In the most simplest terms, it is the act of spirits initiating a person. In witchcraft, a witch is initiated into the craft by the spirits (such as ancestral spirits, or more infamously the Devil). The spirits show you the way. A number of these spirit initiation rituals that I have read involve waiting for a sign of acceptance.
Now, spirit initiation should not be confused for ‘self-initiation’ (which self initiation is usually more along the lines of dedication rather than an actual initiation). You can potentially fail in the initiation. The spirits aren’t satisfied with your actions/oath, the right signs do not come, it wasn’t the right time, etc.
You can find lots of various spirit initiations within folklore like the logan stone, killing the moon, reading a black bible, saying the black prayer, etc etc etc
I love this – spirit initiation is the foundation of my Craft.
Standard
The nature of the witch is eternally bound to the other, we realise that no archetypal self identifies the witch; the witch transgresses the limits that define the self, making this transgression the liturgy by which he or she gains access to the world of spirits. At the same time, by becoming other the witch transcends the very concept of other, becoming something completely different, permeating all the worlds apprehended by men. By overcoming the duality between self and other we become the eternal one. This one is the center of our being, our spirit and the axis mundi.
Francis Ashwood, The Liturgy of Taboo; Serpent Songs: An Anthology of Traditional Craft (via astranemus)
Black dogs have long since been symbols of misfortune, omens
of death and undeniably connoted with the Underworld – Anubis, Hecate, Cerberus
– all patrons the Crossroads: the bridge into the Unknown. This cross is
formulated to bring down a steady stream of misfortune, one that grows with
each passing day until this great weight plummets your victim into madness,
paranoia and paralyzing fear. You are, after all, releasing the Hounds of Hell –
it wasn’t going to be a pretty process. Be warned, reigning them in is much
harder to do than letting them hunt.
The process is relatively simple, but one that takes a particular breed (no pun intended) of concentration – you’re going to want to summon up the most violent, angry and feral parts of yourself to make this one come perfectly to fruition.
(A hound’s-tooth necklace also helps)
Things You Will Need:
Black Dog Hair – from a solid black dog, not from one with any white – it’s IMPERATIVE.
Black and white dogs have an entirely separate symbolism.
Sulfur
Raw Meat
Black Salt
Black Fabric
(2) Iron Nails
A strong, red wine – such as Merlot
Black string (any sort will do)
A person affect of he/she you wish to cross – foot-tracks
would be best, but most anything will do
Instructions:
Begin by soaking your black square of fabric (8in x 8in
should suffice) in the red wine. It only need be wet, remove and allow to dry
in the sun (or in the oven if you’re in a hurry).
Take a cut of meat (it needn’t be large – about an inch
square) and “season” it with a generous portion of salt and sulfur.
Take your first nail (dressed with a crossing oil of your choosing, if you
wish) and secure the personal affect to it, driving the nail through the meat.
Wrap the black dog hair around the second (if the hair is
long enough, if not, just dampen the nail with water/oil and affix the hair as
best you can). Drive this perpendicularly to the other nail through the cut of
meat – speaking or visualizing that which you seek to accomplish.
If the nails are small enough, lay the trick on the fabric,
gather the corners and cinch with the black string – creating a bag. If they
are too long, simply lay the trick on the fabric and gather the corners between
the nails, and tie at its center – leaving you with jutting nails and quite the
statement.
Leave the trick at the foot of the central cross in the cemetery
– having paid your way in, or at a very dark, deserted crossroads.
The cross is done.
As is customary, when your wishes are fulfilled, leave for
them a gift in the same location – again, meat is always welcomed.
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.
Queen Maria Satanica || Mary of the Black Cathedral/Mass || “Bloody Mary”
Patroness of:
Sin – most any traditional form of sin, though she’s particular
fond of the “unforgivable” ones, Strife, Discord, Necromancy/Nigromancy – and the
Dead and Damned, in general, the Dark Arts, Revenge, Sorcery, Divination, Domination
– of men, in particular, War – for it is she who is the Great, Marciless
Warrioress, Malediction, Sickness/Illness – mental illness and insanity are her
specialty, Cannibalism, Poison, Transformation/Shapeshifting, Sex – loves a
good orgy, Sacrifice, Entheogens and Poisons, Demons/Shades, Most any diabolic
works or motivations ;; She is power – the embodiment of primal, female energy –
and hellfire runs through her veins, flows through fingers, and burns behind
her eyes. She is Queen of Hell, Consort (and Mother) to the Devil (as Lucifer,
the Destroyer)
– the diabolic equal of Mother Mary, the Virgin: there must forever be balance.
