"The Old Ones. Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again."

Section 1

Neo-paganism - A Dogma-Free Religion?

This is clearly wrong since at the same time these writers often claim our time to be a new age of faith for people of all religions - but actually focus on only a handful of deities.

This book most definitely is for all faiths. If a person believes in the teachings of Jesus then Jesus should certainly be a crucial part of their worship and within their prayers. It should at the same time be noticed that Medieval Magicians such as Agrippa - seem concerned about the interpretations of the old and new testaments. The solution is simply this - believe in what you can believe. Only through honesty, faith and good works can we ever hope to better ourselves and ascend to an earned divine order within the Heavenly hierarchy.

The unfortunate problem that arises from Neo-paganism - is that someone's 'dogma-free' religious ideas and interpretations quickly become dogmas themselves - which generally results in New Pagans who are reluctant to stray from someone's interpretation - ironically adopting a strict ritualistic adherence - to something supposedly dogma-free.

'Dogma-free Religion' is an oddly paradoxical if not impossible new-ageist term which I personally feel uncomfortable with. 'Dogma-free', yes but what on earth is a 'Dogma-free Religion'?
 

Directing our Prayers (Discovering our Genius)

One new-age concept which seems to me to be very primitive and somehow misdirected is the idea that one can walk around and address the spirits or deities - whenever you like any time of the day. Outside of religious prayers - going around muttering to ourselves - could only serve to make us look like a bunch of loonies.

Thankfully Agrippa and Roman mythology gives us an idea - that we can take further. We can discover our "genius", and if there is any spiritual truth in this concept - we can directly address our greatest ally to act for us and in our best interests.

"the name of the good spirit of every man is called his genius, which we have to find out." - Agrippa.

Here we have a realistic merging of old and new concepts - but since "dogma-free" is the theme of this book - we should do as Agrippa suggests and find out for ourselves.

The genius or Jinn is the spirit who attend each of us from the time of our birth. Generally the jinn were spirits of an inferior type - their role is to act as the companions or guardians of mankind - encouraging us to do both good and bad - since the jinn's of ancient mythology - were believed to be both good and evil spirits.

This Dogma-free concept allows the student to make prayer much less formally than the Christian. Rather than reciting the set prayers - the dogma-free student is able to address his chosen deities, angels, spirits, and most usefully his personal genius or Guardian Angel. The Genius of a person is believed to be most easily approached by prayer. It is conceivable then that the dogma-free student could discuss his problems fully with his genius and therefore seek its help to resolve some troublesome matter.
 

The Path of Equity and Moderation

If we consider the basic ideas of what the tables of Correspondences actually represent - it is very clear that ideas such as the corresponding opposites of good and evil, heaven and hell, male and female, saint and sinner are well represented.

Rather than accept the opinions of our contemporaries - in our goal to be "dogma-free" - it is more interesting to consider that these tables where drawn up in a less enlightened age - yet still we can find a gem of enlightenment within them. We find the female image to be of equal and equivalent status to the male - a modern concept not often reflected in the politics and society of those times.

The author puts this important point in the hands of the truly dogma-free student who is seeking some kind of immediate enlightenment - to use thereafter as a yard-stick throughout the book.

There is certainly both good and evil in the world - humankind's ability to show great love, benevolence and mercy is sadly matched by its all too ready ability to show excessive hatred fierce greed and savage brutality.

In the Christian teachings as with other world religions - we are meant to reason with this by choosing the path of equity and moderation. The basic idea is that we must be fair and moderate in our work - since that is all it takes to deserve the earned reward of heaven and ever-lasting life - in other words our human failings and excesses have already been taken into account and thus we are allowed some provision or dispensation. Our creator knows of our trials and predicaments and could therefore not expect us to be saintly in all we do - although some have achieved this pious distinction nevertheless.

On the other hand if we cannot be at least moderate - while remaining of good intention and even allowing for times when our human failings are subject to external worldly forces - which may influence our very survival - then surely we have failed ourselves and our god - since he seems to have allowed us a very large safety net, to catch us whenever we fall and like any concerned protecting parent - will always take the time to raise us up and place a sticking plaster over our cuts and bruises - for that is his merciful salvation.

The author does not intend that any of these ideas are accepted literally - if at all - particularly in any form of a ritualistic nature. Instead he hopes that some small part of what the tables of correspondences - once meant to their compilers is seen and understood.

Heaven as a place on Earth?

