Pentagram Rituals

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Concerning the Lesser Banishing Ritual, according to Crowley "its main point is to
establish in the Astral four Pentagrams, one in each quarter, and two Hexagrams, one
above, the other below, thus enclosing the Magician, as it were, in a consecrated box"
(Liber ABA, Appendix VIII, Notes on the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram, Part I).

He writes in Liber O that "the banishing rituals should be used at the commencement of
any ceremony whatever. Next, the student should use a general invocation, such as the
'Preliminary Invocation' in the 'Goetia' as well as a special invocation to suit the nature of
his working" (Liber O vel Manvs et Sagittæ, Part Four, 4.).

Elsewhere elaborating, "The first part of every ceremony is the banishing; the second, the
invoking. The same formula is repeated even in the ceremony of banishing itself, for in
the banishing ritual of the pentagram we not only command the demons to depart, but
invoke the Archangels and their hosts to act as guardians of the Circle during our pre-
occupation with the ceremony proper. In more elaborate ceremonies it is usual to banish
everything by name. Each element, each planet, and each sign, perhaps even the
Sephiroth themselves; all are removed, including the very one which we wished to invoke,
for that forces as existing in Nature is always impure. But this process, being long and
wearisome, is not altogether advisable in actual working. It is usually sufficient to perform
a general banishing, and to rely upon the aid of the guardians invoked. Let the banishing
therefore be short, but in no wise slurred—for it is useful as it tends to produce the
proper attitude of mind for the invocations. 'The Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram' (as
now rewritten, Liber 333, Cap. XXV) is the best to use" (Liber ABA, Part Three, Chapter 13,
Of the Banishings: and of the Purifications).

Contents
The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram — The Greater Ritual of the Pentagram — Notes on
the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram — The Archangels of the Quarters — Israel Regardie —
Works Cited

The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram

Initially (and then again at the end of the ritual) the Sign of the Cross is performed, using
the Occult Versicle.
Following this, the magician goes to the four quarters, drawing in each a pentagram
symbolic of all the elements; done either to bansh or invoke. While drawing the 1/19
symbolic of all the elements; done either to bansh or invoke. While drawing the
pentagrams, the magician Vibrates four four-lettered names of God.
Next, returning to the center and with arms outstretched, the four Archangels of the
Quarters are visualized while their names are vibrated.
A final statement concludes the body of the ritual and the Sign of the Cross is repeated.

Liber O vel Manus et Sagittae sub figurâ VI

i. Touching the forehead say Ateh (Unto Thee).
ii. Touching the breast say Malkuth (The Kingdom).
iii. Touching the right shoulder, say ve-Geburah (and the Power).
iv. Touching the left shoulder, say ve-Gedulah (and the Glory).
v. Clasping the hands upon the breast, say le-Olahm, Amen (To the Ages, Amen).
vi. Turning to the East make a pentagram (that of Earth) with the proper weapon (usually
the Wand). Say (i.e., vibrate) I H V H.
vii. Turning to the South, the same, but say A D N I.
viii. Turning to the West, the same, but say A H I H.
ix. Turning to the North, the same, but say A G L A.
x. Extending the arms in the form of a Cross say:
xi. Before me Raphael;
xii. Behind me Gabriel;
xiii. On my right hand Michael.
xiv. On my left hand Auriel;
xv. For about me flames the Pentagram,
xvi. And in the Column stands the six-rayed Star.
xvii-xxi. Repeat (i) to (v), the "Qabalistic Cross."
Pronounce: Ye-ho-wau, Adónaí, Eheieh, Agla.

Divine Names
Eliphas Levi
History of Magic, ch. vii, bk 1: The Holy Kabbalah
It is to this philosophical and incontestable reality, or otherwise the notion of Deity, that
the Kabalists give a name, and all other names are contained therein. The ciphers of this
name produce all numbers and the hieroglyphical forms of its letters give expression to all
laws of Nature, with all that is therein. We shall not recur in this place to that which has
been dealt with already as regards the divine Tetragram in the Doctrine of Transcendental
Magic; but it may be added that the Kabalists inscribe it in four chief ways:

1. as ‫ יהוה‬JHVH, which is spelt but not pronounced. The consonants are YOD, HE, VAU,
HE, and they are rendered as JEHOVAH by us in opposition to all analogy, for the
Tetragrammaton so disfigured is composed of six letters.
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 Tetragrammaton so disfigured is composed of six letters.
2. ‫ אדני‬ADNI, meaning Lord and pronounced by us adonai.
3. ‫ אהיה‬AHIH, which signifies Being and is pronounced by us EIEIE.
4. ‫ אגלא‬AGLA, pronounced as it is written and comprising hieroglyphically all mysteries
of the Kabalah.

