out unto thee! By my Will may they take form of that which is most desirable unto you and which provides nourishment to your immortal soul!

Jupiter Talismans, Botanicas and A Really Great Book

2011-09-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

At the request of another reader, I'm at Botanica 7 Potencia picking up another Jupiter Talisman which I'll consecrate Thursday. Thus far I'm receiving excellent reports from the first few, so I figured I'd pick up a couple extra while I'm here. If anyone else is interested, shoot me an email or leave a comment here with your email address and I will write you. (Wont publish the comment w/ your email)

On a side note, the owner has invited me to come back this evening and sit in on a junta with he and his circle, which I have graciously accepted. (Its not a class and he doesnt take students, just him and some he apparently works with in the field.)

Also appears that insurance was good to him after the tornado as his stock has almost tripled since he reopened. He actually has a nice selection of rare books, including the original French edition of Treasure of the Old Man of The Pyramids, which I have unceremoniously snatched from the shelf. I have a feeling Im going to be here for most of the day.

More (Yes, MORE) On The HGA

2011-09-03T21:52:00.000-04:00

After having read Jason Miller's thoughts on the topic of the day, to wit the ongoing debate with regard to the HGA and its nature, I wanted to clarify a couple points from my original post which I now understand may have been misinterpreted.

First is my statement that obtaining contact with the HGA is not simple. I stand by the intent of this, although as Jason point's out, the word I should have used is "Easy", not "Simple". He, along with everyone else who's chimed in, agree with my contention that the method by which we attain success can be something as "Simple" as a heartfelt prayer. That was, originally, the entirety of what I intended to express in my post - That its the preparedness, the intent and such that count, NOT the words or rites you use. THAT part of the operation IS simple. The methods you use to obtained communication can be as complex OR simple as you like, if you are ready you will succeed.

Instead of saying "Its not a simple process", I should have said "Its not an EASY process". Because, whatever it IS, its definitely not easy. It may indeed culminate in something as simple as a prayer, but the road you travel to reach that prayer is NOT easy. It takes work. I agree with Jason and the GBG in that you SHOULD begin working towards it immediately, but you need to understand that its not going to HAPPEN immediately. It takes work. For some, like Jason, it may come in as few as 8 months. For others it takes longer.

My point is this; Dont expect to succeed the first time you use Samekh or any other rite. It will come when you're ready. If your heart isnt in it and you are half assing the work, just going through the motions, it wont come at all. If you are going in it full force, sincerely intent on accomplishing thee great work, you'll get there sooner. But whatever the case, its going to take work, and thus it is not going to be EASY. You're not going to embark on a magickal path today, do Samekh or anything else and meet your Angel tomorrow. Not going to happen, because youre not ready. When you ARE ready, you can do Samekh, Jason's Tibetan Magick or just turn your head toward the heavens and say "Hey, I think Im ready".

The end result IS simple, the work it takes to get there is NOT easy.

Hope that clarifies my own beliefs.

Other Spirits, and Their Relationships With The Magus

2011-09-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

Having now discussed the natures of the Holy Guardian Angel and the Supernatural Assistant, I thought it appropriate to touch briefly on the some of the other sorts of spirits with which the Magus can establish relationships. While there are more such classes than anyone knows for sure, this series of posts will focus on a handful of those with which I the most experience and leave many others for my forthcoming book, Advanced Evocation.

The first concept I'll touch on is that of Patrons. While many different traditions believe in some form of patron or personal spirits, the definitions and natures vary from one to the next and I will be speaking only from my own experience. While I have a number of spirits I work with regularly, through spirit houses, offerings, evocation and even invocation, the first patron I ever had and to whom I am most fervently devoted to this day is Aset, or as she is more commonly known, Isis. So strong is my relationship with the Goddess that Asar and Heru have also become extremely close to me and are two I will at times refer to as offering me patronage as well, simply because the level at which they make themselves available to me is so remarkable. Besides Aset, Anpu is my second, for he has been more involved with me than any other, and was the first to manifest visibly for me during evocation.

Moving, then, to the nature of a patron, whether it be a God or Goddess, Angel or Demon. What separates them from any other spirit with whom you work? What makes them your patron as opposed to another spirit whose qualities and known attributes more closely fit your own desires? First thing to know is that you dont choose your patron. There may be spirits, gods, goddesses etc... who you find absolutely intriguing, and who you sincerely wish were your benefactors, to whom you make offerings and whom you attempt to seduce into becoming such, but that doesnt make it so. The fact is, from my experience, that your patrons choose you, and in every case I'm aware of, you dont have to try overmuch to know it because they make it obvious. In my case, all throughout my life "Isis" was present. My first real girlfriend at the age of 13 was named Isis Maria Irrizarry. The first piece of jewelry I was ever given, long before I had any idea who she was, was a figaro gold chain with a medallion of enthroned Isis. Literally dozens and dozens of times throughout my life, long before I began my Magickal quest, she appeared in such ways. I used to have vivid dreams of her holding a snake, which I didnt understand until years later I learned the legend of how she obtained the secret name of Ra.

Later in life when I began the study and practice of Magick, training under an old Golden Dawn adept, one of the first things I came in contact with was the pantheon on Egypt, in the form of the Sign of the mourning of Isis, the formula IAO, etc... I mentioned to my teacher how she had been a recurring figure in my life, and he explained that she had an interest in me that I needed to delve into. At the time, I was unfamiliar with concepts such as Evocation, at least in the form I NOW know it, and knew only the GD ways. I began scrying, using her symbol of the throne, seeking during astral travel, seeking during lucid dreaming and other means. In every method I attempted to contact her, I was far more successful than I ever was using the same method to contact others. While I may have been getting decent mileage with Lucid Dreaming when trying to contact Belial, when I attempted the same methods to reach her, she was just instantly there. It was like I never had to try very hard to contact her. As soon as a little step in her direction was taken, she would come the rest of the distance to me.

When in her presence, whether its during a lucid dream or astral travel, during a full evocation or even just lighting incense and candles on her altar, its as if I am in her embrace, and the knowledge that I am loved by her is utterly overwhelming. There has never once been a time that I've called on her when she hasnt responded, and has come even in times when I needed her but didnt know it.

I would be lying if I claimed to understand why a God or Goddess chooses any individual among us as their ward as opposed to any other, but I find that incomprehensibility applies to most of what goes on in the divine minds they possess. It is possible for us to know WHAT they do and HOW they act, but WHY they do these things is beyond me.Nonetheless, it is an honor to have such an entity take such a remarkable interest in you, and you must at all times afford them the appropriate love and respect in return. I make constant offerings of incense, candles, food and wine to Isis as well as to Anpu. (and Asar & Heru, although I do ascribe their availability to me more to Aset being my benefactor than their own interest in me) I carry out full evocation and full invocation at least once per year, and wherever possible I try to reintroduce my patrons to others (such as in this post, for example).

A patron spirit, whether it be a God, a Goddess, Angel, Demon or something in between, can be one of your most powerful allies and is in some ways more reliable than even your HGA, simply because its love for you and protective nature where you are concerned are of its own will, whereas the HGA is merely keeping with its divine mandate to serve as your guardian and does so without being obligated to. It does so out of genuine love for you, and because it WANTS to.

Some Clarifications on Previous Post

2011-09-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

Following my previous post with regard to the natures of the Holy Guardian Angel, the Supernatural Assistant and other helpful spirits I received a small amount of criticism and a large amount of praise. By in large, the response I received most often is "Great post, my sentiments exactly, very true but damn dont you think you're going to piss a lot of people off?" to which I reply simply, yep. For further explication, please divert your gaze to the immediate right of this post, to the "About Me" section, where I forewarn every reader that the content of this blog will be informative and of value to him, but may also piss him off.

There are, however, a few valid points received from people I respect which I'll address here for clarification's sake.

First, the following received in comments from a fellow blogger:

If you honestly believe you can pick out everyone who knows and works with their HGA regularly, who is consistently hard-driving and pounding away at their Great Work with the assistance of their HGA, then more power to you, Brother.

But honestly, I think you missed at least one; and if you missed one, you've perhaps, missed more.

Ok, but I didnt say I could recognize everyone who has reached this point. What I said was "In the majority of cases". Definitely didnt say I have never missed one, or many. Clarifying further, the intent of that statement was to express that in the majority of cases, not all, but most, one who has reached this level can listen to someone talk about their own experiences with their HGA, their means of communication with him (or her, lest I be thought gender-biased) we have a pretty good idea of who is relating genuine experiences and who's full of shit. Put simply, we have a much better inherent "bullshit detector" with regard to this subject than those who haven't been there and done that. We've HAD the experience, so we usually recognize when someone is speaking FROM experience as opposed to speaking on things they've heard from others or read in books.

Second point,

The HGA isn't available only to magicians who perform a certain type of magic in the West. K&C of one's HGA is available to anyone able to perform the work required.

Again, never said it was limited in availability to those who perform a specific type of magick in the west or anywhere else. In fact what I said is quite the contrary - that the rites you use and words involved really dont mean anything at all and you can succeed with Samekh, a song from sesame street or a simple prayer.

All I know is that there isn't one "right" way to gain K&C of one's HGA and anytime this is suggested, I'll confront it.

Once again, I never said anything of the sort. Didnt say anything even remotely close. In fact what I said is the precise opposite of this, so really, what is it you're confronting? You seem to be echoing exactly what I said here

Next point is that when I said achieving contact with your Angel is "NOT fucking simple". Well, yes I did say that. And I was 100% correct in that. The rite you use that finally brings you in contact with this being may be as simple as a prayer, but if you think thats all there is to it you havent done it. Its what leads up to the rite that is "NOT fucking simple", to wit, the years of work, study and practice of magick which prepare you FOR the simple rite with which you succeed. THATS whats difficult folks, not the hour long rite whereupon your angel finally manifests to you. Thats the culmination of years of work, not just something you decide to do on a whim. I'll go one step further by saying that anyone who implies they've actually MADE conscious contact with their Angel in such a way, picking up a copy of Samekh or another such shortly after beginning to practice magick, and succeeded, is indeed full of shit. Maybe not intentionally, hell maybe they have reached out and touched another helpful spirit or maybe theyve picked up a trickster type, but they damned sure havent met their HGA.

