i

The Magician's Reflection:

The Magician's Reflection:
Guide to
A Complete Guide
A Creating
to Creating
Magical Symbols
Personal Magical Symbols &&
Systems
 The Magician's Reflection:
The Magician's Reflection:
A Guide to
A Complete Guide Creating
to Creating
Magical Symbols
Personal Magical Symbols &&
Systems

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

atlal
Megarithica
t'|egalithica Books

Stafford, E.gland
Stafford, England
Eook
 Magician's Reflection:
The Magician's A Complete
Reflection: A Complete Guide
Guide to
to Creating
Creating Personal
Magical Symbols & Systems
Magical Systems
Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
©
@ 2008 Second edition
2008 Second

A[ rights
All rights reserved,
reserved, including right to
the right
includingthe reproduce this book, or portions
to reproduce portions
thereof, in any form.
thereof,

of Bill
The right of Bill Whitcomb
S7hitcomb to be
be identified of this
identified as the author of work has
this work has
been asserted by them in accordance Patents
accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act, 1988.

htrp: / / www.immanion-pres s. com

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http://www.imagineyourreality.com
:

Cover Aru
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Bigurcod
Cover Design: Andy Bigwood
Nick Pell
Editor: Nick Pell
Layout: Taylor Ellwood
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Set in Garamond
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I\{egalithica Books 2008
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Rowley Grove
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rsBN 97 8-r -9057 13-23-3

ISBN 978-1-905713-23-3
 I II.. 5 . •4 II SAO M.M..1

Dedication

To Marian reflection, glad we're both still

N{arian - Upon reflection, still here.

Acknowledgements

I'd like acknowledge Nick Pa,

to acknowledge
like to Ellwood, and Lupa, whose editorial
Pell, Taylor Ellwood, editorial
assistance and
assistance spiritual support
and spiritual invaluable in producing
support have been invaluable producing the new
new
and improved
and improved Magician's Reflection. Special
l\fagician's Reflection. Thanks to OwiSpirit
Special Thanks OwlSpirit who
who
supplied Alphabet of Dreams
supplied the Alphabet Dreams font.
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 Table of Contents
Table

How to Use This Book 10

Inuoduction
Introduction by
by Nick Pell ll
11
Chapter 1: 1: Magic
Magic t3
13
Part 11 --
-- Magical
M"Scal Symbolism
Symbolism and Exercises
Exercises 20
Chapter 2: Defining
Defining Archetypes
Archetypes 22
Chapter 3: 3: Ritual
Rirual Processes 35
Chapter 4: Colors
Colors 43
Chapter 5: Numbers 52
Chapter 6: Shapes Forms
Shapes and Forrns 60
Chapter 7: Natural Phenomena 66
Chapter 8: 8: Places 75
Chapter 9: 9: Metals 86
Chapter 10:10; Stones 90
Chapter
Chaptet 11:ll: Substances 100
Chapter 12: Li"itg Things
12: Living Things 110
Chapter 13:13: Mythological Creatures
Creatures 129
129
Chapter 14:14: The Human Body 135
135
Chapter 15: Objects and Tools
15: Obiects t45
145
Plants and Hetbs
Chapter 16: Plants Herbs 164
164
Chapter 17: Trees
17: Trees 177
177
All Together
Part 2 -- Putting It All Together t94
194
Chapter 18:18: Personal Symbols 156
Chapter 19:19: Symbol
Symbol Systems 204
Chapter 20:20: Magical Alphabets
Magrcal Alphabets 220
Chapter 21:2l: Energizing
Energizing the System
System 227
V/hat to
Part 3 -- What DoWith
to Do STith aaMagical
Magical Symbol
Symbol System
System 231
Chapter
Chaptet 22:22: The Mrgr. Circle
The Magic Circle 232
Chapte r 23:
Chapter 23: Progression 237
Chapte r 24:
Chapter 24: Pathworking 240
24A
Chapter 25:25: The Magical Name
Magical Name 243
Chapter 26: Magical Tools
26; Magical Tools 246
246
Chapter 27:27: Naming
Naming aa Magical
Magical Being 257
Chapter 28:28: Telesmatic
Telesmatic Images
Images 262
Chapter 29:29: Spirit
Spirit Talismans 264
Chapter 30: Evocation 268
Chapter
Chaptet 31: Invocation 273
Examples of Personal
Personal Symbol
Symbol Systems
Systems 277
Appendix A: NAR Alphabet of the Primordial Elements
A: The NAR Elements 278
Appendix B - The The Alphabet
Alphabet of Dteams
Dreams 321
Bibliography 365
365
Index 369
369
 How to Use This Book
How

Tlte Magician! Reflection

The Magician's intended as
Refhction is intended dictionary of
as a dictionary of symbolism
symbolism and as aa
workbook. It is intended to assist
workbook. assist both in
^ the
in the understanding
understanding and the the creation
creation
of personal symbols
symbols and symbol systems. II hope
symbol systems. that itit will
hope that will bebe of use both
of use both to
people with
people interest in symbolism
general interest
with a general symbolism and and to those who
to those who want to create create
symbols for use in personal development,
their own symbols *titirg, and art. Though
developrnent, writing,
The
Tbe Magician's Reflectioa is designed as a complete work, it
Magirian't Reflection it is also
also serves
senres as as a
supplement to my first book, The Magician's ^s reference work that
a reference
supplement Magidan's Companion,
Companion, a
explores uaditional
explores traditional magical systemsand
magicalsystems and their relationship to the
their relationship thegeneral
general
theories of magic. ItItlists
of magic. listsnumerous
nufirerouscorrespondences
coffespondencesbetween between standard
standard
magical alphabets, symbolic
symbols, alphabets,
magical symbols, associations,and
symbolicassociations, deities or
and deities other
or other
magical beings.
beings.
This book
book explores symbolism from aa different
magicd symbolism
explores magical different perspective,
perspective,
listing associations of various
listing the associations categories of symbols
various categories symbols such as colors,
colors, plants,
animals, and
animals, minerals, with
and minerals, with minimal reference to
minimal reference particular tradition or
to any particular
culture. II have also uied to
also tried to include
include aa rationale forthe
rationale for thesymbolic
symbolic associations
associations
described, since
since symbols
symbols are are most effectivewhen
most effective when both
both thethe mind
mind and the heart
section of the dictionary
satisfied. Each section
are satisfied. dictionary portion of this this book
book is is followed
followed
by exercises
exercises that
that explore
explore that particular category of symbolism.
patticular category symbolism. The The remainder
remainder
Magirian's Ref/ether
of The Magielan's discusses how to
Reflectio,r discusses toassemble symbolic associations
assemblesymbolic associations
magical system
cohesive magical
into aa cohesive system and examples of
and provides examples of how such a system system
could be used.
could
 Introduction

In his
his earlier
earlier work, The Magician's
Magician's Companion, Bill \Whitcomb
Companioa, Bill Whitcomb gives the occult occult
community
coffununiry an updated version of Uncle Uncle Al's epic meditation on meaning 777.
A handy
A reference, the tome
handy reference, tome allows the student
allows the studentto tosee
seesynergies
synergies whichwhich
othenvise might
otherwise might gogo unnoticed-
unnoticed- the thesimilarities
similarities between sulphur, salt, salt, and
and
mercury
mercury on the one hand hand and and alpha,
alpha, omega,
omega, andand iota
iota on
on the
the other.
other.Still,
Still, while
while
the bookisisinfinitely
the book infinitely useful
useful for for novice
novice and andadeptadeptalikealikeseeking
seeking aa
comprehensive (and
comprehensive (and comprehensible)
comprehensible) compendium of of magickal
magickalsymbol symbol
systems, its
systems, goalisis not
its goal not to advance
advance the student toward the creation of one's
srudent toward one's
own magickal
magickal system.
The
The Magician's
Magirian'sReflection
Reflection stands
stands head and shouldersshoulders above its. It is aa
above its.
triumph which builds builds upon Mr. N[r. Whitcomb's
\X/hitcomb's earlier
earlier work. Not Not simply
simply because
because
it allows
allows the useruser (a far better term for what you are about to to become
become than than
"reader") to to push
push back
backaalittle
little against
against reality
reality and create
create meaning,
meaning, but because
because
it addresses topics far more mor e far-reaching
faprcaching than occultism.
occultism. The book is is of
of equal
equal
value to to those
thosewhose
whoseprimary interestisisJungian
primaryinterest Jungianpsychology
psychology and and
individuation, comparative mythology, mythology, guerilla self-improvement, or
guerilla ontology, self-improvement,
the interpretation // creation
creation of literature. II fully
ofliterature. fully expect
expect novels to be written in
the near
near future
future which are little little more thanthan formulaic
formulaic pastiches
pastiches of the concepts
concepts
contained within this book. book.
However, in
However, occult community
in the occult cofiununity the idea of of creating
creating one's own own
magickal symbol isis very
magickal symbol much in
very much vogue right now. The
in vogue The crossover
crossover popularity
populzrrry
of chaos
chaos magick
magick has has made it so that that every
every urban Voudouisant
\roudouisant and and suburban
suburban
magus wants their thek own
own home home grown grown Enochian.
Enochian. Chaos magick theory
Chaos magick theory is is
somewhat unsuited
unsuited for this purpose, in that that while
while it urges the user to to create
create aa
system itit does
symbol system does little
litde to assist
assist the novice or the adept in just just how
how theythey
would go about about divining
divining what symbolssymbols they should construct constmct and what they they
should mean. Clearly, simplygrabbing
Cleady, simply grabbingsymbols
symbolsout out of
of thin
thin air
air and
and hoping for
the best is an approach that will lead to
will lead to nothing at best, and madness
madness at worst.
worst.
The
The grand-entities
grand-entities of chaos chaos magick
magick theory
theory were well-heeled in other
were well-heeled other occult
occult
traditions. Thev
They were equipped with
were equipped with various forms of meaning mea.irg and were thus thus
able to synthesize
synthesize personal meaning. meaning.
.tnd somehow, the
And somehow, the book you hold in in your
your hands,
hands, The Tbe Magician's
Magician's
Reflection. was criminally
Reflectioa allowedtotogo
criminally allowed out of print for
go out for several
several years
years when it
would have been more relevant relevant than than ever.
ever. While
While it may sound hackneyedhackneyed to
say that thetheInternet
Internetchanged
changed everything,
everything, it doesn't
doesn't makemakeititany Less less true.
true.
People of all ages are attracted
ages are attracted to the InternetInternet precisely
precisely because
^ny
because it allows
allows them
greater control
control over their media consumption. Further, it engenders engenders the user
rvith aa myriad
with myriad of ways ways to to produce
produce media,
media, while not excusing
excusing the user user from
from
creating
creating qualiry product. ItIt was this phenomenon
quality product. phenomenon of maximum maximum customization
customization
that was the impetus
impetus behind Time naming 'You"
Time naming "You" asas the "Person
"Person of the Year."Year."
It is important to to remember
remember that thatchaos
chaos magick
magick theory
theory arose
arose at
at least
least in
part asas aaresponse
responseto tothe thehyperhlperdefined worldofofpost-Golden
definedworld post-GoldenDawn Dawn

11
11
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

occultism. Before even

occultism. Before venturing into
even venturing into the most
most mundane
mundane of ofmagickal
magickal acts,
acts,
Golden Dawn Dawn initiates
initiates were required to memorize correspondences of
memorrze long correspondences
Hebrew letters, color scales,
Hebrew godforms, gems,
scales, godforms, gems, plants, magickal tools and so
magickal tools
on. This
This tradition
tradition places
places more
more emphasis
emphasis on on the
thesignifier
signifier than thesignified.
than the signified.
Meaning becomes
Nfeaning becomes mechanistic, devoid of true understanding.
mechanistic, devoid understanding. While$fhile the latter
day chaotes are certainly flawed in
certainly flawed in their
their penchant
penchant for vulgar
rmlgar post-modernism
post-modernism
and bad
bad physics,
physics, their 1970s
1970s forebearers
forebearers were quite shrewd in their assertion assertion
custom-built deity c
that a custom-built cannc carry least as
rry at least as much
much weight
weight as as one
one dusted
dusted off
from old Khem- and and with allall the fun of parenting
parenting aa god!
god!
engineers of
Indeed, for reality engineers of all
all stripes,
stripes, the
the book
book you hold in your
hands right now now could be he the only book you need to to start
start creating
creating your own
culture,
culrure, which in an earlier, far far more
more narve
naive work
work published
published by by the good
good people
at
at Immanion
Immanion Press, Press, II referred to as something along the lines of "the
as something "the only
only
revolution wete
revolution got." I\tr.
we've got." Mr. Whitcomb
Whitcomb walks walks the the user through the the laborious
laborious
process of creating
creatirg aa symbol
symbol system that has hitherto been
has hitherto been occulted.
occulted. While
\{4rile
many stress
many stress the power inherent in rn aa self-created system, oo
self-created semiotic system, no one else
else
has taken
has taken the time to show show the
the practitioner
practitioner how to go go about
about creating
cteating such
such aa
system. Years of
system. Years of esoteric
esoteric study are not
study are required. You
not required. hold in
You hold in vour
your hands the
key to deconstructing
key deconstmcting meaning, meaning,but but also
also the key to putting it back
the key back together
together
again some useful fashion. The exercises
again in some exetcises following each chapter are
following each ate of even
greater importance
importance than the text precedingpreceding them.them. Without
Without them, this book is
an inert object.
An inert Utilizing the techniques
object. Utilizing transforms the
techniques transforms the book itself into a
book itself
^
powerful magickal talisman.
talisman.
So dig deep within
dig deep within the self, and find the truest meanings possible.
self, and possible. Not
only is itit powerful
only powerful and ptoductive,
productive, it's also a great deal of fun.
great deal

Nick Pell
Witch
$7itch City, USA
Ciry,USA

I2
12
 One: Magic
Chapter One: Magic

The word "magic" has come to mean so so many different things

many different things that there is no
way to
easy way define it.
to define it. To
To much of the population, magic
the population, little more than a
magic is little
curiosiry or
curiosity fantasf, the product of
or fantasy, offraud
fraudor orsuperstition.
superstition. Some Somepeoplepeople
magic as
consider magic
consider as thethe useuseof ofoccult
occultknowledge
knowledge to tocontrol
controlsupernatural
supernatural
powers, or
powers, believe it
or believe is aaway
it is wayofofmanipulating
manipulating natural narural forces
forces not not yetyet
understood by by science.
science. For still others itit isis aasystem
still others systemof ofpsychology
psychology affecting
affecting
reality. Increasingly,
only inner reality. Increasingly,many manypeoplepeoplein in our
our culture
culture are beginning to
magic as an approach
see magic approach to to gnosis, spiritual growth,
gnosis, spiritual growth, and a way of life life that
individual with the world.
harmonizes the individual
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowleydefined definedmagic magicas the art and
as the and science
science of ofcausing
causing
change to occur in
to occur in conformity
conformity with Will. Will. In this sense,
In this any action
sense, any action thatthat
achieves
achieves an intended goal could be considered considered magical.magical. This definition
definition may be
true, but is a litde
little too
too broad
broad for for our current
current purposes.
purposes.
For thethe purposes
purposes of ofthis
this book,
book, magic
magic is is aameans
meansof ofusing
using symbolism
symbolism
and rirual techniques
and ritual techniques to to establish link and
establish aa link cultivate aa dialogue
and cultivate dialogue between
benveen the
microcosmand
microcosrn and the macrocosm,
macrocosm, the the inner
inner and and outer
outer world.
r,vodd. By Bysomesome
approaches, this is the dialose between the individual
the dialogue individual and the divine. From
another perspective,
another perspective, the the magical
magrcal dialogue
dialogue takes place between between the conscious
conscious
and unconscious.
Flowever you decide to
However toview
viervthe themagical
magicaldialogue,
dialogue, balance
balance and and
reciprocityis
reciprocity is paramount
paramount -- as within, within, so without;
without; as above above so so below.
below. You You
change the world by
the world by changing
changing yourself,
yourself, you change yourself by changing
change yourself changing the
world. By means of this dialogue all
By means all things
things are are made sacred and harmony harmony with rvith
wodd restored.
the world restored.
Nfagic is
Magic is also collection of rule-of-thumb
also aa collection rule-of-thumb techniques riruals) for
techniques (or rituals)
changing the focus and content
changing content of of consciousness.
consciousness. What we perceive perceive as the
wodd could
world could be said said to to bebethetheinteraction
interaction betweenberween the theself
self(one's
(one'ssenses,
senses,
perceptions, and
emotions, perceptions,
emotions, preconceptions)and
and preconceptions) and the
the acrual world. If
actual wodd. If this
this
interface is too close to you
interface you (the
(the subjective
subjective side), side), it
it could be said that your
said that your
wodd view
world view is is not realistic, but
not realistic, much of our world
so much
but so composed of our
wodd is composed our
subiective beliefs
assumptions and subjective beliefs that it it isis very difficult to
very difficult to say how realistic
say how realistic
view of things
one's view might be.
things might be. WeWe can only see
can only thegaps
see the gapsand inaccuracies in
andinaccuracies in
our world
our world view view when when they theyinterfere
interfere with with the accomplishment of
theaccomplishment our
of our
IUost of
intentions. Most of ususarearesomewhere
somewherein inthe middle—
themiddle - enveloped by by delusion,
delusion,
not so
but not much that
so much thatititkills
kills us. What is
us. What is clear
clear is that by changng the shape of
by changing
this imaginary boundary or
imagnary boundary interface, we
or interface, awareness of what is the
change our awareness
we change
self and what
r,vhat isis other,
other,altering
alteringour ourrelationships
relationships with witheverything.
everythirg. Essentially,
Essentially,
you can change the world by changng yourself.
by changing yourself.
magician changes
The magician changes the focus of of consciousness
consciousness by by techniques
techniques such such
as concentration,
as breathing,motion
concentration, breathing, motion or or postures, abstention from
postures, abstention from food or
the manipulation
sleep, or the manipulation of of sexual energy. The magician
sexual energy. magician changes
changes the the content
content

13
13
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

of consciousness
consciousness through the the use
useofofbelief-systems
belief-systerns (basic
@asic assumptions
assumptions about
reality), signs,
reality), signs, symbolism,
symbolism, language-,
language, music,
music, and
and visualization.
visualization. Sfe
We use many of
use many
these techniques in daily life without
d^ily life thinking much
without thinking much about Counting to
them. Counting
about them.
ten and taking aa deep
and taking deep breath,
breath, doing whatever you
doing whatever do to wake up and
you do and get
get
moving in the morning, or doing
moving doing whatever
whatever you do to to relax first get
relax when you first
home from from work
work are allexamples
?reall examples of oflittle
litderituals
rituals performed
performed totoaffect
affect
consciousness.
consciousness.
This book is is primarily
primarily about
about that part of magic
part of magic concerned
concerned with thethe
creation,
creation , arrangement,
attangement, and use of symbols.
symbols.

Magical Symbol
The Magical
"[E]n.tFthing, whatever
"[E]verything, happens, has
whatever happens, has three
thtee
meanin5. The first
meanings. fitst is its practical meaning, what
the book calls thirg the plowman sees.' The
calls 'the thing
cow has taken a mouthful of of grass,
grass, and it is is real
real
grass, and aa,real realcow--that meaning is
cow--that meaning is as
as
important and true as either of the others. others. The
second reflection of the
second is the reflection wodd about
the world it.
about it.
object is in contact
Every object contact with all all others,
othets, and
and
the wise
thus the wise can can learn
learn ofof thetheothers
others by by
observing the
observing the first. That might might be becalled
called the
the
soothsayer's meaning, because itit is
meaning, because is the one such
people use whenwhen they prophesy aafortunate
they prophesy fortunate
meeting from
from the tracks
tracks of serpents
serpents or or confirm
confirm
outcome of a love
the outcome loveaffair
affau by by putting
putting thethe
elector of
elector one suit
of one
^ atop
suit thepatroness
atopthe patroness of of
another."
another."
"And the
the third
third meaning?"
meaning?" Dorcas
I)orcas asked.
asked.

"The third
third isisthe
thetransubstantial
transubstantial meaning.
meaning. Since
Since
objects have their
all objects their ultimate origin in
ultimate origin in the
the
Pancreator, and all were
were set in
in motion
motion by him, so
must allall express
express his will--which is the
his will--which thehigher
higher
reality."
realitv."

-- From The
Tbe Shadow
Shadow of
of the
the Torturer; by
Torturcr,by
Gene Wolfe
A symbol
A symbol isissomething
somethirigthatthatrepresents somethingelse
representssomething elsebybyassociation,
association,
resemblance, or
resemblance, convention. The
or convention. The word symbol is
word symbol derived from the Greek
is derived Greek
" sumbolorf' which
"sroubolou" which was a token
token used foridentification
usedfor by comparison
identification by comparison with a
counterpaft. In essence,
counterpart. symbol is something
essence, a symbol somethfulg that is is given identity by
an identity
given an by
related or connected
being related connected to to another thitg. In
another thing. Inscientific thought and
scientific thought and
common
cofiunon usage, term symbol
usage, the term symbol is usually used to denote an abstract sign.
usually used slgn.
lsligious or mystical
In many schools of religious mystical thought and practice, symbols
are considered a? sensuous
arreconsidered representation of aatranscendent
sensuous representation reality. The
ffanscendent reality. The

14
L4
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

phenomenon of of nature itself isis perceived

nafureitself perceived as writing that reveals
symbolic writing
as aa symbolic reveals the
laws governing both
laws governing both the physical
physical and spiritual aspects of the universe.
spirirual aspects universe.
In aasense,
In sense,allallsymbols
symbolsare aremagical. Symbolscan
magical.Symbols cancommunicate
coffununicate
information through space
information space and time, and in in doing
doing so, so,can influence great
caninfluence great
amounts of
amounts energy. As
of energy. William Gray
As William puts it,
Gray puts "symbols are
it, "symbols are coins for for the
the
exchange of
exchange consciousness" (1971).
of consciousness" Much of
(1,971). Irfuch civilization is
of our civilization is founded on
magic.
this magic.
The symbols
The symbols of of scientific
scientific andand logical
logical usage
usage are extensive, while those
are extensive, those
of myth
of myth and intensive. In
religion are intensive.
and religion words, the
In other words, mundane symbol
the mundane symbol is
specific and narrow, but the mystical
specific mystical or artistic symbolsymbol is broad and contains contains
layers.
many layers.
The mystical
The mystical symbol penetrates reality, containing
penetrates reality, something of
containing something of the
character of
character that which
of that which is is symbolized, li"ki"g the two by
symbolized, linking by some similarity of
some similarity of
pattern.
pattern. This type of symbol
q'pe of symbol participates
participates in in the reality it
the reality it indicates. inIn this wxf,
this way,
it mirrors aa living
it living thing comes into being, undergoes metamorphosis,
thing that comes metamorphosis, and
sometimes dies.
dies.
The magical symbol also
mag{cal symbol also possesses
possessesthe living quality, the many
theLiving many layers
layers
and breadth of of the mystical and
the mystical religious symbol.
and religious
The chief
The chief difference
difference between
betrveen the the mystical
mystical and and thethe magical symbol is
magical symbol is
that the
the magical symbol has layers
magical symbol layers of correspondences that
of coffespondences that are ordered in rn a
deliberate, even
deliberate, scientific fashion. Typicrly,
even scientific Typically,each symbol in
each symbol in aamagical
magfcal
"symbol system"
alphabet or "symbol system" mightmight bebe associated
associated with:rvith:

** A sign, image, or
sign, image, or pictograph
pictograph
** A
A conceptual principle

** A
A phoneme (sound) or letter
phoneme (sound) letter

** A number magnitude
number or magnitude
*t A color
** A geometric
geometric form

** A
A species of animal
** A species of
of plant
** A
A part of the body
body or one of the senses
senses

** A
A part of the mind or
or personality
personality

** A natural fotce
A natural force or phenomenon
phenomenon

** A
A male and/or female
male and/or personification
female personification

** A physical
physical substance (such as a gem or metal)
substance (such metal)

*t A gesture or body
A gesture body posture
posture
** An activity
activity

** An
An odor

15
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
* Anobject
.An or tool
object or tool

** A time of day, day, month,

d"y, d"y, month, and so on.
on.
* A place

** Equivalent symbols from

Equivalent symbols from other "systems"
"systems"

coffespondence is
Each correspondence is like
like one band in
one band spectrum or a note in an
in a spectrum an octave.
octave.
The different
The attributions of
different attributions symbols can be
magical symbols
of magical beconsidered
considered as as
expressions of
expressions spirit. of those
of the spirit' symbols in different states of being (or at
those symbols
vibration). Through the
different rates of vibration).
different the symbolic,
symbolic, the universe is no longer longer
isolated; everything isis linked
isolated; everything linked by system of
by aa system correspondences that connects all
of correspondences all
orders of being.being.
Because of the theanalogical relationship between the
analogical relationship the elements
elements within within
magical symbol
magical systems, information
symbol systems, information can be more more readily
readily translated betweenbenveen
different levels consciousness. These levels of consciousness
levels of consciousness. consciousness can be viewed vie'uved
divisions of brain
as divisions anatomy. The association of graphic
brain anatomy. symbols, phonemes,
graphic symbols,
manifestations (visual
sensory manifestations
and sensory (visual images,
images, sounds, smells, and
sounds, smells, and so on) creates
creates
an interface
an interface that thatfacilitates
facilitates dialogue benveen the verbal,
dialogue between linear left-brain
verbal, linear left-brain and and
spatial right
the visual, spatial right brain.
brain.
Magical symbols
lrfagical symbols also also function
function on on a deeper level. When these symbols symbols
associated with animal images
are associated images and natural environments, they could be be
said to tocorrespond
correspond to tospecific
specifrcstages
stages of ofour
ourdevelopment.
development.This Thisimagery
imagery
constitutes
constitutes an an analogical
analogical language levels of somatic information
representing levels
language representing information
derived from our our evolutionary experience. We still
evolutionary experience. still contain the the basic circuitry
basic circuitry
marunalian evolutionary
reptilian and mammalian
of our reptilian forebearers. In
evolutionary forebearers. In the course of our
development in the womb,
development womb, we go through, through, in in abbreviated
abbreviated form at at least,
least, the
successive stages
same successive stages of development as did our
of development ourspecies
speciesin inevolutionary
evolutio n ry
development. Ontology
development. C)ntology recapitulates phylogeny. That
recapidates phylogeny. That is,is, all of the old stuff
all of sruff is
still in us.
still us. This
This brings
brings the animal-headed
animal-headed gods gods of the Egyptians,
Egyptians, the shaman's
shaman's
animal totems, and the bizarre hybrids
animal mythology into the realm of modern
hybrids of mythology modern
brain research.
research.
human brain
The human brain isis anatomically divided into hindbrain, midbrain, and
anatomically divided
cerebral cortex.
cerebral Each of these parts controls functions
cortex. Each functions thatthat developed
developed duringduring
successive
successive phases phases of of our evolution.
evolution. The hindbrain
hindbrain (stem,
(stem, pons, medulla, and
pons, medulla,
cerebellum) controls
cerebellum) controls the autonomic and automatic
the autonomic neffous system
automatic nervous system and is is
associated with
associated with territorial
territorial and functions. This
survival functions.
and survival part of the brain comes
This part comes
to us essentially unchanged from the reptiles. The midbrain
essentially unchanged midbrain (or limbic system)
(or limbic system)
contains the the cranial
cranial endocrine
endocrine glands governing sexual
glands governing development, sleep,
sexual development, sleep,
dreams, pleasure
dreams, pleasure and pain, pain, emotion,
emotion, and andanxiety,
anxiety,and andprimitive
primitivevisual visual
retention. These
retention. emerged in
features emerged
These features theearly
in the earlymammalian
mafiunalian stage of of
development. The cerebral
development. cerebral cortex, which controls
cortex, which controlsreason,
reason,analysis,
analysis, logic,
log"ic,
calculation, Ianguage,
calculation, language, andand voluntary
voluntary action, was the last
action, was last to develop.

Spirit may be
Spirit ma)' be thought of as infcrrmation distinct
as information from its
distinct from its medium. In the
mcdium. In themagical
magical
wodd-view, spirit
world-view, spiritmay
maybe translatedfrom
be translated from one embodiment to
one embodiment from
to another (or from
vcctor to vector,
vector incarnation).
vcctc)r, or incarnation to incarnation).

16
16
 Bitl Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Each of of these
these three "brains"possesses
three"brains" possesses itsitsown
ownsubjectivity,
subjectivity, its ownov/n
intelligence, its
form of intelligence, its own sense of time and space, its own memory,
own sense memosr, and its
motor functions.
own motor functions. In In this
this sense,
sense) thethemagical symbol is used to
magical symbol toevoke
evoke
particular qualities or
particular qualities or states of awareness
awareness encoded during human human evolution.
evolution.
The magical
The magical symbol enables you to to access information and
encoded information
access encoded and allows
allows
communication of that
the communication information between
that information between the two brain
the two brain hemispheres
hemispheres
the three
and the threebrain
brain layers. This, then,
layers. This, is the
then, is themagical dialogu tr, a method
magical dialogue, method of
cofiununication betrveen
communication between the inner and and outer wodd.Achieving
outerworld. Achieving this thisdialogue,
dialogue,
establishitg a lasting
and establishing peace between
lasting peace various brain components,
between the various components, is one
of the
of theprimary
primary goals goals of ofthethemagical
magical process
process (and,(and, perhaps,
perhaps, of ofhuman
human
existence).
existence).
\il7hen
When the the magical dialogue is an integrated
magical dialogue part of
integrated part ofdaily life, magical
dailyfife, magical
symbolism may
symbolism may be applied to
be applied to all
all that one encounters
encounters so thateverything
so that everything in in
daily life becomes
becomes a conversation
conversation betweenbetweenthe the Self
Self and the World.
and the Wodd. In In
constnrcting a ritual,
constructing
^ magician attempts
rirual, the magician attempts to make all elements harmonious,
harmonious,
so that everything in the
that everything the range
range of of the
the senses symbolic connection
has aasymbolic
senses has connection withwith
behind the
idea behind
the idea theritual.
rirual.For example, iftfaatraditional
Forexample, traditionalwestern
westernmagician
magician
work with
wished to work
wished with "elemental fre," the
"elernental fire," theritual
ritual might
might involve
involve physical fue, a
physical fire,
rod (or wand),
rod (or wand), thethe color
color red, rapidbreathing
red,aarapid breathingpattern,
pattern,active
activemovements
movements
(perhaps
(perhaps dance), exciting music,
dance), exciting music, the smell of
the smell of burning frankincense or
burning frankincense or tobacco,
tobacco,
and so on.

Magical Symbol
The Magical Symbol System
System
A magical
A magical symbol systemsystem is aaset setofofmagical
magicalsymbols
symbolsthat thatcollectively
collectively
represent all the basic states of existence
existence (or(or phases of awareness)
phases of implicit in a
awareness) implicit
wodd-view.
specific world-view.
Nfost symbol
Most symbol systems
systems areare either primarily hierarchical
either primarily hierarchical or or cyclical.
cyclical. In
hierarchical there is
systems, there
hierarchical systems, primary symbol with secondary symbols
is a primary symbols that
divisions or aspects
represent divisions aspects ofof the primary symbol.
the primary Incyclical
symbol. In cyclical systems,
systems, each
each
symbol represents
symbol represents a phase in Ln a cycle
rycle of transformation, eventually returning to
eventually
^
its beginning.
its beginning. Some
Some systems contain both
systems contain bothhierarchical andcyclic
hierarchical and cyclic qualities.
qualities.
Other systems, however, zre
Other systems, however, are amorphous, amoqphous, with with little
litdeformal
formalstructural
structural
relationship between
relationship symbols. The
between symbols. The important
important point is is that
that aamagical
magical symbol
symbol
system is
system model of the universe
is a model universe that that can applied to both the inner
can be applied inner and
and
wodd.
outer world.
The occult
The ideas of the
occult ideas fourelements
thefour elements oror the
theseven planetsare
sevenplanets are
examples of traditional
traditional magical
magical symbol systems. systems. Often, one onesystem
systemwill will
"contain" another. For
"contain" For example,
example, the the twenty-two letters of the
twenty-two letters theHebrew
Hebrew
(the magical
alphabet (the symbol-system of
magical symbol-system the Qabalah)
of the Qabalah) hashas associations with
associations with
"mother elements"
the three "mother (fu., air,
elements" (fire, air, and water),
water), the seven
seven planets, and the
signs. Other traditional
zodiacal signs.
twelve zodiacal traditional magical
magical symbol-systems
symbol-systems include:
include:
** The Seven Chakras
Chakras
* Enochian
Enochian

*x The I-Ching
l-Ching

17
T7
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
** The Tai-Hsuan
Tai-Hsuan Ching
Ching

** Norse, Germanic,
Germanic, and Anglo-Saxon Runes
and Anglo-Saxon
** Occidental
Occidental Geomancy
Geomancy

** The
The Tarot
Ary of these symbol systems
Any systems can provide the foundation
foundation for
for magical
magical practices
practices
and spiritual
and spirirual growth.
gro$rth. Sometimes, however, published
Sometimes, however, magical systems
published magical systems are are
unnecessarily difficultfor
unnecessarilydifficult formodern students to
modern students assimilate and
to assimilate use. In
and use. In some
some
cases,
cases, these systems were developed by cultures whose way of life is separated
systems were separated
from ours by thousands of of years. While it requites
years. While requires aa great deal of
great deal of work to use
magical symbol
a magical symbolsystem,system,the importantpart
theimportant partof
ofthis work is
this wotk is not the
not the
^memorization
memorization ofof coffespondences
correspondencesbut butthe
the process of of making
making thesethese
correspondences
correspondences come come alive for you. you. This is true whether youyou are learnitg a*
are learning
ffaditional system
traditional system or creating one.
This book is is intended,
intended, not toteach
not to particular system
youaaparticular
teachyou system of of magic,
magic,
to show
but to how magical
show how magical systems are constructed and and given life.
given life.

