This chapter examines the remainder of the Golden Dawn’s best-known rituals for practical magic. Table 31 lists the rituals found in this chapter along with their abbreviated titles.
Table 31: Ritual Abbreviations
|
LRH |
Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram |
|
LBRH |
Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram (a form of the LRH) |
|
LIRH |
Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram (a form of the LRH) |
|
GRH |
Greater Ritual of the Hexagram |
|
GBRH |
Greater Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram (a form of the GRH) |
|
GIRH |
Greater Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram (a form of the GRH) |
|
AK |
Analysis of the Keyword |
|
RCR |
Rose Cross Ritual (also called the Ritual of the Rose Cross) |
The Hexagram
The Hexagram is a geometric figure that has six points formed from two interlocking Triangles corresponding to the opposing forces of Fire and Water. The interlocking Triangles show these rival energies balanced and in harmony with each other. Also referred to as the “Six-Rayed Signet Star,” the Hexagram is related by number to Tiphareth, but its importance in magic is far more encompassing than this. It is a very powerful symbol of protection that represents the seven planetary forces under the rule of the ten Sephiroth. This is an emblem of great spiritual might.
The Hexagram is the symbol of the Ruach Elohim or “Spirit of God.” This Spirit has two essential principles—masculine and feminine—represented by the Triangles of Fire and Water in perfect equilibrium. It represents the Elohim, the Supernal Father and the Supernal Mother united as with One Mind and One Being. And when these two Triangles are combined within the figure of the Hexagram, the bifurcated Triangles of Air and Earth are formed.
Like the Pentagram, four elements are clearly indicated here. But unlike the Pentagram, which has a separate point for Spirit, the Spirit element in the Hexagram is implied as the fundamental force that binds the Triangles together. This is the invisible Breath of God that animates the Universe and is at the mystical center of the figure.
The penetration of one Triangle by another also represents the penetration of man’s lower nature by the higher and divine forces. While the Pentagram is a symbol of man the Microcosm, the Hexagram is an emblem of the Macrocosm. Unlike the Pentagram, it cannot be reversed or inverted for evil; even when the Hexagram is turned so that two points are upright, the symbol is still perfectly symmetrical and balanced. It is a symbol of matter joined in perfect harmony with Spirit, and it is therefore an image of the perfected human being sublimated by the Great Work.
The usual form of the Hexagram is the well-known “Star of David” formation, showing the Sephirotic ordering of the planets. The six points of the figure are attributed to the Sephiroth on the Tree of Life and their planetary correspondences (Figure 73). Starting from the topmost point going clockwise around the figure we have Daath (and the planet Saturn, which is reflected from Binah); Chesed (Jupiter); Netzach (Venus); Yesod (Luna); Hod (Mercury); and Geburah (Mars). In the center of the figure is Tiphareth (Sol). In Hermetic symbolism this is the spiritual Sun at the center of our being. It is the seat of our connection with the Divine.
Unlike the Pentagram, the Hexagram is not traced in one continuous line, but by drawing each Triangle separately. When tracing a Hexagram to invoke or to banish, remember that there are two starting points—one for each of the two Triangles. Since the Hexagram is based on planetary energies with the Sun at its center, the rule is to trace the lines clockwise following the course of the Sun when invoking. When banishing, the lines are traced counterclockwise. This is true for all Hexagram Rituals.
Figure 73: The Hexagram of the Planets in the “Star of David” Formation
When tracing the Hexagram of a particular planet or Sephirah, the first Triangle starts at the point affiliated with the desired planet, the second Triangle is traced from the point that lies directly opposite that planet on Figure 73. Always clockwise to invoke, anticlockwise to banish.
“What about the Sun?” you might ask. The Sun has no point on the Hexagram but is found at the center. To invoke or banish the Sun, all six of the other planetary Hexagrams are drawn in their regular Sephirotic order.
Hexagrams are only used to invoke and banish Sephirotic and planetary energies. They are never used for elemental or zodiacal forces.
Why not Use the Unicursal Hexagram?
Some magicians choose to replace the traditional forms of the Hexagram with the unicursal or “single-line” Hexagram, also called the pseudohexagram (Figure 74). There are several problems with this. The unicursal Hexagram violates the basic dynamic principle of the Hexagram, which is to trace sunwise to invoke and antisunwise to banish. Tracing the unicursal Hexagram requires the magician to draw clockwise and counterclockwise simultaneously, thus invoking and banishing at the same time and canceling each other out. And because two of the points of the unicursal Hexagram are larger than the others, the energies are not in balance, which risks an overload of some energies and a shortage of others. There is a specific, limited use for the unicursal Hexagram in the Golden Dawn system that involves the alchemical energies of Sol, Luna, and the four elements, but that is a topic for another time.
