Category Archives: Wheel of The Year

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

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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

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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. 🕊️

Blue Lotus: Divine scent for transformation and rebirth

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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

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“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

 

Octarine Magick, Baphomet & Winter Solstice

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Twice a year, on the winter and summer solstice, a very unique portal reveals itself. Through this opening, we are given the opportunity to explore both the chill, yet still spirit of tranquillity and the effervescent radiance of brightness. The deep, indigo night sky of the winter solstice is reminiscent of Saturn, Lord of Time. There is something special about its seemingly timeless journey; almost as though time actually has stopped. The winter solstice marks the occasion when the Earth’s axis reaches its highest angle away from the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is where we observe the least amount of sunlight, leading to a day that’s shorter than any other of the year and a night that’s longer. This day mirrors the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun— with daylight hours beginning to grow again afterwards. 

Octarine is the so-called Colour of Magic or King Colour, only perceivable by magicians and cats. According to Discworld texts (see Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic), it is a combination of fluorescent greenish yellow and purple, mixing all primary colours, and serves as a representation of imagination.

The Octarine power lies within us, kindling the spark of the magician self in our inner being. When this flame is lit, we become familiar with various god forms, such as Baphomet, which can be summoned to inspire our magical creativity. 

The essence of Baphomet restores the balance of our universe.

I see Baphomet as a symbol of equilibrium between all living things. This consciousness allows us to recognize and embrace the connection between humans, mammals, reptiles, fish, angels and demons, heaven and earth. It also encourages us to accept the innate cycle of life and death, plus the concept of

eternity. Light and dark, left and right; these are all balanced by Baphomet’s equanimity. I found it easier to identify with Baphomet consciousness when I think of it as a model for a unique and original thought, a primal idea of balance. This concept once initiated, will ignite the flames of a passionate heart and open a clear passage for communication with our higher selves. 

Using Baphomet perfume oil on the Winter Solstice or Kapalini’s nights will help us surrender and let go of old attachments that bind us and prevent us from moving forward.

Check out AROMAGICK  for more information about the magical ingredients of Baphomet perfume oil. The Winter Solstice coincides with Nitya-Nitya night this year, ‘She who is timeless, the immortal goddess’. I will put an additional rare fragrance into the mix, to embody the essence of Nitya-Nitya.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hierophant

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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

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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.

 

 

 

Purple Magick – Mayday/Beltane

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These sea snail shells were excavated from Roman sites near Tyre in Lebanon. The creatures inside were crushed and boiled in a salt solution to produce the famous ‘Tyrian Purple’. It took 10,000 snails to produce just 1.4 grams of dye, making it very valuable and it became the preserve of Emperors, hence its alternative name, ‘imperial purple’. (Pitt Rivers Museum, Various collections)

Mayday/Beltane falls midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. The rite of spring has probably been celebrated since time immemorial. In the Western world, in Europe in particular, May 1st will be celebrated by dancing around the Maypole which symbolizes phallic energy. The Maypole is decorated with flowers that represent the buds of fertility and sexual energy. 

Beltane is a significant festival in Gaelic culture, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. It was traditionally celebrated throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The festival featured special bonfires that were believed to have protective powers. People and their livestock would walk around or between these bonfires and sometimes leap over the flames or embers. All household fires were extinguished and then re-lit from the Bealtaine bonfire. 

So what has the colour purple got to do with Beltane and Mayday?

I’ve always loved the colour purple. It’s a unique colour that combines the stability of blue and the passion of red. It’s inspiring to me because it encourages me to reveal my innermost thoughts and feelings. When I think of purple, I’m reminded of how it stimulates my imagination and encourages my creativity. It’s a colour that promotes spiritual growth and intuition, which is something that’s important to me. At the same time, purple also promotes understanding and acceptance. It reminds me that there are so many great unknowns in the world that are waiting to be explored. But even as I explore those unknowns, purple keeps me grounded and reminds me to stay focused on what’s truly important in life.

