Category Archives: Egyptian Magic

The Resurrection of Osiris: A Deeper Dive into the Symbolism of Solve et Coagula

Posted on by

Introduction to the concept of Solve et Coagula

Unlocking the mysteries of ancient mythology can often feel like peeling back layers of an onion—each layer revealing deeper insights and profound truths. Among these tales, the story of Osiris stands out as a powerful narrative brimming with symbolism and transformation. 

At the heart of this myth lies a concept that resonates across cultures and eras: Solve et Coagula. This alchemical phrase, meaning “dissolve and coagulate,” offers a window into understanding not just the cycles of life and death but also our journeys toward growth and enlightenment.

Join us as we embark on an exploration of this fascinating intersection between Egyptian mythology, alchemy, and spiritual awakening. Prepare to delve into the rich tapestry woven by Osiris’ resurrection—a tale that continues to inspire seekers today.

The symbolism of Solve et Coagula in relation to the myth of Osiris

The phrase “Solve et Coagula,” which translates to “dissolve and coagulate,” embodies transformation. This concept resonates deeply within the myth of Osiris, an ancient Egyptian deity associated with resurrection.

Osiris’s journey begins with his brutal murder by Set, symbolising dissolution. His body is dismembered and scattered across Egypt, representing chaos and separation. In this state of fragmentation, we see the essence of “solve”—the breaking down of form.

Yet from this chaotic disarray emerges a powerful narrative of renewal. Isis, Osiris’s devoted wife, gathers his pieces to reconstruct him. This act signifies “coagula,” where unity arises from chaos. Through her determination and love, Osiris is reborn as the god of the afterlife.

This cycle vividly illustrates how destruction can lead to rebirth—a fundamental principle in both alchemy and mythology that highlights life’s dual nature: creation often follows devastation.

The deeper meanings and lessons we can learn from this connection between alchemy and mythology

The connection between alchemy and the myth of Osiris reveals profound lessons about transformation. At its core, this relationship emphasizes the necessity of embracing change. Just as Osiris undergoes death to be reborn, we too must confront our own internal struggles.

Alchemy teaches us that dissolution is not an end but a beginning. This process invites us to shed old beliefs, habits, or relationships that no longer serve us. By breaking down these elements, we can create space for new growth.

Moreover, the story encourages resilience. Osiris’s resurrection symbolizes hope and renewal after chaos. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there lies potential for rebirth.

Embracing this duality of destruction and creation allows for deep personal insight. We are reminded that every ending carries within it the seeds of a new beginning waiting to flourish into something extraordinary.

Modern interpretations and applications of Solve et Coagula in personal transformation and spiritual growth

Today, the principle of Solve et Coagula resonates deeply within personal development circles. It represents a journey of breaking down old patterns to create something new and meaningful.

Individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, feeling stuck in life. The process encourages them to dissolve limiting beliefs and emotions that no longer serve their growth. This step can be uncomfortable yet transformative.

After this dissolution comes coagulation, where one gathers insights and strengths from their experiences. It’s about forming a renewed self—stronger and more aligned with one’s true purpose.

Many spiritual practices incorporate this idea as well. Meditation, journaling, or guided visualization can aid in understanding what needs release while nurturing the seeds of new intentions.

This duality inspires deeper introspection and fosters resilience on our paths toward self-discovery. Embracing both phases allows for profound healing and lasting transformation in everyday life.

Conclusion: The enduring relevance and power of this symbol in our lives today.

The symbol of Solve et Coagula resonates deeply within the fabric of human experience. It captures the essence of transformation, a theme that echoes through time and across cultures. The story of Osiris illustrates this beautifully — his death leading to renewal is a powerful testament to the cycles we all endure.

In our modern lives, we face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Yet, these moments often serve as catalysts for growth. Just as alchemists sought to turn lead into gold through dissolution and coagulation, we too can find strength in breaking down our barriers and reconstructing ourselves anew.

This ancient wisdom encourages us to embrace change rather than resist it. When faced with trials or transitions, remembering the process of Solve et Coagula reminds us that every ending carries within it the seed of a new beginning.

As you navigate your own path toward personal transformation, consider how this profound symbolism applies to you. Whether it’s letting go of old patterns or rediscovering lost parts of yourself, there lies immense potential in embracing both dissolution and rebirth.

The relevance of Solve et Coagula persists today because it reflects our shared journey as humans: evolving through adversity into something more refined and enlightened. Each experience shapes us into who we’re meant to become—a beautiful reminder that even amidst chaos, there is always an opportunity for resurrection.

 

The Osiris Myth and the Cosmic Balance: Unveiling the Hidden Symbolism

Posted on by

Set’s Deception: The Betrayal of Osiris

The ancient Egyptian myth of Osiris offers a profound allegory that intertwines betrayal, sacrifice, and regeneration. According to the historian Plutarch, Set, the brother of Osiris, conspires with seventy-two accomplices to deceive him. Seth(Set) has a chest crafted to fit Osiris perfectly and, during a banquet, offers it as a prize to anyone who can fit inside. Despite many attempts, only Osiris succeeds. The moment he lies down in the chest, Set and his allies seal it shut and cast it into the Nile. The chest drifts across the sea until it reaches Byblos, where a tree grows around it, encasing Osiris’ body within its trunk.

