Dardonas
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2021, 08:19:20 PM »
Sacraments of Power
Book two in a series of works on philosophy, occultism, and the arcane sciences surrounding the Mists and the Core.
.: Foundations of the Occult :.
What may seem like fundamentals to skilled arcanists as myself are often glossed over by the advanced works. Yet, I have seen those I once considered subject matter experts blunder in what should be the most basic steps in the occult arts.
Objective — The primary and fundamental question asked in every ritual that is performed should be “What do I seek to accomplish?” Summoning fiends and performing necromantic rituals should never be done for the arbitrary notch on one’s belt. Rituals are costly endeavors and the resources expended to ensure one is performed should be enough of a deterrent not to engage in pointless matters.
This is even more so true in Faustian bargains with fiends. The carte blanche that is given can often tempt novice magi and the uninitiated into losing sight of their aims and even losing one’s soul for a tertiary goal, or unrelated prospect. Distraction is the death of progress.
Symbolism — Such things are often delegated to the poet, the lyricist, the novelist, the bard. Yet, symbols themselves hold within themselves an innate power in the occult. The sacrifice of the lamb, the blood of a virgin, the skull of the necromancer: these things all have in common potency that the mortal mind prescribes to it. If a ritual is to be successful, one must include all possible advantages in doing so or the efforts are wasted.
Geometry — I would implore the reader to seek out proper formations of magical geometry, as there is a plethora of resources scattered throughout the Core. The most basic ones include the pentagram, growing to intermediate formations with the heptagram, and eventually the extremely advanced triskaidecagon.
Do not attempt to use more advanced formations for simple tasks, as the more straightforward the task the greater the chance of success. Use each according to its need, doing the bare minimum of what is required for the ritual you are attempting to ensure there are no complications.
Acolytes — It is with great hubris that an occultist will tell you that they alone are capable of performing powerful dark rites and sacraments. Acolytes and assistants in a ritual are as important as the ritual’s geometry, as to what I would argue as an extension of the circle itself.
While it is certainly possible to perform acts of great power alone, the mortal eye is flawed, and every ritual has chance of backfiring if done incorrectly. Take heed of my words and use the power of your acolytes and your allies. The cult is not a trophy, it is a resource.
Setting — Perhaps one of the most often glossed over points of ritual is the location and time it is performed. Both of these have roots in my section on symbolism, but it is distinct enough to separate these into their own place.
The location of a ritual must correspond to the significance of what is trying to be performed. All rituals are visceral and act upon the land, and the land acts upon the ritual. Magic is not created from thin air; it is drawn from like water from a reservoir. Draw from a rich source in order to succeed, though take heed not to drink from a poisoned well.
The timing of a ritual holds its own merit in discussing. There is power in the cycles of the moon, and the potential of a full moon is fully utilized when incantations correspond during the witching hour. Lastly, neglect not the timing of the solstices; to each season there is significance and the positions of the sun and moon both work to help or hinder the ritual in question.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2021, 08:39:22 PM by Dardonas »
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