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Daybreak: Return to the Light and the Foundation of the Stellar Temple

Posted in Stellar Gnosis, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 14, 2021 by Sypheara

So it has been all quiet on the blog front. In order to get through a very long winter, it has been necessary to turn inward to focus on mundane life and concerns. Whilst the occult work hasn’t stopped, it has also taken a turn to be far more introspective and personal than can necessarily be shared in public. That said, I thought a small post was in order.

I think that these circumstances probably reflects a lot of our collective experience at the moment. But here at least, there is finally signs of things picking up. The return of the light and warm weather here has been quite abrupt, and I feel that this year will open up to be a great one for the current and the work of the temple here. With the publication of the upcoming Qayin work by MAS, I can see many new faces being drawn into working with our gods. Exciting times, given the last year we have all had to suffer through.

Due to this, I thought it would be good to put down my (very) long term intentions for the work here, that runs parallel to my own theurgic work. It is to be noted that these plans are just that very long term and up in the air, but are important I think to get out there. Especially as I have had some people asking me personally to clarify.

A tarn in Norway, Photographer Unknown

I plan to do the next ritual in the dragon workings between May and August;  the initial anchor stones for the outside working were collected this weekend, and will be blessed tonight, in preparation for their marking and empowerment at the next full moon in preparation for their use in this evocation. Surgat will be worked with heavily to understand this formulae that is similar to the stellar anchors used in previous evocational work, but different in intention. To create a bridge for the dragon to ride down, is the most vital element to the entire working. This is something I’m deeply looking forward to – the most powerful work is always done in the wild, in connection with the elemental forces. The inner temple work, whilst very powerful, is unsuited to such works of grand evocation necessary for the next stages of soul evolution. I have a plan as to what and where – it is going to involve a bit of wild camping, at elevation, so it is going to need a proper plan and preparation to pull it off somewhat safely. I may document the trip as I go, as it is likely going to take a few days to get to the wilderness location where I’ll be carrying the rite out.

In other news I have gotten back into transcribing all the writing from the physical volumes into electronic format – into a more cohesive edited work. All of this task is mostly thankless and goes unnoticed, as it’s nature but it’s crucial as anyone who documents their own work knows. It is currently not my plan to ever publish this publicly – things could change, with a variety of internal, external factors coming into account (and protocol to be followed as is honourable) – but instead the current intention is to focus on creating a master copy temple book, as part of founding a real, physical working group here. This work can then be given to the initiates, in a format suitable to their level of development.

A lot has been worked on in this regard since I last tackled transcribing and editing (the work referred here to simply as The Book of the Ivory Spider), not least the Lucifer aspect which turned out to be far longer, and more involved, than I had anticipated. More direction has come through, but until I bust through this particular gate that has had me working years longer than expected, the full extent of the remaining Belial and Ivory Spider work is difficult to see. I doubt that before full outer and inner plane construction is finished, I’ll be able see the complete picture to put everything into perspective. This lull however does make for a perfect time to get caught up in anticipation of more gnosis that needs to be brought through, decoded, and recorded.

To give people an insight, below is a picture of the journals covering the last few years of work. There is a lot of material – most of it being quite specific to myself – but that still leaves a lot to be extracted, rewritten, detailed and placed into context which is not always obvious immediately after performing a rite and documenting the results.

A stack of Temple Books, self taken

It is not just text either. Within these works are the various sigillic diagrams, spirit seals, and other such details via which to create the necessary gates opened in blood. Many of these ways for now need to be solidly guarded until they can be possibly passed on. Below is one of the diagrammatic seals / sigils reflecting the poison that runs through the blood, upon accepting the blessing and curse of the guardian of the stellar webway upon ones own soul, body and mind. This is only the outer seal or mark of a very real occult transformation which happens within the blood, that puts a significant strain upon the body initially. If pushed through, it allows for great works of healing conducted through direct blood work – especially at removing, destroying, and cleansing works or after effects of a malefic or abusive nature.

The Seal of the Healing Venoms, self created and taken

To return to the topic of the group work to detail that further, if anything of the last few years has taught me, it is the value of physical covens. The one that I work with for an arguably related but separate current, has taught me the great value of shared history, gnosis, and of an implicitly trustworthy magickal fraternity. Devoid of drama, it has focused strongly on the rites and power and has reaped the fruits of such. This experience has also conversely taught me of the many shortfalls that come through online teaching and learning. Simply put, what I want to achieve with the Stellar Temple that is slowly forming, is not possible outside of a cohesive magical group working intimately and closely in the real physical world. This is where I want to focus my efforts, and thus produce a strong line of stellar initiates within a lived and deep tradition. This is how I see my own work developing, and the best of way of safeguarding and cherishing what was passed down to me from the Mother Temple, as well as other treasured lines of initiation.

2020 taught me the seriousness of such a charge and simply cemented my conviction to build this and disseminate it in the way that achieved the best results for individuals and the world soul. One can say my mind was focused. As to the exact form this will take, it is up to much debate, but both organization and makeup of the working group here is still be decided. Initial formulation of three working degrees, based around alchemical principles, will be the primary means of testing and preparation for initiate work. The actual passing on of any prince of fire empowerments will be reserved for those who excel and pass in physical dedication passed those three degrees. Whilst superficially similar to traditional wicca, and no doubt inspired by my work within that related current, the content of the rites are specifically Primal Current in both method and design. The first of these initiations at Black Degree have already been performed. There is however, a lot of remaining work to develop the personal cultus of the Temple and ensure it is both consistent and correctly understood to be properly revealed and transmitted. I’m looking forward to doing this work immensely.

Scene of Rising Energies from Amenta, self created and taken

Some may contrast this approach with that taken by the Mother Temple itself for disseminating work. There is reason why the works of the mother temple were made public, that have been discussed at length by its gatekeeper. Sometimes the time is right to make something more widely known, important to make something public. For the stellar work done here, that time is certainly not yet – and it may be simply that it is never for wide dissemination.

The blog is probably not going to have lots of updates this year – unless it is to update on the Dragon Rite and or the construction of the inner temple. I have seemingly lost my appetite right now for public discourse and the tide turns inwards to give birth to something new and deep. It would be easy to do updates on common affairs topics – like the current Hecatian communities general attitude, the attitude of witchcraft community to its teachers and its all take, no give solipsistic practice and approach. But I have so far decided to simply stay off these topics here and focus on the  work. I think that is what is most beneficial for the long run, as the rest is really just monkey noise getting in the way of progress on the theurgic path. Somethings should be self evident, and not need an essay.

I may in the near future finally get a review up for Jack Grayles Hekateon, as well as Liber Khthonia by Jeff Cullen at some point. We will see. The first is quite belated – the quick summation are both are worth reading, and enough is easily syncretised with the Primal Current to make them worth it for the Trident devotees as secondary sources. The last one in particular in its reclamation of the devotional aspect I feel is very important and very good to be seeing in new material as emphasis.

I hope this insight has given people something to look forward to re the writeup and a bit of reassurance that good work is still ongoing here.