Hexagram Exercises
The following exercises are designed to familiarize students with tracing the figure of a Hexagram combined with the various magical techniques that will enliven and empower this symbol on the astral plane.
A: Visualization Exercise
1. Begin with your personal Pre-Ritual Meditation Practice.
2. When ready, stand and extend your arm straight out in front of you, pointing with your index finger. Bring your hand up higher and visualize a point of white light there. This is your starting point.
3. Trace the three lines of a large upright Triangle in brilliant white light, proceeding clockwise (Figure 75). Strongly visualize this figure.
4. Now begin the starting point of an inverted Triangle about three feet down from the starting point of the first Triangle.
5. Trace the three lines of a large inverted Triangle in brilliant white light, proceeding clockwise. Strongly visualize the figure.
6. Visualize the overlapping Triangles forming the complete figure of the Hexagram. See it clearly.
7. When finished, trace the lines of the two Triangles in reverse (Figure 76). Begin with the upright Triangle. Trace both Triangles going anticlockwise from their original starting points. Mentally dissolve the entire figure. Take note of how you feel and any insights that you may have experienced during the exercise.
B: Vibration Exercise
1. Perform steps 1 and 2 as in the previous exercise.
2. In tracing the first Triangle, vibrate: “ARA …” In tracing the second Triangle, vibrate: “… RITA.” The tracing of the Triangles and the vibration of the two halves of the word Ararita should flow into one another. While intoning the final syllable, charge the center of the figure with your index finger or wand.
3. Repeat the process with the second Hexagram, vibrating “ARA …” and “… RITA” as you trace the Triangles.
C: Color Visualization Exercise
1. Perform steps 1 through 4 as in exercise A on Hexagram visualization, but change the following:
2. As you trace the first Triangle, visualize it in red lines, instead of white. As you trace the second Triangle, visualize it in blue lines, instead of white.
D: Color Visualization Exercise
1. Perform steps 1 through 4 as in exercise A, but change the following:
2. As you trace both Triangles, visualize them in flaming golden lines.
E: Intention Exercise
1. Perform steps 1 through 4 as in exercise A, but add the following:
2. While tracing the first Hexagram, imagine that the figure is like a key that opens a door. After the figure is complete, state the following magical intention: “To all that is Sacred, balanced, harmonious, and beneficial to me at this time; be welcomed.” Pause for a few moments to take in any images, thoughts, or feelings before allowing the figure to fade.
3. When tracing the second Hexagram, imagine that the figure is like a key that closes a door. Once the figure is complete, state the following magical intention: “To all entities present at this time, go with peace and blessings back to your abodes and habitations.” Allow the image to fade.
F: Divine Light Exercise
1. Perform steps 1 through 4 as in exercise A, but add the following:
2. After your personal Pre-Ritual Meditation Practice, perform the Qabalistic Cross with the Expanded Visualization given in chapter 4.
3. In tracing the Hexagram, picture the shaft of light at your Kether center receiving more energy from the Macrocosmic Kether above and welling up from your grounded Malkuth to gather at your Tiphareth center, where the light is at its strongest. Will and visualize the light going down your arm and out your hand or implement to inscribe the Hexagram.
4. Add the QC to any of the previous exercises listed above.
5. After you have completed an exercise, take note of any feelings or insights.
The Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram
The Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram is similar to the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram in that both are used for general-purpose invocations and banishings. The Hexagram Ritual can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, that of the Pentagram, depending on the circumstances of the working. However, the Hexagram Ritual affects a higher plane: it is used to establish a protective magical circle of planetary energies in the Temple. Pentagram Rituals are terrestrial; Hexagram Rituals are Celestial.
The name “Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram” seems a bit misleading to students because it is actually more complicated than the Greater Ritual of the Hexagram. The LRH is “lesser” because it is not used to accomplish the main purpose of a planetary or Sephirotic working. Instead, it is employed solely to establish the planetary or Sephirotic magic circle in which the energy of the Greater Hexagram is invoked.
Figure 77: The Four Forms of the LRH
The LRH is unique in its makeup because it employs four different variations on the basic form of the Hexagram (Figure 77). These four forms are based on the symbolic images of the elements: the Hexagram of Fire resembles flames; that of Earth looks like the pentacle; that of Air bears a likeness to a diamond or spearhead; and that of Water resembles a cup. Although they are referred to as the Hexagrams of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, they are not used to invoke these elements. Instead, they reflect the presence of the planetary forces in the realm of the elements on the astral plane.