“4. The deep violet is episcopal. It combines 2 and 3, a bishop being the manifested through the principle of blood or animal life.” (Column XV, King’s Ladder, The Qabalah of Aleister Crowley)

In other words, the colour purple is the bishop of colours, it combines the red of blood and the blue of the sky. Red symbolises blood, fire, love, passion, warmth, lust and sexuality. Blue represents the sky, freedom, intuition, imagination, inspiration, depth, sensitivity and the infinite horizon of the open spaces. And most of all, abundance and balance. When blending the two, purple is created, which allows us to explore and experiment with a range of complicated emotions at once and gives us the freedom to be inspired by sexuality, passion, lust and imagination.

“The colour violet, generally speaking, signifies a vibration which is at the same time spiritual and erotic; i.e. it is the most intense of the vibrations alike on the planes of Nephesch and Neschamah…” (Column XV, The Zodical Attributions: The Qabalah of Aleister Crowley) 

The wickedest man in the world, the Beast 666, Count von Zonaref and Alastair McGregor were some of the aliases Crowley used to go by, but every now and then he used the title “The Purple Priest”. The colour purple is used to designate a specific position in the church, such as Bishop or senior Bishop, and by using the title The Purple Priest, Crowley is hinting at his specific position in his church (of Thelema). 

Crowley uses the colour purple as an erotic-spiritual motif to convey the esoteric message in the rituals and worship of Thelema. 

For example, in Liber Al – The Book of the Law, paragraph 61, we can see how Crowley uses the colour purple in his writings:

“But to love me is better than all things: if under the night stars in the desert thou presently burnest mine incense before me, invoking me with a pure heart, and the Serpent flame therein, thou shalt come a little to lie in my bosom. For one kiss wilt thou then be willing to give all, but whoso gives one particle of dust shall lose all in that hour. Ye shall gather goods and store of women and spices; ye shall wear rich jewels; ye shall exceed the nations of the earth in splendour & pride; but always in the love of me, and so shall ye come to my joy. I charge you earnestly to come before me in a single robe and covered with a rich headdress. I love you! I yearn to you! Pale or purple, veiled or voluptuous, I who am all pleasure and purple, and drunkenness of the innermost sense, desire you. Put on the wings, and arouse the coiled splendour within you: come unto me!”

By using metaphors such as pale or purple, the author might be hinting at the physiology of the lingam. “Pale” suggests a flaccid lingam, and “veiled” could be the stage just before the lingam is fully erect, also it might suggest an uncircumcised lingam. “Purple” suggests its “voluptuous” erection. There are several veins and arteries that carry blood to and from the spongy erectile tissue in the penis. Veins may look larger than usual during and immediately following an erection. The appearance of prominent veins indicates healthy blood flow and gives the lingam a “purple hue. 

Next, the colour purple is used to describe “she” who is “all pleasure and purple,” and here the purple is used as a metaphor for the yoni —  the purple pleasure…  

By using those metaphors, the purple priest emphasises the intensity and depth of the spiritual and erotic vibration in religious-like practices of carnal pleasures. The second half of the sentence – “and drunkenness of the innermost sense,” hints at the ecstatic heights of the orgasm that awaits in the palace (Liber Al 1:51). The Palace is another metaphor for the yoni – see Mogg Morgan’s Aleister Crowley & Thelemic Magick page 39.

In his Hymn to Pan we can see the “purple motif” again:

“…Dip the purple of passionate prayer

In the crimson shrine, the scarlet snare,

The soul that startles in eyes of blue

To watch thy wantonness weeping through…”

There is something very special at this time of the year, the ancient earth dragon, Kundalini, is now fully awakened. The air is fragrant with the sweet heady aromas of many colourful blossoms. Insects, animals and humans alike walk or crawl out of their burrows, rub their eyes, stretch their limbs and start dancing a sensual mating dance. It’s the season to celebrate desire, lust, fertility, or in other words, nature’s tantric celebration. 