When the king of Byblos has the tree cut down and made into a pillar for his palace, Osiris’ body remains trapped inside. Isis, his wife, eventually discovers this and retrieves him, but Set intervenes again. This time, he dismembers Osiris and scatters his body across Egypt. Isis manages to gather most of the pieces, except the phallus, which had been swallowed by a fish. Using her magic, she recreates the missing part.

A Symbol of Life: The Phallus and the Nile

The phallus, a powerful symbol of life, fertility, and regeneration, mirrors this life-giving force.

The act of Set discarding Osiris’ phallus into the Nile holds a deeper, symbolic meaning. The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, sustaining its people and nourishing the land. The phallus, a powerful symbol of life, fertility, and regeneration, mirrors this life-giving force. By throwing the phallus into the Nile, Set ensures that the river’s vitality will never cease, intertwining the power of procreation with the eternal flow of the Nile. 

This symbolic connection between the phallus, the river, and the preservation of life underscores the role of both Osiris and Set in maintaining the balance of cosmic forces. Together with Ra, their grandfather, the two brothers form a sacred triad. Osiris’ sacrifice in death, and Set’s exile for his betrayal, are necessary steps to sustain Ra’s strength and the continued flourishing of Egypt.

The Amduat and the Journey of Ra

The myth takes on even greater depth when examined alongside Egyptian funerary texts, such as the *Amduat*, which describes Ra’s nocturnal voyage through the underworld. During this journey, Osiris’ phallus is believed to help recharge Ra’s vitality, ensuring his rebirth at dawn. In this context, the dismemberment of Osiris is not merely a violent act but a sacred sacrifice that preserves the life force of both the gods and the land.

The Coffin as a Vessel of Immortality

Osiris’ first death, by drowning in the chest Set crafted, carries its symbolic weight.

In ancient Egyptian culture, a coffin was not just a final resting place but a vessel for immortality.

This framing offers an additional layer of complexity to the myth, suggesting that Osiris’ initial death was tied to the notion of eternal life. His later dismemberment may have been part of a deeper, spiritual transformation rather than a straightforward murder.

The question then arises: why did Set rely on subterfuge rather than simply killing Osiris outright? Some interpretations suggest that this was more than just a calculated murder—it was an initiation, perhaps even a dark ritual designed to transform Osiris into a figure of regeneration and rebirth.

Solve et Coagula: Destruction for the Sake of Creation

The concept of Solve et Coagula —the idea that dissolution is necessary for creation—perfectly encapsulates the myth of Osiris and Set.

The destruction of both brothers, in different ways, ensures the preservation of balance within the cosmos. Set’s betrayal and Osiris’ sacrifice serve to renew the power of Ra, the Nile, and the land of Egypt itself. Through this cycle of death, dismemberment, and regeneration, the strength of Egypt’s gods and its people is perpetually sustained.

 

 

Pesach: Reflection, Resilience, and Hope

Featured

Posted on by

Pesach: Reflection, Resilience, and Hope

Pesach, also known as Passover, is a sacred time for the Jewish community. It is an eight-day holiday celebrated in the early spring, and it holds deep historical and cultural significance. As we gather around the Seder table, we reflect on our identity, values, and the enduring spirit of freedom and liberation.

Emancipation from Slavery

At the heart of Pesach lies the commemoration of the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The story of their exodus resonates across generations, reminding us of the power of resilience and faith. But let us pause and consider: Were the Israelites truly slaves?

Historical evidence suggests that the Israelites were not mere labourers toiling under the whip of taskmasters. The construction of the pyramids, often associated with their suffering, was likely carried out by a system of paid labour. Skilled workers, organized by professional construction organizations within Egyptian society, contributed to these awe-inspiring structures. Yet, the symbolism of emancipation remains potent—the Israelites physically left the comfort and wealth of Egypt, embarking on a journey toward new beliefs and ideals.

Challenges of Being Jewish Today

Fast-forward to 2024, and being Jewish remains a complex experience. For Israelis, political upheaval and security concerns cast shadows over daily life. But even beyond Israel’s borders, challenges persist. Antisemitism, once hidden, now rears its ugly head openly. In the UK and American universities, Jewish individuals face discrimination and fear. Yet, the most insidious form of Antisemitism emerges from within our own ranks.

The Golden Calf of Social Media

Among so-called leftists, liberals, and even occultist Jews, a troubling trend emerges. They chase the Golden Calf of social media fame, acknowledgement, and likes. In their pursuit of “freedom” and activism, they unwittingly align themselves with Amalek—the ancient enemy of the Israelites. Their activism often takes the form of supporting terror activities against fellow Jews and Israelis. Worse still, some become internet trolls, dispensing unsolicited wisdom with a self-righteous air.

The Maror: Tasting Bitterness

As we gather around the Pesach Seder plate, one item stands out: Maror, the Bitter Herbs. Why do we eat it? Why connect to the “taste of death”? Perhaps it mirrors our current reality—a world grappling with pain, discomfort, and uncertainty. We must confront bitterness head-on, just as the Israelites did when leaving Egypt.

