Liber O

IV

The Rituals of the Pentagram and Hexagram must be committed to memory; they are as follows:

The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram

(i)

Touching the forehead say Ateh (Unto Thee).

(ii)

Touching the breast say Malkuth (The Kingdom).

(iii)

Touching the right shoulder, say ve-Geburah (and the Power).

(iv)

Touching the left shoulder, say ve-Gedulah (and the Glory).

(v)

Clasping the hands upon the breast, say le-Olahm, Amen (To the Ages, Amen).

(vi)

Turning to the East make a pentagram (that of Earth) with the proper weapon (usually the Wand). Say (i.e. vibrate) I H V H.

(vii)

Turning to the South, the same, but say A D N I.

(viii)

Turning to the West, the same, but say A H I H.

(ix)

Turning to the North, the same, but say A G L A.

Pronounce: Ye-ho-wau, Adonai, Eheieh, Agla.

(x)

Extending the arms in the form of a Cross say:

(xi)

Before me Raphael;

(xii)

Behind me Gabriel;

(xiii)

On my right hand Michael.

(xiv)

On my left hand Auriel;

(xv)

For about me flames the Pentagram,

(xvi)

And in the Column stands the six-rayed Star.

(xvii-xxi)

Repeat (i) to (v), the Qabalistic Cross.

The Greater Ritual of the Pentagram

The Pentagrams are traced in the air with the sword or other weapon, the name spoken aloud, and the signs used, as illustrated.

THE PENTAGRAMS OF SPIRIT

spirit

The Signs of the Portal (see Illustrations): Extend the hands in front of you, palms outwards, separate them as if in the act of rending asunder a veil or curtain (actives), and then bring them together as if closing it up again and let them fall to the side (passives).

(The Grade of the Portal is particularly attributed to the element of Spirit; it refers to the Sun; the Paths of ס, נ and ע, are attributed to this degree. See 777 lines 6 and 31 bis).

THE PENTAGRAMS OF FIRE

fire

The signs of 4° = 7^□: Raise the arms above the head and join the hands, so that the tips of the fingers and of the thumbs meet, formulating a triangle (See illustration).

(The Grade of 4° = 7^□ is particularly attributed to the element Fire; it refers to the planet Venus; the paths of ק, צ and פ are attributed to this degree. For other attributions see "777" lines 7 and 31).

THE PENTAGRAMS OF WATER

water

The signs of 3° = 8^□: Raise the arms till the elbows are on a level with the shoulders, bring the hands across the chest, touching the thumbs and tips of fingers so as to form a triangle apex downwards. (See illustration).

(The Grade of 3° = 8^□ is particularly attributed to the element Air; it refers to the planet Mercury; the paths of ר and ש are attributed to this degree. For other attributions see "777" lines 8 and 23).

THE PENTAGRAMS OF AIR

air

The signs of 2° = 9^□: Stretch both arms upwards and outwards, the elbows bent at right angles, the hands bent back, the palms upwards as if supporting a weight. (See Illustration).

(The Grade of 2° = 9^□ is particularly attributed to the element of Air; it refers to the Moon; the path of ת is attributed to this degree. For other attributions see "777" lines 8 and 23).

THE PENTAGRAMS OF EARTH

earth

The signs of 1° = 10^□: Advance the right foot, stretch out the right hand upwards and forwards, the left hand downwards and backwards, the palms open.

(The Grade of 1° = 10^□ is particularly attributed to the element of Earth. For other attributions see "777" lines 10 and 32 bis).

The Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram

This ritual is to be performed after the "Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram".

(i)

Stand upright, feet together, left arm at side, right across body, holding the wand or other weapon upright in the median line. Then face East and say:

(ii)

I.N.R.I.
Yod. Nun. Resh. Yod.
Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother.
Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer.
Sol, Osiris, Slain and Risen.
Isis, Apophis, Osiris, IAO.

(iii)

Extend the arms in the form of a cross, and say: "The Sign of Osiris Slain." (See Illustration).

(iv)

Raise the right arm to point upwards, keeping the elbow square, and lower the left arm to point downwards, keeping the elbow square, while turning the head over the left shoulder looking down so that the eyes follow the left forearm, and say, "The Sign of the Mourning of Isis." (See Illustration.)

(v)

Raise the arms at an angle of sixty degrees to each other above the head, which is thrown back, and say, "The Sign of Apophis and Typhon." (See Illustration.)

(vi)

Cross the arms on the breast, and bow the head and say, "The Sign of Osiris Risen." (See Illustration.)

(vii)

Extend the arms again as in (iii) and cross them again as in (vi) saying: "L.V.X., Lux, the Light of the Cross".

(viii)

$/\$ With the magical weapon trace the Hexagram of Fire in the East, saying, "ARARITA" (אראריתא).

Which Word consists of the initials of a sentence which means "One is His Beginning: One is His Individuality: His Permutation is One."

This hexagram consists of two equilateral triangles, both apices pointed upwards. Begin at the top of the upper triangle and trace it in a dextro-rotary direction. The top of the lower triangle should coincide with the central point of the upper triangle.

(ix)

Trace the Hexagram of Earth in the South, saying "ARARITA."

This Hexagram has the apex of the lower triangle pointing downwards, and it should be capable of inscription in a circle.

(x)

Trace the Hexagram of Air in the West, saying "ARARITA."

This Hexagram is like that of Earth; but the bases of the triangles coincide, forming a diamond.

(xi)

$\/$ Trace the hexagram of Water in the North, saying "ARARITA."

This hexagram has the lower triangle placed above the upper, so that their apices coincide.

(xii)

Repeat (1-vii)

The Banishing Ritual is identical, save that the direction of the Hexagrams must be reversed.

The Greater Ritual of the Hexagram

To invoke or banish planets or zodiacal signs.

The Hexagram of Earth alone is used. Draw the hexagram, beginning from the point which is attributed to the planet you are dealing with. (See "777" col. lxxxiii.)

Thus to invoke Jupiter begin from the right-hand point of the lower triangle, dextro-rotary and complete; then trace the upper triangle from its left hand point and complete.

Trace the astrological sigil of the planet in the centre of your hexagram.

For the Zodiac use the hexagram of the planet which rules the sign you require ("777", col. cxxxviii); but draw the astrological sigil of the sign, instead of that of the planet.

For Caput and Cauda Draconis use the lunar hexagram, with the sigil of Caput Draconis or Cauda Draconis.

To banish, reverse the hexagram.

In all cases use a conjuration first with Ararita, and next with the name of the God corresponding to the planet or sign you are dealing with.

The Hexagrams pertaining to the planets are as in plate on preceding page.

These rituals should be practised until the figures drawn appear in flame, in flame so near to physical flame that it would perhaps be visible to the eyes of a bystander, were one present. It is alleged that some persons have attained the power of actually kindling fire by these means. Whether this be so or not, the power is not one to be aimed at.

Success in "banishing" is known by a "feeling of cleanliness" in the atmosphere; success in "invoking" by a "feeling of holiness." It is unfortunate that these terms are so vague.

But at least make sure of this: that any imaginary figure or being shall instantly obey the will of the student, when he uses the appropriate figure. In obstinate cases, the form of the appropriate God may be assumed.

The banishing rituals should be used at the commencement of any ceremony whatever. Next, the student should use a general invocation, such as the "Preliminary Invocation" in the "Goetia" as well as a special invocation to suit the nature of his working.

Success in these verbal invocations is so subtle a matter, and its grades so delicately shaded, that it must be left to the good sense of the student to decide whether or not he should be satisfied with his result.