Illuminated by the Black Sun,
We Carry Her Torches,
Now and Forever,
~S~

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Until The Light Takes Us: Samhain Blessings

Posted in Occultism, Paganism, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 31, 2020 by Sypheara

A lot has happened in a year… if 2019 was the zenith, 2020 has certainly been the nadir. I feel that many of us feel that way – having dealt with (and continue to deal with) the fallout the pandemic has brought to our personal, professional, and spiritual lives.

So this year, Samhain is a difficult one to celebrate. How do we dig deep and perform our devotionals in a year such as this? It is simply because we must. Regardless, the wheel of the world turns, and the only route forward is upwards and onwards. This is not something that is easy for me to say, for the year has cost me dearly.

I can now state publicly that my father died around two weeks ago, which came as a difficult shock to say the least. Hecate heard my prayers, and a situation that could have been long and drawn out was thankfully, and mercifully, brought to a swift close.

For the temple it has been a rollercoaster as well. This year marked the temples first full Black Degree initiate, as well some of the most powerful rites performed (in regards to the dragons) and in regards gnosis granted from such. However, the pandemic slowed down construction work on finalising the interior space and altars, and has created some distance between me and the initiate (albeit, they are still involved with the Temple and myself, in a different capacity).

That said, Samhains Eve has blown me away. The Facebook group for the current carried out a powerful devotional rite, and I’ve been really touched and impressed by how people have taken to it – with very physical results for many of the rites. We have also had many long term neophytes finally initiate. To all of these people I extend a warm hand of welcome, I hope Hecate takes you in hand and delivers you to where you need to go on this path and current. You do not walk alone.

I have also gone ahead and offered another devotee the chance to initiate at the Stellar Temple.. something I hope he is able to pursue in the future. Seeing beyond this turning inward, I can see an explosion of growth. The future for the current and stellar way is bright – I can see it in the loving hearts of its devotees, in the stillness of night.

Whilst I decided to not share the full devotional rite, as I want to keep it specifically for those actively involved in the current who could get direct feedback, I wanted to tonight share the devotional prayers we utilised for our group working with the wider community. I hope they are a blessing in dark times…. with adaptation they could be used in any Sabbat or Esbat working, but I feel they are particularly powerful at this time of death and renewal.  A short post but one I wanted to very much make.

Blessed be to all on this, our most hallowed of nights. Let our minds turn to the Old Gods and our Dearly Departed, as we celebrate and journey to the Sabbat Mount…

Samhain, Photography / Artist unknown.

First Prayer of Devotion – Hecate

‘Hecate, Hecate, Hecate,

I call to you in the Stillness of Night,

On Hallowed Samhains Night,

With steadfast mind and committed heart;

‘Hecate, Hecate, Hecate,

Hear my prayer,

O Mighty Queen of Deepest Hell!,

O Fertile Mother of the Green Earth!,

O Beautiful Empress of Highest Heaven!

Source of of All Elven Blood,

She who holds the Nine Universes in her Hands,

And who with a whisper

Can even command Atlantis to kneel,

Hecate, Hecate, Hecate,

Accept my love,

As I give my thanks and praise to you,

O Mighty Imperishable One,

I request of thee,

Take my hand,

Forever be by my side,

Mother and Lover Divine,

By the Power of your Holy Words

Askion, Kataskion, Lix, Tetrax, Damnameneus, Aisia

So it will be.’

 

Second Prayer of Devotion – Lucifer

‘Lucifer, Lucifer, Lucifer,

I call to you in the Silence of Night,

On Hallowed Samhains Eve,

With steadfast and committed heart,

Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer,

Hear my Prayer,

Lord of the Necromantic Black Sun,

Ruler of the Life Giving White Sun,

Master of the Rubric Gem of All Creation,

Laughing God Supreme,

Lord of Death, Life and Illumination,

Lucifer, Lucifer, Lucifer,

Accept my love,

As I give my thanks and praise to you,

O Laughing God Supreme,

All Glory to the Peacock of Paradise,

Brilliant One,

I request of thee,

Soothe my Pains,

Empower me with thy Essence,

And forever illuminate my Path,

Father and Lover Divine,

By the Power of your Holy Words,

Lu-Thay-Ce-El, Ash-Teh-Ray, Lucifer’

 

Third Prayer of Devotion – Belial

‘Belial, Belial, Belial,

I call to you in the Soundlessness of Night,

On Hallowed Samhains Night,

With steadfast and committed heart,

Belial Belial Belial,

Hear my Prayer,

O Keeper of the Flesh of the Earth,

Ruler of the 72 Spirits of Goetic Might,

Lord of the Devils Throne,

Scorpion God Supreme!

He whose words Create and Destroy

Whole Worlds of Existence.

Belial, Belial, Belial,

Accept my love,

As I give my thanks and praise to you,

Pathfinder of the Ways of Amenta,

Lord of Compassion and Malice,

Of Blessed Beast and Field,

Blood and Bone,

I request of thee,

Guide and Protect Me,

Arm and Armour me in your Sacred Flesh,

Preparing me for the road ahead,

By the Power of your Holy Words,

Vel-Hayla-Anti-Ock-Serash-Seh-Haylish-Belial’

 

Fourth Prayer of Devotion – Sepheranz

‘Sepheranz, Sepheranz, Sepheranz,

I call to you in the Solitude of Night,

On Hallowed Samhains Night,

With steadfast and committed heart,

Sepheranz, Sepheranz, Sepheranz,

Hear my Prayer,

O Apocalyptic Goddess Supreme,

Ruler of Atlantis,

She who brings Kings to their Knees,

She whose Word lays Nations low,

She who wipes away All Corruption without Mercy,

Sepheranz, Sepheranz, Sepheranz,

Temptress and Seductress,

Accept my love,

As I give my thanks and Praise to you,

Oh Beautiful Orb Weaver Goddess,

Who spins the Web of New and Old Creation,

I request of thee,

In the Name of Hecate First Goddess,

Cut away all that is unneeded,

Freeing me to do what is needed,

What is right,

On this Path of Ascension and Devotion,

As I whisper your name,

Sepheranz.’

 

Hecate, Queen of Hell, Mark Alan Smith

Devotional Sealing Prayer of The Trident

‘Here I kneel (stand),

On Hallowed Samhains Night,

Before and Embraced by the Power of the Trident

At the centre of All Worlds,

Where All Begins,

Where All Ends,

Where even a Whisper changes Fate itself,

Here Within the Cauldron of the Dark Goddess

I am Reborn

All Weariness is cast from my Body,

All Doubt is cast from my mind,

All Weakness is cast from my soul,

In Love and Honour,

Here my Sacred Promise, O Mother,

For I am a Child of Fiery Hell,

For I am a ChiId of Bountiful Earth,

For I am a Child of Starry Heaven,

Your child goes forward Now,

Unafraid,

In Love,

In Honour,

In Devotion,

I will walk your Path to its completion,

Beyond the Gates of Death itself,

O Green Eyed Queen of Hell’

~S~

 

 

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Sacred Song: Work on the Astral Planes

Posted in Occultism, Paganism, Stellar Gnosis, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 14, 2020 by Sypheara

So it has been a quiet but quite productive last few months. Planning for the next and final dragon ritual is well underway, and I’m hoping that the climate as it were will be conducive for its performance as required on this part of the path: under the open sky, in a remote high up place of power. Only this will be suitable for the calling in of the next dragon, communing  with it in the hopes of acquiring what is necessary, and thus opening the way to the completion of Lucifers Stellar Pillar Gate.

