|
Claiming a Space: A Banishing
This operation is performed in order to create a space which resonates with the will of the sorcerer. This constitutes a virtual scalar field in which the state at all points in the space is dictated by intent. This could be useful for banishing unwanted entities or energies prior to performing other operations, or as a defensive action in its own right. This was inspired by Peter Carroll’s banishing ritual framework in Liber Null.
Although I use the term dagger throughout, any item which is used to focus and project is appropriate according to the personal desires of the individual, be it a sword, dagger, wand, laser pointer, dildo, etc. While an awareness of the traditional purposes of various magical tools is a good thing, the dogmatic adoption of symbol sets which have no inherent meaning to the user is detrimental. This description is written assuming that the dagger will be held in the right hand.
Begin by standing with feet shoulder width apart in the center of the physical space which is to be claimed. Hold the dagger point down next to your right thigh. Close your eyes and take several deep, relaxing breaths. Open your eyes and bring your arm up to point at a 45 degree angle to the ground, held straight out in front of your right shoulder. The dagger should be held so that its length is in line with your arm.
"By my Will I cleave the dimensions."
Sweep the dagger down, perpendicular to the ground. Visualize it cutting a rift in space-time and leaving a glowing trail in its wake. End the stroke with the dagger pointing straight down beside the right leg.
Bring the dagger back up, pointing directly outward, parallel to the ground. Your arm should form a 90 degree angle with your chest.
"I claim this space from the void."
Turn your body in place clockwise, sweeping the dagger parallel to the ground with your arm outstretched. As this is done, visualize a glowing beam projecting outward from its tip at whatever distance, and in whatever shape, is desired. This beam leaves a trail as you turn a full 360 degrees, ending at the same place as this move was begun from. Return your feet to shoulder width.
From the original outstretched position, raise your arm so that it points straight up.
“As above…”
Sweep your arm in a 180 degree arc in front of you until the tip of the dagger points straight downward toward the point of an equilateral triangle formed with your feet.
“…so below”
Visualize the glowing trail previously created expanding into three dimensions, completely encompassing the claimed space in a nearly transparent but slightly luminous membrane.
“Within this space, I am the first and the last.”
Bend your elbow, and bring your right hand in so that the dagger is in front of your face, held perpendicular to the ground, and pointing up. (If you are familiar with the move, it is like the salute given by fencers before beginning a bout.)
“By my Will, it is done.”
Replace the dagger in its sheath, on the altar, or wherever you wish.
To dispel the claimed space, resume the starting stance with feet at shoulder width and the dagger held point down next to the right thigh. Point your arm up at a 45 degree angle in front of your left shoulder. Sweep it down diagonally from left to right until it is pointing down in front of your right thigh.
"I release this space from my dominion"
Visualize the three dimensional membrane fading out of existence. Take several deep breaths. It is done.
Vargr |