This is the season of Pan, the “All-devourer, all-begetter”. There is something very salacious about dancing around a Maypole. And by leaping over the Beltane fires, we awaken the most ancient magick of all, the passion for the union of body and spirit — “a vibration which is at the same time spiritual and erotic”.

This is the perfect time to wear the K-23 perfume oil which will connect you to the spirit of Pan and his passionate lust for earth and life. Then, go outside and do the Jitterbug. 

The term jitterbug is used to refer to different swing dances, such as the jive and the lindy hop. It comes from slang used in the early twentieth century to describe alcoholics. The term became associated with swing dancers because, like the jitters of alcoholics, they were seen to be out of control.

K-23 perfume oil

As discussed earlier in the book, the properties of water allow us spiritual cleansing, where immersion in a ritual bath is always desirable and recommended before magical activity. To connect with the purple magic frequency and awaken the energies of the Kundalini serpent I recommend my special purple bath ritual which is specifically designed to raise our sexual and magnetic powers and to synchronise ourselves with potential or existing partners. Partners can share their bath in the spirit of a purple magick ritual for play, however, here at the Morgan Witches’ headquarters, we prefer to have our ritual baths separately (usually one after the other) and by doing so, each of us has the time to relax and meditate. It takes 15 minutes for our body to reach a general relaxation that allows the blend of oils to work its magick on our consciousness.

Prepare your bathroom as you would any other ritual space, you can have a ‘purple altar’ if you have the room for it, but remember that the altar is the bath, and the water is the vessel which conducts the transformation of the offering which in this case is in the oils and you. 

When using the Purple Magick Perfume Oil you can add about 10-15 drops to a tablespoon of sea salt, Himalaya salt or Epsom salts and add it to the bath water. Each of the essential oils suggested here can be used on its own or in combination with one of the other essential oils which are recommended in this chapter. However, mixing and blending essential oils is a form of art and technique that need to be learned and mastered. You can use the recipe at the end of the chapter as a guideline for making your own bath blends.

Make sure that the water is hot enough for you to relax in them for 15 minutes.

Get in the water and lie comfortably, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and listen to the mantra or music of your choice.

I find that the Kirtan Kriya (Sa Ta Na Ma) mantra is most suitable to listen to in the purple bath ritual. 

You can find it here.

If you want to experience the purple magick in its full power I recommend the Great Purple Hoo-Ha meditation while in the bath. The Kirtan Kriya mantra will amplify the experience. 

The Great Purple Hoo-Ha Meditation

This meditation is based on a technique described in Phillip H. Farber’s book The Great Purple Hoo-Ha. Philip H. Farber is a writer, hypnotist, NLP trainer, ritualist, and consciousness explorer. He is best known for his book on ritual magick, Future Ritual: Magick for the 21st Century and as the creator of Meta-Magick, a system of practice combining elements of magick, NLP, hypnosis, and more.

Sit in a comfortable position with your spine upright (if you are in the bath, just make yourself comfortable and relax in the water).

Close your eyes.

Imagine a circle around you, with a diameter just slightly greater than your outstretched arms, with you at the exact centre.

Inhale, filling your lungs completely, from bottom to top. 

As you inhale, allow your attention to expand and fill the circle around you with purple. 

Exhale, and as you do so place your attention to a tiny spot within the centre of your chest.

Continue to practice like this, filling the circle with every inhalation, contracting down to a single point in the middle of your chest.

When your circle is full of purple, inhale and expand your attention to fill the entire room with purple. 

Then, when you exhale, contract it down to a single point in the centre of your chest. 

Once the room is full of purple, on the next inhalation expand your attention to fill the largest area you can conceive: the city, the county, the state, the world or even the solar system and the whole universe, with the colour purple. As large as you can manage. 

And again, when you exhale, contract your attention down to a single point in the middle of your chest. 

When you are ready, open your eyes and return to your regular breathing.

Thank yourself, the water and the oils, climb out of the bath, dry yourself and get dressed (or not) and carry on with your Purple Magick celebrations.