Next point, as to the percentages I used, (i.e. 70% are lying, 5% have succeeded, etc...) There was no scientific data behind those numbers and they may well be inaccurate. It was an educated guess intended to illustrate the point that the majority of those who claim to have done this are lying, the minority actually have, and somewhere in the middle are those who havent but for one reason or another truly think they have.

Another question thats arisen, this time from one of my G4J brethren, and one for whom I have a lot of respect, is that of Free Will vs Fate/ Destiny and the reconciliation thereof. My answer to this is simply that I have never bought into fate or destiny, except that destiny which we make for ourselves. I do think there are events in our lives which are fated to happen for some cosmic reason beyond our scope of comprehension, but by in large it is our Free Will that dictates how we handle them and thus what the outcome will be. In that way, we do determine our own destiny. I also think that it is in our power to change any circumstance within our lives and any direction they seem to be heading. I dont believe there is anything about our lives or the course they will take that is written in stone, and every action we take is what determines what comes next. I went from the Cellhouse of USP Lewisburg to the Penthouse of the Nashville Hilton in 26 months, NOT because thats what was cosmologically planned for me, but because I sat, evaluated the directions in which I could proceed and decided the business world was the most prudent and then went at it full steam like a fucking locomotive. I incorporated willingness to work 16 hour days 7 days a week with techniques of Magick, and just about 2 years later I am in a better position than people who've been in this company for over a decade. Fate didnt do that, I did.

On another, lesser, point, it was noted by 2 that throughout the whole of my post I referred to both the Magus and the HGA as HE or HIM, and not as She, or Her. Well, I am a man, not a woman, and while Angels dont seem to have genders as such they do have decidedly masculine or feminine traits and personalities, and mine is about as masculine as anybody Ive ever met, and since Im talking about me and him, Im using masculine forms of these words, not feminine. Thats not to say a female cant be a magus or that there are no female Angels. Hell Ive worked with an angel who was as feminine as any lady I know.

Holy Guardian Angels, Helpful Spirits, S.A.'s and The Genius

2011-08-31T14:17:00.000-04:00

Recently there's been an overwhelming amount of discussion with regard to the nature of the Holy Guardian Angel and the many other "Helpful Spirits" who share some commonalities with it. This, I believe, began with the blog entry by one of a few practicing Magician's whom I respect deeply, Conjureman Ali. It then migrated over to a forum owned by another one of that small group, Bro Moloch where a handful of learned and experienced people weighed in, and most recently popped up over at Head For The Red, where, as usual, RO offers a great deal of insight and wisdom, helping the reader to differentiate the HGA from the Genius from the Supernatural Assistant from.. you get the point.

As this has become the "topic of the day" amongst many for whom I hold a high regard, I will weigh in as well, sharing my own experiences and truths. While I have indeed worked with several of those that RO classifies as Helpful Spirits, there remain some that I have not yet endeavored to seek out, so I wont speak on those.

First, with regard to the Supernatural Assistant, of which I first learned during my initial foray into the PGM. I first evoked this spirit in 2004, and have worked with him since. While I am guilty of grouping him and other helpful spirits under the title HGA in casual conversation and of failing to voice a contrary opinion when others say that the S.A. and HGA are the same spirit, that is partially because I am loathe to get into an extended discussion on the nature of each thus turning a simple conversation into a debate. Another reason is that I truly think its best for each to find his own way to the HGA, and if he has managed to evoke the Supernatural Assistant and is convinced that this entity IS the HGA, he may not be ready for what he is going to encounter if he does succeed in making conscious contact with the real deal.

The Supernatural Assistant, called in the PGM a god, is not the Holy Guardian Angel. While it shares many qualities with the HGA, for example being bound by its nature and creation to serve as a protector and guide to the individual, they also have hugely varying methods and, for lack of a better term, rules under which they operate.

The S.A., although there are some who would argue this point and perhaps some source docs that imply otherwise, does not seem to be a spirit assigned to man at his birth. Rather, mine was assigned at the moment when I finally succeeded in calling him. In the nanosecond of our time wherein we are successful in making contact with the god, force, power (call it whatever suits your will) which oversees this endeavor, it looks upon the individual, evaluates them and their character, strengths and weaknesses, talents and skills, personality and mentality, and chooses a spirit that best suits the you and who balances your weaknesses with its own strengths and vice versa. The S.A., as I know it, is intended to fill in the gaps in your composition and make you a well rounded and balanced man and magician. The spirits who become S.A.'s are as individualistic as we are, some are proud and egotistic, some strong and yet of lesser intelligence. The god who assigns an S.A. to a man, in that instant which unto us seems a fraction of a minute, looks at where you are strong and where you are weak and matches you with an S.A. whose strengths are your weaknesses and vice versa.

Another characteristic of the S.A which distinctly separates it from the Holy Guardian Angel is that it serves your will. Your goals are its goals, your desires are its desires and your quest is its quest. If your desire is to harm another, that is the S.A.'s desire. It doesnt look beyond the request and suggest that it may have adverse or damaging consequences, it merely does what you need it to do in the moment. Whether your actions are just or unjust, will bring you success or harm, the Assistant's role is to help you get where you want to go without regard to whats going to happen to you when you arrive. If you Evoke the S.A. and tell it that your will is to kill a rival, that becomes its will. It doesnt say "If you embark on this path you will likely end up in prison, let me show you a better way to accomplish your goal", it just says "Ok'. Likewise, if your goal is to learn the secrets of the heavens, to be taught of cosmology and the hierarchy of the universe, the S.A. is not the one to call on. While he may know all of this, it is not his function to teach you, it is his function to assist you in whatever you set out to do.

Yet a third distinguishing trait is that the S.A. does, as RO suggests, work on both a celestial and terrestrial level. While HGA is primarily concerned with your spiritual development, learning and ascension, and thus is unconcerned if you are dying to get a BMW, are in dire straits financially or in need of a lover, the S.A.'s entire purpose is to get you where you want to be by being the ying to your yang, and being strong where you are weak. If you want a new car, he wants you to have a new car, and can use his abilities to help you get one. Don't get the idea that by meeting your S.A. and asking him for a fortune he is going to cause a million to appear, or carry a treasure from the nearest hole in the ground, thats not how it works. He opens the way for you, whether by unlocking doors or by kicking them in. He is everything you are not, and you are everything he is not. He thinks in a fundamentally opposite way then you, and thus is able to see what you dont. While you're looking for ways to win the lottery to buy your car, or who you can borrow from, hes looking at the baseball card collection your granda left you and how its easily worth enough to get you that new Beamer. While you're thinking logically and rationally, hes thinking abstractly and outside the box.

On, now to the Great Granddaddy of all Helpful Spirits; The Holy Guardian Angel. Let me first say that of all those who claim they have established "Knowledge and Conversation....", 70% are lying, 15% have interpreted the aforementioned S.A. or another helpful spirit AS the HGA when in fact it is not and therefore truly believe they HAVE Knowledge and Conversation... etc..., 10% have no contact with any spirit and are under the new age proliferated misconception that contact with spirits evoked comes in the form of "clear messages, like really reeeaallly clear messages in my head" or another such abominable lie.

5%, then, are those who genuinely have made conscious, true contact and have attained what Abramelin and Abraham von Worms call "Knowledge and Conversation of The Holy Guardian Angel". And thats a liberal number. In the majority of cases, those who are among this 5% and have ascended to this level, will know recognize one another in conversation or when reading each others writing on the subject. This is because the experience of meeting this transcendent being is absofuckinglutely changing, and there are no circumstances under which one having done so could not be utterly, permanently changed. That change is therefore reflected and recognizable in everything that person does. There is a confidence, a self assuredness, and an aire of authority.

Before I segue too far off track and into the mind of the magus, let me return to the subject matter at hand; The Nature of the Holy Guardian Angel. This is an entity that is purely, utterly and indisputably divine. Wholly celestial. The first time I actually succeeded in calling and standing before my Holy Guardian Angel I felt as if I was standing miles and miles too close to the Sun, such was the radiance and power. Not heat, for there was no discomfort at all, but just the magnitude of power. The HGA can appear in any form it desires and can manifest in many ways. It can take the shape of a man, woman or anything else. Nonetheless, whatever form it does take, however much its appearance is identical to that of something else, you will always know exactly what it is, simply by the sheer power and, for lack of a more suitable adjective, light, radiated by him. He can dim it down a bit, making his visage and appearance more palatable and discernible to us, but you will still feel as though you are staring at the sun on a clear and sunny day, its rays enveloping you. You can be in a closed room in your house, others present in the home, standing before him and convinced that everyone is seconds away from bursting in the room believing it to be aflame and in amazement at the inestimable light coming from under the door, and be sure that no one in the house could possibly have missed that light, onyl to walk out of the room and discover no one but you saw or felt a thing.

The HGA, unlike the Supernatural Assistant, is NOT "at your service". He will be of much, much greater use to you in the course of your life, and take you to new heights spiritually, magickally and as a man, teaching you all the secrets and wisdom you'll ever need, but he does NOT serve at your pleasure, is not at your service and is wholly unconcerned with your worldly and material desires. His Will is that of the Source, the Father, the one who preceded all the gods and goddesses. Not YHVH, Not Allah, Not Buddha, Not Asar or Aset, Not Marduk or Krishna, but something of which we cannot possibly conceive from whom all of those at some point descended. The will of the cosmos, and the divine is the HGA's will. He has been created solely to facilitate your development spiritually, to teach and guide, but not interfere. your free will is your own and he will never, under any circumstances circumvent it. If you ask for counsel or advice he will provide it, but you need to ASK. He wont just offer up guidance, even if the course you set out on is a dangerous one, because if he offers advice that causes you to change your mind, he has interfered with your will. He will teach when you ask to be taught, insofar as what you want to learn is beneficial to your spiritual development and not contrary to the divine plan. He will aid you in Magickal work and provide an astounding boost in power, as long as the work is in some way in furtherance of your development and ascent, and again, not in contradiction to the will of the cosmos. Material things, wealth, possessions, etc... are beneath him, and he will aid you in obtaining them only when lack thereof prevents you from seeking the divine. If 18 hours of your day have to be spent at work in order to survive and feed your family, he can help you into better circumstances in order to allow you more time to devote to ascent, but he doesnt care if you have a mansion or in ground pool.