Why Construct
Why Construct a Magical
Magical Symbol-System?
Symbol-System?
Creating magical symbols may
magical symbols may bebe beneficial
beneficial even evenififyou
youdo not intend to apply
do not
them inin any kind
kindof ofritual
rirualorormagical
magicalpractice. Exami.i.g and
practice.Examining andassembling
assemblirg
^ny as aakind kindofof
personal symbolscan
personal symbols can be viewed
viewed as do-it-yourselfJungian
do-it-yourself Jungian
psychoanalysis.In
psychoanalysis. order to
In order effective magical
create effective
to create magical symbols,
symbols, you you must
must
examine your
examine your beliefs and your
beliefs and concept of
your concept decide what aspects of
of self and decide
yourself your life
and your
yourself and life are important. This includes
are important. defining both positive and
includes defining
traits. Then,
negative traits.
negative Then, as as you begin to associate
associate these ideas with the the world
wodd
around (parts of the
around you (parts thehuman
human body,body, colors,
colors, animals,
animals, and so o.), you
so on), you
become more aware of what your world
become wodd means to you. This process of self- self-
examination and
examination analysisof
and analysis relationshipsmay
of relationships maybe be as valuable to
as valuable to you as as
anything you later do with the
anything the symbols
symbols you you have
have created. The more
cteated. The more skillful
skillful
you become
you become at ztmagical
magical symbolism,
symbolism, the the more
moremagical
magicalsymbols
symbols will will reveal
teveal
the contents
about the contentsof ofyour
yoursubconscious,
subconscious, your yourhabits,
habits,attachments,
attachments, and and
motivations.
motivations.
Once youyou have begun to
have begun toaccumulate living, personal symbols,
accumulate living, symbols, they can
be used asas powerful tools to
powerful tools tochange youtself and
changeyourself yourlife.
and your Byconnecting
life. By connecting
specific states of mind, personal
specific skills, and archetypes
personal skills, archetypes to to magical
magical symbols, you
Sfil to
can focus your Will to make changes in
make changes in yourself
yourself and the world
and the world atound you. If
around you. If
you have "anchored"
"anchored" a positive
positive trait or or behavior
behavior pattern to, to, say,
say, aa gesture,
gesture,
making this gesfure
making enable you
gesture could enable you to access rait and
access this trait itsassociated
and its associated
skills easily. For
skills more easily. example, if
For example, if you have functio.itg well in
troublefunctioning
have trouble
meetings, you might
business meetings,
business might visualize symbol to
visualize aa symbol to which
which you have anchored
feelings of
feelings energy, and
of poise, energy, and confidence.
confidence.
You can also "negative" traits.
also anchor "negative" traits. Symbols
Symbols of negative
negative aspects can
banish the
be used to banish the qualities
qualities they represent. For instance, in a situation situation that
makes you feelfeel anxious
anxious or orafraid, you could
afratd, you visualize aasymbol
could visualize symbol embodying
embodying

18
18
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

feelings slowly
these feelings slowly fading away,to
fading arvz|r replaced by
be replaced
to be symbol of strength
by aa symbol strength and
courage.
courage.
Il{agical symbols
Magical symbolscan canalso
alsobe personifiedin
be personified in forms
forms that
that can be used as as
models or or guides. N{any magical
guides. Many magical systems
systems use use this technique to assemble assemble an
idealized imageof
idealized image of the practitioner or
the practitioner teacher to represent the
archetypal teacher
or an archetypal the
magician's "higher
magician's self. The
"higher self. The very act of
very act attempting to define
of attempting define and contact this this
increases your
idealized self increases ability to
your abiliry embody its traits.
to embody traits. When developed, your
higher self
higher self can interact with
can interact you both as
with you friend and
as friend and teacher.
teacher. This is is true
true
regardless of
regardless whether you believe it
of whether spirirual entity with
it is a spiritual $dth its own existence
existence
or whether you think it
you think it is a personified
personified part of your unconscious.
unconscious.
\rirrually all
Virtually all magical systemsuse
magicalsystems personifications(of
use personifications (ofone
one kind or
called god
another) called forms. In
god forms. In aa sense, deity can be
sense, aa deity viewed as aa being
be viewed being that
that
embodies all aspects of
all aspects whatever itit is
of whatever is deiry of. In
deity of. In monotheism,
monotheism, the concept of
the concept of
God isis expanded
expanded to toinclude
includeeverything
everything (both conceivable and
ftoth conceivable inconceivable).
and inconceivable).
The deities
The deities ofof pantheistic
pantheistic systems embody smaller
systems embody smaller chunks of of existence
existence andand
function as
function intermediaries between
as intermediaries humaniry (self),
benveen humanity (self), and Godhead
Godhead (absolute,
(absolute,
noumenal reality). In
noumenal realiry). monotheism, angels
In monotheism, angels and and archangels
archangels perform the the
functions of the
functions pantheistic deities.
the pantheistic deities.
A traditional magician,
A traditional wanting to improve ability
magician, wanting ability or knowledge
knowledge in aa
specific area might
specific might try to to accomplish
accomplish this this by
by calling
calling thethe spirit,
spirit, deity,
deity, oror angel
angel
^re
embodying the appropriate forces.
embodying forces. This couldcould be approached
approached in in aa variety
variery of of
ways:
ways:
+ The
The magician
magicia n evokes
ewkes the being appearance as
to appearance personified entity
as a personified entiry
external to the magician. Then, the magician
magician asks
asks (or commands or
(or commands
depending on the magician's relationship
bargains, depending
bargains, relationship to the entity
endry
evoked) for knowledge, aid, guidance, and so on.
;::L:#:T: ;ffX..ilffi
. The magician invokes the being inside him/herself, asking
to imbue the the magician
magician with its essence,
asking,he being
the being
knowledg., powers,
essence, knowledge, powers, and so
If aa specific
on. If specific task or operation
operation was being attempted, the
the magician
magician
might perform the task being invoked. In this
task as the being this case,
case, the
communion with or possession by
undergoes conununion
magician undergoes by the
the spiritual
spiritual
Ilff:"n
entity.

** The magician directs the being to charge

magician directs with its power
olje$ with
charge an abject power or
essence, creating
essence, talisman. In
creating aa talisman. In the
the case of aa "spirit"
case of "spirit" or "elemental"
"elemental"
(i.e. spirirual
(i.e. entities not
spiritual entities unique, powerful,
as unique,
not as powerful, or encompassing as
deities or angels), magician might
angels), the magician might direct the being itself to
obiect. This would have
inhabit the object. have the effect of anchoring
anchoring (or
binding)
binding) the behaviors
behaviors and traits associated with
traits associated being to the
with the being
physical obiect.
physical object.
are many
There are other ways
many other to use
ways to symbols. After
magical symbols.
use magical After you have
have learned to
create personal
personal magical
magicalsymbols, twoof
parttwo
symbols,part of this book will show
book will show you
you
examples illustrating
examples illustrating how
how to use these and other
other magical
magical practices.
practices.

19
 Part 1 -r Various
Various Types of
Magical Symbolism and Some
Magical
Relevant Exercises
 2: Defining Archetypes
Chapter 2z

The human condition has

human condition has given
given rise to patterns
rise to thatreflect
patterns that ourinstinctual
reflect our instinctual
knowledge of successful
knowledge unsuccessful ways of living.
successful and unsuccessful These patterns have
living. These
no inherent form,form, but
but are
are given
glven forms
forms by
by our
our consciousness
consciousness as as we encounter
them. Carl
Cad JungJ.mg called
called these
these patterns
patterns archetypes, the original
archetypes, the original patterns or
models from
models from which others of the
which others the same
same kind derived. He thought
kind are derived. thought of
archetypes
archerypes as knots of psychicpsychic energy
energy that reside
reside in the collective unconscious
collective unconscious
of humanity,
humanity, powerfully influencing how
porverfully influencing how we develop
develop as individuals
individuals and how
we act in daily
act in daily life. Thecollective
life. The collective unconscious is inherited
inherited and shared
shared byby
everyone. It is
everyone. is populated archefypes personi&irg
populated by archetypes personifying different parts of the
different parts
human psyche.
psyche. Our Our psychological health and
psychological health spirirual growth
and spiritual grorvth is is largely
largely
dependent on onrecognizing,
recogniztng, developing,
developing, andand balancing
balancingthese
thesesometimes-
sometimes-
conflicting archerl'pes within us.
conflicting archetypes
The symbols
The svmbols we we use, particularly those in human
use, particularly form,Like
human form, like the gods
gods
goddesses of
and goddesses of mythology, couldbe
m)'thologl, could said to
be said be the
to be theastral
astral images
images or or
reflections
reflections of archetypes. They embody
archerypes. They embody and
and express
express the processes
processes and events
events
corrunon to
common to thethehuman
human experience,
experience, such birth, initiation,
such as birth, fall from
initiation, fall from
redemption, and death.
lnnocence, redernption,
innocence, Thedeep-rooted
death. The archetypes underlying
deep-rootedarchetypes undedying
these images are part of our minds and spirits, just as the genes of our
ancestors f::r^',i;:',,"i"uff 3.'.il*ffii5ffi:n*'r::ffi
:l".:,ff are part of our bodies. These primordial images have been passed to
from the
us from theearliest
earliest human
human beings,
beings, and by their
and by their proto-human
proto-human and and^::d"il
animal
animal
ancestors
ancestors who preceded them.
important to make the distinction
is important
It is archerypes are forms of
distinction that archetypes
images without
images without content.
content. V4ren
When situations conform to
occur that conform
siruations occur toarchetypal
archetypal
patterns, archetypes
archefypes activate, causing compulsions or
causing compulsions or instinctual
instincrual behaviors.
behaviors.
Understandingarchetypal
Understanding symbolsand
archetypalsymbols and the archefypes they represent
the archetypes represent is is
essential to
essential the process
to the processof ofindividuation
individuation and the therefinement
refinement of of
communication between levels of
corununication bet'ween of consciousness. Archerypal symbols
consciousness. Archetypal symbols in in
dreams
dreams and visions
rrisions reveal
reveal progress, obstacles,
obstacles, fears, obsessions,
obsessions, and necessary
necessary
actions.
actions.
As the
themost humanofofallall
mosthuman magical
magicalsymbols, personifiedspiritual
symbols,personified spiritual
entities such as
entities as deities and angels
angels can be powerful
powerful actors in ourour dreams,
dreams,
visions, pathrvorkings,
visions, pathworkings, and and rituals.
rituals. Spiritual
Spiritualbeings maybe
beingsmay evoked for their
be evoked
assistance and guidance. A magician
assistance magician also may may invoke
invoke these
these beings within him
herself.
or her For
self.For example, westernceremonial
example,western ceremonialmagicians practice the
magicians practice the
"assumption"
"assurnption" of godforms as an approachapproach to self-transformation.
self-transformation.
Many initiation riruals
N{any initiation rituals are
are srylized reenactments of
stylized reenactments myths. In this type
of myths. rype
of rirual,
of ritual, the initiate assumes the
initiate assumes myth'scentral
the guise of a myth's figure and
centralfigure
undergoes
undergoes some combination
combination of of symbolic ^ consecration
birth,
symbolic birth, consecration oror initiation,
initiation,
sacrifice, death, resurrection,
sacrifice, death, resurrection, andf
and/or
or rebirth.
A good description of the
description of the procedures for identifying
procedures for identi$ring with god
god forces
forces
and the
the uses of godforms
uses of godforms can be found in N$rslsvia
found in Magica -- Volume
Mystetia Mash-a Volune 3 of of the
the
Philosopb by Nfelita
Magical Philosophy
Magiml Mehra Denning
Denning and Osborne Phillips:
Phillips:

22
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

I. The magician
1. begins a detailed study of the history
magician begins history and mythology
of the deity.
deity.

2.
2. The magician cult of the
magician undertakes the cult the deity
deity and
and establishes
establishes a
personal shrine.
shrine.

3. The magician
3. magician practices assumption of god-forms
practices the assumption (meditation in
god-forrns (meditation
rirual posture while
ritual enveloped in the imagined
while enveloped imagined form of the deity).
deity).

4.
4. The magician
magician achieves subjective union with the deity.
achieves subjective deity.

Techniques
Techniques such as magical drama and the assumption
as magical assumption ofof god forms can be
godfoffns be
applied more than
applied to more justtraditional
than just taditional angels ordeities.
angels or Neady any
deities. Nearly conceivable
any conceivable
archetypal being
archetypal can be
being can be "contacted"
"contacted" and used for magical
used for practices if
magical practices if it is
sufficiently defined
sufficiently defined and understood. Working with magical
Working with magical beings
beings is discussed
in more detail in the section What
Vhat To DoWitb
To De WithaaMagical
MagicalSymbol
Slnbol System.
Slsten.
The following
The following section lists somesome archetypes commonly found in
archetypes commonly in
folktales, myth, psychology,
folktales, psychology, and symbolism.
symbolism.

Acrobat:The
Acrobat Theacrobat
acrobatisisaasymbol ofmastery
symbolof mastery and andbalance,
balance, transcendence
transcendence of
the established emancipation from
order, and emancipation
established order, constraints. The word
from mundane constraints.
acrobat is derived from the Greek
acrobat Gre ek arrobates,
arrvltate.r, from akros and balm,
akrvs (topmost) and bainen
(to walk).
The androgyne
Androgyne: The an&ogyne is the anthropomorphic depiction
the anthropomorphic depiction of the
the cosmic
cosmic
symbolizing the
egg, symbolizing mysteryof
the mystery creation.ItIt is aasymbol
of creation. symbol ofofperfection,
perfection,
of opposites.
wholeness, and the union of Bronze has
opposites. Bronze sometimes been
has sometimes viewed as
been viewed as
symbol of the androgyne and balance,
a symbol since itit is
balance, since composed of copper (often
is composed (ofren
and tin
female) and
thought of as female) tin (often thought of
(often thought of asasmale). SeeFlermaphrodite
male).See Hermaphrodite
Anima: The nameininJungian
Thename psychology of
Jungianpsychology ofthe
thefeminine
femininearchetype
archetype
aspectsof
combining aspects
combining the child,
of the child, mother,
mother, terrible
terrible mother,
motherr queen,
eu€€o, and
and
temptress. The anima embodies the feminine
feminine elements
elements of the
the male
male psyche.
psyche.

Animus: The
Animus: nameininJungian
Thename psychology of
Jungianpsychology ofthe
themasculine
masculinearchetype,
archetype,
child, father,
combining aspects of the child, father, king, tyrant. The animus embodies
king, and tyrant. embodies
the masculine elements
elements of the female
female psyche.
psyche.

Axis Mundi: In Inmany

many ancient
ancient cultures, wodd was
cultures, the world thought of as
was thought as the
the
"middle-kingdom," existing
"middle-kingdom," between the
existing between heavens and
the heavens and the underworld.
underworld. The
axis mundi is the line of connection
line of connection between the different
bet'ween the different worlds,
wodds, and
and was
was
representedby
rypically represented
typically byaa tree, mountain, or
tree, mountain, form. Often,
vertical form.
or other vertical Often,
particularly in
particularly in shamanic traditions,the
shamanictraditions, axismundi
theaxis mundiwaswasthe
the path
path used to
journey
journey from
from one plane of
one plane existence to
of existence another. The
to another. "Tree of Life" in Norse,
The "Tree Norse,
Hebrew, other cultures,
Hebrew, and other various sacred
cultures, various sacred mountains, Jacob's Ladder, the
mountains, Jacob's
Egyptian Djed
Egyptian Djed column
column (the backbone of Osiris), and the shaman's thread
Gh. backbone thread are
arc
all forms of this archetype.
archetype.

Theblacksmith,
Blacksmith: The like the
blacksmith, like theshepherd, isaasecondary
shepherd, is secondary image
image related
related
to more
to morebasic archetlpes, but has
basic archetypes, has some
some unique features. In
unique features. myths, the
In myths, the
blacksmith is often associated
associated with sorcery
sorcery and
and alchemy,
alchemy, since
since the
the successful
successful

23
23
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
tempedng of
tempering metal is the
of metal the marriage
marriage of of fire
fite and
andwater. Theblacksmith
water. The blacksmith is is
rypically an
typically ambivalentsymbol
an ambivalent symbol --the the smith aspect of
embodies the divine aspect
smith embodies
creation, but
creation, but also has an infernal aspect
an infernal aspect because of the
because of theconnection with
connection with
subterranean fire
subterranean thetaboos
fire and the oftenassociated
taboosoften withremoving
associatedwith removingtreasure
treasure
the earth.
from the Insome
earth. In someearly
early cultures,
cultures, blacksmiths were revered,
blacksmiths were revered, yet
1let almost
almost
because of
outcasts because
outcasts dichotomy. It
of this dichotomy. interesting to
It is interesting note how
to note how many
many
blacksmith deities
deities were portrayed as lame and ugly,
were portrayed sacrifice for
ugly, perhaps as aa sacrifice
the power of mining and
of mining working metal.
and working See Scapegoat
metal. See

Child: Simplicity,
Child: Simplicity, innocence, purity,and
innocence,purity, future. The
the furute.
and the child represents the
The child
conjunction of the the conscious
conscious and
and unconscious.
unconscious. A symbol
symbol of the pre-initiation
the pre-initiation
or pre-fall state.
state.

Clown or Buffoon: Related to the trickster archetype, the clownclown is sometimes

sometimes
associated with
associated image of
the image
with the the deposed or murdered
of the murdered king. symbol of
kirg. It is a symbol
ki"grhip reversed,
kingship reversed, aa parody kingship -- foolish
parody of kingship foolish where others
others are wise, but
sometimes wise
urise where kings
kings are
are fools. See Fool and Trickster
fools. See

Dytog God:
Dying dyirg god embodies
God: The dying aspects of the hero, the sun
embodies aspects king, and
sun king,
the messiah
messiah archetypes. Sometimesused
archetypes. Sometimes usedas symbol of
as aa symbol spring, or other
of spring, other
cyclical aspects of
cyclical aspects existence, the
of existence, dying god
the dying comes to life over and over again,
god comes again,
dyirg and returning.
dying returning. Often, god or sun king
dying god
Often, the dying kitg figure
figure goes into the
wodd to
other world to sleep until needed,
sleep until needed, as the case
zs in the of Barbarossa
case of or Arthur.
Barbarossa or Arthur.
Kennedy, Elvis Presley, James Dean are
and James
Presley, and all examples
are all of mythic
examples of mythic figures
figures
whose deaths are
whose are denied
denied byby the mythic imagination.
the mythic imagination. All three areare sometimes
sometimes
su:rived and retired
rumored, even today, to have survived
rumored, retired to some unknown Avalon.
Earth Mother: The fecund
Earth Mother: mother, often
fecund mother, often symbolized
symbolized byby fields
fields and meadows.
meadows.
She embodies the cycle of bith,
birth, maturity, decay. In
maturity, and decay. In older myths
myths the earth
mother symbolizes passive principle,
symbolizes the passive recipient of the fertilizing
principle, the recipient heat of
fertilizing heat
See Mothet
the "sky-father." See Mother
Father: AA symbol
symbol of of the
theidealized
idealized masculine principle. In older myths, the
masculine principle.
father is an embodiment of
father of creation, justice, protection, courage,
power, justice,
creation, power, courage, and
The father
order. The isalso
father is symbolof
alsoa symbol ofprocreation,
procreation,ownership, domination,
ownership, domination,
^
authority, and in some senses the source of social
authority, order. Just
social order. Just as the mother
rules
nrles over the inner, spiritual wodd,
inner, spiritual world, the father rules over thethe material,
material, outer
wodd. Animus
world. See Animus
FooL The fool
Fool: The fool is
is essentially symbol of
essentially aa symbol innocence in
of innocence in both the positive
positive and
sense. The perfect fool
the negative sense. fool can
can be
be wise
wise without being
being self-conscious
self-conscious
and can
can be
be daring
daring byby being
being ignorant
rgnorant ofof danger.
danger. The imperfect fool is
imperfect fool is merely
merely
See Clown
foolish. See Clown and Trickster
Giant The giant is an embodiment of
Giant: of primordial
primordial power oror elemental
elemental nature.
nature.
Sometimes also used symb olize brute force, strength,
used to symbolize ambition' or violence.
sttength, ambition, violence.
In myth, giants are often the guardians of treasure.
treasure. See
See the section Myteurlagicat
section Mltho/ogical
Creatures
Crvatures

24
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Helpful Animal The

Helpful Animal: The helpful animal, or
helpful animal, or animal companion, is a symbol
animal companion, symbol of of
our animal narure and aa reminder
animal nature reminder toto understand our instincts
understand our instincts and inruition
and intuition
grve them credence.
and give myths, the
credence. In myths, the animal
animal guide often directs or assists
assists the
hero. There are many myths
myths wherein led to the
people are led
wherein people furure site
the future of aa city
site of city
temple by
or temple their totemic
by their totemic animal.
animal. See the section Uuing
being Graigern
Crvatures

Hermaphrodite: The
Hermaphrodite: The hermaphrodite
hermaphrodite is symbol of
is a symbol of the
the male andfemale
male and female
^
united in
united the human
in the spirit, totality,
human spirit, totaliry, and
and wholeness. In western
wholeness. In alchemy, the
'nvestern alchemy, the
hermaphrodite represents
represents the sacred marriage (hieros
sacred marriage (hieros gamos) results in
gamos) that results
the philosopher's embodying the
phrlosopher's stone, embodying union of
the union of sun and moon, heaven
and moon, heaven and
and
earth, andsulphur
earth, and andmercury.
sulphur and mercury. See See Androgyne, Anima, Animus,
Androgyne, Anima, Animus, and
Twins
Twins
Hero: One who
Hero: who conquers evil, who frees
conquers evil, destruction, or
ryranny, destruction,
frees people from tyranny,
The hero
death. The of myth
hero of myth and
andfolktale
folktale isis usually of aa miraculous,
usually of but humble
miraculous, but humble
birth
birth or of noble
or of birth unknown
noble birth unknown to himself. In
to himself. In myth, the hero is often the the
of a deity
child of deiry and a mortal, symbolizing
symbolizing the marriage
rnarriage of heavenly earthly
heavenly and earthly
powers. The
powers. often perform aa task
The hero must often or tasks
task or to prove
tasks to worthy. The
prove worthy.
hero usually
usually demonstrates superhuman strength strength oror ability
ability early rises to
eady in life, rises
swiftly, is
power swiftly, susceptible to
is susceptible pride (hubris),
to pride and sometimes
ftubris), and falls through
sometimes falls through
marryrdom. The hero's
betrayal and/or martyrdom. hero's early
eady feats
feats are aided by others who who
representthe
represent the whole psycheand
wholepsyche andwho whoaid aid the hero in
the hero the process
in the process of of
individuation (the development
individuation development of ofego-
ego-consciousness
consciousnessand andpsychologically
pslnchologically
growing-up). The
growing-up). Byronic hero
The Byronic hero is one who feels feels disengaged
disengaged from others; an
outlaw, or a defiant but melancholy
outlaw, melancholy champion
champion of of liberty.
liberty.

Kitg or
King or Emperor:
Emperor: The The perfected fatherarchetype
perfectedfather archetype or orultimate
ultimateidealized
idealized
principle.The
masculine principle.
masculine The kirg
king is theembodiment
is the embodiment of ofsovereignty,
sovereignry,power,power,
supreme attainment,
mastery, supreme vitality. In
and vitaliry.
attainment, and In ancient cultures, the king
ancient cultures, kirg isis
frequendy seen as
frequently the embodiment of the
as the divine, the sun,
the divine, sun, or or heaven, acting as
heaven, acting as
mediator between
a mediator benveen earth, humanity, heaven. In myth, the fate of the
humaniry, and heaven. kirg
the king
linked to the
is linked kingdom and nature
the kingdom -- when
nature -- when the king is
the king is weak or ill,
r,veak or ilI, things
things go
poody; when
poorly; when there is no no king,
king, chaos
chaos is is rampant.
rampant. TheThe perfected
perfected kingking shares
shares
msny of
many of the
the qualities of the
qualities of themessiah figure. In
messiahfigure. In Jungian psychology, the
Jungian psychology, kirg
the king
represents the
represents r,visdom of
the wisdom of the
thecollective
collectiveunconscious.
unconscious. In In folktales,
folktales, the the
attainment of
attainment of kingship symbol of
kingship is a symbol triumph and
of the triumph individuation of
and individuation of the
hero (the
hero (the self). See Father
selfl. See

King/Queen: Symbols
King/Queen: Symbols of of rulership,
rulership, elevation, will. The
nobiliry, power, and will.
elevation, nobility,
kirg and queen
king embodiments of all
queen are embodiments all the higher qualities. In the case of the
higher qualities.
king, these qualities
king, these qualities are alloyed with
are alloyed with the
the masculine principle; in
masculine principle; case of the
in the case
filtered through
qualitjes are Filtered
queen, all qualities through the feminine
feminine principle.
principle.

Iftright: A
Knight: A symbol
symbol ofof the spirit and
thespirit initiation. In
andinitiation. In myths
mythsandandfolktales,
folktales, the
the
knight is
knight is often the initiate,
often the soul on
initiate, the soul The knight
quest. The
on quest. is aa symbol
knight is symbol of of
chivalry, obeying aa formal
chivalry, obeying formal code
code even villain. In myths and
even as a villain. and folktales,
folktales, the
of the
color of the armor wornfrequently
armor worn frequendy reflected knight's nature,
reflected aa knight's nature, revealing
revealing him
champion of
as the champion of aa particular
particular cause or principle:
principle:

25
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Wlt i n ICkght
White Knigb t, innocence, purity, illumination
purity, illumination

Green Kntsht the powers of nature, also the neophyte

Gnen Knight.

Red Knight.
Red war,
Kn Sht war, the conqueror
conqueror

lQight powers of evil

Black Knight evil and
and sin, but also
sin, but orsacrifice
expiation or
also expiation sacrifice
(as
(as when veiled for
when goodness or light is veiled sake of honor)
for the sake honor)
Magician: The
Themagician
magician acts in myths
acts in myths and folktales as
and folktales as a representative of the
a representative
unknown. An agent in the act of
unknown. of transference. magician often acts as an
transference. The magician
initiator and may possess
initiator some of
possess some qualities of
of the qualities of the
the trickster. SeeTrickster
trickster. See Trickster
Messiah: TheThe awaited king of
awaited king ofthe
theoppressed people.AAchrist-figure,
oppressedpeople. christ-figure,
deliverer,or
redeemer, deliverer,
redeemer, savior.The
or savior. messiahis
The messiah of the
is aa symbol of theperfected
perfected
human
human being an embodiment
being and an embodiment of of the woddhealed,
theworld whole, and
made whole,
healed, made and
returned divine.
returned to union with the divine.
Monster: The The word
word monster
monster derives
derives fromfrom the
theLatin
Latin mominem,
monstrvm, meaning
portent. Il{onsters are
potrent. Monsters are symbols imbalance or chaos,
symbols of imbalance chaos, sometimes
sometimes acting as a
response to error
response effor or abuseofofnature
orabuse (forexample,
nature(for Godzilla). Frequently,
example,Godzilla). Ftequently,
pri-ordial forces, as
monsters embody primordial as in the case
case of dragons. Monsters
I\{onsters share
the characteristics
some of the the giant,
characteristics of the outcast, satan-figure,
giant, outcast, shadow. In
satan-figure, and shadow.
myth, they are
myth, ofren guardians
are often of treasure,
guardians of symbolizing the
tteasure, symbolizing forces of
the forces of the
unconscious and the ego that must
unconscious must bebe overcome.
overcome. Monsters
I\{onsters are agents of
are also agents
initiation, sornetimes
sometimes as obstacles, sometimes swallowingthe
sometimes swallowing the old
old self so that
the new self can
can be section Mythological
be born. See the section Mythological Creatures
Mother: A A symbol
symbol of ofthe
theidealized
idealized feminine principle, often
feminine principle, seen as
often seen as an
an
embodiment of nature and the world.
embodiment wodd. Sometimes
Sometimes usedused as symbol of
as a symbol of the
unconscious, the
unconscious, ftst bearer
the mother is the first "soul-image," the first form
beater of the "soul-image,"
in which the individual experiences
the individual experiences the anima. The
the anima. The mother rules over the
wodd of emotions
inner world emotions and
andfeelings.
feelings. As a symbol,
symbol, the mother encompasses
encompasses
nurturirg and
all that is nurturing nourishitg, and
and nourishing, and byby extension,
extension, sometimes
sometimes symbolizes
symbolizes
Church, the
the Church, the university mater), the
university (alma mater), .ity, and the
the city, the homeland.
homeland. The The
symbolism of
symbolism the mother
of the partakes of
mother partakes that of the sea
of that or the
sea or Earth itself,
the Earth itself, since
since
both sources
they are both of life. The mother
sources of mother isisalso
alsoassociated with wisdom,
associated with wisdom,
benevolence, sheltering, sustenance, and grourth.
shelteringr sustenance, growth.
In Jungian psychology, the mother
Jungian psychology, mother symbolizes
symbolizes passive creation, origin, theth.
the body,
womb, the instinct, impulse,
body, instinct, impulse, physical
physical existence,
existence, and material nature. In
material nature.
dreams, the negative
negative aspect ofof the
thematernal
maternal archetype isassociated
atchetype is $dth
associated with
images of witches,
images water, the moon, the
witches, watef, the dragon, whale, tombs,
dragon, whale, tombs, and
and animals
animals
that embrace.
embrace.

Other maternal
Other images include the
maternal images the grandmother,
grandmother, nurse,
nurse, governess,
governess, goddess,
goddess,
Mary, earth, forest, and
virgin N{ary, field. See
and field. Anima and Terrible
See Anima Terrible Mother
"irgtr
mfhs and
Outcast: In myths and folktales, force in the pattern
folktales, one who is a disruptive force pattern
of life in the community (usually through
corrununity (usually exercise of
through the exercise wisdom), or
of wisdom), or one who
Flero (Byronic
is a scapegoat. See Hero (Byronic Flero) Scapegoat
Hero) and Scapegoat

26
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Priest/Priestess: AAsymbol
Priest/Priestess: symbolofofthe mysteriesand
themysteries andcontact with the
contact with the divine.
divine. The
priest and priestess are the human
priestess are symbols of knowledge
human symbols knowledge and power: and
and power, and are
are
used as
sometimes used as symbols of protection or redemption.
protection or redemption.

Queen: Theperfected
Queen: The mother archetype
perfected mother archetype oror aa symbol of the
symbol of theultimate
ultimate idealized
idealized
feminine principle.The
feminine principle. queen is
The queen the embodiment
is the embodiment of ofsovereignty,
sovereigntf, power,
power,
mastery, supreme
mastery, attainment,and
supreme attainment, vitality.The
andvitaliry. The queen often appears
queen often appears inin
folktales ruler of
as a ruler
folktales as realm of
of the realm the supernatural,
of the supernatural, such
suchas Queen of
as Queen the
of the
Fairies or
Fairies Queen of
or Queen the $7itches.
of the Witches.SeeSeeMother
Mother and Terrible Mother
andTerrible Mother
Sailor: The sailor
Sailor: sailor is symbol of
is aa symbol conductor of the
of the ego, the conductor the soul;
soul; the one
directs/rows the
who directs/rows boat(vehicle).
theboat Oftensimilar
(vehicle).Often tothe
similar to wanderer figure,
thewanderer figure, the
sailor is also
sailor initiation.
search of initiation.
also seen as the self in search

Satan Figure: Like

Satan Figure: Like the anti-hero, the
the anti-hero, the Satan figure is a force that
Satan figure that opposes the
the
achievement of the
hero and the achievement the task,
taskr quest, journey. It
euest, or journey. It is sometimes used
symb olize the
to symbolize libido as
the libido antagonist to
as antagonist to the
the superego. In older
superego. In myth, the
older myth, the Satan
Satan
figure often appears
figure darkness, a monster)
appears as darkness, serpent.
monster, or a serpent.
Scapegoat: A A person or group
person or Soup on whom the
on whom the sins ofthe
sins of the people
people are heaped in
are heaped
otder to remove them
order from themselves;
them from symbolizing the purging of
sacrifice symbolizing
themselves; aa sacrifice of
sins. The scapegoat
scapegoat is also of frustrations
symbol of
also aa symbol frustrations and
and disappointments.
disappointments.

