7 - Making and Consecrating your Elemental Weapons

The Elemental Weapons are the four basic instruments of the magician and are representative of the Four Alchemical Elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. The attributions of the Weapons to the Elements has for a long time laboured under the ascriptions given by the Golden Dawn which associated them as follows:

However this incorporates a blind, and in fact if these attributions are considered in depth it will be seen that for some reason the two active weapons, the dagger and the wand, have been interchanged. (1) The weapons may be characterized as follows:

1. The Dagger (Fire) is a weapon made of iron or steel, forged under heat, sharp and incisive like flame. As it is a weapon, it is associated with Mars whose colour is red, the colour of fire. Additionally the Golden Dawn attribution of the Elemental Weapons to the Sephiroth incorporated the same blind, so that despite hitherto published ascriptions, the Dagger is in fact a Weapon of Tiphareth, symbolic of sacrifice and the death and resurrection themes associated with this Sphere.

[1] This does not mean that your weapons will not work if the above ascription is used: of course they will if they have been properly consecrated, but using them will be somewhat like trying to batter someone to death with a dagger or stab them with a staff. Hard work.

2. The Wand (Air) like the Caduceus is part of the insignia of Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods. Mercury is traditionally associated with Air, and his patronage of travellers further confirms the attribution of the Staff or Wand to Air. The wand is the Weapon of Hod, Sephirah of Mercury and magic.

3. The Cup (Water) is obviously ascribed to Water because of its very function. On the Tree of Life the Cup fits on Netzach where its Venusian associations support its emotional receptive and watery nature.

4. The Pentacle (Earth) is the most solid of the weapons and provides a base, the ground for the operation of the other three elements. It is akin to the shield and it is basically a passive and defensive weapon. The pentagram, which is often used as a motif on the Pentacle sums up the union of the four Elements, just as earth is the union and physical manifestation of the other three Elements.

Ideally this should be made by the magician from a piece of pure iron or steel, however it is not always practicable for the magician to completely construct his weapons himself, and as in the old grimoires, the magician was allowed to start with a knife which he had bought (although they go on to stipulate that he should then use this knife to manufacture the other weapons from scratch). In an indirect way the primacy of this weapon also indicates its ascription to the primary element fire. Assuming that the magician has bought a dagger or a knife, preferably with a plain hilt, it is now up to him to inscribe it.

This he can do either by engraving, etching, (2) or less satisfactorily, painting. The simplest inscription is his own magical name, or motto but for those who wish to take the procedure one step further, the following additional inscription of the Godname and Archangelic name of Fire is suggested:


Elohim	Michael

Eliphas Levi suggests (3) that the magical wand 'must be one perfectly straight branch of almond or hazel, cut at a single blow with the magical pruning-knife or golden sickle, before the rising of the sun, at that moment when the tree is ready to blossom. It must be pierced through its whole length without splitting or breaking it, and a long needle of magnetized iron must occupy its entire length. To one of the extremities must be fitted a polyhedral prism, cut in a triangular shape, and to the other a similar figure of black resin.

[2] Probably the easiest process, although not as aesthetically pleasing as engraving. The blade should be heated and (engraver's) wax melted evenly all over it, or alternatively it can be gently warmed and then plunged into a pot of liquid wax. The essence of this is to get a thin even coat on all the metal surfaces then, using a needle cut the letters into the wax thereby exposing the metal underneath. Be careful not to crack off any of the wax. If some comes off start the process again, using a thinner layer of wax. The third step is to leave the dagger in a dilute acid solution (spirits of salt from the local hardware shop will do) allowing it to eat into the metal exposed by the needle. Be careful not to leave it too long or the acid will start to eat laterally, or to expose the hilt and pommel to the acid. Lastly, melt the wax off the blade and polish the result.

[3] Eliphas Levi, Doctrine and Ritual Of Transcendental Magic. Rider, London. p259.

Two rings, one of copper and one of zinc, must be placed at the centre of the wand; which afterwards must be gilt at the resin and silvered at the prism end as far as the ringed centre; it must then be covered with silk, the extremities not included. On the copper ring these characters must be engraved:

The consecration of the wand must last seven days, beginning at the new moon, and should be made by an initiate possessing the great arcana, and having himself a consecrated wand.'

However the aspiring magician need not go to such lengths. It is sufficient to get a length of ash or hazel (4) that is as straight as possible remove its bark and trim it to about one to one and a half feet in length, with a sufficient diameter to inscribe your magical name and the following on it:


YHVH	Raphael

(Edit Note: it should read YHWH in English since no 'V' originally exists -Salmun)

The Cup is the first of the Passive weapons, the Wand and the Dagger being Active Elements. By its very shape it suggests that it (like the Pentacle) is primarily designed for operations of receptivity.