Ultimately, the Holy Guardian Angel is a creation of the highest, it is of an essence and power beyond that of gods and goddesses because it is a tool and instrument OF the highest, and can move mountains on your behalf, but will not do so unless the mountain impedes your development. He serves the source, not you, and the Will of the source is that he guide, protect and illuminate you as you seek to return TO the source.

Finally, let it be known that the HGA is in every way everything Abramelin makes him out to be. Those who claim that his importance is exaggerated in that book or that he plays a comparatively minor role and contact with him is not something a Magician needs to seek with all his might, are fools and have not achieved it. A surefire way to determine if someone is bullshitting about having "K&C of HGA" is if they underplay its importance or value, or make it sound simple.

It is NOT fucking simple. The rites we use to obtain it may be simple, such as Samekh, but the fact is that the rites, words and conjurations used are absofuckinglutely meaningless when it comes to achieving contact with the HGA. Samekh is a bullshit rite. Crowley basically took the corpus of one single ritual from PGM, because he recognized it as REAL magick, assigned meanings through Gematria to words which do not HAVE meanings we can interpret, replaced the original names with some that fit his own system, and said "Here, lets use this for any purpose at all". People DO and HAVE actually achieved success in contacting the HGA with this rite, notably Frater RO, just as many like myself have achieved it using rites they designed themselves. That isnt because Crowley, or I, am a genius and figured out the specific formula and wording that brings success, its because the rites dont matter.

Unlike obtaining an S.A. which is a pure act of Magick where a well designed rite such as RO's is necessary, when we seek contact with the HGA we are NOT doing Magick. We are beseeching the ultimate, the highest, to find us ready and worthy and to grant us this privilege. If you are ready for it, you are sufficiently developed and have ascended on your own to the level whereat this is given, you will succeed. A sincere prayer to the highest will be as effective as Samekh or anything else. Its the preparedness, the worthiness and the intent that matter, if those are there the highest frankly doesnt give a shit if we're doing the LBRP or singing I'm a Little Teapot. And if they arent there, there is no ritual, no words, no amount of memorization of others writing that is going to make it happen.

Visiting The Parthenon Today

2011-08-27T16:39:00.000-04:00

Today I am heading over the to the Parthenon after work, intent on saluting Athena through a 45 foot statue of her sculpted masterfully therein.

Well, to be completely honest, its not the ORIGINAL Parthenon, but it IS a scale model, precise down to the blemish on Athena's cheek. This past Thursday I was surprised by management with the opportunity to travel to Nashville for a week on business. I eagerly accepted since I am in dire need of a vacation. Also contributing to my immediate acceptance of the mission was the fact that the city had, just that day, begun going absofuckinglutely insane as a result of Mother Nature's latest act of fuckery, hurricane Irene, which is intent on pimp slapping the East Coast wherein I so happen to reside. Personally, I'm annoyed by the people running about like the proverbial fowl sans cabeza than the hurricane, and so I was grateful for the opportunity to get out of town.

Although the Parthenon in which I will be, and the Athena before whom I'll stand, are not in Greece I cant help but believe that the good goddess takes up some residence therein. I mean, a key component in many magickal traditions (and religious ones) is that small statues and idols of the gods and goddesses upon our altar can serve as a dwelling place for them, and if this is so what self respecting goddess WOULDNT want to hang around and in a 45 foot statue of herself?

I will therefore be paying unto her homage via the hymns appropriate to the goddess, and will be leaving some flowers at her feet along with a request that those whom I work with Magickally as well as those who've picked up the Jupiter Talismans and who have helped me out with my candle consecration techniques here be blessed.

Chasing The Dragon - CK Supplement

2011-08-22T12:13:00.000-04:00

For those who've been emailing asking for an ETA on the forthcoming material I mentioned as a supplement to Crossed Keys, here's the scoop. I've finished the work, which turned out to be far longer than I'd expected (3500 words) and it will undoubtedly be of value to anyone who wishes to undertake the ritual of the Black Dragon, laying out meticulously the preparations, conjurations and steps involved, as I made use of them.

In order to make the material accessible to all, the whole will be presented as a pamplet and released by Hadean Press as one of their "Guides to the Underworld"

Jupiter Talismans Consecrated, Charged, and Shipped

2011-08-20T17:12:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to the three individuals who purchased the Jupiter Talismans Frater RO advertised for me last week. Each of them was consecrated 8/11 using methods drawn from The Black Dragon, and again on 8/18 using those from the Enchiridion. They have now been shipped via priority mail and should arrive next week. In addition, since the methods of consecration were derived from the two Grimoires in my book Crossed Keys, I have included a copy of the Rouge edition with each. So instead of just the Talisman for which you contacted me, you'll also be receiving a copy of this edition.

GrimoireMagic.org is Born

2011-08-14T17:23:00.000-04:00

So finally, the website I spoke about some time ago has been born. It has gone from a .com to a .org, although I've registered both domains, and its now moved to an entirely different webhost due to the gross stupidity of the former, but it has been born nonetheless. Thus far it is very minimal, and I've simply used a template site for now until I can dig in with dreamweaver and build something, well, magickal.

The main site is http://www.grimoiremagick.org/, and the aforementioned forums which will eventually be a huge resource for all things Grimoiric will be found at forums.grimoiremagick.org. The site will include virtual classrooms and much more, so stay tuned. Big things are in the works.

Another Field Report

2011-08-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

Received another field report from one of the seekers I took on as a collaborator in my experiment in Jupiterian consecration. For those who've just joined us and are thus unfamiliar with the work in question, during my Jupiterian work with Gentlemen For Jupiter I "discovered" a means by which the God Marduk could be sought for blessings and a relationship established with him by means of an item consecrated to him, in this case a 7 day candle.

Chaver Mike.
Just wanted to give you an update on how things have gone with the work following the initial report from the 7 days.

There have been a few subtle changes in my life and a few not so subtle.

-Financially things are a little smoother. Bills appear to be less than expected. A little more money in the bank at the end of each month type of thing than expected. Neither I, nor my wife have changed anything in our habits, but it is there none the less... and I will not complain. Not entirely sure if this is related, but figured it was worth mentioning.

-I have had a BIG push... i would say internally... to DO MORE MAGIC. I now eat, sleep, and breath it at all times... very similar to a few years back. It is a strong internal URGING to do more all the time. I feel as if a channel has finally been relieved of a blockage i did not know was there.

-My dreams are more vivid than ever since the ritual, and my dream recall is borderline 100%. I am actually quite tired in the morning from having experienced the dreams as if I was awake. I become lucid in the dreams a lot more often as well.

-Lastly, While i have no wish to have any students, i have people coming out of the word works asking me to teach them this or that. People i do not know from all over the world emailing me and asking to be taught. The majority of them are seeking get rich quick magic, or "i want to make jinn manifest in my living room for my friends" type of things, with a few more genuine seekers here and there, but i appear to have popped up on peoples radar rather suddenly and randomly.

I hope that this has helped with your experiment, and hope to hear how your other "subjects" have progressed. P.S. if you will post this on your blog (which i am ok with) please refer to me as subject# or anonymous. i try and keep some personal things out of the public eye... finances, wife, etc.

Shortly after receiving the above, I got a follow up from him:

OH! Wow... absent minded. Sent that before i finished writing everything i wanted to. I am at work and received a call in the middle of it.
In regards to every time i continue to focus on and call on Marduk, i keep getting a VERY strong warrior image. When working with Divine Aspects or spirits, i rarely get a voice. Sometimes i get emotions, but mostly i get mental images. When i work with Marduk now, i continuously get these images of battle of a warrior king standing on top of a mountain. I do not normally get images of this type, and am not drawn to fancy.
Also, in my own life, outside of magic... rather daredevil opportunities have cropped up. For my birthday, my wife bought me a tandem skydiving coupon which i used the next day. My cousin bought me an ocean Kayaking trip for next week. My other cousin bought me surfing lessons.
I am also in steady communication with my qareen (a jinn if you are familiar with the history), and he gave me a rather interesting water and mirror based ritual to try... which i have not yet done as it requires me to make the mirror/basin and setting by hand.

So i see a lot of water and sky influences suddenly being thrown at me.

Overtaken By Events, Again

2011-08-10T12:52:00.000-04:00

I've been quite negligent these past two weeks in keeping this blog updated, and for that I apologize. I've been overtaken by events once again, having had several projects dropped firmly in my lap both at work, at home and in the most important area of my life - My Magick.

For those who aren't with G4J or on my facebook page and therefore don't know, last week Jupiter delivered up two excellent boons on Thursday - Its own day. To remove any hint of subtlety and make its intervention in my life abundantly clear, the first of these two boons (a great promotion at work) was communicated to me at 2:30pm - the day and the hour of Jupiter.

On another note, I have switched web hosts and both GrimoireMagick.com AND GrimoireMagick.org are owned, hosted and soon to be running on a whole new server. The forums mentioned in an earlier blog post will be up, as will a general site where I'll be posting a ton of material useful to all those in pursuit of mastery in this field of Magick. Most exciting though, will be the online classrooms and courses using the same format and software utilized by many universities use for their online education, where I fully intend to manipulate, cajole and persuade others such as Frater RO to hold seminars, lectures, etc...