Could it be the very idea or Earthly Society, Laws and Justice that were laid down by ancient Rome - is the fundamental basis for the Science of Correspondences - the Roman hierarchy itself corresponding to the heavenly hierarchy.

This being so - the ten orders of the angels - Seraphim down to Man - where each legislates and rules his given dominion or correspondence - is similar to the legislative body the Roman Decemvirs.

Roman Laws were inscribed on 12 tablets (like the months of the year originally 10) by the Decemvirs in 451 BC - marking the foundation of Roman jurisprudence. The Decemvirs - were the various bodies of ten magistrates appointed by Rome to legislate or rule.

This is an exciting concept which would reflect the Hermetic concept. Giving to mankind a distinctive role to legislate and rule his given dominion - but with the freedom to chose his own path thereafter.

Thus we can deduce that the very constitution of Rome was taken as the ideal model from which to imagine the holy constitution of Heaven - where the Emperor was god alone.

In this book the author has attempted to highlight the main points of each of the twelve Greco-Roman deities - in order to give the casual reader enough understanding of each without the need of extensive high-brow study into the myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome.

Section 2

"Number 12 is a Divine number wherein heavenly things are measured. There are 12 signs of the Zodiac, 12 months in the year, 12 orders of spirits, 12 tribes of Israel, 
12 prophets, 12 Apostles, 12 stones in Aaron's breast-plate and 
12 principal members of a mans body."

Introduction to the Science of Correspondences

This work sets out to provide a logical key to the thinking behind the popular astrological theory known as Correspondences - which was practiced and popularised by magicians such as Henricus Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim (1486-1535) - being based chiefly on the influences of the gods and goddesses of ancient Rome - who themselves derived from the earlier deities of ancient Greece.

Within this work we will examine the idea once held by many scholars - that Planetary influences ultimately have an effect on an individuals fortunes, life and actions. Basically the "Tables of Correspondence" drew from the Ptolemaic concept - based on the theories of Plato and Aristotle - that the Earth was the centre of the planetary system. In this enlightened age - we know this to be untrue. However this concept suggested the idea of planetary "Spheres of Influence" projecting their influences downwards from heaven - to Earth - to co-ordinate and direct the actions of mankind.

From the middle ages the theory of correspondence - has relied on the concept that everything in creation could be classified into a natural hierarchy. The theory of correspondences is based on the simple idea that the elements which make up all of existence - have some relationship with the seven known planets - which were themselves governed by the divine spirits.

The theory is simple enough to understand - like modern astrology - the month which a person is born within is chiefly under the influence of a particular deity, with birds, animals, trees, plants and stones sacred to that deity. While at the same time aspects of both Christianity and Judaism - such as the twelve Apostles, the twelve tribes of Israel and the celestial Orders of the angels, the Infernal Orders of the demons and other spirits are generally accepted to have some influence on the person also. Correspondence is concerned with the spiritual and physical influences of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars - how they correspond with each other or influence the Earth and mankind.

Hence the Hermetic rule -
"As on earth, so in the sky."

Where do the Correspondence Tables begin?

The Greco-Roman Deities would seem to be the key element of the Correspondence tables. This element seems second only to the Zodiacal signs themselves. For it is these ancient deities with their sacred trees, herbs, animals, gems and birds - fundamental to their mythology and origins - which gave the compilers the starting point for their Tables of Correspondence. This work will indicate those areas which are taken directly from a deities corresponding mythology.

Therefore by praising and honouring a particular deity in a way most suited to that deity - an individual is able to request the help of the deity best suited to his/her needs - or indeed the deity of their astrological sign . This work hopes to introduce some relevant aspects of mythology - explaining why a particular tree or bird or animal is sacred to a particular deity and hence has an influence on that month and star-sign. Showing also the influence of some pre-Christian cults which still exist within Christian theology.

The Origins of Correspondence

During the Hellenistic period - around the 3rd century BC - Babylonian diviners observed planetary omens - which they believed would predict the course of a persons life. Although the main originators of the Science of Correspondence - was the Egyptians at the time of the Ptolemies - a Greek dynasty 305 to 30 BC. Correspondences were found which linked the macrocosm (larger order, the greater world, the universe) and the microcosm (smaller order, the lesser world, or man). Some imagined the macrocosm as a circle - a spiritual realm never beginning or ending. While the microcosm was imagined as a smaller image of the cosmos.  Each Zodiacal sign was believed to have a special relation to a particular part of the human body. The 12 signs were further divided into four triplicities - each of which governs the four elements (fire, earth, air and water).