Ideally it should be made of silver, (5) but a glass cup will do. It must be engraved or painted with the magical name of the practitioner, the Godname and the Archangelic name of the Element of Water:


El	Gabriel

[4] For a city dweller even a length of dowling from the local hardware shop will do at a pinch, but wood from a living tree is preferable.

[5] Or copper, which is the metal of Netzach, although there are certain practical disadvantages of a copper cup.

The Pentacle (or more correctly, Pantacle, as it does not necessarily have to have a pentagram inscribed on it) should be made of a disc of zinc, stone, or wood, four inches in diameter, with a border about half an inch wide. This space should have the magical name of the practitioner evenly spaced around it on one side whilst on the other side (within the border) should be inscribed the Archangelic and Godname of Earth, thus:


Adonai	Auriel

Inside the border, should be a pentagram on the side which bears your own magical name, and a hexagram (ie Star of David) on the side which bears the Godname and Archangelic name. Thus the Pentacle symbolizes the essential unity of man (the pentagram) and the universe (the hexagram). The side of the Pentacle facing upwards can then be varied according to the nature of the work in hand.

If the names on the weapons are painted, then the following colours should be used:

Fire - red
Air - yellow
Water - blue
Earth - black, or a quartering of citrine, russet, olive, and black.

It is worth mentioning at this point that the Dagger is in no way the same instrument as the Sword, although both are referred to Fire, and both are very similar fighting weapons, the Dagger is attributed to Tiphareth (the Sun) and is one of the Four Elemental Weapons, whilst the Sword is a separate weapon attributed to Geburah (Mars) and has no part to play in elementary magical work, not being called upon till something of the order of a full evocation is in hand.

Having made your Elemental Weapons it is now time to set about consecrating them.

Dagger

Wand

Cup

Pentacle

Sword

a. A lighted lamp or candle (symbol of Fire)
b. A rose (or in winter a bowl of dried rose petals) (symbol of Air)
c. A cup of red wine (symbol of Water)
d. A plate of bread and salt (symbol of Earth)
e. Incense and burner
f. A glass of previously prepared Holy Water (6)
g. The Dagger to be consecrated.

1. Perform the Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. (7)

2. Walk around the circle with the glass of Holy Water sprinkling it to the four quarters, saying: 'So therefore first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire must sprinkle with the Lustral Water of the loud-resounding Sea.'

Then, taking either the incense burner or a stick of incense, circumambulate around the circle again, pausing at each quarter, and saying:

'And when, after all the Phantoms are vanished, thou shalt see that Holy formless Fire, that Fire which darts and flashes through the hidden depths of the Universe, hear thou the Voice of Fire.' (8)

3. Walk around the Temple three times in a clockwise direction, pausing each time at the East and saying: 'Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe. Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed. Holy art Thou, the Vast and Mighty One, Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.'

5. Stand by the altar and face South (the quarter of Fire) and with your hand make the Pentagram of Fire over the Dagger.

'O Thou, Who art from everlasting, Thou Who hast created all things, and doth clothe Thyself with the Forces of Nature as with a garment, by Thy Holy and Divine Name Elohim (pronounce El-o-heem) whereby Thou art known especially in that quarter we call Darom (pronounce Dar-omm), the South, I beseech Thee to grant unto me strength and insight for my search after the Hidden Light and Wisdom. I entreat Thee to cause Thy wonderful Archangel Michael, Who governeth the Works of Fire, to guide me in the Pathway; and furthermore to direct Thine Angel Aral to watch over my footsteps therein. May the ruler of Fire, the powerful Prince Seraph by the gracious permission of the Infinite Supreme, increase and strengthen the hidden force and occult virtues of this Dagger that I may be enabled with it to perform aright those Magical operations for which it has been fashioned. For which purpose I now perform this rite of Consecration in the Divine Presence of Elohim.'

[6] See Chapter Four for details of the production and consecration of Holy Water.

7. With your hand trace in the air the Invoking Pentagram of Fire and read the Invocation to the King: (10) 'In the Three Great Secret Holy Names of God borne upon the Banners of the South, Oip Teaa Pedoce, (11) I summon Thee, Thou Great King of the South, Edel Pernaa (12) to attend upon this Ceremony and by Thy presence increase its effect, whereby I do now consecrate this Magical Dagger. Confer upon it the utmost occult might and virtue of which Thou mayest judge it to be capable in all works of the nature of Fire so that in it I may find a strong defence and a powerful weapon wherewith to rule and direct the Spirits of the Elements.'