For those not following Frater RO's blog, if indeed such a person exists, You nearly missed an opportunity he publicized for me to obtain Jupiterian Talismans consecrated and charged using methods and conjurations taken directly from Crossed Keys. (theres one left, so if it sounds interesting, pay a visit and check out his original post including some photos as well as a discussion between myself, RO and Chris Warnock on astrological elections in talisman creation in the comments section)

Crossed Keys - Supplemental Material In The Make

2011-07-26T12:35:00.000-04:00

Those of you who've read Crossed Keys know that despite having offered a big portion of my own Magickal Journal for the time period wherein I first worked from the Black Dragon, including the ritual structure and format I used, I deigned not to include the amended Conjurations of which I in the journal entry for Oct. 5th 2008 to be found on page 94.

There were a number of reasons why I chose to omit the specific conjurations from C.K., all of which seemed quite logical when the decision was made; The foremost of which was that I had hoped that their absence would inspire others to research, read and investigate further and endeavor to create their own.

The book having now reached its intended audience, and having received such excellent reviews as those written by The Conjureman and Mr. Valentine I have been moved my a dozen emails to reconsider that decision. While I do still hope that the aspiring evocator will ultimately study and create his own Conjurations for this and all other texts from which he seeks to work, I have been convinced that providing some insight into how I accomplished this successfully and from whence I drew my own may help the student along that path.

I will, therefore, be taking a break over the next week from my present work and be working on reducing the entirety of the conjurations to writing, as well as providing the structure of the ceremonial evocation of the 4 Kings, and that of the 7 rulers individually and en masse. I have not yet decided how I will release it, either as a series of blog posts or perhaps throw it into a PDF, and further updates will be posted as I figure things out.

Dealing With Inconsiderate People; Being The Art of The Magickal Mindfuck

2011-07-22T14:55:00.001-04:00

A student of mine has sought my assistance in dealing with neighbors who have become quite overtly hostile towards him after discovering his Occult inclinations, and after assisting him in ridding himself of the offending asshats I figured that this could be a topic of use to others.

As mentioned in previous posts, I am not one of those practitioners who abhor the very thought of magick which affects another in a negative way. Quite frankly, its as valuable a tool as any other at our disposal, and when faced with people who tend to make my life more difficult or unpleasant, I am more than willing to return the favor magickally, materially and/ or in any other way which I deem efficient.

The techniques I use in cases such as his, however, are not limited to one methodology. Instead, I use mundane aspects of psychological warfare, and employ magickal means to increase the target's sensitivity to the mundane methods of torment. In the case of the aforementioned student who we'll simply call Juan (since it is in fact his name), the neighbors, whom we will henceforth refer to as Mr. and Ms. Asshat had discovered our friend Juan was, in their own words "A damned satanist devil worshiping blasphemer". (In reality a Grimoiric Magician). This was discovered when Ms. Asshat locked her keys in her car, and rather than making her wait outside for her husbands arrival, Juan invited her to wait in his half of the duplex where she happened upon his bookshelf and its horribly evil content.

Subsequently, Mr. Asshat, righteously appalled that such baby eating, animal sacrificing bastards could actually live in the same neighborhood with a good christian such as he, undertook a campaign against poor Juan to include posting fliers, going door to door to the others in the neighborhood and "doing his christian duty, warning them of the dangerous man in their midst", calling the police with such frequency that they actually issued a restraining order against HIM to keep him from disturbing our hero Juan, writing to the city council, and yes, to PETA suggesting that they might like to look into the possibility of animal sacrifice. (All true, I swear).

Having endured 6 months of such torment, Juan was quite ready to introduce Mr. Asshat to the business end of a golf club, but he'd have been locked up far longer than it would take Mr. Asshat to heal, and so the risk/reward factor just didnt justify it. Next on his list of potential solutions was to undertake a ritual of Baneful Magick, the goal of which would have been to end Mr. Asshat's reign of terror by depriving him of his right to, well, exist. While Mr. Asshat's half a year of terrorizing our good friend certainly warranted at least a good strong Magickal kick in the ass that left a permanent scar, I impressed upon Juan just how brilliant an idea it would be to deliver such a kick to one who had spent the better part of 6 months trying to convince people, police included, that he is a devil worshiping black magician. Despite a well delivered curse leaving no physical evidence to suggest who initiated it, if an otherwise healthy guy starts hemorrhaging from his eyes for no apparent reason after accusing someone of devilry, sure as hell the neighbors are going to take notice.

The goal, therefore, was not to do any physical harm, nor to cause any visible affect in his life or material which could be perceived by anyone outside the home. Where to start? In addition to the usual Magickal materia we'd be using, I gave Juan a shopping list.

First, The Mind Molester. An absolutely beautiful, tiny little device which is capable of driving the most patient and stoic of men absofuckinglutely batshit. Following its delivery, which was accomplished ironically by insertion into a statue of Jesus thereafter presented by a third party as a gift, I instructed Juan to use a rite calling upon the intelligence of Mars and asking him to enhance the hearing and thus sensitivity of Mr and Ms Asshat to the device making it all the more effective. (while this is an unusual request to make to this particular intelligence and not well related to his office, I've found that he is always up for a little mischief. Probably appeals to his war-like nature)

Second, a week after the initial salvo, Liquid Roadkill applied generously to the portion of his air conditioner which is outside the home, which is the part that cycles air throughout the residence. Following application, a working designed to implore the appropriate intelligence to temporarily diminish Mr. and Ms. Asshat's patience.

Third, yet another week into the onslaught, due to the way the heating system in the duplex shared by Juan and his persecutors was set up, it was quite easy to use Sonic Nausea (during those hours when Juan wouldn't be home, so he was not affected by it) while simultaneously using a handheld fan to blow a combination of Cat Yronwode's Banishing Powder and Break Up Powder (to cause marital discord between the husband and wife) through the ventilation system into their side of the duplex while they were at work.

There were another 3 elements to our attack, but the above is sufficient to illustrate the methodology so I wont go into further detail. The end result, as I'd hoped, was this man who'd spent so many months running about the neighborhood shouting from rooftops of devilry and black magick began running to the same people swearing he had been cursed, that he and his wife heard incessant screeching noises at all hours of the night (the Mind Molester), that their house had been overcome with the odor of death (the Liquid Roadkill, which is easily washed away when no longer needed), that they had begun having upset stomachs as a matter of course and that their very marriage had been on the rocks and that he had been visited by "demons" harassing him and his wife ceaselessly and telling them to leave.

To the neighbors, Mr. Asshat's sanity quickly fell into question and he became a pariah, standing outside his home screaming that he could hear the demons wail and their smell their pungent odor throughout his home.

Exactly 49 days after we begun this Magicko-Mundane operation, Mr and Ms Asshat moved, believing their home to be hopelessly haunted and seeking a new beginning elsewhere. The neighbors have almost all paid Juan a visit or stopped him outside, apologizing for having almost believed Asshat's raving and for having shunned him based on the words of a looney, and have welcomed him into the neighborhood,

And Another Jupiterian Experiment Field Report

2011-07-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

From Brother Kostas:

"I opened with the Shield of the Magi from Magic that Works, after first centering myself with various meditative and relaxation routines. I would then perform the daily ritual over the candle, reading the prayer as slowly as possible so that my entire will went in to each and every word. I would then spend an undetermined amount in silence watching the candle and receiving the energy that was brought up in the prayer. The prayer, while short, accompanied by the candle, was able to open a rather powerful channel from which I could feel the energy of Marduk. Each time I read the ritual, I would see images of a warrior in full regal dress standing on top of temple steps. I found myself filled with this sense of power, and might... feeling almost invincible and able to overcome any obstacles. I had to actually take some time to relax and control that energy each time to keep from feeling like I downed a pot of coffee. I found that one of the names of Marduk would continue to echo in my mind all day every day, and has continued through to today. "

Jupiterian Experiement - First Field Report and More Reviews of Crossed Keys

2011-07-13T22:31:00.001-04:00

Just posting some feedback, as promised, from the experiment involving Marduk, as well as some I've received with regard to Crossed Keys...

"I've actually been going strong all week! So far the results have been very encouraging. After the daily prayer to Marduk, I've been giving an offering of wealth incense and whiskey. Have also been heating up Jupiter related items like my cashbox and the cigars from the first couple of times I accompanied the G4J rites over the candle.
My copy of the Rogue edition of Crossed Keys arrived today, it looks great! Thank you so much for including descriptions of your own process in working with it. The framing outline in particular was helpful."

And another;

Just wanted to let you know i received my copy of the crossed keys today, Rouge Edition. I read the intro and leafed through the rest of the work for now. I must say you did a great job. Thank you so much for translating this and putting it out there for all!

Crossed Keys - The First Look

2011-07-11T09:07:00.002-04:00

Scarlet Imprint: "Crossed Keys Unlocked"

The First Word:

Andrew Dixon, via Facebook:

Michael Cecchetelli's Crossed Keys from Scarlet Imprint has arrived and looks stunning, from a quick look through the book the content is equally impressive and looks like being the definative version(s). Congratulations and thanks Michael, this is the regular Good Catholic edition, the Edition de Sable et d'Or deluxe is going to be amazing!

... it is a stunning piece of Work and will I am sure become one of the "go to" volumes. I envisage a few months at least looking into and through it and be certain it will be well used.

Drac Uber, via Facebook:

It is beautiful, isn't it. Currently just over half way through it an enjoying it greatly.

Andy Keys, via Facebook:

Just received my copy of the 'Good Catholic' edition of Michael Cecchetelli's "Crossed Keys" from Scarlet Imprint. Physically stunning, and at first glance the contents look very impressive, too. Congratulations to all involved.

Crossed Keys In The Mail!

2011-07-09T00:16:00.000-04:00

For all who've ordered the beautiful hardcover editions of Crossed Keys and have emailed me asking when it was to begin shipping, good news! As of today, all copies which were purchased and paid for have been shipped and are now enroute. The Rouge Edition, has also been released and are shipping now.