The letter Aleph ‫ א‬is the first of the Hebrew alphabet, and expressing as it does unity, it
represents hieroglyphically the dogma of Hermes: that which is above is analogous to that
which is below. In consonance with this the letter has two arms, one of which points to
earth and the other to heaven with an identical gesture.

The letter Gimel ‫ ג‬is third in the alphabet; it expresses the triad numerically, and
hieroglyphically it signifies childbirth, fruitfulness.

Lamed ‫ ל‬is the twelfth letter and is an expression of the perfect cycle. Considered as a
hieroglyphical sign it represents the circulation of the perpetual movement and the
relation of the radius to the circumference. The duplicated Aleph represents the
synthesis.

Therefore the name agla signifies:

1. unity, which accomplishes by the triad the cycle of numbers, leading back to unity.
2. The fruitful principle of Nature, which is one therewith.
3. The primal truth which fertilises science and restores it to unity.
4. Syllepsis, analysis, science and synthesis.
5. The Three Divine Persons Who are one God; the secret of the Great Work, which is
the fixation of the Astral Light by a sovereign act of will and is represented by the
adepts as a serpent pierced with an arrow, thus forming the letter Aleph,
6. The three operations of dissolution, sublimation and fixation, corresponding to the
three essential substances. Salt, Sulphur and Mercury—the whole being expressed
by the letter Gimel.
7. The twelve keys of Basil Valentine, represented by Lamed.
8. Finally, the Work accomplished in conformity with its principle and reproducing the
said principle.

Herein is the origin of that Kabalistic tradition which comprises all Magic in a single word.
To know how this word is read and how also it is pronounced, or literally to understand its
mysteries and translate the knowledge into action, is to have the key of miracles. In
pronouncing the word AGLA it is said that one must turn to the East, which means union
of intention and knowledge with oriental tradition. It should be remembered further that,
according to Kabalah, the perfect word is the word realised by acts, whence comes that

expression which recurs frequently in the Bible: "facere verbum" to make a word—that is,
in the sense of performing an act. To pronounce the word AGLA Kabalistically is therefore
to pass all tests of initiation and accomplish all its works.

Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla (1248 – after 1305) 3/19

Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla (1248 – after 1305)
Sha'are Orah (Gates of Light)
First gate / tenth sphere
The name ADoNaY is like a storehouse for the abundance and the emanations of all the
different entities which draw their sustenance from YHVH through the network of
channels where one finds the three Names arranged in order: ADoNaY below, YHVH in
the middle and EHYE above. From the Name EHYE come an abundance of emanations
from the source known as AYN SOF (no end) which funnel through the different levels
until they reach the belessed YHVH. And from YHVH they flow through the channels until
they reach the name ADoNaY which is where all the strategies of the king are found. For
He sustains all through the power of YHVH within Him. All who wish to enter and cleave to
YHVH must enter and leave by the word of ADoNaY. Therefore, this Name is the
storehouse for the treasures of God, and is the Shrine where YHVH dwells. This is the
reason that YHVH is always pronounced in the Torah as ADoNaY. In other words anyone
who wishes to seek YHVH will find Him in the Name ADoNaY.
[...]
Just as we have given you the keys to the attribute called ADoNaY, we must also convey
something else to you. Just as there are three Names connected in unity and they are
called ADoNaY, YHVH and EHYE, so too are there three elements intrinsically tied to man
and they are the NeFeSH (the living force), the RUaCH (the spirit) and the NeSHaMaH (the
divine soul).”