Shadow (or (or Negative Double):The

NegativeDouble): imageofofevil;
Theimage evil;the
thealter
alter ego or evil
egoor evil twin
twin
of the
of "soul image."
the "soul The shadow
image." The shadow isis an
an expression
expression of ofthe
theuncontrolled
uncontrolled urges
urges
antisocial desires
and antisocial desires that are repressed and
are repressed buried in
and buried in the
the unconscious. While
the shadow is seemingly in constant
seemingly in constant conflict with our
conflict with our positive
positive archetypes
archetypes andand
ideals, it
ideals, isalso
it is alsoananimportant
importantcomponent
component of ofour
ourpersonal powerand
personal power and
motivating energies,
motivating necessary for
energies, necessary for us human beings.
us as whole human The musician
beings. The musician
Reed once said
Lou Reed did not want
said that he did rid of his demons
want to get rid demons because
because he
was afraid thathis
afraid that angelswould
hisangels alsoleave.
wouldalso leave.See Satan Figure
SeeSatan Figure
Shepherd: The shepherd
Shepherd: The shepherd is symbolofof
isa symbol spirirualleadership,
spiritual leadership,wisdom,
wisdom,
experience, and
experience, and watchfulness
^one who guides
watchfulness ---- one and cares
the people and for the
cares for the
helpless.
Temptressr In
Temptress: In Jungian the temptress
psychology, the
Jungian psychology, temptess is is generally thought to
generally thought
embody thethe negative
negativefeminine forcerepresenting
feminine force represe.ting unconscious
unconscious desires
desires that
that
must be
be overcome
ovetcomeor orintegrated.
integrated. Symbolized
Symbolized as as aasexually enticing woman,
sexually enticing woman,
the temptress represents the defeat of
temptress represents of the "soul-image" by
the"soul-image" by external
external drives
drives or
unpurified desires (the force offering
unpurified desires life but
offering life butyielding death); unconscious
yielding death); unconscious
terrible mother. See
drives related to the terrible Terrible Mother
See Terrible Mother
Terrible Mother.
Terrible Mother: The
The terrible
terrible mother who does
mother is one who not allow
does not allow the
the cutting
cutting
of the
the umbilical cord. That
umbfical cord. That is, one who acts
acts as to the
obstacle to
an obstacle
as an individuation
the individuation
of the
of Inolder
child.In
the child. myth,an
older myth, anembodiment
embodiment of ofdeath, cruel nature,
death, cruel and the
narure, and the
noctutnal. Also symbolized
nocturnal. s)'mbolized as the cruel
cruel step-mothet. See Mother
step-mother. See Mother
Trickster AAsymbol
Trickster. symbolof ofchaos,
chaos,the trickster isisaacruel,
thetrickster cruel,cynical, and unfeeling
cynical, and unfeeling
figure whose
figure physical appetites dominate
whose physical dominate behavior. Yet, the trickster is also an
the trickster an
initiator, and
initiator, and is associated magician. The trickster
shaman and magician.
associated with the shaman trickster moves
moves

27
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
from one mischievous exploit to another. Unable
mischievous exploit Unable to to leave rvell enough alone
leave well alone
unable to
and unable to avoid interfering in the doings
avoid interfering doings ofof others,
others, thethe trickster
trickster tends
tends
to'nvards both
towards cunning and
both cunning and stupid provoking laughter
action, provoking
stupid action, laughter andandexposing
exposing
'uveakness. The
weakness. trickster figure
The trickster often used as a symbol of the
figure isis often the nimble mind
nimble mind
overcoming brute force. The trickster
overcoming trickster sometimes
sometimes also appears in myth as
also appears as aa
culture
culrure hero. (For example, in Native American myth,
(For example, trickster Raven
mrnth, the trickster Raven was
burned black while bringing
bringing fire to to humankind.)
humankind.) The The trickster
trickster encompasses
encompasses
simultaneously aa fool,
simultaneously foal, an amoral
amoral practical culture hero,
joker, aa culrure
practical ioker, and a god who
hero, and
humaniry and the world.
creates humanity wodd. Joseph believed the trickster
Campbell believed
Joseph Campbell trickster to
the chief
been the
have been
have mythological character
chief mythological in stories
character in stories during
during thethe Paleolithic
Paleolithic
might be said to represent
era. The trickster might first stumblings
represent the first srumblings out of pure
towards self-
animal consciousness towards
animal self- awareness, identity, and
awareness, identity, and social values. See
social values. See
Magician
Fool and Magician
Twins: Twins symbolize
Twins: duality in
symbolize duality in general, and polar
polar ororcomplementary
complementary
light and
such as Light
opposites, such
opposites, darkness,good
and darkness, and evil,
good and on. Twins
and so on.
evil, and Twins
symbolize fr,vo
symbolize sidesof
two sides of the whole.
whole. Twins
Twins also appear as
also appear symbol of
as a symbol of
simil*riry, and
separation, contradiction, similarity, duplication. The
and duplication. The anima
^ animus,
anima and animus,
the hero
and the hero andandshadow
shadow or satan--figure
orsaran frgureare bothexamples
areboth of twins.
examples of twins.
Identical
Identical twins
r'nvins symbolize perfect
peffect balance.
balance. See Herrraphrodite
See Hermaphrodite

Tyrant: The tyrant

Tyrant: the father
nrrant is a negative aspect of the or king
father or king archetype, similar
archerype, similar
in some respects
respects to the terrible mother. It is
is the interior reflection or shadow
the interior shado'uv
of external forces that seek
external forces seek to prevent the progress of the hero.
control or prevent
to control
Wanderer: The hero
Wanderer: of the
hero of the eternal
eternal quest;
quest; the
the imperishable of humanity.
part of
imperishable part humaniry.
The wanderer is similar in some
is similar respects to the
some respects the sailor
sailor archetype.
archerype.

Fool: The
Wise Fool:
Wise The innocent unconditioned by fail
youth, unconditioned
innocent youth, fall or
or initiation;
initiation; a
^
reflection of the "soul-image". fool appears
"soul-image". The Fool appears to be foolish because he does
not understand thethe forces ofevil
forces of evil and
and aggression, is wise
aggression, but is wise since reflects
since he reflects
"soul image".
instincts of the "soul
the instincts image". See
See Fool

Old Crone:
Wise Old Crone: A personification
personification of thethe Self. Like the
Self. Like the magician, the wise
magician, the wise
purveyor of the
crone is aa purveyor the unknown
unknorvn to tothe
theconscious (though sometimes
conscious (though sometimes aa
advisor).The
false advisor).
false crone is sometimes
The crone presented as aa trickster
sometimes presented orterrible
trickster or terrible
mother, but at
mother, at other
othertimes
times appears as aa positive
appears as positive aspect of these
aspect of figures. In
these figures.
some traditions, the
some traditions, crone is
the crone seen as
is seen one of the three
as one aspects of the
three aspects the Great
Great
\'irgin, Mother,
Goddess; Virgin, Nfother, and Crone.
Crone. See Terrible Mother
See Terrible Mother and Trickster
Witch: In the slrmbolism of folktales,
the symbolism folktales, the witch is an aspect of the
aspect of the negative
negative
similarto
archetype similar
feminine archer!'pe
feminine to the terrible mother.
the terrible mother. In Jungian
Jungian terms, the witch
symbol of the male fear of the anima.
is a symbol modern paganism,
anima. In modern however, the
paganism, however,
refers to women of power
term witch refers who honor
power who honor the Goddess-aspect of
theGoddess-aspect
diviniry and may practice
divinity of natural
practice various forms of natural healing andearth-magic.
healing and earth-maSc.
Terrible Mother
See Terrible Mother
Nfany older archerypes
Many are still
archetypes are still commonly seen in
commonly seen in modern
modem culture, such as
Father Nlother Nature, or Lady
Time, Mother
Father Time, Luck. Modem
Lady Luck. Nfodern archetypes
archerypes can also be

28
2B
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
used byby the
themagician.
magician. Some modern professions
professions and theirassociations
and their associations are
are
Listed below.
listed below.
Accountant: money, numbers,
numbers, exactness,
exactness, consequences
consequences and
and accountability,
accountability,
but also routine and
and lack
lack of imagination
imagination

Architecu order,
Architect: planning, ideal form, creative
order, planning, creative force applied to
force applied to the outer
outer
wodd
world
Artist: creativity,
Artist: creativiry, eccentricity,
eccentricity, but
but also impracticality or
also impracticality or unreliability
unreliability
Banker/Financier:money,
Banker/Financier: money,power,
power,influence, but also
influence, but also corruption
corruption or lack
lack of
compassion
pragmatism,but
Businessman: money, pragmatism, but also exploitation or
also exploitation of
or lack of
spirituality
spiritualiry

Cowboy: freedom,
Cowboy: freedom, solitude, individuality, the outdoors,
solirude, individuality, butalso
outdoors, but alsounreliability
unreliability
or recklessness
recklessness

Doctor: healing,
Doctor: healing, authority,
authority, illness,
illness, birth, death,
death, also misfortune and expense

Executive:decision,
Corporate Executive: decision,power,
power, but
butalso
alsoconformity
conformity and
and the
the rejection
rejection
of self
self

Farmer: food,
Fanner: food,nature, theearth,
nature,the earth,simple
simple wisdom,
wisdom, simplicity,
simplicity, but also lack of
sophistication
sophistication

Journalist: information, communication,

Journalist:information, communication,curiosity, but also
curiosity, but also prying,
prying, distortion,
and exploitation
Lawyer: the law, justice, cleverness,
clevetness, but also greed, injustice,
injustice, slipperiness, and
vampirism
Mechanic: machines, practicality, strength,
machines, practicality, strength, but
but also
also misfortune and expense
Media Star:
Star: fame, glamour, money, but also exposure,
fame, glamour, exposure, vanity,
vanity, and
and falsity
falsity

Mortician: death,
Mortician: death, funerals
funerals

Nursel
Nurse: care,
care,healing, but also
healing, but also illness
illness

Pilot: guidance,
Pilot: responsibfity
guidance, travel, responsibility

Plumber: water, flow,

flow, depths, but also misfortune
misfornrne and expense

Policeman: law, protection, punishment,

law, protection, punishment, limitation
limitation
Politician: leadership,
Politician: influence, but also falsity
power, influence,
leadership, power, and corruption
falsiry and

Salesman:
Salesman: persuasion,
persuasion, negotiation,
negotiation, but also
also deceit

Scientist: logic, knowledge,

knowledge, exactness, impartiality,but
exactness, impartialiry, but also
also separation
separation from
the mundane world
Secretary: communication, correspondence, memory
memory

29
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Soldier: duty,
duty, obedience,
obedience, courage, but also
courage, but also war
war and
and violence
violence

Trucker: transportation,
Trucker: trarisportation, travel, individuality
travel, individuality

\7hile itit goes

While against "old
goes against "old school"
school" traditions,
traditions, therethere is is no reason that you can't
archetype examples from literature or
take archetype
also take popular culture.
or popular Though
culture. Though
archetypes
archefypes have expressed in art
have been expressed art since
since thetheearliest
eadiest carvings
carvings and and cave
cave
paintings, itit is
paintings, is only comparatively recently
only comparatively recentlythat that a new phenomenon
phenomenon has has
emerged. For the first
emerged. first time
time in in history,
historl, we we have
^
externalized our inner world.
have externalized wodd.
❑ur
Our astral world, the
astral world, wodd of
the world ofour ourdreams
dreamsand andimagination,
imagination, has has been
been
converted to product
converted product with withever-increasing
ever-increasing speed speed until our environment
en'i.ironment is
utterly saturated with
uttedy saturated with the stuff of dreams. dreams. This produces a loop, unique unique in our
imagination is
history, where our imagination is manufactured,
manufactured, sold, sold, andand then inspires
inspires new
creation, which
which is is then
then manufactured,
manufactured, and so on to infinity. infinity.
For most
most of of us in the
us in the early
eady 210 century United States, save for the few
21.'t century
that have been raised raised in aa strict
strict and rigorous religious
andrigorous framework or have a
religfous framework
sftong and
strong idiosyncratic inner
and idiosyncratic inner life,
life, our
our astral world is
astral wodd inhabited by vast
is inhabited vast -
vast-amountsofofmedia
unbelievablyvast-amounts
unbelievably mediacontent soakedup
content soaked up from a lifetime
lifetime of
movies, video games, internet
television, movies,
comics, radio, television, internet media, ^
media, books,
books,
magazines,
magazines, and and otu
our general environment. The
general environment. The average person is exposed
average person exposed to
corporate logos or other other commercial
cofiunercial communication
cofiununication as as much
much as as 20,000
20,000 times
times
aa day. According to the book
day. According book Brand
Brand SenseSense by by Martin
Nfartin Lindstrom,
Lindstrom, the the average
average
child in the U.S.U,S. is exposed to to 30,000
30,000 television conunercials in a year. In The
television commercials
Paradox of
Paradox Choice:Wb
of Choice: Irb, More l-css (2005),
Morc is Less Barry Schwartz
(2005), Barry Schwartz writes writes that
that "The
average American sees
average American sees three
three thousands
thousands ads ads a day."
day." We are changed by the
media we surround
surround ourselves
ourselves with, even even if if we
we arearenotnotalways
always changed
changed greatly
gteatly
by any single Most of
thing. I\{ost
single thing. of us have grown up amid a torrent
have grou/n torrent of of children's
children's
books, comics,
comics, cartoons,
cartoons, television
television programming, toys, lunch-boxes, school
notebooks, and and other "tied-in"merchandise.
other"tied-in" metchandise.Long-lived Long-lived characters,
characters, still still
commercially
cofiunercially viable generation to
viable generation to generation, such as as Hercules,
Hercules, Superman,
Superman,
Zono,Tarzan,
Zorro, Tarzan, and Sherlock Holmes, have
Shedock Holmes, become part of our cultural
have become DNA.
culnrral DI\TA.
figures that have
archetypal figures
Even archetypal have littlelittle more
morepresencepresencethan thantelevision
television
cofiunercials or toys can take on aa life
commercials life in our collective psyche, as in the case
our collective case
of Barbie
Barbie and Ken. Ken. These
These semiotic
semiotic phantoms are more likely likely toto appear
appear to
most of us us these
these days
days than the angels angels and demons and other other astral
astral inhabitants
inhabitants
traditionally vied
that traditionally vied forfor our mental space. space. If, for for some
some reason,
reason, you you began
began
*ildly hallucinating
wildly hallucinating just just at
at the moment, would you be more likely
the moment, likely to see Jesus,
see Jesus,
Shiva, or Scooby Doo?
Shiva, Doo?
As long as youyou are awareaware thatthat these are imagesimages of ideal "t1pes"
of the ideal "types" they
represent (and,
(and, hence,
hence, part of of archetypal
archerypal beings much larger and older), older), there
is no reason *hy pop
reason why popculture
culturearchetypes
archetypescannot cannot be bemagically
magically effective.
effective. SomeSome
of them, suchsuch asas Elvis,
Elvis, strike such a deep
stdke such deep chord
chord in some people that that they
they have
naturally assumed magrcal/rchgious
naturally assumed magical/religiousstahrs. status.Due Dueto to the number of reported
the number reported
beatings
healings and phenomena, if Elvis had been Catholic
and other phenomena, Catholic and had lived aa
had lived
spiritually exemplary life,
spiritually exemplary life, he
he would
would now eligible for canonizationt
now be eligible canonization! Here is aa
list of some
some figures,
figures, both real real and fictional, that have
and fictional, have become reflections of
become reflections
archetypes in our culture.
archetypes

30
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

@yronic Hero)
Batman (Byronic Hero)
King primitive Narure)
Kirg Kong (Primitive Nature)
James Dean (Eternal
James Dean @ternal Youth)
Abraham Lincoln (Messiah)
Abraham Lincoln (N{essiah)

Lassie
Lassie (Helpful Animal)
Groucho Marx
l\'farx (Trickster)
ffricks ter)
Einstein (Sage)
Albert Einstein (Sage)

N{arilyn N{onroe
Marilyn Monroe (Temptress)
ffemptress)
Flynn (Adventure)
Errol Flynn (Advenrure)

Nlxon (Fallen
Richard Nixon
Richard Ktg)
(Fallen King)

Adolph Hitler (Evil

Adolph Hitler Kitg)
F"il King)
Elvis Presley (Eternal Youth, Dionysus Figure)
Presley (Eternal Figure)

Shedock Holmes
Sherlock (Intellect)
HoLnes (Intellect)

(lUessianic Hero)
Superman (Messianic Hero)
Godzilla (Disrupted
Godzitla (Disrupted Narure)
Nature)

Tarzan (Perfected Narure)

T aman (Perfected Nature)

Jack Kennedy (Sun

Jack Kennedy Kitg)
(Sun King)

(Ki"g)
Washington (King)
George Washington
Martin Kirg (Messiah)
lrlartin Luther King (Il{essiah)

John \7ayne (Hero)

John Wayne (Hero)

Of course,
Of the possible
course, the possible examples Those who wish to
endless" Those
examples are endless. to further
further
investigate the
investigate connections between ancient
the connections myths might look
ancient and modern myths look up
copy of The
a copy Tbe New Gods by Harold
New Gods Harold Schecter. modern archetypes
Schecter. The use of modern archetypes in
magic discussed in more detail
magrc is discussed detail in Pop
Pop Calturv Malik and Multi-Media
CultureMagick Magic
Multi MediaMigif
Ellwood and the
by Taylor Ellwood the Pap Cultarv Grimoire
Pop Culture by Taylor
Grinoirv anthology edited by Taylor
Ellwood published by
and published
Ellwood and by Megalirhica
lv{egalithica Books.

Identifying Archetypes
Identifying Archetypes
Choose half a dozen or or so uaditional archetypes
sotraditional from this
archerypes from this chapter. They can
chapter. They can
be archetypes
archefypes )'ou
you personally identify with,
personally identify with, or
or you random.
you can pick them at random.
archetype you
Take each archetype you have chosen, time, and
chosen, one at aa time, list three
and list three examples
examples
that archetype
of that archerype inin literature, television, movies,
literarure, television, comics, and so on.
movies, comics,
See ifif you
you can identi$' groups
canidentify (i... "pantheons")
groups (i.e. "pantheons") of ofarchetypes
archetypes inin
culture. For
popular culture. example, II have
For example, have seen semi-joki.g analyses
seensemi-joking analyses of of the
the Beatles,
Beatles,
bridge crew of
the bridge of the first Star
thefirst Trekseries,
Star Trek thecastaways
andthe
series, and castaways of of Gilligan's
Gilligan's

3l
31
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Island, just to name few. Make
name aa few. I\{ake a list and see if you can assign each character
or personality.
an aspect of mind or personality.

Describing Archetypes
Describing Archetypes
Choose between three and andeight
eightarchetypal
archetypal concepts thatare
concepts that arepersonally
personally
important to
important to you. They can
you. They can be ttaditional archetypes,
betraditional atchetypes, modern archetypes,
archetypes, or
concepts more unique to yourself.
unique to yourself.
Write out aa description o[ each
description of each archetype.
archetype. Describe itscharacteristics
Describe its characteristics
and attributes,
and but also
attributes, but alsodescribe howyou
describe how youwould
wouldimagine
imagineitsitsphysical
physical
appearance. Continue undl
appe r^nce. Continue until you
you have image of
have the clear image or creature
of a person or creature
for each of the concepts you have chosen.
chosen.

Naming Archetypes
Naming Archetypes
Name each each of the
the archetypes
archetypes you described in the
you described the first
first exercise.
exercise. This can be a
descriptive like Thunderer
name, like
descriptive name, Thunderer or Auto-Master, or it can be a more personal
or Auto-Master,
name likelike Athablandor or Marsha.l\{archa.
Try holding convetsation with
holding a conversation with one or more of of the
thearchetypes
archetypes youyou
Initially, itit is
named. Initially,
have named. probably best to
is probably to try
tryconversations
conversations with one one
archetype at
archetype at a time.
time. Speak aloud aloud or silently,
silendy, as easiest to
as feels easiest to you. Don't
worq/ if you feel
worry feel silly at first, though you'll
silly at you'll probably
probably wantwant to practice
practice this in
private. Ask
private. Ask the archetype questions, request that it tell you you a story,
storf: or provide
more details itself. STrite
details about itself. Write down
down the conversations
conversations as you try this. Try
asking one of the the archetypal figures to teach you a particular skill,
atchetypal figures skill, or
or to help
you overcome
overcome or or integrate
integtate something
something youyou perceive
perceive as as aa weakness
weakness or or negative
negative
trait.
trait.
the essential
This is the essential approach
approach toto the
theevocation
evocationof ofmagical
magical beings.
beings. A
more formal
formal and
and detailed descdption of evocation
detailed description evocation is given in the section What
is given lf,/bat
lf/ithaaMagical
to Do With Magical Symbol
$rnbol System.
Slsten.

Assuming Archetypes
Assuming Archetypes
I\{ake a mask for one or
Make or more
mote ofofyour archetypes. Try wearing
yourarchetypes. wearing oneone of thethe
masks inviting the associated
masks and inviting archetype into
associated archetype yourself for a set
into yourself set period,
period,
ten minutes.
as ten
such as Besure
minutes. Be surethat youmake
thatyou thistime
makethis limit explicit,
timeLimit at least
explicit, at least
until you are comfortable
until comfortable 'with confident in your
with the process and confident your ability
ability to
move in and out of a given persona.
persona.
Imagine your image of
your image of the archetype
archetype sutrounding
surrounding you you as you put
as you put on
the mask. Notice changes that occur
Notice any changes occnr in how you feel feel and what you think
breathing or posture
about. Does your breathing change? Keep
posture change? Keep a record of of your
your
experiences.
experiences.
^
Tq' this with
Try urith different archetypes. Ate
different archetypes. Are there any archetypes that bring bri"g
in you? ^ny
strong emotional
about strong emotional reactions
reactions in you? DoDoyouyouparticularly or dislike
like or
particul"dy like dislike
any of them? Try requesting that that each
each archetype
archetype develop
develop itsits beneficial
beneficial aspects
and help balance
balance or reduce its negative
reduce its negative traits
traits inside you.

32
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
This is the
the essential approach to
essential approach to the
theinvocation ofmagical
invocation of beings. A
magical beings.
formal and detailed
more formal detailed description evocation is
description of evocation is given in the section What
What
to Do With a Magml
Macgical $tnbol
Symbol S1$em.
System.

33
33
 Chapter 3: Ritual
Chapter 3: Ritual Processes

Archetypal and spiritual

spirirual processes are the thestructures undedyingfalktales,
structruesunderlying folktales,
^re one could say that magical
rirual. In a sense, one
mythologl, drama, and ritual.
mythology, could say that magical rituals are
based on two types of approaches to process:
process:
*(Many
* I\fany rituals
rirualsinvolve theamplification
involve the amplification andandspiritualization of
spiritualization of
activities common to
activiries corrunon to human life. This approach
approach can be applied to
processes
processes such as as being
being born, g"i"g birth,
born, giving journeys, sex,
birth, journeys, sex, marriage,
marriage,
death,
death, and so on.

** Other rituals are focused

Other rituals focused on on the identification of the self
theidentification with a
self with
mythological hero
mythological ^re or
hero or deity and the enactment
deity and their myth. This is^
enactment of their
really no
really from the
different from
no different theamplification of normal
amplification of normalhuman
human
activities, except that it is placed
activities, except tfpe
context. This type
placed in a mythological context.
of ritual
rirual often involves death, and rebirth.
involves sacrifice, death,

Much
N{uch of the
the art of ritual
art of involves raking
rirual involves raw techniques
taking the raw ritual, such as
techniques of ritual,
visualization, chanting,dance,
visualization, chanting, gesture, and
dance,gesture, building upon
and building upon thetheappropriate
appropriate
mythological and
mythological framework to
archetlpal framework
and archetypal tocreate
createan initiatory experience.
aninitiatory• experience.
Ideally, the ritual
Ideally, the ritual creates
creates an experience that that fundamentally
fundamentally changes
changes and addsadds
to the
the strength,
strength, knowledge, awareness, and/or
knowledge, awareness, and/or social
social bond of of the
theindividuals
individuals
taking part in the ritual.
taking part ritual.
Many rituals are
IUany riruals based on the reenactment
are based reenactment or or celebration
celebration of aa basic
basic
myth inin the
theinitiate's
initiate's culture.
culture. Often, the rirual deals
the ritual with death
deals with death and
and
resurrectionor
resurrection or rebirth,
rebirth, such
such as Stations of the
rin:al of Stations
as the ritual theCross.
Cross. Each
Each
station represents an incident in the passage from the
passage of Christ from judgment hall
the judgment hall
Calvary. At
to Calvary. At each
each station,
station, prayers
prayers are offered up
are offered up in memory
memory of the the event
event
represented. There
represented. There are fourteen
fourteen stations:
stations:

1.
1. Condemnation
Condemnation to death
death

2.
2. Bearing
Bearing the cross

3. fust fall
3. The first under the cross
fall under

4. The meeting
4. \rirgin
with the Virgin
5.
5. Simon the Cyrenean c rty the cross
Cyrenean helps to carry

6.
6. Veronica wipes Christ's face
Veronica wipes face

7, The second fall under the cross

fall under cross

8.
8. Christ speaks to the daughters
daughters of Jerusalem
ofJerusalem

9.
9. The third fall under the cross
fall under

10.
10. Christ
Christ is stripped
stripped of his garments
garments

35
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

11. nailing to the cross

1 1. The nailing

12. grrirg up of the spirit

12. The giving spirit

13.
13. Removal from the cross
Removal from

14.
14. The deposition
deposition in the sepulcher
sepulcher

Other well-known
well-known initiatory
initiatory myths re-enacted in
myths re-enacted in ritual
ritual include
include the
the death and
resurrection of
resurrection Osiris in Egyptians
of Osiris Egyptians myth, Odin hanging
hanging onon the
theworld-tree
wodd-uee
Yggdrasil in
Yggdrasil in Norse
Norse myth,
myth, and descent of Innana
and the descent Innana into thethe underworld
underwodd in
Sumerian mythology.
Sumerian mythology.HereHere are some of the common
are some motifs and
common motifs andarchetypal
archerypal
processes encountered:
processes encountered:
Alchemy is
Alchemy: Alchemy ofoftransformation,
perfection, hence also
^ symbol
is a symbol
also initiation and illumination. Alchemy
and illumination.
purification, and
transformation,purification,
Alchemy is also the spagyric
and
spagyric
art, the art of separation
art of separation and
and distillation
distillation wherein the noble is separated
separated from
the pure
the base, the fromthe
pute from theimpure,
impure, and andso soon. Thealchemical
on.The alchemi."llaboratory
lrboratory
symbolizes
symbolizes thethe wodd
world and the body. The alchemist is a symbol symbol of the self. The
base matter undergoing ransformation
matter undergoing symbol of
transformationisis a symbol For Carl
spirit. For
of the spirit. Cad
Jung, the
the process
process of
of alchemy
alchemy symbolized
symbolized
^ individuation
the individuation of
of the self
self and
and
Jrtg,
development of of the
thepersonality. Similar symbolism
personality. Similar associated with the
symbolism was associated
forge— in
forge some cultures,
in some experienced visions of
shaman experienced
culrures, shaman of being
beingflayed,
flayed,
disassembled, beaten out
disassembled, beaten out on the
the forge, andthen
forge, and thenre-assembled
re-assembled byby ancestral
ancestral
smith-deities. See Individuation
See Individuation

Ascension: In psychoanalysis, ascension in dreams is associated

psychoanalysis, ascension associated with images
images
of brightness
brightness and
andfeelings of euphoria,
feelings of whilefalling
euphoria, while falling is
is associated
associated with
with images
images
of darkness
darkness and
and feelings of fear.
feelings of fear. Typically, ascension is a symbol of positive
Typically, ascension positive
action, happiness,
happiness, transcendence, resurection, and redemption.
transcendence, resurrection, redemption. See
See Descent
Descent
Banquet or or Feast: The banquet
Feast: The banquet is is sometimes as aa symbol
seen as
sometimes seen symbol ofof
participation in life
participation sociefy. It also appears
life and in society. appears as a symbol
symbol of plenty or, in
some instances,
instances, excess
excess and indulgence.

Baptism: Baptism
Baptism: Baptism or other ritual bathing
other ritual bathing symbolizes cleansing, rebirth
symbolizes cleansing, rebirth or
renewal, dedication, and
renewal, dedication, and sanctification. associated with rebirth
Immersion is associated
sanctification. Immersion
and regeneration, both because
and regeneration, because of ofwater's
water's association with cleansing
association with cleansing and
and
purification, but
purification, but also because it represents
also because represents a return toan
return to anundifferentiated
undifferentiated
primeval state. See
primeval See Water
Water

Death: In the
themagical woddview, death is universally
magical worldview, seen as
universally seen of
as a symbol of
change rather than
change cessation. ItIt is
than cessation, is the transition from
the transition from one state to another.
one state another. In
one sense,
sense, the ego or oldold self must die
self must topermit
die to permitrebirth,
rebirth, renewal,
renewal, and the
creation
cteation of the new
new self.
self.

Descent The image

Descent: of descent
image of descentisisgenerally
generally associated
associated with negative
negative action,
action,
unhappiness, death, trial,
unhappiness, and initiation.
trial, and Descent into the underworld
initiation. Descent undenxrorld appears
often in folktales
folktales and mythology prelude to redemption
mythology as a prelude redemption or
or initiation.
initiation. See
See
Fall

36
36
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Enchantment: InIntraditional
Enchantment: mythsand
traditionalmyths andfolktales,
folktales, enchantment represents a
enchantment represents
inferior state
an inferior
reduction to an (such as
state (such as transformation into an
transformation into ananimal, making
animal, making
the earth
the earth barren, ranslation to
barren, translation to aa distant
distant place, illness, and
place, illness, and sosoon).
on).
Enchantment typically
Enchantment destructive, or delusive
symbolizes a binding, destructive,
typically symbolizes delusive force, as
as
tomagic
opposed to
opposed in general,
maglc in which is
general, which generally a neutral symbol.
is generally

FalL Both figurative

Fail: Both literal falls
and literal
figurative and falls are associated with
are associated with aa transgression
transgression of of
trial, and
divine or cosmic order, trial, and initiation. The image
initiation. The of aafall,
image of like descent,
fall, like descent, is
with involvement in the material
associated rvrth
also associated individual r,vodd,
material and individual world, and the
of the
incarnation of
incarnation spirit. See
the spirit. Descent
See Descent

often forms
Games are often
Games: Games ofinitiation
forms of initiation and ritual. Most
and ritual. older games
I\'Iost older games
^re
practiced in
we re once practiced
were in sacred contexts,either
sacred contexts, eitheras ritual or
as ritual or as
as forms of
forms of
divination. Many particularly board
games, particularly
Nfany games, games, represent
board games, represent cosmic
cosmic order.
order.
Games, in
Games, many ways,
in many embodyone
ways, embody one of themost
of the mostimportant
important aspects
aspects ofof
initiatory rirual,
initiatory which II refer to as "vaccination."
ritual, which "vaccination." By vaccination II mean that,
B)' r"..ination
initiation, one undergoes
rirual initiation,
through ritual undergoes some of of the
the experience
experience and and changes
changes
of archetypal
of processes rvithout
archerypal processes encountering their most dire
without encountering dire forms.
forms. Games
Games
representationsof
typically representations
are typically ofthe
the struggle against death, the elements
stniy:le against elements ofof
^re the fears of the individual. For
the individual.
nature, exterior
nature, powers, and the
exterior powers, fears and
and weaknesses
weaknesses of
example, in
example, in rirual,
ritual, one
one may
mayundergo
undergo death
death and rebirth, or
and rebirth, threat of
the threat
or the death,
of death,
without (usually)
(usually) dying physically.Thus,
dying physically. Thus,many games and
many games and other common
conunon
activities act as
human activities vaccinations against
asvaccinations confusion, despair,
fear, confusion,
against fear, despair, and
and
death.
death.
Often, games
games that useaasupplementary
that use diagram, such as
supplementary diagram, as hopscotch,
hopscotch, are
are
initiatory passage,
symbols of initiatory
symbols passage, representing the trials
representing the trials at stages of
at various stages of the
journey. Initiation
journey. See Initiation
Individuation: In
Individuation: In Jungian individuationisis the
psychology, individuation
Jungian psychology, the process of of
individual and
becoming an individual
becoming adult,in
psychologicaladult,
and psychological inwhich
which the contents of
the contents of the
unconscious are
unconscious integrated into
are integrated the conscious.
into the According to
conscious. According to Jung, many
Jrtg, many
forms ofof initiation, and indeed many
initiation, and parts of
many parts of human life are
human life are aimed
aimed atat
individuation. The
individuation. process of
The process individuation is
of individuation is thought
thought toto bebesometimes
sometimes
accompanied by by dreams or visions
dreams or of archetypal
visions of archetypal symbols
symbols associated rvith each
associated with each
stage of psychic transformation.
transformation.
stages of individuation
early stages
The early associated with cosmic
individuation are associated cosmic catastrophe (such
(such
as aa flood
as oran
flood or anearthquake), certain animals
earthquake), certain the bull,
(such as the
animals (such bull, horse,
horse, bird,
bird,
snake, or lion), the ocean or
snake, or water in general,
water in cross*like patterns.
caverns, and cross-like
general, caverns, patterns.

stage is
intermediate stage
The intermediate associated with
is associated with symbols
symbolssuch
such as the ftog
as the or tree
frog or tree
metamorphosis or
(symbohzng metamorphosis
(symbolizing or growth), dangerous passages (such as
dangerous passages river
as river
fords flying or floating
bridges), and flying
fords or bridges), in the air.
floating in air.

associated with
individuation are associated
Later stages of individuation symbols of
with symbols of the self such as
the circle,
the circle, square, or other
square, or othermandala-like flor,vers (often, aa rose),
mandala-like patterns, flowers rose),
wheels, stars, equal-armed
equal-armed crosses, child.
crosses, the sun, or a child.
Images *y occur
Images of a hero or youth may occur at
at any SeeInitiation
stage. See
any stage. Initiation

37
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Initiation is sometimes
Initiation: Initiation sometimes viewed
viewed asas the process of growth
the process growth from
from
childhood to adulthood
adulthood andand the
therituals thataccompany
rituals that accompany ororsymbolize
symbolize such
such
changes. Typical
changes. Typical initiatory phases include
initiatory phases awareness of self,
include birth, awareness self, awareness
awareness
of death, trial (feats of courage, intellect, strength, and so o')'sexual
soon), sexuar
;:^iTl?, or activity, marriage, death, and rebirth).
awareness
"TTirffiXjr.#31;rl*T::lJff'"s't''
Archetypal forms of initiation
Atchetypal forms initiation that recur inmythology
recur in include death and
mythology include and
descent into hell
rebirth, descent hell followed
followed by
by resurrection, illumination and ascension
resurrection, illumination ascension
followed by
into heaven followed by rebirth,
rebirth, and other forms of transition
ttansition from one plane
plane
(state) to another.
(state) another.
myths and
In myths and folktales,
folktales, initiation in caves,
initiation often occurs in labyrinths, or other
caves, labyrinths,
undetrvorld places.
underworld
In Jungian
In when archetypal
thought, when
Jungian thought, initiation is
archetypal initiation out, identity
is acted out, identity is
is
dissolved into the
dissolved the collective ritual experienced
collective unconscious through ritual experienced by the
group, initiate is reborn into a world
Soup, then the initiate wodd in in which
which the
the initiate is an
initiate is art
individual.
^
independent individual.
According to the
According the mystical however, initiation
world-view, however,
mystical world-view, initiation can
can also consist of
also consist
dissolution of
the dissolution of the ego and the union of the initiate with
the initiate with the wodd
world or the
In magical
divine. In magical terms, initiation is generally
genetally perceived
perceived asas an integration
integration of
or quantum
or i"-p ininawareness,
quantum jump understanding, power, and connection
awareness) understanding, connection to
and Individuation
See Games and
spiritual guidance. See
Journey: journey is
Journey: The journey symbol of
is a symbol life and
of the path of life thesearch
and the for
search for
illumination, immort"lity,
illumination,
^
immortality, and the spiritual
spiritual center.
center.