In the meantime, the state of the World Soul has been quite difficult to navigate. On the immediate astral or mirror world, and the the deeper inner planes, the turmoil of the above is reflected on the below. This can cause the effect of feeling as if one is swimming through a thick soup – and generally is something hard to deal with. That is not saying anything of the additional stresses that the current situation has brought upon everyone that can tangibly felt.

This is the perfect time to take solace in our work and our patrons, and do work which can help alleviate this somewhat. Hecate and Lucifer have given us the tools to connect to them, and find the strength we need. In the primal craft group on that social media site(tm), I decided to ask the following which got a great response.

‘How much does song / music play into your devotional or ritual work with the Goddess? I know that there are some wonderful musicians in here, but not just music, but as in devotional song or prayer. How do you fit it in to your practice? Do you find it helps revitalise you given the current situation? And have any of you used it in inner planes work?’

I got an absolute deluge of fantastic answers from the very talented people in the community, as to what worked for them or conversely, what didn’t (just as important when it comes to solid connection during ritual and devotional practice).

For my own part, I have used song in devotional practice for awhile now. This is one of the ways in which I connect to and draw down Hecate, in preparation for greater work and simply as a form of worship. A term some might not be comfortable with, but which I see as important when our path is a devotional one. I have used select songs for initiation and ritual work at the temple, and although i’m not particularly musically gifted, have utilised instruments in ritual to some potent effect.

 Hymn to Hekate, by Magin Rose, an excellent modern contribution for devotional work.

In particular, and the reason for this post formulating in my mind in the first place, was the occurrence of the use of song not on the physical, but on the astral planes, and the potential for vast changes it instilled upon me as a possibility. This is something I have done for awhile on a very low level, but I only saw the true power of it whilst journeying the other night. What happened seemed to be on a whole other scale, an incident which I will now relate.

Whilst travelling, I had penetrated into a dark, expansive plain of grey that was mostly featureless – just dust swirling around me in all directions creating a fine mist that made it difficult to see. It tasted like fine cement or ash, as if it was what remained after a huge fire had swept through the area. At the time , I felt strangely disorientated, lost, and lacking power. One of the ways to earth in such a situation is to use the sigil of the three crossed staves, or if wanting to return immediately, the sigil of universal gateways to return without disorientation to ones body. Both of these did not seem appropriate – it felt like I was in this place for a purpose. That I could not leave until someone had been done, enacted, architected, built.

So I tried something new. I simply began singing, directed at Hecate, to bring in as much power as I could to this otherwise empty and desolate place. It felt like only her power, brought into where I was, could change the landscape before me and knit together what I felt was missing. Fill what was hollow. I began singing.. a simple hymn of the temples own devising here (written by the initiate), and felt the dust begin to swirl. Over time i could feel it whipping up in a roar, and started to change colour. First, it slowly transformed into dull yellow as colour bled in. It seemed to intensify, coalescing into a shape or figure, and the glow became a mix of deep oranges. This soon solidified into intense, rich golds as the form of Hekate Phosphorous appeared, blazing from head to foot. The harmonic resonance of the plane seemed to match that of my own voice, as warmth and colour bled outwards back into the entire area. The song evolved, flowing naturally.

Hekate Phosphorous by Hellfurian-Guard

This elevated to a merging of myself and the plane with Hecate herself, a sort of planar transvocation. The sheer stellar and empyric power that poured out of her and into and through me was of a level I have not experienced with her in this form up to this point. As the crescendo built to climax, I returned to my body suddenly, bolt awake. There was no boundary at all, as if it was completed with the snap of someones fingers. I felt intensely energised, the waves of stellar energy still vibrating up and down along the spine. I let the energies calm before getting on with the rest of my day, mentally filing away the occurrence as something to detail when possible.

The exact nature of what permanent change may or may not have occurred is not yet apparent, nor have I been able to identify the plane where this occurred with any certainty. I feel it was a subplane connected to the world soul, that part of the near astral. It is something I look forward to exploring further, especially now the efficacy of performing magic with song on the planes has been revealed to me.  I would be interested, as to if anyone else has had any experiences doing similar whilst travelling in such a manner.

Wrapped in the Flames of the Goddess,
We walk in and by her Light,
Through the Dark Places
Of Old Witch Night

~S~

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Viral Catastrophe in the Age of Becoming

Posted in The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 28, 2020 by Sypheara

I’ve had multiple people message me in regards to the truly awful pandemic that is sweeping the world right now, wondering how we are here and how this affects work going forward.

I’d just like to first say thank you to everyone who got in touch – right now, we are fine, and have put in place contingency plans to protect the temples written work as well as all magickal relics and gateways. This was spurred after divination with the powers that be revealed that unfortunately things will get inevitably worse before they get in any way better. A very surreal situation, but one we thankfully saw coming and began preparing for back in January.

The tipping point was reached and these plans have taken the form of moving everything of true vital importance to a remoter location whilst leaving magickal and physical defences at the old inner temple location. We will be working out of this new location for the foreseeable future. This is under direct advisement of the spirits of the Arte that demanded urgent and swift action from ourselves to ride out the coming storm.

We are also stocked up on food, water, and required means to defend ourselves. Unfortunately the lockdowns and other measures will likely restrict larger scale magickal workings with the Dragons. This is down to the fact that these workings require outer gateways to be penetrated in certain physical locations to be truly effective.  Plans are in place to try and pursue these were possible, whilst sticking to the lockdown regulations for everyone’s safety and benefit.

Illustration of Coronavirus, FDA Stock Image

In regards to the pandemic itself, I have heard really two camps try to explain the event. Both while containing elements of the truth, come to wrong conclusions. One maintains that there is no human or spiritual culpability – that viruses just happen and are intrinsic to nature. The second state that this is a God sent plague, echoing fire and brimstone mentality from ages thankfully gone by.

The reality is this is neither God sent, nor simply ‘bad luck’. This event is in reality a backlash from an abused and poisoned world soul – the virus itself spawned as the result of ridiculous levels of cruelty and uncleanliness – the accepted location generally being a Chinese wet market with awful conditions. This is a curse we have lain upon ourselves due to our races poor and ill judged use of the many boons the Gods have granted us – and they have simply allowed us to feel our own backlash of the collective inaction to address such issues. The Gods will allow us to reap what we ourselves have sown as the system self corrects for our colossal failures – this is not THE apocalypse, but rather a dangerous existential crisis we have forced upon ourselves due to terrible behaviour and spiritual erosion.

Such backlash occurrences are going to be common post 2012, as we enter the Aeon of Lucifer fully. Only by addressing these issues collectively can we halt the increase in strength, duration and frequency of these events.  This is the foreshock of a much larger quake, that can only be addressed by changing our ways of life on a mass scale. This will involve making the correct physical, mental and spiritual changes required to rebalance the world soul and avert disaster.

