We come again to that blessed time of the year – where the Earth is finally responding to the dying light of the Sun.
This period is always a very reflective one for me. Looking back, I can say this year has been an exceptional one – that has pushed me out of my boundaries to places and lands I would never seen myself having visiting. I think its going to be a year that lodges itself firmly in my memory, and won’t let up its hold anytime soon.
It is a time for remembering what we have lost, and somewhat more importantly in many ways, what we must let go.
This Samhain, those of us in the Primal Current were treated to a little, special treat- the Beyond Akasha edition of Mark Alan Smiths work, The Red King, was released. This returns to circulation, and for the first time directly into the currents hands, some extremely important essays to our craft.
The Red King, Beyond Akasha Edition, by Primal Craft / Mark Alan Smith
A standout in my eyes, is the essay Baptism Of Fire, which details the Magister of the Artes crossing of the Abyss. This version, in an uncensored form, was one that I read out in full to the initiates and dedicants here – which they found rather illuminating. Considering the Rite to begin the Abyss crossing is conducted in our craft upon the night of the Sabbat itself, it felt fitting that it was this tale that I recounted when the sun crossed the western horizon on our Esbat night.
It had been many years since I’d read the original essay, when it was first published in anthology form many, many years ago. It struck me then as an extremely important bit of writing for the Arte Magickal, not just the current itself. The new version is nothing short of revolutionary. Whilst the vast majority of people have experienced the nigredo phase of alchemy in their life at some point this is clearly no substitute for what is found in the dark lake crossing. Having a tangible account of a lived experience I feel it is positively vital to put the great theurgic work into its proper context. The strain on the soul across spiritual, mental and physical planes in this work is lain out raw – to show the realness of what is conducted and its impact upon the individual. Although people are generally familiar with Crowleys account, I feel this one stands above it – coupled with the The Phoenix Rite contained within Mark Alan Smiths The Queen of Hell, this feels the definitive and decisive analysis of the Abyss and its crossing.
After reading it to my small group, I remember the fifteen or more seconds of stunned silence after we finished the text. The room itself felt charged – something important had been shared, and imparted. In this microcosmic performance, another truth became apparent – that the current on a macrocosmic level continues to grow in both depth and breadth, at an accelerated pace, on a truly revelationary scale. No more dead texts – no more dead artificial lines. In 2024, this is insufficient for where we collectively find ourselves.
Things now are proceeding to organically unfold. After finishing the reading it was actually necessary to ground – that is the power than can be contained within the written word when properly ensorcelled with the power of the Gods.
The Seal of Lucifuge Rofocale
I polished off the rest of the essays on my own – the one involving Lucifuge Rofocale being most enlightening, detailing the way in which the devoted mage may create a physical book that links to Rofocales own. This is something that calls to me, and thus I believe I will explore it in the future, in individual practice. It struck me that this essay also contains much guidance on the Arte of Evocation that will be useful for others here at our Temple, even if they have no intention to create and link their own book. Additionally, for those with Eyes to see (and a healthy dose of reading comprehension), this particular essay outlines one of the primary methods of ensouling objects.
Those who are able to source the book and have a primary, devoted interest in the current I can honestly recommend the tome and say that reading it this Samhain has been very special. The focus on passing through the dark, to come out the other end enlightened, is always an important one at this time of year – it gives us context, balance, and hope.
Reflecting back on our own work, I can safely say we are continually growing our praxis here and I feel I am now far along transmitting what constitutes a solid foundation. As such, I am looking forward to delving into my own theurgic work again in the near future having freed up some time and headspace; I look forward very much to further workings with Belial, and uncovering more of the stellar gnosis which is brought through by our temples arachnidian guardian entity. The choice of blinding white for the new Red King edition is certainly a very, very fitting one.
On that note, on this rather busy night, I must again leave you as I did last year with a few beautiful images of one of the drovings that occurs in the North West of England. These images are from the Penrith Winter Droving,which happens around this time on year. Continuing on our theme of death and renewal, its fantastic to see very pagan festivals coming back to the light.
Pictures from Penrith Winter Droving, supplied by Photographer
May the Light of the Gods, Carry you High, On the Journey of the Grand Sabbat ~S~
The last month has been one of many adventures, ones that, at a deep level, have rested my mind and reinvigorated the soul. I have been quite tight-lipped about where I have been, simply to avoid drawing any evil eyes and to keep the time blissfully free of interruptions, allowing for a sacred retreat into Self and Other. I was also going to see someone very special to me, so I wanted to speak little publicly about my trip, which involved travelling around the world to the land down under.
I knew that going so far under such circumstances would ensure that, for a time, I would enter into a completely different world—not just geographically and interpersonally, but also, in some strange way, temporally. It was also not a risk-free endeavour, and as such, I promised myself to keep my mouth firmly shut until I was back on home soil. The time period I’d be away would be a solid month—just long enough for a place to begin to feel, strangely, like home.
To cut to the heart of it: even outside of personal developments, I feel extremely changed by the experience at a fundamental level. It turns out Australia is a very strange, very primal place for those of us who have never really left the “Old World.” Such a term seems so facetiously quaint after experiencing the residual power of the land there. It felt distinctly sepheranzian, the land being still one of untamed providence as opposed to places where the gods and the spirits of the place feel long displaced.
The area I travelled to was not the most remote place, to say the least—Sydney is not famous for being a small town, after all. However, my trip did also encompass an adventure up to the Blue Mountains, to the area around Katoomba and Echo Point. It is probably best to start in that order, to really give a sense of the energetic makeup of the place and give background and context to the meat of the article.
I arrived in Sydney on Sunday, the 19th, to a very warm and beautiful welcome I won’t forget. Over the next few days and weeks, we spent a lot of time exploring the city, including many of the city parks. I was quite taken aback by how vibrant the wildlife was, even in the city area. Birds of all kinds were always everywhere, and the air was always a cacophony of birdsong the likes of which I’ve never heard before.
Of particular note were the Australian magpies, scientific name Gymnorhina tibicen. Described entertainingly as a “fairly robust bird” by good old Wikipedia, these guys captivated my tourist’s heart a little bit. Not actually a type of corvid, but rather a type of butcher bird, their calls were both beautiful and distinctive, and they were a complete joy to watch. In their eyes, you could see a certain Luciferian fire that is always present in these kinds of animals in particular—a keen, somewhat cold awareness and power that seems barely contained within.
I spent many days with my other half at a particular café where we were often visited by these spirited and beautiful creatures. On days she worked, I often went down alone, and the birds soon became aware that this strange English fellow was rather easy to convince to feed them. I, in turn, was quite happy to convene the crow council and oblige them, as long as I got a good choral song in payment for my attention (and some fried chicken).
