Aether
The definition of the term “Aether” has varied with the period of time and the philosophers who defined it. In the Corpus Hermeticum, “Aether” is generally considered to be equivalent to the element of Air. This is “the vehicle of the vital breath, which has been mixed with Nature.” Sometimes the Aether is considered to be a fifth element and is placed at the top of the figure of the pentagram.
When you consider the situation in its spiritual context, as you continue with your Theurgic ascent, the Aether is situated between the planets and the stars. The initiate Proclus discussed this aspect of the Aether extensively in his book Commentary on the Timaeus.
Consequently, in High Magick, the Aether is used as the vital energy that you can activate, for example, with the pentagram. The Aether is also the celestial place you must ascend through in order to reach the level of the fixed stars.
Alchemy
Alchemy can be seen as the origin of modern chemistry. However, the purpose of the alchemists was (and is) not just a study of chemical reactions. For them, everything in the universe is connected. Your body is a representation of the cosmos. The long process of working with plants and stones is meant to simultaneously accomplish an inner spiritual work. If you are inwardly pure, you will achieve a connection between the inner life and the outer world that enables you to obtain such results as the alchemical elixir. As a matter of fact, all of the external work is just a representation of the ascension of the soul. Alchemy cannot be understood or practiced independent of the spiritual alchemy that is the real alchemy of the soul. Even if alchemy can be seen as a part of the Western tradition, its practice is not mandatory to practice magick and Theurgy.
Alexandria
Alexandria is the famous city that was founded by Alexander the Great in the Nile Delta in Egypt. The first, and most famous library of Alexandria was built there. It was the central hub of a great cultural network involving all the religions and cultures of that time. This is the place where the Hermetic tradition emerged. It is meaningful that this tradition was the result of interaction between Egyptian priests and the Greek immigrants who were working together in a city founded by a Macedonian. When Hermetism returned to Greece, nationalism always remained an obstacle to the universal point of view of the original tradition.
Altar
At the time of the earliest beginnings of many religious traditions, the central altar (which is called a bomos in Greek) was very often a piece of stone that was employed for offerings and sacrifices. Depending on the religion, or philosophical mystery teaching, the altar was placed variously, including: at the center of the temple, in the east, or in front of the eastern wall. There is no set rule for the shape of these altars. They may be: circular, cubic, rectangular, etc. However, despite the variations, it is quite impossible to imagine a temple or church without such an altar.
In the first exercise of this book you will find a description of the bomos as it is generally used in the first degrees of the Aurum Solis.
Angel
See daimon.
Apotheosis
This word means to become divine, to ascend to a divine level. The origins of this concept are found in the historical writings of many ancient religious and Theurgic traditions. In ancient civilizations like Sumer and Egypt, the King was made divine and considered to be the manifestation of God itself. This was also true in Greece. In Theurgy, apotheosis occurs when, as a result of the soul’s contemplation, it is raised to the highest level of consciousness. Theurgic rituals are performed in order to enable the ascent of the soul to this divine world.
Astral
This word is often used as a synonym for “invisible level.” The astral is a substance considered to be similar to the “starry sky.” This is an invisible energy present in the whole cosmos and constitutes part of its structure. Human beings have subtle bodies composed of astral energy. It is possible to use the expression “astral vehicle,” even if this word is too general. This vehicle, sometimes called the “ethereal vehicle” or the “heavenly vehicle,” is composed of subtle energy.
Astrology
For many centuries, astrologers have believed that a natal chart offers indications about our character, tendencies, psychology, etc. Our psyche still has the marks of these planetary influences, which compose what we are in a specific way. Astrology can also be used to calculate charts for specific periods of our life and to understand how the present astral influences are combined with our natal character.
Theurgy provides us with the opportunity to understand these influences and achieve an inner balance. Theurgists learn astrology in order to associate their rituals with precise moments of the year.
Aura
According to the main spiritual traditions of both the East and West, the physical body is surrounded by a subtle energy field that is usually invisible. This energy is a manifestation of the life force in all living things, and can be found in every living being (plants, humans, etc.). This energy (called Prana in India, and the Aether in the Western tradition) constantly surrounds us and is continually being absorbed by our energetic centers. The “aura” is the invisible body that also surrounds us on a more subtle level than the etheric body. It reflects our inner life, passions, desires, urges, etc. The Theurgic tradition uses the same word: “aura (
).”
Special spiritual states of consciousness reveal this aura as an intense light surrounding the head or entire body. The aura is seen by clairvoyants as a colored light that is egg shaped, which surrounds the physical body. These colors may reveal interesting information about the person.
