The Star Sapphire - notes
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In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@YHVH said
"I have found online at least 4 or 5 variations of the full ARARITA, with slight alterations each. Most often I stumble into "Achad Rosh Achadotho Rosh Ichudo Temurazo Achad". Is this the -correct- "full" ARARITA???"
There are various Hebrew dialects, plus there has been a tendency in the West for a century or two to not actually bother to be careful with such things. Still, slight variations are possible under different dialectical rules.
I did my most careful transliteration of it when writing the third edition of The Mystical & Magical System of the A.'.A.'. - I wanted the transliteration for a few remarks on Liber ARARIThA. Understand that ch is used below for the sound of Cheth (halfway between H and K, roughly), here it is:
Echad rosh ache'dutho rosh yichudutho t'muratho echad.
The initial vowel in this formf AChD is the "e" sound, not "a" (they are different words). I'm not sure where you ran into the z in the next-to-last word, since the Hebrew is a Tav.
"the hebrew "z" is supposed to be pronounsed "zs" as in Enochian and English or "ts" as in German???"
Zayin is pronounced like the English z as in zebra. (I don't know why you give this as "zs," but perhaps that communicates it in your gonue?) It is quite distinct from the Tzaddi, which is close to the English tz but is technically a flattened, extremely sibilant s (a single sound, rather than the "two sounds" people usually make with "tz." It's nearly identical to the middle sound in the familiar word pizza.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
"Do what thou willt shall be the whole of the law."
One thing i have wondered over though.
Should the Holy Hexagram be traced "averse"?"Plunge from the height, O God, and interlock with Man!
Plunge from the height, O Man, and interlock with Beast!
The Red Triangle is the descending tongue of grace;
the Blue Triangle is the ascending tongue of prayer"Makes me see a correspondance to "Reguli" with its averse Pentagrams (together with the normal Pentagrams of the Star Ruby they yield the Hexagram).
It also makes me think of the red tringle as the Divine part or highest part (the supernals).
If the Hexagram is traced normally, only changing its colours, the holier part of it would not be descending but behaving rather normally save for an Elemental "hue" of an oposite kind."In the magical hexagram this is revered; the descending red triangle is that of Horus, a sign specially revealed by him personally, at the Equinox of the Gods. (It is the flame desending upon the altar, and licking up the burnt offering.) The blue triangle represents the aspiration, since blue is the colour of devotion, and the triangle, kinetically considered, is the symbol of directed force."
Then again, the Hexagram and HGA is centered at Tiphareth first and foremost, not the Supernals. I do however feel a bit inclined to believe
that the power of the Ritual is supposed to pass down through Daath.Another thing, if a Banishing is performed before the Star Saphire, using only Earth Hexagrams, the Hexagrams superimposed on eachother would yield 12 at each point, thus also invoking the Zodiac.
Another question, if the Star Ruby is only for Banishing and Star Saphire only Invoking, in what sence can they be said to "correspond" (exept for mathematically)?
"The Star Sapphire corresponds with the Star-Ruby of Chapter 25; 36 being the square of 6, as 25 is of 5. This chapter gives the real and perfect Ritual of the Hexagram."
I would say that one Banishing Pentagram Ritual and one Invoking Hexagram Ritual "corresponds" in no way exept for having the same author and being Thelemic (and Hexagram following Pentagram).
If the Star Saphire could also be used for Banishing though it would "correspond" by being the next serial Ritual to perform (i wont argue for the use of some "invoking Star Ruby", if nothing else the results of Star Ruby / Reguli is so much more rewarding).
I would love to hear opinions.
"Love is the law, love under will."
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Marcel said
"Should the Holy Hexagram be traced "averse"?"
That's not the way it was written. - I'm not all that sure that there is any pronounced relationship between Liber 36 and the text in the later chapter you quote.
But, in any case, notice that the first stroke of drawing the Hexagram is a "plunging" downward. (And the reversal of the colors in that particular design doesn't reverse the Hexagram, it just changes the colors - colors that wouldn't be used in The Star Sapphire in any case any more than the reversed ones are used in the standard Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram.)
"If the Hexagram is traced normally, only changing its colours, the holier part of it would not be descending but behaving rather normally save for an Elemental "hue" of an oposite kind."