These were not the only creatures that frequented the urban parks and streets and caught my attention. It turns out that the city is home to numerous species of megabat, otherwise known as flying foxes. These would ascend over the skies every warm autumn evening, with their distinctive calls being easy to pick out over the other sounds of city life. Seeing them was always a delight, bringing with it the feel of a very primitive freedom that was starkly contrasted with the urban surroundings of the city itself. In contrast to the energy that could be felt in the birds, the bats exuded a strong energy that seemed to resonate with that of Belial. As they flew, I could feel the same energies within my own body, almost as if they were putting out a call, a welcome, to engage in communion with the gods.
Around this time, we planned to do a small ritual together on the beach – in many ways, to get back into the swing of things since the first one we worked on together back in 2018. This, however, turned into a pact of a rather different sort, blessed as we were by the ring around the moon. As such, the actual work was to come a little later despite the invitation of the land being felt.
Katoomba, Photographer Unknown
The experience in Katoomba was similar but amplified to eleven. The Blue Mountains are named for their colour, caused by the refraction of sunlight through the oils produced by the eucalyptus trees that dominate the environment. However, looking out over the surrounding area from Echo Point, this simple explanation did not really do the place justice. As we stood at Echo Point, looking out at the vista below us, she was the first to be seized by the land; it felt like a powerful, magnetic pull drawing us deeper and deeper into the canyons, as if to become one with them. This feeling was not malefic, but certainly not a light one either.
I confirmed with her that I felt it too—the land felt like it was calling. To her, it seemed the spirits contained within it were trying to impart a message to those with the senses to hear and truly listen. However, it came out as a mumble to her, as if the language spoken was not understood. At first, I wondered if the language was Aboriginal in nature, but a little while after her description, I realised something. It was the same snake speech that the spirits of the land use all over, the language of the chthonic gods, that I have encountered when working with Belial. We spent another two days enjoying the feel of the place before we had to head back home.
On our way back to Sydney, we stopped at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens to explore further and make the most of our time there. The Gardens boast a large balcony, from which one can see the stunning vistas surrounding Mount Tomah. It was here that she asked me to help decipher what they were saying to her, as she reiterated that she could not understand the meaning, despite it being loud, insistent, and important.
The Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, photographed by Jaime Plaza
I went out onto the balcony, and she soon joined me. Reaching out, I instantly felt drawn to the horizon. A peak dominated the far sky, and as I focused my eyes upon it, I felt drawn out of my body. Soon I was floating in front of the peak, and above, a large, multicoloured serpent hovered. Possessing pearlescent scales, it was similar but somehow different to the great dragon I encountered in the Lake District—more serpentine in nature. Power exuded from it like flowing waves of brilliant light, as a haze of blue caressed and swirled around it. Despite its brilliance, I could not hold this vision, no matter what I tried. It felt almost dreamlike, and despite its immediacy, as if there was still some final barrier in place I could not penetrate in my current state. Almost as soon as I was there, the imagery began to slide away. Unable to grasp the threads to remain in that space, I returned. Trying again, hoping this was an invitation to push on and not a warning, I closed my eyes. Just blackness, but there I could still feel it, and the hissing words came forth, generating the answers in the powerful feelings that they stirred within.
They wanted something from her indeed. The spirits of the land were offering a pact, if it would be wholeheartedly approached and accepted in blood. The exact nature of this pact was not transmitted—only that the door lay open, if she desired to explore it. It was given in a strange tone, as if they felt that was something rather very in doubt, as if they were used to being ignored, or worse, disappointed by those who have come forth up to this point.
As it was delivered, I conveyed it. She seemed nervous, relating to me how the spirits of this land seemed angry, almost hungry. I reassured her that even so, they were not out to claim her in the way that she was envisioning; another purpose or reason lay behind this, albeit one I could not put my own finger on.
We left the mountain top that day, descending the steep slopes in the old, knackered Toyota Corolla back towards Sydney. On the way back, we promised ourselves we would carry out the ritual as requested before leaving Australian soil.
Mimi and Rainbow Serpent, by Peter Marralwanga, c1980.
The good old winter weather would conspire against us, as is rather typical, ensuring that the optimal window to conduct the rite was on the very day I was to fly home. This was already going to be a complicated day – both logistically and emotionally, considering the importance of what had transpired on that other, beautiful night I will not forget.
But promises were promises – and we would have to make the best of the situation with the hours we had left. Very close to where we lived in Sydney was a nice, large, and relatively quiet suburban park. This was dominated by large, old, and gnarled banyan trees, specifically Ficus macrophylla or Australian Banyan. These trees are extremely physically impressive, with many thick aerial roots. Their physical characteristics give a hint as to their character; the tree is known as a “strangler fig” because seed germination usually takes place in the canopy of a host tree. Here, the seedling lives as an epiphyte until its roots establish contact with the ground, at which point it enlarges and strangles its host, thus replacing it. The tree is also incredibly dependent on a mutual relationship with insects. Figs are pollinated solely by fig wasps, and fig wasps can reproduce only in fig flowers. The close relationship of the Fig also gives us occult insight, this time into the mysteries surrounding that of sacred sacrifice.
Folklorically, the banyan tree has a lot of lore surrounding it – Diverse cultures around the world say these trees shelter angels and fairies, gods and ancestral spirits, ghosts, and other creatures.
More beneficially, the banyan tree is revered in Hinduism, and is the national tree of India. Because of its ever-expanding branches, it depicts eternal life. The banyan tree is also known as kalpavriksha, which literally means “wish-fulfilling holy tree”. In Buddhism, it is said Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment or buddhahood circa 500 BCE sitting under such a tree. In Greek mythology, the branches of one fig tree saved Odysseus from being sucked into the deadly whirlpool created by the maw of a hungry sea monster Charybdis.
The benefic comes with the malefic, however with many such great tree spirits, and in many places, it is believed that if a person sleeps under a fig tree he or she will wake up to be mute or worse still, never wake up. In Indian folklore, a person was turned into a monkey just because of trying to climb a sacred fig tree. Aboriginal Australian stories also warn of an altogether more fearsome spirit that lives within the strangler fig. This creature, the yara-ma-yha-who, is a manlike monster that possesses bulging eyes and a gaping, toothless maw. When hungry, it will leap out of its fig tree onto an unsuspecting traveller. Its fingers and toes end in flattened discs, through which it sucks the blood of its victims.
Ficus Macrophylla, Giardino Garibaldi, Palermo, photographed by Gmihail
As such, this is a tree that commands much respect when working with it from a witchcraft perspective. Several large specimens of these trees dominated one of the local parks, harbouring much of the impressive wildlife previously described. On this night, that place seemed to beckon us to work there – an awareness of semi-wilderness amidst the urban sprawl.
We left the apartment with very little – just ourselves, and something sharp with which to draw the blood necessary to make the connection. I was adamant that I would not lead the interaction – my role would be merely facilitative. This was important to ensure the path was walked and accepted. It was not me they had chosen, but her alone.
