Lamen and Sigil 741

By Frater Kentroversy


INTRODUCTION

In July 1993, I was run down in a speeding hit-and-run accident as I walked my pet wolf home from a swim at Lake Erie beach, just about a two-minute walk from the cottage in which my wife and I lived at the time. In this accident, I sustained serious injuries, which left me with approximately 10%-20% of total joint mobility in my lower back and legs. I was laid up in bed for six weeks in the middle of a blazing hot summer, with severe complications due to my having the blood-clotting disorder Hemophilia. The treatment for this condition consists of injections of the proper clotting component of the blood. In my case this is Factor VIII. During those six weeks in bed, I used as much clotting factor as I had in the previous two years --- that was how seriously I was injured!

For the first five days after this accident, I could not sleep; I was in so much pain. When I finally did pass out, it was from sheer exhaustion. In all, I ended up injuring my lower back, my right hip, and both knees and ankles. I won’t go into a blow-by-blow description of all of my injuries, but suffice to say, both my hematologist and orthopedic doctors told me that I would never walk again. After the preliminary emergency was over, I began to formulate a magickal plan dedicated to my recovery from what could very well have been permanently devastating injuries.

The first step of my plan was to refocus my mind, which was dissipated by the impact of the injuries on my physical and mental states. It was shocking to experience that distraction after an accident of such magnitude --- it threw me off my game --- and that is putting things mildly! Between the delirium and the hardcore pain medication, I was finding even the most basic meditation to be simply impossible. It was as if I had started out all over again, and in a way, that was exactly what was happening. I would not even know until several months later, the true day to day impact this would have on my life. 

I was told the most horrendous things by my doctors, who seemed more content to tell me all the things I could not do, instead of focusing on all the things I could. For instance, when Dr. B. spoke with me, he told me that I could no longer drive an automobile, and if I had a license, I should immediately surrender it to the local motor vehicle department office. My wife, who is a registered nurse, herself suggested that I surrender my license, warning that I might fall asleep at the wheel.

This has had a tremendous effect on my life, whenever I want a ride somewhere, I need to trouble someone to be my personal transportation. This severely cuts into my own social life, to the point of not wanting to bother at all. The devastating loss of independence is an issue that I had never heard about until I was living it myself. I am at the mercy of other people’s schedules, and after many years of being self-ambulating, it was a powerful blow to my ego to suddenly have to ask for a ride to run an errand. 

The pain I am today redefines the definition of the word! It also wastes a great deal of energy, which is spent keeping my composure. Some days are simply impossible without my taking the morning’s morphine dosage before I get out of bed. This is extremely draining to my energy reserve, and the sum total of the experience has changed my personality to the point where I am a complete 180 degrees from the man with whom the Rose Quartz Woman fell in love.

For a number of years after this experience, I thought that I could never again contribute something important, but I still kept with my studies. My research is on a wide range of subjects, and this is reflected by my own manner of communication. I am told that I am knowledgeable about many subjects, and have a wide diversity of interests. At the lowest of the low, an idea occurred to me. What I was doing was not just the result of some accident --- it was the hand of fate quieting me at whatever the cost.

Agoraphobia or Monastic Experience?

When I was suddenly thrust into this situation, my life changed so much that I needed to understand what my options were in terms of my own response. I was not about to allow a physical injury take me out of the game mentally. So, I spent a great deal of time considering what would be the most advantageous use of my time. This was right at the moment that the Internet and the World Wide Web had reached mass consciousness. Even though I had been online with the old-school BBS system since 1983, the emergence of the World Wide Web placed an entire library on my desk right inside my home!

I began to understand that I could do one of two things in response to this most-rude of all life-changes --- I could withdraw and become agoraphobic --- or I could treat this injury and the available free-time it had suddenly given me as a monastic experience. I could hide in plain sight, as I kept up with my studies. I guess that at the root of it all, I am an information junkie. I also happen to have an obsessive compulsive personality, which manifests itself in what I call fanatical completism --- or total immersion in everything of importance which has as its’ end goal, spiritual ascension.