For those who seek a workable, practical system of Grimoiric Magick, Crossed Keys presents what is truly the most user friendly corpus you will find, in the form of "The Black Dragon; The Infernal Forces Subject To Man". You'll find it to be imminently usable and of great power, indeed it represents in and of itself a complete initiation in what is commonly thought of us "Black Magick", taking the aspirant through the initial evocation of the Kings of Hell, to the summoning of the rulers of each day of the week, Lucifer included, to the culmination wherein by virtue of that which is learned and experienced throughout, he ascends and the system as a whole is placed at his fingertips.

Making The Black Dragon even more appealing to the modern practitioner and student is the absence of requirements for obscure, costly or rare tools and materia. Very little is necessary, for the Magick therein makes more use of the inherent Magickal power within than of symbolic representations of power such as lion skin belts.

Of even greater use to those who are hesitant to stoop down into that darkly splendid world below is the first English translation of the Grimoire spoken of by AE Waite, said to have been written by the Pope for Charlemagne, and to be the mean by which he achieved worldly power. This work, while spoken of and referenced in the former, is its polar opposite in that the Magick contained therein are of great piety and reverence to the Catholic perceptions of god, making use of the Psalms to attain that which is desired.

Also included are several pages from my own Magickal Journal explaining, in meticulous detail, how I brought the rites of the Black Dragon to fruition, as well as presenting the rites thereof in clear and structured form.

The Commencement

2011-07-07T01:14:00.000-04:00

So, two of my brethren who have volunteered to partake of the Jupiterian Experiment I've posted about so frequently have received the consecrated seven day candles I sent, with sigils of Jupiter and its spirits freshly emblazoned thereon. It being Wednesday, it looks as if we will have time to begin tomorrow in both the day and hour of Jupiter as directed by the God Marduk, whom is the benefactor of this work.

Having discussed the work at hand with some of my G4J brethen over the past week, finally parting the veil, if only a tiny bit, I was quite pleased to discover that the same message which I received and which led to this work was also transmitted to others among them, lending further credence to my assertion that the old gods, Marduk in chief, have chosen to be known once again. It is my intent to assure that the present work is but the beginning, and to that end I will be redoubling my efforts to expand it.

Stayed tuned folks, by all indications, things are going to get exciting

Karma: Universal Law or "McWiccan" Hodgepodge

2011-07-06T15:42:00.002-04:00

Children, I grant, should be innocent; but when the epithet is applied to men, or women, it is but a civil term for weakness.
Mary Wollstonecraft

This afternoon I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a conversation over on facebook on the good brother Moloch's page. Because the conversation, in its entirety is bears heavily upon the posts I wrote over the past week on the Ethics of Black Magick, it caught my attention immediately and I decided to expand upon my previous posts with some thoughts on the subject, and hopefully spark some meaningful debate.

Those who I talk Magick with on a more regular basis, whether online or off, know that I am a big fan of Bro. Moloch's, for a few reasons. Aside from the fact that he actually PRACTICES Magick, unlike oh so many who simply theorize, write and "teach", one of those reasons is simply because he, like me, says precisely what he feels and expresses exactly what is on his mind with absolutely no punches pulled and no regard for the "sensitivities" of the politically correct crowd. The excerpts from his posts below are an excellent representation of this and a prime example of why I respect this guy.

The dialogue began with a status update written by Big Mo' himself, to wit;

'Karma' has no power whatsoever other than what you believe it to have & only then does it work on just yourself. Your karma cannot affect anyone elses. It's a new age concept brought to the West by Madam Blavatsky & her goofy Theosophical Society"

Moloch further asserted that:

Karma is something for McWiccans & other silly New Agers to hide behind. This is true especially when the McWiccans get angry about something that stirs them emotionally but they're either:

A. Too Lazy to Do Anything

B. Too Ignorant on HOW Exactly To Do Something

Today there's a lot of anger & frustration from the community about the Mothercunt who murdered her own child & walked away acquitted. (Bless our legal system, eh?) Yet what are Witches known for in ages past? Cursing. But what will McWiccans NOT do today? Cursing. Why? Because a bunch of half-assed authors from a Sheeple publisher (ll-EWE-llyn) tell them NOT to.....

And, in summation, that;

THERE IS NO 3 FOLD LAW of RETURN; THERE IS NO KARMA; there was no guilt. Period.

About the only portion of his diatribe with which I cannot agree is that the concept of Karma was introduced by HP Blavatsky, not because its incorrect, but simply because I have never opened one of her works or endeavored to learn even the barest bones of the theosophical philosophy. With that sole exception, I agree wholly with Moloch in his assertion that Karma as it is so fervently preached is fallacy.

My reply, therefore, was simply that in my opinion karma was a tool made use of by victims to lessen their suffering by convincing themselves that their tormentors would be punished for their deeds. While this, like my previous two posts, will undoubtedly draw criticism from friend and foe alike, I nevertheless stand by it as I am absolutely convinced that it is fact. In my mundane life I have broken bread with men who most would call vile, evil, murderers even. I know personally two who died of old age, with more money than you or I will make in our lifetimes after having lived lives of luxury, leaving behind a a beautiful life for their loved ones after spending the whole of their lives intentionally doing more harm than most of the men I met in prison.

Assuredly there will be some who will respond that their karmic payback is surely forthcoming, albeit in another life, or that such are the exception and not the rule. I respect those who deny themselves their desires on the grounds that later rewards will overshadow any present or temporal luxuries, however I have learned through my work that this is incorrect. The meaning of life is not to suffer as did your "saviour", nor to earn eternal rewards by placing others before yourself. For millenia man has sought answers to that question, "what is the meaning of life", and yet the answer is before us as clear as the sun in the sky.

The meaning of life can be summed up in one word; ENJOY. Deny yourself nothing that will facilitate that!

Does the absence and inexistence of karma mean we should simply stop being good to one another? Stoop seeking to help one another along our path? No. It means that we should do so because WE WISH TO. We should be kind, generous and thoughtful because that is how we wish to live, NOT because if we misbehave we will be punished by the holy and unseen hand of god. We should refrain from murdering each other NOT because it guarantees us thrice as great pain as we cause our victims, but because we dont WANT to kill each other.

I am reminded of a my childhood, wherein I always wondered at how kind, how generous and considerate my elders were, even to people for whom they had nothing but contempt and about whom they (privately) had nothing but foul words. Upon asking why this was so, I was invariably told that it was unacceptable to be less than kind. By my mother and her side of the family, the explanation given was always Karma precludes such behavior, but on my fathers side, traditional Sicilians, I would be told that it was unbecoming a good catholic. I found then and find now that both explanations are equally abhorrent. The concept of acting "good" when one is otherwise desirous to do otherwise, or treating someone kindly who, in your heart, you deem evil, seems to me contradictory to the intent of the term. You're not actually BEING kind, and not actually DOING good, you're just playing the role as an actor in a play, in fear of celestial repercussions.

Hate to tell ya folks, but it doesnt count if its not genuine. If such an inescapable and universal law as Karma DOES exist and your only hesitation in using Black Magick, in shooting your attacker, or in stealing a mans wife is fear of karmic punishment, you're just as screwed as those of us who have no such reluctance and do so at will.

BUT, on the bright side, it doesnt. So you're safe, as am I. As is Moloch.

Back To Business

2011-07-03T20:38:00.000-04:00

Having been momentarily distracted from the work at hand by other projects, I am happy to report that the Jupiterian Experiment for which I recently solicited volunteers is back on track. 4 of the consecrated candles with appropriate sigils emblazoned thereon have been sent and will reach the recipients this week. (For those of you who are involved, when you receive them please email me for the conjuration and instructions I promised as well as a fuller explanation of the project's origin)

In addition, having discussed the project with some of my peers at G4J only to discover that the project as I envisioned it intersects perfectly with one that was foreseen by one of them, I am looking at ways to expand it. I have arranged with a local purveyor to purchase a number of the Jupiterian Talismans tradition ascribes to Joseph Smith for the next phase, and should receive them in the coming week.

Anyone else interested in participating, leave a comment here with your email address and I'll contact you directly. (Your email address will not be published)

Periodic updates and field reports from the volunteers beginning the work will be posted weekly.

Defining "Black" Magick and The Ethics Thereof, Part II

2011-07-02T23:21:00.000-04:00

While I am at present in a state of exhaustion, having just settled in after a marathon 6 hour Saturnian working with 2 of the aforementioned students which commenced shortly after 5am, I wanted to take a few moments to follow up on the previous post.

While I originally imagined this second part to be exceed its predecessor in length by far, I find that in the conversation which ensued in the comments section, the majority of my own feelings were expressed, either by myself or my distinguished readers. Of equal relevance is the post by brother Inominandum, who in his usual forthright fashion addressed the issues at hand in a manner quite nearly echoing my own feelngs here.

This being the case, much of my argument has already been made. For the sake of brevity I will not parrot what they've already written, but will speak on what standards I hold MYSELF to, and my own "code of ethics"

First let me say again that I do not hold with the terms "Black" or "White" Magick. As I expressed previously and some of the readers echoed, Magick is Magick. Period. Or, to put it more eloquently, quoting ConjureMan, "terms like black magic and white magic may seem useful, but in reality are too simplistic, for they create a dichotomy that does not exist. Specifically they refer to types of magical practice. Necromancy, for example, is deemed a form of black magic, whether used for good, or ill. Therefore such terms are limiting by their very nature." Therefore the question here becomes "What Are the Ethics of Magick", rather than of Black Magick as S.R. asked. For the purposes of this response, though, I am referring specifically to Magick which would, by ones such as S.R. and likely the majority of society, be CONSIDERED Black Magick.