I remember it being strangely quieter than usual as we headed towards the area. Towards the lake, where the banyan trees drank deeply, and the day slowly spiralled into dusk. Unfortunately, many of the figs were still rather publicly within view. One tree, however, stood apart from the others. Fenced off, darker, in deeper shadow, and with its own strangely radiant pull. I could tell this tree was the one – and so could she. Yet, she hesitated in making the choice. Her outward hesitance belied a deeper, inner resolve to walk the path – to find the tree and honour what was asked of her. This filled me with great pride – it was something I knew she needed and was capable of achieving if only she took the leap of faith.
With that and a bit of encouragement to break a few rules and trust in herself, we were soon over the little separating fence; beneath the aerial roots of the great tree, the ritual would be conducted simply – and directly – without much, if any, supporting paraphernalia.
The process was as follows. Firstly, the receiving hand would be placed upon the bark and the call sent after personal circles were constructed. This would be followed by negotiation of the pact, with the result sealed in blood upon the bark.
As she bravely initiated the call, I stood guard at a respectable distance mainly to balance energy and ensure we were not disturbed. Everything went still, and I could feel the energy rising. It rose quickly and evenly, feeling very earthy and watery. It was much like a deep, still pool rising from the earth. I sensed that the energy, with its sepheranzian feel of the earth, was being joined by another energy – that of Belial and the Abyss. Looking up into the branches, the snake speech came, low and barely audible from my throat. It was subtle but discernible. With this, I purified and anchored the space, ensuring all that entered the space was conducive to the work.
She hesitated once more, before reaching out with heart instead of head. With this, the spirits of the land delivered their request directly at the level of the soul. At first, it felt like they were trying to draw her in – something she communicated afterwards and was concerned about. Yet, it must be remembered that these types of spirits always test – few come to them, and of those that do, few are actually suitable to receive anything. In this, she passed with flying colours. What was communicated is between her and them, but suffice to say, it was successfully bargained for and attained.
She relayed to me that these spirits left her feeling cold after her interaction – without any warmth. This is true – for that is simply their nature. These spirits of the earth, that come from the deep places, through these trees that are sent by Belial, are distinctly other but no less Hecate’s children with a purpose to the path. However, they are not the type to coddle.
With that done, her blood was given upon the bark and everything sealed. This was done with a huge amount of relief, given the intimidating nature of the operation and the time constraints we were under. Almost immediately, I heard the first rustling in the trees as we left, to sit and recover next to the little lake. Something truly incredible was about to happen.
Spurred by the energies raised in the rite, all the megabats in the area took flight. A huge flock swooped over us, and we both looked up in delight as their calls filled the sky. Internally, it made me want to laugh ecstatically, in great released joy. Gratitude arose inside for the blessings bestowed upon us in this land. At that point, I truly knew, at the crossroads in time where the spirits danced, that things had fallen into place. The myriad reasons why I was drawn here – her ritual, her presence, and this land had changed something important within me in symbiosis.
Megabats at Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Australia 2009 by Haverjake
With the ritual finished, I headed back to the flat to collect my things and leave the country that had truly felt like it had become a second home. Returning home, I have felt like a part of me remained there in that strange country brimming with possibility and new life. It has been a very strange, dislocating experience to have to return to normality (TM) – but I take comfort in knowing that what changed came back with me in flesh, blood, bone, and soul.
I now look forward to this summer, approaching the gatework with Belial knowing full well I am ready to dive deep into it at a soul level, as well as exploring hopefully more gateworkings and where they will take us.
I end this article with a wonderful Aboriginal tale about the warrior Buthera, who defeated Mudichera and thus gained his blessing and protection.
The Tale of Buthera and Mudichera
‘Buthera, a strong, proud warrior who possessed magical powers, was travelling up the coast of Queensland. He had not gone far on his way, and was resting early in the day, when a man walked into the glade where he was sitting.
‘Who are you?’ asked Buthera.
‘My name is Mudichera. I am the leader of Bats. What are you doing in my land?’
Buthera sprang to his feet, his brows drawn down in a frown. ‘This is still my territory. I allow no man to intrude on it.
‘The stranger took his waddy from his belt.
‘Good!’ Buthera said. ‘I am glad to see you are a man and not something blown here by the west wind.
‘They circled round each other warily. Buthera did not deign to use his waddy or war spear, but held a flint knife in his hand. Mudichera swung his waddy lustily, but Buthera avoided it, jumping from side to side, and throwing himself flat on the ground as it whistled over him. Mudichera began to grow tired. His blows lost their force and he had difficulty in raising his weapon over his head. Buthera gathered himself together and swung his knife so viciously that Mudichera was cut in two pieces, the upper part of his body falling in one place and his legs in another.
There was a flapping of leathery wings, the two parts of his body rose in the air, and two bats escaped from under Buthera’s hand. The chief grinned, picked up his weapon and resumed his journey. He covered many miles that day, but the sun grew hotter and the sweat trickled down his back. He felt sick, and when he came to a fertile valley with many water holes, where a large tribe was camped, he stopped.
‘Here comes Buthera’, the people cried.
‘How do you know my name’?
‘Oh, we know all about you. We know how you fought with Mudichera, how you cut him in two, and how he changed into a bat.’
‘Two bats. But how do you know all this?’
‘Willy wagtail told us.’
Buthera was angry to think that they knew so much about him. He took his magic spear and pointed it in front of him. A long tongue of flame shot from the point and set fire to the scrub. He swung it round him until he was in the centre of the fire, which spread rapidly outwards, driving the screaming people in front of it. The only places where they could escape the flames were in the water holes. Buthera looked across the smouldering bushes and saw them peering apprehensively at him, with their bodies submerged in the water. He grinned again, pointed another spear at them, and had the satisfaction of seeing them all transformed into shags.
Shortly afterwards he met another warrior, but this time he met his match. Larna was young and vigorous, and before long Buthera lay dead at his feet. He picked Buthera up, lifted him above his head, and was on the point of throwing him into a lake, when the Bats who had once been Mudichera flew down and beat their wings round Larna’s head, until he was forced to lower the body. Some of the power that had belonged to Mudichera when he was a warrior lingered in the Bats, and they turned Larna into a stone which they left by the side of the lake as a memorial to Buthera the warrior.’
It has been a little while since I posted here, but it seemed highly relevant to do so as the wheel turns again. I have always loved Beltane and May – it is a very Luciferian period, with the light and warmth returning to the world here. Our little island is one of much seasonal variation – and with rather unstable weather patterns, nothing is ever really a given in good old Britannia.
I was taught one time by a great lady witch mentor of mine that it was practice within the coven tradition to follow a custom which saw the celebration of the eight sabbats held slightly later than the usual given dates. These would follow the old Julian calender and was ostensibly to allow for the energies of the season to become fully mature energetically speaking. This year, I was reminded of this by a very dreary, very misty actual May Day which did little to inspire confidence nor my abilities in putting pen to paper (or in this case, keys to keyboard). To say I felt somewhat deflated would be an understatement.