In folktales
In myth, the
folktales and myth, the trials
trials and
and obstacles of the
obstacles of journey are
thejourney initiations
are initiations
that mark stages in the development individual. Often,
development of the individual. goal of the
Often, the goal
mythical journey
mythical the form
takesthe
journey takes form ofof the search for the Grail,
the search Islands of the
Grail, the Islands
Blessed) or
Blessed, some other symbolic
or some object or location.
symbolic object location.

Perhaps most common

Perhaps the most coffunon mythic joutney is the descent and passage
mythic journey passage through
underwodd that must be undertaken
the underworld rene\r/al. In some
undertaken before rebirth or renewal. some
journey through hell
senses, the journey
senses, hell (or
(or the night-sea
night-sea voyage) represents the quest
to unite
unite the conscious
conscious with the unconscious. See
See Quest

Marriage: TheThe underlying symbolism of

undedying symbolism mariage is
of marriage union,completion,
is union, completion,
wholeness, and
wholeness, and the reconciliationof
the reconciliation opposites.ItIt is
ofopposites. is the ideal fusion of
dualities and cosmic
dualities elements. The
cosmic elements. The dualities involved may represent the
dualities involved
combination of knowledge
combination knowledge andand relatedness
relatedness (experience),
(experience), the combination of
the combination
logos and ems,
eros, the spiritual material, or any
spiritual and material, any other aspect of dichotomy.
other aspect dichotomy.

In mythology, marriage of a divine being symbolizes

mytholory, the marriage the union of cosmic
symbolizes the cosmic
emanations. For example, h
principles that produces additional divine emanations. in Greek
mytholo{y, the
mythology, the union ofofZeus
Zeus(power,
(power,authority) Themis(justice)
andThemis
authorify) and (ustice)
Eirene(peace),
produced Eirene Eunomin (discipline),
(peace), Eunoznin Dikte (law).
(discipline), and Dikte 0"*).
Purification: Purification
Purification: of the
Purification is one of themany
many varieties of initiation.
varieties of Tlpically,
initiation. Typically,
purification can take
purification take place gently by
place gently water,which
by water, whichisis the path of devotion and
the path

38
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
dedication, or it
dedication, it can
can take
take place rial by fire.
quickly through trial
place quickly fte. Another
Another way of
viewing itit is
viewing that watet
is that purification of desires towards goodness
represents the purification
water represents goodness
and that fire represents
that fire thepurification
represents the of spirit
purification of spirit towards
towards understanding
understanding or
enlightenment. In
enlightenment. myths, purification
In some myths, purification takes ofsacrifice,
form of
takes the form sacdfice,
sometimes required by by hubris. See Initiation and Task
See Initiation

Quest: In
Quest: In myth, the heroic quest
the heroic is an
quest is initiatory task,
aninitiatory task, symbolizing the search
symbolizing the search
the treasure
for the or magical
treasure or (the self
mag'ical object (the or illumination).
self or illumination). See
See Journey and
and
Task
Rebirth: Rebirth is a symbol
Rebirth: restoration, resurrection,
symbol of restoration, It is
resurrection, and initiation. It
of the
the rebirth of spirit after
the spirit metaphorical or spiritual
after aa metaphorical spirirual death.
death.

In magic,
Sacrifice: In magic, sacrifice
sacrifice can be viewed
viewed as initiation and purification.
as both initiation purification.
Rirually, sacrificeisisthe
Ritually, sacrifice process of
the process of gaining
gaining spiritual energyin
spiritual energy in proportion
proportion to
In myths
what is lost. In myths and folktales, itit is
andfolktales, is frequently performed as
frequendy performed as aanecessary
necessar)t
preliminary to
preliminary creation or
to creation or initiation. Sacrifice is
initiation. Sacrifice sometimes seen
is sometimes seen as
as an
an
exchange of the material for the
exchange the spiritual.
spiritual.

Task In
Task: In the
theinitiatory
initiatory process,
process, the task is
the task which is imposed
that which
is that imposed onon the
the
initiate in
initiate order to prepare
in order prepare him/her forfor further
further growth or for
growth or for the
theritual
ritual
reification of the
reification initiation.
the initiation.

In myth, the task

task is imposed by divine order
by divine order and may discovery of
may involve the discovery of
treasure and
treasure and the defeat ofof its guardians, the defeat of
its guardians, an evil
of an or opposing
evil or opposing
force, and so on. See
See Quest

common theme
Transcendence is aa common
Transcendence: Transcendence in both
theme in myth and ritual
both myth ritual
that embodies ttansformation through
embodies transformation through the blending
blending and fusion of opposites.
and fusion
See Marriage
See Marriage
Llnction: is the
Unction is
Unction: Unction the act
actof anointing.ItItsymbolizes
ofanointing. symbolizesdedication
dedication and
and
Purification
consecration. See Purification
consecration.
Virginity: Virginity
Virginity: \rirglnity is
is aa metaphor
metaphor for for a state of innocence and possibfity. It is
and possibility. is
often used
often used as symbolofofasceticism,
asaasymbol asceticism, self-denial, orientation to
self-denial, and orientation to the
the
othenuroddly. It
spiritual or otherworldly. It is also used as of intellectual
symbol of
as aa symbol or spiritual
intellectual or spititual
clarity, and
clarity, alchemy) primal
and (in alchemy) matter. ItIt is
primalmatter. is important
important not toto confuse physical
confuse physical
and spiritual
and virginity, however,
spiritual virginity, however, though
though the two two may
may beberitually orculturally
dtually or culturally
linked.
linked.

Identifying Archetypal
Identifying Archetypal Processes
Processes
can be
stories. They can
Choose three stories. fromliterature,
befrom literature, television, fikn, and, of
television, film,
from traditional
course, from mythologyand
traditional mythology folktales.Look
and folktales. Lookover the list
over the of
list of
archetypal/spirirual processes,
archetypal/spiritual processes,andandtry
tryto them to "map" the
use them
to use the stories
stories you
you
Practice seeing stories as permutations of
have chosen. Practice of archetypal
archetypal processes.
processes.
$7ith
With time, try tosee
try to seeevents inyour
events in yourdaily lifeasasreflections
dailylife ofarchetypal
reflections of archetypal
processes.
Pfocesses.
Myth
Creating a Myth
Creating

39
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

from your
event from
Talce an event
Take life and describe
your life it in mythic
describe it mythic terms. Write
Sfrite the event
event
as if it were part of aa heroic
heroic saga, tragedy, or a comedy. Write
saga, tragedy, Write the event as if itit
as if
were a myth concerning supernatural or divine
supernatural or divine beings. try taking
Conversely, try
beings. Conversely, taking a
traditional myth of
traditional myth of the describe it
gods, and describe
the gods, it as if it were aa story
if it from your
story from your
life.
daily Life.
daily

Mythic Ritual
Designing a Mythic
Designing Ritual
you find
that you
Choose aa myth that find personally significant. The
personally significant. The myth can be from any
any
tradition, as long as itit is
tradition, meaningful to
is meaningful you. Here
to you. examples of myths
Here are some examples myths
you might use:
use:

Mvth
MYth Tradition
Tradition Ivtvthic Framework
Mythic

-
Death Resurrection of
Death and Resurrection of Egyptian
Egyptian death and rebirth
Osiris

Isis' Search for the Body of

Isis' Search of Egyptian
Egyptian initiatory task/quest
initiatory task/quest
Osiris Conception of
Osiris and Conception of
Horus
Honig

Horus'Battle
Horus' Battle with Set Egyptian
Egyptian over evil
triumph over evil

The Twelve Labors of

Twelve Labors Greek initiatory task/quest
initiatory task/quest
Hercules

Eros and Psyche

Psyche Greek gamos,
hieros gamos,
experience of the anima
anima

Persephone and Hades

Persephone Hades Greek cyclical death
cyclical death and
rebirth

Parsifal's Quest
Parsifal's Holy
ficr the Holy
Quest for Medieval initiato ry task/quest,
initiatory task/quest,
Grail European
European experience of the
animus

Inanna's Descent to the

Manna's Sumerian
Sumerian death and rebirth
Under.world
Underworld

Whale
the Whale
Jonah and the Testament
Old Testament journey
night-sea journey

Chariot of Ezekiel
Chariot Ezekiel Testament
Old Testament axis mundi
ascent of the axis
Resurrection of
Death and Resurrection of sacrifice, death
death and
and
^, New Testament
Testament
Lhrlst
Christ rebtrtn
rebirth
,

Nfany of
Many the myths
of the listed have
myths Listed have been used in
been used rirual initiation;
in ritual initiation; The
The myth ofof
Osiris was
Osiris was central many of the Egyptian
central to many Egyptian mysteries;
mysteries; the myth of
the myth of Persephone
Persephone

40
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Hades formed
and Hades formed thethe basis ofthe
basis of theEleusinian
Eleusinian mysteries; Chariot of
mysteries; the Chariot
Ezekiel was
Ezekiel was used in the practices of of the
the INIerkabah tradition of
Nferkabah tradition Qabalah. There
of Qabalah. There
uncountable other myths that can
are uncountable
are readily serve
can readily the basis
serve as the of sacred
basis of sacred
drama ritual.
dmma and ritual.
After you have chosen chosen an break it down into its
appropriate myth, break
an appropriate its
basic parts
basic parts and listlist them.
them. For example,
example, death and rebirth mythsmyths have some or
all of the following
following components:
components:
** Initial state
state of power or position
of power
** A fall
fall or loss of power,
loss of power, representing thestripping
representing the stripping away of material
away of material
spirirual attachments
and spiritual
** Death, wodd or state of being to the next
Death, the transition from one world
** Entombment and/or journey through
andf oraajourney through the undenvodd representing
the underworld representing
purification
trial and purification
* Resurrection
Resurrection to a higher state of being

Once youyou have

have listed the basic
listed the parts of
basic parts ofthe myth,describe
themyth, somesymbolic
describe some symbolic
ritual actions
ritual could use to represent
you could
actions you represent each phase. SinceSince this just an
this is just
^n
exercise, you can be as elaborate as you like.
exerciser 1'ou like. A myth-based dtual can be very
myth-based ritual very
simple, involving series of small actions such as rurning
simple, involving a series of small actions such turning a different to a different
^ touching oror holding
holding aa different
different object, andsaying
object, and
direction for each
each phase,
phase, touching saying a
words. You can also
few words. also create
create aa complex
complex pageant,
pageant, such as as aa passion
passion play,
play,
involving many
involving many participants
participants and
and props,
props, in which you every part of the
you re-enact every
myth. OfOf course, if you
course, if were designing
you were ritual to actually
designing aa ritual acrually perform, youfou would
have toto bear
bearininmind
mindyouryourresources, suchas
resources, such asavailable
available space,
space, expense
expense of
could/would participate,
props, people who could/would participate, and so on.

Performing a Mythic Ritual

Performing
try mythologizing
Next, try part of your life and writing
mythologizing part ritual that
writing aa ritual that you will
youwill
acrually perform:
actually perform:
1.
1. List a set of actions from your life and assign
your life assign symbolic meaning to
symbolic meaning
example, if
them. For example, if you corrunute
commute to work in a restaurant, you
might list:

** The journey
journey to the
the place of food,
place of food, representing
representing the
the beginning
beginning
the initiatory
of the journey.
initiatory journey.
* The
* The preparing of the
preparing of thefood,
food,representing purification and
representingpurification and
initiation.
initiation.
•* The serving
serving of the food,representing
the food, the dissemination
representing the dissemination of
nourishment of
the nourishment of life.
life.

•* The return
return home,
home, representing theintegration
representing the of initiatory
integrarion of initiatory
knowledg..
knowledge.

41
4L
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

simple action
2. Design a simple action that represents each
that represents phase of the myth.
each phase myth. In
this example, you might:
example, you

•{( Circumambulate,
Circumambulate, passing
passing througha a set
through of stations
set of stations
obstacles on the journey.
representing obstacles iourney.
* Acnnlly
* prepare sorne
Actually prepare some simple food,preferably
simple food, prefembly using
using
ingredients life.
symbolize knowledge or life.
ingredients that symbolize
** Senre the food, either
Serve the either to yourself
yourself or
or to another.
** Pass along the ritual
Pass back along reversing your
ritual path, reversing previous route.
your previous route.
Perform the ritual,
3. Perform dhral, making
making suresure to invest each phase with the the
appropriate
appropriate emotion. Take litde time afterwards
Talce aa little afrerwards to examine
examine your
feelings. (Don't
reactions and feelings.
reactions worry ifif you happen
(Don't worry feel aa little
happen to feel litde
absurd.)
absurd,) If possible,
possible, perform the forseveral
ritualfor
theritual &yr, preferably
several days, prefetably
on days
on d"yr when
when you will perform
you will perfotm the the real-life
real-life actions the ritual
rinral is
based upon.
upon.
Go about
4. Go your daily
about your daily life. $Zhen
When youyou petform actions that you
perform the actions you
to form
used to form the myth,see
themyth, seeififyour
yourperspective orfeelings
perspective or feelings have
have
changed. Using the example
changed. Using above, when you
example above, you perform
pedorm your your
restaumnt work,
restaurant rememberthe
work, remember the related phase of
related phase the ritual
of the dtual you
you
pedormed eadier
performed earlierand try to
and try to see each ofof the twoactivities
the two activities as aa
reflection of the other.
reflection other.

42
 Chapter 4: Colors

Color is the most

most pervasive
pervasive of of visual
visual attributes
attributes ---- everything
everything we see has color
even if it doesn't have
have movement
movement or or clearly
clearly defined
defined shape. hierarchy of
shape. In the hierarchy
visual recognition, 'nve
visual recognition, we notice color before even shape and size. As one might
notice color might
expect, color is also
also oneone of the most important elements elements of of symbolism.
symbolism.
Color immediately
immediately affectsaffects our
our emotions, both throughthrough its
its associations
associations
with our environment
environment (such (such as blueblue sky, fields, or
sL1r, green fields, or red blood) and its its
direct impact on on thethe human
humannervous
neffous system.
system. ForForexample,
example, blue
blue isiscalming,
calming,
whereas
whereas red can have a stimulating
stimulating or agitating
agitatirg effect.
Some authorities believe that the
authorities believe the physiological effects of color
physiological effects color are
are
inextricably linked to
inextricably linked to our evolution.
evolution. Daytime
Daytime colors making us more more active
active
nighttime colors slowing
and nighttime slo'uving us us down. In In general, bttght colors
general, bright colors have
have aa
catabolic
catabolic effect (stimulating
(stimulatirg and and warming),
warming), and and dark colors have an an anabolic
anabolic
effect (calming
(calming and cooling).
cooling).
Typically, acquirewords
culturesacquire
Typically, cultures wordsfor for different colors in the
different colors the same
same
order. The most
most primitive
primitive cultures
culrures recognize
recognize black white. Next
black and white. Next a word is
for red.
added for red. Then,
Then, aa word isisadded addedforforeither
either yellow
yellow oror green,
green, followed
followed by by
of the "vord
the other one
one of the pair.
pair. Initially,
Initrally, the same
same word is usually used used for both blue
blue
and green.
green. Later, the two t'wo colors
colors are
are given
given separate
separate names. More I\fore about thisthis
can be found
found in the book Basic Color
book Basic Terms, Their
ColorTerms, Their Universafio
Uniuercaliry and
and Evolution
Eaolutionbyby
Brent Berlin and Paul Kay. K^y.
Even the
the cultural
culrural associations
associations of color color are
are very
very deeply
deeply embedded
embedded in in
our psyches.
psyches. The following
following listlist shows some of the associations
shows some associations reported in aa
survey of English
English school
school children from Practical Color Magic
(taken from
children (taken Magtc-byby
Raymond Buckland):
Buckland):

Red - danger,
danger, anger, fire, love, thirst, mean,
fire, love, rnean, hate

()range -- woods,
()range r,voods, autumn,
autumn, warm,
warm, kind,
kind, fire
flue

Yellow
Yellow - summer,
surruner, skip, glad, light, Easter, sick
sick

Green -- cool,
cool, nice,
nice, flowers,
flowers, ocean, picnic, reading, snakes
snakes

Blue - water,
Blue water, cool, lazy, home, frost, lonely
Iazy, home,

Indigo - soft, gentle, sweet, prayers

prayers

Violet
\,'iolet - sad, church, love, warmth
Color plays k.y role in
plays a key in symbols.
symbols. The nature of other
nature of othersymbolic
symbolic elements,
elements,
such as
as shapes
shapes or
or animals,
animals, is
is often
often significantly modified by color. The same
signiFrcantly modified same
graphic symbol painted differentdifferent colors willhave
colors will haveentirely
entirelydifferent
different
associations. For
associations. For example,
example, aa blue
blue or
or green
green droplet
droplet is seen as rvater,
water, but a red
red
droplet generally people of blood. Color enhances,
reminds people
generall)r reminds enhances, mutes, or changes
the entire
entire symbolic characterof
symbolic character anything to
of anything to which it is
is applied.
applied. This isis

43
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's

particularly true
particularly trueof gemstones and
ofgemstones and flowets,
flowers, whose
whose color is is often
often the
theprimary
primary
source ofof their traditional symbolism.
their traditional
All colors
All colors cancan bebemixed
mixed fromfromotherother colors
colors except
except the thebasic
basic hues
hues
known as primary colors. Most
as primary commody, these
I\'[ost commonly, these are red(magenta),
are red (magenta), yellow,
yellow,
White is
(cyan). White
and blue (cyan). is the absence of all color
the absence color and black is
and black is the presence of
the presence
all color. This method of
all of approaching
approaching color color isis called
called subtractive
subtractive color. This is
the color scheme
scheme used used by mostpainters
bymost paintets and illustators.
andillustrators.
other most common
The other colot scheme
cofiunon color scheme is isknown
knownas additive or
asadditive or light
light
When light
primaries. S7hen
primaries. light is refracted through
is refracted through a prism, prism, the thethree
thteeresultant
resultant
primaries
primaries are arered, green,and
red,green, blue.In
andblue. this color
In this
^scheme, black
color scheme, black is the absence
color and
of color and white is the presence
presence of of all
all colors.
One of
One of the
the best
best color toolsIIam
color tools amaware
aware of of is
is the Color Guide.
Pantone Color
the Pantone Guide.
It is essentially collection of over aa thousand
essentially a collection thousand colors,
colors, each matched with the
each matched
^
percentage of
percentage primaries that
of primaries make up that color
that make color and and aareference
referencenumber.
number.
Pantone numbers
numbers are are recognized world-wide by by printers
printers and artists as a color
artists as
standard.
standard.
color symbolism
The color symbolism discussed
discussed in this section isisprimarily
this section primarily based on
Whilethe
culture.\Xlhile
Western culture.
Western symbolismof
the symbolism of the colors in nature,
the colors nature, such as the
colors ofoffire,
fit., water,
water, and
and sky,sky, are timeless,
timeless, many many of of the
theother
othersymbolic
symbolic
^te
associations of color
associations color change
change over over time
time as they are
as they linked to politics,
are linked politics, fashion,
fashion,
religion, myths, and
religion, myths, geography.The
and geography. colors of
Thecolors of a nation's
nation's fl"g,
flag, the colors of it ss
the colors
teams, or other conventions can all affect
sports teams, affect the the overall symbolism of
overall symbolism
colors. Bearing that
colors. Bearing that in
in mind,
mind, hete here are
are some
some of the the symbolic
symbolic associations
associations and and
physiological diffetent colors:
physiological effects of different colors:

Black Black
Black: Black is complex and
is complex dichotomous. It
and dichotomous. isassociated
It is associated withwith thethe
undifferentiated and
undifferentiated and abysmal, darkness, ominous
abysmal, darkness, obscurity,
ominous forces, ignorance, obscurity,
evil, guilt,
evil, mourning and
guilt, mourning and grief, night,shadows,
grief,night, winter,pain,
shadows, winter, pain,misfortune,
misfortune,
pessimism, sorrow,
melancholy, pessimism,
melancholy, depressionand
sorrow, depression and despair. Because of
despair.Because its
of its
associations darkness, and mourning, black is associated
associations with death, darkness, with
associated with
penitence and the negation
negation of of worldly vanity. Black
woddly vanity. Black also symbolizes total lack
symbolizes total lack
ofconsciousness,
of chaos,and
consciousness, chaos, andnothingness. Otherassociations,
nothingness.Other associations,however,
however,
include
include earth, fertility, the
the soil, fertility,
earth, the the unmanifest
unmanifest andand its
its potential, the unknown,
opacity, density, restfulstrength,
densit5n, weight, restful strength, elegance, power,sophistication,
elegance, power, sophistication,
sexuality, and
sexuality, secrecy. In
and secrecy, In western
western alchemy, blackening of the
alchemy, the blackening first matter
the first matter
materia)is
(or prima materia) the initial
is the step in the production
initial step production of of the
thePhilosopher's
Philosopher's
-- aa symbol
Stone -- symbol ofofspiritual
spiritual death
death before rebirth. It is interesting
rebirth. It interesting to note thatthat
black colored
a black load will seem heavier
colored load heavier than one of aa lighter
than one lighter color. Most
^
Common ModernAssociations:
Modem Associations:Powerful,
Powerful,sophisticated, strongr sexy,
sophisticated, strong, sexy,
magical, demonic, ominous)
magical, demonic, ominous, expensive.
expensive.

Blue: Blue isthe

Blue is the rarest
ratest color in plants
color in plants and animals. Blue
and animals. Blue recedes, creating the
recedes, creating
that things
impression that
impression colored blue
things colored blue are farther away
arefarther than they
away than they actually It
ate. It
actually are.
the color
is the ofambiguous
color of ambiguous depth, ittfittity, eternity,
depth,infinity, eternitl, the heavens, the sea,
sea, and
and
the abyss.
abyss. Blue symbolizes vertical space, with
veffical space, top and
with light blue at the top anddark
dark
the bottom.
blue at the bottom.

44
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Blue considered the coldest color. It has

Blue is considered has aa calming
calming effect,
effect, operating
operating
principally on
principally on the
the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous
parasympathetic branch neffous system;
system;
blood pressure
pressute falls, heartbeat and breathing
falls, heartbeat breathing slow down. The The sedative
sedative effect
effect
of blue is often used by hospitals.
Blue is the
Blue the most
mostcommonly
commonly named color. It
favorite color.
named favorite the color
It is the color
associated with
associated with water,
water, the
the ocean,
ocean, the great deepdeep (deep
(deep blue),
blue), coolness,
coolness, the
moon, thethesky
slq'(sky
Gkyblue), theheavens,
blue),the heavens, andanddepression
depressionand anddespondency
despondency
(feeling blue). Other
(feeling blue). Other associations
associations include the higher
higher mental plane, philosophy,
philosophy,
intellect,aim,
spirituality, intellect,
spirituality, aim,trust,
trust, truth,
truth, devotion and and sincerity (trueblue),
sincerity (true blue),
tranquility, understanding, patience, health,
health, cleanliness,
cleanliness, purity,
puritl', peace,
peace, passivity,
passivity,
introversion, reflection,ttndlight,
introversion, reflection, twilight,and
anddreams.
dreams.BlueBlueisisalso
alsothe color of the
the color the
marvelous (once in aa blue
marvelous (once blue moon), the inexplicable,
inexplicable, andand unexpected
unexpected (out of the
Common Modem
blue). Most Common
blue). Modern Associations:
Associations: Dependable,
Dependable, understanding,
understanding,
secure, calming, masculine, cool.
is associated
Light blue is associated with sky,rLl', heaven,
heaven, devotion,
devotion, meditation,
meditation, water,
$/ater, and
cairn sea. Most Common Modem
calm sea. ModernAssociations:
Associations:Peaceful,
Peaceful,calming,
calming, quiet,
quiet,
passive,
passive, ethereal,
ethereal, spiritual,
spirirual, cool

Dark blue
blue (heteronymous)
fteteronymous) is is associated
associated with night
night sky,
sLy, heaven,
heaven, water,
rvater, stormy
stormy
the great
sea, the great deep,
deep,quiet,
quiet, passivity, midnight, and
passivity, midnight, and unconsciousness.
unconsciousness. Most
Common Modem
Common ModernAssociations:
Associations:Dignified,
Dignified,trustworthy,
trustworthy,professional,
professional,
official, intelligent, respectable,
official, intelligent, respectable, secure, sophisticated, expensive,
expensive, nautical

Brown is
Brown: Brown is associated
associated with nature,
nature, earth,
earth, excrement,
excrement, ploughed
ploughed land,
land,
soil, dead
deadleaves,
leaves, autumn, andmelancholy.
autumn, and Otherassociations
melancholy. Other associationsinclude
include
durability, reliability,
reliability,realism,
realism,warmth,
warmth, comfort,
comfort, hominess,
hominess, humility, boredom,
humiliry, boredom,
sorrou/, poverty, simplicity,
sorrow, simplicity, practicality, andthe
practicality,and the mundane or orearthly.
earthly.
According to
According sources, sadists have aa predilection
to some sources, predilection for brown.
brown. Most
Common ModemModern Associations:
Associations: Dependable, friendly,
friendly, tasty,
tasty, healthy, earthy,
earthy,
natural, woodsy,
nafural, woodsy, warfn.
warm.
Brown-Ocher: Associated
Brown-Ocher. withthe
Associated with the earth.
earth.Most
Most Common
Common Modem
Modern
Associations:
Associations:Earthy,
Earthy,natural,
natural, tasty,
tasty, spicy,
spicy, autumnal,
autumnal, warm

Gold:
Gold: Gold is associated
associated with the sun,
sun, enlightenment,
enlightenment, glory,
glory, value and wealth,
harvest, grain, corn,
harvest, grain, corn, and Most Common Modem
and honor. Most Modern Associations:
Associations:
Radiant, cheerful, stimulad.g, energizing,
cheerful, stimulating, energizirg, invigorating, floral, fruity,
invigorating, sunny, floral, fruity,
};|f:r,
warm.
Green: The color
color green is the most restful color to to the
theeye. It has
eye. It hasaagenerally
generally
soothing
soothing effect and is considered the most tranquil tranquil of colors.
colors. Green mediates
mediates
between the
between the heat of red red (body)
O"dy) and and the
the cold
cold ofofblue
blue(spirit). Insome
(spirit). In some
traditions, green is viewed as the
traditions, gteen the feminine
feminine earth principle
principle that complements
complements
and contains the masculine fite of red.
masculine fire red.
Green isis commonly
commonly associated
associated with growth
gro\r/th (hence,
(hence, spiritual
spiritual growth),
growth),
renewal, regeneration, vegetation, agriculture,
agricultufe, nature, tranquility, coolness,
nafure, tranquility, coolness,
freshness,
freshness, vitality, good luck,
vitaliry, good luck, youth,
youth, inexperience
inexperience and immaturity
immaturity (unripeness),
(unripeness),
hope, spring, life (vernal
spring, life fertility), and immortality.
(vernal fertility), immortality.GreenGreen isis also
also associated
associated

45
 Reflection
Magician's Reflection
The Magician's

rurn green),
with nausea (to turn poison, death,
green), poison, death, disease, (corruption),
disease, putrefaction (corruption),
and envy
en\T' or jealousy (green with envy).
jealousy (green envy). Other
Other associations include money and
associations include
finance least in the
finance (at least United States),
the United States), safety or "clear
safery or "clear sailing"
sailing" (a
(^ green light),
green light),
and energy.
and energ)r. Most Common Modern Associations:
Common Modern Associations: Botanical, ecological,
ecological,
lucky, healthy, healing, cool.
natural, lucky, cool.
Grey: Grey is the the color ofashes,
color of mist, and
ashes,mist, andtwilight. Grey isisassociated
nvilight. Grey associated withwith
neutrali zaoan, neutrality, mourning, depression,
neutralization, boredom,sickness,
depression,boredom, sickness,
mediation, and
mediation, indeterminacy.In
and indeterminacy. In folk and myth,
talesand
folk tales grey is
myth, grey is the
the color of of
realms, such as limbo.
intermedi"ry realms,
intermediary Otherassociations
limbo. Other include intelligence,
associations include intelligence,
technologf, security,
modesty, technology,
futurism, modesty, securiry, tranquility, cold,retirement,
tranqufit)', cold, retirement,
indifference, sadness,
indifference, decay, and
sadness, decay, and dreariness. Grey is
dreariness. Grey fust color
is the first color perceived
perceived
the eyes
as the develop —
eyes develop - that
that is, grey is
is, grey is the simplest
simplest color the eye
color for the eye toto see.
see.
Most Common
Most CommonModern ModernAssociations:
Associations:Dignified,
Dignified,intelligent,
Inlslligent, high tech,tech,
creative, efficient, expensive, unadorned,
efficient, expensive, unadorned, subtle, neutral, cool.
Associated with impulsiveness,
Indigo: Associated moodiness and depression
rmpulsiveness, moodiness ("Irfood
depression ("Mood
anddignity.
Indigo"), ambition, and Most Common
dig"iry. Most Modern Associations:
Common Modem Associations:
dignified, elegant,
Regal, dignified, elegant,expensive,
expensive, philosophical, intelligent,spiritual,
philosophical,intelligent, spirirual,
mysterious
mysterious

Red: Red is is the

the boldest
boldest of ofallallcolors,
colors,attention-getting
attention-getting and andsexy.
sexy. Red Red
advances, creating the appearance
advances, creating appearance that red objectsobjects are closer than
are closer than they
they actually
actually
are. It is the color of hell,
color of fit., rage, blood, love,
hell, fire, love, fervor, and sin. sin.
Made from iron oxide,
Irfade oxide, red ocher was probably the
was probably first color
the first utilized
color utilized
humanity. Red
by humanity. Red is the first color
is the color to be named in the the development
development of of nearly
neady
all languages.
Reds colors are
Reds classified as yellow-based
are classified yellow-based or blue-based. Yellow-based
blue-based. Yellow-based
such as tomato red, tend to
reds, such
reds, to appeal more to
appeal more to males, while blue based reds,
males, while reds,
such as raspberry red, tend to appeal
such appeal more to to females.
females.
Red stimulates
stimulates the nervous
nervous system (especially the sympathetic
system (especially sympathetic branch
of autonomic
autonomic nervous
ner:\rous system)
system) and and increases
increases metabolism.
metabolism. Red increases
increases blood
pressure and speeds respiration and
speeds up respiration and heart
heart rate. Typically, upon seeing
rate. Typically, seeing the
metabolic rate of aa human
color red, the metabolic human being
being increases
increases by b1' over ten percent.
percent.
light, hand-grip
In red light, hand-grip strength increases nearly twenry
increases nearly percent. Introverts
twenty percent. Introverts and
melancholiacs hnd
melancholiacs repulsive.
find the color intrusive or repulsive.
associated with
Red is commonly associated with fire, heat, the sun, alarm and danger, danger,
intensity, volatility, ferocity,
i.ntensiry, volatiliry, ferocity, anger
anger and and rage (seeing red), bankruptcy (red
(seeing red), (ted ink,
in the
in thered),
red),excessive bureaucracy (red tape),
excessive bureaucracy wounds, and war. Other
tape), rvounds, Other
associations include power, power,strength, life-force,rulership,
strength,life-force, rulership,discipline,
discipline,
punishment, ambition, birth,
punishment, birth, strong emotion,passion,
strong emotion, love, ardor,
passion,Love, ardor, energy,
energ!,
phvsical life,
physical vigor (a
life, health and vigor "ruddy complexion"),
(a "ruddy r.".r*lity, sexual
complexion"), sexuality, love
sexual love
(red-light districts), sin, courage, and zeal.
activity, and
courzge, activity, zeal. Most Common
Common Modern Modern
Associations: Dynamic,
Associations: Dynamic, powerful, aggressive, rebellious, impulsive,
powerful, aggressive, impulsive, strong,
strongr
sexy, exciting, festive,
sexlr, exciting, festive, good
good luck, fast, war-like,
luck, fast, demonic, hot
war-like, demonic,
is diurnal,
Bright red is and solar. Dark red,
diurnal, male, tonic, and red, however,
however, is nocturnal
nocfurnal
and female,
and associated with
female, associated mystery of
with the mystery of life,
life, cthonic fire,
fire, and the womb.