The correspondences themselves relied on pairs of opposites - which were based on the theories of the Pythagoreans. This seems most obvious when we consider the Heavenly hierarchy and its dark opposite the False hierarchy of the infernal regions.

This can be seen in the writings of Agrippa - where he claims that mankind from birth is subject to the influence of two genii - one good who works as the benevolent spiritual guardian of the person and the other who is of a malevolent nature and works against or to the detriment of the spirit of the individual.
The genius or spirit which Agrippa hints to us that we must discover for ourselves - was believed by the ancient Romans - who revered and burned incense to their genius. Hence by revering our angels - we actively subjugate our equivalent demons.

The Influence of the Deities

The correspondence tables are clearly a pseudo-science - where Magicians and Alchemists - such as Agrippa - have attempted to make general scientific rules which linked abstract and often diverse matters or elements - but which were generally believed to generate some influence on one another which ultimately affected the outcome of human activities. Here we see not only an extension of the ancient belief that Zodiacal influences could directly affect human affairs - but also the idea once held within the ancient mythology of Greece and Rome - that somehow the actions of the pantheon of departmental deities - was directly related to and consequently influenced the fates and fortunes of mankind.
Finally it would seem that the work of the medieval writers on these subjects was to collect, rationalise and bring all shades of pagan belief under one roof and thus interconnect or make them correspond with one another - linking abstract ideas and ancient beliefs held by often diversely different peoples, civilisations and cultures both ancient and modern - even attempting to make them acceptable and compatible with the evolving Christian Theology.

Section 3

The 12 Spirits or Deities

The first six months are ruled by Pallas-Athene, Venus, Phoebus-Apollo, Mercury, Jupiter, and Ceres. The second six months are ruled by their male and female husbands or wives - but generally their counterparts or opposites - that is Vulcan, Mars, Diana, Vesta, Juno and Neptune. This is particularly noticeable in the placing of Jupiter and his wife Juno.

It may be that the first six were representative of the months of Summer that is March to August and the second six representative of the months of Winter, September to February. The first six months seem to be under the domain of brighter spirits while the second six months seem to be involved with deities of a much darker and foreboding nature.

This would seem to be similar to the story of Proserpine returning to the Earth from the Underworld for six months of the year each summer. It should be noticed that in the Table - the opposite of Neptune is the mother of Proserpine - the goddess Ceres. Since Ceres or Demeter is the mother of Proserpine this seems to herald the coming of winter - by marking the change from Summer to Autumn - particularly as she is known as the corn-goddess and marking the time that all crops are being gathered in. In this sense Ceres could perhaps be thought of as the "herald of the turning season". This marks the beginning of Autumn or "The Fall" as some say. Perhaps then - each Winter when Ceres loses her daughter Proserpine - to the "Kingdom of Shades" where she rules with her husband Pluto or Hades King of the Underworld - we are meant to relate the falling leaves to the tears of Ceres. When the corn-spirit goes off in search of the corn.

The division of the year into two halves - the light and the dark - seems to correspond with the image of the Zodiacal man - since in the Summer months the upper half of the body is featured from the head down to the Stomach, while in the Winter months the lower half of the body - that is from the kidneys down to the feet are relevant to the months. This may explain the connecting link between the order in which the deities have been placed. This is similar to the ancient belief that the upper half of the body was under the rule of heaven and the lower half under the rule of or subject to the influences of the Infernal Regions.

Section 4

The Spirits of the 12 Months

As dogma-free students - we are free to accept or reject some of the ideas handed down to us - from the ancient worshippers of the pagan gods. One aspect of their belief we might consider - is the simple relationship those past worshippers had with their chosen deity. First they would ask for assistance, then if their prayer seemed to have been answered - they repaid the deity with a promised reward - either in the form of an altar or a sacrifice. For the dogma-free student this could mean the observation of some holy festival or simply burning the appropriate incense to the deity concerned - or indeed erecting a small wooden altar. On Roman altars the grateful dedicators generally left no details of what their deities had done for them - but it was common to see the letters "V.S.L.M." (Votum solvit libens merito) - which meant "Willingly performs his vow which was deserved".

The Characteristics of the 12 Deities

March - 1st month of the Roman Year

Minerva (Pallas-Athene)

In peace-time - she was patroness of useful crafts and wisdom. She presides over agriculture, navigation, spinning, weaving and needlework.