However, the other night it finally felt as if that shift did in fact finally occur. The electrical energy one can feel at this time of year as the land and air awakens is finally palpably present. This is reflected in the uptick in physical activity and mental acuity of the body, as if all the internal cobwebs are also being blown away.
With excellent weather throughout the day, I took this as my cue to finally get outside of the house and go for a lovely walk down to my usual spot by the ocean, the very same I detailed in the last blog post. This time however I set off to be there for sunset, instead of after dark. This trip was purely for enjoyment – not to fulfil any occult operation to be perfectly blunt. But often, if you keep on the look out for signs, you will often get very clear, unambiguous ones indeed. Sometimes, the gods and spirits come to you.
As such, a curious thing would indeed occur. My life has changed rather quickly in the last five months to say the least – bringing something into my life that I am very much grateful for. This has also necessitated a rethink in my greater plans, and to explore it would mean taking a very long, rather arduous trek across the globe. This had got my mind thinking – as any change will do, even the very good ones. It led to an initially unsettling feeling – one that I think many can relate to when something comes along that suddenly disrupts certain patterns that we have become accustomed to and push us out of a long enjoyed comfort zone.
As I walked back along the beach, with the gentle waves lapping the shores reflecting and refracting the pearlescent light of the sun, I realised that it was not some great level of reassurance I needed. Nor even confirmation – this the Gods had already provided in some ways, through more traditional, interpretative methods. What I really needed was their blessing – simple confirmation that they walked beside me in my decision to simply, act.
As this thought crossed my mind, something very interesting happened. In an almost occult symmetry, in an inversion of what happened at Samhain, a large shape swooped from behind me from the left, heading towards the setting sun. This form turned out to be that of a rather large Grey Heron! Those who have an occult background will already know that the Herron is connected in symbolic ways to the Gods of Light – and thus, to Lucifer.
Grey Heron, photographed by Tim Spouge
According to the beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians, the Bennu was a self-created being who was said to have played a role in the creation of the world. The Bennu was said to be the ba (i.e. the personality component of the soul) of the Solar God Ra. The Bennu bird was said to have flown over the waters of Nun that existed before creation, before landing on a rock and issuing a call that determined the nature of what was To Be. This symbolism of the creative force coming forth from the primordial void, is a very ancient one indeed that resonates with me and I’m sure, many others.
Some of the titles of the Bennu were “He Who Came Into Being by Himself”, as well as the “Lord of Jubilees” – a festival linked with the continued rule of the Pharaoh. This itself was centred around the belief that the Bennu was able to periodically renew itself like the sun was thought to do. The name Bennu itself is related to the Egyptian verb wbn, meaning “to rise in brilliance” or “to shine”.
It is speculated that the Bennu is also connected to the legend of the Phoenix. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote on the topic in the fifth century BC. He detailed that people of Heliopolis described the “phoenix” to him, describing that it was said to live for 500 years before dying, resuscitating, building a funerary egg with myrrh for the paternal corpse, and then carrying it to the temple of the Sun at Heliopolis. Herodotus goes on to give an account of the physical description of this bird likening it to an eagle with red and gold plumage, reminiscent of the sun.
Unfortunately, the real life giant heron of the region that this legend was undoubtedly inspired by, Ardea bennuides, has long gone instinct. Poignantly the cause, as is often the case, is that it was destroyed by human folly; likely overhunted to oblivion. The occult truth, carried by its related messenger however, was certainly not lost on me nor was its blessing.
The Ripley Scroll
The symbolism and what it urges us to do is striking and very important. It is this solar energy which we need to now bring into our lives to powerful effect. Many times I see people getting stuck in the nigredo stage of their personal, as well as occult, alchemy. Without the energies that are sent by the Perfect Red King of Sulphur, it can be all too easy to get lost, and become stuck in this very dangerous dissolutive state. We need to allow such energies in – to allow them to suffuse and change us, to stabilise and create us anew. This can take a lot of bravery when we have become lost and stuck; the only answer is to move away from stagnancy. Many times, the only thing we can do is choose to take the leap of faith, in order to successfully move forward. The Bennu is a messenger that this is more than possible, if we just follow its example – and I would encourage people in the Beltane season to put this energy to good use.
As I finish this small, but I feel important piece, I am ready to set off for the aforementioned rather grand trip. I hope that it will be transformative indeed – in many ways, it already has been. I take heart as well that upon my return, I can rest easy in the fact that the work with Lucifer for now, gives way to the earthing work with Belial. Thus, the final leg to create the initial stellar gates here at the Temple can finally be completed over the coming year – fulfilling a project some nine years in the making. As such, I feel incredibly blessed indeed.
I leave you, dear reader, with an excerpt from a translation of the Ripley Scroll. The Ripley Scroll is an extraordinary document, that is nearly 6 metres long. It is a heavily ciphered text that describes how to make the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. It is named after George Ripley, a medieval canon of Bridlington Priory, Yorkshire, who reputedly wrote a text known as The Compound of Alchymy – the creation of this particular scroll is often attributed to him as well hence its title. For those with the eyes to see, it is a rather interesting text indeed and I offer up one of the passages here for study as the sun continues to rise to its zenith.
‘Here is the last of the Red, and the beginning to put away the dead. The Elixir Vitae.
Take the father that Phoebus so high That sit so high in majesty With his beams that shines so bright In all places wherever that he be For he is father to all things Maintainer of life to crop and root And causeth nature for to spring With the wife beginneth soothe For he is salve to every sore To bring about this prosperous work Take good heed unto this lore I say unto learned and unto clerk And Homogenie is my name Which God made with his own hand And Magnesia is my dame You shall verily understand. Now I shall here begin For to teach thee a ready way Or else little shall thou win Take good heed what I do say Divide thou Phoebus in many parts With his beams that be so bright And this with nature him convert The which is mirror of all light This Phoebus hath full many a name Which that is full hard to know And but thou take the very same The philosophers stone ye shall not know Therefore I counsel ere ye begin Know it well what it should be And that is thick make it thin For then it shall full well like thee Now understand what I mean And take good heed thereto Our work else shall little be seen And turn thee to much woe As I have said this our lore Many a name I wish he hath Some behind and some before As philosophers doth him give
In the sea without lees Standeth the bird of Hermes Eating his wings variable And maketh himself yet full stable When all his feathers be from him gone He standeth still here as a stone Here is now both white and red And all so the stone to quicken the dead All and some without fable Both hard and soft and malleable Understand now well and right And thank you God of this sight
The bird of Hermes is my name eating my wings to make me tame.‘
So, very good news here from the burgeoning temple group in the north of the UK. Today, under the glow of the moon, the commencement of the formal training of two initiates, and one dedicant began. Whilst the coven here has been carrying out workings since the winter solstice of last year, this marks the commencement of actual teaching independent of the coven rites of celebration and practical witchcraft.