Call upon her for works of:
Power, Sexual Wiles, Temptation, Lust,
Dominion, Knowledge of all things Diabolical/Nigromantic/Malicious, Raising the
Dead, the Evocation/Invocation/Conjuration of Demons/Shades, any works call for
Lucifer, the Destroyer – their powers are strongest when combined, Curing (or
inflicting) Disease/Illness, Lessons in working Herbs, Roots, Poisons – as well
as Astral Projection and Trance work, though Possession will most assuredly be
required.
Symbols:
The Slain Dove, Jimsonweed Flowers & the Devil’s Fork
Roads/Paths/Aspects:
Maria Satanica, Queen of Hell: the most powerful and volatile manifestation, it is she who
Destroys, whose force and will is unmatched, she who hold the Fork of the
Devil, and impales all those who dare cross her or her attendants. For works
involving demons or shades of all types, it is she who presides above all.
Queen of the Dead: the aspect most knowledgeable in regards to necromancy, she who works in
the Graveyard, with the Dead and the spirits, shades and demons therein. She is
also the one most suited to heal or inflict illness – the one who imparts
medicine and poison.
Queen of the Night: The most sexually charged and alluring aspect, that of the Whore – who
is blatant in her indecency, who revels in her lechery – but she is also the
most human and understanding of the aspects, the one who is forgiving, the one
who does not judge, but offers comfort instead
Queen of the Crossroads: The Witch – the one who houses endless knowledge of the Black Arts –
her justice is swift. It is she who keeps the recipes and rituals, who knows
the arcane ways. She is the Sorceress, the Witch, the Priestess – she is the
one who reads the bones and walks the planes, who takes the guise of any
creature on which she has lain her eyes. It is she who keeps the sold souls,
bartered at the Crossroads, forever bound to do her bidding.
Ideal locations for Worship and Workings:
Always worked at Night; Crossroads – “X” and “T”, 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, Thick
Woodlands/Wetlands, Brothels, Crematoriums, Deserted Roads or Building –
especially desolate, nature-reclaimed Churches, any Subterranean place – including
basements/cellars.
Offerings, including but not limited to:
Animals Sacrifices (or
blood of) – lamb/goat, black hen, dove*, snake; Poisonous flowers – Jimsonweed,
in particular, rotted/spoiled meat, bladed weapons – though tridents, lances
and spears are also accepted, hot-pepper infused rum, 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.
Takes black or red candles
“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; Who
rules the infernal nethers, And who
creeps – like the serpent – Up
the spine and into the mind; Mistress Mary – Queen of the Dead, Harlot
of the Boneyard, Who
digs a hand into the grave, And
raises the bones of the Forgotten;
Mistress Mary – Queen of the Crossroads, Who knows the ancients ways – Who barters yet – for stolen souls And bestows to (wo)man, Her mysteries,
Mistress Mary – Queen of Night, Whose
kiss is that of poison, Rise
from the depths – and settle, Now,
upon the Mortal Plane; The
flesh is yours, The
blood is yours, The
choice is yours.