Use of Harmful or Malefic Magick

As expressed clearly in the former, I have in the past made use of Magick the intent of which was to cause harm to another. More than once. I have become somewhat adept in it, in fact, and that is not at all an admission from which I derive any measure of shame. We live in a very troubled world and indeed survival of the fittest has become law. For a Magus to limit himself solely to works intended to bring about self transformation and empowerment, forgoing the practice of all other sorts is akin to walking with his eyes closed through a minefield. While the mundane citizenry have recourse to police and courts, to arms, and other such tools on which they rely for protection, we as Magicians have been given yet another. While the corrupted teachings of Yeshua incorrectly assert that when struck we should simply turn the other cheek, this is contrary to human nature and to, in my opinion, "sinful." It is our obligation to defend and protect, using any and all means available to us, ourselves, our loved ones and our wellbeing. When another presents a clear and present threat to any of these, it is ingrained in our very soul and nature to defend, attack and remove the threat using ANY means available, and I find that to refuse to do so Magickally when applicable is foolish.

If someone, for whatever reason, be it intoxication, criminal intentions or what have you, accosts you in the street with a knife, are you going to stand there and let him do his Will, or are you going to take the gallon of milk in your hand and knock the bejeezus out of him? If you are at home at night in bed with your spouse, your children in their room, and you hear a downstairs window shatter and someone coming up the stairs, are you going to get the gun from your nightstand or stand idle while praying that the intruder be blessed with peace and a loving heart? Are you going to pick up the phone and call the police, or deem that to do so would be harmful to the intruder, depriving them of their freedom and thus a "Black" or evil action? I already know some will say that comparing any of the above tools of survival, a legally owned gun, a call to police or a gallon of milk, to Magick is foolish. To them I say, you're an idiot. Magick is a tool of which we can make use, like any other, and should not be deemed off limits for any application where it can be of use.

Knowing that the above will draw criticism from some, let me clarify in advance that I do not make a habit of cursing or magickally striking others, and I do not do so indiscriminately. I do so ONLY when mundane means are insufficient or logistically incapable of resolving the issue. When I do so, several factors are considered, including if the threat they pose or the offense they've committed against me is such that I would use other, mundane means to combat it as well. I find that for many who feel slightly jilted, or who haven't the testicular fortitude to confront their enemy face to face, resorting to Magick is all too easy, as it requires no confrontation. Therefore as a rule, one of the criteria I use in determining if such Magick is warranted is to ask myself if other means were available, such as introducing the offending individual to a louisville slugger or 9 iron, would I be as convinced that such direct action is necessary. If the answer is yes, if the subject were present before me I would deem it necessary to go Mike Tyson on his ass, then no, I have no problem doing it Magickally. I ask myself if I was NOT a Magus, would I still see this person as enough of a threat that I'd be willing to go back to prison to remove them as such? I consider if mundane, physical means of resolution would be more effective, and am far, far more likely to go this route than to employ curses. Magick is a means by which we can employ the most powerful forces in the universe to achieve our ends - to resort to its use to settle a lesser threat is akin to using a hand grenade to deal with a bees nest. Magick is the last resort, not the "go-to guy" If other, less "explosive" means of eliminating a threat are available, they should always be taken, but if not, then it behooves us to be unhesitating in our application of Magick.

Put simply,

Dont call a fucking demon to do what a good ass-kicking would handle just as efficiently. If your troubles are such that they can be corrected by mundane means as such, then, as Jason would say, fucking nut up and deal with it.

*Inominandum spoke at length on the idea that working Magickally to develop others spiritually, or to help them in the process of evolution, to be free of harmful traits, etc... without their consent is equally "evil", unless one is "a magician on the level of jesus" and I will therefore not do so here. I will, instead, simply sit here shaking my head and wondering how it is possible for anyone who has made even a basic foray into the practice of Magick to give any measure of merit to such a statement.

Put simply,

Dude? Really? Did you REALLY just say that??

Defining "Black" Magick and The Ethics Thereof, Part I

2011-07-01T01:26:00.001-04:00

Over the past few days I've been caught engrossed with debate which began after Frater RO's excellent post on "Enlightenment Bombing" wherein he details his successful experiment to remove (or supress) unpleasant qualities in an otherwise valued relation. This, however, is not the topic of this post, just the starting point from whence the inspiration for it originated. Following RO's post and follow up, the Golden Dawn's own Sincerus Renatus chimed in simultaneously recognizing RO's accomplishments and lauding him as one of the more knowledgeable and proficient Magicians out here and yet criticizing him as one who practices Black Magick.

While I do hold strong opinions with regard to this exchange, which I have expressed ad nauseum on the good Frater's Facebook wall and blog comments, it is not this issue of which I am writing. This evening's post is one I've been meaning to write for some time now, and springs from an essay I began years ago but put aside. It has been kicked to the front of the queue by the following statement by Sincerus Renatus;

But heaven being a professed Christian, it makes me wonder if Rufus Opus ever Considered The Ethics Involved in this kind of "black" magic? What about the Free Will of Man? And who is he to Actually know what is best for a human being? That Is not the prerogative of God? Is it right to use magic to Initiate person Against Their Will?

The operative portion of the above quote is "it makes me wonder if Rufus Opus speed ever Considered The Ethics Involved in this kind of "black" magic?"

Those who know me outside of my blog know that in the past two years I've taken on a handful of students (offline, not on), all of whom live within 90 minutes of me, and in whom I have seen a good deal of unrealized potential. I work with each of them individually, cultivating their specific strengths and minimizing their weaknesses, teaching them as I taught myself. One, whom has displayed an absolutely awe-inspiring affinity for work of a destructive nature, asked me "What exactly ARE the ethics of black magick, and for that matter what the fuck does this guy consider black magick anyway?"

Defining Black Magick

Before endeavoring to address "ethics", it behooves me to explain that to myself and those I work with such as he, Black, Gray and White Magick simply do not exist. There is no "good" Magick, no "Evil" Magick. They do not exist. This assertion, I know, will draw the ire of some, and yet I care nothing about that.

Magick is Magick. It has many faces, many forms and its magnitude is beyond the human scope of comprehension. The power we wield when we harness the forces of nature, the planets, the elements and even moreso the spirits is something that exists wholly independent of such man-made concepts as good and evil. Like anything else in the universe, Magick can be used for evil, but it cannot BE evil. It is believed by many that rites of magick with the ability to destroy or kill are inherently evil, and yet this is folly. Is a pencil evil because in the wrong hands it can be pushed through flesh and sinew to puncture the carotid artery? No, it simple "is." It can be used to build or to destroy; To write a tome of great wisdom which can change the world, or to blind a victim when stabbed with it in the eye. Likewise, no act of Magick in and of itself can be called evil. It is magus who determines how the power of Magick is applied and to what end.

Let us examine a few situations;

Take, for example, a Magickal ritual wherein the Magus calls on a spirit widely known as a demon, one of the worst and more malefic thereof, makes offerings of incense and even his own blood, makes supplication unto this "devil", this embodiment of evil, and beseeches him to end the life of another man. Is this an evil act? SR and others would respond with an emphatic yes, and no justification or mitigation would suffice to convince them otherwise.

And yet....

What if the target were a murderer of children and innocents? What if the target were the bloodthirtsy dictator of a region engaged in genocide, Darfur or Sudan? Hell, what if the target were Adolf Hitler? Would it still be evil? Would it still be "black" Magick?

Take for example a spell wherein the Magus entreats the "Holy Angels of God", taps the forces and powers of beautiful Aphrodite and the planet of her rule for the express purpose of attracting love for himself or another. Surely THIS is a "good" or "white" Magick.

But what if the love that is attracted is in the form of a married mother of 2, who leaves her family for the Magus? And what of HER free will? Have we not influenced her "destiny" and potentially altered her fate?

Magick is but a tool and like any tool it can be used to build or to destroy. Magickal killing is no less valuable to us than Magick designed to cultivate love, nor is it any more evil. Therefore the terms Black and White Magick are oxymoron. There is only Magick, what you choose to do with it may make YOU evil or good by human standards and using societal norms, but the Magick is just the Magick. Therefore in my practice Magick of a destructive nature, whether to an obstacle or a man, is as relevant as its more socially acceptable counterpart.

That being true, and having made my case for why "harmful" magick is, to me, quite acceptable under the right circumstances, the question again becomes "What are the ethics of Black Magick?"

That question, however, will have to wait until tomorrow.

Cellini's Marvellous Banishing Rite of The..., Wait, the WHAT???

2011-06-23T11:59:00.002-04:00

Under the category of more magickal levity, an entry from Cellini's autobiography by way of JSK's Geosophia.

In his autobiography, the author presents the details of a hugely successful evocation he undertook with others, where "thousands" of the fiercest demons appeared outside their circle. Apparently, when Cellini and his brethren gave the "License to Depart" as prescribed in the text from which they worked, they discovered "demons" aren't so easily commanded and do not bow in obedience, as the demons flat out refused and continued to terrorize the hapless mages who quickly became convinced they would be killed.

Until...

"Agnolo, in that moment as he moved, made a flatulent trumpeting with so great an abundance of excrement as was much more powerful than the asafoetida. The lad, at that horrible Stench and that noise raised his face a smile, on hearing me laugh, and plucking up courage, he said that the Spirits were departing in great haste."

Using our greatly developed Magus' powers of visualization, can't you just see this happening? Lucifuge in all his glory surrounded by all the legions at his command barely held at bay by the magickal circle yelling "Puny mortals, know ye not that I am the great prince of the infernal regions and that I will tear ye limb from... wait, what the.. thats not asafoetida what the fu.., dude, wait, did you just..? Oh COME ON, dude REALLY? You freakin cra.. you know what, nevermind. Thats not even cool, I'm going home."

The Coolest Materia Magica I've Seen In a Long Time

2011-06-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

One of my G4J brethren posted pictures of some of the magickal tools he's created for his work, and I am quite impressed. Especially with the materials from Trimethius' "Art of Drawing Spirits Into Crystals" and the Solomonic Sword. Really beautiful stuff. Check him out here

New Looks At Old Projects Demonstrate The Evolution of a Magus

2011-06-20T17:10:00.000-04:00

In one of my recent posts I mentioned that I'd undertaken to complete a work I began several years ago on Evocation. When I set it aside in favor of the work that became Crossed Keys* (which, by the way, I've just received the proof of and it is absolutely amazing) the manuscript was already at 300 pages. Well, handwritten pages to be more precise, which turned out to be about 150 pages typed.

