I feel it’s important to mention that that is actual sulphur in the background. I just slapped some sealant on the back and sprinkled it with sulphur powder – because that’s who I am. 🙏🙏
I’ll call this “traditional” because it’s merely one of many ways to meet the same end. There
are some methods more popular than others, but this is my method – a method not
so set in stone, I might add. Adaptions are always welcome, this is but a
guide. As I’m sure you all well know (and this is mostly for those who don’t) –
The Devil is not synonymous with the Christian Satan or the Muslim Shayṭān, but
rather an archaic being pre-dating the Christian conquest of Europe. He exists
in many forms, under many names – but serves much the same purpose: a force of
Enlightenment. He is the Keeper of the Arcane, whisperer of Mysteries, the
Intercessor but do not fall under the notion that He is wholly benevolent (nor
wholly malevolent) for, so too, is he the Trickster, The Fool and the Hanged
Man. In these capacities, he can be likened to Hermes/Mercury, the Lwa Legba, and
Exu – Keeper of Wisdoms, but ones that
must be earned. You will be Tested – and he will decide if you are worthy of
His knowledge.
To Evoke The Devil:
Go forth to a Crossroads at the edge of town – the more
secluded and forested, the better – near midnight or when the moon is New. Take
with you the blood of a chicken or horned animal, two black candles tied into an
“X,” anointing oil, a crown woven of (young, malleable) oak or hickory – as well
as a staff or limb of the same, and an accelerant of your choosing (I always
used 91% isopropyl alcohol as it burns clean – however, it’s temperamental in
colder weather). Optionally, bring pemba
or chalk if your crossroads lacks any dirt to draw in.
When you feel the time is upon you, mark in the dirt with
your finger or a stray branch, the symbol of the crossroads (the + in a circle,
in this instance). Adorn your head with the crown, place the candle(s) at the center
of the circle (at the cross) and with the staff/limb, knock the ground in the
sequence of: knock … knock-knock …
knock-knock-knock – Take the blood and drizzle around the circle in a
counterclockwise fashion. Light the two candles and anoint your brow with the
oil. Sit before the circle on your knees and bow in the traditional manner
(sitting on your heels with your arms stretched out before you and your
forehead just off the ground) – ball your fists and knock in the same fashion
as above – asking the Devil to come forth. Repeat three times.
Return to your upright position and wait patiently until
there is a change in the air or His presence is revealed. Beseech him in
whispers – be not commanding, but receptive – and allow His behavior to
influence your own. For instance, if he is stern and stoic, be solemn. But if
his behavior is relaxed, exuberant and playful – feel free to be so. I’ve only
ever experienced the latter. The Devil comes as jubilant and child-like to me,
teasing and joking – but I know this isn’t the case for all. Most importantly,
be genuine and be respecting. Crossroads beings always have a way of seeing
through any farce you attempt to construct – so save yourself and them some
time by being open and honest to begin with. They are knowing – don’t
underestimate them.
This is but the building of the bridge. Do not yet ask for
anything, merely introduce yourself and note what it is that you wish to receive
from this relationship and how you might honor the knowledge imbued on you.
When the communion is done – remove the crown from your head
and place it in the circle. Drizzle it with anointing oil and the accelerant,
and set it alight with the candles. Extinguish the candles and lay them in the
flaming wreath.
Take three steps back from the circle, and whisper the words
“DIABOLUS – LIBERA ME,” turn away and
do not look back – as is customary with all crossroads rituals.
Prepare, for you will be tested in some way or another –
knowingly or not.
Pictured is Hermes: “
So-called “Hermes Ingenui” after the inscription on the pedestal indicating the name of the sculptor or of the donator. Hermes wears his usual attributes: kerykeion (or herald’s staff), kithara, petasus (round hat), traveller’s cloak and winged temples. Marble, Roman copy of the 2nd century BC after a Greek original of the 5th century BC.”
Please remember that often, “blood of a chicken/pig/horned animal” means something else entirely!
While that may be true (however I’m more inclined to believe that such is more likely a form of neo-pagan erasure of animal sacrifice – which has been and remains widely used), as the person who wrote this particular evocation, I can assure you I wholeheartedly mean actual blood.
And while I’m on the topic of animal sacrifice, I feel it should me mentioned that when an animal is sacrificed and it’s blood drained as offering, the rest of it is (usually) still used. Often for consumption. With that being said, I do not engage in animal sacrifice, because I am not skilled enough a butcher to carve the animal appropriately for consumption. I buy my blood from a butcher and do an ex post facto consecration of the animal and its sacrifice.
It’s not as potent as fresh, but I find it a better option than wasting life on sacrificial blood alone.