While these four forms are unique to the rituals of the Golden Dawn and its offshoots, there is evidence of them in the medieval grimoire known as the Greater Key of Solomon where they appear in the diagram of the magic circle and are described as “hexagonal pentacles” (Figure 96 in chapter 10).
The Hexagrams of the LRH represent a Celestial plane of working, so the four elemental forms are placed in an astrological order rather than that of the four winds attribution. They are assigned to the four quarters in accordance with the Cardinal Signs of the zodiacal wheel thus: Fire (Aries) to the east, Earth (Capricorn) to the south, Air (Libra) to the west, and Water (Cancer) to the north.
Figure 78: Hexagram with ARARITA
The symbolism of Tiphareth plays a primary role in the Hexagram Ritual. The sixth Sephirah is often imaged by Gods of death and resurrection, such as Osiris, Attis, Dionysus, and Christ, who mediate between the worlds of matter and Spirit, human and divine, lower and higher. This is emphasized by the major invocation at the end of this ritual, called the Analysis of the Keyword, examined later in this chapter.
There is only one word of power vibrated when tracing the four forms of the Lesser Hexagrams, Ararita, which has been described earlier as a notariqon formed from the first letters of the sentence: Achad Rosh Achdotho Rosh Ichudo Temurahzo Achad (“One is His beginning, One is His individuality, His permutation is One”). This affirms that the Ultimate Divinity is unitary in nature. Ararita is a word of seven letters, each of which is attributed to one of the seven points of the Hexagram (counting the central solar point) (Figure 78).
Figure 79 shows the tracings for the Invoking and Banishing Hexagrams of the LRH.
Figure 79: Invoking and Banishing Hexagrams of the LRH
The Keyword
Within the context of the Hexagram Ritual, the Keyword refers to the letters I.N.R.I., an important acronym in both orthodox religion and in magic. These letters were placed above the head of Christ on the cross, and stand for Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judecorum, or “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The Keyword I.N.R.I is used in the Golden Dawn’s Inner Order to describe the sequence of the seasons, the equinoxes and solstices, as well as the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Analysis of the Keyword (AK) is an invocation of related names and images. Within the invocation, the Latin letters I.N.R.I are followed by their Hebrew equivalents, Yod Nun Resh Yod. From the Yetziratic attributions of these letters are derived Virgo (Yod), Scorpio (Nun), Sol (Resh), and Virgo (Yod). These correspond to a trio of deities—Isis, Apophis, and Osiris—who embody the Egyptian legend of the dying and resurrected god. The initial letters of these Deity names form the name IAO, the Gnostic name of God. Added to these letters are gestures made to form the Latin word lux, (LVX) meaning “light.”
This entire cycle of revolving words, ideas, and gestures represents the death and rebirth of the Sun and the self, all of which embody the regenerative essence of Tiphareth in the world of human experience.
The Keyword also symbolizes the grades and work of the Second Order, which we need not address here. But it basically invokes the sacrifice and redemption of the magician’s imbalances and destructive impulses in order to facilitate the complete embrace of the Light Divine.
After the figures were traced in the Pentagram Ritual, four archangels were called upon to lend their power and protection to the magician’s circle. At this point in the Hexagram Ritual, however, it is the magician who briefly takes on the godforms associated with rebirth and redemption in order to invoke a personal transmutation of the self, transforming the Pentagram of the aspiring but imperfect human to the Hexagram of the perfected and balanced human being.
Like the Qabalistic Cross, the Analysis of the Keyword is an invocation rite in and of itself that is often placed at the middle or end of more complex rituals.
The Analysis of the Keyword (AK)
1. Extend your arms out in the shape of the Tau Cross, palms facing forward. Say with feeling, “I.N.R.I.” (Pronounce each letter.) “Yod Nun Resh Yod” (Yode-noon-raysh-yode). As the names of the Hebrew letters are pronounced, trace them in the Air before you, from right to left.
2. Return to the Tau Cross position and say, “Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother! Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer! Sol, Osiris, Slain and Risen! Isis, Apophis, Osiris!”
3. Through the previous oration, gradually raise the arms and lift the head upward. Vibrate strongly and slowly, “IAO.”
The LVX Signs (Figure 80)
4. Return to the stance of the Tau Cross saying, “The Sign of Osiris Slain.”
5. Put your right arm straight up in the Air from the shoulder. The left arm should be straight out from the left shoulder so that the position of the two arms together resemble the letter “L”. Hands are to be open flat with palms forward. Turn your head so that you are looking over your left arm. Say, “L, the Sign of the Mourning of Isis.”
6. Raise the arms overhead to an angle of sixty degrees so that they form the letter “V”. Keep the arms straight and the palms facing forward. Throw the head back and say, “V, the Sign of Typhon and Apophis.”