8. Trace in the air over the Dagger the Hexagram of Saturn, (13) and read the Invocation to the Six Seniors: (14) 'Ye Mighty Princes of the Fire Quadrangle, I invoke you who are known to me by the honourable title, and position of rank of Seniors. Hear my petition, oh ye mighty Princes, the Six Seniors of the Fire quarter of the Earth who bear the names of Aaetpoi Aapdoce Adoeoet Anodoin Alndvod Arinnap (15) and be this day present with me. Bestow upon this Dagger the strength and purity whereof ye are Masters in the Elemental Forces which ye control; that its outward and material form may remain a true symbol of the inward and spiritual force.'

[10] One of the four Great Kings of the Elemental Tablets of the Enochian System.

[15] Ah-ah-et-poh-ee Ah-ah-ped-o-key Ad-o-ee-o-ee-t An-o-dee-o-in Al-en-dee-vee-od Ar-in-nap.

9. Take the Dagger and inscribe with it the Greater Invoking Pentagram of Fire in the Four quarters preceding each Fire Pentagram with an Active Invoking Pentagram of Spirit. Charge each Fire Pentagram with the divine name, Elohim. (16)

14. Reverse (17) the original circumambulation by walking three times anti-clockwise around the Temple pausing each time at the West to say:

'In the name of Yeheshuah, I now set free any Spirits that may have been imprisoned by this ceremony.'

[17] The reverse circumambulation here is a Golden Dawn tradition; it tends to balance the three circumambulations performed earlier in the ceremony. In practice however it works more as a decharging influence and can be usefully omitted when actually consecrating your magical weapons.

[18] Again to balance the original declaration in the East, and also because of the old tradition of praying to the East, the source of life and light, but of addressing spirits to the West, the direction of the Egyptian Amenti.

The altar should be provided with the same equipment as for the consecration of the Dagger.

1. Perform the Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentragram. (19)

2. Walk around the circle with the glass of Holy Water sprinkling it to the four quarters, saying:

'So therefore first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire must sprinkle with the Lustral Water of the loud-resounding Sea.'

Then, taking either the incense burner or a stick of incense, circumambulate around the circle again, pausing at each quarter, and saying:

'And when, after all the Phantoms are vanished, thou shalt see that Holy formless Fire, that Fire which darts and flashes through the hidden depths of the Universe, hear thou the Voice of Fire.'

5. Stand by the altar and face East (the quarter of Air) and with your hand make the Pentagram of Air over the Wand.

'Oh Thou, Who art from everlasting, Thou Who hast created all things, and doth clothe Thyself with the Forces of Nature as with a garment, by Thy Holy and Divine Name YHVH (pronounce Ye-ho-wah) whereby Thou art known especially in that quarter we call Mizrach, the East. I beseech Thee to grant unto me strength and insight for my search after the Hidden Light and Wisdom. I entreat Thee to cause Thy wonderful Archangel Raphael who governeth the Works of Air to guide me in the Pathway; and furthermore to direct Thine Angel Chassan, to watch over my footsteps therein. May the ruler of Air, the powerful Prince Ariel by the gracious permission of the Infinite Supreme, increase and strengthen the hidden force and occult virtues of this Wand that I may be enabled with it to perform aright those Magical operations for which it has been fashioned. For which purpose I now perform this rite of Consecration in the Divine Presence of YHVH.'

[19] As for the last ceremony, refer to the Appendices for details of the Pentagrams and Hexagrams referred to.

7. With your hand trace in the air the Invoking Pentagram of Air and read the Invocation to the King: 'In the Three Great Secret Holy Names of God borne upon the Banners of the East, Oro Ibah Aozpi (20) I summon Thee, Thou Great King of the East, Bataivah (21) to attend upon this Ceremony and by Thy presence increase its effect, whereby I do now consecrate this Magical Wand. Confer upon it the utmost occult might and virtue of which Thou mayest judge it to be capable in all works of the nature of Air so that in it I may find a strong defence and a powerful weapon wherewith to rule and direct the Spirits of the Elements.'