I understand that many disagree with these practices, but do not erase them, they are our history and (for some) our present. I mean no offense by this, only to shine the light of clarity.
Oh gosh, I didn’t at all mean to offend. I totally understand that animal sacrifice is still widely used amongst many, absolutely. I also do know that the rest of the animal is usually used, it’s not like sacrifices you’d see in the movies.
Oh darling, no! I wasn’t offended! I was simply clearing it up! Plus I’ve been waiting for an excuse to talk about animal sacrifice, and you just happened to lead me there!
I’ll call this “traditional” because it’s merely one of many ways to meet the same end. There
are some methods more popular than others, but this is my method – a method not
so set in stone, I might add. Adaptions are always welcome, this is but a
guide. As I’m sure you all well know (and this is mostly for those who don’t) –
The Devil is not synonymous with the Christian Satan or the Muslim Shayṭān, but
rather an archaic being pre-dating the Christian conquest of Europe. He exists
in many forms, under many names – but serves much the same purpose: a force of
Enlightenment. He is the Keeper of the Arcane, whisperer of Mysteries, the
Intercessor but do not fall under the notion that He is wholly benevolent (nor
wholly malevolent) for, so too, is he the Trickster, The Fool and the Hanged
Man. In these capacities, he can be likened to Hermes/Mercury, the Lwa Legba, and
Exu – Keeper of Wisdoms, but ones that
must be earned. You will be Tested – and he will decide if you are worthy of
His knowledge.
To Evoke The Devil:
Go forth to a Crossroads at the edge of town – the more
secluded and forested, the better – near midnight or when the moon is New. Take
with you the blood of a chicken or horned animal, two black candles tied into an
“X,” anointing oil, a crown woven of (young, malleable) oak or hickory – as well
as a staff or limb of the same, and an accelerant of your choosing (I always
used 91% isopropyl alcohol as it burns clean – however, it’s temperamental in
colder weather). Optionally, bring pemba
or chalk if your crossroads lacks any dirt to draw in.
When you feel the time is upon you, mark in the dirt with
your finger or a stray branch, the symbol of the crossroads (the + in a circle,
in this instance). Adorn your head with the crown, place the candle(s) at the center
of the circle (at the cross) and with the staff/limb, knock the ground in the
sequence of: knock … knock-knock …
knock-knock-knock – Take the blood and drizzle around the circle in a
counterclockwise fashion. Light the two candles and anoint your brow with the
oil. Sit before the circle on your knees and bow in the traditional manner
(sitting on your heels with your arms stretched out before you and your
forehead just off the ground) – ball your fists and knock in the same fashion
as above – asking the Devil to come forth. Repeat three times.
Return to your upright position and wait patiently until
there is a change in the air or His presence is revealed. Beseech him in
whispers – be not commanding, but receptive – and allow His behavior to
influence your own. For instance, if he is stern and stoic, be solemn. But if
his behavior is relaxed, exuberant and playful – feel free to be so. I’ve only
ever experienced the latter. The Devil comes as jubilant and child-like to me,
teasing and joking – but I know this isn’t the case for all. Most importantly,
be genuine and be respecting. Crossroads beings always have a way of seeing
through any farce you attempt to construct – so save yourself and them some
time by being open and honest to begin with. They are knowing – don’t
underestimate them.
This is but the building of the bridge. Do not yet ask for
anything, merely introduce yourself and note what it is that you wish to receive
from this relationship and how you might honor the knowledge imbued on you.
When the communion is done – remove the crown from your head
and place it in the circle. Drizzle it with anointing oil and the accelerant,
and set it alight with the candles. Extinguish the candles and lay them in the
flaming wreath.
Take three steps back from the circle, and whisper the words
“DIABOLUS – LIBERA ME,” turn away and
do not look back – as is customary with all crossroads rituals.
Prepare, for you will be tested in some way or another –
knowingly or not.
Pictured is Hermes: “
So-called “Hermes Ingenui” after the inscription on the pedestal indicating the name of the sculptor or of the donator. Hermes wears his usual attributes: kerykeion (or herald’s staff), kithara, petasus (round hat), traveller’s cloak and winged temples. Marble, Roman copy of the 2nd century BC after a Greek original of the 5th century BC.”
Please remember that often, “blood of a chicken/pig/horned animal” means something else entirely!
While that may be true (however I’m more inclined to believe that such is more likely a form of neo-pagan erasure of animal sacrifice – which has been and remains widely used), as the person who wrote this particular evocation, I can assure you I wholeheartedly mean actual blood.