A Cry for the Hostages

Tonight, as we partake in the Seder, we cannot ignore the plight of 133 Israeli hostages. Held captive by the terrorist organization Hamas and its proxies in Gaza, they endure unimaginable suffering. The bitter taste of their captivity lingers, and our hearts ache for their safety and immediate release.

Resilience Across Millennia

The Jewish people have thrived in the Middle East for over 4000 years. Against all odds, we persist. We chew on the bitterness of adversity until it turns sweet. Our resilience lies not in avoiding pain but in transforming it. So, this year, I refrain from wishing you a “Happy Pesach.” Instead, I pray for the freedom of the hostages—a prayer that echoes across time and space.

Amen. 🕊️

Crowley peak moments

Featured

Posted on by

For me, the story of Aleister Crowley’s moment of truth in Cairo 1904 is one of the most interesting in a lifetime graced by perhaps a half dozen such experiences.

Newly married, the “love boat”, or rather tha cruise ship arrived in Alexandra, a short hop from Cairo, where they planned some sightseeing in the fascinating metropolis. They no doubt took in the sites and the nightlife.

Crowley, who already knew the city, having visited a few years earlier, paying a little baksheesh to the local family for special access to the pyramids at night, where in the King’s chamber, he was able to show off some of his old tricks, with a handy copy of the Goetia, which has a preliminary invocation taken from ancient Egyptian magical papyri. The results cannot fail to have impressed Rose Kelly, who later, back in their lavish hotel room, no doubt having imbibed perhaps a little too much of the local Omar Khayyam vintage, fell into a light trance and said: “They are waiting for you”.

More of the story in this bonus episode of the Podcast, the celebrate the days in April 1904 and the reception of the Book of Law

 

Blue Lotus: Divine scent for transformation and rebirth

Featured

Posted on by

 

Nymphaea nouchali, “Blue Lotus: Divine scent for transformation and rebirth”

Unlocking the Lunar Mysteries: Synchronizing with the Moon’s Energies

Transitioning into the active realm of natural mysteries, the moon’s synchronization with our world stands out prominently. Governed by the moon, water ebbs and flows with the lunar cycle. While many acknowledge the full moon’s influence, awareness of its impact extends beyond animals and women. By attuning to our bodies, all can harness the moon’s power. With our bodies composed of 75% water, lunar effects are profound. To harmonize with the moon, explore its four phases, each offering unique rituals and botanical essences. As the moon enters its final quarter today, seize the opportunity to synchronize with its celestial rhythm.

On the waxing moon, we stop for a moment to hold our breath and observe. Watching the transformation and growth of our new moon projects taking shape and direction.

On the full moon, we exhale, a long exhalation — anghana which means ‘to reduce’ or ‘to fast. 

We release all the ideas and plans we breathe in on the new moon. The importance of the long exhalation is to create more space and room on our next inhalation, for new ideas and new plans to enter on the next new moon. 

“Only when we have emptied ourselves can we take in a new breath” (T.K.V. Desikachar p.60)

Transformation and Rebirth under the Last Quarter Moon

At the waning moon, we pause and assess if there is anything more that needs to be released. It is the moment to let go of all the notions and intentions that we took in during the new moon, making room for fresh plans and ideas to come in during the upcoming new moon. 

Harnessing the Power of the Waning Moon: Embracing Ugra and the Blue Lotus

Ugra, holding a Blue Lotus the symbol for transformation, rebirth and knowledge

On the night of the waning moon, we meet with Ugra – “The hungry one”, “The fearful”, and “She who brings us to the shore” – the shores of realization and knowledge.

The final quarter of the waning moon brings with it the opportunity to make an offering to the “Hungry One” and request her to grant us what we truly desire. 

Ugra possesses a sacrificial sword, a skull cup, a flaying knife and a blue lotus.

“Blue Lotus: Divine scent for transformation and rebirth”

Blue Lotus by AI Bing

The captivating scent of the Blue Lotus is genuinely one of a kind. The ancient Egyptians and Hindus believed that such exquisite smells were signs of the divine’s presence and symbols of transformation and rebirth.

The scent of the Blue Lotus is so unique that it plays a major part in the theory that suggests that fragrances can shape our mental and emotional states. 

Psychoactive Effects

Some people are captivated by the idea that the Egyptian Blue Lotus may have psychoactive effects, personally, I’m not convinced. 

The Ancient Egyptians had a deep appreciation for beauty and fragrance. They believed that smelling pleasant was a way to connect with the divine or to be blessed by it. 

The Egyptians used only the fresh flowers of the Blue Lotus. They did not eat or drink the flowers, nor did they use them in their perfumes and very rarely in their remedies. When they did so, it was probably a symbolic gesture of the Blue Lotus association with resurrection and rebirth. 

The Egyptian God Ra 

The Blue Lotus, known as the Egyptian Blue Water Lily, embodies the divine scent for transformation and rebirth. It symbolized the birth and daily resurrection of the God Ra, and featured prominently in temples, sacred artefacts, and art, with depictions often portraying individuals inhaling its fragrant flowers.

Aromagick & the senses

Upon first inhalation, Blue Lotus evokes a sense of longing for both the past and future. As the aroma fills your senses, you will be filled with a sense of pure pleasure and appreciation for the physical world’s beauty. And with every breath, an overwhelming sense of euphoria begins to take hold – comforting us like a hug from the Goddess herself.