She is generally depicted with the owl and the serpent - both emblems of wisdom.  Athene is generally depicted as a beautiful majestic woman, - having blue or grey eyes, fully clothed and armoured.

The plant sacred to her is the olive. Her gift to mankind was the olive-tree - the symbol of peace and prosperity - which won her the city of Athens.

April - 2nd month of the Roman Year

Venus (Aphrodite)

Her attendants were the Hours and Graces, Flora goddess of flowers and Zephrus god of the west wind. Venus is generally represented rising from the sea - standing on a large shell - drawn by doves - with Flora and the three Graces (Aglaia, Euphorsyne and Thalia) in attendance.

Her favourite creatures were swans, doves, sparrows and dolphins. The plants sacred to her were Roses, Myrtle, Lily, Hyacinth, Crocus and Narcissus. By ancient custom graves in Greece and Italy were strewn with rose petals and planted with roses. Venus was the patroness of gardens, gardeners and of lovers.

The cult of Aphrodite (Venus) was replaced by the cult of The virgin Mary - hence roses became an attribute of Mary. The "rose-hedge" or rose-garden
signifies a holy place.

May - 3rd month of the Roman Year

Apollo (Phoebus-Apollo)

Apollo's duty was to drive his lofty sun chariot across the sky - until he reached the golden boat at the end of the day which would convey him back to his Eastern palace.

Apollo's palace of the sun stood aloft on columns and glittered with gold and precious gems. The ceiling was of polished ivory and the doors of silver. On the walls were depictions of the earth, sea and sky and their inhabitants. On the silver doors were the twelve signs of the zodiac - six on each side. Apollo attired in a purple vesture sat on a throne which sparkled with diamonds - with the beams of the sun around his radiant head.

His oracle was at Delphi - where his priestess called the Pythoness and who was famed as his prophetesses - ate of the sacred laurel and was fumigated with it before she gave out mysterious oracles believed to have come from Apollo himself.

Apollo is generally represented as a young handsome beardless man - his radiant head crowned with laurel leaves and bears either a bow or a lyre in his hand.

From Olympus Apollo often cast loving glances down upon mankind and in answer to their prayers - he gave them his protection.

His attendant was Aurora the goddess of the dawn.

The tree sacred to Apollo was the laurel - after the beautiful nymph Daphne - who was changed into a laurel-tree.

June - 4th month of the Roman Year

Mercury (Hermes)

He is represented wearing winged sandals, a winged cap and carrying a winged wand - the Caduceus - twined with golden serpents.

Mercury was the patron of travellers, merchants and thieves. He presides over commerce, wrestling, gymnastics and every art which requires skill and dexterity.

July - 5th month of the Roman Year

Jupiter (Zeus)

Altars to Jupiter were traditionally set up on 3rd January. Jupiters attendants were Nike the goddess of victory, Fama the goddess of Fame and Fortuna the goddess of chance.

He is generally represented as a tall, majestic figure with long hair and a beard - dressed in flowing drapery with his thunderbolt or sceptre in one hand and a statue of Victory in the other. His breast-plate is a storm-cloud and his emblem the eagle is depicted with him. Even if Jupiter assumed his "lesser panoply" no mortal could look at him and yet live.

His oracle was at Dodona - in an oak-grove - where his priests interpreted the sounds made by the rustling of the branches and gave mysterious prophecies believed to be inspired by the king of the gods.

The tree sacred to Jupiter was the oak and was regarded as his special emblem. The capitoline temple of Jupiter was built by Romulas beside a sacred oak.

August - 6th month of the Roman Year

Ceres (Demeter)

Underworld masks were worn at the time of the winter solstice - as part of the ceremony of redeeming the sun from the darkness. In order to overcome the power of the underworld - Proserpine herself had to suffer death. As with the death of the Jesus - the sacrifice brings about redemption from death Hence the Proserpine cult was a symbol of resurrection Ceres the "corn-mother" presided over agriculture.

September - 7th month of the Roman Year

Vulcan (Hephaestus)

Vulcan the youngest of the gods - was cast out of Olympus for taking the side of his mother in a quarrel between Jupiter and her. Vulcan's lameness was the result of the fall, in which he injured one of his legs, which left him lame and deformed. After one whole day and night of falling - he landed on the Island of Lemnos - which was thereafter sacred to him.