It is a great honor to be able to work with these dedicated individuals. They who have throughout all their time knowing me personally, have shown themselves to be people who will not fall short of the tasks ahead of them. The first matter of course will be teaching the basics and essentials of witchcraft, before easing them into the work contained within Queen of Hell and the temple specific stellar work. The work, formulated mainly on open exercises to help tailor it to the individuals progress, I expect to be of much benefit to them. Putting this together has, and is quite difficult, as I try to both guide but also not dictate – something important in the Primal Craft ethos of teaching. I look forward massively to seeing how things develop for our tight knit group.
In addition, personal circumstances have also opened further ways of working in the wilds. Places that are beyond warm and cosy rooms, that accelerate the work and provide direct access to the gods and spirits of the craft in Their World. One such location is primed for potential further outer gateway work. I am very excited to see where those possibilities take us in the near future.
Work with spirits of land and plant familiars also return to the coven power that was stolen and appropriated during the lockdowns. This will allow for the full return of connection to powerful genius loci, allowing its energy to flow unheeded despite the weak wills of others who seek to interfere with the craft of the wise to their own detriment.
Picture of the Full Moon, Photographer Unknown
It was also this week that there was an announcement from the Mother Temple of a new edition of Queen of Hell, containing previously out of print material as well as new essays to further expand on the original content. This has been awaited by many people – such material seen in earlier anthologies such as Devoted (I believe) finally being placed back within the Primal Craft umbrella and back in print. This will be of much help to ALOT of people – and ironically comes at a perfect syncretic time for my own group providing information with working with this material – this will be invaluable in ensuring that, on my end, nothing is missed as I facilitate learning the material and polish off my own training.
I didn’t intend to originally make this post, but the synchronicity was such I felt it would be nice to share a small update, as well as to assist the important dissemination of the work. May those who feel threatened by the success of Hecates Primal Current be silenced by the material, which speaks for itself. I feel highly blessed, and privileged, to be surrounded by Devotees who love and immerse themselves in this current!
In Hecates Name, Bathed in Lucifers Flames, ~S~
Mailshot from the Mother Temple, released 3rd March
‘NEW RELEASE: EXPANDED, ENHANCED. SEMI-DELUXE, LEATHER-BOUND LIMITED RUN, PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED, AND OUT OF PRINT, MATERIAL.
Dear Devotees,
We are creating new and beautiful devoted offerings in an affordable semi-deluxe category. These hand-bound tomes will not only contain material that is long out of print – they will also contain previously unpublished essays detailing work within the Mother Temple, its members, and the Primal Craft Path of Flames. See below for details and purchase/reservation options.
Returning The Primal Witchflame Gnosis in Full
I have been aware for quite some time that many of you would like to acquire the now long out of print essays – those detailing the path and giving overviews of my own work, as well as those which grant a greater understanding of not only my own journey, but the Path of Flames as a whole. For a time, a separate volume containing these and other works was considered. However, a book solely containing such work, without actual ritual application, did not sit well with anyone at the Mother Temple. What we needed was a suitable vessel in which to ensorcel these now out of print works.
In considering the above I did also take note that many people are unable to find a space on the Inner Subscriber Deluxe database.The deluxe solander boxed, millboard-bound books are made with the finest and most expensive materials in the publishing world. Added to that, many people, although they would like to, are unable to pay 600 Euros for such a book.
To that end we wished to create something that was both different, very special, and also a higher calibre than our standard Devotee Editions (classed by many as deluxe level in their own right) but considerably more affordable than the 600 euro 24 Carat Gold Leaf Super Deluxes of which there are normally only 36 copies.
SPECIAL LEATHER-BOUND ENTHRONEDBEYOND AKASHA SERIES
The important aspect was reintroducing the out of print work within the Primal Craft fold and, of course, releasing it in devotional hand-bound Grimoires. During communion with Hecate, the instruction to create The Special Limited Enthroned Beyond Akasha Editions was received. These Special Expanded and Enhanced Limited Number Hand-made editions, bound in leather, would be the magickal vessels into which the out of print work would be ensorcelled. They will also contain previously unpublished material in the form of Work from The Mother Temple and Essays detailing the personal path of those inner temple members. The books will also include some previously released tutorials that we believe assist and compliment the work within them. Including, in the case of Queen of Hell, a 6 month ritual instructional template guide to releasing the power and accessing the gateways woven within the book.
The First of these Expanded and Enhanced Enthroned Beyond Akasha Editions:
Queen of Hell – Dark Moon Huntress Edition
This beautiful grimoire is our devoted offering to Hecate in Her role asQueen of Hell. The leather is the colour of the Bloodstone, attained beyond the Gate of the Silver Star. It is also the colour of the Red Andalucian (Atlantean) earth within which the Mother Temple rests, secreted in a forest grove. Lastly, it is reminiscent of the Dragon’s Blood incense used to ensoul the Books with the Bodies of the Gods. As soon as the test binding arrived – we knew this was the perfect cloak in which to ensorcel this body of work. The quality of the artisan binding is nothing short of exquisite. I have included a few photographs to illuminate its beauty, but we are not revealing the actual seals and sigils just yet.
The Special Dark Moon Huntress Edition of Queen of Hell – the First of the Enthroned Beyond Akasha series – will be Hand-Bound in a limited run of only 333 editions, fully bound in Bloodstone Leather. Heavy boards. Silk Book marker. Printed on the finest most luxurious paper in the publishing world. Quality, thick black endpapers – stamped in gold foil. Outer covers stamped front and back in gold foil with the Sacred Seals of The Primal Witchcraft. Gilded pages. Spine stamped in gold with name, title, Primal Craft Seal. Spine stamped with 3 double gold spine bands (6 gold lines) Price 140 Euros plus shipping.
PUBLICATION DATE AUGUST 13TH – PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN – Limited to 333 copies – single run
We expect this edition to sell out. Pre-order your copy to avoid disappointment
Click the link to reserve your copy of this luxurious tome:
1. Two previously out of print essays (out of print circa 2008 and 2009 respectively) detailing overviews of my own Primal Craft Path.
2. One New Previously Unpublished / Unreleased Essay
3. Ritual Template Guide to employing the work within the tome. This explanation will aid your understanding of the work within the tome and guide you over a 6 month period – allowing expansion of magickal abilities and elevation upon The Path of Flames
4. Two Previously released – now reworked – tutorials that we believe vastly compliment and assit the work within Queen of Hell:
Sexual Magickal Possession – The Key to unlocking power within the Primal Craft Grimoires.
Godform Assumption – Trance Mediumship and Communion with the Beloved.
Price 140 Euros plus shipping.
PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN!
Reserve your copy of The Dark Moon Huntress Edition of Queen of Hell by clicking the link:
This is a one off edition strictly limited to 333 Hand-bound lether bound, page gilded copies.
There will be no standard version of this tome. We have a Devotee Edition of Queen of Hell. If you wish to collect and own the Full Body of Primal Craft Work – the essays, tutorials and ritual guide – in special edition books; it is recommended to acquire this edition.