Except, again, in actually doing a hexagram ritual these colors aren't used. The custom has always been to draw the hexagrams entirely of golden yellow light (except in the planet-specific Greater Ritual).
""In the magical hexagram this is revered; the descending red triangle is that of Horus, a sign specially revealed by him personally, at the Equinox of the Gods. (It is the flame desending upon the altar, and licking up the burnt offering.) The blue triangle represents the aspiration, since blue is the colour of devotion, and the triangle, kinetically considered, is the symbol of directed force.""
Yes.
"Then again, the Hexagram and HGA is centered at Tiphareth first and foremost, not the Supernals. I do however feel a bit inclined to believe that the power of the Ritual is supposed to pass down through Daath."
That's generally how Supernal consciousness penetrates into Ruach, yes
"Another thing, if a Banishing is performed before the Star Saphire, using only Earth Hexagrams, the Hexagrams superimposed on eachother would yield 12 at each point, thus also invoking the Zodiac."
No, still six points. - They perfectly overlap. Butk, in any case, FWIW, I've never felt the need to do a banishing hexagram before the Star Sapphire. I've always prepared the temple by other means - but, in the same way that there is not an invoking Star Ruby (it is only for banishing), so is there not a banishing Star Sapphire (it is purely for invoking).
"Another question, if the Star Ruby is only for Banishing and Star Saphire only Invoking, in what sence can they be said to "correspond" (exept for mathematically)?"
Oh, they're a nice pair of hand-carved ummatched bookends made by the same artisan at the same time.
""The Star Sapphire corresponds with the Star-Ruby of Chapter 25; 36 being the square of 6, as 25 is of 5. This chapter gives the real and perfect Ritual of the Hexagram.""
He was only speaking mathematically.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Jim Eshelman said
"
@Marcel said
"Should the Holy Hexagram be traced "averse"?"That's not the way it was written. - I'm not all that sure that there is any pronounced relationship between Liber 36 and the text in the later chapter you quote.
But, in any case, notice that the first stroke of drawing the Hexagram is a "plunging" downward. (And the reversal of the colors in that particular design doesn't reverse the Hexagram, it just changes the colors - colors that wouldn't be used in The Star Sapphire in any case any more than the reversed ones are used in the standard Lesser Ritual of the Hexagram.)"
Actually, there are within the GD differing opinions on that one and both LRH and LBRP has been given with different instructions throughout time.
Doing the Hexagrams red / blue would not be considered "wrong" by any GD people iÂŽve experienced, though gold by nature corresponds to Tiphareth and thus would be apropriate.Another alternative would be yellow apex up, purple apex down (still corresponding to Tiphareth though including coplementary colour, purple being complementary of yellow)
"If the Hexagram is traced normally, only changing its colours, the holier part of it would not be descending but behaving rather normally save for an Elemental "hue" of an oposite kind.
"Except, again, in actually doing a hexagram ritual these colors aren't used. The custom has always been to draw the hexagrams entirely of golden yellow light (except in the planet-specific Greater Ritual)."
While i feel, right or wrong, that there must have been a reson for Crowley writing "Holy Hexagram" and not only Hexagram.
Simply tracing a yellow Hexagram the normal way would be undistinguishable from tracing a normal Hexagram.
In theory i can even see the Ritual used in Planetairy specific operations though it would loose so much of itÂŽs HGA symbolism that it should propably not be called the Star Saphire if used that way.
""In the magical hexagram this is revered; the descending red triangle is that of Horus, a sign specially revealed by him personally, at the Equinox of the Gods. (It is the flame desending upon the altar, and licking up the burnt offering.) The blue triangle represents the aspiration, since blue is the colour of devotion, and the triangle, kinetically considered, is the symbol of directed force.""
Yes.
"Then again, the Hexagram and HGA is centered at Tiphareth first and foremost, not the Supernals. I do however feel a bit inclined to believe that the power of the Ritual is supposed to pass down through Daath."
That's generally how Supernal consciousness penetrates into Ruach, yes
"Another thing, if a Banishing is performed before the Star Saphire, using only Earth Hexagrams, the Hexagrams superimposed on eachother would yield 12 at each point, thus also invoking the Zodiac."