7. Cross the arms on the chest, right arm over left, to form the letter “X”. Bow your head and say, “X, the Sign of Osiris Risen.”
8. Say slowly and powerfully, “L.V.X.” (Spell out each letter separately and give the sign of each as you do so.) Say “LUX” [lukes].
9. Remain in the Sign of Osiris Slain and say, “The Light …” (hold arms out in the Tau Cross position for a moment then recross them again on the chest) “… of the Cross.”
Ritual Note: This is the end of the Analysis of the Keyword as performed in the Hexagram Ritual. However, the AK is performed in a slightly different manner in the Rose Cross Ritual, given later in this chapter.
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram
This is the general-purpose Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram. It can be used in conjunction with or instead of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram for certain rites. For example, if you have previously worked with the elements or the zodiacal signs, a LBRP should be done before you continue on to a planetary working, because the energies are different and might not be harmonious with your next working. You can then ward the place of working with the LBRH.
There are three parts to the LBRH:
1. Opening: The Qabalistic Cross
2. Tracing the Hexagrams
3. Closing: The Analysis of the Keyword
Use any of the following implements: your index finger, a Banishing Dagger, the Magic Sword, the Outer Wand of Double Power, or the Lotus Wand. If using one of the wands, point with the white end for the QC and the AK, but point with the black end to trace the Hexagrams.
Opening: The QC
1. Go to the east (or center) of the Temple and perform the Qabalistic Cross.
Tracing the Hexagrams
2. Go to the eastern edge of the Temple. Trace the Lesser Banishing Hexagram of Fire toward the east. Thrust through the center of the figure and vibrate the word “ARARITA.”
3. Walk to the southern boundary of the Temple and trace the Lesser Banishing Hexagram of Earth toward the south. Charge the center of the figure as before and vibrate, “ARARITA.”
4. Go to the western edge of the Temple and draw the Lesser Banishing Hexagram of Air toward the west. Energize it by thrusting through the center of the figure and vibrate as before, “ARARITA.”
5. Walk to the northern boundary of the Temple and draw the Lesser Banishing Hexagram of Water toward the north. Thrust and intone as before, “ARARITA.”
Closing: The AK
6. Return to the east (or center) and perform the Analysis of the Keyword.
Ritual Note: Remember, as an alternative to vibrating “Ararita” at the end of each tracing of the Hexagram, you can vibrate the word in halves: intone “Ara …” while tracing the first Triangle and “… rita” while tracing the second Triangle, making sure to vibrate the last syllable at the end for the final thrust through the center of the figure.
The Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram
This is the general-purpose Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram. It is not differentiated for any planet or force. This is an appropriate ritual for creating a magic circle wherein a balance of all planetary or Sephirotic forces is desired.
Implement: Use your index finger, the white end of the Outer Wand of Double Power, or the Lotus Wand to trace the Hexagrams.
Opening: The QC
1. Go to the east (or center) of the Temple and perform the Qabalistic Cross.
Tracing the Hexagrams
2. Trace the Lesser Invoking Hexagram of Fire toward the east. Thrust through the center of the figure and vibrate the word “ARARITA.”
3. Turn to the south and trace the Lesser Invoking Hexagram of Earth. Charge the center of the figure as before and vibrate, “ARARITA.”
4. Turn to the west and draw the Lesser Invoking Hexagram of Air. Energize it by thrusting through the center of the figure and vibrate as before, “ARARITA.”
5. Go to the north and draw the Lesser Invoking Hexagram of Water. Thrust and intone as before, “ARARITA.”
Closing: The AK
6. Go to the east (or center) of the Temple and perform the Analysis of the Keyword.
Single Planet Lesser Hexagram Rituals
There are many variations of the Lesser Hexagram Ritual. All are designed with one purpose in mind: to set up a magical circle that is in total alignment with a specific planetary or Sephirotic working.
Single Planet Lesser Hexagram Rituals are performed exactly the same as the general Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram with one exception: the starting points on the two Triangles vary with the planet involved.
These rituals use the same four forms of the Hexagram shown in Figure 77. When working the ritual for a single planet, the first Triangle is traced starting from the point of the desired planet. The second Triangle is traced starting from the point opposite from that planet (in accordance with the Sephirotic ordering of the planets on the basic Star of David formation). This can get a little tricky, especially on the Fire Hexagram in the east, since the inverted Triangle is flipped upwards. You can see this in the Lesser Mercury Hexagrams (Figure 81 and Figure 82). The starting point for the first Triangle is always Mercury, while the starting point for the second Triangle is always Jupiter. It’s just that the Jupiter point has moved around in the various configurations.