Symbol(s):
Seal of Maria
Satanica – used to evoke her
presence; offerings should be left on the seal
Fork/Tridents of
Mistress Mary – used for invocations
when marked upon the body; can also be used to incorporate her energy into
works or as a way of solidifying the evocation of like-entities (i.e. Lucifer, the Destroyer or some manifestations
of The Devil)
Home of the Spirits, the ideology of the Spirit Vessel spans
countless faiths – and rightly so, for it is an “instrument” matched by few in
the witch’s arsenal. The Spirit Vessel exists for a number of reasons: it is a
grounder – a fetish that binds spirit to our physical plane and builds a bridge
between worlds, but – more than that – it is a home, an abode in which the
spirit energy dwells. Some are used to trap and harness the energy of the given
spirit – so that it may be employed to do practitioner’s bidding, but others
exist to house that sacred energy – not with entrapment, but with respect. That
is not to say the former is not respectful, only that voluntary bonds exists as
oath and agreement. It is a symbiotic, mutual source of power – a hearth by
which to draw the force of the arcane. One that bonds both parties. In this
aspect, I refer to the Higher Spirits – Gods, the Messengers, and Liminals,
though vessels can be employed with equal success to the Dead – specifically ancestors,
as a way to draw from the ancestral power – often relying on blood and earth.
Given the vast differences from path to path, I bring a
stripped set of instructions: general principles that can be built upon to
specialize the vessel for your “camino.”
Begin with the Vessel.
What this vessel is depends heavily on both tradition and personal tastes.
Possibilities are endless, though cauldrons, ceramic vases, wide-mouthed jugs
or basins, even jars can all be utilized effectively. For most, I prefer an
opaque, lidded vessel – though for my Spirit Cauldron dedicated to Rosa
Caveira, I used a non-lidded cauldron (go figure). This is in line with her
fiery energy which lends itself well to iron and sulfur – both of which are
present.
One of the most important steps (and one often glossed over)
is to treat the Vessel. For my
cauldron, I bathed it in high proof alcohol and oils and set it alight. Given
its dedication to Rosa Caveira, I did this in her Land – the Cemetery. I also
lined the inside of mine with graveyard dirt, which I mixed with the same
alcohol (along with flammable oils) and sculpted up the walls, then fired again
to create a ceramic-like liner (in part to prevent rust – as iron will readily
do so).
After treatment has commenced, it is time to bless and bond the Vessel – which can
be as simple or as intricate as you wish it to be. While it was still alight
(and since I went heavy handed on the oils, it stayed lit for quite some time)
I danced with it in the graveyard. Spinning this flaming cauldron and singing
joyfully to the spirits and My Keeper. I explained that this home was forged in
her name, gateway between worlds, and a seat for her energy. I drizzled it with
rose oils steeped with Herbs of the Dead and my own blood to “seal the deal.”
If that wasn’t fun enough, the last portion consists of Decoration
– a term I use loosely, as these same “decorations” will undoubtedly serve a
purpose. I filled mine with herbs, sulfur, curios, all of which corresponding
to her. Every now and again, I’ll take some of the permanent items out and set
the offerings alight. As is forged in fire, so must return. After which, I
return the permanent items and place it back beneath my miniature terreiro –
which then constantly draws from its energy.
As aforementioned, this general process can be employed for
any number of spirits and traditions – even those without a vessel-history. In
a sense, it can be equated in part to an altar – as I leave offerings therein
and use it as a source of power to draw from. However, given its nature, it can
be packed around with me for particularly powerful rituals on the go – which is
a particularly useful facet. I’ve also been known to feed any troublesome
spirits or energies to it, wherein they may be devoured and
purified/concentrated. It is very important to “feed” the vessel, for – as I
said – it is a mutual relationship. If you take, it is only right that you
return – lest you be cut off from its power.
Standard
Mistress Mary
Queen Maria Satanica || Mary of the Black Cathedral/Mass || “Bloody Mary”
Patroness of:
Sin – most any traditional form of sin, though she’s particular
fond of the “unforgivable” ones, Strife, Discord, Necromancy/Nigromancy – and the
Dead and Damned, in general, the Dark Arts, Revenge, Sorcery, Divination, Domination
– of men, in particular, War – for it is she who is the Great, Marciless
Warrioress, Malediction, Sickness/Illness – mental illness and insanity are her
specialty, Cannibalism, Poison, Transformation/Shapeshifting, Sex – loves a
good orgy, Sacrifice, Entheogens and Poisons, Demons/Shades, Most any diabolic
works or motivations ;; She is power – the embodiment of primal, female energy –
and hellfire runs through her veins, flows through fingers, and burns behind
her eyes. She is Queen of Hell, Consort (and Mother) to the Devil (as Lucifer,
the Destroyer)
– the diabolic equal of Mother Mary, the Virgin: there must forever be balance.