And while I’m on the topic of animal sacrifice, I feel it should me mentioned that when an animal is sacrificed and it’s blood drained as offering, the rest of it is (usually) still used. Often for consumption. With that being said, I do not engage in animal sacrifice, because I am not skilled enough a butcher to carve the animal appropriately for consumption. I buy my blood from a butcher and do an ex post facto consecration of the animal and its sacrifice.
It’s not as potent as fresh, but I find it a better option than wasting life on sacrificial blood alone.
I understand that many disagree with these practices, but do not erase them, they are our history and (for some) our present. I mean no offense by this, only to shine the light of clarity.
Standard
Doing a funky painting on glass. Coming along well enough, I think.
Ideally she should be worked at the Crossroads or the
Graveyard – though a shrine/altar/table might be erected in her honor,
positioned toward the North or South. You may also find the addition of a
“Demon Bell” – a bell (a Catholic handbell is perfect) washed in beer, red wine
(and vinegar), or liquor, named for the diabolical spirits, and buried in the
graveyard for 6 days before being retrieved and used – useful in evoking her
and infernal spirits. Ideally it should have a low resonance to thusly echo
their own low vibration.
Given the roads of Mistress Mary, the evocation of each
manifestation varies slightly – from which offerings are best to which prayer
is to be read. Below you will find outlined which locations, offerings, and
prayers are best for each of my previously presented aspects of her (though they are not the only
aspects):
Maria Satanica, Queen
of Hell: Any of the locations
presented are suited to her evocation, simply ensure to bring as much fire as
you (safely) can. Offerings include:
Animals Sacrifices (or blood of) – lamb/goat, black hen, dove*, snake;
rotted/spoiled meat, bladed weapons, tridents, lances and spears, red wine
mixed with vinegar, thorny brambles or red roses, Sinner’s Dirt/Dirt of the
Damned – the grave dust from the grave a particularly nasty person (murderers,
rapists, etc.), statues of Mother Mary that have been defiled with blood,
graveyard dirt and brimstone.
Prayer: “Maria Satanica –
Queen of Hell: Purveyor of Damnation, Consort of The Devil, Mistress of the Diabolica; She who drove the spear – Into the Heart of God, Who lapped at the blood Of Christ – upon his Cross, And smiled; Sho rules the infernal nethers, And who creeps – like the serpent – Up the spine and into the mind;
The flesh is yours, The blood is yours, The choice is yours.”
Queen of the Dead:
Ideal locations include places of
Death, Disease and Despair – Battlefields, Hospitals, places of Massacre,
Murder, etc., Caves/Tunnels, Graveyards/Sepulchres/Mausoleums – especially Catholic
cemeteries which feature Mary statues at the foot of the crucified Jesus,
Crematoriums, any Subterranean place – including basements/cellars. Suitable offerings: bones, rotted/spoiled meat,
trident, hot-pepper infused rum, yellow or red roses, Sinner’s Dirt/Dirt of the
Damned – the grave dust from the grave a particularly nasty person (murderers,
rapists, etc.), statues of Mother Mary that have been defiled with blood,
graveyard dirt and brimstone, that are then buried in the graveyard.
Prayer: Mistress Mary –
Queen of the Dead, Devil of the Boneyard, Who digs a hand into the grave, And raises the bones of the Forgotten; Raise the Dead, Raise the Dead, Raise the fires – and plant the Bones, And cast the trident into the heart, Of yours (and my) transgressors, The flesh is yours, The blood is yours, The choice is yours.
Queen of the Night:
Ideal locations include; Crossroads
– “T”, Brothels, Deserted Roads or Building – especially desolate,
nature-reclaimed Churches, bars/taverns, alleys, gardens, black markets and
curio/herb shops. Suitable offerings:
aromatic flowers – particularly those with thorns, bladed weapons, champagne,
red wine, perfumes, coins, statues of Mother Mary that have been dressed in
oils and perfumes, bathed in liquor and cigarette/cigarillo smoke, and dusted
with sulphur.
Prayer: Mistress Mary –
Queen of Night, Whose kiss is that of poison, Rise from the depths – and settle, Now, upon the Mortal Plane; Lady of the Lonely Streets, Bare of flesh and free of guilt, You are the Unholy Harlot, And you walk in infamy – Proudly – The flesh is yours, The blood is yours, The choice is yours.
