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 Luciferian Revolution 