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Cythrawl's Pentacle
Interlaced Magical Patterns
Throughout time, an awful lot of symbolism and meaning have been ascribed to geometric forms, numbers, and other expressions of the dynamic aspect of our spiritual energies. The forms which reflect such a grand notion as "divine nature" have been used throughout the millennia right up until the present day, as we ourselves start to rediscover their ancient meanings and uses, and thus continue their primeval expression anew.
Such symbols carry these extremely dynamic archetypal qualities and often have multiple layers of meaning. It is up to the individual to rediscover such dynamic inner truths, through one's own workings and experience. This is especially true where many possible meanings of the symbol(s) one chooses to use in one's own spiritual search and rituals.
In addition to some of the meanings given herein for the "not-so-simple" pentacle and pentagram, I have decided to add some other forms of geometric form, (not so different from the pentacle itself) and are thus subtly joined inextricably and therefore, you may find answers in your own inner seeking and magickal working. We have also decided though, to offer the following bits of additional information, gleaned from as many sources as we could find and thereby add a little additional guidance to assist in your overall development...
There has long been interest in the talismanic pointed stars and/or patterns and the following collection is but a few that might interest the reader, to help bring the beauty and magic of the ancient sacred geometric forms from all over the globe, used by such a wide and varied group of practitioners such as the Druids, Witches, Alchemists, Magicians, and Caballists, throughout the long ages.
Many of these designs are of an interlaced single line - considered to be spiritually protective as it is a continuous enclosure, unbroken and therefore "gateless" - thus no evil or undesired energy can enter into the circle of the pattern. It is therefore, a complete and endless cycle unto itself. Magical circles are often drawn in this manner, to create a space "between the worlds" so to speak - and offer a safe place for the magickal work being carried out.
Here follows a few examples of the radiant symmetry and power of the pentagram, encompassing its multi-facets and archetypal meanings :
The standard Pentagram
A "pentacle" is a 5-pointed star contained within a circle. It represents the 5 elements of fire, water, earth, air and spirit. This is one form of magical seal. The "pentagram" is a 5 pointed star not enclosed in a circle. These two names often become interchanged. A general rule of thumb is that anything referring to a geometric shape which ends in "cle" means that it is enclosed in a circle.
The pentagram is actually a “unicursal figure”, which is just another way of saying that it can be drawn with a single stroke of a drawing instrument which doesn’t leave the surface at any time during drawing it. Each line in a pentagram is dependent on the whole. In other words, the lines are irrevocably connected to all the others, where no one line is more important than any other line and leaving out one, would destroy the whole.
Rudolf
Koch described it thus:
“The pentagram, a five-pointed star (can be) drawn with one
stroke of the pen...The pentagram has had several different significations at
different times in the history of man...
The Pythagoreans called it the pentalpha (because it looked like five capital ‘A’s’ interconnected), and the Celtic priests (called it) the witch’s foot. It is also known as Solomon's Seal, known in the Middle Ages as the goblin’s cross...It also represented the five senses;...
Amongst the Druids it was called the sign of the Godhead... This sign was also popularly believed to be a protection against demons, and, by analogy, a symbol of safety. It is believed, too, to be the emblem of happy homecoming, whence it’s employment as an amulet.”
The pentagram, was also named Wizard's Star, Star of Bethlehem, Three King's Star, or Druid's foot, is sacred to the Celtic goddess Morgan.
In ancient times, the pentacle was revered as a symbol of life - the four classical elements of earth, air, fire and water, join with spirit to create life. Wearing the pentagram was and is viewed as protection and as a talisman of divine life and good health. The elements are represented by the Craft's Working Tools within the Circle.
The pentagram, in various forms, also represents the three degrees of Wiccan Witchcraft. When the spirit point is down in the second degree, it signifies that the adherent is still ruled by the elements and the spirit still has to undergo more training. By the time the Witch reaches the third degree, where the spirit point is upturned, the adherent has successfully overcome the elements and his or her spirit rules over them.