46
 Bill Wtritcomb
Whitcomb
Dark red is the color of
the color of the
the soul,
soul, the
the heart,
heart, and
andofofsex. Theassociations
sex. The associations of
dark red may be part of the impetus
be part imperus behind the widespread taboos concerning
concerning
menstruation
rnenstruation and the shedding
shedding of blood in general.
blood in general. The color of blood, when
life, but
hidden, represents Life, but when revealed, is
when revealed, associated with
is associated with death
death and the
inversion of
inversion the life
of the principle. Most Common
life principle. Common Modern ModernAssociations:
Associations:
Earthy, friendly, robust, strong, tasty,
friendly, robust, tastf, warm

Rose-Red: Associated with love

Associated with love and optimism(rose-colored
andoptimism glasses). Most
(rose-colored glasses).
ModernAssociations:
Common Modem Associations:Healthy,
Healthy,happy, fur,floral,
huppy,fun, floral,sweet, f*ity,
sweet, fruity,
|:fi-""
warm
Scarlet:
Scadet: Associated with energy,
Associated with life, blood,
en€rg, life, blood, sin (thescarlet
sin (the letter).Typically,
scadetletter). Typically,
bright reds represent
represent action,
action, instinctive impulse, ardor, beauty,
instinctive impulse, beaufy, youth, and
and
Modem Associations:
Common Modern
health. Most Common Associations: Festive,
Festive,dynamic,
dynamic, energizing,
energizhg,
sexy, f*iry, watm
sexl, fruity, warm
Silver: Associated urith
Silver: Associated with the moon, water, and
and money.
money. See
See Grey.
Grey.

Orange: The
Thecolor
color orange
orangestimulates
stimulates the appetite. ItIt isiscommonly
the appetite. commonly associated
associated
fue, flames,
with Ere, flames, the sun,
sun, sunset,
sunset, and
and splendor. Otherassociations
splendor. Other associations include
include
enerry, cheer,
energy, cheer, encouragement,
encouragement, adaptability, plenty, stimulation,
adaptability, plenty, stimulation, excitement,
excitement,
kindness, warmth, strength,
attraction, kindness, andendurance.
sttength, and endurance. Most Most Common
Common
Modern Associations:
Modem Associations: Stimulating,
Stimulad.g, energizing, cheerful, fruity,
energlzirg, exciting, cheerful, ftoity,
autumnal, inexpensive, warm
inexpensive,'warm

Pink In
Pink: In small
small doses, pink relaxes
relaxes and
and helps
helpsneutralize
neutralize aggressive behavior.
behavior.
^Wessive
Prolonged
Prolonged exposure to pi"hhowever,
topink, however,causes irritability, aggression,
causesirritability, aggression, and
and
emotional distress. associated with sensuality,
distress. Pink is associated health (in
sensuality, health (in the pink), and
Most Common
softness. Most
softness. CommonModem ModernAssociations: H*ppy, fun,
Associations: Happy, fun,festive,
festive,
tropical, feminine, floral, warm
feminine, cosmetic, floral,

Purple is the
Purple: Purple the hardest
hardest color for the
color for eyetotodiscriminate.
theeye Purple is
discriminate. Purple is
associated
associated with power, aristocracy, @ecause of the one-time
aristocracy, and royalty (because one-time value
value
of purple
of dy.), and
purple dye), thusmajesty
and thus majesty and sovereignry. For the
andsovereignty. thesame
same reasons,
reasons,
associated with
purple is associated with the priesthood (and(and hence wisdom), pride, and high
hence wisdom), high
birth. Otherassociations
birth. Other includespirituality,
associations include mysticism, magic, faith, the
spiriruality, mysticism,
digttity, mystery,
unconscious, dignity, mystes,', creativity,
creativiry, awareness, inspiration,sensitivity,
awareness, inspiration, sensitivity,
conceit, pomposity, ("purple passion"),
pomposiry, cruelty, passion ("purple passion"), apoplexy
apoplexy (turning
(rurning
purple), mourning, and death. Most Common Modem
puryle), grief, mourning, Modern Associations:
Associations:
dignified, elegant,
Regal, dignified, elegant,expensive,
expensive, philosophical, intelligent,spiritual,
philosophical,intelligent, spiritual,
mysterious
Violet Perhaps because
Violet: because it seems a mixture of red and blue (though
(though true violet
true violet
is actually
acrually a spectral rather than
spectral color rather than a mixture likepurple),
mixturelike violet is
puqple), violet is
sometimes thought to symbolize
sometimes thought
^
combination of love and wisdom,
symbolize the combination wisdom, theth.
mediation heaven or
between heaven
mediation between ftlue) and earth or
or spirit (blue) or body
body(red). Violet
(red).Violet
commonly
cofiunonly symbolizes sacredness, devotion
symbolizes sacredness, devotion and
and piety,
piery, repentance,
repentance, expiation,
expiation,
contemplation,
contemplation, temperance, clarityof
temperance,clariry of mind,
mind, and deliberate Other
deliberate action. Other
associations include intelligence,
intelligence, knowledge, nostalgia and sentimentality,
knowledg., nostalgia sentimentality, old
xg€, and sadness. \riolet
age, Violet is also sometimes associated with
sometimes associated with tension
tension and power.
power.

47
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Most Common
Most ModernAssociations:
Common Modern Associations:Powerful,
Powerful,intense,
intense,intelligent,
intelligent,
creative, aware, vibrant, high tech, electric, radioactive
creative, aware, radioactive

Yellow: TheThe color

colotofofcandlelight,
candlelight,amber, illumination, ripening
ambet,illumination, ripening grain,
grain, and
and
bananas. Yellow
Yellow isis the
the color
color the eye processes
processes first and is the most visible
visible and
luminous color.
luminous Yellow is
color. Yellow is commonly associatedwith
commonly associated withthe light of
the light of the
the sun
sun
(hence
ftence illumination
illumination and
and intellect),
intellect), kingship,
kingship, gold,
gold, persuasion,
persuasion, charm,
charm,
confidence, joy, comfort, cheer,
confidence, ioy, hope,optimism,
cheer, hope, optimism, expansion, nobility, and
expansion, nobility, and
Yellow is also
autumn. Yellow also associated jaundice (and
associated with jaundice (and having
having "a"^jaundiced
jaundiced
view"),
view"), jealousy, cowardice,
cowardice, egoism,
egoism, dishonestl,
dishonesty, betrayal,
betrayal, and treason. Yellow
Yellow
is one of the
the least
least favorite
favorite colors
colors named
named inin surveys.
surveys. Most Common Modern Modern
Associations: Joyous, vibrant, spiritual,
Joyous, vibrant, spiritual, luminous,
luminous, energizing,
energizirg, sunny,
sunny, floral,
floral,
tangr citric, waffn
tangy, warm
Light yellow
Light associated with sunlight,
yellow is associated intellect, intuition, faith,
day, activity, intellect,
sunlight, day, faith,
goodness, and illumination.
illuminatjon. Most Common Modem Modern Associations:
Associations: Mellow,
N'Iellow,
optimistic, cheerful, spring-like,
spring-Iike, warm

The darker
darker yellows
yellows and
and greenish-yellows
greenish-yellows are
are typically
typically associated
associated with disease,
disease,
sickness,
sickness, and indecency. Other associations
associations include treachery,
treacherl, treason, avarice,
avarice,
jealousy,
jealousy, ambition, betrayal, faithlessness, cowardice, and
faithlessness, cowardice, and deceit.
deceit. Most
Most
Modern Associations:
Common Modern Associations; Sour, primordial,
primordial, electric,
electric, astringent,
astringent, raw,
acidic
acidic

White: In additive
additive color theory•, whiteisisproduced
theory, white produced by by the combination of all all
colors. Large amounts
colors. Large amounts of pure white under bright bright light
light produces glareglare and can
cause
cause optical fatigue.
fatigue.
color white bears,
The color beats, perhaps, the
the widest
widest range of associations
associatjons of any
of the colors.
colors. It is sometimes associated with
sometimes associated with both
both the east and the west. The
white of the west is the cold white
white white of
of the moon. The white white of the east east is the
glimmetirg of
glimmering returning light,
of dawn, returning light, and hence
hence thethesun. Whitesymbolizes
sun.White symbolizes
that which is good, primarily because of its association
association with light,
light, illumination,
illumination,
and air.
and It isisaasymbol
air. It symbolof ofholiness,
holiness,perfection,
petfection,purity,
purity, innocence,
innocence, cleanliness,
cleanliness,
and virginity, because itit is
virglnify, because is unmixed
unmixed andand unstained. White is
unstained. White is the absence of
color, blankness, but also
color, or blankness, also the presence of all colors,
colors, and so aa symbol symbol of
transcendency. At
transcendency. At the same time, white is
time, white is a symbol
symbolof ofweakness,
weakness,delicacy,
delicacy,
blandness, infi.rmity,
blandness, infirmity,and and surrender (the white
surrender (the
^ flag), because
white fl"g), because itit isis the color of
the color
bloodlessness and lack of vigor. Vrhite symbolizes
vigor. White symbolizes cowardice,
cowardice, since white is is
the color of the terrified
terrified face (the opposite
opposite of the redface
the red of anger).
face of \7hite is
anger). White
also a symbol
symbol of death,death, associated with ghostliness and the pallor of the grave.
associated udth gtave.
An discussionof
extensive discussion
An extensive whitenesscan
of whiteness can be found in
be found inHerman
Herman
Melville's
Nfelville's novel Moby Dick;
novel Ilfoby Dick; Chapter
Chapter 4242 --
-- The Whiteness of the Whale.
The Sfhiteness Most
$7hale. Most
Common Modern Modern Associations:
Associations: Pure, spiritual,
spiritual, clean,
clean, sterile,
sterile, truthful,
tralthful,
chaste, innocent,
innocent, peaceful

wavelengths of the color spectrum and the musical

The table below shows the wavelengths musical
notes sometimes associatedwith
sometimes associated colors.ItIt is
with colors. interesting to
is interesting to note that sound
sound

48
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

the perception
affects the perception of of color.
color.High-pitched
High-pitched tones
tones make
makecolors
colors appear
appear
lighter, while
lighter, while lorv-pitched
low-pitched sounds colors to appear
cause colors
sounds cause appear darker.
darker.
It should
It should alsoalsobebenoted
notedthat,that,while
whilemodern
modernanthropologists
anthropologists are are
relatively agreed that
relatively agreed there are only eleven basic
that there basic color terms, divisions
divisions beyond
eleven vary
the basic eleven greatly from
vaq/'greatly culrure and
from culture to culture and are
arebasically
basically arbitrary.
arbitrar\,'.
English
English has all all eleven basic color terms, which are
terms, which red,yellow,
are red, yellowr green,
gr€€n, blue,
blue,
brown, purple,
purple, pink, orange, black,
pink, orange, white, and
black, 'uvhite, grey. ()nce
and grey. Once you
you go past the the
eleven, however,
basic eleven,
basic there is
however, there is little agreement about
little agreement about focal colors or
focal colors "best
or "best
examples." ThisThis is,
is, one
one culture's true blue
culrure's true not another
blue is not another culture's true blue,
culrure's true blue,
even though both may
though both may agree on blue
agree on blue in in general.
general.

Typical Wavelength
Typical Associated Vibrations
Wavelength Associated Vibrations
Hue Name
Hue Name (Nanometers) Musical Note
(Nanometers) Musical Note (p.r second) of
(per
Note
blue
reddish blue 380-470
violet
violet 405
405 G
G 396
396
indigo
indigo 440
440 A
A 440
440
blue
blue 470-475
470-475 B
B 495
495
blue
greenish blue 47 5-480
475-480
blue-green
blue-green 480-485
480-485
bluish green
bluish green 485-495
485-495
green
green 495-535
495-535 C
C 528
528
yellowish
yellowish 535-555
535-555
green
green
green-yellow
green-yellow 555-565
555-565
greenish
greenish 565-575
565-575
yellow
yellow
yello'uv
yellow 575-580
575-580 D
❑ 594
594
yellow
reddish yellow 580-585
580-585
yellow-red
yellow-red 585-595
585-595
Orange
Orange 600
600 E
E 660
yellowish red
yellowish red 595-770
Red
Red 700
700 F
F 704

Flashing Colors
Colors
Flashing colors
Flashing are those
colors are those that, when placed side by side,
placed side appear to flash
side, appear flash or
Flashing colors
glow. Flashing corrunonly used by
colors are commonly by western ritual magicians in the
rirual magicians
construction of
construction banners, and
talismans, banners,
of talismans, and other ritual
ritual objects.
obiects. The action
action ofof
flashing colors is
flashing colors is said in the
said to aid in the attraction ofmagical
attraction of or "astral
enerses or
magical energies "astral
forces." Here are
forces." principal flashing
the principal
are the flashing colors:

$fhite
White Black
Red
Red Green
Blue
Blue Orange

49
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Yellow
Yellow Purple

Olive
Olive Red-orange
Red orange

Blue-green
Blue-green Russet

\riolet
Violet Citrine
Reddish-orange
Reddish-orange Green-blue
Green-blue

amber
Deep amber Indigo
Lemon-yellow
Lemon-yellow Red-violet
Red-violet
Yellow-green
Yellow-green Crimson
Crimson

Calibration
Color Calibration
Color
padof
Get aa pad ofmulticolored
multicolored construction paper. Then,
construction paper. tear out
Then, tear out one page of
each color.
each color. Place these pages,
pages, oneone page at a time, on aa white or neutral
white or neutral gray
gray
background.
background.
Spend
Spend a a few minutes with each
few minutes each color. Think about
color. Think theassociations
about the associations
have $dth
you have with that color and pay attention to thethe feelings
feelings it brings
brings out in you.
Record your impressions
Record your impressions Lnin a notebook, using a separate
sep arate page for each color.
color.
Try repeating the color
color calibration exercise at
calibration exercise at diffetent times over a long
different times long
period comparing the results.
period and comparing results.

Color Wheel
Personal Color
Take sheets of colored
Take the sheets colored construction paper that
construction paper that you used in the
you used the color
color
calibration exercise.
exercise. Assign
Assign an aspect of
an aspect your life
of your life or personality to each color.
or personality color.
Starting with just
Starting 'lust aa few
few colors,
colors, arrange the pieces of
the pieces of construction
construction paper in aa
^t^nge
circle yourself, then record the
circle around yourself, thearrangement
arrangement and yourimpressions.
and your impressions.
Gradually add more
Graduallv add colors and notice how the arrangement
more colors arrangement changes.
changes.

With Colored
Experimenting With Colored Light
Try lighting are with
lighting an area with different
different color bulbs or gels. Spend
Spend a few minutes in
few minutes
^n how itit makes
down how Try looking
looking at yourself
each color and writewrite down you feel.
makes you feel. Try yourself in a
different color light and describe how this seems to affect
mirror under different affect your
appearance.
appeafance.
Try the same
same experiment,
experiment, only this time, use two two different colot gels
different color gels
bulbs (such
or bulbs (such as blue and red, or red red and
and green) sides of the
opposite sides
green) on opposite
area.
area. Again, yourself in
Again, try observing yourself mirot, positioning
in a mirror, positioning yourself
yourself so that
your left side is lit
lefr side lit by
by one color and your right side is lit
rlght side lit by
by another colot Try
another color.
lights and see if this changes your impressions.
reversing the lights impressions.
lighting can be
Colored lighting
Colored veryeffective
be a very addition to
effective addition toritual.
ritual.Magical
I\'fagical
practitioners such
practitioners such as Franz
^
Fran z Bardon have claimed
claimed that the the appropriate
appropriate colorcolor
light is essential when invoking
essential when evoking magical beings or forces.
invoking or evoking forces.
The author
The Buroughs also
$tilliam Burroughs
author William experimented with colors. He
also experimented
described
described remarkable psychologicaland
remarkable psychological and even physical
physical effects
effects that resulted
resulted

50
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
from projecting colors andfor
projecting colorc and/or images onto his or other people's
images onto bodies. Of
people's bodies.
course, as they
they say,
Srl, your mileage
mileage may differ.

Tattwa Cards
Cards
raditions use colored geometric
Some Indian Tantric traditions geometric figures
figures to symbolize
symbolize the
five Tattwas, concepts
five Tattwas, concepts somewhat equivalent to
somewhat equivalent western elements of earth,
to the western earth,
Tattwas are Prithivi (earth) represented by
fire, and spirit. The five Tattwas
water, air, fire, by a*
yellow square, Apas (water)
yellow square, symbolized by
(water) symbolized by a silver
silver crescent (horns
ftorns up), V^fo
up), Vayu
(r") symbolized
(air) symbolized by a blue or greenish-blue
greenish-blue circle),
circle), Teas (fo.) symbolized
Teas (fire) symbolizedby by aa
red equilateral triangle, and
equilateral triangle, and Akasha Gpitit) represented by ra black or
(spirit) represented or black-
black-
violet egg. In the tradition of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (a
;:l::,:*..,L*i'*d::l};Tr'.'Tffi ,:'*::fi':::,ff
western ceremonial magic order), the initiate would construct ::.L?#-?J:
twenty-five
Tattwa cards.
The first
The first five
five cards would show
cards would show each Tattwa on
each Tattwa on a black
black background.
background.
^
The other
other twenty
twenty cardscards represented
represented the
the sub-Tattwas,
sub-Tattwas, with one Tattwa symbol
one Tattwa symbol
placed in
placed thecenter
in the centerof ofanother largersymbol,
anotherlarger symbol, both against aablack
bothagainst black
background.
background.
Tattwa cards were used for
The Tartwa for training
training andand experimentation
experimentation in astralasmal
projection. The initiate particular card untjl
initiate stared at a particular until no distracting thoughts
distracting thoughts
were present.
present. Then, he or she
he or would visualize
shewould visuahze the card card transforming
transforming into a
door or
huge door or curtain,
curtain, imagine portal opening,
imagine the portal opening, and and pass
pass through.
through. This
This
produced astral "visions" related related to the nature
natute of of the
the particular Tattwa being
particular Tattwa being
worked
worked with.
If you
If you develop
develop aa set setofofsymbols
symbols strongly
strongly associated
associated with colors and and
shapes, itit is
geometric shapes, possible for
is possible you to apply this technique
for you technique to your own own
magical system. Such
magical system. Such practices
practices can be valuable
valuable exercises
exercises in visualization
visualization and
concenttation, as well
concentration, well as providirg insights into
providing insights into the nature of your your personal
petsonal
symbols.
svmbols.

51
 Numbers
Chapter 5: Numbers

In general, numbers are symbols

general, numbers symbols of periodicity, cosmic and
periodiciq', cosmic and human
human order, and
harmony. Since
harmony. Since the time of
the time ofPythagoras
Pythagoras (and (andprobably
probablylong longbefore),
before),
philosophers have
philosophers talked about
have talked about the realiry can be
the idea that reality be understood
understood in in
terms of numerical
numerical expressions,
expressions, that number is is the
the essence
essence ofof reality.
realiry.
Pythagoras said,
Pythagoras said, "All
"All is accordingto
arranged according
is arranged Number." For him,
to Number." him,
numbers on the
numbers ideallevel
the ideal level were
were possessed
possessed of of both
bothquantity
quantityand andquality.
qualiry.
"Twoness,"
"T'uvoness," for for example,
example, does not not merely
merely denote two two units,
units, but
but is is the
the original
original
essence from which duality dualiry proceeds and exists.
In Pythagorean
In philosophy, number
Pvthagorean philosophy, number is expressed
expressed by by thetheuniverse
universe
through a set set ofof opposites
opposites such such asas limit (Pt*l the unlimited (apeiron),
limit (peras) (apeirua), odd and
even,
even, one and many, maof, straight curved, square
straight and curved, square and and oblong. The "unlimited"
oblong. The
is space. "unlirnited," limited
space. The "unlimited," once,isis the
limited once, point. Thus
the point. Thus one is the point, point,
two is the
rr.vo is theline, theplane,
three the
li.ne, three plane, and fourthe
andfour thesolid.
solid.ByBythis
thisprogression,
progression,
number constitutes
consdrutes the world. Because of the
world. Because the linkage
linkage between
between number and
form, geometric
form, geometric forms forms are often thought of as thematerial
as the expressions of
material expressions
pure number.
number.
By some ways ways of thinking,
thinking, much of fundamental
fundamental human life life is
is based
based
on even
even numbers,
numbers, since we have two hands, two fwo legs, two fwo eyes,
eyes, and and so on.
Thus, somesome consider
consider even numbers numbers to be belevellevel ororbalanced,
balanced, while while oddodd
numbers are "queer,""queerr" i.e. odd.
All the
All the numbers
numbers from fromzero throughten
zerothrough tenareareofofparticular
particularsymbolic
symbolic
importance,
importance, probably becauseof
probablybecause ofour number of
our number of fingers
fingers and
and thethe use of the the
decimal system. Prime
decimal system. Prime numbers
numbers are also given symbolic symbolic importance. In many
traditions, zero, one,
traditions, zero, one, and two were not not considered
considered real real numbers,
numbers, but but were
were
vierved as archetypal
viewed antecedentsof
archerypal antecedents of the normal numbernumber series that begins
series that begins
with
r.vith three.
three.
Numbers
Numbers express quantity, but
express quantiry, but also ideas and and powers.
po\r/ers. SinceSince the the
magical worldviewisis concerned
magical worldview concerned with with synchronicity
synchronicity rather rather than chance, the
number of things things or or actions
actionsisisin initself
itselfsignificant.
significant. For Forexample,
example, in in ancient
ancient
European traditions,
traditions, anything
anything done done threethreetimes,
times, particularly
particularly inin moonlight,
moonlight,
invokes
invokes the triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone).
(I\{aiden, N{other,
Generally, multiples of any
Generally, multiples any number
number possess
possess the the same
same basic
basic significance
significance
the number
as the
as itself, though
number itself, though often the the meaning amplified or
meaning is amplified refers to a
or refers
^
aspect of
specific aspect
specific of the rootnumber.
the root number. In InHippocrates' conception of the
Hippocrates' conception the
interrelation of the
interrelation the elements,
elements, the four elements
the four elements are are associated
associated with
r,vith 2727 (fire),
(fire),
18
18 (air),
(air), 12 (water)
("vater) and 8 (earth):
(earth):

fue
3 parts fire = 33x3x3 =
x 3 x 3= fire
2 parts
parts fire
fireand
and1Ipart
partearth
earth = 33x3x2 =
x 3 x 2= air
parts earth
2 parts earth and partfire
and11part fire = 22x2x3 =
x 2 x 3= water
rvater

52
 Bill Whitcomb
sill Wtritcomb

3 parts earth
earth - 22x2x2:
x 2 x 2= earth

Number symbolism frequently forms

symbolism frequently foundation formagical
forms a foundation magicalsymbol
symbol
systems. Since a magical
systems. Since magical system
^ to describe afor
intended to
systemisisintended complete view of the
complete
outer universe,
and outer
inner and number of
universe, the number of components
components thatthat comprise
comprise aa given
glven
system is often significant
system (as in the seven traditional planets, the ten
significant (as ten sephira
sephira
or spheres
or spheres of ofthe
theHebrew
HebrewQabalah,
Qabalah,or orthe
thetwelve zodiacalsigns).
trvelvezodiacal signs).Many
I\{any
systems are made up of combinations
systems are combinations of of "smaller"
"smaller" systems. example, the
systems. For example,
twelve zodiacal signs in
zodiacal signs in the western tradition can be
western tradition be described
described as
as generative,
generative,
mutable, aspects of the four
fixed aspects
mutable, or fixed four elements
elements (3x4). hexagrams of the
(3x4). The 64 hexagrams
l-Ching are made by combining
Chinese 1-Ching
Chinese combining pairs of of the
theeight
eighttrigrams
trigrams (8x8),
(8x8),
which are themselves
themselves made combinations of the dual
made of differing combinations dual opposites,
opposites,
Yin Yang. Here are some of the
Yin and Yang. most common
the most comrnonsymbolic associations of
symbolic associations
numbers:
00 Zero isisthe
Zero thevoid,
void,nothing,
nothing,worthlessness, non-existence,
worthlessness, non -existence, the
the
unlimited, infinite,
unmanifest, the unlimited, infinite, and eternal. It is the
and eternal. the emptiness
emptiness
rise to
g"ives rise
that gives form. In common
to form. usage,to
coffunon usage, to be zero is to be
be a zero be
insignificant, a cipher.
insignificant, cipher.
1I One is
One is the "pointal" number,
the "pointal" nurnber, symbolizing
symbolizing absolute
absolute undifferentiated
undifferentiated
rdry, the monad,
unity, monad, being, totalify, the beginning
being, totality, beginning and end, the
and end, the
ontological center, the
ontological indivisible, originality,
the indivisible, originaliry, uniqueness,
uniqueness, wholeness,
wholeness,
individuality, and
individuality, independence. In nearly
and independence. neady every
every culture, the number
culture, the number
one is associated with the Divine Being, the end-all and be-all of
ffi Til':i$'}
n: : The number one
Godhead. *" is?T'tr ;?f;\#-,T:H:
ff X*T with winning, victory,
also associated
and supremacy.
supremacy.

22 Two is is the
thenumber
numberof ofduality andthe
dualityand powerofof
thepower multiplicity,
multiplicity,
alteration, diversity, separation,
duplication, alteration, separation, opposites, and balance.
opposites, and balance.
Two is isalso
alsoassociated with the
associated with thebeginning andend,
beginning and end,cycles,
cycles,
relationrHp, cooperation,
relationship, partnership, support,
cooperation, partnership, marriage. It
support, and marriage.
forms the essence "length", since
essence of "length", points allow
since two points allow the
the creation
creation
of the line. The number two is associated with evil in some
;:J::Jt#:
traditions becauseTT'il. T1,,"ff;:::'j #.1-.'"*";
it is the first number to diverge ;,ff
from unity,
antagonism and division. For example,
creating antagonism duplicity or double-
example, duplicity double-
dealing is
dealing treachery, to
is treachery, betwo-faced
to be nvo-faced isistotopractice
practicedeception.
deception.
dualities include good/evil,
Common dualities up/down,left/right,
good/evil, up/down, left/right,
white/black, male/female,
white/black, and out/in.
rnalef female, and out/in.
33 number three
The number has aageneral
three has association with
general association with the concepts of
multipli.iry,
multiplicity, symbolizing
symbolizing all, enough, or
all,enough, or manl,
many, probably going back
most primitive
our most
to our primrtive roots. Because of this,
roots. Because this, many things in myths
many things myths

::,il::1*J:,',1
or E:Hfi}, ?',H:f
three wishes. Generally,
Three also
enough. Three
enough. alsosymbolizes
to T:
in myth,1T
symbolizes synthesis
ff ,
are grouped in threes, such as three guesses or questions, three tries,
"
il$'n:
do anything three timesT;
(th. reconciliation
synthesis (the reconciliation of
is

opposites), the
opposites), beginning, middle,
the beginning, and end, and
middle,and birth(father,
and birth (father,
mother, and child). The number three is also associated with the
il:i:'ffii;H tr,
three dimensions ?;(length, ;:*,T, *ru
breadth, and width) xff
,;ff"and:' forms1i"T*.*:
the essence

53
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

of "surface"
of "surface" allowing the creation of
allowing the thetriangle.
of the Thus three
triangle. Thus three
symbolizes the
symbolizes transition from
the transition thee abstract
from th elements of point and
abstract elements and
line to
line tothethe tangible.
tangible. Othe rcommon
Other coffunon trinities
trinities include
include
past/ present/future
past/present/ future and subject /v =rb / object.
subject/v2rb/object.
I\{any cultures
Many the importance
cultures stress the i-p,,rtance of of trinities
rinities in inreligion,
religfon,
expressing the divine
expressrng the divine being as one
being as in-three. The
one in-three. The divine thought of
divine isis thought
essence, but three as it is manifested
as one in essence, manifested and known.
known.

In many
In many cultures, the moon
cultures, the moon goddess
go,ldess isis viewed
viewed as having three
as having three
(symbolized as maiden, in
aspects (symbolized >ther, and crone), associated
rn ether, associated with
waxing, full,
the waxing, full, and
and waning phase;; of
waningphase of the moon.
moon.
because of these
Perhaps because theseassociuions, something repeated
associrrtions, something repeated three
three
times has oftenbeen
has often thoughtt t3rachieve
beenthought achievesacredness (i... thrice
sacredness (i.e. thrice
blessed) or significance.
significance. AsAs Lewis
LewisCartoll wroteininThe
Carrollwrote Hunting of
The Hunting
"What II tell
Snark, "\What
the Snarls, tell you rnes is true."
you three titimes
4
4 The number fourfour is sometimes
sometimes cz a lled thing" and is
lled the "first born thing" is
for all
the basis of construction for all so id objects four points form
(since four
objects (since
three-sided pi'ramid).
simplest solid, a three-sided
the simplest Four is
pyramid). Four is the first product
of the
of the procreative (multil'lication,22 *x 2). Four points also
process (multiplication,
procreative process also
form the square and the cross. Be( four is
ause of this, four
Be<:ause is also aa symbol
of solidity,
solidiry, order, symmetry, mattt:t,r, the natural
syfiunetf|, matt( narural and material wodd,
material world,
totality, univetsaliq',
manifestation, totality, universality ,and earth. It
andearth. is also
It is also associated
associated
with the
with fourdirections
thefour (quarte rs or
directions(quarte.7s points), the
cardinal points),
or cardinal four
the four
seasons, elements, and thr
seasons, the four elements, phases of the moon.
the phases moon.
55 The number five "center" of
five is the "center" o f the first nine
the first nine numbers.
numbers. Five
Five is a
symbol of wholeness,
symbol associated 'vith
wholeness, associated 'with the
the center and fourfour cardinal
cardinal
points, the five senses and the five fiv l points
points of the humanhuman bodybody (and
(and
symbol of the
so, aa symbol the human micto,:osm). Five
human microcosm). Five is sometimes
sometjmes thought
of as
as the numbet of
the number ofspirit
spirit and living things,
and living things, since
since it is four (matter;
(matter;
the fout elements)
the four elements) plusplus one (he ( henumber
numberof ofgodhead),
godhead), thus thus
quintessence(the
symbolizing quintessence
symbolizing tth element)
(thefififth element) and and divine lifelife in
in
inanimate matter. Pythagoreans
inanimate Pythagoreans thought thought of fiveas
of five assymbolizing
symbolizing
mariage and sexual
marriage sexual union since itit is
union since rs the sum of two (th. first
t'wo (the first female
female
number in
number thePythagorean
in the sys tem) and
Pythagorean system) (th. first
three (the
and three fitst male
male
number). Five
number). points form the pentagram,
Five points pentagram, the pentagon, and the
four-sided pyramid.
four-sided pyramid.

66 symbolizes equilibriuffi,
Six symbolizes equilibrium,harmoharmony,rry, the union of opposites, the six
the union six
directions (up,
directions north, sout
(.tp, down, north, east, west), and the
sout 1, east, the six
six senses
senses
(five plus mind). Six forrn the
Six points form the hexagon and the
hexagon and thehexagram.
hexagram.
The number
number six is also
slx is associated with the
also associated the spatial (with arms
spatial cross (with arms
extending in
extending six directions.
in all six directions. Perhaps
Pr:rhaps because
because ofof its
itsassociation
association
with the
with the hexagram,
hexagram, six six is
is some jmes used
someirnes used as symbol of
as a symbol of the
the
macrocosm andand universality.
universality.
^

54
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

7 Seven is associated
Seven associated with the the seven planets of
seven planets ofantiquity,
antiquiry, thus
thus
symbolizing the universe,
symbolizing the macrocosm,
universe, the macrocosm, completion,
completion, perfection,
perfection,
reintegration, and synthesis.
reintegration, synthesis. Perhaps these associations
associations resulted
resulted in
the perception of the
the perception thenumber
number seven
seven as theforemost
asthe foremost"lucky"
"luck\n"
number. The seven
number. The wandering stars
seven wandering stars (planesthal) gave rise to the
(p/anesthat) gave the idea
idea
of seven
of seven heavens
heavens intervening between the material
intervening benveen material wodd
world and the
the
some traditions,
absolute. In some traditions, such
such as Hebrew and
as Hebrew Islamic mysticism,
and Islamic mvsticism,
there are seven
seven earths,
earths) seven
seven heavens,
heavens, and
and seven
seven hells.
hells.