Vulcan did not return to Olympus but withdraw to the solitude of Mount Aetna - where he established his forge in the heart of the mountain and aided by the Cyclopes - he manufactured cunning and useful devices - from the abundant metals in the depths of the Earth.

He is generally represented as a sturdy muscular man, with one leg shorter that the other with a Smiths tools in his hand. Vulcan was the patron of all blacksmiths and Artisans.

October - 8th month of the Roman Year

Mars (Ares)

Mars preferred the sin of battle to all other music and relished the toils and dangers of warfare. His sons were Romulas and Remus - who grew up to found Rome where Romulas was her first king.

The sacred bird of Mars - is the woodpecker. His protector king Picus was changed by a witch into the first woodpecker - which thereafter became his sacred bird and brought messages from Mars to his priests - who were able to read these signs.

Mars's attendants were Eris (Discord), Phobos (Alarm), Metus (Fear), Demios (Dread), Pallor (Terror) and Enyo the goddess of war.

Mars was generally represented as a proud muscular youth - in a brilliant suit of armour, plumed helmet, a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. Poised and ever ready to face a foe.

November - 9th Month of the Roman Year

Diana (Artemis)

Each evening when the sun sets - Diana mounts her moon-car and drives her milk-white steeds across the heavens. When she finished her nightly journey - she took her bows and arrows and with her nymphs - would hunt the beasts of the forest.

At her annual festival - held on the 13th of August - her grove shone with many torches - women whose prayers had been heard came crowned with wreathes and bearing torches - hunting dogs were crowned and wild beasts were not hunted and young people went through a purificatory ceremony.

The meal consisted of goat-kid, cakes served hot and apples still hanging in clusters on the branches - with wine.

Diana is usually represented as a beautiful maiden with a crescent on her head- dressed in a short hunting dress, armed with a bow and a quiver of arrows.

Diana is the patroness of human fertility, child-birth and love - she was believed to bless men and women with children and to aid expectant mothers. She was ever ready to extend her protection over all deserving mortals.

December - 10th month of the Roman Year

Vesta (Hestia)

The cult of Vesta had been brought to Rome by the hero Aeneas. The temples of Vesta were circular and were attended by virgin priestesses known as the Vestals- who dedicated their lives to her. Her temple stood in the centre of the Roman forum and the welfare of the city and State was believed to depend upon the maintenance of the sacred flame - which the Vestals had to keep alive.

The cult of Vesta was observed in Rome until 380 AD - when Emperor Theodosius ordered that the sacred fire was extinguished and the Vestals virgins were dispersed. Vesta is the patroness of the home.

January - 11th month of the Roman Year

Juno (Hera)

Juno is generally represented as an "ox-eyed" handsome matronly figure. Her sandles, chariot and throne were made of gold.

The creatures sacred to her were the cow, the cuckoo and the peacock. Her servant was the many eyed Argus - who Mercury lulled to sleep under orders of Jupiter and then slew him. Juno was angry at the slaying of her servant and took the eyes of Argus to adorn the tail of the peacock.

Juno is the patroness of Marriage - of all marriages human and divine. She was a goddess of fecundity and childbirth and is often identified with the moon.

February - 12th month of the Roman Year

Neptune (Poseidon)

Neptune governs all the waters on the face of the Earth - which are peopled by his subjects and is the sole monarch of the Oceans. He could raise or calm storms and can grant favourable winds and prosperous sea voyages. He could cause earthquakes and raise islands from the deep. Neptune dwells in the coral caves of his kingdom. Neptune was generally represented as majestic and middle aged, half-man and half-fish, with long flowing hair and beard. He wears a crown and holds a trident. He is the patron of sea-men and horse-trainers.

Section 5

The Planetary Sphere's of Influence

The Science of Correspondences held to the traditions of a dualistic cosmos - where the orders of angels were the celestial beings who ruled over their given dominions or spheres - through which the human soul was to pass - in order to achieve its ultimate spiritual reality.

The 9 Orders of the Infernal Regions and their Princes

"The first are called Psoudothei or false gods who would be worshipped as gods, as the demon who said to Christ, 'if thou wilt fall down and worship me'.
The prince of these is Beelzebub."

"The second are the Mendariorum or spirits of lying. Their prince is that spirit Python. This kind of spirit deceive by their oracles, divination's and predictions."

"The third are the Iniquitatis or the vessels of anger, and are the inventors of all wicked arts. The prince of them is Belial."