The protection of the pentagram can be invoked by using the pentagram to make the "sign of the cross", beginning with the right hand at the left breast, going to the forehead, then to the right breast, followed by the left shoulder, crossing to the right shoulder and ending once again at the left breast. A cycle is completed, where the end is the beginning, the Alpha, the Omega. This continuous and closed or gateless sign of protection was used long before the Christians began to cross themselves with a four-pointed cross.
The
numerical properties of the pentagram also includes 13 sides (representing 13
lunar months), and its 8 points for the 8 seasonal rituals.
Why is our particular "Pentacle" at an angle you may ask? In ancient magickal systems and especially even now, as stated above, representing the 2nd and 3rd degrees of Wiccan Witchcraft, you will see the Pentacle in both its upright position and in its inverse position.
Both are extremely meaningful and are fully explained following the relevant initiations and where our pentacle represents these deep attributes, as well as more ancient arcane mysteries.
Cythrawl's Pentacle,
as you can plainly see, is neither upright or
inverse, lying in-between them both and according to one's perception at
any given time, either one or the other can be seen as you look at
the Pentacle.
Life in general has its up's and down's, where sometimes we perceive ourselves to be more positive and "in-charge", while at other times, we might feel overwhelmed by life and its manifestations, and thus Cythrawl's Pentacle represents this constant shifting of perception within life's journey(s).
Our spirit soars and rules over the elements in times of the point being at the top, while at other times, we might feel that the elements are shrouding our spirit at other times and represented by the point being down. Like the Yin and Yang, ther is always a little of its opposite in each of the other. A seed of change.
It is important to note that this happens to everyone, for life does indeed go up and down, but it is our 'perception' of life that is all important and Cythrawl's Pentacle reminds us succinctly of this important fact of perception from within of what is without.
In certain forms of power raising this perception shifting is utilized to great effect, while the aspirant chants extremely powerful formulas. If you look closely; you can see first one, then the other, and this will change at will, as fast as your brain can handle and disseminate the information.
This is one of the more arcane purposes in the setting of the Pentacle in fact. As Gnosis, (an altered state of consciousness), is definitely required for spells to seriously work, the mind and perception must be suitably "altered", so to speak. By looking at the Pentacle and switching one's perception from upright, to inverse, upright, to inverse, etc., the mind will quickly overload and a suitable Gnosis can be achieved.
Besides the more traditional meanings of the Pentacle, one of the additional inner meanings, of Gnosis, is expressed in this way, when the Pentacle is alternately perceived. There are of course other hidden secret arcane meanings as well and will be fully explained at the right time; and relate to a human's place in life and more importantly, Cythrawl's place at the centre of the worlds and universe, as both Destroyer and Creator at the same time.
Just for information purposes at this time, there are powerful letter formulas that are "vibrated" and will definitely work in raising the required power for a working and are extremely potent in magick and yogic mind/body alterations. These powerful words are sometimes utilized along with the Pentacle perception shifting for total gnosis. The use of the correct intonation creates an instant altered and yogic state, and is also taught to initiates of the Coven of Cythrawl at the ventured time.
To lean a little more about the Pentacle, go to a special page and read a little more, that we couldn't fit in on this page due to lack of space, and get a better overall understanding. Click to go to The Star of Life.
"Perception is the key to
reality"
The Double
Pentagram
This
pentagram has often represented the Goddess in Her five stages, representing a
woman's life: in her birth, menarche, maternity, menopause and death. Her
interlaced, interwoven "arms" representing heaven and earth together.
The Ringed
Pentagram
The
interlacing of points and circles which forms a pentagram with five rings was
considered very powerful, mystical and harmonious; the male and female aspects
weaving endlessly and blending together in perfect balance.
'Solomon's
Seal' The Hexagram
Long
before this hexagram became the emblem of Judaism, )called the Star of David),
it was revered as the symbol of the joining of opposites, 'spirit to matter',
'yang to yin', 'heaven to earth', the joining of 'Shiva and Kali' which
maintains life in the everlasting cycles of creation and destruction, the
beginning, the end, the Alpha, the Omega.