There are seven daysdays in

in each phase of the moon and
each phase and the
the numbers
numbers
one to
from one to seven
sevenaddaddupuptototwenty-eight lunarmonth).
(thelunar
hvenr),'-eight (the month).
Because of
Because of this,
this, the number seven
seven is thought ofof as
as aa basic,
basic, complete
complete
unit of time
time (hence
(hence the days week) and is sometimes
days of the week) sometimes used to
symbolize completion. There are
symbolize completion. are also
also seven
se\ren zodiacal
zodracal signs
signs between
betr.veen
equinox and another.
one equinox another.
Common groups of seven
Common groups include the colors of the
seven include the rainbow
rainborv (the
(the
spectrum), the seven
spectrum), the musical notes,
seven musical notes, the
the seven
sevenclassical
classical metals,
metals, the
the
virfues and the
seven virtues the seven
seven deadly
deadly sins.
sins.

8 Because the eighth day begins a new week

Because week and aa newnew cycle,
cycle, eight
eight is
associated with
sometimes associated with eternity, infinity,immortality,
eterniry,infinity, immortalir!',
resurrection, and
resuffection, and life after
after death.
death. ForForthis
thisreason,
reason,Pythagoreans
Pythagoreans
thought of thethe sounding
sounding of of the
theoctave
octave asasaaprofoundly spiritual act.
profoundly spiritual act.
Eight is the first
flrrst cubed number (2 (2 x* 2 x 2) and is also number of
the number
also the
points onon aa cube,
cube,so eightisissometimes
soeight sometimes associated
associated with the the earth
earth
solidification of matter. The
the solidification
and the The number
numbereight is also
eight is also associated
associated
four cardinal
with the four cardinal and four four intermediate
intermediate points of the the compass.
compass.
eight-spoked wheel
The eight-spoked wheel is often used to represent the
is often the quarters
quarters and
and
cross-quarters of the the year. In many
year. In many cultures,
culrures, there
there are eight spiritual
are eight spirirual
demigods,and
(angels, demigods,
beings (angels, and so so on) charged
charged with supporting
supporting or
guarding the
guarding the cosmic structure who stand at the
cosmic structure the eight
eight points.
points. The
The
"vho
Arabic eight (8) turned
Arabic rurned sideways
side'uvays isis the
themathematical
mathematical symbol symbol of
infinity. As
infinity. the number
As the number of pointspoints inin the
theoctagon,
octagon,eighteight represents
represents
intermedi"ry state between
the intermediary bet'rveen thethe square (s)'-bolizing earth and
square (symbolizing and
matter) and the the circle
circle (symbolizing
(symbolizing heavenheaven and spirit).
spirit). Perhaps for
eight is sometimes
reason, eight
this reason, sometimes viewed viewed as as the number
number of of cosmic
cosmic
balance.
balance.

9 Nine is aa symbol
symbol of the final stage
the final the way,
stage of the w?1', of gestation,
gestation, and of
immanent success.
immanent because of
success. This is because nine months of
of the nine of pregnancy,
pregnancy,
but also
also because nine precedes
because nine ten (a
precedes ten (" symbol
symbol ofofwholeness
wholeness and and
Infirury is often
completion). Infinity often expressed
expressed ininfolk
folktales
tales as the repetition
of the number nine,
the number nine, as in 999,
as in 999, etc. the second
etc. As the power of
second power of three
three
(3x3), nine
(3x3), nine is
is sometimes
sometimes considered amplification of three.
considered the amplification three.
cosmologies, the earth, the seven
In ancient cosmologies, seven planets, and the
of fixed
zone of
zone fixedstars werethought
starswere thought to toconstitute nineconcentric
constitutenine concentric

55
55
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

spheres
spheres that must be
be crossed
crossed before
before emerging
emeging into the realm
realm of the
absolute godhead. See Seven
10
10 Ten is is aasymbol
symbol ofofcompleteness,
completeness, wholeness,
wholeness, and and perfection,
perfection, since
since
the number is often thought
is often thought ofofasascompleting
completing aacycle, forming the
cycle, forming
series of numbers
numbers fromfrom which all others
which all others are constructed. This is
ure constructed. is
probably because itit is
probably because is the number of of fingers
fingers oror toes
toes possessed
possessed by by
humans,
humans, and thus thus the
the basis ofthe
basis of thedecimal
decimal system.
system. The
The association
association
of the
the number
number tenten with
with completeness
cornpleteness also stems from the fact that
it is the sum of the first four numbers and the the sum
sum ofof the
the pairs of all
pairs of all
antecedents; 1+2+3+4,
its antecedents; 1+2+3+4, L+9, 1+9, 2+8,
2+8, 3+7,
3+7, 4+6, and 5+5. 5+5. The
The
number
number ten, of of course,
coutse, was not viewed
u/as not viewed thisthis way
way byby cultures
cultures that
that
used other
other numerical
numerical bases (such as as the
the Mayans,
l\{ayans, who used used base
base
eight).
eighQ.

11
11 Eleven is sometimes
Eleven sometimes viewed viewedas as a symbol of
a symbol ofimbalance
imbalance or or
transgression, since itit falls
transgression, since falls benveen
between ten
ten and twelve (both numbers
numbers
used toto symbolize
symbolize completeness). however, is
Eleven, howevet,
completeness). Eleven, is also
also used to
symbolize
symbolize thethe union of the the microcosm (fit{ and the
microcosm (five) the macrocosm
macrocosm
(six).
Gi").
12
12 Thenumber
The twelvecommonly
numbertwelve commonlysymbolizes
symbolizescompleteness
completeness oror
wholeness, because of its associations
wholeness, because associations with
with the twelve
twelve hours of day
day
and night,
night, the twelve
twelve months ye r (and
months of the year (and through
through them, the
Zodiac).
Zodtac).

13
13 The number
number thirteen
thirteen has long been
has long beenassociated luck and
associated with bad luck and
misfortune. One
misfortune. reason for thirteen's ill repute is
One reason is that
thatthirteen
thirteen
people attended
attended the LastLast Supper. Knights Templar in France
Supper. The Knights France
$rere arrested on aaFriday,
were the13th.
Friday, the Still another
13,h. Still another reason for the the
number's poor
poor image
image is that twelve
twelve is a symbol
symbol of completion
completion and
wholeness, so thirteen
thirteen is sometimes thought of aa symbol
symbol of unstable
activity, exceedingthe
activity, exceedirg the natural cycleor
natural cycle or going outside of proper
going outside proper
limits. To some,
limits. some, the the number
number thirteen
thirteen symbolizes death and the
symbolizes death the
beginning of
beginning of a new cycle. Thirteen is
cycle. Thirteen also the number
is also number of of lunar
lunar
months inin the
the year.
year.

14
14 Fourteen
Fourteen is often
often associated
associated with change
change and
and transformation,
transformation, since
since
the moon
moon waxes
waxes or
of wanes
wanes every
every fourteen days.
days.

16
16 Sixteen is sometimes
Sixteen viewed as
sometimes viewed as aa symbol ofcompleteness
symbol of completeness and
and
because it is associated
perfection, probably because associated with
with the four elements
elements
in their squared form
form (4x4).
(axa).

18
18 In the
the system
system of
of Harpocrates,
Halpocrates, eighteen
eighteen is
is aa symbol of elemental
symbol of elemental air,
an,
since it is nvo
two parts fire and one part
part earth
earth (3x3x2)
(3x3x2)

24
24 There are
are twenty-four
twenty-four hours inrn aa day,
d"y, hence twenty-four
twenty-four is thought
to symbolize
symb olize totality, harmony befween
totality, harmony between night
night and day,
d"y, and harmony
harmony

56
 E.' I I 7__IS=1.0•__1.,AOSILI

Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
between heaven and earth. Twenty-four is also associated with
3:ffiL fulfillment
complete ffi:l#;
Hrun.::i and harmony since
"
*:, J5;#['3;*,ili:
:g; it is ltthe doubling of twelve.
25
25 second power
As the second of five,
power of fi.ve, the numbertwenty-five
thenumber is sometimes
t'wenty-five is sometimes
perfection of
symbol of the perfection
used as a symbol of the five senses.
thefive Twenty-five is
senses. Twenty-five
the sum of all the odd
all the odd numbers
numbers less less than ten (1+3+5+7+9).
than ten (1+3+5+7+9).
27
27 Twenty-seven is
Twenty-seven considered the
is sometimes considered the number ofelemental
number of elemental
fire, since itit is
ftre, since is the amplification of three
three (3x3x3).
(3x3x3).

28
28 Twenty-eight is
Twenty-eight is the number of the moon, representing
the number representing the number
number
of days in
in the lunar month.
the lunar month.
64
64 As the square of eight,
square of sixry-four is sometimes
eight, sixty-four sometimes used as a symbol of
fulfrllment, and wholeness.
perfection, fulfillment, wholeness.

69
69 As the
the square of thirteen,
square of sixty-nine is sometimes
thirteen,sixty-nine sometimes seen
seen as
as aa symbol
symbol
of excess. Because of its shape,
excess. Because sixty-nine represents the interaction
shape, sixty-nine
of yin and yang, the archetypal opposites. Similarly, in popular
:TrT5*.i'*::':':,1#r'k##:x":;
usage, sixty-nine represents sexual union as the combination of
::l;;jfi#fi#ff
cunnilingus and fellatio.
70
70 Nearly derivatives or
Neady all derivatives multiples of
or multiples seven are symbols
of seven of
symbols of
^re
wholeness. As the multiple of seven and ten (another number
j'hjli:T*H T:;ffi'"H:
,:r amplifies
associated with wholeness), the number seventy # the
Hl'fH ]L{iffi
associations of wholeness and perfection.
72
72 of quinances
Sevenry-two is the number of
Seventy-two divisions of the
(five degree divisions
quinances (five
Zodrac), hence
Zodiac), hence seventy-two one fifth
degrees isis one
seventy-two degrees fifth of the Zodiac.
360
360 There are 360 days
are 360 lunar year
days in the lunar 360 degrees
ye^r and 360 degrees in a circle.
circle.

365
365 There are 365 days
are 365 yeu.
solar year.
days in the solar

Numerologf
Gematria or Numerology
Gematria
I\fost magical
Most magtical systems assign numerical
systems assign values to
numerical values to alphabets for use in gematria
gematria
called numerology).
(also called numerology). Using these numerical
Using these numerical values, words or names are
values, words are
converted to numerical
converted numerical form transformed in order to obtain
compared or transformed
form and compared obtain
new perspectives on the relationships
relationships of the original
original concepts.
concepts.
practice involves taking
One practice words of equal value
taking words value and attempting to
find as many connections
connections as as possible. For example,
possible. For example, using Hebrew numerical
using Hebrew numerical
values, the Hebrew words GDWL (great),
values, (great), \aDlDYH
YDYDYH (one beloved beloved by God),
God),
and MG (magus) all have the same value
N,fG (magus) value (43). Thus, itit could
(43). Thus, could be said that the
truly great
truly great are those who are
are those are wise, and that
wise, and that wisdom
wisdom is beloved of
is beloved of God.
God.
meditation and
This can be a valuable form of meditation and mental
mental exercise.
exercise. Results
Results
gained this way should not necessarily
way should necessarily bebe taken
taken as proof of spiritual truth (or
as proof
kind of truth),
any other kind truth), however,
however, since
since everything
everything depends on on what
what system
system is
used toto obtain
obtainthe thenumerical
numerical values.
values. One of ofthe
thesimplest
simplestsystems for
systems for
numerical conversion
numerical conversion is the Pythagorean Table:Table:

57
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

1123456789
23456789
ABCDEFGHI
ABCDEFGHI
JKLMNOPQR
f[i,\l il,]"?.
STUVWXYZ
Using this system,
Using svstem, m)nmy last name (Whitcomb) would have the
ftVhitcomb) would the numerical
numerical valuevalue
()ften, the
39. Often,
of 39. the sum
sum is "reduced" by
is "reduced" by adding
adding the digits together
the digits together untiluntil aa single
single
digrt is
digit obtained. In
is obtained. In this example,3*9=12
this example, 3+9=12and and 1*2=3.
1+2=3. ThisThis is the "root"
is the "root" or
"master" number
"master" number of of my
my last Thus, by
name. Thus,
last name. by some
some ways
ways of of thinking,
thinking, my my lastlast
name rvould be associated
name would associated with masculine, qualities. Of
masculine, fiery qualities. Of course, as II said said
before, there are many different ways
are many making the conversion, making
ways of making making many
different associations
different associations possible. Sometimes, magicians
possible. Sometimes, mag'icians will intentionally use a
'uvill intentionally
spellingof
particular spelling
particular word or name to obtain
of aa word obtain aafavorable
favorable association
association for a
specific magical
specific operation or use.
magical operation
Oddlv, numerology
Oddly, nurnerology has has been supported, in
been supported, in aa sense,
sense, by recent studies
by recent studies
that found thatthat people
people have affinities for things
have affinities things that start with the same letter
same letter
as their name. The studies showed that
studies showed rvhat you
that what call yourself (or other things)
you call things)
acrually does
actually seem to change
does seem relationship with
change your relationship world in a way that is
with the world
not currently
nor currently understood. For Forexample,
example, baseball player whose names
baseball player names beginbegin
((R"
with "R" were found to
were found to get statistically higher
get aastatistically percentage of
higher percentage runs than their
of runs
fellow players. Likewise,
fellow players. Likewise,players playerswhose begin with
namesbegin
whosenames
((K" (" baseball
with "K" (a baseball
abbreviation for strike)
abbreviation strike) had a higher percentage strikes.
percentage of strikes.

to Your
Drawing Correspondences to
Drawing Your Name
Name
an exercise,
As an try converting
exercise, try converting your name to to aanumerical
numerical value
value using
using thethe
Pvthagorean Table. You
Pythagorean Table. You can use anlr fsnn of your name
any form name that
that you like.
you like.
()nce you
Once you have calculated your name's
have calculated number, begin
narne's number, begin calculating
calculating the
number of of other words or
other words or names. Keep going
names. Keep until you
going until you have found at
have found at least
least
three
three words or or names with the
names with the same numerical value
same numerical value as your name.
Next, take each match and list all the reasons
reasons you think of
can think
you can of for aa
connection, no matter how tenuous
connection, Remember not to get
tenuous a reason may be. Remember get
carried awali'.
carried Thepoint
away.The is not
point is not to draw conclusions,
conclusions, but begin to see how
but to begin horv
we
rve draw from the things we encounter in
drar.v conclusions From in our
ourdaily
daily lives.
lives.

Defining a
Defining a Magical By Number
Model By
Magical Model of
Number of
Elements
Elements
number (preferably
F'irst, choose a number
First, small number, say
(preferably a small srl from three to twelve)
three to nvelve)
to represent all the aspects of youryour inner and outer universe.
universe.
Drlext,
Next, choose that number of of concepts. For example,
concepts. For example, ifif you chose the
number
number four, think of of four
four concepts. These should
concepts. These should bebe major
major concepts
concepts that
that
processes or states that occur in both yourself
describe processes wodd, such as
youtself and the world,
beginning or
beginning or birth, change, attraction, repulsion,
change, attraction, ending or
repulsion, ending death, and
or death, and so on,
on.
Choose your
\rour concepts coherent whole. In the case of the
concepts so that they form a coherent
number four, this this could
could be energy/will , form/intellect,
be energy/will, formfintellect, fluidity/emotion,
fluidity/emotion' or
manifestation/body.IfIfvo.,
manifestation/body. like,try
you like, this with
try this number from
each number
with each from one to
trvelve.
twelve.

58
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Finally, arrange the
Finally, arrange concepts atound
the concepts different geometric forms. First
around different
arrange them in a circle, amangng them around whatever
circle, then try arranging urhatever forms are
associated with
associated with the number of of concepts (4=squate or
concepts(4=square orfour-sided
four-sided pyramid,
pyramid,
5=pentagram
S=pentagram or or five-sided
five-sided pyramid,
pyramid, and so on).
You can also try taking a set of of concepts
concepts andand breaking each concept
breaking each concept
into pairs, triplets, example, fre
uiplets, etc. For example, fire could
could be broken into heat and light.light.
could be
Emotion could be divided into love,
divided into love, hate,
hate, joy, and so
feat, and
ioy, fear, on.Likewise,
so on. Likewise, try
taking multiple
taking concepts and combining
multiple concepts combining themthem into one.
This process is one one ofof the
thebasic
basic steps
stepsininforming
formingaamagical
magical symbol
symbol
system.
$ystem.

59
 6: Shapes and Forms
Chapter 6z

'\Iflhat isis God?

'What He isis length,
God? He length, width, height,
height, and depth."
- St. Bernard
Bernard of Clairvaux,
Clairvaux, C)nOn Consideration
Consideration

form isisthe
Shape and form thephysical
physical expression
expression ofof the
theideas andarchetypes
ideasand archetypes
inherent in number.
numbet. Thus,
Thus, two-dimensional
tqro-dimensional shapes are the seedsseeds of signs
slgns and
three-dimensional
three-dimensionalshapes
shapesarearethe
the building blocksof
buildingblocks of both natural and
both our natural and
created environments.The
cteated environments. The point, the line,
point, the line, the angle,
angle, and
and the curve
cunre are the
elements of letters and graphic
gaphic symbols.
symbols. Shapes such as as the spiral,
spfual, the sphere,
sphere,
the cube,
cube, the cone, and the the cylinder,
cylinder, are
are the forms of the
the inner forms the forest,
forest, the
the temple.
mountain, and the temple. Some of the most common
the most commonsymbolic
symbolic associations
associations
forms are
of various shapes and forms are discussed
discussed here:

The circle
Circle: The symbolizes both
circle symbolizes completeness and
both completeness separation.ItIt is a
and separation.
^
symbol of ofultimate
ultimateperfection,
perfection,oneness,oneness, unification,encompassment,
unification, encompassment,
freedom from
completion, freedom from distinction,
distinction, and and the
the totality of all
totality of all things.
things. Yet, it also
symbolizes limitation,the
symbolizes limitation, hole,zero,
the hole, zero,emptiness,
emptiness,nonexistence,
nonexistence,and and
nothingness.
circle is
The circle is often used as a symbol symbol of of the sun and the the sun's
sun's course
course
through thethe heavens. Thus, itit also
heavens. Thus, alsosymbolizes
symbolizes time time and
andits itsdivisions,
divisions, cycles,
cycles,
etemity. As aa symbol
and eternity. symbol of of existence
existence without beginning or end, end, thethe circle
circle
often appears as as a symbol of the universe and divine divine being.
being.
While the
While represents immanent
the point represents perfection, the
irnmanent perfection, the circle
circle symbolizes
symbolizes
the universe distinguished from its
universe distinguished its first
first cause. Concentric circles
cause. Concentric circles are often
are often
used to represent different states of being or orders of creation.
used creation.
In magic
In rirual, the circle is the
magic ritual, the boundary
boundary and and interface
interface between
bet'ween the
wodd, the microcosm and macrocosm.
self and the world, macrocosm. In this this context,
context, the the circle
circle
symbolizes protection,
symbolizes protection, containment,
containment, balance, balance, and and center. The The ritual
rirual circle
circle
demarcates sacred
demarcates sacred spacespace and providing a purified
and time, providing purified place where the the
microcosm/self/innet
microcosm/self/inner world wodd and the macrocosm/universe/outer ^ wodd are
world are in
harmony.
harmony. If If the
the circle temporary, it is
circle is temporary, is ritually
ritually disassembled
disassembled after use. If it is
after use.
permanent, some type
permanent, type ofof ritual
ritual is performed periodically
is performed periodically to renew the the circle's
circle's
power.
power.
In symbolism, the
In symbolism, circleisis the
the circle opposite of
the opposite of the square -- the
the square thecircle
circle
representing heaven
representing heavenor or the divine and
the divine and the thesquare representing earth or
squarerepresenting or
humanity. In
humanity. another sense,
In another sense, the thecircle
circlesymbolizes cyclical motion
symbolizes cyclical motion and the the
turning wheel of
turning wheel time, in contrast
of time, conffast to the the stability
stability and static nafure nature of the the
square. The circle
square. circle inside
inside the square has
the square has often
often been used as a symbol symbol of the
divine spark in ^s ^
divine in matter. In In Jungian psycholory, the
Jungian psychology, the circle appears both
circle appears both as a
^
symbol
symbol of cosmic order and of the
and of the Self. Self.
The operation
operation knownknown as "squaring the
as "squaring circle" has often been
the circle" been used
used asZs aa
restoring the
metaphor for restoring harmony between
the harmony between mattermatter and This practice
spirit. This
and spirit. practice
ut:lizes aa compass
utilizes compass and suaight-edge (or
and a straight-edge rule) i"
(or rule) in an attempt to construct aa
an attempt

60
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

square equal in perimeter to the

square circumference of a circle or equal in area to
the circumference
the circle.
circle. Because
Because the based on
circle isis based
the circle on Pi ratio of the circumference
(the ratio
Pi (the circumference of a
circle to
circle its diameter),
to its thereis
diameter), there is no way to
no way to draw
draw aasquare more than
square more than
approximately equal
approximately equalto the circle.
to the Thus,squaring
circle. Thus, squaring thethecircle
circlerepresents
represents
illumination, and
perfection, illumination,
perfection, expression of the infinite through the finite.
and the expression finite.

Cone: TheThe cone

cone partakes of the
partakes of thesymbolic associations of both
symbolic associations both the circle and
the circle
triangle, though it also
the triangle, also has associations spiral. Generally,
associations with the spiral. Generally, the cone
symbol of
is aa symbol of aspiration, ascension, and
aspiration, ascension, and transition material to the
transition from the material the
spiritual (movement
(movement upwards
upwards and towards the center).
center).

Crescent: The The crescent

crescent is associated with the phases
is associated phases of the moon, and so so is
is
used asas aa symbol
symbol ofof the
thefeminine
feminine andandthe
thewatery
watery principle. Often seen
principle. Often seen as
as
the crescent
horns, the crescent is
is also
also used asas aa symbol growth, fertility,
symbol of growth, fertiliry', and power. It
power. It
also sometimes
is also described in
sometimes described myth as aa ship
in my$1 ship (the lunar
lunar barque) and cup, both
symbols reflecti.g the moon's association
reflecting the association with
with water
water and the powers of water.
porvers of water.

Cross: TheThecross
crosssymbolizes spatial orientation,
symbolizes spatial orientation, thethecommunication
corrurrunication of
opposites (up and down, left and right), mediation between
righQ, and the mediation betr,veen earth andand
heaven. The equal-armed
heaven. equal-armed cross symbolizes
symbolizes unity, balance,
balance, and order. Like the
associated with
square, the cross is associated earth, the four directions
with earth, directions and thethe cosmic
cosmic
center, and thus also symbolizes
center, symbolizes the world. It
the r.vodd. foundation of all
It is the foundation all other
other
oriented to
s)'mbols oriented
symbols directions. As
four directions.
to the four As a of radiation
sign of
a sign from the
radiation from the
center, symbolizes both
center, the cross symbolizes and creation.
both the sun and creation. Sharing
Sharing some of of the
the
associations of
associations rvheel, the cross is a symbol of the four
of the sun wheel, four seasons
seasons andand
division of the year.
the division It is
year. It suggestive of
is suggestive of the human form with arms
form with arms out-
out-
stretched. The cross is also
stretched. the most
also the most simplified
simplified representation
representation of the the world-
'uvorld-
(axis mundi).
tree (axis mundi).
Cube: The
Cube: Thecubecubeisisthe
thethree-dimensional counterpart of
three-dimensional counterpart the square.
of the square. ItIt
represents volume, just
represents volume, just as square represents area (the
as the square plane). The cube
Gh. plane). cube
conioined with
conjoined sphere represents the sum of heaven
'uvith the sphere earth, just
heaven and earth, iust as the
circle and the square
circle represent spirit
square represent matter. The cube is aa symbol
spirit and matter. symbol of
solidiry, stabilir)',
solidity, stability, completion,
completion, foundation,
foundation, earth, matter, and immobiliW. See
and immobility.
Square
Square
Disk Like
Disk: Like the circle,
circle, the
the disk symbol of
disk is a symbol of perfection, most often
perfection, but is most often
^
associated with
associated withthe sun or
the sun With a hole
or the moon. With in the
hole in the center, the disk
center, the disk
symbolizes void. See
symbolizes the cosmos and void. See Circle

Because of its
Ellipse: Because its egg-like
egg-like shape, the ellipse
shape, the ellipse symbolizes cosmic egg
symbolizes the cosmic egg
(and hence,
hence, spirit void) and creation.
spirit and the void) two sides
creation. The two of the
sides of theellipse
ellipse
symbolize ascension
symbolize ascension and descent, involution. Like
and involution.
descent, evolution and Like the
the circle,
circle, the
ellipse is
ellipse one of the typical
also one
is also ry'pical forms of planetary
planetary motion.

Hexagram: The hexagram, formed by the fusion

hexagram, formed of upward
fusion of upward andand downward
dor,vnward
pointing triangles,
pointing represents the union of opposites (such
triangles, represents (such as fire and water or
as fire
heaven and andthe
earth) and
and earth) theinterpenetration ofthe
interpenetration of thevisible
visible(material)
(material) and
and
invisible (spirirual) '',vodds.
invisible (spiritual) worlds. The hexagram symbolizes
The hexagram the divine
symbolizes the divine marriage
marriage

61
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
(hieros gamos) and
(hieros gamos) evolution and involution. It is also often
synthesis of evolution
and the synthesis
used as a?symbol of the
symbol of themacrocosm,
macrocosm, just as as the pentagram is used to
the pentagram
symbolize
symbolize the microcosm.
microcosm.

Lemniscate:
Lemnisc ate: The lemniscate (appearingas
lemniscate (appearing as the
the number eight turned on its
number etght
side) is commonly used as a symbol of infinity, eternity,
eternity, and regeneration.

Line: AA vertical
vertical line often
often symbolizes
symbolizes one thing,
thing, something unique. The
something unique.
horizontal line represents something that is
horizontal is continuous,
continuous, endless. In general,
endless. In general,
the line is a symbol of separation
symbol of dematcation. To
separation and demarcation. cross the line is to
To cross
move from ^one state of existence
existence to another.
another.
Mandorla (Vesica Piscis or
Mandoda (Vesica Ichthus): The mandorla
or Ichthus): mandoda (Italian "almond")
(Itahan for "almond")
found in
often found
is often in art oriconography
artor iconography as analmond-shaped
asan almond-shaped halo halo or or aureole
aureole
images of
surrounding images Jesus, the Virgin
of Jesus, M"ry, and various saints, though it
\titStt Mary,
appears
appeafs as a symbol in many cultures.
The mandorla
mandoda is sometimes intersection of two
sometimes seen as the intersection trxro circles
circles or
spheres, th. circle on the left
spheres, the left representing
representing matter and the circle circle on thethe right
right
representing
representing spirit. intetsection of the
spirit. The intersection the circles
circles symbolizes
symbolizes the interaction
the interaction
or union of heaven
union of andearth,
heaven and life and
earth, life anddeath,
death, ascent anddescent,
ascent and evolution
descent, evolution
involution. As aa symbol
and involution. symbol ofof transcendent rdty, ititalso
transcendent unity, alsosymbolizes divinity,
symbolizes divinity,
holiness, and the sacred. Because of its shape, the mandorla
sacred. Because mandoda is associated with
is associated
womb and
the womb
both the andthethevulva,
vulva, sharing some of
sharing some of the
thesame symbolism as the
samesymbolism
almond.
almond.

Octagon: The octagon

octagon is is the intermedirty form between
theintermediary the square
between the square and
and
circle. As
circle. such, itit is often
As such, often used as a symbol of perfection, wholeness,
wholeness, and the
^s ^
fusion of spirit and
fusion and matter,
matter, heaven
heaven and earth.
earth.

Pentagram (or (or Pentacle): Thepentagram

Pentacle): The pentagram is often seen as aa symbol symbol of the
microcosm, becauseitit represents
microcosm, because representsthe proportions of
the proportions of the human form form with
with
limbs outstretched because it
outstretched and because symbolizes the
it symbolizes basic elements
the four basic elements of
fir., and water)
existence (earth, air, fire, water) with their quintessence (spirit). With the
quintessence (spirit).
center point up, the
the pentagram
pentagram is symbol of spirit ruling
is a symbol matter. Point
ruling matter. Point down,
down,
the pentagram
pentagram symbolizes matter over spirit and is
symbolizes matter is sometimes
sometimes considered
considered a
symbol of evil.
evil. Over period, the
year period,
Over an eight year the path of planet Venus traces
planet Venus traces a
pentagram zodiac as seen from earth.
through the zodiac
pentagram through earth. Perhaps this is why why the
the
pentagram
pentagram has often beenbeen associated
associated with goddesses Ishtar. An apple
goddesses such as Ishtar. apple
cut along its width reveals a pentagram.
pentagram.
The pentagram
The pentagram is is sometimes
sometimes used as symbol ofmarriage,
as a symbol mard^ge, good
^the unionofof
good
fortune, since itit represents
fiJfillment, since
fortune, and fulfillment, represents the ofthe
themasculine
masculine
principle (three) with
principle (three) with the feminine principle (t*").
feminine principle (two). InIn the same context, the
pentagram
pentagram has sometimes
somed.mes been used as as aa symbol
symbol of of hermaphroditic
hermaphroditic fusion
fusion
and perfection.
perfection.

(or Dot):
Point (or Dot): The point isis location dimension or attribute,
location without dimension attribute, the seed
seed
of manifestation,
of manifestation, immanent perfection, and
immanent perfection, and the and termination
the source and tetmination of
creative
creadve force. The point is
is aa symbol
symbol ofof unity,
unity, singularity,
singulariry, center, and origin.
origin.

62
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Sharing some of
Pyramid: Sharing of the
thesymbolic associations of the
symbolic associations the mountain,
mountain, the
pyramid is
pyramid is a symbol of
a symbol of the wodd center,
the world theaxis
center, the mundi,and
axismundi, andascension
ascension
(ascension from
(ascension from the of the
quarters of
the four quarters theearth).
earth). Because
Because ofof the
thetriangle's
triangle's
association fte and the square's association
association with fire association with matter, the pyramid
pyramid also
hre rvithin
appears as a symbol of fire (th* divine
within earth (the divine spark urithin matter).
spark within matter).

Sphere (or Globe): The sphere

Globe): The sphere symbolizes
symbolizes wholeness, unity, perfection, the
'uvholeness, unity,
wodd, the universe,
world, and the sun. The sphere
universe, and sphere is often attribute of
often used as an attribute
royalty (to denote sovereignry) and
denote sovereignty) and of ofdivinities
divinities and
andallegorical figures (to
allegorical figures (to
sovereignty and/
denote sovereignty or universality).
and/or universaliry) .

Spirat The
Spiral: The spiral is an ancient
spiral is ancient and important symbol
andimportant symbol thatthatexpresses
expresses the the
relationship of ^n otpoint.
relationship of the circle and the the center
center or Thespiral
point.The spiralsymbolizes
symbolizes all all
encompassing curling
cycles, encompassing curling up (involution, contraction)
up (involution, conmaction) and andunwinding
unwinding
(evolution, emanation, and
(evolution, emanation, Associatedwith
expansion). Associated
and expansion). with birth,
birth, the spiral
spiral isis
sometimes used
sometimes used as symbol of
as aa symbol of the womb of the Great
the womb llfother. It
Great Mother. It isis also
also
associated with
associated with the vortex, whidpool, and most of
vortex, the whirlpool, of all,
all, the labyrinth, thus
the labyrinth,
symbolizing the
symbolizing restoration of
the restoration the old and the creation
of the creation ofof the new, journey
the new, iourney
and return,
and return, death andresurrection,
death and resuffection, andandthe thecycles
cyclesofofreincarnation.
reincarnation. Spiral Spiral
labyrinths (often associated with
(often associated with ritual dance)
dance) were
were important symbols of
initiation
initiation in many cultures.
The spiral
The spiral is aa common
corrunon pattern
pattern of ofgrowth
growthin inthe
themineral,
mineral,vegetable,
vegetable,
and animal kingdoms. It
animal kingdoms. It symbolizes
symbolizes emanation, extension, and
emanation, extension, and cyclical
cyclical but
progressive
progres con tinuity.
sive continuity.
The helical
The spiral, in
helical spiral, symbolizes the
particular, symbolizes
in particular, rhythm of
the rhythm life and
of life and
death combined with with cyclical
cyclical evolution.
evolution.
The flat spiral
The flat thequalities
has the
spfual has qualities of of evolution, but is
evolution, but ismost
moststrongly
strongly
associated vrith
associated symbolism of the labyrinth.
with the symbolism labyrinth.
right-hand spiral
The right-hand spiral symbolizes
symbolizes evolution, emergence,
emergence, and expansion.
expansion.
The left-hand
left-hand spiral symbolizes involution,
spiral symbolizes involution, return,
return, and contraction.
contraction.
The double
The double spiral
spiral simultaneously
simultaneously expresses evolution and
expresses evolution involution,
and involution,
conftaction and expansion,
contraction expansion, and birth birth and
and death. Fittingly, the double
death. Fittingly, double spiral
spiral is
the form of the DNA helix. helix.
The S-shaped, countet-rotating double spiral is sometimes
S-shaped, counter-rotating sometimes seen as as aa
symbol of the phases of the moon.
symbol moon. ItIt isis also
also associated
associated with storms,
storms, thunder,
thunder,
lightning, and the fertility
lightning, associated with
fertility associated with lightning
lightning and
and storms.
square is a symbol of static
Square: The square
Square: pedection, matter,
static perfection, matter, the
the body,
body,reality,
reality,
order, theearth,
order, the earth,stability,
stability, permanence, honesty,integrity,
pattern, honesty,
permanence, pattern, integrity, morality,
morality,
and straight-forwardness.
s traight- forwardnes s.