Figure 81: Lesser Invoking Hexagrams of Mercury
Here is a list of Lesser Hexagram Rituals for the planets. Remember that each of them has two forms, invoking and banishing.
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Saturn
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Jupiter
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Mars
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Sol
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Venus
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Mercury
• The Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Luna
Figure 82: Lesser Banishing Hexagrams of Mercury
Sol doesn’t have a point but is located at the center of each Hexagram, just as the Sun lies at the center of our solar system with the planets orbiting it. So for the Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Sol, all six Hexagrams must be traced in their proper Sephirotic order in the four configurations, resulting in a total of twenty-four Hexagrams. This makes the Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Sol the most complicated Hexagram Ritual of all!
Ritual Note: A planet’s symbol can be traced in the center of each of the four Hexagrams in the LRH of a single planet, but it is not necessary to do so. However, the figures traced for the general Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram and the Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Saturn look identical. One way to tell them apart is to trace the symbol of Saturn in the center of the four Hexagrams in the latter ritual.
Sephirotic Lesser Hexagram Rituals
The Lesser Hexagram Ritual can also be used to set up a magical circle that is in total alignment and harmony with a specific Sephirotic working.
Sephirotic Lesser Hexagram Rituals are performed exactly the same as the Single Planet Lesser Hexagram Rituals with a couple of exceptions:
1. The three Supernal Sephiroth (Kether, Chokmah, and Binah) all utilize the four Hexagram configurations of Saturn just as in the Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Saturn. The symbol of Saturn would be traced in the center of all four forms.
2. Yesod and Malkuth both utilize the four Hexagram configurations of Luna as in the Lesser Hexagram Ritual of Luna. The symbol of Luna would be traced in the center of all four forms.
The remaining Sephiroth all make use of their planetary counterparts: for Chesed, use the four Hexagrams of Jupiter; for Geburah, the four Hexagrams of Mars; for Tiphareth, the twenty-four Hexagrams of Sol; for Netzach, the four figures of Venus; and for Hod, the four Hexagrams of Mercury.
The Greater Ritual of the Hexagram
While the primary purpose of the Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram is to create a magic circle appropriate to the main working, the Greater Ritual of the Hexagram (GRH) is intended as part of the main working, which involves the invocation or banishing of the force itself. The Greater Ritual is almost never done without first establishing the magic circle with the Lesser Ritual.
The Greater Ritual uses only one form of the Hexagram, the classic Star of David formation. And only one Hexagram is actually traced, that of the desired planet or Sephirah (Figure 83). This is because the Greater Ritual is designed to open a passageway between the desired force and the magician’s Temple.
Figure 83: Greater Hexagrams of the Planets
If the force is planetary, the magician will need to determine which area of the sky the planet is located in during the time of the ritual. The specific Hexagram assigned to that planet is then traced toward the force in order to draw its energy into the Temple.
Six of the planets whose symbols are located along the points of the Hexagram each have two Hexagrams associated with them; one for invoking and one for banishing.
For Sol, which has no point, all six Hexagrams must be traced in their proper Sephirotic order. The divine name associated with Sol is not vibrated and the symbol of the Sun is not traced until after the sixth Hexagram is completed (Figure 84).
Figure 84: Greater Hexagrams of Sol
Divine Names of the Greater Hexagram Ritual
In addition to ARARITA, the godname of the Sephirah corresponding with the specific planet is vibrated to charge the Hexagram (Table 32). When tracing the Triangles that compose a greater Hexagram, the word “ARARITA” is vibrated. Then the magician vibrates the associated Hebrew godname while tracing and charging the planetary symbol in the center. Finally, the letter of ARARITA corresponding to the planet is vibrated and traced in the center. This is followed by the LVX Signs and invocations to the appropriate planetary angels.
Table 32: Divine Names of the Greater Hexagrams
|
Planet |
Vibrate |
Godname |
Planet Symbol |
Ararita Letter |
|
Saturn |
ARARITA |
YHVH Elohim |
|
Aleph |
|
Jupiter |
ARARITA |
El |
|
Resh |
|
Mars |
ARARITA |
Elohim Gebur |
|
Aleph |
|
Sol |
ARARITA |
YHVH Eloah Ve-Daath |
|
Resh |
|
Venus |
ARARITA |
YHVH Tzabaoth |
|
Yod |
|
Mercury |
ARARITA |
Elohim Tzabaoth |
|
Tau |
|
Luna |
ARARITA |
Shaddai El Chai |
|
Aleph |
Sephirotic Greater Hexagram Rituals
Sephirotic Greater Hexagram Rituals are performed exactly the same as the planetary Hexagram Rituals with a couple of exceptions:
1. The three Supernal Sephiroth all utilize the Greater Hexagram of Saturn and the symbol of Saturn is traced in the center. However, the godnames of Kether (Eheieh), Chokmah (Yah), and Binah (YHVH Elohim) are vibrated for their own respective Hexagrams.