Due to the failure of an authoritarian government to effectively contain this outbreak, thanks to a colossal cover up in its early stages, all we can do is ride out the storm. Many innocent people will likely be killed in the ‘crossfire’. The massive majority, in fact. I pray that Hecate and the Gods look upon kindly those souls who cross over, and and shepherd them to where they need to be and relieve their suffering and those they inevitably leave behind.

To all those out there on the path, now would be a good time to turn inward when it comes to your spirituality. We might be stuck inside, but that is time to deepen our connections and do the inner work required in this period of nigredo. We can use this as an almost alchemical time to polish off areas of that practice where we were otherwise deficient and search for our own meaning and calling in this troubling time, whilst strengthening our connection with the powers of the path.

For those of us who don’t have that luxury due to working in essential services, firstly I’d like to thank you for your efforts in the greater community. I pray that our mother wraps her arms of protection around you, and also that she opens the eyes of all to appreciate the work you do. For to safeguard innocent lives is incredibly invaluable – a virus does not discriminate after all. At this time may your path grant you the strength to persevere, and endure.

I end this post with an invocation that was utilised in the Imbolc rite I performed this year for the local pagan group – at this time of Ostara celebration in the older calendar (which runs around seven days after the actual equinoxes), I feel it is just as appropriate to reiterate. The text is from a rite, where raised energy is earthed into the Dragonlines to quicken the great serpent. I offer it as both blessing, and curse, as is appropriate. Stay safe and well all.

The Masque of the Red Death, Edgar Allan Poe, artist unknown.

+++SPRING AWAKENING CALL TO THE GREAT DRAGON+++

‘SYNCHRONOMICON ABOEN LUCIFER

I call to you Spirits of these Crystals,

Devas Divine,

In the Name of the Gods of The Trident,

Sink this Energy into the Flesh of the Dragon,

May the Wheel turn once more,


AWAKE BEHEMUTH

ARISE BEHEMUTH

STIR BEHEMUTH


May the life giving powers flow,

Returning warmth to our Lands

Our Lives

Our Flesh and Bones

May all sickness and doubt flee before You

May all cold and hunger be banished,

May Life return to this Land,

That which has been so Dearly Bought,

In the Long Nights,

By All your Creatures and Devotees,

In Blessed Sacrifice to the Cycle,

 

To those who pour out their Love to you,

I bid,

Bring the Blessings of the Path,

Protect, Guide and Empower them,

As they walk your Path,

May the Age of Renewal come to pass,

Where our kind sees the folly of its ways,

And grasps what has been graciously given,

For the good of the All

 

To those who in ignorance and blindness,

Work against the Healing and Evolution of our World,

I Bid,

Bring Harsh Lessons,

Open their Eyes to what is suffered,

And what must be endured,

Teach them what must be taught,

In Mercy and In Love,

For the Aeon to come.

 

To those who in conceit and pride,

Those who intentionally harm the Flesh of the Dragon,

For Profit and Greed,

Maliciously and with Full Knowledge

Believing themselves beyond reproach

I Bid,

Devour them Utterly,

Flay their skin with plague resplendent,

Consuming that which was lent,

By the Prince of this Earth,

And made a mockery of with Atlantean Curse,

May they feel your full black poison,

Course through their veins,

As they are  reclaimed and repossessed,

For those souls no redemption,

In the Eyes of the Gods.

 

IN NOMINE HECATE, LUCIFER, BELIAL, SEPHERANZ

~S~

 

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Leviathan: Sea Dragon Rising

Posted in Stellar Gnosis, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 14, 2019 by Sypheara

It’s been just over three and a half weeks now since me and the new initiate set off with one goal in mind. The raising up, and working with Leviathan. This mighty sea dragon has a rich and interesting history. The name Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן – ‘Livyatan’) literally translated from Hebrew apparently has the meaning of ‘wreathed, twisted in folds’. This is an excellent description of this great creature, as we will go on to see. This is a direct continuation of an older root name derived from the Amorites, who had an identical sea serpent within their teachings who was known as Lôtān. The belief in great dragons plays into the motif of the Chaoskampf,  which occurs again and again in cultures world wide. I leave the mythological / legendary information to be passed on by those far more knowledgeable than myself. Here, I will concentrate on a very personal account of working with this entity.

The Destruction of Leviathan by Gustave Doré

The approach and understanding of Leviathan within Trident Witchcraft has only barely been explored. So for our own meeting with the Great Dragon, to say I undertook the operation with anything but great trepidation would be a complete lie. If one believes as trident witches do in the actual existences of these entities, then meeting face to face with an entity with the power to create walls of broiling water and drown one without the slightest compunction should be one approached with utmost caution. Doubly so when the intention of that rite is to walk into an open vortex within the very element that makes up the Great Dragons body.

We arrived on the chosen beach earlier in the day of the full moon, at high tide in order to observe the seas motion. There could be absolutely no complacency here – the last thing we wanted to do is underestimate the power of the ocean. This was just one beach of several we had inspected, but this one seemed relatively ideal. A small spit of land jutted out into the water, protected from the full force of the tall 18 foot waves by a wave cut platform. It was here we decided the rite would be conducted. The energy of the place felt extremely raw and elemental, but right. Despite the weather being customarily foul, one cannot expect sunshine and rainbows in November on this bleak but beautiful coast, we decided to go ahead with the ritual at around 11 pm.

We waited until close to that time, and set off as warmly wrapped up as we could. The beach wasn’t too far from where we were staying – but far enough it would take a least a reasonable amount of time to get there in the dark. We took the necessary equipment – the stellar amulet  of Lucifer, a small obsidian keystone empowered in Surgats energies, the stave and a small kerosene lamp being the primary but not only tools of the work.

One of the markers was still there – a dead and decaying seal a reminder of the primal power of the ocean. We passed it and found the spot, that perfect little piece of land that jutted out bordered on three sides by the sea. The ritual began as the water begin to come into the bay, under the beautifully clear starlight. Orion hung majestically in the sky, the raw power of Betelgeuse evident as it hung like a jewel some seven hundred light years away. It felt as if the entirety of the heavens rotated around the ritual point, for that brief moment revolving around the axiom of the crossroads we were to open. The omens seemed good and the wind had calmed, so we decided to proceed.

The circle itself was anchored utilising the kerosene lamp, and the area prepared for the ritual with the stave. To digress slightly, the fluid nature of water means a static circle is insufficient for working with this element in many cases. Invocational possession was affected to triformus level, and Hecate, Lucifer and Belial all evoked to the circle edge. Working with Surgat, the required formulation on the edge of the circle was carried out. Next,the obsidian stone was blooded liberally to act as the stellar key to enact the necessary transition safely.