No, still six points. - They perfectly overlap. Butk, in any case, FWIW, I've never felt the need to do a banishing hexagram before the Star Sapphire. I've always prepared the temple by other means - but, in the same way that there is not an invoking Star Ruby (it is only for banishing), so is there not a banishing Star Sapphire (it is purely for invoking)."
My abeve reflection was due to the theory that the averse Pentagrams in the Reguli superimposed on the normal ones of the Star Ruby produces the Hexagram (if the Elementary four points are joined) wich is later declared in the Ritual itself by the cry ABRAHADABRA before the Pentagram section, the Unicursal Hexagram and Mater Triumphans sign after it, both "giving birth" to the Aeon and combining 5 with 6 (according to the theory).
The circambulations adding up to 11, the knock 3-5-3 also indicate this.
It feels a bit more plausible than the "Magician standing upside down" theory (though i have the utmost respect for Arch Bishop DuQuette).
Not that one theory negates the other in this case, both might be the "true".This article takes up the theory (though i dont subscribe to the authors ideas on up side down VS averse).
www.rosslyn.org/articles/unicursalhexagram.htm
Turning a Hexagram clockwise (or anti clockwise) and superimosing it on a normal one would produce 12 at each point (3+9 and so on).
The number of points would not be altered, just the numerations if added together (lets not produce Star Saphire Dodekagrams here
)Also, "God" descending does in my eyes look more like the supernals than Yesod, while "the aspiration" does sound like Yesod.
"Another question, if the Star Ruby is only for Banishing and Star Saphire only Invoking, in what sence can they be said to "correspond" (exept for mathematically)?"
"Oh, they're a nice pair of hand-carved ummatched bookends made by the same artisan at the same time."
The way i see it, all Banishings being Invokations by nature, all Rituals can be utilized for both Invokative and Banishing purposes. In theory by replacing the first sign and utterance of the Star Ruby it could be turned Invokative. The Reguli is said to be "polyform" and i have used the Star Saphire as a Banishing for years, the result being that the qualities usually Invoked are now turned towards expelling what is unwanted for the work.
The same way i use the Reguli for Banishing (in conjunction with Star Ruby) in wich case the enrgies of the Aeon are turned to expelling unwanted forces.
The original qualites of the Ritual are still fully recognizable (energy wise).
I should however make clear that normally i use Reguli for Invokation and Star Ruby for Banishing.
""The Star Sapphire corresponds with the Star-Ruby of Chapter 25; 36 being the square of 6, as 25 is of 5. This chapter gives the real and perfect Ritual of the Hexagram.""
He was only speaking mathematically."
Perhaps we should be glad that we all have our theories and thoughts on the Rituals and apply them to our specific works and needs.
It shows that we are thinking after all.Not denying folly or mistakes, the greatest folly would still be heard mentality.
You do bring up some really interesting points in your text and it is very inspirational to read.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
for those of you interested in the sex magick portion of the star sapphire show...
...call me!!!
heh, seriously now folks, check out the book of lies chapters 36 (which has been pulled apart nine ways from neptune in this very thread) and chapter 69 for information on how to form That version of the holy hexagram.
if that's too abstruse, check out liber C vel Agape which floats around the net like so much semen in an indoor hot tub. then go back and read chapter 69 again, with especial reference to the astrological symbol for cancer. if THAT'S too obscure, well, heh... i dunno what to say.
i mean, i ain't gonna hold your hand (but i might hold your.....!!!)
as the man said, "little children, love each other!"
Love is the law, love under will
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
Hi, Iâm really trying to understand the N.O.X. signs and the Mark of the Beast derived from it. The main reference points for these are Liber 333 (The Book of Lies) chapter 0, 1, 69; Rituals Star Ruby, Star Sapphire, Liber V.
From Liber 333 chapter 1 I got IO PAN 2=0 and N.O.X. 0=2 â The Night of Pan (The 2 of 0). Both PAN A and N.O.X. O are the same because A=Aleph=0. The Mark of the Beast would be X, then 0, joined they would give N â Death â 2=0 IO PAN.
From Liber 333 chapter 69, 69 is Xi(60)+Theta(9) â the paths 25 and 19 that give ON+TO MEGA THERION etc. etc. ST=1, the Point; S=2, the Cross; T=0, the Circle, The Great Work â 210, the same formula 2=0 â see 777 Revised, Table XLIX, LIII.