The Seal of Solomon is a seal of protection and contains the invisible Seventh Seal, made from the four elements plus the alleged divine number 3.
This symbol was also used in later alchemy to symbolize alcohol - (fire and water), which sought a union of water and heat in perfect harmony. This might possibly have derived from the Hindu union of male fire-lightning with female water found in the 'heart chakra' (Anahola). In fact, the connection to the Ha-Tha (sun-moon), male-female union also carries over in the mystical and powerful "Sri Yantra" symbol, consisting of many triangles intersecting heaven and earth.
The Magic
Hexagram
This
seemingly "gateless" version of the hexagram was designed by Aleister
Crowley as a symbol of his 'Order of the Silver Star' (Astrum Argentum), because
of the Order's need in their rituals for the added protection that they say an
unbroken, or gateless pattern, would provide. No evil spirit or undesired
energy was thought to be able to enter where there is no "lifting" of
the knife or pen, as the pattern is drawn, (such as also found in the regular
Pentragram. It is the "heart chakra" and the symbol of the
resurrected God, representing number 6 (Six
being a "perfect number", as 1 + 2 + 3 = 6), on
the 'Kabalistic Tree of Life' signifies the Sun; the fusion of spirit with
matter in balance, giving great energy and power, which translates to being
extremely positive and decisive, radiating from the center outwards with
exuberance and joy.
The
Seven-Pointed Star
The
Seven-Pointed Star is sometimes
called the Fairy or Elven Star, and where we find this unicursive (one unbroken
line) star being used by those initiates of the "Fairy Way" to
represent the four elements, 'above and below', plus 'the self'.
The number Seven is an ancient 'power number' and has thus always been seen as the traditional "Lucky Number", whilst also being an extremely potent number in itself and further represented by the fact that there are 7 Chakras, 7 Planets, 7 Days of the Week, (Sun, Moon, and 5 visible planets) plus the Christian belief of the 7 Stages of the Soul's Ascension, so it is very easy to see how the number 7 is magically represented. The mystical sum of the number of divinity which is 3 equals the mind, body and spirit, plus the number of manifestation 4 , which equals earth, air, fire and water, which together, equals a total of seven.
The
Eightfold Star
Eight
represents
the intellect, quick wit and the rational mind and is ruled by Mercury on the
Tree of Life. The eightfold pattern has generally been used to correspond
to the Eight Seasonal Rituals, Stability and/or Change, Money, and Abundance
and/or Regeneration.
The
Ninefold Star, 'Nonagrams'
Nine-pointed
designs represent the Moon in the Tree of Life, representing the balanced astral
plane which genrates inspiration and guidance. The 9 is seen as the final
digit, the culmination of all whole numbers and therefore symbolizes completion
and eternity. The number nine is found in many old mythologies from around
the world and is also seen as a power number,
especially noted in this design of 3 x 3, representing mind, body, spirit, past,
present, future, birth, life, death.
The Chinese believe 3 to be most auspicious and can be found in the representation of 9 fishes or carp, while in the Classical Pythagorian System three represents the "masculine" energy, while in Hindu philosophy 9 X 9 = 81, which represents a square mandala, the universe itself.
Twelve-Point Interlace
Besides
the obvious
12 signs of the Zodiac the significance of the number 12 is found in many
ancient magickal associations. The simple beauty of this desgign begets a
powerful pattern that viewed from any angle, can be seen as three interlocked
triangles.
Using the Pentacle to make Magick !
As mentioned above, utilizing the Cythrawl's Pentacle to make true magick, one of the many powerful ways of achieving the required inner Gnosis, is expressed when our Pentacle is alternately perceived from 'point up' to 'point down'.
We have found that one of the most authentic and therefore, pragmatic keys to making "magick" truly work, is the real ability to achieve this ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (Gnosis) and thus raise the necessary power to initiate the magick itself.