Aurum Solis
Aurum Solis is also called the “Ogdoadic tradition.” This Order is the modern heir to the Theurgic tradition I have been describing in this book. In our modern age, this initiatic tradition has been given different names, such as the “Societas Rotae Fulgentis” (Society of the Blazing Wheel) and the “Order of the Sacred Word.” Eventually this society took the name of Order of the Aurum Solis in 1897, thereby continuing the Golden Chain of the adepts under its various aspects. From the earliest time, as in modern time, the Order has been governed by a Collegium Cathedrarum, which is presided over by the Lifetime Grand Master and the Associate Grand Master. The Aurum Solis is one of the very rare examples of a stable initiatic Order that can be proud of its heritage.
From its inception, the Ordo Aurum Solis has included what is called a “Guild.” The Guilds of the Aurum Solis are a very old custom of the Order. They are inner groups of the Order, which gather together as initiated members who have specialized in a particular field of the tradition (i.e. philosophy, divination, alchemy, the ancient Mysteries of a specific divinity, Renaissance magick, etc.). Some of these guilds are dormant, others active. These members are researching, experimenting, and working under the supervision of the Collegium Cathedrarum of the Order.
More at: http://www.aurumsolis.info
Body and Body of Light
See Part 6 of the book.
Cave (Allegory of the Cave)
The philosopher Plato used the allegory of the cave to represent our human condition; the way we live in this material world. Two worlds are considered: 1) the real world outside of the cave, and 2) the world of illusions inside the cave. We live in the latter. There are different levels of delusions that we suffer from as a result of our condition. Most of these delusions are the result of our lack of memory and the influence of our senses. Our goal is to remember the ideal world we inhabited before being enslaved in the cave. When this memory emerges, we will be able to undertake the journey that will enable us to leave the cave.
This allegory also represents the situation of our souls being embodied in a physical body. Leaving the cave (in the allegory) is the same as performing the Theurgic work that liberates our soul from our body.
Centers of Power
The aura is the subtle energy that surrounds us. There are different levels of energy, some closer to our body, others further away and more subtle. The etheric body is believed to be the closest to the physical body. In Platonic theology we would call this etheric body the “thumos (
).”
This subtle body is crisscrossed with a web of energetic waves and currents. Their interconnections constitute hubs we might call “centers of energy.” Some of them are minor centers, others are major centers. The major hubs create powerful vortices that create effects not limited to this etheric body. As with hurricanes, the more powerful the vortex is, the higher this energy rises. Consequently, some of the major centers create real channels between the physical body and the highest subtle bodies, such as the “aura” and above. The number of these centers varies depending on which system you are reading. The system of High Magick (Theurgy) uses seven centers that are related to the seven planets, and the seven Greek vowels. This is generally the same number of centers used in the Eastern traditions. The Qabalistic map generally uses five centers, which are located on what is called the “central column” of the Qabalistic Tree.
Daimon
It is essential to make a clear distinction between the terms “demon” or “devil” and daimon. In Classical philosophy, such as the Neoplatonic tradition, a daimon is an intermediary between divinities and humans. Christianity created the word demon to characterize invisible spirits that are evil. If we want to find a modern equivalent to the beings we have called “daimons,” they are equivalent to the angels of the Christian theology. Daimons are not limited to their role of messengers. A specific daimon is supposed to be attached to everyone at birth. Plato sometimes described the personal daimon as a “Guardian Angel,” sometimes as an intermediary or even as the soul of the incarnated being. The definition of daimon has been hotly debated in the Neoplatonic tradition and is very important in High Magick.
Declamations
There are various kinds of vocalizations during the rituals. One is the “declamation” and the other is the “vibration” (see Glossary). When you make a declamation, an entire text (of whatever length) is vocalized with reverence and a deep conviction. There are two essential aspects to keep in mind if you want to use a declamation in a Theurgic ritual: 1) The declamation must be made out of a deep love (not fear or a sense of superiority); 2) The declamation must be performed on both the subtle and physical levels at the same time. You must receive special training in order to be able to do that correctly.
It is also necessary to mention that the language used in the declamations is important. For example, the results achieved when you use Greek are different than the result you get when you use Hebrew. You may get an unbalanced result if you use a language that is not appropriate to the specific egregore you are utilizing in the ritual. Theurgists must be aware of that if they want to have a safe spiritual journey.