And then Jim says about the Mark of the Beast - do 0 and X, he means 0=2 formula, which contradicts with Liber 333 chapter 69, 2=0 formula. Why?Now Liber 333 chap. 0, note I says âSilence. Nuit, O; Hadit; Ra-Hoor-Khuit, I.â.
Kteis â Nuit, âOâ; Phallus- Ra-Hoor-Khuit, â!â without the dot; Sperma â Hadit, â.â the dot. It is the formula N.O.X, 0=2 - âSilenceâ being âBabalonâ â the secret name of Nuit. According to Liber V divine names the signs are - MT, Mulier, Puella, Vir, Puer (Ra-Hoor-Khuit representing Therion â Vir and Babalon â Mulier). They donât contradict with the A.:A.: grade signs that are Puer, Vir, Puella, Mulier, MT - which show the formula 2=0 and are X.O.N.=IO PAN=The Mark of the Beast signs.Now I wonder when you vibrate IO PAN in Star Ruby that means 2=0 but you do the N.O.X. 0=2 signs â why contradict oneself? Is the contradiction necessary in the Ritual?
I understand that Crowley was the Messenger that is = in the 2=0 formula, but the Great Work is self annihilation â 0. Now the 0=2 formula shows the descending light N.O.X. down the Tree into the Universe. So could this mean that while vibrating IO PAN we ask the Light N.O.X. to show us the way to self annihilation? Or should it be done with the signs X.O.N.=IO PAN that they both correspond to 2=0, as is the common practice in Star Sapphire? Liber V clearly is a ritual trap with the âstrangeâ N.O.X. sign layout but why a lot of people do the N.O.X. signs almost the same as in that particular ritual i.e. O.X.N, =20 Puella, Puer, Vir, Mulier, MT?Of course, 20 is ATU The Aeon and it shows the Mark of the Beast Jim does as O and X. So as I see the sigil derived from the Liber V ritual! Kenneth Grant in his book âThe Hidden Godâ chapter 10 shows the sigil of the Mark of the Beast also but it is not said which sign comes first â the Phallus or the Kteis? As I see the first is given the Apophis sign, the Phallus and the second is the Mulier sign, the Kteis so I believe I am correct assuming that the X goes first and then the O. Btw at the beginning of the ritual the X is mentioned as the Magick Rood and the Mystic Rose as O in the same order as I assume the signs should be made. The IO PAN formula also shows the I, the Phallus first and then the O, the Kteis second.
How to draw the Mark of the Beast sign i.e. the X and the 0? Should one start from the left âIâ going down and then do the right âIâ going down; should the â0â be drawn from the left like in the GD papers about drawing figures or from the right â going up or down? I would be grateful for clearing things up.
I would like to thank the people who posted valuable information regarding the Rituals. Cheers!
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
Personally I would draw X in this manner: the first I would be from high left to low right, the second from high right to low left symbolizing the Pater and Filius and Mater and Filia and then the O from the left upwards showing the IHVH formula.
So what do you think people? Am I making sense? -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
The general practice rule - unless there is a distinctive reason to do otherwise - is "top to bottom, left to right."
I would definitely draw the circle first, then the X. My own practice is to draw the circle clockwise from the top, then the first X stroke is top left point to lower right point, followed by the top right to lower left.
However, from the point of this particular ritual, I'm not interested in overly locking it down. I'm not sure it makes a big difference - possibly no magical difference at all.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
You wrote that you derive the Mark of The Beast sign from the letters N.O.X. and then you say that you do O and then X. That makes O.X.N. Or you just drop N? Why? Btw why repeat the 'N.O.X.= The Mark' sign if you done it in the begining? Could it be that the Mark sign is the sigil of Jupiter?
Jim could you give your impresions on this ritual or are they exacly the same as the Adept's you quote?
Could you elaborate more on why you chose the sign Apophis for Set Triumphant and not Set Fighting or Puella etc? -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
In I.R. Complete GD System of Magic - The Ritual of The Rose Cross a diagram is shown how to make the Rosy (Rose) Cross. It is |, then - and then O begining from the bottom right. That way the 'N.O.X.-The Mark' sign isn't used twice. And the 3 ARARITA's vibrated while forming it. Aurum Solis use this sign in their Wards of Adamant ritual but form it like: -, |, O from the top, vibrating three names.