S. L. "MacGregor" Mathers
The Kabbalah Unveiled
Introduction

62. The name of the Deity, which we call Jehovah, is in Hebrew a name of four letters,
IHVH; and the true pronunciation of it is known to very few. I myself know some
score of different mystical pronunciations of it. The true pronunciation is a most
secret arcanum, and is a secret of secrets. "He who can rightly pronounce it, causeth
heaven and earth to tremble, for it is the name which rusheth through the universe."
Therefore when a devout Jew comes upon it in reading the Scripture, he either does
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 Therefore when a devout Jew comes upon it in reading the Scripture, he either does
not attempt to pronounce it, but instead makes a short pause, or else he substitutes
for it the name Adonai, ADNI, Lord. The radical meaning of the word is "to be," and it
is thus, like AHIH, Eheieh, a glyph of existence. It is capable of twelve transpositions,
which all convey the meaning of "to be"; it is the only word that will bear so many
transpositions without its meaning being altered. They are called the "twelve
banners of the mighty name," and are said by some to rule the twelve signs of the
Zodiac. These are the twelve banners: IHVH, IHHV, IVHH, HVHI, HVIH, HHIV, VHHI,
VIHH, VHIH, HIHV, HIVH, HHVI. There are three other tetragrammatic names, which
are AHIH, Eheieh, existence; ADNI, Adonai, Lord; and Agla, AGLA. This last is not,
properly speaking, a word, but is a notariqon of the sentence, AThH GBVR LOVLM
ADNI, Ateh Gebor Le−Olahm Adonai: "Thou are mighty for ever, O Lord!" A brief
explanation of Agla is this: A, the one first; A, the one last; G, the Trinity in Unity; L,
the completion of the great work.
63. The first thing we notice is that both AHIH and IHVH convey the idea of existence;
this is their first analogy. The second is, that in each the letter H comes second and
fourth; and the third is that by Gematria AHIH equals IHV without the H (which, as
we shall see presently, is the symbol of Malkuth, the tenth Sephira). But now, if they
be written one above the others, thus, within the arms of a cross,
AH | IH
IH | VH
they read downwards as well as across, AHIH, IHVH.
64. Now, if we examine the matter qabalistically we shall find the reason of these
analogies. For Eheieh, AHIH, is the Vast Countenance, the Ancient One,
Macroprosopus, Kether, the first Sephira, the Crown of the Qabalistical Sephirotic
greatest Trinity (which consists of the Crown, King, and Queen; or Macroprosopus,
Microprosopus and the Bride), and the Father in the Christian acceptation of the
Trinity.
65. But IHVH, the Tetragrammaton, as we shall presently see, contains all the Sephiroth
with the exception of Kether, and specially signifies the Lesser Countenance,
Microprosopus, the King of the qabalistical Sephirotic greatest Trinity, and the Son in
His human
The Greater incarnation,
Ritual in the Christian acceptation of the Trinity. Therefore, as the
of the Pentagram
Son reveals the Father, so does IHVH, Jehovah, reveal AHIH, Eheieh.
66. And ADNI is the Queen "by whom alone Tetragrammaton can be grasped," whose
exaltation into Binah is found in the Christian assumption of the Virgin.

67. The Tetragrammaton IHVH is referred to the Sephiroth, thus: the uppermost point of
the letter Yod, I, is said to refer to Kether, the letter I itself to Chokmah, the father of
Microprosopus; the letter H, or "the supernal He," to Binah, the supernal Mother; the
Like inletter
the lesser ritual
V to the nextthe
sixSign of the Cross
Sephiroth, whichforms a bookend.
are called the six members of
The magician next goes to the four quarters in turn, drawing
Microprosopus (and six is the numerical value of V, the Hebrew in each two pentagrams,
Vau); lastly, the letter
each with signs and words; first a spirit pentagram (either active or passive
H, the "inferior He," to Malkuth, the tenth Sephira, the bride of Microprosopus. based on the
following element) and then the element intended to be invoked or banished. This can be
done either with a single element from all four quarters, drawing-in or banishing a single 5/19
done either with a single element from all four quarters, drawing-in or banishing a single
element, or by targeting each of the four in each of the quarters, i.e. Air from the East, Fire
from the South, Water from the West, and Earth from the North.
Next, like in the lesser ritual, the magus returns to the center and with arms outstretched,
the four Archangels of the Quarters are visualized and their names are vibrated.
Again a final statement concludes the body of the ritual and the Sign of the Cross
concludes.

Liber O vel Manus et Sagittae sub figurâ VI

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

The Pentagrams of Spirit

Equilibrium of Actives
Name: A H I H (Eheieh)

Invoking Banishing

Equilibrium of Passives
Name A G L A (Agla).

Invoking Banishing

The Signs of the Portal (see Illustrations): Extend the hands in front of you, palms
outwards, separate them as if in the act of rending asunder a veil or curtain (actives), and
then bring them together as if closing it up again and let them fall to the side (passives).
(The Grade of the "Portal" is particularly attributed to the element of Spirit; it refers to the
Sun; the Paths of ‫ס‬, ‫ נ‬and ‫ע‬, are attributed to this degree. See 777 lines 6 and 31 bis).

The Pentagrams of Fire

Name: A L H I M (Elohim).