Ugra & Kali 

Ugra represents the darker form of Kali, hence her name, Ugra “The Terrible”, “The Formidable” or ‘Enchantress of Terrifying Form’. 

The primary difference between Kali and Ugra is their colours. Ugra is typically black while Kali is depicted in blue.

When Shiva asked Kali for the gift of knowledge, he embraced the hunger for knowledge that pervades the vast conscious universe. It is the same hunger that drives us to create art, music and life. The hunger that ignites in our hearts the passion to study and learn science, medicine, alchemy, philosophy and magic.

 

Khonsu The Wanderer

Featured

Posted on by

“Khonsu: The Wanderer of Moon Magic in Ancient Egypt”

In ancient Egypt, the God Khonsu was known as the moon deity. The name “Khonsu” means “The Wanderer”. Moon magic was an important topic in ancient Egypt, and it played a central role in the magical system, which was based on the lunar calendar.

The Egyptian Moon God Khonsu

Khonsu, the wanderer of moon magic in ancient Egypt, being a Lunar deity, is not the only one, for the ancient Egyptians this would be the first month of Summer which is also where some of us are now.  In the Egyptian tongue or the late version of it, the word is Pachons which you can break down into an Egyptian phrase per-en-khonsu  “ the one of Khonsu” which can be contracted to Pachons.

In the Egyptian worldview, each month of the lunar cycle was dedicated to a specific deity, as exemplified by the month of Khonsu. While some deities were replaced or lost over time, the original concept remains: every month, throughout the seasons, holds special significance for a particular deity. Khonsu, the moon god, continues to be honoured in this lunar month.

Moon Magic

The Wanderer is an obvious reference to the moon’s fast-moving and irregular cycle.  Egyptian Luna deities are,  I would say, invariably male. Other examples would be Horus and Set. This shows, as people have long recognized, that there’s no simple equation of males being solar and females being lunar, which is sometimes heard within the Neo-Pagan Theology and other theologies as well.  Perhaps the metaphor of male and female as plus and minus, maybe you’d say for the Egyptians that wasn’t quite as important. It wasn’t the only way that they represented this important idea of a binary relationship between things.

Within Egyptian culture, a binary relationship between a pair of gods is a very important motif. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be male and female. It’s an option but there are other ways of showing the same thing. And just to confuse things even more, the categories of male and female are a little bit more flexible within the Egyptian system and it would be possible to find a male lunar deity who has what is usually thought of as female attributes such as the capacity to “give birth”.

As Set gives birth to Thoth, one Moon God gives birth to another. This is a very interesting piece of mythology which we probably have to go into sometime, but we’ll leave that for now, because it’s such a rich area. As I said, this interplay of important principles often uses sexual metaphors but they can be male/female male/male or female/female and other counterparts and there can also be a sexual aspect that is just not the kind of strict male / female modality, which for them was not the only game in town. 

Quite a lot of interactions between the Egyptian gods are between those nominally of the same gender, male and male or female and female and the homoerotic aspect of that was not avoided by the Egyptians it’s just not thought to be anything you always had to comment on. Or they may have seen it as just part of life as far as they were concerned.  So for instance the sun god Ra, the nocturnal sun can be another way of referring to the Moon. In this mythology, the nocturnal sun, the Sun at midnight, is the Moon. And he has an important union to consummate with another underworld deity, the lord of the dead or Osiris. And when they come together and form a new entity, there’s a kind of sexual frisson to it, which they just didn’t feel that they had to comment on.

Conclusion:

Khonsu, a lunar deity, marks the beginning of summer for ancient Egyptians, a concept preserved in the term “Pachons.” This aligns with the Egyptian belief that each lunar month is dedicated to a specific deity, exemplified by Khonsu’s enduring connection as the moon god. The epithet “The Wanderer” references the moon’s dynamic cycle, with Egyptian lunar deities predominantly portrayed as male, like Horus and Set. This defies the simplistic notion of males as solar and females as lunar, challenging binary interpretations in theology. Egyptian culture embraces fluidity in gender and deity attributes, allowing for male lunar deities with traditionally feminine traits. This complexity extends to mythology, where interactions between deities transcend gender norms, including homoerotic undertones, as seen in Ra’s nocturnal guise symbolizing the moon. Explore the multifaceted nature of Egyptian theology, where the interplay of gods reflects a rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning.

More on Khonsu (Videos) :

The Wandering Moon

The Wanderer, Khonsu Moon

 

Aromagick: A Scentual Guide to The Kalas & The 8 Colours of Magick

Featured

Posted on by

 

 

Aromagick: Unveiling the Kalas and the 8 Colors of Magick

Aromagick offers genuine insights into the mysteries of the Tantrik “kalas”, something often referenced by other esoteric authors such as the AMOOKOS mages, Kenneth Grant et al. The fruit of a lot of experimentation and personal insight, this ought to be a welcome addition to the library of any mystoi, magician, or yogin, indeed anyone with an interest in the most direct of our senses and how these may be enlisted in the work of deep magick. The author also offers a second scentual sequence explicating the eight-colour system made famous in chaos magick. It is perhaps no surprise that the UK chaos magick scene grew out of, or developed pari passu with an interest in aromatics, real essential oils and incense. We recommend this for all mind explorers, especially those with a good nose for a mystery. 