Am I making sense? -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
Jim you state that The Star Sapphire and The Star Ruby, the N.O.X. are of use then one is 5=6. As I understand it is your opinion but not C.O.T/T.O.T.? The thing is that in Liber ABA pt. 3 the Star Ruby is listed as A.:A.: Probationer and Star Sapphire as Zelator work. I don't understand does the A.:A.: have anything to do with C.O.T./T.O.T? If not - sorry for comparing apples with oranges.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Modes said
"Jim you state that The Star Sapphire and The Star Ruby, the N.O.X. are of use then one is 5=6. As I understand it is your opinion but not C.O.T/T.O.T.? The thing is that in Liber ABA pt. 3 the Star Ruby is listed as A.:A.: Probationer and Star Sapphire as Zelator work.."
Quick answer - I haven't had time to go back and review all of the above.
Yes, the A.'.A.'. curriculum has this provided in 2=9, the grade where the Formula of the Rosy Cross is first formally begun to be studied. A very great deal is started in 2=9 that finds its fruits in 5=6. (Compare One Star in Sight's different statements about the Formula R.C. for 2=9 and 5=6.)
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
There's a lot of discussion what the Star Sapphire ritual is used for. Some say it is a HGA invocation but looking at the A.:A.: system the HGA invocation is at the Adeptus grade. As you cite, Crowley did the ritual only once etc, but it is included as a Zelator ritual, so this means that the known ritual is an adopted version, why did you emphasise the fact in the first place I have no idea. It is clear that noone teaches at the Zelator grade the ritual Crowley talks about in your citation...
Could you write for what the Zelator uses the ritual? Could you recommend some sources to read about the Rosy Cross formula? Are there any traces of it in published GD documents? -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Modes said
"It is clear that noone teaches at the Zelator grade the ritual Crowley talks about in your citation..."
Why clear? It's not even true."Could you write for what the Zelator uses the ritual?"
Well, among other things, the Zelator begins to study the formula of the Rosy Cross.
"Could you recommend some sources to read about the Rosy Cross formula?"
This is so intimate and personal a thing that I think it should be left for the Zelator to discuss with his or her Practicus.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
Hehe.
So, you say that I can't tell you and can't give you a hint but I have this thread up about it trying people to help out by not answering some important questions. 
You answered your question yourself - to study means to do the ritual many times and to say that Star Sapphire is done only once is contrary to the word "study". Now I hope in A.:A.: Zelator the word "study" does not imply sophy but filosophy i.e. not talking about it but doing.
So O & X is not the Rosy Cross formula you mentioned? -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Modes said
"Hehe.
So, you say that I can't tell you and can't give you a hint but I have this thread up about it trying people to help out by not answering some important questions. "Some of these questions are appropriate only for an individual's immediate instructor in the Order.
"So O & X is not the Rosy Cross formula you mentioned?"
Certainly could be. Depends on what you mean by O & X.
-
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
I don't know!
It's only you Jim I found mentioning this sign in this ritual. How can I second that? By analyzing sources you read and came to that conclusion. So far I found this sign mentioned in GD as the sigil of Jupiter, in Crowley as St.Andrews Cross and in Grant the Mark of the Beast as phalus and kteis. I see you write that the Star Sapphire has nothing to do with sex magick so you disagree with Grant. And you can't show your sources why you think so. I guess the discussion is over. -
In resposne to some questions concerning The Star Sapphire ...
How does one make a Holy Hexagram in the East, West, North and South for instance, with a Unicursal Hexagram?
I think the best answer I have for this is to quote directly from an article I wrote many years ago, including where I contradict myself
-"The Unicursal Hexagram, or 'Hexagram of the Beast,' is not used in this ritual... Even a simple inspection of the nature of the ritual shows that at each quarter two principles â two elements â are so combined that their alchemical glyphs form the classic two-triangle Earth hexagram. In the East these are Father and Mother, Fire and Water; in the South, Mother and Son, Water and Air; and so forth." In other words, the Earth hexagram is formed in the East by the intersection of the Fire and Water hexagrams, in the South by the intersection of the Water and Air hexagrams, in the West by the joining of the Air and Earth hexagrams, and in the North by the joining of the Earth and Fire hexagrams - in each close looking exactly like the others indistinguishably.