Divination
The Western tradition teaches that everything in the cosmos is connected. Just as the weather affects everyone on our planet, every phenomenon, declamation, and ritual has an impact on us and consequences in our life. Knowing the associations between things that have no apparent association allows us to understand the cause of our current circumstances. The same concept can also be applied to divination. If we know how to identify real signs, we will be able to understand their meanings. Divination is a very important part of the Western tradition, and is commonly used in Theurgic Orders such as Aurum Solis. A theurgist always employs his intellectual mind when he uses divination to analyze the signs so that he will not fall into superstitious behavior. There are various techniques used to divine signs, including: trance, rousing the planes, scrying, reading signs in water, etc.
Divine
Divine is a general term that characterizes the highest spiritual level of something. In the Theurgic tradition, the “Divine World” is the “World of the Ideas,” which contains the principles of everything we see in our physical world.
The “divine” can also be understood to be the “ineffable good,” the “principle,” which is present everywhere in the cosmos.
Divinities
There is no breach in the cosmos. Everything is connected and there is a relationship among all beings. Consequently, there are different levels of divinities between our world and the “divine,” the “ineffable good,” which may sometimes be referred to with the very limited word “God” without any consideration of gender. The “highest” divinities (hypercosmic) create the essence of other “lower” divinities, the Spirits, and the Souls. The “lower” divinities create the world, provide the harmony between human beings, give us life, and maintain the ultimate harmony. As these divinities are close to us, their shapes have been described (written about, drawn, sculpted) by numerous authors and artists. They have been the subject of a multitude of representations.
Egregore
This is an invisible power that is the result of a group working together ritually. This egregore may progressively become autonomous and independent from its source.
We are composed of two parts: a spiritual (invisible) part and a material (visible) part. Groups are also composed of these two aspects. Any group can be considered to be a meeting of visible and invisible bodies. There is more in a group than the mere sum of its parts. A ritual group (lodge, coven, chapter, etc.) gives birth all throughout its existence, and during each of its ritual practices to a kind of independent psychological creature, which progressively develops its own unique character, thereby becoming more and more effective as an egregore. This identity is bigger than any individual participant and is commonly considered by initiates to be something called an egregore or a “thought-form” (to use the Theosophical expression created by Russian occultist Helena P. Blavatski). Over the years this archetype sometimes becomes autonomous. This may be helpful or not, depending on whether the character of the group (and therefore the egregore) is well-balanced.
Elements
See Part 5, “the Four Elements.”
Ennead
The Ennead is a group of nine divinities. As worshipped in Heliopolis (Egypt) the Ennead was composed of the Gods Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys.
In the Theurgic tradition, the Ennead is also considered to be the Ogdoad (see Glossary) plus Thoth, as well as the level of the cosmos that is reached when the initiate crosses the level of the starry sky.
Exotericism
This word has the opposite meaning of esotericism. The phrase “esoteric teachings” means “teachings from the inside,” or “knowledge that is hidden from the public.” In the mystery school of Pythagoras, students were divided into non-initiates and initiates. From this separation, came the idea of an inner circle and an outer circle. Thus, exotericism provides the outer (mundane) explanations of private (inner) knowledge.
Geobiology
Geobiology can be seen as an interdisciplinary field that explores interactions between the earth and the heavens. I might say that geobiology is the Western version of feng shui. Even if the word was coined in modern times, this knowledge is ancient and was used by the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architects. They used their knowledge of cosmo-telluric radiations and geobiology to determine the location on which they would build their cities, homes, any rooms within rooms, etc. They also utilized the services of “water witches.” In Theurgy, this knowledge is used to build the temple and choose the place where rituals are performed outside. This ability is part of the training of a Theurgist. In Aurum Solis, this is a major study of the Guild called “The Green Flame of Albion.”
Hermes Trismegistus
It is possible that Hermes Trismegistus was the fictional representation of a master. Many teachings and writings (probably by several other authors) were attributed to him. These teachings and writings were developed in Egypt during the Ptolemaic Period and expanded over the first few centuries of that period. The God Hermes was later associated with the divine figure of the Egyptian God Thoth by the Hermetists. The Corpus Hermeticum (his surviving collected teachings) is considered by all Hermetic initiates to be a sacred book. If you compare this book with the books of other religions you will find that this text is one of the very rare sacred books that contains no violent writings and no exhortation to intolerance.