 

 

In creating Aromagick,  Diti J. Morgan has crafted a beautiful and inspiring book about the use of botanical essences in magic of many kinds. Her deep knowledge and experience of the properties of plants lays brilliantly combined with her equally deep knowledge and experience of Hindu Tantra, Western Esoterics, Mythology, and Folklore, and contemporary Neo-Paganism and Magic. She provides a rich cornucopia of spells and recipes, poetry, imagery, and lore to guide us through the seasons of the year and the many forms of magic that we can attempt at any time. A great deal of research and creativity has gone into this book, and I found much in it to surprise and delight me. I recommend this substantial and remarkable book for deep and enjoyable study and preservation in one’s reference library. 
Peter J Carroll. Stokastikos. Southwest England, 2023.
 

“Aromagick: A Scentual Guide to the Kalas and the Eight Colors of Magic”,  is a tantalizing book which wraps Egyptian and Hindu myth, ritual, and magic around a core of expert aromatherapy and plant magic to create a complete system of magic powered by interpenetrating cycles of time.  Just as the cycles of moon and sun weave together to form a calendar, so does this book twist together many strands of magic to form an eternal braid.  In part one, we learn about the kalas, and ritual baths for every phase of the moon.  With each phase, we deep-dive into a ritual bath.  Deep and loving attention is played to the spirits of the plants on which the baths rely; each is a master class in plant and perfume magic.  In my opinion, just the bath rituals alone would easily be worth the “ticket price” for this book, but there is so much more!  Nearly every chapter is bursting with poetry, essays, and juicy magical tidbits.  

In part two, we expand our circle, now focusing on the eight witch’s sabbats of the wheel of the year and their relationship to the eight colours of chaos magic.  Here too, Diti’s depth of knowledge and joy in practice shine through.  Each sabbat has a ritual bath, as well as additional material that extends, contextualizes, and tantalizes.  I received the manuscript shortly before the autumn equinox, so that is where I started.  The chapter opens with the powerful gnostic poem “Thunder, Perfect Mind” from the Nag Hammadi manuscripts, continues with an invocation of the Egyptian fertility goddess Ipet, moves on to a short essay about the magical virtues of the colour blue, and its relation to the season, and then provides an essay by noted scholar of Egyptian magic (and Diti’s husband) Mogg Morgan about Ma’at, the Egyptian deification of Divine Balance.  The chapter concludes, as each does, with an amazing dreamy bath recipe – this one centred on blue lotus, chamomile, jasmine, frankincense, and bergamot.  Just listing the ingredients is enough to make me swoon at their intoxicating fragrance!  All of that is just one chapter of this fascinating book!  I can’t wait to continue working with it throughout the year. 
Sara L Mastros author of The Sorcery of Solomon: A Guide to The 44 Planetary Pentecals of The Magician King

 

Diti is an Aromatherapist, a magician/witch/priestess/dragon
and none of the above. She is an Artisan Perfumer of the Jitterybug kind. When she has time she hangs out at the Apophis Club and studies at the Fox Magic Mystery School. She also makes great apple cakes.

 

Scroll down for the full interview with Diti J Morgan

Can you introduce yourself and say a little about what you do, your aims and objectives with your writing?

I am Diti J Morgan, an aromatherapist with almost 27 years of experience. I learned that when I blend certain essential oils with a meditative and ritualistic mindset, something special and magical happens. Those who walk the magical path will discover that they have this challenge, to share their vision of the mysteries, instead of accepting what is already given. My challenge is to reveal the scentual path of Aromagik.

If you haven’t already, can you say a little more about your family background, ie past and current – ie are you married, have children, work – people like a little bit of personal stuff if you ok to share.

I feel extremely privileged and blessed to be sharing my life with a very special person. We explore together, which is perhaps one of the secrets of a magical life.

Do you call yourself an aromatherapist/witch/magician? –  if so what does this mean to you? And is it important?

I never liked using titles as I feel they are restrictive.

I go by Diti, which is a nickname for Judith or Yehudit in Hebrew. I was given this name (Diti) when I was a baby of three months. In Jewish culture, and more so in Kabbalah, a person’s name has a lot of meaning and influence. Judith was a lovely Jewish widow, who left the city that was under attack by pretending to join the enemy and predicted to Holofernes that he would be victorious. She entered his tent, where she cut off his head while he was in a drunken slumber and took it in a bag to Bethulia. The Jews then overcame the Assyrians who were leaderless. 

The greater the quality of the name, the more positive its influence is believed to be on the person’s life. According to Kabbalah, the letters that form a name connect the physical and spiritual worlds, not only in how the name is written but also in how it is perceived and recited. As a result, a name acts as a “channel” that transmits energy, whether positive or negative and serves as a bridge between a person’s physical and metaphysical worlds. In Hebrew, the name Yehudit contains within it the letters of God
– י ה ו י

A few years ago, when studying and exploring the path of the Kaula-Naths I was very excited to learn some more about the name Diti. In the excellent book, The Myths and Gods of India, the author Alain Danielou writes a short entry about the legend of the Maruts:

A Legend of the Maruts 

“In the Ramayana (1.46), the Maruts spring forth from an unborn son of Diti, the mother of the antigods. 