Invoking Banishing

The Sign of 4°=7▫: Raise the arms above the head and join the hands, so that the tips of 6/19
The Sign of 4°=7▫: Raise the arms above the head and join the hands, so that the tips of
the fingers and of the thumbs meet, formulating a triangle (See illustration).
(The Grade of 4°=7▫ is particularly attributed to the element Fire; it refers to the planet
Venus; the paths of ‫ק‬, ‫ צ‬and ‫ פ‬are attributed to this degree. For other attributions see 777
lines 7 and 31).

The Pentagrams of Water

Name: A L (El).

Invoking Banishing

The Sign of 3°=8▫: Raise the arms till the elbows are on a level with the shoulders, bring
the hands across the chest, touching the thumbs and tips of fingers so as to form a
triangle apex downwards. ("See" illustration).
(The Grade of 3°=8▫ is particularly attributed to the element of Water; it refers to the
planet Mercury; the paths of ‫ ר‬and ‫ ש‬are attributed to this degree. For other attributions
see 777, lines 8 and 23).

The Pentagrams of Air

Name: I H V H (Ye-ho-wau).

Invoking Banishing

The Sign of 2°=9▫: Stretch both arms upwards and outwards, the elbows bent at right
angles, the hands bent back, the palms upwards as if supporting a weight. (See
illustration).
(The Grade of 2°=9▫ is particularly attributed to the element Air; it refers to the Moon; the
path of ‫ ת‬is attributed to this degree. For other attributions see 777 lines 9 and 11).
The Pentagrams of Earth
Name: A D N I (Adonai).

Invoking Banishing

The Sign of 1°=10▫: Advance the right foot, stretch out the right hand upwards and 7/19
The Sign of 1°=10▫: Advance the right foot, stretch out the right hand upwards and
forwards, the left hand downwards and backwards, the palms open.
(The Grade of 1°=10▫ is particularly attributed to the element of Earth, See 777 lines 10
and 32 bis).

Divine Names
AHIH

‫הי ֶה‬ ֶ - Ehye - The divine name of Keter, in this ritual context it represents the element of
ְ ‫א‬
Active Spirit, cf. White.

AGLA

‫ אגלא‬- AGLA - Seems to reprent a completion: "unity, which accomplishes by the triad the
cycle of numbers, leading back to unity", in this ritual context it represents the element of
Passive Spirit, cf. White.

ALHIM

‫הי ם‬
ִ ‫ל‬ ֱ - Elohim - The divine name of Gevurah, in this ritual context it represents the
ֹ ‫א‬
element of Fire, cf. Red.

AL
ֵ - El - The divine name of Chesed, in this ritual context it represents the element of
‫אל‬
Water, cf. Blue.

IHVH
‫ יהוה‬- Yhvh - The divine name of Tipheret, in this ritual context it represents the element of
Air, cf. Yellow.

ADNI

ָ‫דני‬ ֲ - Adonai - The divine name of Malkhut, in this ritual context it represents the element
ֹ ‫א‬
of Earth, cf. Black.

Notes on the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram; Liber ABA

Part II of Notes on the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram in Appendix VIII of Liber ABA, described
in the Editor's Notes as "a succinct and practical commentary that circulated in typescript
among Crowley's students in the United states in the 1940s."

You are supposed to be standing at the intersection of the paths of ‫ ס‬and ‫פ‬. You are facing 8/19
You are supposed to be standing at the intersection of the paths of ‫ ס‬and ‫פ‬. You are facing
Tiphareth (the Sun); thus on your right hand is Netzach (Venus), on your left hand Hod
(Mercury), and behind you Yesod (the Moon).

You take one step with the right heel in the hollow of the left foot towards Tiphareth and vibrate
the Divine Name as as given in the ritual. You then carry round the point of the Wand towards
Netzach, then take a step again (always recovering after each forward step so that you remain in
the centre), vibrating the Divine Name as before.

Continue the process facing Yesod, and vibrating; then Hod, and vibrating; but carry the point of
the Wand around to Tiphareth so as to complete the circle.

As you vibrate the Divine Name the Angels, as given in the ritual, appear. (Note well that they
should appear, and if the ritual is properly performed do appear.)

You are thus standing in a column which is protected by your microcosmic invocation. The
consequent result, being macrocosmic response, is that without any effort on your part the
hexagram or sixfold star appears both above and below you. (Note the equilibration 5°=6▫.)

In this way you are completely shut off from the outer and Qliphotic parts of the Universe.

Get well into your mind the realization of this Column with its surrounding pentagrams and its
hexagrams above and below you. Continuous practice is essential if you are to perform this ritual
as you should.