Purple Magick Perfume Oil

Image created with the collaboration of the Craiyon AI and Photoshop.

The first essential oil that comes to mind concerning Purple Magick, as Scott Cunningham put it “downtrodden Patchouli”.

Even now, most people still associate its sweet musky and earthy aroma with the ‘Hippy’ culture of the 60s & 70s. 

So what has Patchouli got to do with Purple Magick?

Patchouli Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli is a bushy herb about a metre high with a sturdy, hairy stem and large, fragrant, furry leaves and white-purple flowers.  It is native to Southeast Asia. Once harvested, the patchouli leaves are left to ferment in the shade and then dried for three days. The fermentation process apparently improves the quality of the oil, which is extracted using steam distillation.

In the 19th century, cashmere shawls and bed linen were imported from India to Europe. To keep the delicate fabrics free of moths, they were packed with patchouli leaves, which were used throughout the East as an insect repellent. These Patchouli-scented shawls and linen became a must-have item for well-to-do and fashionable women of the time. It didn’t take long for the Patchouli fragrance to be associated with wealth and indulgence.

The earthy sweet aroma of the plant soon became a trend with many European manufacturers of fabrics and furniture which started to infuse their goods with the scent of Patchouli. It is almost unavoidable to thus visualise and smell the luxurious, heady, musky, scented bedrooms of 19th-century ladies. The richness of the scent has been associated as an aphrodisiac for centuries, the earthy-musky notes make us feel secure, relaxed and open up to our own sexuality. The smell of the bed linen and the furniture infused with Patchouli oil was evocative and sensuous, and the link between Patchouli and sensuality has never been forgotten from our collective memories of those 19th-century bedrooms.

So next time you watch a period drama or read a novel about this period, and you want to intensify your experience of the novel/drama, make sure you have a bottle of Patchouli at hand so you can smell it during the bedrooms scenes or whenever a cashmere shawl appears.

The sweet and heady scent of the Patchouli blends perfectly with the exotic fragrance of  Ylang-Ylang. On its own, I find Ylang-Ylang a bit overpowering and far too sweet, but the earthiness of Patchouli seems to anchor the sweetness of the Cananaga odorata and turn it into a somewhat lighter and mysterious exotic fragrance. 

Ylang-Ylang Cananaga odorata

Ylang-Ylang is a tall tropical tree with large, tender, sweet fragrant yellow flowers. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its essential oil is extracted by water or steam distillation from freshly picked flowers. There are 5 grades of distilled essential oil, with Ylang-Ylang extra as the top grade.

The sweet, exotic-balsamic scent of Ylang-Ylang will balance and calm an overactive mind or any over-emotional state or feelings. In Indonesia, its fragrant flowers have long been associated with aphrodisiacs. To promote a relaxed and sensual atmosphere, fresh Ylang-Ylang flowers are harvested and spread on the newly wedded couple’s bed. 

Both Ylang-Ylang and Vetiver are under the planetary influence of Venus, the goddess of love, beauty and sensuality. Together they combine two of her most precious elements, the stability of the earth represented by Vetiver and the fluidity of water represented by Ylang-Ylang. On the emotional, physiological and magical level, these two oils blended together act as the psychic lubricant of body and mind. Once the harmony between these two Venusian oils has been established we can introduce Jasmine, the “King of flowers” to the formula (Cunningham: 1997). Jasmine is known for its qualities as a sexual tonic and aphrodisiac. The intensely rich, warm and sensual, sweet floral scent, has a direct effect on our emotions and can produce a feeling of optimism, confidence and euphoria. Its association with the moon will add a silvery reflection to a sensuous magical rite, where there is a union of lovers. Its elemental characteristics of both fire and water will intensify the sacred sexual union with a magical oomph of flowing passion.

To balance out the richness of the sweet and heady aroma of the blend I added a few drops of Bergamot. The fresh and fruity, citrusy scent of the oil, is just sharp enough to break the nearly overwhelming sweetness of the heady blend. 