There is no limit on the number of copies you may purchase. However, this limited edition will be sold on a first come first served basis. Those devotees who acquire the Dark Moon Huntress Edition will be given first refusal upon release of The Enthroned Beyond Akasha Special Editions of The Red King and The Scorpion God.
The cost of using such beautiful materials is relatively high. I have kept the price of the books as low as possible whilst sustaining the release of the full Enthroned Beyond Akasha Series. To that end we are not making presentation boxes – that would push the cost to high. It is our aim that those people who seek the full body of work – the out of print essays and those who wish to own a special book that is treasured above their working devotee editions – may be able to to acquire all the above with these special edition grimoires.
Despite the many worldwide changes and the extra weight of the books we have opted to keep our postal costs frozen – they remain the same as they were in 2012.
Publication Date: August 13th – Pre-order now open.
We expect this edition to sell out. Pre-order your copy to avoid disappointment
Each Book will be Hand-numbered, Signed, Sigilised and Individually consecrated as The Dark Moon Huntress aspect of The Body of Hecate. Woven within the consecrations and into the pathways within the book is the Gateway to the Queen of Hell’s Throne.
The Legacy of Primal Craft
Right now every aspect of our lives is immersed in digital technology. But mark my words, one dayit will all be gone. several large blasts of EMP or a sufficiently large cataclysmic event (be that man-made or ELE via the rebalancing of World Soul) – and that is it! Books however, will always survive. Not all of them – but enough. Come fire, flood, quake. There will always be surviving people and there will always be books. For the continuation of its praxis, the Current, and the Understanding of The Primal Craft as a whole, this is extremely important. Be it descendants of collectors or practitioners, that which is ensorcelled within printed, hand-bound books, will support the legacy of the Primal Craft – aiding those who pass the praxis on to their kin; awakening those who rediscover this Arte. This was at the forefront of our minds when we sought the requisite vehicle through which to return the gnosis in the essays and place into the grimoires some of the tutorials and guides.
QUEEN OF HELL – ENHANCED, EXPANDED DARK MOON HUNTRESS EDITION
Price 140 Euros plus shipping.
PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN!
Reserve your copy of The Dark Moon Huntress Edition of Queen of Hell by clicking the link:
It is with the utmost pleasure that I make an announcement in regards to the Temple work here.
Those who follow the blog may remember that, this time last year, one of our initiation candidates passed their ordeal and was initiated fully into the Black Degree.
Well it is again a great joy to confirm that another candidate has been successful at passing their ordeal, and acquiring the black degree as part of our ongoing work.
This particular candidate I have worked with on and off for over seven years now, and always pondered whether our work would eventually dovetail within the same house, as it were. I would never have believed that this would be the year they would undergo the Trial of Putrefaction – going on to succeed above and beyond my expectations. This period of work follows a time of very intense, close workings with the Trident – work that was carried out over the preceding last three months.
This, as always, was required to assess whether they were both suitable and ready to take this large step. These rites needed to be performed by the seeker, as well as verified by me as Magister to ensure that everything aligned properly and that it was right to continue.
This comes after a year of hard work, trusting in the Gods to ensure that the temple plan unfolds as it should – directed by our growing, collective will. The candidate made the leap with committed heart and devoted soul – bringing the alchemical change required. This was no small task – the initiation rite is designed to test, push and break the candidate where it can.
I was in no real worry that this candidate would fail however – the signs bringing them firmly onto the Primal Current were not subtle ones – waking visions of Belial physically showing the Trident being just one obvious manifestation of their will and intent. This was confirmed with a series of divination and evocational works – some completed individually, some with me being present within the rites to facilitate as well as simply enjoy the ritual.
Fire Covenant by Rovina Cai
Physical manifestations, such as fire turning vivid green without any tainting of the fire with the likes of copper, as well as powerful animal possessions sealed the deal in regards to the initiation going ahead. Such invitation by the gods made it clear to me as to the direction it would go and it became undeniable in how it unfolded – these instances were all startling in their potency, if not surprising considering the depth and power involved in both their nature and surrounding circumstances.
With all of this this now reified with the initiation itself, I now turn my attention to completing the write ups of three, major theurgic rites conducted over the Samhain period. It is my intention to rest on my laurels a bit – just a bit – to allow for the task of getting resultant gnosis pulled out and put onto paper. Without this, there can be no expansion to push further myself whilst also giving attention to the initiates who will now need direction and assistance to make the most of their path. Going into the new year, I hope to turbocharge things a little bit.
I will end this post here, but it is with joy i’ve been able to type the above and make this known to the wider primal craft community.
Many Blessings, In the Name of the Trident, Carried on Lucifers Flames, ~S~
Here we are, going into Samhain, and I am still playing catch-up! The midsummer solstice, and the impacts of the work coming out of that time, knocked me for six. In a very good way – so much has changed, altered, opened for myself and temple since then that every time I’ve sat down to write this entry, something else would occur which necessitated deep work and reflection to tackle and integrate it. Whether this was work for the current, for myself, or the initiation candidates, something would come up meaning the blog posts came bottom priority. Many of these events have been very profound – the kind of experience where writing about them seems almost exhibitionist. As such, I’ve chosen to focus on purely the more ‘formal’ rite which was carried out earlier this year for this belated blog post.
For context – the above was not entirely unexpected. Opening each stellar gate, has been an increasingly complex process up to this point. The opening of the first gate, with the Temple Familiar gifted by Belial through the Seal of the Ascending Winged Skull, took a matter of months – albeit the physical effects took years to both integrate and fully recover from. Hecate’s Stellar Gate similarly came through relatively quickly, to balance the initially unexpected black stellar energies released via the Ivory Spider.
Lucifer’s was more of a slow burn – requiring the evocation and integration of all three great elemental dragons – something that could be done fully only in the places where they most strongly reside. This required roughly two years of work and planning. As such, when contrasted with the Lilithian build up, I knew that opening this particular gate would be very demanding.
In total, no less than three wood cuts, and one full wood engraving block would be used in opening this gate at the temple here. The gate stele itself was cut into an engraving woodblock, made of birch. On one side, the temple specific channelled variant of the Seal of the City of Pyramids was inked, on the reverse, the specific key to unlock that seal fully given through the work with Lilith. The remaining four sides of the wood blocks were filled with Theban script – three sides, the formula of the synchronomicon, the final word being one of draconic origin released in the final work.
Each wood cut was adorned on one side with its related draconic seal, and on the flipside, its related draconic key.
Fomalhaut, the Royal Star of the South, by Davide De Martin
The ritual to open the gate was a strenuous one. Donning the ritual mask of Lucifer, firstly, each dragon gate was opened within the circle itself. This was possible thanks to the power already granted in previous possessions – without which none of this would have been possible.