All visitors to my home see that books are the central theme --- all on the shelves for one purpose. Spiritual ascension is the primary work of my life --- and now I would have an amount of available time I never would have had otherwise. Even the music I most enjoy contains spiritual ascension as its’ primary theme; YES, Peter Gabriel, The BEATLES, Jimi Hendrix, as well as George Harrison --- both as a solo artist and guru. I have a library that is at least as large as the one maintained by Aleister Crowley. I have the most important pieces of the ultimate puzzle, which is what I choose to call Spiritual Alchemy. Spiritual Alchemy is the turning the base-metal soul into the golden light of spiritual illumination --- what I believe to be the true esoteric meaning of the function of the object known as the Philosopher’s Stone. 

As I was at this important juncture, a small handful of students suddenly appeared from out of nowhere. As I have literally a houseful of important metaphysical books, I had all of the source material that I would ever need to draw upon. So, in the aftermath of 9/11, I began to teach and share the mindset of a magician to a small group of people whom I refer to as my ‘spiritual family.’ On a regular schedule, I hold classes in my home, with the intent of sharing the knowledge that I have accumulated in the past 25 years of regular practice of the various types of magick.

The 7 4 1 Working: Invocation of Love and Protection

When I learned I was going to be a father for the first time, I wondered how I could possibly protect an infant in a world that has gone insane. As I am cursed with the gift of prophecy, I have been able to see some of the bigger picture. So, as the Master of the Temple silently tends to his garden, I set about the business of the most effective manner of protecting both my wife and our son in the best way I know. I pulled all of my magickal reference books, and began putting together the formulae for that protection.

What I came up with was a protection invocation ritual, which was attended by the five coordinates of the elements, as represented by the five ritual participants:

• Air = Truth and Wisdom (The Father-To-Be)

• Water = Healing and Transformation (The Mother-To-Be)

• Earth = Strength (The Godfather = The Best Friend of The Father-To-Be)

• Fire = Justice (The Godmother = The Best Friend of The Mother-To-Be)

• Spirit = A New Beginning (The Son-To-Be)

Because the Archangel Michael plays such a huge role in our lives separately and together, this would be the proper entity to invoke. According to Gustav Davidson’s Dictionary of Angels, Michael was discovered to be the angel of the times of both mine and the Rose Quartz Woman’s birth. Additionally, Aleister Crowley’s Liber 777 also pointed to Michael as a proper force of protection. Lastly, Michael plays an important role in the story of the biblical prophet Daniel, and because Daniel also happens to be my middle name, Michael fit into this scheme as well.

This ritual was performed under the full moon of Pisces on August 30, 2004. There will be two more rituals in this cycle; with a full moon of Pisces on February 23, 2005, and the third and final ritual will be performed at high noon during the first sun cycle following the birth. This will see a layering of both moon and sun energies surrounding the birth of our son, who will be named Anthony Owen after two close friends of ours who died before their time.

Also, the spiritual etymology of these two names were important to both myself and my wife. When this is considered, the spiritual meaning of these two names together is as follows:

“The Lord has favored this priceless and well-born birth.”

Kentroversy Ensues at Maybe Logic Academy

Upon hearing of the impending start-up of Maybe Logic Academy, I immediately knew that this was something of which I needed to be a part. After sending in my tuition, I could barely wait until classes began. To have been even a small part of the success of the Academy has delivered to me, pride and the feeling of having contributed to something that I hope will mature into an important metaphysical Internet community.

When I first arrived at the Academy, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of negativity, and the constant encouragement coming from the student peer group, directed at whomever needed or wanted some direction from some of us older and more experienced metaphysicians. I announced that I happen to be a self-initiated magician, and almost immediately, several of the younger students began to seek me out for guidance and advice. This too was a surprise, as I had become used to the full-degree of negativity that breeds hatred throughout the entire Internet.

Three of the younger students wrote me privately, to ask if I would be willing to provide them with an example of one of my own privately written rituals. I was told that this would help the beginning students of magick, and I am more than happy to oblige when it comes to educating people of any age. Therefore, the ritual that is titled ‘Lamen and Sigil 741 Used To Protect A Pregnancy’ is my official response to those requests.

Finally, I would like to say that the primary reason why I mixed so many theologies into this ritual, was because it was undertaken by a Thelemic magician, two witches, and a Christian. I wanted to make every participant comfortable with the proceedings, and toward that goal, I was able to far exceed all expectations.