With the temple initiate of the black degree anchoring the working with the help of an attendant celestial entity sent by the Gods as a fifth pillar of the work, I walked to the waters edge and carried out the final evocation of Leviathan. The act of casting the obsidian stone into the onrushing waters, was the sign the call itself was complete. I waited until the moment felt right and walked into the freezing waters at the point of manifestation of the vortex. The serene moment was suddenly shattered by an immediate on rush of pure power, that was akin to being electrocuted. My entire body went rigid in the water as it felt like powerful shocks ran rampant throughout my body. I was unable to move for what felt around five minutes as the serpent held me in its grip. At this moment its serpentine energy flooded me and I got a glimpse of Leviathan itself. This flickered between two forms. The first was a large silver scaled sea serpent with vestigial wings, of such pure stellar beauty that it is difficult to describe with words. The second appeared as a gigantic deep sea creature, looking similar to a eel-like version of a dragonfish, complete with distended jaws and bio-luminescent skin. It’s body was arrayed with a series of eyes that ran the length of it’s body. These two forms overlaid each other and switched rapidly like an flickering old television screen tuned to conflicting channels for around ten or so seconds.

Leviathan, artist unknown

This vision calmed and I felt Leviathans energy moving within me. The possession had come on quickly and suddenly, and in the powerful hold of it I was driven to a fresh sacrificial offering of blood. As it spilled into the water, I was compelled to partake of it directly. Leviathan imparted to me via impression that drinking some of this blood during this stage of the work was a seal upon the possession itself, the snake eating itself to become whole. As I began to assimilate the energies of this union, it calmed to a more subtle level. I saw flashes of the seals actually breaking, and a new mark being placed upon the subtle body.

I let the experience slowly subside until Leviathan let me know the work was complete. He withdrew quite rapidly, almost as quickly as the possession arrived. The way in which he made clear the rite was over wasn’t so much as done with spoken word but instead something indicated by ‘psychic impression’. There was no voice but almost a feeling that formed almost visible words in the minds eye with their forcefulness. ‘Your work is complete, and your offering received. Now leave this place, lest you be devoured by my waves. For my sea yields not for any man who stands foolishly in it’s way.’  This repeated in my mind – inescapable, raw, forceful and pressing. I returned quickly to the circle and with the invaluable help of the initiate closed up the rite quickly and effectively as demanded by Leviathan. We left the beach quickly and headed back to immediately get warm and recover from the experience.

The aftermath was one of quite honestly, serious exhaustion. The ritual had the effect of stressing the physical and astral bodies after its performance which has meant I’ve had to rest up considerably for the last few weeks. This is the less ‘glamorous’ side to this form of possession work. This working also capped a period of very intense rituals, and was by far the the strongest, meaning I was pushed to my current limit in this timeframe. In the time since, I have had a strong visitation from Leviathan via the lunar gates indicating that one full lunar cycle later, the gnosis could be extracted in full re the seal granted to me for full recording in the magickal records that are kept here. That work is to be done tonight via dream work, and tomorrow as follow up work and proper documentation of what is sent as energy allows.

The observant will have noticed I have only given very general formula for the working above. That is because this ritual is dangerously close to a circle breaking rite and involves working within active vortices – both of which could go very wrong if not approached right. Those who are not properly initiated run extreme risk in these workings, and even those properly prepared can have quite serious issues integrating the risen energies. As such I do have to put a sensible caution out there to anyone expecting to work with him in this identical way. It is also note to caution that similar to Surgat, he is difficult to work with and not particularly fond of our kind, especially due to current circumstances.

From here on out I’ll be focusing on the initiates training and growth as well as preparing for the following rites with the other great dragons. I hope to complete the work of the dragons, and Lucifer and Belial’s Stellar Gates by the end of 2020, gods willing. This is ambitious but achievable. I feel it is time to get onto the workings of the stellar whirlpools and the planetary gates themselves. As until this work is done, the stellar temple cannot be formed.

I hope this has been an interesting introduction to Leviathan, albeit one that I feel barely does this great entity justice. I feel this is just the start of a long working relationship with this spirit, and a healing / empowering of my own inner / outer landscapes for whats to come.

To you who encircles the Earth,
Oh great dragon of Chaos,
Beautiful radiant serpent of Light,
Dark nebulous serpent of Dark,
O Great and Terrible Ophidian One,
In Love and Honour we call to you now,
To he who nurtured us,
To he who strengthened us,
To he who sent us forth,
Wrapped in the scales of Young Creation,
In Primal Times forgotten by Man,
We give to thee our eternal thanks and devotion,
We ask of you now,
Send us your strength, 
To fortify our bodies,
To ready our minds,
To prepare our Souls,
To do what needs to be done,
In the Aeon of Lucifer,
In restoration, hope.
In destruction, damnation.
Let the judgement of the gods be delivered,
By the guardian of the waters
Of She who came First. 
~S~

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Samhain Blessings: Success in the Black Degree

Posted in Necromancy, Paganism, Stellar Gnosis, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 3, 2019 by Sypheara

A very quick and short entry from myself, just to wish everyone a good Samhain period – the day itself might have passed, but here we will be extending workings well up to the 11th (and likely a few days beyond!). This includes that nice little working on the coast with Leviathan, which i’m expecting will be carried out in lovely freezing and raining conditions. A pretty usual state of affairs in this rather bleak but beautiful place. The plan is to carry that out sometime in the next two weeks.

To update on the former post – it is with great relish I can report that the initiation of the first candidate of the inner temple here went extremely well. Lucifer was impressed with the gifts offered and the faith in which the ordeal was faced and past. As such, the groundwork for the Stellar Temple I want to build metaphorically and literally in the years to come, is properly started. It will take several years minimum before the praxis is in place, probably longer before I can even consider securing a physical temple site due to the time and monetary costs involved. So a very long term project to make explicitly clear, but one I look forward to building in partnership with the new apprentice, Hecate and their own path willing.

Hernes Oak From The Merry Wives Of Windsor, V, V Herne’s

Outside of this some strong possession work with Hecate commenced last night on the 1st to celebrate both the blessed, as well the dark and forgotten dead.

This group working was led by a good friend of mine, who has many years working with our Goddess. She doesn’t work in Trident Witchcraft but in another strain of Hekatian Witchcraft, but the energies raised are extremely similar for obvious reasons. Use of Ophidian speech allowed for the spirits we intended to contact to raise powerfully but also safely into the ritual space. Particular attention was given to those accused of being witches in the past, especially in regards to a particular local group which were accused and hanged based on absolutely marginal shreds of evidence in the 17th Century. Only three of these individuals could have been referred to as witches, the rest included a businessman and at least one, ironically, pious Christian.  Their murder has left them in a state of limbo, not helped by years of mundane interference at their unmarked burial site. To be able to give them some solace, by sharing offering and remembering the story of their heinous murder, feels like at least an attempt to address a powerful and long standing injustice. Other personal contact with the dead was made, but these experiences remain solely for the group attending and will not be shared here as is proper.

Overall it was a powerful rite to share with others, and culminated for me in an almost full drawing in of the black goddess which i won’t readily forget. Whilst these are common for me with Lucifer, they are much more uncommon with the dark mother to that full bodied extent, and are thus enjoyed thoroughly when experienced.

With that said, back to it, I hope its been a great time for everyone, and many blessings in your works ahead.