Each opening necessitated each front seal being covered in blood, following a formal unlocking at blade point and subsequent blooding of the rear key sigil. As each was completed, the power of the corresponding dragon flooded into the circle. The feeling that accompanied these steps was not initially one of ecstatic empowerment – instead this initial, preparatory stage felt more like wading through a liquid. A liquid that simply grew in viscosity as more power was drawn into the working space as each woodcut was worked through individually, each power point and line receiving the necessary attention the act required.
The final quarter to be opened would be different. Here, stood the clear mirror of the arte used at the temple for a variety of rites. In front of it, the stele of Lucifer’s gate was placed, flanked by candles, leaving space to carry out the needed ritual operations. To the left, a blooded sigil of Surgat lay, and on the right, the physical skeleton key empowered by Lilith in the previous working. Both Witch Gods were called to lend their power to the rite.
When the time felt right, the front of the stele, as well as surrounding words of power were blooded. Lilith’s key was then utilized on the gate seal, to open it in widdershins fashion. With this prepared, the gate was turned and the key seal of the stele blooded. Finally, it was necessary to repeat the last two steps on the mirror itself. With each symbolic act, the locks placed on the soul were also released, and with words of power, the mirror gate came alive.
Formal request of Lucifer, through the opened mirror gate, to release the power of his stellar gate thus prepared, began a series of possessions. Like sunlight filtered through a lens, the power surged through the mirror and into the body. Strangely, it was not Lucifer who came first – but Vassago, coming clean out of the mirror. His silvered body glowed with such intensity, as his appearance took me entirely off guard – it was not the horned god I had initially expected! His chosen form so mercurial it seemed to flood out the clear surface, which in turn, now rippled like the surface of water.
Now behind him came Lucifer, appearing in horned, reptilian form – his energy in comparison was darker, more red and black, and in swirling kaleidoscopic currents the possession intensified. It was in this act that the necessary alchemy was completed, and the resulting completed stele marked.
The traditional goetic appearance of the daemon Vassago. Very different from the mercurial visions this spirit often gives me!!Artist unknown.
I lay there for awhile, just recovering from the energy release. In many ways I was still in shock, as the process was very different to what I had initially expected – this was a great learning exercise. Even with all the gnosis processed as to how to perform a rite, only by actually doing it is full understanding gained – something which cannot be guessed going in without the potential for being humbled by the experience.
With the above done, this marks the end of a cycle of intense workings. I don’t expect these to get any easier, but I must now for a little time, turn my attention to my initiation candidates. I have been blessed with two candidates of strong potency and devotion – and both are at a stage where initiations could be reasonably performed into the Black Degree.
As the year dies, my mind goes towards the blogs future. As more and more work intensifies, as alluded to in the opening, my view on many things has changed. Next year will mark the ten year anniversary of me starting this blog – what was meant to be only a small little working curio diary, has grown far beyond what I had initially planned. We are a full ninety posts in at this point, and many of the goals I initially set have either been met, or I have simply grown beyond. As my more work becomes Temple based, more intimate and deep, I do anticipate that there may be many necessary changes yet to come.
I will update people as I go, regarding any plans. I hope everyone a fantastic run up to Samhain, and thank you for reading.
May the Lord of Light, Show you the Way, Back to the Stellar Paths, Long forgotten by the Race of Man,
It has been awhile!! Back end of last month, I finally ended up catching Covid. It gave me a kicking but two and a half weeks later I feel for the most part pretty well recovered. Mentally and spiritually I feel in a good place, and the above notwithstanding, it has been a pretty productive period since the last entry here.
The main working since the previous blog post was a ritual I carried out with the goddess Lilith. Lilith is very misunderstood in the modern occult scene – ironically by the supposed LHP practitioners as much as anyone else. Thus they miss the forest for the trees – focusing on her shallow aspects rather than the transformative power she and her realm, Gamaliel, brings.
One of the things Lilith gifted to me, coming up to two years ago now, was her key. This was given with crystal clarity in astral travel. This key, referred to as simply The Key of Night, is a required component in unlocking Lucifers Stellar Gate. At the time, I was not ready to make use of it – the final dragon rite had not been completed and blocked its use in full. As such, there could be no approach to actually unlocking the gate, and thus no need to physically embody this tool.
However with the completion of the last Dragon Rite, it became imminently important that this Key was to be physically created. It would be necessary to properly do this so that it could be used as a tool in the opening of the gate itself, a required step on the theurgic path.
In order to do this, I got myself ahold of an antique skeleton key – one that was quite substantial, and made of iron. This would be a fitting, physical seat for the power to be brought through. From this point, it was therefore all about how to correctly pull through the required essence, and ensoul it into the chosen object. I.e. How to pull that energy from her, permission to do so which she had already granted me, in a way that would make it useful for what was to come. This was eventually accomplished; the final method not being unlike the usual method of these things, but with some needed modifications.
Firstly, the key was adequately cleansed to ensure it was rid of anything that would interfere, as well as being brought correctly into the service of the Arte. Then, the working area was prepared and the circle itself was brought up to full power using the necessary calls. In turn, this preliminary work was followed by focused invocation to possession up to Triformus level.
From here, both Hecate and Lucifer were evoked, in order to properly moderate the influx of energy. This was in turn required to stabilise the focal point that would be opened to call Lilith through. The tool utilised for this was my clear, full length mirror – something I have used the stellar rites here before.
Meanwhile, I burned powerful loose incense on coals in front of the mirror gate as both offering, and to empower this already sanctified tool further. This incense blend is one of my own, a mix of benzoin, myrh, frankincense and various herbs sympathetic herbs. This helped to greatly intensify the coming work.
Key picture by OrianaNiChearnaigh
The mirror, placed within the east, was where Lilith was transvoked. The placement of the mirror in the East of the circle was done on pure intuition – something I have learned to trust on this path. Lilith was then evoked through the mirror, using both call, smoke, and blooded seal – the one that had been originally granted in dream.
With her present, and the initial groundwork contact made, she was invoked into the body. This was done using the key itself. This act was one of the components of the formula as whole, so that when combined with spoken pact, the link would be made in full. The possession that followed was difficult, more taxing, than I expected. Whilst sexual in nature, there was an element of resistance, which had to be overcome on my part. Working in such a way is not what many people envision – sometimes this process can be pure stellar bliss, other times it can be a dark and trying experience. This was the latter – with invasive imagery resplendent, which I realised quickly was a test. It was vital that I pushed through, claimed what was given, and completed the merge in full. Anything else would be to fail in pulling out the required energetic link buried deep within the subtle body. Eventually, much to the amusement of the other party it seemed, everything fell into place. After recovering, in front of the mirror, the key was anointed with the resulting possessed blood, elevated by the energy of the collapsed waveform. Note, those who can read between the lines can guess how else the key was further empowered.
Holding it aloft in both hands, I immediately utilised its form to request from Lucifer the final, inner seal required for opening his stellar gate. This was delivery quickly, and automatic writing used to commit it to the working temple books. Once complete, the key itself was lovingly wrapped up and placed in the northern quarter of the circle. The energies of the self and circle were allowed to stabilise, before being lowered and eventually brought down to baseline with the closing of the rite itself.