Frater Kentroversy

Buffalo, New York USA

December 8, 2004

LAMEN AND SIGIL 7 4 1 USED TO PROTECT A PREGNANCY

As today's world has grown evermore uncertain, it became apparent to me that I must do all I can to aid and comfort my wife during her pregnancy --- our first pregnancy together --- and one we were told could never happen because of physical problems I suffered after being involved in a hit and run automobile accident in July 1993. As soon as we became aware of this matter, I pulled all of my magick reference works and began to put together what eventually turned into an invocation of the Archangel Michael, as well as a charging of power crystals, and a gridding of these crystals upon the altar and throughout the temple. As I happen to be a fierce and tenacious protector of my spiritual family members (who are NOT necessarily members of my birth family), I felt both honor and duty bound to employ as much protection as it is humanly possible, given my current level of magickal proficiency.

Twenty years ago, I was told by a friend who had done a tarot card reading --- that I should pay particular notice of the numbers 1, 4, and 7. That whenever they occur in an unbroken sequence in any combination of those three numbers --- that I should know it is a signpost indicating at that precise moment, I am right where I need to be. And for the past twenty years, I have been following both my heart and the 1's, the 4's and the 7's. They have never steered me wrong --- and they have always appeared only at the most crucial times.

Before I continue onward, let me tell you a little bit about myself and my practice of magick.

I am self-initiated into an organization known as the A .'. A .'. --- exoterically referred to as Astrum Argentum but esoterically called A .'. A .'. --- and more popularly known as the Great White Brotherhood. I have practiced various forms of magick for twenty-five years --- and such disciplines include my being a practicing alchemist, specializing in spiritual alchemy. I am also a student of the Greater Egyptian and Atlantean Mysteries, as well as a practitioner of sigil magick. My initial identification with magick made itself known to me upon my first reading of THE LORD OF THE RINGS in the early 1970's. I knew that I was akin to TOLKIEN'S dueling wizards --- the black magick evil SARUMAN and the white magick pure GANDALF --- although I was never in doubt as to which side of the battle I would line up.

I first became acquainted with ALEISTER CROWLEY and THELEMA and THELEMIC MAGICK through the music and lyrics of JIMMY PAGE and LED ZEPPELIN. LED ZEPPELIN is the number two all-time best selling band behind The BEATLES --- and they were all about as JIMMY PAGE once so famously said, "Power, Mystery, and the Hammer of the Gods." For example, the lyrics to the Led Zeppelin song Carouselambra, which appears on their 1979 album "In Through The Out Door," feature multiple quotations from Crowley's own Thelemic writings.

I also will explain how I discovered that 7 4 1 were the numbers that best described me --- and why they have to be arranged in that particular order of 7 4 1 and not 147 or 417 or anything else for that matter. I have always described my Cabbalistic number to be 7 4 1, and when I took the time to learn and understand numerology, I understood that it could be no other number.

Even in 1984 when I was told that these numbers 7 4 1 would be prominent in my life, I never bothered to tell this friend that these numbers had already been following me for more than a decade prior to that conversation. For one example, the farm on which I grew up was located at 11473 Broadway. Having noticed long ago that this was already the case, I listened to everything my friend said that day. These numbers appeared only when the most important decisions were being made. These numbers have never mislead me, or lead me to a negative experience or an incorrect or fallible answer.

When I set about designing a sigil for my own spiritual families' use, I wanted to accomplish three things. I wanted it to incorporate the 1, 4, and 7. I wanted to create a design that could not be inverted, reversed, or defeated in any way. I also needed it to be a flexible design, so it could be easily adaptable for use in more than just one act of magick. This way, the sigil could grow in power as it is used for more tasks.

This article is separated into three sections. First, I will tell you the full meaning of SIGIL 7 4 1. Next, I will share with you the meaning and the rationale behind LAMEN 7 4 1. Finally, I will share with you the full INVOCATION AND PROTECTION RITUAL. Each step forward employs the use of the full power of the step previous --- such as the LAMEN incorporates the SIGIL, and the RITUAL incorporates both the LAMEN and the SIGIL.


Section # 1 - SIGIL 7 4 1 - The Meaning

NOTE: For the purpose of this discussion, when I refer to SIGIL 7 4 1, this is to what I am referring:

To begin, because 7 4 1 is a number that contains three digits, it was important to design a sigil that was constructed out of three design elements. Before making the design, I consulted my symbol dictionaries, numerology books, and archetypes encyclopedias. I wanted this sigil to remain consistent in my use of the individual elements, as with regard to the original meanings of the archetypal shapes themselves.