2. Yesod and Malkuth both utilize the Greater Hexagram of Luna and the symbol of Luna is traced in the center. However, the godnames of Yesod (Shaddai El Chai), and Malkuth (Adonai ha-Aretz) are vibrated for their own respective Hexagrams.
The remaining Sephiroth all make use of their planetary counterparts: for Chesed, use the Hexagram of Jupiter; for Geburah, the Hexagram of Mars; for Tiphareth, the Hexagram of Sol; for Netzach, the Hexagram of Venus; and for Hod, the Hexagram of Mercury.
How the Lesser and Greater
Hexagram Rituals Work Together
This section shows how to use both rites in a single working. Our example will be for a planetary talisman consecration. When using the Greater Hexagram Ritual to consecrate a planetary talisman of Mercury, for instance, the magician would do the following:
1. Find the location of Mercury in the sky beforehand.
2. Start with any appropriate banishings to cleanse the space.
3. Perform the Lesser Invoking Ritual of Mercury to set up the magic circle suitable to the working.
4. Trace the Greater Invoking Hexagram of Mercury in the direction of the planet, vibrating the appropriate names, summoning the force into the Temple.
5. Trace a circle over the talisman. Then trace the Greater Invoking Hexagram of Mercury over the talisman, vibrating the appropriate names, and charging it with the summoned force. Visualize the force invoked through your Kether center, descending to Tiphareth and down through your implement into the talisman.
6. Wrap or cover the consecrated talisman in a protective cloth.
7. Trace the Greater Banishing Hexagram of Mercury in the direction of the planet, vibrating the appropriate names, dismissing the force.
8. Perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of Mercury to close down the working.
Ritual Note: When tracing a Greater Hexagram toward a planetary force, there is no need to trace a confining circle around the Hexagram. If consecrating a talisman with that planetary force, then trace a circle around the talisman to focus and contain the force into the talisman prior to tracing the Hexagram over it.
In Summary
Hexagrams:
• Are always traced in two separate Triangles.
• The starting points for both Triangles lie opposite each other in accordance with the basic Sephirotic ordering of the planets.
Hexagram Rituals:
• Invoke and banish planetary forces.
• Invoke and banish Sephirotic forces.
• Open with the Qabalistic Cross.
• Close with the Analysis of the Keyword.
Invoking and Banishing:
• Invoking Hexagrams are traced sunwise (clockwise) from the point of the desired planet and the point of the opposite planet.
• Banishing Hexagrams are traced antisunwise from the point of the desired planet and the point of the opposite planet.
Lesser Hexagram Rituals:
• Are used as general-purpose rites to establish a magic circle for a planetary or Sephirotic working.
• Are assigned to the Celestial elements in accordance with the Cardinal Signs of the zodiac (Aries-Fire-east), and so on.
• Trace Hexagrams in all four quarters of the Temple.
• Use four distinct forms of the Hexagram.
• Can be used to set up a magical circle for a single planet.
• Can be used to set up a magic circle for single Sephirah.
• Are more complex than Greater Hexagram Rituals.
Greater Hexagram Rituals:
• Are used as part of the main planetary or Sephirotic working.
• Use only one form of the Hexagram, not four.
• Are not traced in the four quarters of the Temple.
• Are traced in the direction of the desired planet.
• Are traced over talismans to charge them with planetary or Sephirotic energies.
Rose Cross Exercise
The following exercise focuses on the visualization of the Rose Cross and the vibration of the divine name of the Pentagrammaton, Yeheshuah.
1. Begin with your personal Pre-Ritual Meditation Practice.
2. Trace a large cross and circle in the Air (Figure 85). As you draw the cross, visualize it in a golden light. The circle should be imagined as flaming red. While tracing this symbol, vibrate the name “YEHESHUAH” broken up in syllables as follows: For the shaft “Yeh.” For the crossbar “heh.” For the circle “shu.” On the last syllable, “ah,” thrust through the center of the circled cross, charging it.
Figure 85: Tracing the Rose Cross
3. When finished, slowly dissolve the figure. Take note of any feelings or insights.
Introduction to the Ritual of the Rose Cross
The Ritual of the Rose Cross (RCR), more than any other rite, is the epitome of the Rosicrucian nature of the Golden Dawn’s Inner Order. Like the other rituals in this chapter, the Rose Cross Ritual was originally intended for use by advanced members within the Order setting.