Ave the Blessed Dead,
On these dark Samhain nights,
Those souls who have come before,
Who light the way with their torches,
We give to you our praise and love,
In the name of the Dark Mother,

And with heartfelt wishes,
Peace to the Dark Dead,
Those lost and forlorn,
Lie forgotten no more
Be fulfilled and at rest,
Sated and Soothed,
In the Black Queens Arms
~S~

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Of Rising Flames: The Macrocosmic Apocalypse of Man

Posted in Publications, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 14, 2019 by Sypheara

October is shaping up to be a very interesting month.

Work with Surgat on the Hunters Moon has revealed the necessary Dragon Gates for accessing Leviathans powers upon the shores of the sea this coming Samhain, and this paves the work of two further workings with the great dragons to correctly open the correct stellar pathways. It is not without some trepidation that this new work is embarked upon – it seems to be some of the strongest workings up to this point. I must now undertake these in direct contact with the elements outside of much of the formal ceremonial ritual trappings I have gotten used to up to this point in my work.

Nevertheless its one I hope to face head on and receive the correct empowerments in response, and have made the formal pact with Surgat to pursue such in full knowledge of what must be done and endured.

In addition to this, I will be performing in the temple space the first initiation into the current of a new devotee. Whilst not a full temple initiation, for the gates for that are yet to be lain down, this is nevertheless an important introduction to the current for them. Hecate and Lucifer have made it very clear this individual is to receive the empowerments of the Gates that have been opened here thus far, and have directed the formation of an initiation rite to that effect. I hope that this is the first foundations of the stellar temple – itself still likely many years from formation – that will be set down.  It is now for the hard work between myself and this other devotee to see how this is to develop.

Precursor by Wayne Barlow

Outside of the above, I also had the excellent opportunity to read a rather stunning essay by a fellow devotee, who originally shared it in the primal craft facebook group. This essay, titled ‘The Macrocosmic Apocalypse of Man’ details the roles played by the Witchgods, as indicated by the Goddess Sepheranz in the current global transformation of The Age of Lucifer. This is an excellent introduction to those involved in the current who might not have touched on or explored this gnosis, whilst also explaining it simply for those who are outside of the current in a digestible but also inspiring manner. I contacted the author, who wishes to be identified as Ryan SK, to ask if he would allow me to kindly share his work on the blog. He accepted, and I thought that the time around the Hunters Moon would be the perfect time to share this beautiful work.

The essay can be accessed below via clicking the title link and contains the following sections; It can also be found in the resources section of the blog.

The Macrocosmic Apocalypse of Man

by Ryan SK

I. Introduction

II. THE UNION OF HECATE AND LUCIFER TO USHER IN NASCENT COSMIC ENERGIES 

III. SEPHERANZ AS THE APOCALYPTIC DAUGHTER OF FLAME 

IV. THE UNION OF SEPHERANZ AND BELIAL AND RETURN OF THE ATLANTEAN CURRENT

With that I wish everyone a beautiful waning moon period up until the arrival of our most blessed of sabbats and the turning of a new cycle at Samhain. May it be a productive one bringing you all the blessings and empowerments of the Gods as befits your own path.

In Love and In Honour,
In the Name of She Who Came First,
Bathed in Rising Flames

~S~

 

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Beauty in Singularity: The Face of Messier 87

Posted in The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 10, 2019 by Sypheara

Today marks a ground breaking development in the field of Astrophysics. For the first time, scientists have managed to get a hold of the first picture of a black hole. This marks a great step forward in our study of these great stellar constructs, and so far confirms our understanding of general relativity. Going forward observations will, hopefully, point the way towards unifying two of the underpinnings of modern physics which currently stand somewhat in opposition. More on that angle here.

The black hole imaged is that at the centre of the Messier 87 galaxy. Described as a ‘complete monster’ by some, it is unfathomably large. Estimates have ranged from (3.5 ± 0.8) to (6.6 ± 0.4) × 109 solar masses, with a measurement of 7.22+0.34 −0.40×109 solar masses being obtained in 2016. This mass is one of the highest known for a supermassive black hole. A rotating disk of ionized gas surrounds the black hole, and is roughly perpendicular to the relativistic jet. This disk rotates at a velocity of up to 1,000 km/s, and spans a diameter of 0.39 light years. M87* as it is known, swallows an entire solar mass every ten years – equivalent to 90 earths in a single day.

The photograph from the recent work is below which shows the event horizon itself. The picture immediately after it, demonstrates the jet emitting from the M87 galaxy itself – which is the bright glow of the condensed stars which make up its elliptical shape.

Image of the supermassive black hole M87* – Event Horizon Telescope

Photograph of the relativistic jet generated by M87* – NASA

The EHT has also been attempting to take pictures of our galaxies heart Sagittarius A*, itself located in Sagittarius Alpha, a very interesting part of space. Soon we will get a picture of our own parent supermassive black hole, which has driven stellar evolution likely for over 13.2 billion years.

For those who know little about black holes, physically they are extreme concentrations of matter – so intense they bend literal space time in their vicinity. So intense that at their core, the curve of space time becomes infinite in what is known as a singularity, and all known laws of physics break apart under the extreme conditions.

So crazy are these predictions that alot of interesting theories abound – some believe that black holes allow travel to other universes, effectively acting as wormholes – others positing that collapsing black holes themselves create new universes and it was such a process that formed our own.

One is probably thinking at this point what this has to do with the Primal Current. In my own approach to Primal Current, these objects are nothing short than some of the strongest stellar portals – that belong to the Lord of the Dark Star.

The Lord of the Dark Star is the gatekeeper of the Throne of Hecate, and an immensely powerful stellar being that holds the keys to intense stellar gnosis. As a spirit he is quite aloof and difficult to reach for many people – mainly reachable through Hecate when the time is right and he chooses to reveal himself. Detailed initially in the Red King by Mark Alan Smith, he makes numerous further appearances across Marks work. With this day being so important, I felt it would be great to therefore share some of the stellar gnosis that was obtained in the form of the following invocation and voces magickae sent forth with working with him closely alongside Lucifer. I’m not sure if i’ve published these before publicly, but either way I felt today was a time to post them.

Caduceus of the Lord of the Dark Star – The Red King, Mark Alan Smith

Call to the Lord of The Dark Star

‘LU-THAY-CI-EL, ASH-TE-RAY x9
Through the Eye of the Great Dragon,
In Knowledge and Power I call to you,
Lord of the Sacred Stellar Gateway,
That which lies beyond Sagittarius Alpha itself!
Crown Prince of the Endless Void,
Child of Hecate and Lucifer,

Great Guardian to the Throne of the Great Goddess,
He whose Name is spoken only in hushed whispers,
In words half remembered by the Race of Man,
Open the Way to your Swirling Vortex,
Envelop me in your Essence,
Within The Crown of the Axis Mundi of the All,
Revealing the Pathways to Dimensions,
Outside the Realms of Finite Time and Space,
Your Eternal Way now opened,
Paid for in Witchblood and in Love,
In Hecates Name’
LU-THAY-CI-EL, ASH-TE-RAY x9′

The above invocational call should be done whilst in a fully cast circle, with the trees fully opened, utilising Hecates Eye (in turn created from an orb of solid obsidian). This is the perfect start to devotional work with him – in additional, the sigil given may be marked in wood, itself painted black, in gold.