Illumination
The meaning of this word is different in the Eastern and Western traditions. In the Mediterranean, pre-Christian, and Western Hermetic traditions, the term “illumination” is used to mean “a contemplation of the Divine.” In this spiritual contemplation, the Soul partakes of divine beauty, wisdom, and truth. However, this process does not entail the dissolution of the Soul. Rather, the Soul’s own essence is preserved. The Western tradition provides a variety of practices intended to facilitate the ascent to this level, including: prayer, meditation, ritual exercises, Theurgy, etc.
Initiation
An initiation is a specific ceremony that is used in an “initiatic tradition.” A special ritual is used to create a special effect in a candidate who generally doesn’t know the details of this ceremony. This latter uses various symbols, words, gestures, perfumes, sounds, etc. These kinds of specific ceremonies come from the ancient Mysteries in the Mediterranean world. They are either symbolic or Theurgic. In the first case, their effect will only be psychological. In the latter the ceremony is performed simultaneously on the physical and spiritual levels. This kind of performance requires that the initiators are extremely well-trained. The result for the initiate is a positive effect that is not limited to his human level and that constitutes a very essential aid so that they can progress substantially in their initiatic journey.
Lamen
This word is used to indicate a kind of pendant worn by a Theurgist (or any magician) during a given ritual. Different symbols can be represented (engraved or colored) to distinguish a ritualistic function or any power the Theurgist wishes to associate with his work.
Depending on the purpose of the ritual, the lamen may be blessed or ritually consecrated.
Magic, Magick, Theurgy
See Part 2, “Theurgy, the Divine Magick.”
Magnetism
Magnetism is an invisible energy that is present everywhere in the universe. I might describe this energy as electricity, terrestrial magnetism, or as a flux of particles moving throughout the cosmos. According to spiritualists (and those with psychic vision) this astral energy is a fluid that gives life to human cells, providing health by causing a good balance and circulation at the different levels of our being. Initiates from every period in human history, living on every continent, have written about these “Bodies of Light.” (See the entry “aura” in this Glossary.)
Meditation
Meditation is an inner process that allows us to create a more balanced life and helps us to develop the spiritual dimension of our lives. The Eastern and Western traditions have evolved different methods for meditating. The fundamental differences in these two systems are the result of the differences in the unique cultural heritages and archetypal subconscious of these two groups of people. There are some similarities and some marked differences in the two systems. As explained earlier, Freemasonry has its own tradition, which provides its adherents with a very interesting and original system for learning to meditate.
Metempsychosis
Also called reincarnation, this word means “the transmigration of souls.” According to Western beliefs, souls are immortal and are embodied in order to improve their knowledge and experience. Every life is an opportunity for progress, until the soul reaches the level of the divinities, and eventually becomes divine.
See also Part 6.
Mysteries and Mystery schools
In ancient Greece (approximately 2000 BCE) there were several groups of highly developed initiates. These groups were generally formed around their interest in a particular divine story, such as Orpheus, Demeter, Mithras, Isis, etc. These myths emphasized teachings about the afterlife and personal destiny. Special rituals and initiations allowed the candidates to directly experiment with these teachings in order to achieve an inner knowledge of these “truths.” After these ceremonies, personal fears regarding destiny and death were resolved (no longer traumatic) and the initiates were able to prepare for the end of their physical lives and rebirth through reincarnation (metempsychosis).
Myth
A myth is a story that describes the life and mythology surrounding a God, Gods, or Goddesses. Even though some myths may have certain historical events as part of their story line, the fundamental characteristic of myths is that they utilize potent universal symbols to evoke certain states and to teach. Myths are the foundation of the sacred books of every religion, including: Christianity, Hinduism, etc. Other myths gave birth to the various Mystery Schools.
Numerology
In several ancient alphabets (Greek, Hebrew, Latin, etc.) the letters were also used to represent numbers. For example 1=A=Aleph=Alpha, 2=B=Beth=Beta, etc. Thus, a sequence of letters that formed a word might also have a numerical value that would yield further meaning about the word by comparing it to other words that had the same value. This comparison offered valuable information that would otherwise be hidden. Numerology evolved from this characteristic of ancient alphabets. Numerologists attempt to extract hidden meanings from words by comparing words whose numerical value is equivalent. Numerologists also (conversely) use words to find the hidden meaning in numbers that occur in sacred works and other important documents. The main problem with numerology is that it does not have a consistent table of correspondences that can reliably be used to relate the various ancient alphabets. This problem is due to the fact that ancient alphabets do not have an equal number of letters, and Hebrew (and some other ancient languages) has only consonants. Thus, modern numerology has invented correspondences that are not always perfectly logical.