Not just any old altered state will do, as it is actually quite precise, yet equally difficult to attempt to imply, define and of course, teach. That is the main problem in magickal traditions; it, (the truth, secret, or whatever you want to call "it"), must come by 'working at "it" ' and when you get "it", you will know "it", and then you will find that you too cannot define or explain "it".
This is the crux and bane of magickal tradition and expresses most succinctly the insurmountable difficulty throughout the ages in the successful transmission of the "secrets" of magick. It also explains why there seem to be so many styles, forms, sects and beliefs, (in that very impossibility of explaining the unexplainable and subsequently being perceived and practiced by every individual, as they "received it"). One can in fact, only point the direction, show the way and act as guide. You cannot be "told it", no more than you can be shown "the" secret. No-one is "the" guru; we are all, and remain, seekers on an everlasting journey, mostly all of us at different places, different junctures and different stages in our life(s).
The required mental shift has been called many names throughout history. Such as Samadhi by the yogis, jnara by the Tantrists, "awake" by the Sufi Muslims. It has been referred to as the Naugul Sorcerer, the Abyss, the crack between worlds. In keeping with the traditions of the old Gnostic sects, this state has come to be called by most magicians and especially Chaotes, (followers of Chaos Magick - see Chaos Magick), as gnosis.
Gnosis is, "the direct perception of the Void" for all intents and purposes. It might be thought of as the state when the discursive mind shuts down, leaving an unfiltered access to the subconscious.
The most common experience of gnosis to the average person can be achieved in many different ways and accounts for the many different styles of "bringing on this state" and in raising the power of sorcerers' around the world. It can be achieved in dancing, whether in wild abandon, or in ever increasing speed of mundane dance. It can be achieved with shaking the head, the body and many other physically dynamic and oft disorientating movements. Other methods might be in the pointedness and abandon of a powerful sexual orgasm. In other words, at the peak of the raising of power, the mind essentially stops thinking, and the consciousness is focused on a single point in space-time. This will all be of no avail however, if the magician does not then know how to properly and firmly direct this extreme charge of dynamic power that has been charged and suitably brought to a dramatic climax.
The Tantrists and Taoists of Asia fully grasped this concept, as too did other mystic-magical sects such as the Mediterranean Gnostics, the Roman cults of Dyonious and the more modern offshoots such as the Fraternus Saturni, and the Ordo Templi Orentis (OTO) to name a few. Aleister Crowley, the infamous magician 666, actually became obsessed with sexual magic as a means to raising the necessary power and achieving that sudden gnostic state and nearly all of his writings and techniques had a strong sexual element. They all studied and practiced it though, because essentially, it worked and worked well.
Indian Tantrists used a suspended Sexual climax in their working, as a means to building tremendous power in the withholding back, but of course these techniques are not the only path to the gnostic state, but is mentioned here only to portray one of the common ways sorcerers found to work well and certainly signifies the similarities found by all serious magical sects throughout the world.
It is a proven fact, that the raising of power is necessary and the resultant sudden gnosis state in release, achieved in any way, actually works and was further developed and researched by nearly all ancient and modern magicians and shamans. Naturally, a magician has to be able to have many other methods of achieving gnosis at their command and the development of many other techniques to attain and control the "pent up" and potential power when whatever forms are utilized. Many ways of obtaining an Altered State should be looked into by each initiate and experimented with, until each individual has more than a few ways to achieve this necessary gnosis and subsequently find their magick getting stronger and stronger.
In the Coven of Cythrawl, there are also systems of self-control and guided meditations, as well as more advanced Pathworkings, by which one can quickly and at will, stimulate, or rather achieve alpha-wave activity in the brain, which is effectively, the hallmark of an effective meditation system, while also achieving new forms of passive gnosis. Which brings us back to Cythrawl's Pentacle once again and the secret sound/vibration that can be utilized along with it, bringing about very powerful altered states which can be focused and released to do our bidding.
Initiates in the Coven of Cythrawl also learn hypnosis and alpha meditation, as well as the more ancient and arcane ancient Frisian techniques, besides the more common Indian and Taoist yogic meditations.
Please also see THE
STAR OF LIFE for more information
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