It is particularly important not to slur any part of it; to visualize clearly and cleanly the forces
invoked, with the exception of the Divine Being, who will not appear; in the ordinary course of
events, for such slight cause.

You can figure out for yourself the forms of the Angels, or rather Archangels. [These are not the
Archangels of Assiah for the four sephiroth concerned (given is Liber 777, col. xcix), but the
Archangels of the Four Quarters (Liber 777, col. lix). See also Appendix V, p. 561, cols. 65-66).]
For instance, Raphael commecing with an ‫ ר‬will have a head of solar glory, and the ‫ פ‬which
follows shows that the rest of him is martial; the ‫ אל‬which concludes the name (in the case of
most angelic beings) indicates that they wield the sword and the balance.

9/19
The Archangels of the Quarters

The Book of Enoch

Chapter IX
1. And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw
much blood being shed upon the earth, and all lawlessness being wrought upon the
earth.
2. And they said one to another: 'The earth made †without inhabitant cries the voice of
their crying† up to the gates of heaven.
3. ⌈⌈And now to you, the holy ones of heaven⌉⌉, the souls of men make their suit,
saying, "Bring our cause before the Most High."'
4. And they said to the Lord of the ages: 'Lord of lords, God of gods, King of kings, and
God of the ages, the throne of Thy glory (standeth) unto all the generations of the
ages, and Thy name holy and glorious and blessed unto all the ages!
5. Thou hast made all things, and power over all things hast Thou: and all things are
naked and open in Thy sight, and Thou seest all things, and nothing can hide itself
from Thee.
6. Thou seest what Azâzêl hath done, who hath taught all unrighteousness on earth
and revealed the eternal secrets which were (preserved) in heaven, which men were
striving to learn:

7. And Semjâzâ, to whom Thou hast given authority to bear rule over his associates.
8. And they have gone to the daughters of men upon the earth, and have slept with the
women, and have defiled themselves, and revealed to them all kinds of sins.
9. And the women have borne giants, and the whole earth has thereby been filled with
blood and unrighteousness.
10. And now, behold, the souls of those who have died are crying and making their suit
to the gates of heaven, and their lamentations have ascended: and cannot cease
because of the lawless deeds which are wrought on the earth.
11. And Thou knowest all things before they come to pass, and Thou seest these things
and Thou dost suffer them, and Thou dost not say to us what we are to do to them
in regard to these.'

Agrippa; De Occulta Philosophia

Liber Secundus, Ch. VII
10/19
The Scale of the Number four, answering the four Elements

In the ‫י הו ה‬ The name

Original of God with
World, four letters
whence the
Law of
Providence

In the Seraphim Dominations Principalities Innicents Four

Intellectual Cherubim Powers Archangels Martyrs triplicities
World, Thrones Vertues Angels Confessors or
whence the intelligible
Fatal Law hierarchies

‫מי כ א ל‬ ‫רפאל‬ ‫ג ב רי א ל‬ ‫א ו רי א ל‬ Four angels

Michael Raphael Gabriel Uriel ruling over
the corners
of the world

‫שרף‬ ‫כ רו ב‬ ‫ת ר שי ש‬ ‫א רי א ל‬ Four rulers

Seraph Cherub Tharsis Ariel of the
elements

The Lion The Eagle Man A Calf Four

consecrated
animals

Dan Jehuda Manasse Reubin Four

Asser Isachar Benjamin Simeon triplicities of
Nephtalim Zabulum Ephraim Gad the tribes of
Israel

Mathias Simon John Thaddeus Four

Peter Bartholemew Phillip Andrew triplicities of
Jacob the Mathew James the Thomas apostles
elder younger

Mark John Mathew Luke Four

evangelists

In the Aries Gemini Cancer Taurus Four

Celestial Leo Libra Scorpius Virgo Triplicities
world, Sagittarius Aquarius Pisces Capricornus of Signs
where is 11/19
 where is
the Law of Mars, and Jupiter, and Saturn, and The fixt The Stars,
Nature the Sun Venus Mercury Stars, and and
the Moon Planets,
related to
the
Elements

Light Diaphanousness Agility Solidity Four

qualities of
the Celestial
Elements

In the ‫אש‬ ‫רו ח‬ ‫מי ם‬ ‫עפר‬ Four

Elementary Fire Air Water Earth elements
World,
where the Heat Moisture Cold Dryness Four
Law of qualities
Generation
Summer Spring Winter Autumn Four
and
seasons
Corruption
is The East The West The North The South Four
corners of
the world