Ogdoad
See Part 1, “Egypt—Birth of the Theurgic Tradition.”
Pagan
In the year 356, Constance II, successor to Constantine, forbade the celebration of traditional rituals and ordered that all temples be closed. Christians were looking for a name for the traditional believers of the Immortal Divinities, and they eventually called them “Pagans” (peasants). However, the essence of one religion cannot be legitimately classified by another religion. No belief system is superior or inferior to another. Consequently, the Immortal Divinities continue to be immortal and they still have many followers today. These followers may be called Wiccans, Hermetists, Theurgists, etc. The essence of this religious tradition is tolerance. Pagans consider all non-violent religions to be respectable ways of searching for the divine.
Path of Return
This is the spiritual journey of our soul ascending from the physical world to the spiritual world. It is not necessary to die in order to perform this ascent. Our soul can use meditation and ritual in order to utilize its personal vehicle and accomplish this essential training.
Philosophy
See Part 2, “The Love of Wisdom.”
Polytheism
This is a religion that believes in the existence of multiple divinities. Prior to the first century every religion involved several Gods and Goddesses. Consequently, polytheism is a religion without dogma that allows each person to choose the divinity of his tribe, family, etc. He can also choose his own divinity, or associate several divinities, or even change his choice of divinity more than once during his lifetime. Philosophers and Theurgists believe in the idea of a “Supreme Good,” which is situated above everything. In any case this idea does not contradict the concept of the existence of other divinities.
Later in history, a new dogmatic religious tradition called monotheism tried to eliminate other forms of religion in order to impose their unique view of the universe, and their way of reaching the sacred on the world. Ultimately this aggression did not succeed, even though this association among political power, religion, and dogma still dominate the religious panorama worldwide. It is good to remember that we cannot speak about progress in religion. No religious belief system is superior to any another belief system. The exception is this: no one religion has the right to claim they have the unique truth, nor can any one system impose their ideas by using violence on others.
Postures
Postures are movements and positions that are used at a specific moment during a ritual. Your body is composed of energy and surrounded by subtle bodies. Specific physical positions or movements can activate this invisible energy in a specific way. In group rituals, postures can be combined in a precise choreography that intensifies their effect.
Presigillum
In the Aurum Solis tradition the “presigillum” is the first of three parts that comprise a sigil (magical signature).
This symbol intensifies the power that is invoked by drawing on the visible and invisible levels of the symbol used.
The two other parts of the sigil are the sigillic line (with circles) and the terminal. Generally, the sigillic line is constructed using sacred words and names. The letters of the sacred names are organized in a specific way on a magic square. By tracing the name letter by letter on the magic square, you can easily obtain a signature to which you can add the associated presigillum needed to invoke the sacred power. It is difficult to know exactly how the presigillums originated. Their origin could be the result of the rituals of oracles, or deformations of ancient languages.
Qabalah
Qabalah is a set of esoteric teachings about the Torah. This tradition includes several aspects. Some are focused on a kind of spiritual meditation, others on magical practices. However, all of them are founded on texts, such as the Sepher Yetzirah and the Zohar. Qabalists study the texts in order to understand their occult or hidden meanings.
Qabalah is considered to be one map of the world, other maps being (for example) Neoplatonism, Hermetism, Hinduism, etc.
As Qabalah has been used for many centuries in the Western tradition, Theurgists believe that its teachings are important to enable us to understand books that come from the past. Qabalah is also an interesting tool that we may use to explore different levels of consciousness. However, Qabalah remains one particular expression of the Western world, which is associated with monotheism.
Rose-Cross
This term refers to certain esoteric groups that came into being after the publication in Germany (1614–1616) of the fundamental writings of the Rose-Cross by John Valentin Andreae and his “circle” of friends. After these publications, the Rose-Cross was developed along two main lines: one was Masonic, the other one Hermetic. In the twentieth century several other initiatic Rose-Cross orders were created. The Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross was the first one to be unveiled (more at www.okrc.org).
Soul—Spirit
See Part 6 of this book.
Symbol
Symbols are visual images that are considered to be linked to a spiritual reality. They can be found in texts, myths, or rituals. Consequently, using symbols is a very efficient way to learn about spiritual realities. There are ways to ritually animate a symbol in order to use its link with the spiritual reality it represents in order to manifest this higher power.
Talisman
A talisman is a pictorial representation comprised of geometric symbols, sacred characters, magical squares, etc. It is possible for this drawing, engraving, or painting to have an effect on an invisible plane.