"The fourth are the Revengers of wickedness and their prince is Asmodeus."

"The fifth are the Prestigiators who imitate miracles and serve the magic and maleficks and seduce people in the miracles. Their prince is Satan."

"Sixth are the Arial powers who mix themselves with thunders and lightning's, corrupting the air, bringing pestilence and other evils. Their prince is Merizim, a South demon, raging and furious, whom Paul calls, in the Ephesians,
'a prince of the power of the air.'"

"The seventh are the Furies, the sowers of mischief and discords, wars and destruction. Their prince is called Apollyon, in Hebrew Abaddon,
who destroys and lays waste."

"The eighth are the Criminators, whose prince is Astaroth.
He is the Calumniator."

"Ninth are the Temptors, and all bad genii.
Their prince is Mammon, interpreted as covetousness."

THE RELATIVE ORDERS AND HIERARCHIES OF HEAVEN AND HELL

Basically the "Nine degrees or orders of the angels" were believed to descend to mankind - many scholars believing that mankind was the tenth order. Agrippa's correspondence tables - allotted the last three orders of the heavenly orders - Innocents, Martyrs and Confessors - to mankind - hinting to us that we could presumably aspire to some earned divine Heavenly order by our faith, personal sacrifice and good works - which is fundamental to the Christian religion. Equally so the corresponding three orders of the Infernal regions were also allotted to mankind - where for their evil works human beings were judged to have fallen to an order of the Infernal spirits and thereafter were condemned to suffer eternal damnation.

In general there would seem to be a rank structure of 24 orders - which descend through all the Spheres of Influence down to the centre of the Earth. Between the Heavenly regions and the Infernal regions is placed mankind - where the False Hierarchy of the Infernal Regions is a direct dark mirror image of the Heavenly Hierarchy. Where for example, the Seraphim who lead the list of Heavenly angelic orders are mirrored in the Infernal regions by the Psoudethei (false gods) who are the bottom of the list of Infernal orders. Rather than simply accept that they are opposites or mirror images of one another - it seems more important that we recognise that the orders descend vertically from the most highest and most holiest of angelic orders to the most basest and diabolical of fallen angels. Man's position between the angels and demons - is seen in the drawing of the "Zodiacal Man" whose upper half is subject to the positive influences of the angelic orders and whose lower half is subject to the negative influences and temptations of the spirits of the lower astral.

Heavenly World

Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
Dominians
Powers
Virtutes
Principalities
Archangels
Angels
Innocents
Martyrs
Confessors

Infernal World

The Relative Hierarchies of the Planetary Angels & Demons

The Names of the Planetary Rulers and Planetary Daemons

Section 6

The Zodiacal Man

On the left side of the image the signs depicted are the Twins, Lion, Scales, Archer, Water-carrier, Fishes. While on the right side, the signs depicted are the Ram, Bull, Crab, Maiden, Scorpion and Goat.

This is the traditional image of the Zodiacal Man having the twelve signs of the zodiac apportioned to his physical body and is considered a portrayal of one who dwells in perfect unison with the spiritual realm.

Twins - May
Lion - July
Scales - September
Archer - November
Water-carrier - January
Fishes - February

Ram - March
Bull - April
Crab - June
Maiden - August
Scorpion - October
Goat - December

The Zodiac itself is a broad band of the heavens, which extends 8 degrees to each side of the ecliptic - which the sun traverses in the course of a year. These Constellations or Asterisms are the star patterns in the heavens - with which the ancient astronomers imagined the twelve symbols of the Zodiac as animal shapes and thus divided the sky into 12 equal parts.

The Ladder of Being

Section 8

Candle Burning

It could certainly be argued that consecrating the talisman - by candle burning is seen as the culminating factor which brings together all of the other aspects of the Science of Correspondence and completes the manufacture of a protective talisman. Whatever practices the dogma-free student chooses to accept - it is at least important that he/she believes implicitly in what they choose to practice.

Candle burning is considered to be an acceptable part of many modern world religions - therefore the modern Christian is not required to compromise his/her beliefs in favour of a pagan dogma. It is thought that through candle burning - a prayer or appeal to a deity - is transformed from matter into spirit. The candle itself acting as a medium between its operator in the microcosm or lesser world and the corresponding intelligence in the macrocosm or greater world.

The most simplest method of candle-burning - which the dogma-free student might choose to adopt - is to burn an ordinary white candle - even if only to create a pleasant atmosphere in which to meditate and or consecrate a talisman.