Queen of the
Crossroads: Ideal locations include:
Crossroads – “X” and “T”, places of Death, Disease and Despair – Battlefields,
Hospitals, places of Massacre, Murder, etc., Thick Woodlands/Wetlands, Deserted
Roads or Building – especially desolate, nature-reclaimed Churches, any
traditionally sacred, magical locales. Suitable offerings: Animals Sacrifices (or blood of) – lamb/goat, black hen,
dove*, snake; Poisonous flowers – Jimsonweed, in particular, absinthe, tonics,
potions, thorny brambles or red roses, Sinner’s Dirt/Dirt of the Damned – the
grave dust from the grave a particularly nasty person (murderers, rapists,
etc.), Coins, Brooms, Cauldrons, statues of Mother Mary that have been defiled
with blood, crossroad dirt and brimstone.
Prayer: Mistress Mary – Queen of the Crossroads, Keeper of the Arcane, Divulge to me your mysteries, O Great Queen – Adorned in black-hen feathers, And bathed in blood – Settle now upon this place: The nexus of your Queendom,
The flesh is yours, The blood is yours, The choice is yours.
Evocation
The evocation ritual itself is simple – draw her seal in
chalk or pemba (or blood), surround the seal with 3, 7 (being best), or 9 red/black
candles, and leave the offerings upon its face. Read or sing her prayer and
call to her as you light the candles. However, I warn, don’t let the simplicity
of the ritual itself mask the challenges of evoking her. Energy is vastly
important, the lower vibration you can manage, the better. The bell helps, but fire
and music are your best allies. I recommend combining shredded (dried) tobacco with
dried rose petals/stems, and soaking them in Sacred Fire (about two shots) with
a shot or two of added strong, dark liquor (spiced rum or gold tequila are both
good). Once they’ve soaked for a few minutes, in a (raised) metal bowl or
cauldron, ignite them atop her seal.
At which point, you may continue to call her. She will
arrive, regardless, but the above steps will aid in solidifying her energy – so
that communications is easier. If this is your first jaunt with the diabolical
spirits, they communicate in a verrryyy
different way than spirits or those entities of higher vibration. I find that
they rely more on feeling and emotion to communicate – so pay close attention
to that. While her presence might be punctuated by a tight, uneasiness, it will
mellow as you proceed. She possessed a very hot energy – almost burning, and
then a numbness, as though you’ve stood for too long in the sun or by a raging
fire.
While each of the aspects have a unique personality and
energetic fingerprint, they are all quite forthright and blunt – do not cross
them, especially if you have tender feelings. While Queen of the Dead and Queen
of the Crossroads tend to be more reserved, they do not tolerate offenses any
moreso than the fierier aspects. In fact, the Queen of the Dead can be the most
aggressive of the bunch – it simply takes a bit more to set her off. Queen of
the Crossroads is akin to a serpent, she’ll writhe around you and snap with
lightning speed without warning.
But the most important part if don’t fear them: 1) they know
when you fear them – and they will exploit that fear for their own amusement,
in good humor – but for those easily frightened, you might be inclined to stop
the working prematurely – without learning, 2) while they are very powerful, they
are not simply trouble-mongers – like Lucifer, they mean to teach, to improve
and to better humankind – albeit through force and punishment. But for those
who seek knowledge, who remain open to their teachings and free from guilt or
judgement – they will happily embrace you into their fold.
Before we get into the grunt of the post, I feel it is best
that I first cover some magical theory. Not all will agree with me, I
understand that and seek not to change solid opinion, but inform those who do
not know or those who are curious in regard to other systems of belief held
around familiar totems. With that being said:
Where does the power come from?
I know that seems quite general a question, but it’s
important to understand the source of power that one must imbue magical items
with. I, personally, have a mixed background on the matter and thereby have a
mixed methodology in creating magical jewelry. The animist in me imbues these
items with spirit – I use this method when creating an amulet or talisman ruled
by a specific spirit. For me, these become as much devotional as magical. They
become not only an item used to bring about protection or drawing, but an item
to solidify a connection to a specific spirit. As an example, I have two
bracelets and a necklace that are connected to my yayá, Rosa Caveira, so as to
keep her close at hand. I wear them both as a sign of my devotion as well as a
link to her power and energy. In essence, this loosely parallels the use of
collares/elekes. The source of power is the blending energy of Rosa’s force and
my own, it is a symbiotic relationship.
The other type of magical “accessories” I employ are those
not bound to spirit. These are the ones I use more readily and are the
collection of items, symbols, herbs, etc. – each with its own signature – that,
when brought together and aimed with intent, transform something from mundane
to magical. In the case, the source of
the power is the signature: the
blending of items (that possess their own signature), the ambient
energy/current of the Universe/etc., and your own – which come together in a
way to serve what purpose you desire of it.