These three archetypal design elements were as follows:

• 01) Infinity Sign



• 02) As above . . . so below



• 03) Metaphysical and magickal meaning of 7 4 1

• 01) KETHER = AHA! or The Final Understanding or The Great Spiritual Work of Magick = Crown = Admirable Intelligence



• 02) CHOKMAH = Wisdom = Illuminating Intelligence



• 03) BINAH = Understanding = Sanctifying Intelligence



• 04) CHESED = Mercy or Love = Receiving Intelligence



• 05) GEBURAH = Severity or Intensity = Radical Intelligence



• 06) TIPHARETH = Beauty = Intelligence of Meditating Influence



• 07) NETZACH = Victory or Success of Endeavor = Hidden Intelligence

Before I continue with the discussion of LAMEN 7 4 1 --- let me take a moment to explain to those readers who may be beginners at magick what exactly a LAMEN is and what it is not. A LAMEN is the breastplate of the magickian --- and as Aleister Crowley wrote in LIBER ABA (pgs. 110-112):

"In this Lamen the Magician must place the secret keys of his power."

Even though this design was used as part of the altar arrangement --- on the actual LAMEN --- the crystals and precious gemstones would be actually imbedded into the breastplate itself. But for our purposes here, the diagrammatic representation was more than appropriate for the use on the altar. This was done because both godparents are nowhere near as advanced as the Mage and the mother-to-be. For instructional purposes --- this was most useful.

LAMEN 7 4 1 is a pentacle with SIGIL 7 4 1 in the center pentagonal area --- it is from THIS that all magickal protection emanates.

We also have the five elements --- which are as follows:

01) Air = Truth and Wisdom (The Father-To-Be)

02) Water = Healing and Transformation (The Mother-To-Be)

03) Earth = Strength (The Godfather = The Father's Best Friend)

04) Fire = Justice (The Godmother = The Mother's Best Friend)

05) Spirit = A New Beginning (The Child-To-Be)

Additionally, we have the alchemical symbols for each of these five elements in their appointed places amongst the five emanations of the pentacle.

Lastly, among the alternating points of the pentacle, we have five areas where five crystals and precious gemstones have been placed. These five represent the two power crystals of both the mother and father, a crystal to aid in scrying and future-seeing, a protection stone, and a birthing stone. All of these stones and crystals were cleansed, charged, and placed amongst the altar and the temple as part of a very specific grid. The design of this grid was based upon the exact location in latitude and longitude, of where the protection invocation ritual was performed. The methodology in how the grid was designed employed astrological considerations, as well as having used aspects of Qabalistic numerology and Gematria, as well as the common sense of the Mage himself.



The Meanings of the Five Major Crystals and Precious Gemstones:

NOTE: Before I mention anything else about crystals and precious gemstones --- please understand that it is ALWAYS going to bring better results if you use large and heavy pieces. Those small crystals and stones that are sold in lots of places are no good because they are small and carry little capacity and amplification ability. Therefore, with these five major pieces listed below --- they totaled nearly ten pounds in combined weight. This adds more capacity and more ability when actually performing the ritual. All crystals and precious gemstones combined weighed exactly 14.7 lbs. in weight --- as is further described below.

• Amethyst (Father's Power Crystal) - 1,488 gr. (3.28 lbs.)

• Rose Quartz (Mother's Power Crystal) - 453 gr. (1 lb.)

• Clear Quartz (Crystal of Prophecy) - 612 gr. (1.35 lbs.)

• Grey 'Marbled' Onyx (Protection Stone) - 1,474 gr. (3.25 lbs.)

• Malachite (Birthing Stone) - 340 gr. (0.75 lbs.)

• Aqua Aura (Siberian Blue) (Truth and Communication Crystal) - 45 gr. (1.625 oz.)

• Bloodstone (Cleanser and Amplifier Stone) - 70 gr. (2.5 oz.)

• Clear Crystal Wolf and Lioness with Cub (Two Amplifying Antennas) 1,586 gr. (55.94 oz.)

• Gold (Element of Alchemy) 30 gr. (1 oz.)

• Silver (Element of Alchemy) 30 gr. (1 oz.)

• Laboradorite (Meditation Stone) 171 gr. (6 oz.)