Bergamot Citrus bergamia

This small tree, about 4.5 metres high with smooth oval leaves, and small round fruit,  ripens from green to yellow, similar to orange in appearance but smaller. Native to tropical Asia. Extensively cultivated in southern Italy, Sicily and the Ivory Coast. Essential oil extraction is by cold expression of the fruit’s rind.

Safety data: Certain furocoumarins, notably bergapten, have been found to be phototoxic on human skin; that is, they cause sensitisation and skin pigmentation when exposed to direct sunlight. 

The scent of Bergamot resembles that of orange but with more floral and zesty underlying characteristics that add a spicy edge to it. Bergamot possesses magical qualities that can alleviate nervous tension and physical stress, acting like a wand by lifting, shifting, releasing, and dispersing these feelings. Bringing peace and happiness and creating a space allows both body and mind to rest and relax. The lightness and uplifting touch that Bergamot adds to the blend, accentuates each of the other fragrances and mixes them together into a bewitching sensual perfume which will work both ways on its wearer and their partner.

Purple Magick bath recipe: 

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt, Himalaya salt or Epsom salt,

1 drop of Patchouli

1 drop Ylang Ylang

2 drops of Jasmine

3 drops of Bergamot

For your safety, I recommend using the following recipe for a night-time bath due to the sensual nature of purple magick and the potential risks associated with Bergamot essential oil. 

It’s important to note that the Purple Magic Perfume Oil is safe to use as it contains bergapten-free essential oil.

***

Purple Magick – Mayday/Beltane is an extract from my soon-to-be-published book Aromagick – A Scentual Journey Through The Ritual Year.

For any inquiries about the Aromagick perfume oils series, please contact Mandrake at https://mandrake.uk.net/contact/

Have a fabulous Purple Magick season

Diti J Morgan

 

 

 

 

The Anubis ritual

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The Anubis ritual is based on an ancient Egyptian ritual which is similar to a seance. The priest/ess of Anubis invokes Anubis’s Godform into the medium which will channel Anubis’s knowledge concerning the other deities which will be invited into the “table”.

This year we invite to the table: Geb the God of the Earth, and Nuit – the Goddess of the sky (Geb & Nuit are lovers and the parents of Osiris, Set, Isis, Nephtis and Horus the Elder). As is the time of Green Magick we also think that we have to invite the God Min – which is the most ancient form of the God Pan.

Min

Min is an ancient Egyptian god whose cult originated in the predynastic period (4th millennium BCE). He was represented in many different forms but was most often represented in male human form, shown with an erect penis which he holds in his right hand and an upheld left arm holding a flail.

As the central deity of fertility and possibly orgiastic rites, Min became identified by the Greeks with the god Pan. One feature of Min worship was the wild prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola (the domestic version of which is Lactuca sativa (lettuce)), which has aphrodisiac and opiate qualities and produces latex when cut, possibly identified with semen.

Celebrations of Min’s birthday are recorded on Egypt’s oldest memorials such as the 1st Dynasty Palermo stone. But his cult is even older reaching back to the prehistoric era when he was a deity of fertility, sexual reproduction and natural phenomena such as storms. His erection is his most famous attribute — combined as it is with his raised arm and flail some have speculated that this is all part of an aggressive/protective posture. 

His main centres were Koptos (Kuft) & Panopolis (Akhmim). His symbols are the Thunderbolt, the White Bull, the Flail and the Phallus. Wallis Budge speculates there was also a lunar component to his cult. Min is also called ka-mwt-f “Bull of his mother” a reference to the incestuous impregnation of his mother, an epithet of various gods, including Horus, also Geb who kills his father Shu in order to ravage Tefnut. Before getting too outraged, it’s as well to remember this is an agricultural motif and refers to the reproductive activity of bulls and cows. Min’s archaic shrine was a phallic-shaped hut, woven from two significant and emblematic plants — the White Lotus & the (narcotic) Blue Lily (Nymphaea caerulea). 