Animals Plants Metals Stones Four perfect

kinds of
mixed
bodies

Walking Flying Swimming Creeping Four kinds

of Animals

Seeds Flowers Leaves Roots What

answer the
elements, in
plants

Gold & Copper & Tin Quicksilver Lead & What in

Iron Silver metals

Bright & Light & Clear & Heavy & What in

burning transparent congealed dark stones
12/19
 burning transparent congealed dark stones

In the The Mind The Spirit The Soul The Body Four
Lesser elements of
World, viz. man
Man,
from whom The Reason Phantasy Sense Four
is the Law Intellect powers of
of Prudence the soul

Faith Science Opinion Experience Four

Judiciary
Powers

Justice Temperance Prudence Fortitude Four moral

virtues

Sight Hearing Taste & Touch The senses

Smell answering
to the
elements

Spirit Flesh Humours Bones Four

elements of
man's body

Animal Vital Generative Natural A fourfold

spirit

Choller Blood Phlegm Melancholy Four

humours

Violence Nimbleness Dulness Slowness Four

manners of
complexion

In the ‫סמאל‬ ‫עז אז ל‬ ‫עז א ל‬ ‫מ הז א ל‬ Four

Infernal Samael Azazel Azael Mahazael Princes of
World, Devils,
where is offensive in
the Law of the
Wrath, and Elements
Punishment
Phlegeton Cocytus Styx Acheron Four
Infernal
Rivers 13/19
 Rivers

Oriens Paymon Egyn Amaymon Four

Princes of
spirits,
upon the
four angles
of the world

Liber 777
Table II

I. VI. VII. LIV. LV. LVII. LIX.

Key The English The Letters The The Four Archangels of
Scale Heavens of of Col. of the Elements Quarters. the Quarters.
Assiah. VI. Name. and Senses

11 ‫רו ח‬ Air ‫ו‬ Air, Smell (E) ‫מזרח‬ ‫רפאל‬

23 ‫מי ם‬ Water ‫ה‬ Water, Taste (W) ‫מערב‬ ‫ג ב רי א ל‬

31 ‫אש‬ Fire ‫י‬ Fire, Sight (S) ‫דרום‬ ‫מי כ א ל‬

32 ‫ארץ‬ Earth ‫ה‬ Earth, Touch (N) ‫צפרן‬ ‫א ו רי א ל‬

bis

Bedtime Prayers
from an article by Ariel Scheib

Prior to going to sleep, there is a small composition of bedtime prayers to recite. These prayers are
believed to bring peace and comfort to one as they sleep. Scholars used to teach that during the
night demons come searching for innocent souls; however, completing these prayers would
protect the soul from such dangers. The bedtime prayers are structured around saying the Shema.
The Shema is also often uttered before one passes away. Many Jews believe that reciting the
Shema before they go to sleep will protect them, if unexpectedly they die while sleeping. Other
prayers include Psalm 91 and Psalm 3. The final prayer recited is Adon Olam, requesting that
God watch over one’s soul as they sleep.

The Sh'ma at Bedtime (excerpts from the traditional ritual)

[...]

A Prayer for Protection at Night

In the name of Adonai

the God of Israel:
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 May the angel Michael be at my right,
and the angel Gabriel be at my left;
and in front of me the angel Uriel,
and behind me the angel Raphael...
and above my head
the Sh'khinah (Divine Presence).

Israel Regardie

Complete Golden Dawn, vol. 4

The Ritual of the Pentagram
The Pentagram is a powerful symbol representing the operation of the Eternal Spirit and
the Four Elements under the divine Presidency of the letters of the Name Yeheshuah. The
elements themselves in the symbol of the Cross are governed by Yhvh. But the letter Shin,
representing the Ruach Elohim, the Divine Spirit, being added thereto, the Name
becometh Yeheshuah or Yehovashah - the latter when the letter Shin is placed between
ruling Earth and the other three letters of Tetragrammaton.

From each re-entering angle of the Pentagram, therefore, issueth a ray, representing a
radiation from the Divine. Therefore is it called the Flaming Pentagram, or Star of the
Great Light, in affirmation of the forces of Divine Light to be found therein.

Traced as a symbol of good, it should be placed with the single point upward,
representing the rule of the Divine Spirit. For if thou shouldst write it with the two points
upward, it is an evil symbol, affirming the empire of matter over that Divine Spirit which
should govern it. See that thou doest it not.