• Jasper Spheres (Filtering Stone) 173 gr. (6.1 oz.)

• Rutilated Quartz (Aural Cleanser and Protector) 130 gr. (4.625 oz.)

• Tiger's Eye (Talisman and Third-Eye Opener) 43 gr. (1.5 oz)

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

All of the following books were consulted in the creation of this ritual and in the writing of these instructions:

ANDREWS, TED - Animal-Speak (2000)

GAUTAMA BUDDHA - Dhammapada (Translated by Thomas Byrom PhD.) (1993)

CROWLEY, ALEISTER - LIBER 777 (1912)

CROWLEY, ALEISTER - LIBER ABA (Magick Book 4) (1913)

CROWLEY, ALEISTER - LIBER AL vel LEGIS (Book of the Law) (1904)

CROWLEY, ALEISTER - Magick In Theory and Practice (1929)

DALI LAMA - Tibetan Tradition of Mental Development (1974)

GODWIN, DAVID - Godwin's Qabalistic Encyclopedia (1979)

HALL, JUDY - The Crystal Bible: The Definitive Guide To Crystals (2003)

INTERNET SACRED TEXT ARCHIVE - CD-ROM Version 2.0 (2003)

Mac GREGOR MATHERS, S.L. - The Sacred Magick of Abramelin The Mage (1458)

PROPHECY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Delphi Associates Newsletter (February 2002)

PROPHECY RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Spiritual Remote Viewing Training Handbook (2002)

SIMPSON, LIZ - The Book of Chakra Healing (1999)

SIMPSON, LIZ - The Book of Crystal Healing (1997)

WALKER, BARBARA - The Woman's Encyclopedia of Symbols and Sacred Objects (1988)

Pantacle 741

The Grounding of Kentroversy

The magickal tool known as Pantacle 7 4 1 is a disc seven inches in diameter, whereupon I was able to once again embed the numerology of the 7, 4, and 1, as is the case in all of my willed acts and creations. In the construction of Pantacle 7 4 1, my design choices were predicated upon the structure of this underlying numerology. While Crowley wrote some pretty specific instructions [Liber ABA, pg. 95], it was more important to my overall magickal schema that I utilize my own measurements, which further layer the 7 4 1 power upon the proceedings.

As the pantacle symbolizes the element of earth, the pantacle described in this essay was likewise made from wood, and not wax. Just as I do when I write my own rituals, I use certain pre-existing materials as a guide and not a recipe to be followed to the letter. While there are certain instructions that do need to be followed exactly, the pantacle however, is not one of them. What is far more important is that the magickal skills and abilities are represented correctly, so they may be accessed whenever the power needs to be manifested.  

In fact, the whole project did not hit me until I was there in the craft store, with this wooden disc staring me in the face! The piece of wood that I discovered in this store was supposed to be used as a clock face --- and for my purposes, it was perfect in every dimension. As I have previously written, the Qabalistic meaning of the number 741 corresponds to what I refer to as the ‘Aha! Moment’ --- that magickal moment where final understanding occurs. The number 741 is also a title of Kether, the summit of the Tree of Life. [Godwin’s Cabalistic Encyclopedia, pg. 594] Thus, when I came to understand the serious nature of my own true potential, it was at that precise time that I began my own journey down the long and often arduous path of the practicing magician. 

Just as I have done throughout my entire magickal career, I injected my own creativity into the construction of the pantacle that this essay discusses. In keeping with the underlying numerological theme, there are four mottoes along the outer circle, which have been written in Hebrew. I will provide both the Latin and English translations, so the reader will be able to follow along, from the creation of the pantacle; to the finished piece, which is then, ready for use. However, upon careful examination of this string of Hebrew words, only three mottoes can be discerned. The idea behind this was to incorporate the concept of “to know, to will, to dare, and to be silent!” --- which follows below:

• To Know – I know that I am Frater Kentroversy, so named because I strive for anything different, which is to most people, highly controversial. It is a term that describes me perfectly. I also know that the number of Kentroversy is 741, and over these many years I have been practicing magick, I have also come to know my abilities and true power, as well as the secret key to that power. I also know toward what ends I direct my magickal abilities, which also was one of the most empowering moments I have ever come to understand and experience.