The LU-THAY-CI-EL, ASH-TE-RAY is a call given by this entity alongside Lucifer to intensify and quicken stellar currents. It can be used in conjunction with the above invocation as mantra to empower the devotional rite. It can also be used for other select purposes – that at some point I hope to detail in print far, far down the line.

My first meeting with this entity was of being suspended on a stone platform, in the blackness of space, with the form of Sagittarius A* burning brightly behind it. I was surrounded by some kind of energetic shield, safe from the intense waves of radiation which licked its edges, in turn forming fabulous aurorae. The Lord of the Dark Star extruded into the shield from the event horizon itself, descending several manifested stone steps. He appeared as an immensely powerful winged humanoid form, possessing a canine head, reminiscent of drawings and paintings of the god Anubis. The energy that washed over me from from him was an intense fuschian colour of such vibrancy it was breathtaking. It was here he gave his initial empowerment, something I will always be eternally grateful for.

Ever since, the winter solstice and dark moons have taken a special meaning as perfect nights for working with him as well as other stellar entities that are otherwise drowned out every month by moonlight. These are perfect nights to work with the stellar spirits, for obvious practical reasons.

To end this relatively short but hopefully interesting piece, I’ll simply add that we live in a time now where our knowledge of the physical stellar makeup is far improved, and that it befits us to to work with them based on this. Just as the ancients based their stellar work on actual observation and direct contact with these entities, so should we, rather than relying on debased systems that have been hacked and chopped together over the last 200 years, themselves based on valuable but flawed medieval century grimoires.

For those who are wanting to learn more about stellar magic – start with astronomy. Build up your knowledge of the stars themselves, and of the stellar classifications and coordinate systems. This can seem tedious at first but it is a genuine base – even a very amateur understanding will put you light years (pun intended) in front of those who work outdated methods without understanding the actual, physical realities around us. Your magickal work will simply become much more effective and new avenues will open to you. Of special interest would be examining stellar classification, to better know the types of stars in our sky.

For those new entirely to astronomy and stellar, or even planetary magick, the following books work as good launching points with the above kept firmly in mind.  There is plenty more but these are my current favourites I can personally recommend. It is important to know where to go from to remain earthed in some manner in this vast avenue of exploration.

Turn Left at Orion: Hundreds of Night Sky Objects to See in a Home Telescope – and How to Find Them by Guy Consolmagno

Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology by George C Noonan

Practical Planetary Magick by Sorita D’Este and David Rankine

Stellar Magic by Payam Nabarz

To You,
Nameless One,
Master of The Nine Universes,
I Give My Thanks and Praise,
Enfolded Within The Shadow of Your Wings
Bathing In Your Pure Black Light,
In Love and In Honour,

~S~

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The Quicksilver of Light and Madness – The Laughing God

Posted in Luciferianism, Occultism, Paganism, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 8, 2018 by Sypheara

With Samhain now receding (although that said, a truly cunning witch knows how to make this blessed Sabbat extend for quite a while into November!), I want to make the post I alluded to in earlier entries.

This is a difficult one, to the point that is almost impossible to put to paper. Only those who have invoked Lucifer in high levels of possession will be able to truly understand the content here at an emotional and spiritual level, but it is one I want to try to convey.

Lucifers current is the lifeblood of mans universe, and can be physically experienced inside and outside of ritual in various forms. It can be felt as an electricity permeating the body, and can be raised to extremely euphoric levels by those who have become sufficiently tied to him via theurgic work. A side effect of this bringing closer of this current is that it can start to be Heard. This starts as a simple rhythmic pulsating beat as it animates the flesh lent to us by Belial, which becomes detectable when doing higher level workings. As one becomes more sensitive, one can begin to tune into it on an audible level – where it can be perceived as a persistent high vibrational tone, changing between consonant and dissonant tones constantly, both a chorus and drone lain out over the other.

This current is extremely empowering and life giving. Channelled in and outside of ritual it can be used to create extremely strong circles of power, even outside of any corresponding ritual action. Part of this is alluded to in the entry on the Synchronomicon. It can renew physical and mental exhaustion, and has positive healing effects on the entire body. That said, I want to talk about its counterpoint in the main today. This is where this entry comes into its own, for Lucifer also has a ‘dark side’ – and in no way is this the one that is often presumed and presented by juvenile minds. This is the current which I now detail.

The Laughing Jester (15th Century, artist unknown)

This particular current is overpowering. So strong in fact, that it can push well beyond euphoria into a manic sort of madness, and threatens to overcome all sense and reason when encountered. This is the black solar force that contrasts Lucifers bright side – the sinistral side of the Lord of The City of Pyramids. It would be foolish to think that this force can in anyway be controlled when channelled if it was not moderated in some fashion in it’s flow. Even when allowed to come through in a filtered way within the circle, the mania induced can sometimes threaten to divert or derail the operation being performed, and only experience can allow for the thin line to be rode in this regard to produce the desired theurgic effects.

In this way Lucifer reveals the other side of him that I’ve simply come to call the Laughing God aspect, for lack of a better description.  In this aspect Lucifer becomes the Fool and The Emperor combined, and everything seems to descend into chaos without rhyme or reason – in this aspect the universe of man appears a sheer force of uncontrollable competing will without governance, any concept of ‘good’ or ‘evil’ melts away accompanied with really any objective sense of reality. The vibrational tone mentioned before becomes maddeningly loud, threatening to overcome the self and shatter the mind like a mirror exposed to a sharp blow. This reveals Lucifers destructive and decomposing aspects which rend all structures into their components, returning them to their most base form. This drone at this point becomes almost indistinguishable with the droning of the Great Abyss – not surprising when we consider his relationship to it and one of the highest works of theurgy, the Rite of the Phoenix.

This is the necessary balance inherent in Lucifers divine form, and is the force which prevents stagnation in the great cycle. It is perhaps better if it is not perceived as a dualistic force at all – as I suspect that perception itself results from our unique position as incarnated beings existing primarily within a particular point in spacetime. For example, just as heat gives life but at high temperatures it breaks down bonds of molecules, so does Lucifers energy act on everything. The souls of our universe paradoxically rely on Lucifers energy – for without it they would not be able to exist – but at the same time in this state they are always on the verge of being overcome by the very energy that empowers and grants them the power inherent in divine will. In this form Lucifer becomes the master of the Great Dance of the Sabbat, but it its most wild and unrestrained form. He becomes the Eternal Dance, over which Hecate alone seems to have control and direction, whilst simultaneously being an ever present and active participant herself.

2017 Totality by John Christiansen

The devotee who is able to understand and tap into this power with Lucifers help and channel it successfully (by no means an easy feat) will truly begin to work with this great entity at the level required for the deeper work of this arte. Whilst he is best approached by many through his lighter aspects (in my opinion), facing and assimilating the gnosis of his full nature allows for a transcendent understanding and experience, which takes the great work much further for the individual concerned. It is exactly this innate understanding of his dissolving force which is needed to truly appreciate, understand, and process the nigredo stages of alchemy and survive it successfully.