Tarot
The Tarot, derived from the Tarot de Marseille, has primarily been used in three ways over the last several centuries:
1. As simple playing cards without other intention or derived meaning;
2. As a system founded on an esoteric basis, for the purpose of divination;
3. The Tarot was created to invoke specific invisible forces, to generate energies present both within you (microcosm) and at universal levels (macrocosm). Each card or Arcanum represents a state of consciousness and a particular energy, which can be invoked and used in a ritual. The Tarot keys that you use in divination are also talismans that are connected to the most ancient archetypes; they are symbols that can generate specific states of consciousness.
The modern Tarot has been copied thousands of times, unfortunately preserving fundamental errors due to its unnatural association with the Hebrew Qabalah. For example, the number of Arcana was reduced to twenty-two in order to correspond to the number of Hebrew letters, even though the original system was composed of twenty-four divine powers. To know more about that and discover the Aurum Solis Tarot, you can read my book: The Divine Arcana of the Aurum Solis, from which this definition is partly excerpted.
Temple
A temple is a place separated from the world and consecrated by specific rituals that confer to it a sacred character. In the Western Pagan tradition we make a distinction between two sacred spaces.
The first kind of sacred space is called a “temenos” in Greek. This is the place where the representations of the divinities stand and are worshipped.
The second kind is called a “Telesterion.” This is a private space that is restricted to initiates. This is a room (which has no specified size and shape) in which initiations are performed.
Aurum Solis uses the same kind of Egypto-Hellenic temple that the Ogdoadic tradition uses, because they are both derived from that same source. Ultimately, Aurum Solis also use a temple that is directly related to the Egyptian temples.
Thought-form
This is a Theosophical expression invented by Helena P. Blavatski. As an archetype, a thought-form is the result of a conjunction of wills, thoughts, and ritual actions. Over many years, this sort of archetype can sometimes become autonomous.
Vibration
When rituals are performed, different texts are declaimed. Various sacred names are also used and they can be pronounced loudly or vibrated. The note, pitch, and duration of the pronunciation of such names are a secret that is taught orally. Even if you receive an explanation from a book about how to do this, it is worthwhile to receive the complete training from someone who is qualified to teach you how to feel and understand the right way to vibrate the words. This vibration will allow the magician to increase the power that is invoked in a more efficient way. Sometimes “harmonic sounds” can also be used as a vibration.
Visualization
Visualization is the primary key to the effectiveness of any magical and Theurgic rituals. Visualization involves an ability to focus our mind on a specific image or idea. As the purpose is ritual, visualization is not limited to the physical world. The mental representation generates a concentration of energy that gives life to the phenomenon. Training our visualization is paramount.
Vowels
Since the time of the Egyptian temples, pronunciations of combinations of vowels have always been considered to be a powerful and very efficient part of rituals. The seven vowels have been progressively associated with the seven planets. Theurgists and initiates of the Aurum Solis are still using vowels in the same way described in Exercise 5, which is provided in this book. Vowels are not always used individually and they are sometimes used in combination. Rhythmic repetitions are also used during rituals as well as when you are performing a ritual outside.
Weapon
Some Western traditions talk about “magical weapons.” According to the Theurgic point of view, no weapons are necessary if you base your ritual work on a principle of ascent to the Light and a good balance of your different energetic bodies. A weapon might be useful if you are working with an attitude of fear and expecting to have to fight something. In High Magick, it seems more appropriate to use the words “magical tool.” We can talk about “elemental tools,” which are used to invoke the power of the elements or “major tools,” such as the spear for example. Each one has its specific attribution and use.
Worlds
The concept of different worlds is very old. The basic idea is to consider two different worlds, one visible and material, and the second invisible and spiritual. Even if this distinction is sufficient to describe most magical work, each tradition explains the cosmos with different maps and consequently uses different models, maps, and teachings.
For Qabalah, there are four different worlds: Assiah (the material plane), Yetzirah (the astral plane), Briah (the mental plane), and Atziluth (the divine plane).
For the Theurgic tradition and the Chaldaean representation of the world, there are three principal worlds, which are: the Empyrean (the highest level), the Ethereal (the median level), and the Hylic (the lowest level). Iamblichus used this description: Noetic (the Intelligible, highest level), the Noeric (the intermediate world), and the Visible (the lowest level).
It is not necessary to try to force correspondences between systems that are markedly different. The most important thing is to use an accurate map that adequately conveys the information of the tradition in which the rituals are performed.