Before the student magician can proceed to the next step, he or she must come to terms with the operant knowledge of silencing the mind. The first two questions all new students of magick ask are; “where do I begin?,” and “how do I begin?” Again, I am going to stress the controversial, as I believe that self-initiation is the best manner in which to study. This way, advancement is dependent on the aspirant’s will, knowledge, and attainment, and not upon lodge politics.

This statement is based upon the results of my own research into this issue, where the typical secret society with degrees of initiation as its’ path, see approximately 95% of all members limited to the lower degrees, where the candidate is told that the highest rank is that which they just received. The candidate is excited, believing they have been let in on something secret. However, using Freemasonry as an example, there are thirty additional degrees above the one called Master Mason! The ones who attain this degree believe they are at the top of the pyramid, when in fact, they are pitifully at the bottom.

I have a copy of Aleister Crowley’s Certificate of Appointment as National Grand Master of the O.T.O. for Great Britain and Ireland, signed by Frater Superior Theodor Reuss on April 21, 1912 ev. Crowley is listed on this document as 33rd degree Scottish Rite, 90th degree Rite of Memphis, and 95th degree Rite of Mizraim, and Xth degree O.T.O. This document has been photographically reproduced in quite an extraordinary book entitled Occult Theocracy, by Lady Queensborough (Edith Starr Miller), a privately circulated book, which was published in 1933. I have an original copy, which I picked up for an outrageously small amount of money. Coincidentally, this book has exactly 741 pages!

I wanted to mention this matter concerning Crowley, because in his Freemasonic initiation, he was superiorly advanced. The sad thing about the formal lodge system is that the vast majority of the members are never offered multiple tracts through the levels of initiation. In fact, my own research has shown that as many as 95% of all Freemasons are limited to the three lowest ‘Blue Lodge’ degrees. These degrees from lowest to highest are; Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These are known as the Craft Degrees, and this system of these three degrees is known as Symbolic or Blue Lodge Freemasonry.

While Master Masons may take pride in being on the inside, they are sadly misinformed. Over the years, I have spoken to many Freemasons, and they were nearly all unaware of this system of degrees beyond Master Mason. Therefore, it may appear to be true that as many as 95% of members see this as nothing more than an adult extension of the collegiate fraternity system; where members get away from their family lives for a couple hours a few times per month. One mason I spoke to told me that it was nothing more than a fundraising organization! I think its’ pretty safe to say that guy wasn’t a 33rd degree himself!

This is the major reason why I never joined this system, I simply preferred at that time of my life to work alone.

Out of decades of study and practice, I am now beginning to teach and mentor others. This is an awesome responsibility, and it is one task I am ready to undertake with a vengeance. The classes I lead at my home, as well as my participation at Maybe Logic Academy have shown to me that all that work in silence and solitude was certainly worth it. The small group of Academy students that have come seeking my advice have warmed my heart with their support and encouragement.

To all beginning students of magick, and especially those who are considering such a life path; there is one more minor detail that needs to be discussed, because it is part of this ‘to know’ category. For what do you want to use your magick? There are many methods of projecting willed intent, a few ideas for your further consideration might be; Sigil magick, Divination, Thelema, Chaos magick, invocation, evocation --- just to name a few common types of magickal projection. Part of knowing is having direction, even under problematic conditions.

With the motto Kentroversy, everyone who knows me personally, realizes that I seek to shatter all expectations with the manner in which I live my life. Although this has also made me enormously unpopular with those somnolent sheep of this world, it has given me encouragement when others might have given in and given up. This is how I practice my magick, with complete joi d’vive! 

My motto for this step is in English: “Kentroversy.”

• To Will – As truth is of central and paramount importance in my life, it is quite natural for my willed intent to involve truth in its’ most ideal application. This is what I stand for, as well as expect of those with whom I associate. I also believe in truth in magick, an idea that my magick is only to be used for honest reasons. I cannot in good conscience ask that those around me be honest in their dealings with me, and then lie, cheat, and steal in return.

My motto for this step is in Latin: “Hoc est Verum et Nihili Nisi Verum.”

English translation: “The truth and nothing but the truth.”

• To Dare – Because I am a teacher of magick and metaphysics, plus a lover of books and reading, my daring act of willed intent must involve these very tools. The manner in which our world has grown intolerant is through something I will call intellectual fascism. This is a term that is credited to Albert Ellis, who in 1970, published a nine-page article by that title for the Journal of Human Relations. Intellectual fascism is the idea that there exists a group of people who are inferior, and a great deal of truth and knowledge is withheld from that group.