The mother of the antigods was in great distress. Vishnu had destroyed her two sons, Golden-Eye (Hiranyaksa) and Golden-Fleece (Hiranya-kasipu). In her desire for revenge, Diti, with womanly patience and cleverness, endeavoured to please her husband Vision (Kasyapa) and obtain from him a son who would destroy Indra, himself a son of Kasyapa.

Vision would not cooperate directly, but he advised Diti to perform the son-giving (pumsavana) penance. As the penance approached its completion, Indra felt anxious. He descended upon the earth and began to serve Diti like a disciple. Should she succumb to pride but for one instant this would give him a chance to frustrate her aim. For a long time, Diti was cautious in her austerities, but one day, at sunset, she fell asleep. Indra took advantage of this. Entering the womb of Diti, he tore the fetus into forty-nine fragments with his thunderbolt. These fragments became the Maruts. Indra made them guardians of the chalice of Soma.”

Judith or Diti, you may call me either, but I know for sure that both of my names are my “paths” that convey energy, good or bad, and connect my material and spiritual realms.

Mandrake has published your book – can you say a little about it?

The book Aromagick merges magical thinking and practice with my love for scents, aromatics, and perfumes. In the opening section, you can explore the fragrances and scents of the lunar journey through the Kalas. 

Kala means part, perhaps also a “lunar perfume or flower”. These mysterious but extremely important principles, derived from esoteric Hinduism, were related to the cosmic tides of the moon, those that ebb and flow during a lunar month. 

Following several years of studying the esoteric cycle of the lunar divinities, the Kalas, I gained a fresh perspective and understanding of these enigmatic deities. Each lunar day is said to have its unique magical quality represented by a Kala and a specific fragrance. In Aromagick, you can explore the lunar-Kala cycle’s two distinct sequences, namely the light and dark cycles, and discover the fragrances and perfumes that correspond to each of them.

In the second part of the book, I deal with the Eight Witches Sabbaths of the Ritual Year and how they resonate with the Eight Magics and the corresponding colours and scented essences.

Is the journey in your book for everyone or only for the expert or indeed aimed at the beginner?

Everyone can benefit from Aromagick. It provides a great introduction to essential oils, the moon cycle, the Kala sequences, and the Eight Sabbaths for beginners. For advanced magicians and witches, Aromagick offers new and deeper insights into familiar subjects. Additionally, advanced Tantrics and Naths can discover a fresh perspective on the Kala system.

 

 

The Hierophant

Posted on by

Crowley’s Thoth Tarot offers a much richer layer of meanings and symbolism than usual. His underlying messages convey his ideas and beliefs, making the deck an intriguing source for contemplation. Before analyzing the symbolism of this card, we’ll only consider it from a Crowlian perspective — namely, my own. To get a better grasp of the Hierophant, let’s first look at what it signifies. The hierophant is a top religious figure like the Pope, or the chief Rabbi, whose job was to be a conductor, a channel, funnel, or mediator between the gods and the people. In this particular card, focusing only on the hidden symbolism, the hierophant is the representation of the goddess Nuit.

Nuit is the embodiment of infinite space and also the mother of all stars — for it’s known that “Every man and every woman is a star”(Liber AL, chapter 1, verse 3). With this in mind, she is where each star returns. Additionally, she is also the divine law which must be given to those who follow the hierophant. “Let the woman be girt with a sword before me” (Liber AL, chapter 3, verse 11) At the front of the card, before the hierophant, we can see the woman girt with a sword. The Book of Thoth speaks of the ‘Scarlet Woman’ as an emblem of the new era; she stands for a transformation away from her traditional image as a housewife or accessory to her male partner, instead embracing her identity while searching for autonomy and equality.

“The woman is the priestess; in her reposes the mystery. She is the mother, brooding yet tender; the lover, at once passionate and aloof; the wife, revered and cherished. She is the witch woman.” (Freedom is a Two-edged Sword, Jack Parsons) The deeper we look into the hidden symbolism and meaning of this mysterious woman, the clearer it becomes that she can be Nuit herself, guarding the divine law. The law is simple and clear and the hierophant’s job is to pass it to their congregation:

“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”
“Love is the law, love under will”
Or in our words:
“Love and do what you will.”
“The symbolism of the Wand is peculiar” – Solve et Coagula (Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth). Crowley describes the three interlaced rings of the wand, as a “representative of the three Aeons of Isis, Osiris and Horus”. However, on a closer look, we see the hierophant holding the wand with its three rings aspiring upward, in his right hand (solve). As a Setian/Typhonian, I couldn’t help the thought that the three interlaced rings would be much more comfortable in the right hand of destruction (solve) as a representative of Set, Osiris & Ra.
Set and Osiris are both Ra’s grandsons and make a sacred triad. Both brothers have to sacrifice themselves for the continuation of Ra — of life — Osiris being killed by his brother Set, and Set killing his brother and becoming the ‘outcast’ God. Demonstrating the cycle of life through destruction and creation is continued with the symbolism of the hierophant’s left hand. His left hand (coagula) points downward in the Shamak mudra hand position. I must admit that this never occurred to me before, but once I became aware of it, I could not un-see it.
The Shamak mudra, also called the kidney mudra, is the perfect hand position to deliver the message of Solve et Coagula (destruction and creation). At the start, I had difficulty understanding how the Shamak mudra was linked with Solve et Coagula and its role in occult symbology in particular for the hierophant and his wand.