The word swastika

Swastika: The comes from aa Sanskrit
swastika comes Sanskrit root svasli,
saasti, meaning
"fortune," "happiness,"
"fortune," ot"well
"happiness," or "wellbeing." Theswastika
being." The is an
swastika is an extremely
extremely ancient
ancient
symbol of
symbol circular dynamic
of circular dynamic motion (the (the whirlwind
whfulwind of of creation
creationand and
destruction), sharing
destruction), many of
sharing nurny of the symbolic associationsof
symbolic associations of the spiral. It
the spiral. It is
is
symbol of the sun
often used as aa symbol and solar
sun and power and
solar power and also
also shares
shares some of
symbolism of the wheel.
the symbolism It isisalso
wheel. It alsocommonly associated with
commonly associated four
with the four

63
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

seasons, the
seasons, the four winds, the
four winds, four points of
the four the compass,
of the compass, the of
union of
the union
four elements.
opposites, and the four elements.
In some traditions,
In some right-hand or
the right-hand
traditio{rs, the orclockwise
clochvise swastika
swastika is is associated
associated
with that which is solar,
which is masculir., centrifugal,
solar, masculine, centrifugal, and celestial; the left-hand or
celestial; the left-hand
swastika is
counter-clochvise swastika
counter-clockwise associated with
is associated with the lunar, feminine,
feminine, centripetal,
centripetal,
cthonic.
and cthonic.
Unforrunately, it is
Unfortunately, is hard sr.vastika's more
hard to ignore the left-hand swastika's more recent
associations with bad-luck
associations bad-luck and Nazis. See Spiral
Nazis. See Spiral
Triangle: The
Triangle: The triangle
triangle isis the fustmanifestation,
thefirst expressing the
manifestation, expressing the power of of
surface, since
since three define aa plane.
three points define plane. It It symbolizes
symbolizes the reconciliation of
the reconciliation of
(synthesis), rwo
opposites (synthesis),
opposites two points meeting at a third.
points meeting The downward
third. The downward pointingpointi.g
triangle is
triangle is often used as as aasymbol
symbol ofofwater, because ititsuggests
r,vater,because falling and
suggests falling and
presents the shape of of aa cup,
cup, and of the
and of thefemale
female sex, because of
sex, because of the
the triangular
triangular
of the
shape of pubicarea.
the pubic The upward
area. The upwardpointing
pointing triangle
triangle appears frequently as
appears frequently as aa
symbol ofof fire,
fre, energy,
energ, and power, since since it it suggests flames. It
suggests rising flames. also
It is also
used as symbolofofmasculine
asaasymbol viriliry because
masculinevirility because of ofitsitsvaguely
vaguelyphallic
phallic
associations. \S/hen
When upward and downward pointirg triangles
downward pointing interlocked,
triangles are interlocked,
they form the hexagram, a symbol symbol of of duality
duality andand the union of opposites. The
the union
triangle is
triangle associated with
also associated
is also all triads,
with all trinities, and
triads, trinities, and triplicities
triplicities such
such asas
father/morherf child, body/mind/spirit,
father/mother/child, body/mind/spirit, and andheaven/earth/humanity.
heaven I earth/humaniry. See See
Hexagram

Simplifying Forms
Simplifying Forms
Find a photograph. photograph can
photograph. The photograph can be one you
be one have taken
you have taken or itit can be
magazine or any
from a magazine any other source.
source.
take a sheet of paper and lay
Next, take lay it next to the photograph.
it next photograph. Using Using a
pen or pencil, reproduce the shapes in
pencil, try to reproduce in the photograph
photograph in their theit most
forms. For example,
basic forms.
basic example, a face can be represented by an ova!,
face can oval, the horizon
horizon
can be a line, and a mountain can triangle.
be aa triangle.
can be
When you are done, draw draw the
the shapes
shapes all all the same
same size
size in a line,
creating a phrase everything in
phrase of shapes that represent everything in the photograph. Then,
the photograph. Then,
combine the shapes
combine symbol. Try
one symbol.
shapes into one Try to maintain integriry of
maintain the integrity of the
shapes so that one aspect or another of of the
the symbol reminds you of each
symbol reminds
feature in
fearure in the photograph.
photograph.
process, only this time
Repeat the process,
Repeat representative color for
time choose a representative
the shapes.
each of the For example,
shapes. For tree could
example, aa tree could be triangle or
green triangle
be aa green or circle
circle with
could be
a line, or a mountain could brown, grey,
be aa brown, triangle. Try
gref, or green triangle. Try combining
the shapes using the colored shapes and see if this makes
see if makes it more or less
difficult to represent the original
difficult content of
original content of the photograph.
photograph.
Tq' this with
Try with a few
few more photographs until
more photographs until you feel
feel comfortable
comfortable
reducing images to simple geometrical
reducing images shapes.
geometrical shapes.

64
 7: Natural Phenomena
Chapter 7z

From the
the earliest
eadiest time of humanity,
humanity, the varying manifestations of nature have
varying manifestations
been thought of of as
as the
thelanguage
language of of the
thegods.
gods. Just
Justasascomets,
comets, eclipses,
eclipses, and
and
storms were seen as signs of cosmic
violent storms cosmic disruption
disruption or divine
divine wrath, theth.
progression of
progression of the seasons
seasons and thethe cycles
cycles of day
day and night were
and night were viewed
viewed asas
expressions of
expressions of cosmic order and divine benevolence. In the
d"ivine benevolence. the same
same wayway that
that
landscapes and
landscapes and architecture frame our myths
architecture ftame mythsand andfolktales,
folktales,natural
natural
phenomena color
color the
the events
events of
of these
these stories,
stories, and
and indeed
indeed of
of life
life itself.
itself. Here are
some of the most common
cofiunon associations
associations of natural
natutal phenomena:

Autumn (or (or Fall): Autumn is a symbol

Fall): Autumn symbol ofof fruition
fruition and
and harvest, but also
hanrest, but also
decrease, gathering darkness,
decrease, gathering darkness,and^ the
and old age.
the onset of old Associated with the
age. Associated
mortality and melancholy,
mortality and melancholy,autufirn
autumnbegins retreatfrom
beginsaaretreat from the outside to the
the outside
interior, both
bothliterally
literally and
andpsychologically.
psychologically. See
See Seasons
Seasons and
and Times of thethe
D"y
Day
Clouds: In the
the west,
west, clouds
clouds are
are symbols
symbols ofof softness,
softness, but
but also
also concealment,
concealment,
covering, obscurity, and
covering, obscurity, and depression (cloudy weather). In eastern
(cloudy weather). easterncultures,
cultures,
clouds more often
often represent
representfertility.
fertility. Clouds
Clouds are
are generally
generally associated with rain,
the powers of
of the
the sky
sky and
and air,
ait, evanescence,
evanescence, andand intangibility.
intangibility.
Comet:
Comet: To most ancient cultures,
cultures, the comet
comet was
was aa symbol
symbol of
of passage,
passage, change,
change,
disruption,
disruption, and calamity (disruption of
calamity (disruption cycles). In
of cosmic cycles). In modern
modern times, it
See Meteor
associations with speed and power. See
also has associations

Darkness: I)arkness
Darkness typically ignorance, the
symbolizes ignorance,
typically symbolizes the unknowable,
unknowable, the
unmanifest,
unmanifest, mystery,
mysteryr primordial chaos,
chaos, unmanifest light,unconsciousness,
unmanifest light, unconsciousness,
passivity, concealment(under
passivity, concealment coverof
(undercover darkness),and
of darkness), death. ItIt is
anddeath, is also
also
sometimes used as
as aa symbol of evil.
symbol of evil. See
See Night

Dawn: In
Dawn: In general, thedawn
general, the dawnsymbolizes light,victory
symbolizes light, victoryover
overdarkness,
darkness,
awakening, illumination,
illumination, possibility,
possibility, potentiality,
potentiality, ptomise,
promise, hope,
hope, renewal, new
beginning,
begmning, and youth. See Day and Light

The day symbolizes

Day: The clarity,reason,
symbolizes clariry, and truth
reason,and truth or openness. See Dawn
openness. See
and Light
The eclipse
Eclipse: The eclipse has generally
generally been viewedas
been viewed as atr
an omen ofdisaster,
omen of disaster,
symbolizing
symbolizing the disruption of
the disruption of natural
natural order
order and
and the triumph of darkness.
darkness. In
some
some cultures, eclipses were described
cultures, eclipses described as a horrific wolf, or other
horrific dragon, wolf, other
creature devouring the
creature devouring the sun
sun or moon.
moon.
Floods: The flood is a symbol
symbol of catastrophic change
change and
and trial,
tdal, after
after which
which all
all
things different. The flood has some of the
things are diffetent. the same
same associations
associations as high tide,
misfotune or
but with an element of misfortune or divine
divine anger.

66
 Whitcomb
BiU Whitcomb
Bill

Fog (or Mist): Fog

(or Mist): symbol of the indeterminate,
Fog is a symbol indeterminate, the vague,
vague, the obscure,
obscure,
andthe
and thefantastic. Fogisis
fantastic.Fog commonlyassociated
commonly associatedwithwithillusion,
illusion,chaos,
chaos,
disorientation, uncertaintl, and concealment. In myth and dream, fog
disorientation, uncertainty, fog is often
often
a transitional zone
zone benveen worlds, or
between worlds, transition from one state to another.
or a transition
It isis sometimes
It sometimes seen
seen as the mixture
as the ofelemental
mixture of elemental air,
air, water,
water, and frreexisting
and fire existing
prior to the the manifestation of solid
manifestation of solid matter.
matter. Mist
lvfist appears in many
many myths as the
primeval
primeval state from which the the universe
universe coalesces.
coalesces.

Light: Light
Light: Light symbolizes revelation, truth, illumination,
knowledge, revelation,
symbolizes kno'uvledge, illumination, action,
action, and
In some
life. In sorne traditions, sunlight isisassociated
traditions, sunlight with direct
associated with directknowledge,
knowledg., while
while
moonlight
moonlight is associated reflected or
associated with reflected or intellectual
intellectual knowledge.
knowledg.. Light is also
also
associated with immateriality,
associated irnmateriality, spirit,
spirit, diviniry, happiness. In many creation
and happiness.
divinity, and
myths, the first
myths, manifestation of
Frst manifestation creation is
of creation the separation
is the of light
separation of light and
and
darkness, which in primal chaos
darkness,'uvhich chaos are undifferentiated.
undifferentiated.

Lightning:Lightning
Lightning: Lightning generally symbolizes speed,
generally symbolizes speed, suddenness, enerff, and
suddenness, energy, and
power. It
power. is frequently
It is frequendy seen as as anan expression
expression of supernatural power -- the
of supernatural the
descent of firefre from heaven
heaven toto earth.
earth. Partly because of its descent from the
Partly because
heavens pardy because of its
heavens and partly its association
association with rain, lightning is sometimes
rain, lightning sometimes
life and the
spark of life
represent the spark
thought to represent the powers
powers of offertilization. It isis
fertilization. It
interesting to
interesting note that
to note that lightning
lightning produces
produces much
much of the nitrogen carried
the nitrogen carried by
by
rain to the vegetation below.
the vegetation lightning's flash
below. The lightning's symbol of intuitive
flash is a symbol intuitive or
spirirual enlightenment.
spiritual enlightenment. See Thunderbolt
See Thunderbolt

Meteor (Shooting-Star):
Meteor (Shooting-Star): Like the the comet, which passes
comet, which thesky
across the
passes across sky
bringing portents, the meteor
portents, the meteor symbolizes
symbolizes divine or celestial
divine or communicatioo, at
celestial communication,
message heaven to
message from heaven to earth. Nfeteoric iron has
earth. Meteoric hasalways been sacred
ah,vays been sacred and
and
magical, both
magical, because of its celestial
both because celestial origins
origins and because itit was
and because was often the
the first
first
form in which iron became
which iron available to humanity.
became available humanirv. The shooting star is also
star is also
to symbolize
used to symbolize aa brilliant but short-lived
brilliant but short-lived person ororphenomenon.
phenomenon. See
Comet
Comet
Moon: The moon moon is is an
an unusually complex symbol.
unusually complex symbol. It isis associated
associated with tides,
tides,
tain, r,vater,
rain, floods, and moistness in general.
water, floods, general. Hence,
Hence, the moon symbolizes
symbolizes the
fruitful forces of life
fruitful life fertility.
fertiliq'.
The moon's
The moon's gravitational
gravitational pull is responsible
responsible for the the rides and affects
tides and affects
the earth's
the continents. The bodies
earth's continents. bodies of of all
allliving
living things
things on onearth,
earth,being
being
largely of
constiruted largely
constituted of water, are significantly affectedby
significantly affected by the
the moon. The The
phases of
phases of the moonparticularly
the moon particulady affectaffect the movements of
the movements and the
of fish and the
spawning of sea creatures
creatures such as mussels,
mussels, crabs, and oysters.
oyster$.
The physiological life
The physiological life of
of women influenced by the moon.
greatly influenced
women is greatly moon.
cycle of human
The cycle human ovulation
ovulation roughly
roughly matches
matches the lunar month. Because Because of
association with
its association with water, fertiliry, menstruation, the
and menstruation,
fertility,and moon is often used
the moon used
to symbolize
symbohze the feminine principle, desire,
feminine principle, desire, and
and sexuality.
sexuality.
People become
People become somewhat somewhat more moreexcitable,
excitable,energetic,
energeric, andand
impressionable as
impressionable the moon
as the waxes. It
moon waxes. long been known that unusual
It has long unusual or
eccentric behavior
eccentric duringthe
increasesduring
behavior increases the full
full moon, incidence of
moon, as does the incidence
ftres, crimes,
fires, crimes, false
false alarms, traffic accidents.
alarms, and traffic accidents.

67
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

The moon isis oftenoften used

used toto symbolize
symb oltze dreams
dreams and the unconscious
unconscious as a
property of
property night and
of night and darkness.
darkness. In In this context, ititisisassociated
thiscontext, associated withwith
imagination, illusion, th.
imagination, illusion, the irrational,
irrational, the
the subjective,
subjective, thethe intuitive,
intuitive, andand of course,
course,
lunacy.
lunacy.
Much
N'fuch of lunar symbolism is
lunar symbolism based on
is based the fact
on the the moon
fact the moonchanges
changes
during its course.
shape during course. The The moon is often often used
used to tosymbolize
symbolize all that is is
shifting
shifting or ephemeral,
ephemeral, but also also cyclical renewal. As
change and renewal.
cyclical change As a symbol of
changeability
changeability and and cycles,
cycles, thethe moon associated with time,
moon is associated dme, destiny,
destiny, fate, and
rhythm. It is sometimes
rhythm. sometimes seen symbol of progression
seen as a symbol progression from from birth
birth to death
to rebirth.
to Because of this
rebith. Because association, the moon
this association, moon was regarded by
was regarded by some
some
cultures as the placeplace of the dead,
dead, similar
similar to
to the underworld of other
the undenxrodd other myths.
myths.
The moon
rnoon is is also
also associated
associated with the tripartite
tripartite aspect of the the goddess
goddess
archetype.
archetype. WhenWhen waxing,
waxing, the the moon symbolizes growth and renewal,
symbolizes gro$rth renewal, and is
associated with
associated with the
the maiden. When full,
rnaiden. When full, the
themoon
moonsymbolizes
symbolizes wholeness,
wholeness,
fertility, and sexuality,
fertility, and sexuality,and associatedwith
andisisassociated withthe Great Mother.
the Great Mother. WhenWhen waning,
waning,
the moon symbolizes
symbolizes death and and dying, associated with the crone.
dying, and is associated
The moon
moon rotates around the earth at the
rotates around the same
same ratefate as as the
the moon's
moon's
rotation on its own
rotadon axis, so itit always
own axis, presents the same face
always presents face to thethe earth.
earth.
Sometimes
Sometimes calledcalled "the funnel of
"the funnel of the earthr"
earth," the moon
moon. was was thought
thought to to receive
receive
filter the
and filter the emanations
emanations of of other
other celestial
celestial bodies
bodies and to to transmit
transmit these
these
radiations to the earth.
radiations earth.
The lunar month of of twenty-eight
trventy-eight days is is part of the basis of the sacred sacred
nature of thethe number
number sevenseven and
and thetheseven
seven days
days ofof the
the week,
week, since
since each
each week
week
marks one phase
marks phase of the moon.moon.
Moonlight:Since
Moonlight: moonlight is
Since moonlight reflection of the light of the sun
is aa reflection sun (truth),
(truth), it is
sometimes seen
sometimes symbolofofillusion
as aasymbol
seen as illusionoror
ofof intellectual(reflective)
intellectual (reflective)
knowledge.
knowledg..

Morning: Morning
Morning: N(orningsymbolizes
symbolizes freshness, uncorrupted beginning,
freshness, uncorrupted beginning, purity,
purity,
promise, new life, and light. See Dawn
Night Night
Night: Night isisassociated with sleep,
associated with sleep, death, darkness, but also
and darkness,
death, and also the
the
*ot rb, the unconscious,
womb, unconscious, dreams,
&eams, and sexual
sexual pleasure. night both conceals
pleasure. The nlght conceals
and releases
releases that which is repressed
repressed during
during the
the day. Night isisindeterminacy,
day. Night indeterminacy,
disappearance of concrete definable
the disappearance definable knowledge,
knowledg., and surfacing of the
and the surfacing
irrational. It symbolizes
irrational. gestation and
symbolizes gestation germination, but
and germination, but also the fermentation
fermentation
of conspiracy. See Darkness
Darkness
Planets: The word word planet
planet comes from the
comes from theGreek
Greek planesthai,
planesthai, meaning
"wandering" (m
"wandering" opposed to
(as opposed the"fixed"
to the "fixed"stars).
stars).Considered
Considered of of great
great
importance by
importance neady every
by nearly culture that
every culture that ever concerned
concerned itself withurith the
the
heavens, associated with deities.
heavens, the planets have usually been associated deities. The planets are
associated with days of the
also associated week, colors,
the week, colors, metals,
metals, gems,
gems, and
andpersonality
personality
ttaits. In general,
traits. general, aa planet
planet symbolizes specific realm,
symbolizes a specific mode, or level of
realm, mode,
existence. The
existence. The planets
planets are also symbols ^ immenrig, the vastness of
symbols of immensity, of space,
space,
and in modern
modern times,
times, adventure
adventute and
and possibility.
possibility.

68
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Rain: Many
N{any cultures
cultures have
have viewed
viewed rain rain as
asa symbol
symbolofofcelestial
celestialinfluence,
influence,
especially the
especially fertil'rzing and
the fertilizing and fructifying
^powers of
fructi$'ing powers theheavens.
of the heavens.RainRain
symbolizes the source
symbolizes source of life, fertility,
of life, fertiliry, cleansing, purification. Rain is also
cleansi.g, and purification.
associated with tears and sadness.
sometimes associated sadness.

Rainbow: The
Rainbow; Therainbow
rainbow isisoften
oftenseen
seenasasaaheavenly bridge,symbolizing
heavenlybridge, symbolizing the
union of and cofiununication between
and communication reflection of the
eafrh. As a reflection
betrveen heaven and earth.
sun through
sun through water,
water, transforming
transforming clear lightinto
clear light into the all colors,
the arc of all colors, the
the
symbol of transfiguration.
^rc
rainbow is also a symbol transfiguration.

Seasons: InIn myths andfolklore,

myths and theseasons
folklore, the seasons are sometimes
sometimes represented
represented by by
situations or images. For example, ^re sometimes
certain situations images. For example, winter is sometimes symbolized
symbolized by
aa princess Gf", fertiliry)
pdncess (life, confinedinin a dungeon
fertility)confined dungeon or cave, or in aaprolonged
or cave, prolonged
sleep, from which she is is freed ^
by a prince
freed by pdnce(symbolizing
(symbolizing the the sun).
sun). Spring
Spring is
symbolized by
sometimes symbolized
" journey. See
by the beginning of aa journey. Spring,
See Autumn, Spring,
Winter
Summer, and Winter
Summer,
Like the times of the the day,
day, the
the seasons
seasons are often associated
are often with cyclical
associated with cyclical
change and the phases of human
change human life. In Wicca
life. In Wicca and in in some otherpagan
some other pagan
cycle of
traditions, the cycle transformation of nature,
year, the transformatjon
of the year, nature, and the phases
phases
of agrarian
agrarian life
life are associatedwith
are associated withthe mythsof
the myths of the Goddess and her consort,
the Goddess consort,
the Horned God.God. Each
Each ofofthe mainphases
themain ofthe
phases of theeternal
eternalcycle is represented
cycle is represented
by one of eight
eight celebrations:

Yule: From the

Yule: the Norse word ail,
Norse word iul, meaning
meaning "wheel." This is the
"wheel." This the
of the
shortest day of theyear and isisassociated
ye^r and death and
associated with death and rebirth.
rebirth.
After her long sleep, glves birth
sleep, the Goddess gives birth to her son. The Dark
King is now reborn as
King as the Infant of
theInfant ofLight,
Light, the
thedivine
divine Sun
SunChild.
Child.
Typically, the
Typically, the houses celebrants are
houses of celebrants are decorated with evergreens
decorated with evergreens
Yule-logs of
and Yule-logs oak ot
of oak or pine
pine are burned to represent the sun.
are burned
Imbolc: From aa Celtic
Celtic word meaning
meaning "in"itr the
the belly,"
belly," Imbolc is aa
festival of
festival of light fertility celebrating
light and fertility eadiest stirring of spring.
celebrating the earliest spring.
is associated
It is purification, cleansing,
associated with purification, cleansing, and "spring cleaning"
cleaning" init
traditions. Often, the
many traditions. the evergreen
evergreen branches and other Yule
and other Yule
decorations are saved until Imbolc and burnedburned inin aa ritual fre. All the
ritual fire.
torches, lamps, and candles available are lit just after sunset, if only
for a few moments. The young god, in his aspect as Forest King, is
H,:F#^3,1#i#fi ##jUil#,fj;';:';;;::',#;:r
named and armed by the queen (the Goddess).
resurrection. At this time
festival of spring and resurrection.
Ostara: Ostara is the festival
the year,
of the yea\ the King grows to maturity and rides forth in splendor.
splendor.
In some
In some traditions, $fild Hunt
the Wild
traditions, the Hunt (the mythic embodiment
(themythic embodiment of
death, fate, and the
death, the dangers
dangers of of winter) ceases to
winter) ceases roam the
to roam the
countryside
counttyside and returns to Faerie.
and returns leader of the \Ufild
Faerie. The leader Wild Hunt, the
Horned God God resumes his place
resumes his place as theyoung
asthe youngforest kirg. Typical
forestking. Typical
include planting seeds and decorating eggs.
activities include
activities
Beltane: Bel-tane means "Bel-fire." Bel, "the shining one," can be
:ii:ffi 3:i'i:',il'.1l:,",il;?:;"-:h^,il:,'Yilffi;i:;;#,tr
considered as an aspect of the god. Beltane is a festival of fertility

69
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

celebrating union of king

the union
celebratirg the king andand queen (god and
queen (god and goddess).
goddess). The
festival
festival has always been linked with sexuality includes activities
sexualiry and includes activities
such asasMaypole and gathering
lvfaypole dances and flowers on the
gathering flowers thegreen.
green.
Frequently, Bel-fires
Frequently, werelitliton
Bel-fireswere onthe tops of hills.
the tops hills. There is also
also a
^
tradition of
tradition of decorating trees to
decorating trees celebrate the god
to celebrate god and
andgoddess
goddess
becoming lovers.
becoming

the festival
Litha: Litha is the associated with fire,
midsurruner, associated
festival of midsummer, fire, the
and fertility.
sun, and kirg and
fertility. The king and queen
queen(god God and
and goddess)
goddess) are
are
married. In
married. traditions, the
In some traditions, the solar kirg
king (the Kitg) is
(th. Oak King) is
sacrificed by
sacrificed by his
his own dark aspect (the K"g). This is the
Gh. Holly King). the
longest day of the year,
longest day and bonfres
year, and are lit
bonfires are lit to celebrate the sun and
the forces
the of life.
forces of life. People sometimes leap over the
People sometimes the bonfires
bonfues forfor
purification and to assure fruitfulness.
purification fruitfulness.

festival of bread and

Lughnasadh: The festival hanrest. Summer
and harvest. Summer is passing
passing
and the god begins
the god begins to age and decline. In some traditions, the god is
to age is
symbolically eatenas
symbolically eaten bread (the bread having
as bread having resulted from his his
sacrifice). This
previous sacrifice). feast is also associated
This feast associated with marriage
marriage (for
example, the marriage
example, marriage of of Lugh
Lughand andEire).
Eire).Traditional
Traditionalactivities
activities
include
include baking making "corn dollies."
baking bread and making dollies."

Mabon: Nfabon
Mahon: place on
takes place
Niabon takes on the Autumn Equinox. This is the
Autulnn Equinox. the
festival of
festival thefinal
of the finalharvest,
hanrest,associated withpurification
associatedwith purification andand
preparation. The god (in
preparation. (in his
his aspect
aspect as forest king)
as forest king) is in his
is in his last
last days.
days.
The goddess
The mourns him
goddess mourns himandandprepares
preparesfor forsleep. Traditional
sleep.Traditional
activities include
activities baking cornbread and gathering dried leaves
include baking leaves and
seed pods in the woods as decoration.
decoration.

Samhain is
Samhain: Samhain
Samhain: is the feast ofof the
thedead, dedicated to
dead, dedicated to the
the
ancestors. The God dies
ancestors. journeys through the
dies and iourneys the underworld
underuvorld until
is reborn
he is reborn at Yule. In
atYule. Insome raditions, the
sometraditions, Wild Hunt
theWild Huntemerges
emerges
Faerie and the God
from Faerie Godassumes his aspect
assumes his aspect as their leader,
as their leader, the
the
Horned GodGod (Stag Lord). The Goddess
(Stag Lord). Goddess returns to the dark lands
the dark lands
falls into the sleep
and falls sleep ofof winter. In many
winter. In many countries, people left aa
countries, people
plate of food
food outside
outside the forthe
housefor
the house thedead. Sometimes aa candle
dead.Sometimes candle
would be lit in the window
window to provide guidance.
guidance.

some of the
Sparks: Sparks share some associations of both
the associations both fire
fire and light. Sparks
and light. Sparks
often used
are often used as
assymbols ofdivine
svmbols of divine energy, inspiration, motivation,
energy, inspiration, motivation, and the
individual soul.
soul.

Spring: The season

Spring: when plants
season when plants spring
spring up.
up. Spring
Spring symbolizes
symbolizes birth, re-birth,
childhood, youth,
childhood, youth, hope, neu/ growth,
hope, new rene\r/al of life, and the increase of
gror.vth, the renewal
light, and the return
light, ofabundance.
return of abundance. Spring
Spring isis aatransitional
transitional period, mediatitg
period, mediating
between deathly winter
between the deathly winter and the full full life of summer.
suffuner. As such, spring is aa
such, spring
possibilit)' of the present, the interface
svmbol of the possibility
symbol between the memory of
interface between
the future.
the past and the desire of the furure. See
See Seasons and Times of D"y
of the Day

70
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Star(s): Stars
Stars are
are generally symbols of light,
generally symbols light, the spirit,
spirit, and
and celestial influence,
celestial influence,
shining in the
light shining thedarkness,
darkness, and lightfrom
and light fromabove.
above.Stars alsosymbolize
Starsalso symbolize
divinity, supremacy,
perfection, divinity, supremacy, thethe eternal, fame and the highest attainment.
eternal, fame attainment.
Shooting (meteors) are often
Shooting stars (meteors) usedtotosymbolize
often used symbolizespectacular
spectacular but
but
temporary life or fame.
^re
temporary
In the
In theFinnish
Finnishepic, theKalevala,
epic, the the stars
Kalevala, the aredescribed
stars are described as having
as having
been made from fragments of the
fragments of the world-egg.
wodd-egg.
Latin word for star, sidus, is the root
The Latin of the
root of wordconsideration,
theword consideration,
which etymologically means to scan the stars.
etymologically means stars. See Light and Sun
See Light

Storm: The storm is often

storm is often used
used as
asaasymbol ofdisturbance,
symbol of disturbance, wildness, violent
wildness, violent
rage, but it
change, and rage,
change, it isis also
also seen themanifestation
asthe
seenas ofdivine
manifestation of will, aa
divine will,
source of creation, intercourse between
creation, and intercourse elements. It combines
betrveen the elements. combines some
some
the symbolism
of the symbolism of rain, thunder, and
rain, wind, thunder, and lightning. Lightnirg, Rain,
lightning. See Lightning, Rain,
Thunder, and Wind
Thunder,
Summer: The season
Summer. of ease,
season of ease, plenty,
plenry, contentment,
contentment, happiness,
happiness, heat, strength,
and adulthood.
and adulthood. Summer
Summer symbolizes abundanceand
symbolizes abundance and the in
fullness life in
the fullness
to the
contrast to the dead of winter.
dead of For many
winter. For many ofof us, sufiuner isis also
us, summer associated with
also associated
a return tooutdoor
return to actitiry, nature,
outdooractivity, andleisure.
nature, and leisure. See
See Seasons and Times of
Dav
the Day

Sun: The
Sun: ;. sunsunhashasalways oneof
been one
always been ofhumanity's
humaniry's mostmostimportant
important and and
symbols. It is cosmic
omnipresent symbols. spiritual center, source of light,
and spiritual
cosmic and light, heat,
and life.
and Because of
life. Because of the sun's association with
sun's association light,itit is
with light, is often
often used as as aa
symbol of of consciousness,
consciousness, perception, enlightenment,and
perception, enlightenment, intellect.ItIt is aa
and intellect.
nearly symbolofofthe
universalsymbol
nearly universal theki.g
kingor queenas
or queen heart or
as heart or center of of the
the
kingdom. It
kingdom. also symbolizes
It also symbolizes energy, fu., force
energy, fire, force ofof will,
will, wholeness,
wholeness, life,Iife, life
Iife
force, wisdom, growth, perfection,
force, wisdom, perfection, all-seeing diviniry, and the active
all-seeing divinity, active principle.
principle.
It isis the
It mostprominent
themost prominent of ofnatural
naturalphenomena,
phenomena, hencehence itsitsassociation with
association with
supremaclt woddly
supremacy, fame, and victory.
worldly status, fame, Because of its
victory. Because its daily
daily and
andyearly
yearly
journey,
journey, the the sun is also the foremost symbol
sun is symbol of death
death and rebirth, and
and rebirth, andcyclical
cyclical
existence.
existence.

Tides: TheThe tides

tidessymbolize
symbolize ceaseless
ceaseless cyclical change.The
cyclicalchange. The high tide is a
high tide
^
trial —
symbol of trial - anything loose could be swept away
anything loose away — but itit is
- but also the time
is also
to set sail. When the tide turns, the situation
set sail. changed. The tide shares
situation is changed. shares some
sorne
associations of the
the associations
of the flood, but
the flood, without the
but without the elements
elements ofof misfortune
misfortune or ot
divine wrath.
divine wrath.

Thunder: Thunder
Thunder. Thunder has often
often been seen as the voice of the
voice of thedivine.
divine. As a
^
manifestation of
manifestation of power from thethe heavens,
heavens, some cultures have
some cultures have believed
believed that
that
expression of
thunder was an expression
thunder of divine wrath or
divine wrath or a sign of the
the disturbance
disturbance of
cosmic order. Thunder has sometimes
cosmic order. sometimes been thought of as the sound made made by
hammer or drums of the
the hammer the gods,
gods, or in some
or in laughter of the
cases, even the laughter
some cases,
gods.
gods.