Some people today readily ascribe themselves to the dogmas and established rituals of others - choose coloured candles which relate to the seven planetary bodies and the ruling deities or lords of those planets. In the Science of Correspondence a student may consult the tables of correspondence and use a candle which corresponds to an appropriate colour - as listed in the table - which corresponds to a particular deity, angelic order, spirit, apostle, prophet, planet or zodiacal symbol.

As we have already examined - the belief was that each of the seven planets is ruled by a particular deity, an angelic order and planetary daemons. In the case of the deities - each is a unique "departmental deity" - with unique characteristics - dealing with their own particular area of expertise or dominion. Each therefore can influence a different area of human life in the microcosm of Earth.

Planetary Candles

Using the appropriate Zodiacal or Planetary candles - solves this problem for us - since they are already the correct colour for the work - but ordinary white candles are generally considered as an acceptable substitute. When candle burning is to take place it is generally accepted, that each candle to be used is first anointed before use.

Planetary Colour of Candle

Such rituals as these require that candles are burned on a particular day and at the correct hour - which is ruled by the appropriate deity. This association of a particular day of the week to a particular deity - is perhaps seen more clearly if we consider the Latin names of the seven days of the week instead of their corresponding English names.

Zodiac Candles

Simple Rules for Candle Burning

Anointing a Candle

"Cleansed and Blessed Are thee
Now to perform thy service for me."

The Burning of Incense

Section 9

The Stones of Correspondence

Students who consider trying this interesting area of talismanic manufacture will find many of the raw-materials - that is gemstones and jewelry making supplies in craft-shops.

The properties of the Stones of Correspondence

THE TWELVE STONES IN THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE NEW JERUSALEM

"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones." - Rev. 21:19.

Presumably Agrippa is concerned particularly with the stones found in Revelations - many of the stones listed there as the foundations of the heavenly New Jerusalem are the same as those listed by Agrippa or of a similar nature.

These twelve foundations have been described as follows:

"Second, Sapphire. A stone of a very fine sky-blue colour, next in hardness to the diamond, and transparent.

"Third, Chalcedony. A species of agate or onyx of different colours, the yellow and red being the most beautiful and valuable of its species. It is seldom discovered.

"Fourth, Emerald. A stone of a very bright green colour without any mixture, and is one of the most beautiful gems known. It is also rare.

"Fifth, Sardonyx. A species of agate and in colour sometimes red, and sometimes of a flesh colour.

"Sixth, Sardius or sardine stone. A precious stone of a blood-red colour.

"Seventh Chrysolite. A transparent precious stone, having the colour of gold, with a mixture of green, possessing a fine luster. It is sometimes termed the "gold stone." It is a species of the topaz.

"Eighth, Beryl. A very hard, transparent gem of great luster and beauty, in colour blueish-green.

"Ninth, Topaz. A highly coloured gem of wine-yellow colour, with occasional pale tinges of green or red. It was one of the twelve gems of the high priests' breast-plate." Ex. 39 : 10.

"Tenth, Chrysoprasus. Its colour is green, inclining to gold. It differs from the chrysolite only in having a blueish hue.

"Eleventh, Jacinth. A precious stone of dead red colour, with a mixture of yellow. It is the same as the cinnamon stone.

"Twelfth, Amethyst. A very beautiful gem, generally of a purple of violet colour, composed of a strong blue and deep red. It is seldom uniform in colour, and is generally cloudy, and spotted with zig-zag stripes."

"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:" Rev. 21:12.

These twelve angels are presumably the Twelve Presiding Angels listed by Agrippa.

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Rev 21:14.
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;" - Rev 21:19.

"The fifth sardonyx; the sixth sardius; the seventh, chrysolite the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst." - Rev 21:20.

Section 10

Using the Correspondence tables to make Talisman's

In order to create the most appropriate talisman for the purpose at hand - the student is first required to consult the Tables of Correspondence - noting down any elements which seem to relevant to the person who requires the talisman and to the matter for which it is required. These elements would be based on the persons Zodiacal sign and its corresponding deity - these corresponding elements of colours, animals, plants, metals, spirits etc. would be noted.

Simple talismans can be drawn on vellum or card-board - using appropriately coloured felt-tip pens. More elaborate talismans could be engraved on an appropriate corresponding metal. The shape, size and eventual design of the talisman is the left to the discretion of its maker - talismans may be simple or elaborate drawings - but each is certainly original. For protective talismans the pentacle of Solomon may be drawn.