As an aside, this ambient energy/current of the Universe is
what I really wanted to talk about with this question. All that is
is comprised of energy: there is “raw” energy (electricity, plasma, etc.), the
energy of motion, gravity, and all matter which is comprised of slow moving
energy. Think atomically – these vibrating particles that sustain us and all
things. Everything is energy and energy is everywhere. All things possess the
current of the Universe, and it can be drawn from anywhere, and it is the key to witchcraft. When a witch draws
from him/herself, they are drawing from the Current. When the witch draws from herb
and curio, they are drawing from the Current (through the particular lens or
signature of that item). When they draw from the Earth, the moon, the cosmos,
they draw from the Current. And when the draw from the Gods or the Universe,
they are drawing from the Current. So, in essence, both methods stem from the
same source and thereby work equally as well, it simply depends on which course
you favor.
Construction
I cannot say much on the specific construction of these
items because there is no specific way to
construct them, as there are ways innumerable. They can be comprised of simple
things: a stone, a slip of paper, a coin, etc. Or they can be made of a
collection of things, expertly combined for a very pointed purpose. They can be
forged in gold, set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, or sticks, stones, herbs
and bones carried in a mojo bag. There are no instructions save the ones of
your tradition or the ones of your imagination. Do not be afraid to get
creative and trust, above all, your intuition.
Charging/Feeding/Animating
This is without a doubt the most important part of creating
an amulet/charm/talisman. This, too, can be simple or complex. For instance,
drawing a sigil or prayer on a sheet of paper, in clay, or on a stone to carry
is – in itself – a means of charging. Not only does this writing lend itself to
the construction, but to the charging as well. The same can almost be said of combining using the
law of signatures, except there remains that small missing piece of intent.
While you create, you may speak over the ingredients their purpose, add to them
a symbol charged with intent or fumigate the charm with smoke from your lips. These
methods may be unnecessary for some seasoned professionals, who subconsciously
imbue each ingredient with specific purpose that combine to form a collective
purpose during creation, but for those new to the art, I recommend making sure
to pointedly note your intent. Clarity is always a great quality to any spell.
Another important facet to charm/amulet/talisman
construction is to feed the curio. Many traditions have varying ways of
accomplishing this, from oil or alcohol dressing, smoke and prayer charging, or
even simply the act of holding the fetish and reminding it of its role.
Personally, I’m rather fond of oil dressing, but do what feels right to you or
what is dictated by your own tradition.
Disposal
You guessed it: the means for disposal are as varied as the
means for creation. Nonetheless, this step is very important, for after the
item serves its purpose, it needs to be properly retired. Some have a much
longer “life expectancy” than others, for instance: a protective amulet will be
tasked with serving you much longer than a love-drawing talisman. In the case
of amulets, it may be carried until it begins to show wear or improper
maintenance (falling apart, symbols smearing or chipping, etc.) at which point
is should be retired and deconstructed (if comprised of multiple components).
Once it has been retired, and it’s parts cleansed, it can then be reconstructed
or constructed anew until it once again shows sign of disrepair. Wash, rinse, repeat. The length of time
a talisman is carried depends heavily on how long it takes to accomplish its
task, and once that task is completed, it’s important to dispose of it
properly. Some methods include: burial (often at a specific location:
graveyard, crossroads, yard, etc.), fire, deconstruction, and feeding into
running water. I recommend the same here as I have above: trust your intuition or
your tradition about how best to get rid of a specific charm.
Any questions I’d be happy to answer to the best of my
ability!
Don’t you just love when you get up from your computer to pee and when you return are met with a slideshow of your {dead} lover that 1) wasn’t there when you left and 2) shouldn’t even be on your new computer, yet, somehow…. ?
If you answered “yes,” then you can have it, because I did not sign up for this.
I guess that’s what I get for thinking he’d enjoy a song I found earlier…
Literally my life. Truthfully, I enjoy this about my dead loved ones but I’m terribly emotional and I miss my dead friends. I love knowing their with me but I wish I could touch them because I’m so goddamn lonely.
Well remember, things need not touch you on the physical plane, so long as they touch you on the spiritual plane. While yes, there is certainly a comfort in embrace, I find a stronger sense of comfort feeling them there when I need them most.
Perhaps it’s just semantics, but you saw you “know they are with you” but are you allowing yourself to truly /feel/ them with you? Opening yourself to their message, truly accepting their presence. That’s the kicker.
It’s funny you mention the word lonely, because as a witch I have never been lonely. Wherever I walk, the spirits walk with me. An army of Guides, Ascended Spirits, Familiar Spirits, Lives, etc., and of course, the spirits of those departed. They are a comfort and the presence of nature herself can be a comfort.
Lonely you may be, but you are not without Spirit standing with you: all you need to do is rejoice in their presence!
The Qedavian Apocrypha 