Shamak mudra

Coagulation means the action or process of a liquid, especially blood, changing to a solid or semi-solid state (OED). The main function of the kidneys is to cleanse the blood of toxins and transform the waste into urine. The hierophant’s right hand in the Shamak mudra, suggests that before we can coagulate, we must be cleansed and purified of all toxins. Only then can we coagulate into our new and transformed selves.
“The Throne of the Hierophant is surrounded by elephants, which are of the nature of Taurus; and he is actually seated upon a bull.” (Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth). At first sight, the card seems to resonate with the symbolism of the zodiac sign Taurus, which is an earth sign. The element of earth is represented in this card as the Bull/Kerub and symbolizes the earth element at its most balanced and strong. If we look at the symbolism of the bull from the Setian perspective, it takes us back to the prehistoric ‘cattle cult’, which is probably one of the world’s oldest. Egyptian male deities often have a bull representation. Set is most notably known for the ‘Bull of Ombos’. This bull cult likely evolved out of the Cattle cult, which was centred around the Heavenly Cow/Hathor, who symbolizes the feminine aspect of this tradition.
The bull is associated with male fertility and strength, as seen in energy, stamina, and endurance. Worshipped in antiquity, it is also linked to the zodiac sign Taurus, which is associated with spring in the agricultural calendar as a symbol of renewal, prosperity, and abundance. However, this powerful creature can be equally connected to hard-headedness, ferocity and brutality — all the qualities of a deity — where it would accept a sacrificial offering as an act of reverence. It is easy to believe that religious reverence for the bull’s cult has been forgotten in modern times, yet our practices today have still taken on a new form – the dairy and meat industry.

Cave paintings from the Tassili n’Ajjer mountains (photo courtesy of wiki commons wikimedia.org)

Just to remind you, a hierophant is a person who brings religious congregants into the presence of that which is deemed holy. As such, a hierophant interprets sacred mysteries and arcane principles. In this card, the hierophant symbolizes the link to the secret of the rhythm of time and the ancient practice of the worship of the bull.
The secrets of the Timelords are encoded in the divine law which is guarded by Nuit/Nwt and delivered by the hierophant.
– From Aromagick by Diti J Morgan, 2023

Three Hippos

Posted on by

Ipet Month Rite  (2020)

Invocation coincided with kala for Duti ( 5th lunar day)
We prepared a potion of Salvia Divinorum from our garden. This we took after the following Invocation. 

Bowl with hippopotami, Predynastic Period, Naqada I, 3850–-3650 B.C. (pottery)

Ipet Invocation 

Awake and embrace the void 

Your heart strong enough for its joys 

and its worries  

Leave, and when you awake to life 

You will feel young again on a new day  

Rest, lie down assured of long good health.   

“Good night,  

the gods protect you,  

their protection is before you each day 

No bad thing approaches  

The demon (Apep) is repelled from your bed chamber 

Ipet the Great protects you in your long and powerful life.” 

 The day and night illumined,  

You shine forth 

For she guides your steps on the right path,  

And you know what is needed,

The god Ptah provisions you,  

filling your storeroom, 

With food and drink aplenty, 

and in good measure. 

Your diary and records all in order 

and well-composed. 

The mistakes of the past are forgotten,  

The staff in your hand is well-made and sustaining. 

Break bread with the wise, 

Your cares are all behind you. 

The only reason lies before you, 

The best is yet to come. 

*  

Praise be to TAWERET, 

Bringing ‘perfection’ in her beautiful name.  

I praise her to the limits of the sky, 

I desire her Ka, calming day by day. 

 Be merciful to me,  

May I behold your mercy, 

You, of perfect mercy! 

Extend your hand to me,  

Giving me life, 

And granting me offspring! 

 Do not reproach me for my errors  

You, in perfect mercy! 

Even if my helpers slip up, 

My peers still reward me. 

I desire your great strength, 

None knows you as I do; 

I will say to the children and children’s children: 

Thee as guardian before her! 

Joy my heart should seize, 

Because on this day TAWERET is merciful,  

My house prospers with her blessings.  

May she give them day after day,  

And I never say ‘Oh I have regrets!’  

May she continue to give me health, 

And my womb bears children safely, 

[Or the future be secure]. 

My heart is glad every day, for sure 

The good ones expel the evil, 

And I am blessed.  

 Behold her people will live forever, 

My enemies are fearful before you TAWARET! 

Since your rage oppresses them 

more than a mountain of iron, 

Her mercy gives us life! 

Soon after drinking the potion a door opened and I crossed over to a different dimension (or was it a different timezone?) I was delivered to a very large cave, I could see patterns in the air (or was it on the walls of the cave?) the patterns were like unfinished paisley shapes in very faint shades of pastels. The vision was clear but the colours and shapes were nothing like I’ve seen before on ayahuasca, mushrooms or LSD, somehow it all looked like a prehistoric type of art.