Now that I am revisiting the work, correcting, updating and supplementing, I am discovering just how much my own practice has evolved since then, as well as how much I've learned. I've always prejudged authors who release "revised" or "updated" editions of their books, believing it to be an attempt merely to cash in twice from the same work, similarly to how singers release several remixes of the same song. This assumption, however, is now proven wrong. If I'd have published this work back then it would have been a thorough, comprehensive and exhaustive exposition of the art of evocation. And yet now when I look at it, I see many ways in which I can improve it, supplement it and add to it.

It also illustrates just how much my own practice has changed between then and now. How much I have added to it and adapted it and what has yielded the best results. For lack of a better term, how much I have "evolved" as a Magus. At that point, having achieved what I considered remarkable success, I believed that I had perfected my own system and that nothing out there could improve upon it. And yet now I look back on that work as just the beginning of what has come.

The result is that this project is going to be a thing of sheer beauty. If I'd have published it back then, I have no doubt it would have been highly regarded as there was (and still isn't) anything of its depth on the subject available. What it will BE when finished, however, is something far greater.

Conjure Codex Coming To Life

2011-06-17T10:08:00.000-04:00

As you can see from the above photo, Hadean's Conjure Codex has begun is journey to manifestation. I am honored to be counted among its illustrious authors and excitedly anticipating the finished product. My contribution consists of detailed instructions for two works of evocation; One Angelic and one "Infernal". In keeping with my policy of teaching only those techniques with which I have found success, the two chosen for inclusion are ones from my own Magickal repertoire which I and students I've mentored have used successfully.

Get the book! It promises to be well worth its weight in gold!

Jupiterian Experiment - Evocation and Consecration Completed

2011-06-10T13:50:00.000-04:00

Amar.Utu, or Μαρδοχαῖος

(Marduk)

Pleased to report that the work performed last night was an unqualified success, and that despite the monumental thunder storms which absolutely terrified my dogs, no tornado occured. The materials for the experiment will be sent to the 4 other participants this weekend, in hopes that we can kick this into high gear at once.

On a side note, two project updates;

First, I am quite pleased to announce that a short work on Angelic and Demonic Evocation, including two workings with which I have had a good measure of success, will be published by Hadean Press as part of their forthcoming Conjure Codex. I am honored to have my work bound in the same volume as that of Frisvold and Dhr. Balthazar as well as all the others contributing to this important work.

Second is that my work over the last weeks on the article for Conjure Codex has motivated me to resume work on a project I began years ago - a full volume of instruction in the practice of evocation. When I set it aside to work on The Black Dragon some years ago, it had already reached 300+ pages and is textbook-like in its depth and detail. Originally, in fact, it was intended to be just that - a textbook - for a group of students I had taken on who had grown weary of the Golden Dawn tradition in which they'd spent some years, and in whom I saw potential. This one will likely take until the end of the year, but promises to be of great interest to all who share my love of Grimoiric and other ancient Magick.

Jupiterian Experiment - Back To Business

2011-06-09T17:02:00.000-04:00

Tonight is the date for which I've rescheduled my evocation of Marduk and the consecration of the materia for my Jupiter Experiment. This work was originally planned for Thursday of last week, but that proved impossible as my city was hit by the most powerful tornado in the state's history which was also our first tornado of ANY size in 30+ years. As I sit in preparation for this evening's work, I just received a weather notification on my android weather app that our county has been placed under a National Weather Service severe thunderstorm warning and that they have reports of the sighting of, you guessed it, another tornado.

Have I mentioned how much I fucking hate tornadoes??

Nonetheless, this evening I am determined to be undeterred, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the work begins 4 hours and 50 minutes from now at the commencement of Jupiter's 3rd hour of the day.

A Recommendation

2011-06-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to drop a quick recommendation for anyone interested in Grimoiric Magick; I've been following The Practical Solomonic Magic blog and I'm loving it. Right now the blogger is posting original translations of the Conjurations found in Kieckhefer's work Forbidden Rites, part of the Magic in History Series of which I am so fond. In addition, today they posted a video which will be of great value to those needing a little help with the pronunciations.

Thanks and Gratitude For Assistance Rendered

2011-06-06T16:49:00.000-04:00

Paimon, as described in the Goetia, is the 9th spirit and a great King, more loyal unto Lucifer than most, who

teaches all arts, philosophy and sciences, and secret things; he can reveal all mysteries of the Earth wind and water, what the mind is, and everything the conjurer wants to know, gives good familiars, and bestows and confirms dignities, binds men to the Magus' will. Paimon appears also in many other sources, identified with other offices and diginities as Paymon, Bayemon and other variations. Although at times classified as a demon or evil spirit, by both renessaince and modern practitioners and theorists, Paimon has proven more forthcoming and helpful than some who are classed as "Holy Angels". At least in my own experience with him which, while not extensive, has been substantial in scale. My thanks go to him for that

Paimon, from an 1863 edition of

Dictionnaire Infernal by de Plancy

Jupiterian Experiment, Update 2

2011-06-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

So, as some of you know, we got hit by the largest tornado in the state's history on Wednesday. Completely unforeseen, without any warning whatsoever, and the weather service had no idea until Mister Twister decided to pop in downtown and say hello. Literally, just like that. Needless to say, I've been tied up. fortunately the extent of the damage to my own property was a 6 foot stockade fence being blown across the street and an iron post from which I hang my pitbulls tire swing being uprooted and tossed like a salad. Nonethless, despite the damage being rather minimal in comparison with others, I spent yesterday repairing fences rather than Evoking Marduk.

SO, while the experiment is most definitely on, the candles and items won't ship until next week, as I need to perform the evocation on the day of Jupiter.

Jupiterian Experiment, Update

2011-06-01T12:35:00.000-04:00

Because of the overwhelming response to my request for volunteers to help in my Jupiterian experiment (almost a dozen of you have offered to jump in, and one even suggested a way it might be improved) and because many of those who have shown interest are perfect for the task, I've decided to kick it up a notch and create, consecrate and ritually empower Jupiterian candles for 6 people rather than two. This will, of course, mean more work for me tomorrow, but it promises to be well worth it based on the divinations I've done.

The consecrations will take place tomorrow, 3 candles at 9:49pm, the other 3 at 2:17am. (3 is a number which is of great power and significance to me specifically and also in magick as a whole) I'll be providing greater details to those who will be participating, but the gist of it is that a full, formal evocation of Bel Marduk will be conducted, for which my preparation has already begun with a progressive fast, as outlined in my book Crossed Keys. (The progressive fast begins with a day of diet modification and culminates with zero intake other than spring water for 24 full hours prior to commencement) During the rite, offerings will be made to Tzadkiel as the patron of G4J, followed by the evocation proper and a ceremony recreating the Babylonian Genesis in an attempt to tap the creative juices thereof.

I am actualy quite excited about this; It promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved, and if it proves to be as effective as I hope it will, a source of power from which we can draw in perpetuity.

A Jupiterian Experiment - Anybody Want In?

2011-05-28T20:42:00.000-04:00

So today I'm looking for 2 volunteers, and I'm hoping to find them here. While my blog is still relatively new and has only 18 followers, the number of pageviews it receives each day leads me to believe more than that number are visiting. I'm hoping that a pair of them will be the ones I need for an experiment suggested to me by a Jupiterian Spirit during this past Thursday during my G4J work.

While seeking new ways to work with Jupiter, and ways that I can do so even when free time is limited or nonexistent, a method of consecration was suggested to me with which I can empower candles using specific names of Bel Marduk and a rite from the Babylonian equivalent of the biblical genesis. In a nutshell, the ritual recreates the creation as it was believed to have taken place by the Babylonians, using the creative forces that formed the world from the body slain one to take the inanimate candle and empower it generally, and more specifically with the energies of Jupiter as that is the planet with which Marduk is associated.

What I'd like is to send two volunteers each a 7 day candle which I will fully consecrate ritually using this method, and upon which I have painted sigils of angels which have become the defacto patrons of G4J.

I have already painted the sigils on both of these candles, as you can see from the photo. This Thursday I will devote about hours to consecrating each candle. While I can't go into specifics as to methodology, it will involve 333 recitations of 3 different names of Marduk for each candle, dressing the candles using Abramelin Oil I make myself, and the aforementioned ritual of creation. This is not a quick bada bing bada bang consecration and will involve about 4 hours of Magickal work to prep both candles, and I will send them to the two selected volunteers for free, no charge whatsoever. I will even pay the shipping. In return, what I ask from each of the two who assist me with this is a commitment to do the following;

*Light the candle on Thursday during the hour of Jupiter, and over it recite a Sabian Prayer to Jupiter and short Invocation of Jupiter which I will provide. Let it burn 1/7 of the way down, and extingush it.
*On each of the 6 following nights, during the hour of Jupiter, repeat the process, reciting the only Invocation and burning another seventh of the candle.
*On the last night, which will also fall on Thursday, in the hour of Jupiter, you simply offer thanks to Jupiter in general, Marduk and Tzadkiel more specifically in your own way. (Could be something as simple as burning some appropriate incense and reciting the Orphic Hymn to Jupiter and saying Thank You, O Jove, O Marduk and Tzadkiel For Your Blessings, or as elaborate as you're moved to take it)
*In a month, you shoot me an email letting me know how the blessings of Jupiter have manifested in your life after the working. Or, if you really do not see any tangible improvement, letting me know that.

Thats it. I will provide you a fully consecrated candle, emblazoned with the sigils of the Jupiterian Angels and empowered in a very specific and very effective manner, which I've been assured will manifest Jupiterian blessings in the life of the practitioner burning it. In exchange, you spend 10 minutes a night for 8 nights giving Jupiter a little attention, and later on let me know how it went.