As stated at the beginning, most of the above is truly impossible to relate with words alone. It must be felt, and experienced, through many repeat occurrences of successful possession work. I hope this small detailing of this aspect gives enough context and contrast with previous posts to help those who are working with him get orientated if nothing more.

From myself and the spirits here, I wish you all a productive dark half of the year as we go towards the winter solstice. May you work be beneficial and fruitful in the nights to come.

Ave Lucifer,
Laughing God!
Lord of Madness!
Master of the Dark and Light of the Sun!

Pour forth thy Poisons of the Highest and Lowest Paths
Dissolving all which stands in Our Way,
We shed ourselves of False Ego,
Like the Sacred Serpent
As we journey this Road Beyond,
We walk In Love and Devotion
Unfailing,
Yearning,
Following,
The Sunset of Amenta
~S~

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October and the Hunters Moon: Ecstatic Rites

Posted in Occultism, Paganism, The Path of Flames with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 28, 2018 by Sypheara

Hello all, I hope that October has been treating you extremely well. The energy of the last month at least in good old Britannia, has been building to a crescendo as we go towards our beloved Samhain.

The energy that has been permeating the air here became extremely powerful at the height of the Hunters Moon, to the point it was almost thick and could be tasted even outside of ritual. The energy was sufficient to turn several areas of the local area very thin as far as the veil is concerned. At one particular spot, the energy grew so thick I felt I needed to work with it – the spirit of the place seemed oddly demanding but also welcoming.

I took a small stone, and alternated a simple beat on a nearby piece of metal, similar to that of a heartbeat. One loud, one subtle, matching it to my own pulse as best as could be felt. Over time, i quickened this beat, again mirroring the internal quickening, thus bringing my own bio rhythm into tune with that of the energy of place. At the crescendo i could feel the merging of my blood with that of the ‘blood’ of the place, the earthy powerful feeling of copper filling the mouth, that taste of primal energy. At its peak, I felt the energy release along the spine, and abruptly everything stopped. In the still air, everything went quiet, and the wind seemed to murmur in approval at the stirring communion given. Leaves rustled past and then fell silently to the ground and all went still.

This is but a small example of an ecstatic experience. In the west, we have become overly used to working in eastern ways – with systems of meditation taught to us with the aim of quietening our minds. These, I will not argue against as having innate value, and it is no wonder they were adapted for use, entering our collective skillset. Many of them have been used highly successfully in our modern practice – and many of them have similar if not identical analogues in older western traditions. However I see in certain areas of the Craft (not all, some) that some of the importance around rites of ecstatic communion have been lost – especially when it comes to possession work. This seems strange when you consider that many witchcraft traditions stress ecstatic work – are even founded upon it – but are somehow still seemingly afraid of the power that can be unleashed. This is maybe understandable, but it is something that needs to be worked through in my eyes to properly inflame the craft for future generations.

‘Ask the Oak’ by Adam Oehlers

This is mainly aimed at those working within Hecates Primal Current that are reading this, but this may also be of use to others out there – you should incorporate where possible the ecstatic rites into your work. How this is done is difficult to teach or even to convey in some respects. How it can be done is numerous – one good example would be when performing sexual magickal possession work within this current.  When done at a high level with the Gods and Spirits this is anything but a subdued, meditative experience – but one that rips through the entire body and delivers body shaking possessions that send energy pulsating along the spine. As such, restraint in these operations should be removed and the experience fully embraced – anything else results simply in half measures and results.

Again in general ritual, drumming, singing, chanting and dancing can all be used to intensify the energy of a rite – this is the perfect method for bringing in some very powerful spirits, losing oneself in the experience and truly embracing the being called in. As long as Hecates ever watchful eye and protection has been invoked. and the practitioner is in the correct space, the result should be a positive one. With the dismissal of fear, this can be a profoundly progressive and literally transformative experience that can facilitate massive leaps on the theurgic path. It must be adapted to fit the situation, it is not something that can be replicated from reciting cold hard text from any book. It is learned through experience, sometimes hard earned – do not believe the snake oils salesmen who will direct you away from this, telling you they alone hold the secrets. Secrets of course they will ever so divulge if you believe their comedic youtube promotionals and buy into their overpriced and frankly amateurish body of work that shows little understanding of the above.

Note although I previously used sexual magick as an example, ecstatic work does not need to be confined to such. Only people who lack imagination or who are after something would say so (if its related to paired work). None of the above methods (drumming, singing, chanting, dancing) need to possess a sexual element – they just need to harmonise with the particular spirit being worked with. Similar to how in physics, waves that in phase have an amplifying effect, the same is to be attempted using the ecstatic method.  As such, it is also usually specific to each individual spirit as to what works best in your relationship with them when bringing them into the flesh.

Many have been in contact with me and told me they have problem with possession work – hence the topic of this post. Talking to them I realise they are only approaching its performance from meditative, contemplative angles. This has its place in more subtle forms of possession, in preparation before rites, and in other forms of magickal work but in my experience (and certainly, it is dependent on the individual and their innate gifts) the strongest forms of possession are experienced using ecstatic methods. As we go towards Samhain, I recommend people change to more ecstatic means to take their possession work to the next level if they are having difficulties working with spirit. I wish it was something I could give more concrete guidance on, but the exact method differs wildly from individual to individual. The only universal tip I can settle on is aim to synchronise your own innate biorhythms, your ceremonial actions, and the energies of the possessing spirit into harmony – in this way everything flows as one – all you need to do from then on is grab hold of the surging wave, and ride it to its natural completion.

Art by Valin Mattheis

For those who are feeling a little more comfortable, i’d suggest if you have the opportunity you take it to the next level and push past your own comfort zone. Leave your usual working space and go into the wilds away from human contact, ensuring of course proper preparation to stay safe. You don’t need to go overly far – the most startlingly beautiful and powerful places are usually within reach, even for those of us with limited transport options with a bit of effort. If you find a site that feels good for communion after physical and spiritual considerations have been taken into account, you can perform the ecstatic rites. These should always be conducted from within a suitably cast circle (even if that is a quick cast than something fully ceremonial). The goal being to learn about that space, its genius locii, and begin building powerful relationship. Not just this, but also simply for the sheer joy of exercising your divine right to embrace your existence upon this plane and others. In these workings the ways to rehallow the Earth soul are revealed and worked – real change can be made here at the liminal crossing points where long forgotten spirits await. Not all are friendly, or easy to work with, but all will listen to a sincere call of one of Hecates kin. From there it is up to you. Not all can do or are suited to thiswork and that is perfectly fine. But for those who are, I can tell you its a worthwhile experience.

With the above relayed, I want to quickly say I hope to do a few more posts over the Samhain period, keeping them relatively short  but detailing select things. The next post I want to be about Lucifers burning stellar energies, and how that interplays with Hecates, in a way that is somewhat channelled if possible at the time. It is difficult to relate it text but I will do my best to bring it forth for (more likely on!) our hallowed date.

May the light of the Goddess guide you,
On the Ecstatic Paths the lead to Her Throne,
And Into the Arms of Her and her Kin

Ave Hecate,
~S~

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