So, who would you imagine is trapped in this ‘Blue Lodge’ world? That’s right, those of us who are not in the upper 5% of all wealth on the planet --- we have been given a version of life that in no way comes close to what is learned by those high-level initiates of the various mystery schools. Incidentally, if you would like an education of the teachings of the various mystery schools, please watch the first three Star Trek television series’, which are known to fans as The Original Series [TOS], The Next Generation [TNG], and Deep Space Nine [DS9]. In particular, TNG broadcasted a tremendously important allegory on Astrotheology in the series’ seventh and final season. It was an episode entitled ‘Masks.’ If anyone reading these words has access to this episode, please do watch it, as it is an excellent representation of a mystery school play, similar in form to something like the Rites of Eleusis.

One of my pet peeves in this life is the helplessly and hopelessly ill-educated who roam among us. There is no excuse for such behavior, as it seems people actually enjoy the path of the uneducated. I am a vociferous advocate for both books and learning of all types, and naturally, this had to become a central part of my magickal destiny. One of my other goals is to help people uncover the secret to their own power, and I try to present a smorgasbord of disciplines and approaches.  

My motto for this step is in Latin: “Kentroversy defensatrix bibliotheca.”

English translation: “Kentroversy defends books and knowledge.”

• And To Be Silent! – Obviously, with the last motto of this configuration pertaining to silence, I cannot print the full motto here at this time. However, I will say that it is something that all of my enemies get to know about me personally. Since I began using the silent motto - .’. - .’. - .’. --- I have never lost a conflagration with which I have been involved. Please do not misunderstand my usage of this word, as I am a Sagittarian, which is a fire sign. I was born on November 23, 1961 --- 11/23/61 --- which is a double seven. In fact, seven has played a role in my life from the very beginning.

Whenever I perform Tikune magick (a Qabalistic term meaning karma), I do so only in protection of myself and my family. However, if someone wants to attack me with malice, I have no problem getting down to business. This is why I have been so successful in this area. 

My motto for this step is in Latin: - .’. - .’. - .’.

                  English translation: - .’. - .’. - .’.

The inner circle area of the pantacle features the five-pointed pentagram, with the names of ten angels around the outside. These represent the seven planets of the ancients, along with the three angels that represent the months of birth of my wife, myself, and our son.

Here is how the list breaks down --- all of the following are from Gustav Davidson’s book entitled ‘A Dictionary of Angels: Including The Fallen Ones,’ with the page numbers following each entry:

• Gustav Davidson – ‘A Dictionary of Angels: Including The Fallen Angels’

• Archangel, Angel of Fire, Protection Angel – Michael (pgs. 193-195)

• Michael is known to be the greatest of all angels. He is chief of the archangels, and is the ruler of 4th heaven. Michael also relates to fire and the sun, and as such, he is ranked most-important.  

• Angel of November – Advachiel (pg. 7)

• Advachiel is known as the Angelic protector of November, as well as ruling over the sign of Sagittarius.

• Angel of August – Hamaliel (pg. 134)

• Hamaliel is the Angelic protector of the month of August, as well as governor of the rulers of the order of virtues.

• Angel of March – Malahidael (pg. 179)

• Governing angel of the month of March.

• Angel of the Moon – Gabriel (pgs. 117-119)

• Second only to the sun is the moon, and that makes Gabriel the number two in command. In the Old Testament, only Michael and Gabriel are mentioned by name.

• Angel of Saturn – Kafziel (pg. 164)

• In addition to being the Angel of Saturn, Kafziel serves as one of two chief aides to Gabriel when Gabriel goes into battle.

• Angel of Jupiter – Zadkiel (pg. 324)

• In addition to being the Angel of Jupiter, Zadkiel assists Michael when Michael goes into battle.

• Angel of Venus – Aniel (pg. 48)

• In addition to being the Angel of Venus, Aniel can also be invoked as an amulet against evil. 

• Angel of Mercury – Raphael (pgs. 240-242)

• Raphael is not only the Angel of Mercury, he is “one of the Watchers.” He was also sent by God to heal an injury to Jacob’s leg, and Raphael was my principal protecting angel when I convalesced from a serious automobile accident in July 1993. He is the angel of healing, and with my wife being a nurse, this was more than an apt choice.