The vision ended. It didn’t take me long to realise that the Salvia visions are probably short so I took another dose and before I knew it I was surrounded by fireworks.

The next vision was more like a physical experience: 

Something purple was trying to burst out of my head, or maybe a purple something was attaching itself to my head and trying to merge with it. I don’t know how to describe that feeling, or how long it took. Salvia time – if you can call it that, is measured in breaths. So, within a breath, the only ‘thing’ that was left of me, was only consciousness. Or was it the ‘purple something’ consciousness? Weightless and with no body, I was floating in the air above the sounds of music. I could hear the music filling the room but somehow I was high above it. And it was more like I can see it as the sounds vibrated under me and not through and around me as music usually experienced. 

Was I initiated by the Salvia spirit?  Did I become one with Salvia’s spirit for a few short (or long) breaths?  I noticed that with every inhalation, shapes like entities(?) were formed around me but I could only see them on the exhale. they looked like they were made of clouds, mist or fog —  of breath, my breath. The vision ended and I was left thinking that those entities are something to do with the ancient Egyptian god Shu.

Salvia spirit?

In the next vision, I played with the length of the exhalation, trying to see as many entities as I can and tried to touch them. When I put my hands over my eyes and I could see The Flower Of Life in bright electric blue forming in my hands. 

 

The last vision:  I went and sat by the altar, after all, tonight is all about IPET, the hippo goddess of ancient Egypt. So I knelt by the altar and meditate for a while. I don’t know how many breaths have passed, but it felt that I’d been sitting there for a while.

The vision came as I was looking at the flame of the candle.  A gate has opened and turned into a 3D tunnel, from which glowing breath-like entities, went through back and forth. The vision was fading away but I felt like dancing to the beautiful Kali mantra that music was playing in the background, vibrating softly in the nearly dark room while the three of us danced around the fire, the wild dance of the fire goddess. 

Three hippos dancing around the fire the wild dance of the beast.

The vision has gone, but the hippos were still dancing around the fire

Three Fire-Hippos dancing

.

Was Ipet / Tawaret a fire goddess?

Well yes, “Hathor of the West” is sometimes depicted as a hippo. The four torch goddesses who light the way for the deceased & keep enemies away are connected with her. (See Naos of decades & Gutbub 1965: 45)

Hathor Hippos is indeed a name of personifications of four crucibles of fire, shown in the Naos (the inner chamber or sanctuary of an ancient temple, a tabernacle), a dynamic act of protection, in which one’s enemies are thrown back and burned in the fires. In the end, what remains is submerged in cow’s milk.

 

 

 

The God posture and the sound of music

Featured

Posted on by

The most important tool in the magician’s toolbox is his/her ability to create stillness within and without, listening and observation skills. One of the ways to achieve these skills is through a series of exercises and meditations. My favourite exercise was and still, is a meditation I learned at The Apophis Club as part of the First Head of The Dragon curriculum – The God Posture.

I love the God posture.

It seems to come naturally to me, I can sit in this posture and breath for ages. Maybe it’s because of my affinity to the Egyptian pantheon, trying Unveiling Isis all those years…   Or maybe it’s just that I like sitting on a chair and imagining I’m a goddess on a throne.  

Meditating in the god posture, made me think of sounds and music.

I think that a lot of people on this path (LHP), love to listen to metal (heavy, death, black etc) music, and I understand the psychology behind that; Metal music vibrates on an earthly frequency which is low and magnetic which affects us in the “here and now” and also have a strong effect on the Blood. Its vibration makes you excited and gives you an adrenalin and blood rush, the feeling of your heart pumping blood in your veins — a good and satisfying feeling… 

But can you meditate with this kind of sound in the background? And how will it affect our breathing rhythm?

It is always amazed me how the “high clerks” of all religions found out in very early stages of history the use of fine sounds, harmonics and higher notes to reach “the light” or God. Think of the beautiful sounds of Medieval chants and the angelic chants of Hildegard von Bingen, Gregorian chants, or the repetitive rhythm of the Hindu mantras.

The Shamans use in their rituals very specific sounds that vibrate with the higher frequencies, the sounds of overtones, feathers, leaves, and hypnotic drum beats, to awaken the higher consciousness/gods.

I’ve been very fortunate to be part of a community with some very gifted musicians.

We use lots of music and sounds in our rituals to guide us into the darkness and through it.

Can you imagine what darkness sounds like?

For me, it sounds like a big deep forest at night. Imagine the creepy crawlies, the night birds, the sounds of the trees and the wind and all the creatures of the night. These sounds will guide us through the darkness of the forest till we get to the darkest shores of the void. Where there are no sounds, and everything is quiet and still.

In the void, it feels like you are floating in the cool dark nothing of blackness. There is no day/night, and you don’t know if you are dead/alive. A feeling of being consumed by a big giant serpent. Only then do you start hearing again, the most beautiful sounds and it feels like it is the first time you ever used your ears. 

The inner knowing and understanding, that those harmonics vibrations you are hearing are the very first sounds of creation, leads to the realisation that to be able to create you need to listen…

Once you learn how to listen and you can really hear, you start to SEE beyond the illusions.

Imagine that.