Talismans may be consecrated by burning an appropriate zodiacal or planetary candle or fumigated with the correct zodiacal incense.

How a Zodiacal Talisman is Manufactured

Example 1: Making a personalised Zodiacal Talisman

To create the most effective talisman possible - the student must first gather as much useful information about the person who requires the talisman - hereafter we will refer to him/her as the subject - and the eventual purpose for which it is required. This information may include things such as:- birthday, star-sign, age, sex, appearance, occupation, etc. and hopefully some idea of why the subject feels a talisman is required.

Let us assume for this example - that the subject requiring a general talisman is male and has the birth-sign of Leo - since he was born in July. He desires a general protective talisman to attract the benevolent influences of his star-sign, his corresponding deity, his angels and his personal genius.

Armed with this information the student can use these references to consult the Table of Correspondence. Since July is the 5th month of the Roman Calendar - the corresponding deity is Jupiter - who corresponds with the month of the subjects birth and his zodiacal sign is the Lion.

In the table we find also that the corresponding planet is the Sun, the corresponding colour is yellow, The corresponding order of angels is Powers, the presiding angel is Verchiel, the corresponding metal is gold, the sacred bird is the eagle, sacred animal is the stag, sacred tree is the oak - we can look elsewhere in the book if we wish and find that the names of the planetary daemons of the sun are Nachiel and Sorath.

Next the student is required to consult the table of Days and Hours - since it is thought that the most effective and most potent talisman requires to be made on the most appropriate day - corresponding to the planet and deity and at an hour which corresponds to that planet.

In this example the Talisman would be at its most powerful - if it was made on a Thursday and consecrated by candle burning in the hour of Jupiter corresponding with that day - that is 1 am, 8 am, 3 pm or 10 pm on a Thursday.

Choosing the design

Since the actual design of the Talisman is left to the discretion and the artistic talents of its maker. The student may freely choose whichever elements from the table - or from the deities mythology which seem the most relevant to the design and its eventual purpose.

The Talisman will at some point require to be personalised to the subject - it is usual to include his/her Zodiacal Sigil or symbol - in this case the sigil of Leo. Adding the persons name is also a reasonable suggestion - although perhaps it would be more effective and potent if written in the letters of an occult alphabet. Some designers of talismans favour the inclusion of a persons finger-print.

In this example the design will favour the colour yellow, however complimentary colours for best aesthetic effect and balance may also be used. Using coloured card provides an interesting backdrop to the design. Covering the finished design in clear Sellotape - gives some added protection to cardboard talismans - thereby extending their usability and general robustness - using Sellotape allows the maker to seal in a strand of the subjects hair or the scent of incense (if burned in the ritual), parts of a plant etc.

The size, shape, choice and intricacy level of the design is left to the creative skills and commitment of the of the Talisman's maker - but it is suggested that the maker considers building a stock of commonly used simple designs - which can be altered or amended slightly to suit a situation, matter, or subject. In the main - such designs may only require to be personalised to the individual concerned - obviously this idea benefits the talisman maker since such talismans could be reproduced quickly and as required.
 

Example 2:  Making a talisman to bring good fortune in business

In this case the student consults the Table of Specialist Areas of Influence. Of the 12 deities Mercury is the best suited to the purpose since he is the patron of merchants, business and commerce.

The most important symbol of the god Mercury is likely his Caduceus - therefore the maker may favour that symbol as the central feature of the design. In the table of Correspondence - we find that Mercury corresponds with Month 4 of the Roman calendar - which is June. The corresponding ruling planet is the Moon - perhaps suggesting that a Crescent is included in the design, the Angelic order is Dominions, presiding angel is Muriel, corresponding plants are Lotus/Comfrey and Iris. The corresponding metal is Silver as is the corresponding colour - suggesting the use of a pen with silver ink. The corresponding stones are Sardius and Chalcedony, scared bird is the Ibis, sacred animals are the dog and turtle and his sacred tree is the Hazel.

As the Talisman maker progresses and perfects his/her art - he/she might consider building a small stock of simple animal and bird representations - perhaps sketched from books (the simpler the better - since it is easier to reproduce), together with a stock coloured and plain card, coloured pens, small twigs, leaves and parts of plants.

Finally the Talisman requires to be personalised with the persons star-sign. P