Rosicrucianism takes its name from the symbol of the golden cross with a red rose at its center. Readers have been previously introduced to some of this symbolism in chapter 6 regarding the Rose Cross Lamen.
The symbol of the cross is first and foremost an emblem of conjunction, a joining of opposites. It also represents eternal life. The rose is a symbol of completion and perfection that embodies the mystic center and the heart. Together, the rose and the cross present a multitude of ideas: the union of the divine masculine and the divine feminine, regeneration and redemption, the blessings of the Christ impulse and consciousness, and strength through sacrifice. Additionally, it depicts the four points in space on a flat plane with a fifth at the center. Like the Pentagram, the Rose Cross is indicative of Spirit ruling over matter, but while the Pentagram depicts Spirit as the head ruling over matter, the Rose Cross portrays Spirit permeating the very heart of matter. The Pentagram and the Rose Cross are both symbols of protection, but while the Pentagram is well suited for summoning and dismissing specific energies, the Rose Cross is particularly suited for meditation, protection, balancing, blessing, and healing.
In all the Pentagram Rituals, the figures are traced at the four cardinal points. In the RCR, the Rose Crosses are traced at six points: in the Cross Quarters as well as zenith and nadir, above and below. A seventh, central point is formed by the magician, standing in the center of the crosses. After the crosses are traced, the ritual closes with the Analysis of the Keyword.
The primary godname invoked in this ritual is the Pentagrammaton, Yeheshuah, the name associated with the Christos, pointing to another association with the mediating Sephirah of Tiphareth.
There are seven parts to the Rose Cross Ritual:
1. Opening: The Qabalistic Cross
2. Tracing the Rose Crosses: The Four Cross Quarters
3. Tracing the Rose Crosses: Above and Below
4. Creating the cross within Sacred Space
5. Sealing the Cross Quarters
6. The Analysis of the Keyword, Rose Cross Version
7. Closing: The Descent of the Light
The Ritual of the Rose Cross
The room should be clear of any obstructions and the Altar should be moved aside. The only implement needed will be a stick of incense. A number of other options are also available, including the Outer Wand of Double Power, the Lotus Wand, the Rainbow Wand, or a Rose Cross Wand.
Opening: The QC
1. Perform the Qabalistic Cross (or a full LRP if desired).
Tracing the Rose Crosses: The Four Cross Quarters
2. Go to the southeast (SE) corner of the room and face outward. Trace a large Cross and circle there with the incense or wand (Figure 86). As you draw the cross, visualize it in a golden light. The circle should be imagined as flaming red. While tracing this symbol, vibrate the name “YEHESHUAH.” On the last syllable, thrust through the center of the circled cross, charging it.
Figure 86: Movements in the Rose Cross Ritual
3. Keep the tip of the implement at the level of the center of the cross and walk to the southwest (SW) corner of the room. Draw the cross and circle (rose) as before and thrust the implement through the center of the figure intoning, “YEHESHUAH.”
4. Move to the northwest (NW). Trace the figure and intone, “YEHESHUAH.”
5. Move to the northeast (NE). Trace the figure and intone, “YEHESHUAH.”
6. Return to the SE and complete the circle. Touch the head of the implement to the cross already drawn there, but do not retrace or intone the name.
Tracing the Rose Crosses: Above and Below
7. Now move diagonally across the room toward the NW, holding the implement high, but stop in the center of the Temple and make the Rose Cross directly above your head. Vibrate the name “YEHESHUAH” as before.
8. With the implement held straight up in the Air, walk to the NW corner of the room. Touch the tip of the implement to the center of the cross already formulated there. Do not retrace the cross or intone the name.
9. Move diagonally across the room again toward the SE, but lower your implement and stop in the center of the Temple. Trace the Rose Cross below you and vibrate the name “YEHESHUAH.”
10. Bring the tip of the implement up and continue to walk to the SE corner. Touch the tip of the implement to the center of the Rose Cross already traced there. Do not retrace or intone.
11. Move clockwise to the SW and touch the head of the implement to the cross already traced there.
Creating the Cross within Sacred Space
12. Walk diagonally toward the NE but stop in the middle of the room to touch the center of the cross above your head. Intone the name “YEHESHUAH.”
13. Continue on to the NE and simply touch the implement to the center of the cross already formulated there.
14. Move diagonally across the room toward the SW but stop in the middle of the Temple to touch the cross below you. Vibrate the name “YEHESHUAH.”
15. Continue on to the SW corner and simply touch the center of the cross already formulated there.
16. Move clockwise and link up with all the crosses by simply touching their centers with the wand (NW, NE, and SE). No need to intone as you do so.