With this is a footnote: "An A.'.A.'. Adept in our acquaintance, who was kind enough to review this paper, indicated that, in principle and in theory, he entirely concurs with this statement, and would thus teach The Star Sapphire to his students as well. Nonetheless, when he performed it as part of his Adeptus Minor work, the hexagrams (after a few weeks) transformed themselves unbidden into golden Unicursal Hexagrams with five-petalled roses at their centers. When this would occur, the entire adytum in which he worked would typically become bathed with sunlight pouring through the four gates into the center."
So there you have it.
It being related to the LHR (from what I hear)
Precisely. At least in form. If I have time, I'll copy a general lead-in intro into a further answer to this.
And then there's the issue of banishing/invoking directions.
Nope. The Star Sapphire is only an invoking ritual, just as the Star Ruby is only a banishing ritual.
Also, what is the deal the the signs of LVX and NOX? And is the difference significant in that it either places you in our outside of "the Abyss" (at least symbolically on Da'ath).
This is subject to several opinions. There are two passages referenced by this question. The first says: "In the centre, let him give the L.V.X. signs; or if he know them, if he will and dare do them, and can keep silent about them, the signs of N.O.X..." Then, the last paragraph says: "Let him then repeat the signs of L.V.X. but not the signs of N.O.X.: for it is not he that shall arise in the Sign of Isis Rejoicing."
The first thing to note (which gives us an "easy out" at the moment) is that this is optional. I recommend the L.V.X. signs unless something significant directs one otherwise.
Speaking only for myself, the N.O.X. signs were irrelevant until I was 5=6 A.'.A.'., and in fact until I was rather far into the grade, probably technically 5=6 Within even though I was still completing my formal Abramelin operation. I can't say that this is necessarily true for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't limit it to 8=3 as your question did. These are the signs of 6=5 through 8=3, so they don't become particularly relevant until after 5=6 it seems to me (at least, through my own particular looking glass).
Of course, one can use any old signs at any old time, but one might like to actually have some understanding of what is occurring.
The first reference, "if he know them," etc. (besides the interpolation of the Four Powers of the Sphinx), can be taken literally: When The Star Sapphire was first written and publishedin 1912-13, the N.O.X. signs simply weren't known outside of the A.'.A.'., and weren't widely circulated within the A.'.A.'.. Most people simply wouldn't have known them, but could have gotten the L.V.X. signs from Liber O.
How is a ritual which, at least on the surface, appears to be a similar sort of arm-waving ritual as the LBRP likened (or confused with?) sex magick? I see there is a balancing of forces going on, but I don't see how the ritual could really retain much of its appearance as a sex ritual... unless you have a spinning bed.
At least symbolically, it plays to the same symbol set, and is saturated with sexual symbolism. A separate analysis of it could certainly be done solely from that angle, and when thinking of it that way decades ago I didn't think of a spinning bed
- I thought of Chuck Berry's "Rock Around the Clock" (the "adult" version). "We did it in the bathroom, in the hall, in the bedroom, out on the back porch" translates to "We did it in the east, we did it in the south," etc.But I really truly sincerely don't believe that's the real intent here. Nonetheless, the symbolism shouldn't be overlooked, since a passionate and intimate union is certainly the goal of the ritual.
More below if I don't get interrupted tonight.
@Modes said
"I see you write that the Star Sapphire has nothing to do with sex magick so you disagree with Grant."
Those weren't my words. BTW, I have no trouble disagreeing with Grant, for whose writings have essential no respect at all. What I wrote was:
@JAE said
"It is possible to interpret this ceremony as a formula of sexual magick. Many have sought to do so. Within the peripheral membership of Ordo Templi Orientis, such an interpretation is com-monplace. Nor do we dispute that The Star Sapphire can be readily adapted to that purpose. However, we do assert that this sexual interpretation is not the perspective from which the ritual was first written."
That's quite different from what you quoted me as saying.
"And you can't show your sources why you think so."
There are no written sources to cite. That's why I wrote the article in the first place.