Yet, if there may arise an absolute necessity for working or conversing with a Spirit of evil
nature, and that to retain him before thee without tormenting him, thou hast to employ
the symbol of the Pentagram reversed - (for, know thou well, thou canst have no right to
injure or hurt even evil Spirits to gratify curiousity or caprice) - in such a case, thou shalt
hold the blade of thy Magical Sword upon the single lowest point of the Pentagram, until
such time as thou shalt license him to depart. Also, revile not evil spirits -- but remember
that the Archangel Michael of whom St. Jude speaketh, when contending with Satan, durst 15/19
that the Archangel Michael of whom St. Jude speaketh, when contending with Satan, durst
not bring a railing accusation against him but said ‘The Lord rebuke thee’.

Now, if thou wilt draw the Pentagram to have by thee as a symbol, thou shalt make it of
the colours already taught, upon the black ground. There shall be the sign of the
Pentagram, the Wheel, the Lion, the Eagle, the Ox, and the Man, and each hath an angle
assigned unto it for dominion. Hence ariseth the Supreme Ritual of the Pentagram,
according to the angle from which the Pentagram is traced. The circle or Wheel answereth
to the all-pervading Spirit: The laborious Ox is the symbol of Earth; the Lion is the
vehemence of Fire; the Eagle, the Water flying aloft as with wings when she is vaporized
by the force of heat: the Man is the Air, subtle and thoughtful, penetrating hidden things.

At all times complete the circle of the place before commencing an invokation.

The currents leading from Fire to Air and from Earth to Water are those of Spirit -- the
mediation of the Active and Passive Elements. These two Spirit Pentagrams should
precede and close Invocations as the equilibrium of the Elements, and in establishing the
harmony of their influence. In closing, these currents are reversed.

Spirit Invoking Pentagrams Spirit Banishing

Equilibriation Active Equilibriation Passive Closing For Active Closing For Passive

They are the invoking and banishing Pentagrams of the Spirit. The Sigil of the Wheel
should be traced in their centre. In the invoking Pentagram of Earth the current
descendeth from the Spirit to the Earth. In the Banishing Pentagram, the current is
reversed. The Sigil of the Ox should be traced in the centre. These two Pentagrams are in
general use for invocation or banishing, and their use is given to the Neophyte of the
Order of the Golden Dawn under the title of the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram.

This Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram is only of use in general and less important
invocations. Its use is permitted to the Outer that Neophytes may have protection against
opposing forces, and also that they may form some idea of how to attract and to come
into communication with spiritual and invisible things. The Banishing Pentagram of Earth
will also serve thee for any opposing Astral force. In all cases of tracing a Pentagram, the
angle should be carefully closed at the finishing point.

The invoking Pentagram of Air commenceth from Water, and that of Water commenceth
from the Angle of Air. Those of Fire and Earth begin from the angle of Spirit. The Kerubic
symbol of the Element is to be traced in the centre. The banishing Signs are reversing of
the current. But before all things, complete the circle of the place wherein thou workest,
seeing that it is the key of the rest.
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Unless you want to limit or confine the force, make not a circle round each Pentagram,
unless for the purpose of tracing the Pentagram truly. In concentrating however the force
upon a symbol or Talisman, thou shalt make the circle with the Pentagram upon it so as to
concentrate the force together thereon.

RULE: Invoke towards,

and banish from, the Invoking Banishing
point to which the
Element is attributed. Air Earth
hath a watery symbol,
(Aquarius) because it is
the container of rain and
moisture. Fire hath the Fire
form of the Lion-Serpent
(Leo). Water hath the
alchemic Eagle of
distillation (Eagle’s Head). Air
Earth hath the laborious
Ox (Taurus). Spirit is
produced by the One
operating in all things.
The elements vibrate Water
between the Cardinal
points for they have not
an unchangeable abode
therein, though they are
allotted to the Four Quarters in their invocation in the Ceremonies of the First Order. This
attribution is derived from the nature of the winds. For the Easterly wind is of the Nature
of Air more especially. The South Wind bringeth into action the nature of Fire. West winds
bring with them moisture and rain. North winds are cold and dry like Earth. The S.W. wind
is violent and explosive -- the mingling of the contrary elements of Fire and Water. The
N.W. and S.W. winds are more harmonious, uniting the influence of the two active and
passive elements. Yet their natural position in the Zodiac is: Fire in the East, Earth in
South, Air in West, and Water in the North. Therefore they vibrate: Air between West and
East. Fire between East and South. Water between North and West. Earth between South
and North. Spirit also vibrateth between the Height and Depth. So that, if thou invokest, it
is better to look towards the position of the winds, since the Earth, ever whirling on her
poles, is more subject to their influence. But if thou wilt go in the Spirit Vision unto their
abode, it is better for thee to take their position in the Zodiac Air and Water have much in
common, and because one is the container of the other, therefore have their symbols
been at all times transferred, and the Eagle assigned to Air and Aquarius to Water.
Nevertheless, it is better that they should be attributed as before stated and for the
foregoing reason is it that the invoking sign of the one and the banishing sign of the other
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foregoing reason is it that the invoking sign of the one and the banishing sign of the other
counterchange in the Pentagram. When thou dealest with the Pentagram of the Spirit
thou shalt give the saluting signs of the Adeptus Minor Grade, and for the Earth the Sign
of Zelator, and for Air that of Theoricus, and for Water that of Practicus, and for Fire,
Philosophus. If thou wilt use the Pentagram to invoke or banish the Zodiacal forces, thou
shalt use the Pentagram of the Element unto which the Sign is referred, and trace in its
centre the usual Sigil of the Sign thus:

[examples of zodiacal pentagrams]

And whenever thou shalt trace a Sigil of any nature, thou must commence at the left hand
of the Sigil or symbol tracing it in a clockwise motion.

Whenever thou invokest the forces of the Zodiacal Signs as distinct from the Elements,
thou shalt erect an astrological chart of the Heavens for the time of working so that thou
mayest know toward what quarter or direction thou shouldst face in working. For the
same Sign may be in the East at one time of the day and in the West at another.

Whenever thou shalt prepare to commence any magical work or operation, it will be
advisable for thee to clear and consecrate the place of work by performing the Lesser
Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. In certain cases, especially when working by or with the
forces of the Planets, it may be wise also to use the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the
Hexagram.

In order that a Force and a Current and a Colour and a Sound may be united together in
the same symbol, unto each angle of the Pentagram certain Hebrew divine Names and
Names from the Angelic Tablets are allotted. These are to be pronounced with the
invoking and banishing Pentagrams as thou mayest see in this diagrams.

The attributions of the angles of the Pentagram are the key of its Ritual. Herein, during
ordinary invocation without the use of the Enochian Tablets of the Elements, thou
shalt pronounce the Divine Name Al with the Pentagram of Water, and Elohim with Fire,
etc. But if thou art working with the Elemental or Enochian Tablets, thou shalt use the
Divine Names in the Angelic language drawn therefrom. For Earth, Emor Dial Hectega,
etc., and for Spirit the four words: Exarp in the East; Hcoma in the West: Nanta in the
North; and Bitom in the South.

In the pronunciation of all these Names, thou shalt take a deep breath and vibrate them
as much as possible inwardly with the outgoing breath, not necessarily loudly, but with
forcible vibration thus: A-a-a-el-Il (Since this Divine name consists of only two letters I
consistently make a practice of vibrating the letters separately viz, Aleph Lamed, then the
sound as indicated before). Or Em-or-r Di-a-ll Hec-te-e-gah. If thou wilt, thou mayest also
trace the letters or Sigils of these Names in the Air.

To invoke the forces of the Four Elements at once, at the Four Quarters, commence at the
East and there trace the equilibrating Pentagram of the Actives and the invoking 18/19
East and there trace the equilibrating Pentagram of the Actives and the invoking
Pentagram of Air and pronounce the proper Names. Then carry round the point of thy
wand to the South and there trace the equilibrating Pentagram for Actives and the
invoking Pentagram of Fire and pronounce the proper Names. Thence, pass to the West,
trace the Equilibrating Pentagram for Passives and the Invoking Pentagram for Water and
pronounce the proper Names; thence to the North, trace the equilibration of the Passives
and the invoking Pentagram of Earth, pronounce the proper Names, and then complete
the circle of the place.

In the same manner shalt thou banish, unless thou desirest to retain certain of the Forces
for a time. All invocations shall be opened and closed with the Qabalistic Cross: In certain
cases other Names, as those of Angels and Spirits, may be pronounced towards their
proper quarters.and their Names and Sigils traced in the Air.

If thou workest with but one Element, thou shalt make - (if it be an active element as Fire
or Air) - the equilibrating Pentagram for Actives only and the Element’s own invoking
Pentagram, and not those of the other Elements. If it be a passive Element - Earth or
Water thou shalt make the Equilibriating Pentagram of the passives only and the invoking
Pentagram and banishing follow the same law. Also, see that thou pronouncest the
proper Names with the proper Pentagrams.
Works Cited

Liber O; hermetic.com
Liber ABA; Liber O
777; And Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley
Babylon; Hebrew Translation
The Book of Enoch, tr. R.H. Charles
Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy

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