With the key empowered, it now falls on me to burn the required dragon seals into prepared pine disks, before completing Lucifers stele itself in the birchwood blocks. Once this is complete, disk, block and key will be utilised to complete the final working in this series. This will make a longer period of working on this specific gate than I could ever have expected – a more complex series of working being sent than I anticipated. With it complete, the road to Belials Stellar Gate will be open. All that is left, is to try and draw this all together. I wanted to do this on Beltane, but with that date being too unrealistic thanks to my illness, I expect the next attempt to be around midsummer.
I am excited to finally be able to tackle this, and feel like I’m making very real progress. I will hopefully have an update re that work around then.
One of the other things I wanted to mention in this post may seem small, in comparison. But it seems an important message to relate. In dream, the other night, Sepheranz came to me and told me something important. This plays into the previous theme above – about creation of working tools and devotional items. She showed me a particular number, and told me to avoid having a slavish devotion to perfection. Upon waking up I pondered what this might mean – personally for my own practice. In some ways, I think it is that sometimes the fear of failing can stop us in some ways tackling stuff we are less confident with – but without doing so, we will never grow and learn. It has certainly made me want to really tackle the burning of these new seals in full, without overly worrying about result. Materials are not impossible to come across and replace anyway. Being afraid of taking considered leaps, in this path, isn’t really an option if you want to succeed in Theurgy.
Recently, the primal craft instagram has recently putoutsomewonderful images of devotional items created by a dedicated devotee. I’d like to highlight these as well, as the groundwork (by both devotee and Magister of the Mother Temple) has finally been done to enable them to be shared to the wider public. May they serve as an inspiration to other devotees to give things a shot. Whilst the person who created these items is very skilled, the connection forged by working with your own hands is second to none where it can be carried out. My wood blocks look, artistically, as if a child had created them in comparison with this devotees work. But the power that exudes out of those blocks, that is foundation for the temple here, is enormous. Take the leap. Do your best. Enjoy the process, and the great results will inevitably follow. For in that work, there are a lot of great rewards to reap.
I will leave this post here, as it has been difficult to get formulated and out. I hope you all had a wonderful Ostara period, and are looking forward to Beltane which is soon arriving.
With Torch, With Knife, With Key, A Goddess of Hell, Opens the Gateways of Heaven For those of Brave Heart, And Committed Soul ~S~
It is with great pleasure that I make this very small, but nevertheless, important post.
A promising, long term candidate has undergone the Trial of Putrefaction for the status of Black Degree Initiate here at the Temple. This person has worked with me since around 2013 in various capacities – intensifying over the last five. I have long wanted to offer them initiation – but they were up to now, not ready to accept it. That time finally came on the night of the 4th of November.
It was not without trepidation that I opened up the initial proceedings that evening; not because I doubted my talented and dedicated candidate, but because each initiation is precious. Having already initiated one person, I know intimately the process that must be undergone – but each initiation is its own thing, a unique special moment in time for both Magister and Candidate. Success can never be guaranteed – nor can the Trial be fully predicted. Ritual is not theatre – when done properly in possession with the Gods of the Trident.
I should not have worried however. The candidate passed the Trial splendidly, with a sound leap of faith – and following on from this, the oaths were taken in full love with committed heart. The empowerments then went well – the witchbody of the successful candidate vibrating strong and powerfully after the work was brought to a finish.
For myself, the work was quite strenuous – more so than even the previous candidate. After coming back to full awareness, I was exhausted – and it took around three full days to recover. This consisted of copious amounts of sleep. Such fatigue is unavoidable -it is the payment given by the Magister in work with the Gods. It is what is gifted on the candidates behalf for all their hard work. It is a sacrifice that I enjoy making. But that does not mean it is done without significant effort on my part.
The fruits however, are great. This particular initiation marked the full formulation of the preliminary and post-ritual steps that help round out the black degree process as a whole. Building on the first initiation, which dragged this format out into the light, a refinement was conducted on its structure. Now in the study here, the first physical black degree book sits, three months of work between me and the new initiate. The text compiled, reviewed, completed and hardbound. Within its pages are declarations, blooded and sigilised, post rite.
Philosophia Reformata (Johann Daniel Mylius)
I feel that these are the bones of the Temple being built, on the back of two years of difficult, at times heart rending work. Alot has changed since that first initiation in 2019. This is just the beginning – there are more good things to come. I have on the downlow been preparing a website specifically for the Temple, to explain its purpose and mission, its methodology, and to show our existence to the world. This still requires heavy work – not just in creating the content, but in creating specific artwork that embodies the temple itself, containing its spirit. It will see the light of day, when it is ready.
Let me clarify immediately on the above. I do not seek the creation of an ‘online order’ for easy remote joining – the site will exist primarily as a ‘we are here’; for the benefit of other devotees and working primal craft covens that might want to reach out, but be unaware of our existence. It is my intention to build up a working stellar coven – and initiate those special select candidates who grab my attention. These will be composed of candidates who intend to work on a regular basis as part of the physical coven, or those who are simply guided by Hecate for stellar initiation in real, physical travel for required empowerment here.
It is to be noted here that initiates do not necessarily have a coven position/seat. This is something I am still working on formulating – alongside the general personal theurgic work. It has to make practical, as well as Occult, sense. But the Temple work grows – line by line, ritual by ritual. Having these things in place in a concrete, more finalised way is still a way off – it will also require a lot of organic rather than forced growth. But it is finally gaining momentum. Further discussion with the successful initiate will determine how this proceeds in the short term as their input will be crucial.
As far as future candidates go, I already have further potentials – people who have shown years long dedication to the work of the current. Whose dedication and devotion are beyond question. One is someone I have known going back a decade, who has spent the last few years working in the current in-between mundane responsibilities. This person has already been offered initiation – personal circumstances willing, and considering world affairs, local sensibilities, and working commitments. To say more would be a breach of privacy – as always, I leave it up to individual candidates and initiates as to whether they bring themselves ‘into the light’ or continue working in privacy.
It is not my intention to chase numbers. I have no interest in quantity over quality. That said, there will be more. Once I have reached certain thresholds of personal development and practice, further degrees will be opened up to existing initiates and more energy put into specifically growing the working coven and relevant stellar rites.
I will leave it there. Except to say, that I am very proud of my initiates for the love, devotion, and hard work they have shown both to the Gods and Temple. I look forward to working with the new initiate to build on this success, where it coincides with their own personal development and growth within the Current.
For myself, I intend to take a good period of time to finish off records, as well as deal with administrative matters and personal occult development. A rest is also in order! I hope to return to make another posting probably in the latter half of December.
Through Black, Through White, Through Red, Through the Power of the Trident, We Become. ~S~
The Luciferian Revolution 