The Magical Philosophy Book II THE APPAREL OF HIGH MAGICR The Symbolism of the Magical Art The Material Keys Melita Denning & Osborne Phillips A complete system of knowledge, rituals, and exercises effective in the development of true magical power and of magical understanding released in book form under authority of the Chiefs of a valid, living occult order. THE MAGICAL PHILOSOPHY This is the definitive work on the Western Mystery Tradition—both setting forth the way mainstream Western occultism has developed and providing a completely modern and psychologically valid re-statement of the Magical Art, The work of Magick is the work of Man, The famous schema of the Qabalah, the “Tree of Life/’ which indicates an entire philosophy by means of ten circles and twenty-two connecting lines, is sometimes taken to be an objective plan of the universe. It is not: it is altogether subjective, It is the plan of the universe interpreted through the focusing lens of human nature. That is both the limit of what we can know and the limit of what concerns us. The perfection to which we aspire must be perfection of the human kind. This aspiration towards perfection is essential to all who follow the path of Magick, Here is no place for scruples about spiritual narcissism, or pride, or anything of that sort. To reject this aspiration would be to will a disharmony in the universal fabric, and would be at least as great a catastrophe as the defects which it might seem to avoid. It is this aspiration, and this reverent sense of purpose which are the most sure marks of the true student of the Qabalah. There is Man, the Microcosm, containing within himseif all those forces he perceives in the external universe, and step by step, in his training, becoming aware of those forces and learning at the same time to evoke and control them. For this is the truth, which the guardians of the Qabalah have known through the ages, and which the most advanced psychologists are beginning to perceive: the inner world and the outer are more closely related than is ever dreamed of by the average man, who thinks of himself as the victim of external circumstances; and the inner world is the more potent. Man makes his world, or is crushed by the worlds made by others. The greater his understanding and the more enlightened his spirit, the better he will carry out this essential task. Man must be realized: he must be given awareness of the splendours which he can know, the attainment which should be his, the sublime bliss which is his true nature, the beauty and majesty of the universe in which he participates. This is the goal of this Work. osv The Order of the Sacred Word, also called the AURUM SOLIS, was founded in 1897 by two dedicated occultists, Charles Kingold and George Stanton, as a practical school of ceremonial magick. Its philosophy is rooted deeply in the Western esoteric tradition: that is, the modern Qabalah, which takes fully into account the medieval magical and alchemical traditions, with their neo-Platonist background and the ancient Mysteries behind all. For High Magick is a true cult of the Mysteries. It is the path of the Sacred King, who is to choose of his own Will the path of sacrifice, and is to rise again and pass into the light of attainment. • The Order has never sought the public gaze, but has worked quietly throughout, developing its own traditions, teaching its pupils and carrying out its own researches. Thus a body of ritual and of teaching material has been built up, which will be found to be harmonious with the work of other Qabalistic orders, but which nevertheless remains distinctive and in many ways unique. The Order was reconstituted in 1971 and is now a private magical group, membership being by invitation only. • Melita Denning at one stage in her career spent about six years travelling in various parts of the world, chiefly concentrating upon the Mediterranean area and the Middle East, collecting first-hand occult and historical knowledge: it was as a consequence of her enquiries into the mystical elements which she here discovered that she came into contact with the researches of the Aurum Solis on kindred matters. She has had considerable experience in writing, teaching and lecturing, and has made a study of Jungian psychology. Her especial interests are ritual drama, Celtic traditions and reincarnation. • Osborne Phillips found his vocation in High Magick early in life, having begun his training under the direction of the late Warden of the O.S.V., Ernest Page, at die age of sixteen. He combines a scientific and realistic approach to magical techniques with a deep love of the ancient Mysteries. He is at present head of the psychic investigation team of the Aurum Solis. In another field entirely, he has made a study of Buddhism and was at one time a pupil of the late U Maung Maung Ji, lecturer in Eastern philosophies, who worked together with U Thant in the cause of international understanding. His languages are German, Latin and Pali. • Both Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips are Adepti Minores of the Aurum Solis. THE MAGICAL PHILOSOPHY Book II THE APPAREL OF HIGH MAGICK Melita Denning & Osborne Phillips THE MAGICAL PHILOSOPHY Book I ROBE AND RING (Philosophy) Book II THE APPAREL OF HIGH MAGICK (Symbolism) Book IH THE SWORD AND THE SERPENT (Qabalah & Magical Art) Book IV THE TRIUMPH OF LIGHT (Psychology & Magick) Book V MYSTERIA MAGICA (Rituals, Techniques, et alia) THE ORDER OF THE SACRED WORD AURUM SOLIS ANNO MDCCCXCVII CONDITO CONSTAT By Authority, N , Administrator-General, O.S.V, •me HCAV£NS OF ASS I AH The Magical Philosophy Book II THE APPAREL OF HIGH MAGICK Melita Denning & Osborne Phillips 1975 LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55165 U.S.A. COPYRIGHT © 1975 by VIVIAN GODFREY and LEON BARCYNSKI All rights reserved. No part of this book, either in part or in whole, may be reproduced, transmitted or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. International Standard Book Number: 0-85742-177-6 First Edition 1975 Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota Typographer: Chester-Kent, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota Lithographer: R. R. Donnelly & Sons Company, Chicago, Illinois Printed in the United States of America For JOHN AND HOPE BRANT who listen when the wind stirs the trees of Albion CONTENTS Chapter Page I Introductory 1 II Mineral Symbolism 11 III Symbolism of the Calendar 31 IV Mathematical Symbolism 51 V Plant Symbolism 69 VI Animal Symbolism 85 VII The City as Symbol 105 VIII Magical Symbolism 119 Appendix A The Elemental Weapons 153 B Exercises and Techniques: 165 Meditation & The Flashing Tablet 167 The Magical Voice 171 The Calyx 173