Call upon her for works of:
Power, Sexual Wiles, Temptation, Lust,
Dominion, Knowledge of all things Diabolical/Nigromantic/Malicious, Raising the
Dead, the Evocation/Invocation/Conjuration of Demons/Shades, any works call for
Lucifer, the Destroyer – their powers are strongest when combined, Curing (or
inflicting) Disease/Illness, Lessons in working Herbs, Roots, Poisons – as well
as Astral Projection and Trance work, though Possession will most assuredly be
required.
Symbols:
The Slain Dove, Jimsonweed Flowers & the Devil’s Fork
Roads/Paths/Aspects:
Maria Satanica, Queen of Hell: the most powerful and volatile manifestation, it is she who
Destroys, whose force and will is unmatched, she who hold the Fork of the
Devil, and impales all those who dare cross her or her attendants. For works
involving demons or shades of all types, it is she who presides above all.
Queen of the Dead: the aspect most knowledgeable in regards to necromancy, she who works in
the Graveyard, with the Dead and the spirits, shades and demons therein. She is
also the one most suited to heal or inflict illness – the one who imparts
medicine and poison.
Queen of the Night: The most sexually charged and alluring aspect, that of the Whore – who
is blatant in her indecency, who revels in her lechery – but she is also the
most human and understanding of the aspects, the one who is forgiving, the one
who does not judge, but offers comfort instead
Queen of the Crossroads: The Witch – the one who houses endless knowledge of the Black Arts –
her justice is swift. It is she who keeps the recipes and rituals, who knows
the arcane ways. She is the Sorceress, the Witch, the Priestess – she is the
one who reads the bones and walks the planes, who takes the guise of any
creature on which she has lain her eyes. It is she who keeps the sold souls,
bartered at the Crossroads, forever bound to do her bidding.
Ideal locations for Worship and Workings:
Always worked at Night; Crossroads – “X” and “T”, 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, Thick
Woodlands/Wetlands, Brothels, Crematoriums, Deserted Roads or Building –
especially desolate, nature-reclaimed Churches, any Subterranean place – including
basements/cellars.
Offerings, including but not limited to:
Animals Sacrifices (or
blood of) – lamb/goat, black hen, dove*, snake; Poisonous flowers – Jimsonweed,
in particular, rotted/spoiled meat, bladed weapons – though tridents, lances
and spears are also accepted, hot-pepper infused rum, 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.
Takes black or red candles
“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; Who
rules the infernal nethers, And who
creeps – like the serpent – Up
the spine and into the mind; Mistress Mary – Queen of the Dead, Harlot
of the Boneyard, Who
digs a hand into the grave, And
raises the bones of the Forgotten;
Mistress Mary – Queen of the Crossroads, Who knows the ancients ways – Who barters yet – for stolen souls And bestows to (wo)man, Her mysteries,
Mistress Mary – Queen of Night, Whose
kiss is that of poison, Rise
from the depths – and settle, Now,
upon the Mortal Plane; The
flesh is yours, The
blood is yours, The
choice is yours.
Symbol(s):
Seal of Maria
Satanica – used to evoke her
presence; offerings should be left on the seal
Fork/Tridents of
Mistress Mary – used for invocations
when marked upon the body; can also be used to incorporate her energy into
works or as a way of solidifying the evocation of like-entities (i.e. Lucifer, the Destroyer or some manifestations
of The Devil)
Believing in magic should not negate your ability to believe in science, practice critical thinking, or reserve belief in a thing until presented with proof.
If it does, you have bigger problems than people not believing you when you claim you can teleport or turn into a mermaid.
I’m just going to take a moment to start a slow clap for this extremely relevant post.
And there’s nothing wrong at all with geometric, angular sigils. In fact, I find them quite beautiful. I think the way one constructs a sigil says a lot about their personality – and angular designs denote a sharp, strong and balanced character! If maybe a touch aggressive… But there’s nothing wrong with that.
The Qedavian Apocrypha 