Sealing the Cross Quarters
17. Upon returning to the SE, the site of the first cross, touch the center and pause. Then retrace the golden cross over the original, only much larger (Figure 87). Trace a large circle and vibrate, “YEHESHUAH” while tracing the lower half of the red circle. Vibrate, “YEHOVASHAH” while tracing the upper half of the red circle.
Figure 87: The Final Rose Cross
18. Walk clockwise to the center of the room. Observe all six Rose Crosses surrounding you, all connected by ribbons of light.
The AK, Rose Cross Version
19. Return to center of the Temple and perform the Analysis of the Keyword as follows. Extend your arms out in the shape of the Tau Cross. Say with feeling, “I.N.R.I.” (Pronounce each letter.) “YOD NUN RESH YOD” (Yode-noon-raysh-yode). As the names of the Hebrew letters are pronounced, trace them in the Air before you, from right to left.
20. Return to the stance of the Tau Cross saying, “The Sign of Osiris Slain.”
21. Put your right arm straight up in the Air from the shoulder. The left arm should be straight out from the left shoulder so that the position of the two arms together resembles the letter “L”. Hands are to be open flat with palms forward. Turn your head so that you are looking over your left arm. Say, “L, the Sign of the Mourning of Isis.”
22. Raise the arms overhead to an angle of sixty degrees so that they form the letter “V”. Keep the arms straight and the palms facing forward. Throw the head back and say, “V, the Sign of Typhon and Apophis.”
23. Cross the arms on the chest to form the letter “X”. Bow your head and say, “X, the Sign of Osiris Risen.”
24. Say slowly and powerfully, “L.V.X.” (Spell out each letter separately and give the sign of each as you do so.) Say “LUX” [lukes].
25. Remain in the Sign of Osiris Slain and say, “The Light …” (hold arms out in the Tau Cross position for a moment then recross them on the chest) “… of the Cross.”
26. Return to the Osiris Slain position and say, “Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother! Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer! Sol, Osiris, Slain and Risen! Isis, Apophis, Osiris.”
27. Through the previous oration, gradually raise the arms and lift the head upward. Vibrate strongly, “IAO.”
Closing: The Descent of the Light
28. End the Analysis by vibrating the four Tablet of Union names to equilibrate the Light: “EXARP. HCOMA. NANTA. BITOM.”
29. Then aspire to the Light and draw it down over your head to your feet. Say, “Let the Divine Light Descend!”
Uses of the Rose Cross Ritual
The Ritual of the Rose Cross is a straightforward rite for soothing disruptive forces, both external and internal. The Cross Quarters—southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest—are areas where the elemental forces meet, blend, and sometimes clash with each other. Tracing the crosses in conjunction with the vibration of the Pentagrammaton at these points helps to calm and settle these energies, invoking balance and equilibrium wherever and whenever it is needed.
Rather than a banishing, the Rose Cross Ritual is a rite of blessing and healing. It is like a cloak, enclosing the magician’s aura with a protective veil against outside influences. Whereas the Pentagrams of the LRP protect, they also tend to light up on the astral plane and make entities aware of you. Use the Pentagrams to invoke or banish and the Rose Cross to calm disturbed energies and maintain peace.
The RCR is a call to another mode of consciousness. It is a good preparation for meditation, and when followed with the Middle Pillar exercise, is an invocation of Higher Wisdom that is helpful when solving problems or trying to maintain inner peace.
Because of the ritual’s natural affiliation with Tiphareth, it is a wonderful means of aligning the magician with the Higher and Divine Self.
When you are quite familiar with the ritual, it can be done in the imagination while sitting or lying down. Used with rhythmic breathing, it will withdraw the mind from pain and release you for sleep.
The ritual can be done to help others in pain or difficulty. For this purpose, build up an astral image of the person in the center of the room, and, after surrounding the person with six crosses, call down the light upon him or her.
The RCR can be used as protection against psychic attack from the angry or melancholy thoughts of others or from disturbed psychic conditions.
Review Questions
1. What does the Hexagram represent?
2. What is the Sephirotic ordering of the planets?
3. What is the difference between the Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram and the Greater Ritual of the Hexagram?
4. What are the problems with the unicursal Hexagram?
5. How did the Greater Key of Solomon describe the Hexagrams of the LRH?
6. How are the Hexagrams of the LRH assigned to the four quarters?
7. Which Sephirah plays a primary role in the Hexagram Ritual?
8. What does ARARITA refer to?
9. How are the letters of ARARITA assigned to the Hexagram?
10. Which Hexagram Ritual is the most complicated?
11. Which Hexagram formation is used in the Greater Ritual of the Hexagram?
12. When would you trace a confining circle around a Hexagram?
13. What is the Ritual of the Rose Cross used for?