The blossoms and foliage of these flowers are to be woven into a model phallus or perhaps a crown. The traditional hymns are referred to as “Danced”, implying they are rhythmic chants.

Danced Hymn for Min 

who is on his staircase

Hail to you, 

Min, Min Ra

Welcome

On your staircase

Hail to you

Min, Min Ra

And the crown you wear 

on your forehead

Hail to you 

Mysterious Min

“Bull of his mother”

Much that you do remains in obscurity

You are unique

To whom praise is given

You have power to give life 

To those you love

Powerful to give him to be propitiated

He is unique here

To whom has been conferred the function 

of the unknown god

While you go out of the great door

And are standing on your stairway of truth

Speaking with Osiris hour by hour

See, that which you ordain

For protection

Against all bad things

Min justified before your enemies

In the sky and on the earth

By the judges of all the gods

And all the goddesses.

NWT/ NUT/ NUIT & GEB

Nuit is the daughter of Shu and Tefnut. Her brother and husband is Geb. She had five children – Osiris, Set, Isis, Nephthys and Horus the Elder. She is considered one of the oldest deities in the Egyptian pantheon, with her origin being found in the creation story of Heliopolis. 

Her name means “The watery one” which may also symbolize the uterus. She represents the sky but not as the lifeless roof of heaven but as a dynamic entity, creating and destroying. She also represented the entire sky. Night and day as well as large features such as the Milky Way.

The female sky is the realm of the dead, whereas the Earth is for the living. This perhaps explains the male rulership of the Earth.

Nuit is intimately connected with the stars, especially those that are close to and appear to envelop our world. According to The Book of NWT, creation begins with the ambisexual Amun-Ra or Sungod Ra. he has the power to emanate part of himself, creating other Gods and Goddesses. He starts with Shu and Tefnut, who represent the principles of air and fire respectively. The process of emanation continues and they generate NWT the sky Goddess and Geb the Earth.

Nwt and Geb are locked together in a sexual embrace, almost a single entity. It is Shu, the God of the winds and the air who separates them, creating a space between all these elements in which our world can exist.

Geb was the Egyptian god of the earth and a mythological member of the Ennead of Heliopolis. He could also be considered a father of snakes. It was believed in ancient Egypt that Geb’s laughter created earthquakes and that he allowed crops to grow.

The oldest representation in a fragmentary relief of the god was as an anthropomorphic bearded being accompanied by his name, dating from king Djoser’s reign, 3rd Dynasty, and was found in Heliopolis. However, the god never received a temple of his own. In later times he could also be depicted as a ram, a bull or a crocodile.

Geb was frequently feared as the father of snakes (one of the names for snake was s3-t3 – “son of the earth”). In a Coffin Texts spell Geb was described as the father of the mythological snake Nehebkau of primaeval times. Geb could also be regarded as personified fertile earth and barren desert.

In the Heliopolitan Ennead (a group of nine gods created in the beginning by the one god Atum or Ra), Geb is the husband of Nwt, the sky or visible daytime and nightly firmament, the son of the earlier primordial elements Tefnut (moisture) and Shu (“emptiness”), and the father to the five lesser gods of the system – Osiris, Seth, Isis, Nephthys and Horus the Elder. In this context, Geb was believed to have originally been engaged with Nut and had to be separated from her by Shu, the god of the air. Consequently, in mythological depictions, Geb was shown as a man reclining, sometimes with his phallus still pointed towards Nwt. Geb and Nut together formed the permanent boundary between the primaeval waters and the newly created world.

His association with vegetation, healing and sometimes with the underworld and royalty brought Geb the occasional interpretation that he was the husband of Renenutet, a minor goddess of the harvest and also a mythological caretaker (the meaning of her name is “nursing snake”) of the young king in the shape of a cobra, who herself could also be regarded as the mother of Nehebkau, a primaeval snake god associated with the underworld.

Sources: 

Egyptian magick (Morgan: 2021) 

Demonic Calendar (Morgan: 2021)