• Angel of Mars – Sammael (pg. 255)

• In addition to being the Angel of Mars, Sammael was represented in the Second Book of Enoch as a magician. [2 Enoch 10:4, pg. 268] Because of this, I consider Sammael to be an angelic protector of magick and of magicians.

KDB Note: In the book above, there is also a listing of the monthly angelic correspondences on pg. 341, and a planetary angelic correspondence listing on pg. 342. Additionally, the month of November is my own birth month, August is the birth month of my wife, and March is the birth month of our son.

The reason why I placed the symbols for the elements on the inside of the star, is so that I can use the pantacle as a teaching aide, as well as being an example of what a pantacle looks like. And, of course, Sigil 7 4 1 is the center from which all magickal power emanates. Graphically, there is a slight blurring effect on the star from the bottom, in the upward direction, so the star looks like it is in the process of ascension. This is certainly true of the willed intent of myself as a teacher. It is my hope that I can become a vehicle to facilitate their further spiritual enlightenment and illumination, so each student may become the star that is their destiny, each with their own orbital pathway throughout.

The manner in which the pantacle was constructed was by using a prefabricated piece of wood that measured exactly seven inches across (and .74 inch thick) of pine. The edge around the circumference was milled and beveled, so that one side was slightly wider than the opposite side. I designed and printed out the pentagram on my ink-jet printer. Then, I affixed the two designs to the obverse and reverse of the pantacle.

I bought the piece of wood, a bottle of decoupage [a type of glue and acetone mixture], and a couple of brushes for under ten dollars. What this stuff is like is a liquid glue, that is white in the bottle, but dries clear, with the slight scent of acetone (nail polish remover). I had the sandpaper at home, and sanded everything down to remove all sharp edges and surfaces.

Next, I painted one side of the wood with a fairly heavy coating of decoupage. Next, I placed the design down firmly on the glue. You only have one shot to do this so make sure you practice a few times before laying down both the glue and your design. This stuff dries fast, so it is crucial not to create air-bubbles or wrinkles. I had a small wrinkle on the reverse side, but was able to fix it in subsequent coats.

Once you work out all positioning, then paint right on top of the design you just laid down on top of the sticky surface you just painted. The idea here is to seal the entire surface, with the design stuck to the wooden disc. I painted each side with four coats on top of the one which painted the original surface of the wood, for a total of five coats per side. It took twenty minutes for each coat to dry, and between both sides, it took me about three hours to finish.

When I did each coat, I rotated between a north-south and east-west pattern, with the brush stokes. When I was finished, it looked like a clear canvass sealing in the pantacle design, which was beneath with no visual obstructions whatsoever. I did it this way because I am completely useless when it comes to woodworking. I have no tool shop in my basement, so this seemed like the least invasive manner in which to complete this project.  

One last thing that I want to mention about this is that when you use this material, please do not cover the entire side of the disc with your design. Give about half an inch all the way around so the paper can stick better to the wood. Remember, you are creating a seal, which binds the paper to the wood. When finished, I know have an entirely appropriate new addition to my magickal toolbox.

In closing, I would like the reader to think about these wise words from the second book of Enoch:

“Blessed are the just who shall escape the Great Judgment, for they shall shine forth more than the sun sevenfold, for in this world the seventh part is taken off from all; light, darkness, food, enjoyment, sorrow, paradise, torture, fire, frost, and other things; he put all down in writing, so that you may read and understand.” 

--- 2 Enoch 66:7-8, pgs. 301-302 

So that you may understand, yea, so that you may understand!

Kent Daniel Bentkowski

Buffalo, New York USA

November 27, 2004

Bibliography:

The following books and magickal texts were used in the writing of this essay:

Crowley, Aleister – Liber ABA [Magick Book 4], 2nd Revised Edition, 1913 & 1997

Davidson, Gustav – A Dictionary of Angels, 1967

Enoch – The Books of Enoch, 2001 edition [published by TGS Services]

Kraig, Donald Michael – Modern Magick, 2nd Edition, 1988 & 1998

Queensborough, Lady – Occult Theocracy [privately published], 1933

Regardie, Israel – The Golden Dawn, 6th Edition; 1971, 1986, 1989

Westcott, W. Wynn – Numbers: Their Occult Power and Mystic Virtues, 1890 & 1902