8. Trace in the air over the Wand the Hexagram of Saturn, and read the Invocation to the Six Seniors: 'Ye mighty Princes of the Air Quadrangle, I invoke you who are known to me by the honourable title, and position of rank of Seniors. Hear my petition, oh ye mighty Princes, the Six Seniors of the Air quarter of the Earth who bear the names of Habioro Ahaozpi Aaozaif Avtotar Htmorda Hipotga, (22) and be this day present with me. Bestow upon this Wand the strength and purity whereof ye are Masters in the Elemental Forces which ye control; that its outward and material form may remain a true symbol of the inward and spiritual force.'

[22] Ha-bee-oro Ah-ah-o-zod-pi Ah-ah-o-zod-ah-eef Av-to-tar Hay-tee-mor-da Hip-o-tee-ga.

9. Take the Wand and inscribe with it the Greater Invoking Pentagram of Air in the four quarters preceding each Air Pentagram with an Active Invoking Pentagram of Spirit. Charge each Air Pentagram with the divine name, YHVH (pronounce Yeh-ho-wah).

14. Reverse the original circumambulation by walking three times anticlockwise around the Temple pausing each time at the West to say:

'Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe.
Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed.
Holy art Thou, the Vast and Mighty One,
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.'

'In the name of Yeheshuah, I now set free any Spirits that may have been imprisoned by this ceremony.'

The altar should be provided with the same equipment as for the consecration of the Dagger.

1. Perform the Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.

2. Walk around the circle with the glass of Holy Water sprinkling it to the four quarters, saying:

'So therefore first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire must sprinkle with the Lustral Water of the loud-resounding Sea.' Then, taking either the incense burner or a stick of incense, circumambulate around the circle again, pausing at each quarter, and saying:

'And when, after all the Phantoms are vanished, thou shalt see that Holy formless Fire, that Fire which darts and flashes through the hidden depths of the Universe, hear thou the Voice of Fire.'

5. Stand by the altar and face West (the quarter of Water) and with your hand make the Pentagram of Water over the Cup.

'O Thou, Who art from everlasting, Thou Who hast created all things, and doth clothe Thyself with the Forces of Nature as with a garment, by Thy Holy and Divine Name El whereby Thou art known especially in that quarter we call Mearab (pronounce Me-arab), the West, I beseech Thee to grant unto me strength and insight for my search after the Hidden Light and Wisdom. I entreat Thee to cause Thy wonderful Archangel Gabriel, Who governeth the Works of Water, to guide me in the Pathway; and furthermore to direct Thine Angel Taliahad (Tal-i-a-had) to watch over my footsteps therein. May the ruler of Water, the powerful Prince Tharsis by the gracious permission of the Infinite Supreme, increase and strengthen the hidden force and occult virtues of this Cup that I may be enabled with it to perform aright those Magical operations for which it has been fashioned. For which purpose I now perform this rite of Consecration in the Divine Presence of El.'

7. With your hand trace in the air the Invoking Pentagram of Water and read the Invocation to the King: 'In the Three Great Secret Holy Names of God borne upon the Banners of the West, Empeh Arsel Gaiol, (23) I summon Thee, Thou Great King of the West, Ra Agiosel (24) to attend upon this Ceremony and by Thy presence increase its effect, whereby I do now consecrate this Magical Cup. Confer upon it the utmost occult might and virtue of which Thou mayest judge it to be capable in all works of the nature of Water so that in it I may find a strong defence and a powerful weapon wherewith to rule and direct the Spirits of the Elements.'

8. Trace in the air over the Cup the Hexagram of Saturn, and read the Invocation to the Six Seniors: 'Ye mighty Princes of the Water Quadrangle, I invoke you who are known to me by the honourable title, and position of rank of Seniors. Hear my petition, oh ye mighty Princes, the Six Seniors of the Water quarter of the Earth who bear the names of Lsrahpm Slgaiol Saiinor Soniznt Laoaxrp Ligdisa (25) and be this day present with me. Bestow upon this Cup the strength and purity whereof ye are Masters in the Elemental Forces which ye control; that its outward and material-form may remain a true symbol of the inward and spiritual force.'

9. Take the Cup and inscribe with it the Greater Invoking Pentagram of Water in the four quarters preceding each Water Pentagram with a Passive Invoking Pentagram of Spirit. Charge each Water Pentagram with the divine name, El.

[25] La-es-rah-pay-em S-el-ga-ee-ol Sa-ee-ee-nor Son-ee-zod-ent La-o-ax-ar-pay Lig-dee-es-ah.

14. Reverse the original circumambulation by walking three times anti-clockwise around the Temple pausing each time at the West to say:

'Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe.
Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed.
Holy art Thou, the Vast and Mighty One,
Lord of the Light and the Darkness.'