Anybody interested?

Something Good CAN Come Out of This Rapture Business!

2011-05-21T13:31:00.001-04:00

Just copy and paste to modify as necessary;

Dear Collections Department;

I am both sorry and elated to inform you that the subject of your repeated phone calls, your debtor, (Insert Name) has been raptured and will therefore be unable to remit payment on Account #_______. Per his contractually given rights afforded by divine promise, having been a good and god-fearing christian, he has been forgiven all trespasses and debts, to include the sum of $____ owed to your company. For precedent, please see KJ Bible. It is requested, therefore, that all contact attempts by your company cease and desist.

Should you have any questions or concerns, or for verification purposes, please contact (Insert Name)'s immediate supervisor, Jesus Christ, Chairman and CEO of Heaven, Lord and Saviour.

Techniques of Willpower, Self Control, Discipline and Conditioning

2011-05-18T22:53:00.002-04:00

After Fr. Inominandum's post on Monday with regard to Willpower, I left a comment wherein I mentioned that several years ago, in the interest of cultivating willpower and conditioning myself, I had made use of Crowley's formula from Liber III. For those who are unfamiliar with this technique, it includes the student prohibiting himself from using a certain phrase or word, such as "I", "Me", "My", "And" or "The" for a specific amount of time. The technique further requires that when you slip up in this and use the prohibited word, and you will, you must cut yourself on the wrist or forearm with a razor, "Even as though shouldst beat a disobedient dog ".* After posting that comment I got a handful of emails from different people who shared a common question, "Are you effing nuts? You really did that shit?" And the answer, as my upper arms attest, is yes, I did.

The theory, and yes it is an effective one, is that by training the body and learning to control the same impulses that cause you to react and withdraw your hand when it is put over the flame of a candle, you can unlock previously unknown aspects of your psyche and better yourself. In this way it is thought that you can train yourself to associate pain with a conscious activity, the activity you've chosen, and hence teach your nervous system to respond consciously rather than automatically. I'm probably not explaining it as clearly as others have, but fuck it, you get the point right? Its negative reinforcement and it worked really, really well for me. Since then I've learned other techniques and modifications of this one that work just as well and even better, and I sincerely regret not having found them BEFORE using Crowley's method, as they can accomplish everything his can and without the scars. I will outline a few, so if behavior modification, conditioning and cultivating your willpower are something you'd like to work with, you'd be a moron to use Crowley's.

When I used the technique, I did so to remove what I deemed weaknesses from my personality and strengthen aspects of my character I valued and found beneficial. I won't go into great detail on all of the specific goals, suffice it to say that two of those qualities I sought to remove were sympathy and hunger. Hunger, because I have always found fasting to be of tremendous value, but after 24 hours with no intake but water, I always succumbed to hunger and gave in. I sought, therefore, to condition myself so that this reflexive and instinctive response to fasting no longer applied. The work with Crowley's technique lasted several weeks, and while I do regret having undertaken it in this way due to the physical scars, it worked out better than I'd hoped. To this day, when fasting in preparation for an extended rite of evocation or other magickal work, I feel no compulsion to eat whatsoever. When NOT in ritual prep mode, however, no modification whatsoever has been made and I hunger normally and my appetite is intact. (Ok, as my belly would attest, maybe a little more than just "intact")

The moral of todays post, good readers and friends, is that working on improving your self control, discipline, and willpower is a very beneficial thing. Not only for Magi, but for everyone. Negative reinforcement is a very powerful tool, as is physical pain and these can be your greatest allies in this process. When combined with positive reinforcement, the power is redoubled.

Here is a framework for you to play with as suits your Will.

First, you'll need to select a behavior you'd like to eliminate from your personality. Alternatively, if your goal is not to remove any one aspect of your character, but rather to begin the process of conditioning your self control and reflexive reactions, you may use the aforementioned, prohibiting yourself from use of a common word such as I, or Me.
The Magickal Component; IF you are working to remove part of your personality, it is first necessary that you give life to that aspect of of your being. Sigilize it using whatever method you prefer, be it the Rose Cross, Spare's alphabet of desire, or what have you. Once you've created a graphical representation of it, identify an appropriate rite from within your magickal repertoire and curse the sigil. For example, I did such a working to rid myself of an explosive temper for which I was known and which often limited my ability to respond to unfavorable situations logically and productively. When presented with disrespect, opposition to my will or obstacles impeding me from reaching my goals, my reflexive reaction was to immediately and forcefully attack. Once I'd identified this as, or rather admitted to myself that this was a counter productive tendency, I created a sigil as mentioned above and went to work. I evoked three specific spirits, called "demons" in the Grimoire from which I pulled them. I then made a rather elaborate offering and asked that they tie pain and torment to the sigil I'd created. I asked that they associate the sigil with sleeplessness, restlessness, discomfort, anxiety and distress. I further asked that in any case where I allowed myself to be controlled by this sigil, they afflict me with sharp physical and emotional pain for the duration of that day. My thinking was that with such unpleasant and painful sensations tied to the sigil and what it represented, the human survival instinct and the reflexive reaction to withdraw from that which causes us pain (as the hand automatically pulling away from the flame) would go to work on my behalf, and force the source of my pain away from me.
Adding positive reinforcement to the equation, I selected something from which I derive pleasure but which I do not regularly treat myself to due to the price. I have a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac which I bought quite a while ago, and I traditionally allow myself only one drink on special occasions since Ol Louie 1951 is now fetching $1500 a bottle. During this experiment, on the few days when incidents occurred which would previously have ignited the aforementioned explosive temper and I instead remained calm, I treated myself to a drink and a good cigar.

As you can see, this method goes further than Crowley's in that it provides not only negative reinforcement in the form of pain and discomfort, but also provides pleasure for performance. Both are controlled and experienced by the Paleomammalian brain, and by using Magick to kick that primal portion of my being into high gear, I used the same resevoir of power that allows a parent to lift a car when their child is under its tire.

I assure you, for myself and those of my students who have used this method, it has proven very, very effective.

For those who are still determined to make use of Crowley's method, there is a very simple, effective way that doesn't yield any scars or affect; Buy yourself a bag of rubber bands, the skinnier the better. Wear one on your inferior wrist as a bracelet, and every time you break your commitment, pull it back as far as it will go without snapping and let it go, snapping on the inside of your bare wrist.

To some of you, this may seem a far cry from Crowley's original method of slicing yourself, but having used both with equal success, I can assure you that this technique actually hurts much, much more. Don't believe me? Give it a try. Give yourself a dozen good snaps, then tell me it doesn't. The affect is equal to that of Crowley's, yet no scar is made and no injury lasting longer than a minute or two. The component of the original that produces the requisite psychological reaction is sudden, sharp pain, not the presence of a permanent scar; and that is something the rubber band does better than the razor.

*(That last quote "Even as though shouldst beat a disobedient dog " fucking infuriates me, by the way, and were I to happen upon someone doing so I would take great pride in beating them about the head with a crowbar, tire iron or similarly shaped object) Shit, maybe I haven't completely conquered that damned temper.

Further Adventures With Furry Familiars

2011-05-15T22:53:00.000-04:00

A while back I posted a summary of my experiences using Frater RO's "Communion of Mage & Beast", detailing my use of Magick to obtain a few moments with an old friend, now deceased. Following the success of that working, I knew that Animal Magick would become a part of my Magickal repertoire as a whole, since I am a true blue dog lover. The next experiment I undertake, though, will not involve dogs at all.

I've decided that it behooves me to secure a familiar from among the animal kingdom. Despite the success of the former rite, I remain somewhat reluctant to attempt such a communion with either of my two pitbulls. Until I've perfected this technique and have studied any & all longer term ramifications, I don't think I'll work with them in this way.

I do, however, have a "pet" I'm comfortable working with. Quite frankly, he's the scariest little shit I've ever had, despite my having raised and rescued dozens of pitbulls. More creatures have succumbed to his merciless attacks than I can count, most much larger and more feared than him. Allow me to introduce you, gentle reader, to

SPOOK. The one eyed, throat-less, raccoon killing cat.

Seriously. No, really. This is one mean SOB. My pitbulls are absolutely terrified of him, and to taunt them he likes to walk up to them whilst they are eating, make a guttural and horrifying growl, and then proceed to eat their food while they watch in horror. Spook had a celebrity deathmatch with a raccoon which he won, killing the raccoon and losing his left eye in the process, balking and refusing treatment when I discovered his eye hanging by a thread and attempted to pick him up to take him to the vet. His recuperation consisted of 3 days in solitude in the garage, after which he walked out, less an eye, and went about his usual daily routine of bird killing and squirrel stalking as if nothing had ever happened. Several months later he challenged a possum, getting his throat torn completely out, and while he didnt kill the possum, he sure as hell put up a good fight. After I got outside and hosed the prickish possum off sending him scurrying up the street, Spook calmly walked in the house with a huge chunk of flesh hanging from his neck and his teeth clearly visible from the hole whence it came. Despite this, rather than submitting and allowing me to pick him up and take him to the vet, he again took off running, only to return 3 days after we'd given up looking for him, minus a chunk of flesh and with a oh so nasty countenance, but otherwise undaunted.

As you can see, this isn't your average cat. I'm not a cat guy, never been particularly fond of the elitist little shits and their attitude problems; But I like this little guy, and I think he'll be a kick ass familiar if I can make it happen. For methodology, since I'm completely alien to Magick of this particular nature, I'm going to stick with what seems to work and use RO's script with very little alteration. It's ironic that a Magus whose practice is straight from the Grimoires, who both evokes and invokes spirits others call demons, and who prides himself on being perfectly at home in the darkest of darkness should be nervous about employing techniques of Magick to summon and communicate with the spirit of, well, of a kitty cat. But there it is. Asi es, asi sera.

Right now this work is set for Mid June; And because the previous post described above, Magickal Reunion With An Old Friend, was one about which I've received a great deal of feedback, I'll keep you all posted on how this turns out.