'In the name of Yeheshuah, I now set free any Spirits that may have been imprisoned by this ceremony.'

1. Perform the Qabalistic Cross and the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.

2. Walk around the circle with the glass of Holy Water sprinkling it to the four quarters, saying:

'So therefore first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire must sprinkle with the Lustral Water of the loud-resounding Sea.'

Then, taking either the incense burner or a stick of incense, circumambulate around the circle again, pausing at each quarter, and saying:

'And when, after all the Phantoms are vanished, thou shalt see that Holy formless Fire, that Fire which darts and flashes through the hidden depths of the Universe, hear thou the Voice of Fire.'

3. Walk round the Temple three times in a clockwise direction, pausing each time at the East and saying: 'Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe. Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed. Holy art Thou, the Vast and Mighty One, Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.'

5. Face North (the quarter of Earth) and with your hand make the Pentagram of Earth over the Pentacle.

'O Thou, Who art from everlasting, Thou Who hast created all things and doth clothe Thyself with the Forces of Nature as with a garment by Thy Holy and Divine Name Adonai (pronounce Ah-don-ai) whereby Thou art known especially in that quarter we call Tzaphon (pronounce Za-fon), the North, I beseech Thee to grant unto me strength and insight for my search after the Hidden Light and Wisdom. I entreat Thee to cause Thy wonderful Archangel Auriel (pronounce Or-ray-el), Who governeth the Works of Earth, to guide me in the Pathway; and furthermore to direct Thine Angel Phorlakh (pronounce For-lak) to watch over my footsteps therein. May the ruler of Earth, the powerful Prince Kerub by the gracious permission of the Infinite Supreme, increase and strengthen the hidden force and occult virtues of this Pentacle that I may be enabled with it to perform aright those Magical operations for which it has been fashioned. For which purpose I now perform this rite of Consecration in the Divine Presence of Adonai.'

7. With your hand trace in the air the invoking Pentagram of Earth and read the Invocation to the King:

'In the Three Great Secret Holy Names of God borne upon the Banners of the North, Emor Dial Hectega, (26) I summon Thee, Thou Great King of the North, Iczhicial (27) to attend upon this Ceremony and by Thy presence increase its effect, whereby I do now consecrate this Magical Pentacle. Confer upon it the utmost occult might and virtue of which Thou mayest judge it to be capable in all works of the nature of Earth so that in it I may find a strong defence and a powerful weapon wherewith to rule and direct the Spirits of the Elements.'

8. Trace in the air over the Pentacle the Hexagram of Saturn, and read the Invocation to the Six Seniors: 'Ye mighty Princes of the Earth Quadrangle, I invoke you who are known to me by the honourable title, and position of rank of Seniors. Hear my petition, oh ye mighty Princes, the Six Seniors of the Earth quarter of the Earth who bear the names of Laidrom Alphctga Aczinor Ahmlicv Lzinopo Liiansa, (28) and be this day present with me. Bestow upon this Pentacle the strength and purity whereof ye are Masters in the Elemental Forces which ye control; that its outward and material form may remain a true symbol of the inward and spiritual force.'

9. Take the Pentacle and inscribe with it the Greater Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the four quarters preceding each Earth Pentagram with a Passive Pentagram of the Spirit. Charge each Earth Pentagram with the divine name, Adonai (pronounce Ah-doh-nai).

14. Reverse the original circumambulation by walking three times anti-clockwise around the Temple pausing each time at the West to say:

'Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe.
Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed.
Holy art Thou, the Vast and Mighty One,
Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.'

'In the name of Yeheshuah, I now set free any Spirits that may have been imprisoned by this ceremony.'

[28] Lay-ee-drom Al-pay-hay-see-tay-ga Ac-zod-in-or Ah-m-el-ee-see-vee El-zod-ee-en-oh-poh El-ee-ee-ah-en-sa.

The essential pattern of the consecration ceremony should be apparent: it is merely necessary to replace the key words in the ceremony by the ones appropriate to the Weapon being consecrated. All the key words have been italicized in the preceding ceremonies, and providing the correct pentagrams and hexagrams are used, so the weapons will be appropriately charged. The sheer repetitiveness of these rituals aids in impressing the subconscious with the power and efficacy of the weapons.

You have now provided yourself with the four Elemental Weapons, an essential part of your temple equipment. Whenever you use one by itself however always be sure that the other three are present so as not to generate a lack of balance. These weapons should be placed upon your altar for almost all workings and should be used on the altar in the next operation, which is the manufacture and consecration of talismans.

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