Thunderbolt: The
Thunderbolt: The thunderbolt has symbol of enlightenment,
typically been a symbol
has typically enlightenment,
revelation, sudden inspiration, and phallic
inspiration, and power, but also divine power and,
phallic power,

71
7L
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
divine wrath. It
often, divine It typically symbolizes the
typically symbolizes dual powers of creation
the dual creation and
destruction attributed to todeities,
deities, particularly sky-deities. The
particularly sky-deities. The thunderbolt
thunderbolt is
associated with fertilizing,
associated fertilizing, creative force both because
creative force of its
because of its phallic
phallic qualities
qualities
irs association
and its I ightning and Thunder
association with rain. See Lightning

Times of of the
theDay: The times
Day: The times of ofthe
theday
d^yare oftengiven
areoften givensymbolic
symbolic
associations, linking
associations, linkingthe cycleof
the cycle of aa day
day urith that of the year
with that year and with human
life. Dawn
life. with birth
associated with
Dawn is associated birth and noon with
spring, noon
and spring, with youth and summer,
surruner,
evening with
evening with age and autumn,
auturnn, and midnight with death
and midnight andwinter.
death and winter. See
See
Dawn, Day, Morning, Night,
D"y, Morning, Night, Seasons, and Twilight
Twilight is a transition
Twilight: Twilight transition between
benveen cycles, like many
and like
cycles, and many transitional
transitional
zones, it
zones, it is charged magical power.
charged with magical Twilightisisoften
power. Twilight thought of
often thought of as a
moment when
moment when time
time stands sil, balanced
stands still, balanced between
benween day and night.
day and Twilight also^
night. Twilight
moment^ry melancholy.
beauty and momentary
appears as a symbol of nostalgic beauty melancholy.

symbolize motion,
Waves: Waves symbolize motion, surges of of power,
power,passions, andcyclical
passions, and cyclical
change. symbol of change
change. As a symbol change in general,
general, aa "new'wave" symbolizes profound
"new wave" symbolizes profound
transformation bring about
transformation bring newera
about aanew orchange
eraor changein inregime
regime— "sea change."
- aa "sea change."
Because of its intangible
Wind: Because intangible and changeable nature, wind is a symbol of
nature, urind
instability and
instability fickleness, the
and fickleness, the ephemeral and transient, elusiveness,
elusiveness, bluster
bluster and
empty
empry boasting (a b"g of wind),
(a bag wind), and nothingness,
nothingness, but is is also
also seen
seen asas aa symbol
symbol
elemental force or
of elemental or even btind violence.
even blind violence. At the
the same wind symbolizes
time, wind
same time, symbolizes
change, divine spirit,
change, spirit, and creative breath. Wind is also often seen as a symbol
creative bteath. symbol
of fortune
of fate(the
andfate
fortune and waythe
(theway thewind blows).ItItsymbolizes
windblows). divine or
symbolizes divine
supernatural intention,
supernatural since it represents the
intention, since influence of
the influence of the
the invisible.
invisible. Wind
associated with inspiration,
is also associated creation, emanation, energy and motivation
inspiration, creation, motivation
(putting wind in one's
(putting one's sails).
sails). See Whirlqrind
See Whirlwind

Whidwind: As a manifestation
Whirlwind: natural energy sharing
manifestation of violent natural some of the
sharing some
associations spiral, the whirlwind symbolizes change'
associations of the spiral, change, speed, power,
power, and
destnrction. See Wind
destruction.
Winter: Possibly
Winter: derived ftom
Possibly derived from the same linguistic
linguistic roots "*et,"
"wfuld," "wet,"
roots as "wind,"
and "white," this is the season
this is of darkness,
season of privation, hunger,
darkness, cold, privation, hunger, and death,
death,
when life is dormant and hidden. Winter is aa symbol
and hidden. symbol ofof old
old age,
age, depression,
depression,
bitterness, and absence of hope.hope. Winter
$Tinter solstice, the shortest
solstice, being the day of the
shortest clay
yea.r, is
year, is the
the end of the oldold and
and the beginning of the new. See Seasons and
the beginning and
Times of the Day D"y

Mapping Natural
Mapping Natural Phenomena
Phenomena
Choose story or myth.
Choose a story It can
m),th. It can be
be any
any sort of story
sort of would like,
you would
story you like, but it
should long enough
be long
should be tohave
enough to havesome
somedetail andatatleast
detail and leastseveral different
several different
scenes.
scenes.
Keeping a notepad handy,
Keeping handy, read thethe story
story again. Iist the
again. As you read, list
natural phenomena
natural scene in
phenomena by scene in the order in which they appear in the the story.
story.
For example, a scene might occur at night
might occur with aa hot, humid atmosphere, or it
night with

72
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

might occur during an overcast day

an overcast driven rapidly
day with dark clouds driven rapidly by a * bitter
howling wind.
Look over each set of phenomena
phenomena and and see if you
see if you can still discern
can still discern the
story. Try to relate
pattern of the story. relate the action of the
the action the story phenomena of
story to the phenomena
For example,
each scene. For example, inh Shakespeare's MacBeth, virtually
Shakespeare's MacBeth, *ll evil deeds are
virttrally all
plotted or occur in shadows
occur in shadows or or darkness.
darkness. These sorts of of images
images can be aa
powerful p*tt
powerful part of aa story andcan
story and canbe beequally useful in
equally useful indesigning
desigri.g settings for
settings for
pathworkings and guided
pathworkings guided imagery.
imagery.

73
73
 Chapter 8: Places
Chapter

locations and architectural

Natural locations architectural structures are the settings for our symbolic symbolic
mythic dramas, constituting significant
events and mythic aspects of the macrocosm,
significant aspects ffracrocosm,
the outer reflections of the parts of
outer reflections of the body and
the body and psyche that comprise
psyche that comprise the the
microcosm.
microcosm.
All the parts of
All of our
oursymbolic wodd -- the
symbolic world theevents,
events, plants, animals, and
plants, animals,
objects -- are modified by
aremodified bythe thesymbolic
symbolic associations
associations of of their
theirsurroundings.
suffoundings.
surroundings must
These surroundings must be be considered
considered both in in interpreting
interpreti.g our ourdreams,
dreams,
myths, and in designing
visions, and myths, designing the rituals
riruals and ceremonies
ceremonies by by which we we
communicate
cofiununicate with our inner world. wodd.
Transitional zones are of of particular importance as
particular importance symbolic locales.
as symbolic locales. In
such areas
nature, such include caves,
areas include cliffs, deserts,
caves, cliffs, mountains, volcanoes,
deserts, mountains, volcanoes, fords,
rivers, and seashores.
rivers, seashores. These sites are often associated
are often with initiation,
associated with initiation, andand
movement ftom
movement from one state state toto another,
another, but butare arealso impotant because
also important because theythey
interaction of natural
embody the interaction elements such as air, water, and earth. In
narural elements
architecture, transitional
transitional features include arches,
features include atches, bridges, crossroads, doors,
stairvays, streets,
gates, stairways, streets, thresholds,
thresholds, and and windows.
windows.
The symbolism of
The symbolism places and
of places architecture is
and architecture imponant in
also important
is also in
operadons such as
operations as guided
guided imagery pathworking. In this
imagery and ritual pathworking. this context,
context,
places and architecture
architecture are settings for the initiatory forms of the
are the settings the sacred
sacted
and mythic
quest and journey. Some initiatory
mythic journey. initiatory paths
paths are transitions, such as the
underground journey
journey from
from the cave to
the cave mountain-top or the path through
the mountain-top
to the through
leading to the sacred grove
the forest leading ending in the garden. Other mythic
grove and ending mythic
journey through
paths include the journey labyrinth or
through the labyrinth or the quest for the castle castle or
sacred city.
ciry.
The ancient
The ancient Chinese practice of
Chinese practice of Feng Shui,Shui, the art ofharmonious
art of harmonious
placement, is
placement, is an example of an
arr example anextensive symbol system focused
extensive symbol focused on our
and artificial
natural and artificial surroundings.
surroundings. Feng Feng Shui relates natural narural features
features to
animals, objects,
animals, objects, directions, constellations,and
directions, constelladons, interactionsof
and interactions the Taoist
of the Taoist
(earth, u/ater,
elements (earth, fu., metal,
water, fire, metal, and wood). The Feng Shui practitioner uses
and wood).
this symbolic language to
this symbolic to analyze locations and
analyze locations andbuildings,
buildings, advising
advising on on
placement and
placement constnrction to
and construction toencourage well-beitg, and
prosperity,well-being,
encourageprosperity, and
happiness.
happiness.
Here are are some
some of ofthethetypical
typicalsymbolic
symbolic associations
associations of of places
places andand
architecture:
architecture:
Abyss: The word
Abyss: word abyss
abyss isis derived from the
derived from theGreek
Greek abussos,
altussos, meaning
bottomless. The
bottomless. The abyss space of indefinite
abyss is space indefinite or infinite
infinite depth and height, aa
and height,
place of transition and transformation. It isis aa traditional
transformation. It taditional symbol primordial
symbol of primordial
chaos, ultimate entropy and
ultimate entropy devolution, the
and devolution, beginningand
the beginning and the
the end, thethe
unknown, which is
unknown, and that which is beyond
beyond all form and
all form anddefinition. The abyss
definition. The abyss also
also
wisdom of the unconscious,
represents the wisdom
represents unconscious, the the depths
depths of the inner self,
the inner self, and
penultimate initiation. In
penultimate initiation. magfcal models,
in some magical models, such such asas the Qabalistic Tree of
Qabalistic Tree

75
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Life, the abyss
Life, the final
embodies the
abyss ernbodies veilor
final veil chasm that
or chasm must be crossed on the
that must
illumination.
path to illumination.
The altar
Altar: The altar is symbolofofsacrifice,
isaasymbol deific authority
devotion, deific
sacrifice,devotion, authority or
influence, and
influence, sacred. The altar is regarded in some traditions
and the sacred. traditions as
as aa deific
deific
throne and, in somesome cases, literally been
cases, has literally madein
been made in the form of a throne.
the form throne.
The altar associated with
altar is also associated with the hearth, since the hearth has often served
the hearth, served
as the altar of the
altar of the home. Thosealtars
home. Those onwhich
altars on which perpetual fires burned
perperual fires burned were
were
essentially the
essentially hearths of
the hearths cities in which
of the cities which they stood. The word altar
they stood. altar is
derived from the Latin plural noun akilia,
derived altaria, meaning burnt offerings.
offerings.

Arch: The arch isistypically

The arch rypically aa symbol of passage
symbol of initiation, the
and initiation,
passage and the gate of
gate of
Becauseofofits
experience. Because
experience. curved form,
its curved form, the
the arch embodies the
arch also embodies the arc of
initiation
initiation and its concept journey and rerurn.
concept of journey return.
Attic: The attic
Attic: attic sometimes appearsas
sometimes appears symbol of
as aa symbol the mind.
of the mind. In Indream
dream
interpretation, the attic is supposed to represent
supposed to represent you higher self
you higher or ideal
self or ideal self.
self.
frequently used for storage,
As a location that is frequently storzg€, the attic
attic is sometimes seenseen as
symbol of
a symbol memory or
of memory or of
of the sum of
the sum life's work.
one's life's
of one's SeeHouse
work.See House andand Roof
Bridge: The
Bridge: Thebridge link or
bridge isisaaLink or connection
connection between two two places naturally apart.
places naturally apart.
It represents
It representspassage, initiation, transition,
passage, initiation, transition, change
change (m (ir situation ortime),
situation or time),
contact, mediation. A
contact, and mediation. bridge is a solution.
A crossed bridge solution. A A broken
broken bridge
bridge
symbolizes difficulties.A
symbolize s difficulties. A burnt bridge
^
bridge symbolizes
symbolizes irrevocable actions or
irrevocable
choices. The bridge
bridge has often appeared myth as
appeared in myth as aa passage between worlds.
passage between wodds.
rainbow and the
The rainbow l\nb' Way
the Milky W"y have both been thought of
been thought of asasbridges
bridges
between heaven and earth.
berr,veen heaven earth.

Castle (Fortress or Citadel): The castle symbol of strength,

casde is a symbol strength: protection,
watchfulness, and shelter or refuge.
watchfulness, Like the city,
refrrge. Like ciry, the castle
castle is symbol of the
is a symbol
microcosm macrocosm. The
microcosm and macrocosm. The castle appears as a symbol
castle also appears symbol of retreat
retreat
from the world and
the world andspiritual
spirirual transcendence.
ftanscendence. TheThe black
black castle
casde is is sometimes
sometimes
used as
as a symbol
symbol ofoffailure,
failure, unsatisfied desire, and fate.
unsatisfied desire, fate. The whitecastle
The white casde
^ achievement,
symbolizes achievement,
symbolizes rcalizatton of the
the realization the heart's
heart's desire, fulfilled,
destiry fulfilled,
desire, destiny
and spiritual
spirirual perfection. Palace
perfection. See Palace

Cave: The cave

cave symbolizes undenvorld. It
symbolizes the earth and the underworld. It isis associated
associated with
vagina and frequently
the vagina frequently used
used as symbol of the womb
as a symbol r,vomb of ofthetheUniversal
Universal
Mother. In Jungan
Nfother. psycholog', the
Jungian psychology, cave is
the cave symbol of
is aa symbol the inner self
of the self and the
unconscious. ()ften
unconscious. Often thought of as othenvoddly or
asotherworldly or sacred
sacred space,
space, thethe cave
cave
mvth as a place of initiation
appears in myth and the repository of hidden things
initiation and things or
knorvledg.. The
knowledge. cave is
The cave prominent in
is prominent many culture's
in many myths of
culrure's myths oforigin,
origin,
initiation, and
initiation, rebirth.ItIt is
and rebirth. often the
is often thebirthplace
birthplace of of deities
deities or or other
other
m)'thological figures,or
mythological figures, or the abode of dragons, monsters,
the abode monsters, and various various cthonic
cthonic
beings such as dwarves
beings dwarves or gnomes.
gnomes. The cave has also been used as as aa symbol
symbol
the universe.
of the universe. Plato
Plato used the cavecave in his metaphor of the illusory nafure
the illusory nature of
human existence, stating that humanity
existence, stating humanitv was was like
like aa person chained
chained in aa cave cave
who saw only the shadows cast upon the
cast upon thewalls, notreality
but not
walls, but realiry itself.
itself. Caves
Caves are
also sometimes viewed
viewed as as the entrails of
the entrails of the
the earth or as the kiln kiln or alchemist's
alchemist's

76
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
furnace. The
furnace. cave is
The cave isshelter,
shelter,concealment, womb, place
concealment, womb, placeofofinitiation,
initiation,
meditation, and
meditation, testing.ItIt isis both
and testing. both the womb of the Earth
the womb l\{other, and the
Earth Mother, the
place of hidden treasures, dangers, and the forces of the unconscious.
treasures, dangers,

Cellar (or Basement):

Cellar (or Basement): The
The cellar symbol of
cellar has often been used as a symbol the
of the
unconscious or subconscious.
unconscious It isis also
subconscious. It also associated with concealment
associated with and the
concealment and the
repressed. SeeFlouse
repressed. See House
City: Like city has
Like the house, the city has often been seen as miniarure of cosmic
as aa miniature cosmic
structure, representing both microcosm and macrocosm.
structure, representing symbol of the
macrocosm. It is a symbol
self or the
the soul,
soul, with a gate for each
gate for of our
one of
each one oursenses. The city
senses. The is also
city is also a
symbol of
symbol of the world^and
theworld andofofdivine
divineorder (fotexample,
order(for example,thetheheavenly
heavenly
Jerusalem). SeeFlouse
Jerusalem). See House
Clock Tower:
Clock Tower: The clock
clock tower symbol of the
tower is a symbol the cosmic
cosmic center
center and
and axis
axis
mundi,
mundi, connecting heaven and
connecting heaven
^ It is
earth. It
and earth. is also
also associated
associated with order and
and
cosmic cycles, combining
cosmic cycles, some of
combining some symbolism of the
of the symbolism mountain, pyramid,
the mountain, pyramid,
obelisk, pillar with the symbolic
obelisk, and cosmic pillar associations of the clock.
symbolic associations

Closet: Uke the cellar,

Closet Like cellar, the closet is aa symbol
the closet ofthat
symbol of which isisstored
that which storedaway,
awx|,
repressed. The skeleton in the closet is
concealed, or repressed.
concealed, is aa symbol of aadark
symbol of dark secret
secret
past mistake.
or past SeeFfouse
mistake.See House
Column: The
The column
column is
is aasymbol ofthe
symbolof theworld-axis
wodd-axis (axis
(axis mundi), th" spine,
mundi), the spine,
support, aspiration,
support, aspiration, and Columns often frame
ascension. Columns
and ascension. or otherwise
frame gates or othetrvise
mark boundaries.
mark boundaries.See Axis Mundi
SeeAxis Muudi and Pillar

Crossroads: Most culrures have

N'Iost cultures viewedthe
have viewed crossroadsas
the crossroads as a of
place of
a place
wodds meet and different
transition, where worlds different states being touch. It
states of being it is thus a
place of power where magic
place magic may wrought. The crossroads
may be rvrought. crossroads is a place of
encounter with fate, the
encounter the unknown,
unknown, and and supernatural
supernatural beings such as as gods,
gods,
spirits, and
spirits, dead. The crossroads is the
and the dead. the intersection of paths at the center
of paths
of the
of world. ItItisisa place
theworld. placeofof hope,
hope, meditation, waiting,revelation,
meditation,waiting, revelation, and
manifestation. The
manifestation.
^
The crossroads
crossroads symbolizes
symbolizes the union of
the union and
of opposites, choice, and
possibiliry. It
possibility. some of
shares some
It shares associations of
of the associations the door as aa symbol
of the symbol of
potential ransition. The crossroads
potential and transition. crossroads is also associated with death, both
also associated
because of its embodiment
because transition and because
embodiment of transition because hangings often occurred
at cross-roads
cross-roads in ancient Like dirt from graves,
ancient times. Like graves, earth from a crossroads
crossroads
is sometimes used in spells riruals.
spells and rituals.

Desert: The
Desert: Thedesert
desert symbolizes
symbolizes desolation, abandonment,
abandonment, contemplation,
contemplation,
solirude, and
solitude, separation from
and separation world of the senses.
the world
from the It also
senses. It also appears
appears as
as aa
emptiness, chaos, or undifferentiated
symbol of emptiness, unity. The desert is
undifferentiated primal unity.
viewed as
vie'nved place of
as aa place of both proximity to
both proximity to and distance from God. It is a place of
and distance
meditation interioriz^non) and
meditation and interiorization, hence spiritual
and hence revelation, In
spiritual revelation. In some
some
traditions, the desert is the
traditions, the outer
outer world ofillusion,
world of illusion,masking
masking the
the underlying
underlying
spirirual reality.
spiritual realiry.

77
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Directions: The
Directions: fourquarters
The four quartershave, ofcourse,
have, of beenof
course, been ofgreat practical and
great practical and
symbolic
symbolic importance Each of the directions
culture. Each
importance to every culture. directions has developed its
own symbolic
symbolic associations.
associations.

East: Because the direction

Because it is the of dawn,
direction of dawn, east
east is associated with the
is associated
bith, spring,
sun, birth, life, light, and spiritual
spring, life, illumination. In myth, east
spirirual illumination.
is often the direction where the the gods dwell.
gods dwell.

West West is the

West: West direction of
the direction the setting
of the it isisoften
sun, so it
setting sun, often
considered to
considered direction of the land of the
to be the direction the dead.
dead. The west
west is
is
associated with
also associated with autumn, since the sunset precedes
autumn, since the night
precedes the night
(winter).
(win te r).
North: North is is often
often associated
associated with evil,evil, since the sun
sun moves
moves
through the sky
through ftom east through the
slry from the south tothe
south to thewest,
west,leaving
leaving
the only
north the thtough which the sun does not
only direction through not pass.
pass. Also,
facing eastward,
when facing eastward, shadov/s fall to
shadows fall the north
to the left). For these
north (the left).
reasons, the nonh
reasons, considered to be the
north is considered direction of darkness.
the direction darkness. In
above the
lands above
the lands the equator, north isisalso
equator, north alsogenerally viewed as the
generally viewed
direction of winter
wintet and increasing cold.
and increasing

In the
South: In
South: thelands
landsabove
abovethetheequator,
equator, the southisisgenerally
thesouth generally
thought of as
as the
the direction of summer
direction of surnmer and
and increasing warmth.
increasing warmth.

Of course,
Of some of
course, some of these associations of north and
these associations and south differ, depending
south differ, depending
on where
where one
one lives.
lives. For example, in China,
For example, China, south
south has generally been seen
has generally seen as
as
down, whereas most
most westerners see see north as The solar
as up. The solar symbolism
symbolism of east
however, is
and west, however, is fairly
fairly universal unlessyou
univetsal -—unless liveininthe
youlive uttermost north
theuttermost
or south.
Of south.

Dome: The dome

Dome: dome isis almost universally viewed
almost universally viewed as representation of the vault
as aa representation
of heaven, paraking of
heaven, partaking of some of the symbolism of the
the symbolism sphere. The word
the sphere. word
dome comes from the the same root as
same root domicile, since
as domicile, since the dome was at one time
associated with
associated temple (the home
with the temple home of the gods).
gods).

Door: Sharing
Door. some of the
Sharing some associations of the threshold,
the associations threshold, the gate, and thethe
k.y, the
key, symbol of free
the door is symbol wil, opporrunity
free will, opportunity and hope,
hope, passage, initiation,
passage, initiation,
revelation, birth
revelation, death. A
birth and death. A closed door is
dosed door is aa symbol mysteries, but
symbol of hidden mysteries,
also prohibition
also futility. An
prohibition and futility. opendoor
An open representsaachallenge,
doorrepresents challenge,
opporhrnity, or
opportunity, or an open secret.
an open InFreudian
secret. In psychology, the
Freudianpsychology, the door is is
somedmes thought to
sometimes to be
bea female
femalesymbol
symbol associated with the
associated with thevagina.
vagina. See
See
Arch and Gate
Gate
^
Field:InIngeneral,
Field: general, the field is the arena
the field of human
?ten? of human action. and armies
Teams and
action. Teams armies
the field.
take to the field. Since
Since fields are tamed carved out of untamed nature,
areas carved
tamed ateas nature,
they represent order and familiarity' ("the fields
and familiarity we knod)
fields we know") in the
the same
same way
way
the forest traditionally represented chaos
forest traditionally and potential peril.
chaos and peril.

Ford: means of crossing a

Ford: As aa means a river, shates many of the
rivet, the ford shares the associations
associations
the threshold,
of the threshold, symbolizing
symbolizing transition initiation. The
transition and initiation. meeting
The ford is aa meeting

78
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

point, hence,
place and boundary point,
place in many
hence, in many myths
myths (and inmilitary
(and in military strategy)
strategy) aa
place of confrontation.
place confrontation.
Forest: In
Forest: In fairy
f^try tales, the forest
tales, the forest isisthe
theplace
placeof ofmysteries
mysteriesand andunknown
unknown
dangers, symbol of
dangers, a symbol initiation on
of initiation path to
on the path toadulthood
adulthood and individuation.
andindividuation.
The forest
The forest also
also appears
appears inin myth
myth as the domain
as the domain of offairies,
fairies, robbers,
robbers, savages,
savages, or
other folk
other folk who
who must
must bebe overcome
overcome or or approached
approached withwith great As the
caution. As
great caution.
refuge of
refuge of the hermit, the forest
hermit, the forest isisaasymbol
symbol of ofsolitude andseclusion.
solirude and In
seclusion. In
Jungian psycholory,
psychology, the the forest
forest is nature in the wild,
is narure wild, without
without human
human order, and
so symbolizes
so symbolizes the realm of of the
the unconscious.
unconscious. The The forest
forest also
also symbolizes
symbolizes the
earth, nature, the wild and the
the wild primitive (that
the primitive which is
(that which is beyond civilization), the
beyond civilization),
realm of testing and initiation,
initiation, and unknown perils. perils. See Grove
Grove

Fountain: The fountain

Fountain: fountain shares
shares many of of the associations of
the associations of the spring
spring as
as aa
living and natural
living narural source of of water,
water,symbolizing fruitfulness and
symbolizing fruitfulness life. Moving,
and life. N{oving,
sparkling water,
sparkling particularlywater
water, particularly water that
that makes
makes audible
audible sounds, has often been
sounds, has been
thought toto be
beeither
either living orinhabited
living or inhabited by living spirits.
by living belief in
spirits. The belief the
in the
fountain as aa source
fountain source ofofyouth
youthand
andrejuvenation
rejuvenation is isfound
foundworldwide.
woddwide. The The
fountain is
fountain is also a symbol
symbol of of thetheoutpouring
ouq)ouring of ofgoodness
goodness and andtruth,
truth,
^
purification. When in the garden, the fountain
redemption, and purification.
redemption, fountain is a symbol
symbol ofof
center. The fountain
the cosmic center. fountain also shares
shares some
some of of the associations of
the associations the
of the
Spring and Well
well. See Spring
The garden
Garden: The
Garden: garden symbolizes
symbolizes perfection or harmony
perfection or harmony inin nature,
nafure, paradise,
paradise,
isolation from
isolation from the world, cultivation of
wodd, and the cultivation In myth,
of the inner life. In myth, the
the
garden often appears
appears as thethe setting for the
setting for fountain(with
thefountain (with all its attendant
all its attendant
symbolism) or the tree
symbolism) of life.
tree of life.

Gate (or(or Portal):

Ponal): Like bridg€, ar symbol
Like the bridge, of communication,
symbol of communication, passage,
passage, or
initiation, associatedwith
initiation, associated withthe entryinto
theentry into another world or
another rvodd of being.
state of
or state being.
Whereas bridges are
Whereas bridges associated with
are associated with transition, gates and portals
transition, gates portals often
often
symbolize both the entrance and the space
symbolize space behind it. Gates and portals arc, of
are, of
associated with
course, also associated
course, symbolism of the key.
with the symbolism See Door
k*y. See K.y
Door and Key
Grove: A symbol of sacred
A symbol sacred nature. InIn myth,
myth, the
the grove is aa place
grove is of reflection
place of reflection
with supernatural
encounters with
and encounters forces and
supernarural forces and beings. Thegrove
beings. The grovesymbolizes
symbolizes
divine order as embodied in nature,
divine narure, sharing some of
sharing some of the associations of
the associations of the
temple in that it is sacred space. See Garden and Forest
temple

Hearth: The hearth

Hearth: The hearth is the domestic Sun,Sun, the solar center of
solar center house. The
of the house.
is the
hearth is spirirual center of
the spiritual the home
of the home and atone
and at onetime
timewas literally the
wasliterally the
altar in
domestic altar
domestic cultures. ItIt is
in some culrures. is often used as aa symbol
symbol ofof home,
home, the
the
family, cofiununity,
family, marriage, warmth,
community, marriage, securiry, and love.
warmth, food, security,
Hole:
Hole: A A hole isa symbol
hole is symbol ofofthe
thethreshold of the
threshold of the unknown. Inshamanic
unknorvn. In shamanic
^ wodd. A
traditions, holes are
traditions, passages to
are passages to the other
other world. A hole is an opening
opening through
through
which influences may pass. The hole
'uvhich influences hole symbolizes
svmbolizes potentiality, but also absence
emptiness.
and emptiness.

79
79
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
House: Thehouse
Flouse: The housesymbolizes
symbolizes the the center
centet ofof existence human life,
existence of human tadition,
life, tradition,
the family,
continuity of the
the continuity family, the world,
wodd, and and humanity itself. Like the city,
humanity itself. city, the
symbol of
house is aa symbol
house of both the microcosm
microcosrn and macrocosm. As the microcosm, microcosrn,
the house's apertures and interior spaces are projections projections of the human body. body.
Jungian psycholory,
In Jungian psychology, the house is
the house is often symbol of the self and the psyche;
often a symbol psyche;
what happens in in the
thehouse
househappens
happens in inourselves.
ourselves. As Asan anenclosure
enclosure evolved
evolved
from the cave, the house is sometimes thought of of as female symbol,
as aa female symbol, sharing
some of the associations of the
the associations the womb.
womb. As As aa secret enclosure, the house is aa
secret enclosure,
symbol of wisdom and the the holy
holy mysteries.
mysteries. The The house
house also
also symbolizes
symbolizes security,
security,
safety, and comfort.
safety, comfort.
each floor
Generally, each
Generally, floor of represents different
house represents
of aa house parts of the body
different parts
and states of mind.
states of mind. The roof and
The roof andupper floors are
upper floors areassociated
associated with the the head
head
and conscious
and functions. The
conscious functions. The bedroom
bedroom is is associated
associated withwith our
oursexuality
sexuality andand
intimate life.
intimate The loft or
life. The or attic
atticisisassociated
associated withwith childhood memories. The
childhood memories.
cellar or basement symbolizes
or basement symbolizes the the unconscious.
unconscious. Empty E-pty roomsroomssymbolize
symbolize
undeveloped psychic
undeveloped Locked rooms
functions. Locked
psychic functions. rooms are symbols of
are symbols ofrepressed
repressed
aspects of
aspects the self.
of the Thekitchen
self. The kitchen is isthe
theplace
placeof ofpsychic
psychicor orspiritual
spiritual
transformation. The bathroom
transformation. bathroom represents
tepresentscleansing
cleansing andandelimination.
elimination. Stairs
Stairs
connect thethe different
different levels
levels ofof consciousness
consciousness and aspects aspects of the self.
of the self. See
See
Cellar, Door, Hearth, Kitchen,
Attic, Cellar, Kitchen, Room,Room, Stairways, Threshold, and
Stailsrays, Threshold,
Window
Window
Island: The island
island represents ftom the world,
isolation from
represents isolation but also
world, but paradise or
also paradise
It commonly
utopia. It symbolizes refuge and safety,
commonly symbolizes safety, but also loneliness. The
also loneliness.
island is
island also a symbol of the spiritual
is also spiritual center. In many
many traditions,
traditions, the
the earthly
earthly
paradise is
paradise is on an island. Islands are often described
island. Islands myth as
described in myth thedwelling
as the dwelling
place of the elect,
place elect, the illuminated,
illuminated, and
and the utopian, but also
the utopian, lost, forgotten,
also the lost,
hidden, and pre-historic.
hidden, pre-historic.

Jungle:
Jungle: The jungle symbolizes the
iungle symbolizes the primeval,
primeval, the
the natural, and the untamed.
natural, and untamed. It It
is associated
associated with beauty, life-force, and competition.
danger, vigorous life-force,
beauty, danger, Like
competition. Like
jungle is a symbol
the forest, the jungle symbol of the wild and unknown, and hence is also
hence is also aa
symbol of
symbol theunconscious.
of the The jungle's
unconscious. The jungle's aspects
aspects ofof heat,
heat, moistness,
rnoistness, and
and
primeval life to the
life force also link to thesymbolism
symbolism ofofsexuality
sexuality and sensuality. See
and sensuality. See
Forest
Forest
Kitchen: The wordword kitchen is derived
kitchen is from the
derived from Latin coquere
the Latin cnqueft meaning "to
Sharing some of the associations
cook." Sharing associations of the belly, symbol of
kitchen is symbol
belly, the kitchen
alchemy and
alchemy transformation. In
and transformation. symbolism, the
In dream symbolism, kitchen is
the kitchen is a place of
preparation. As
preparation. As the place where "cooksr" "really
where one "cooks," "really cooks,"
cooksr" andand "cooks
"cooks
things up," the kitchen has
the kitchen hasassociations with heat,
associations with heat, stress, sexuality, action of
stress, sexuality,
and planning
sorts, and
all sorts, planning oror scheming.
scheming. The was, at
kitchen was,
The kitchen one time,
at one time, an
^n
extension of
extension thehearth,
of the making itit the
hearth,making theprimary symbolofofdomesticity,
primarysymbol domesticity,
nourishment, and the life of the
comfort, nourishment, and the life the house. See
house. Hearth Flouse
See Hearth and House

Labyrinth (or Maze):

Labyrinth (or Maze): The labyrinth is one
Thelabyrinth ofour
one of ouroldest
oldestsymbols, sharing
symbols, sharing
many of the associations of the manclala
many mandala and spital. The
and the spiral. The labyrinth has two
labyrinth has
basic forms; spiral which
forms; the spiml one uninterrupted
has one
which has path from the exterior to
uninterrupted path

80
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
the center,
the themeander
and the
center, and meander whichwhich contains turns, dead
false turns,
contains false dead ends,
ends, andand
multiple ways. In
multiple urays. cultures, the labyrinth
In many cultures, symbolized the
labyrinth symbolized the path
path of
initiation, linking
initiation, linking the world with the afterworld
the wodd journey through
(forming aa journey
aftenvodd (forming through
underrodd from life through death to
the underworld to rebirth).
rebirth). Often,
Often, the labyrinth was
thelabyrinth was
setting for the enactment
rirual setting
the ritual enactment of both the myth of death and resurrection
resurrection
the sacred
and the mardage of the
sacred marriage god-king. The use of the
the god-king. the labyrinth
labyrinth in in ritual
ritual is
frequently linked with
frequendy linked with drama and dance, particularly circular or spiral
dance, particularly spiral dances.
dances.
labyrinth is sometimes
The labyrinth sometimes used used as aa symbol
syrn$ol of the wodd(and
the world itsillusory
(and its illusory
nature), the place
nature), the ofinitiation
place of initiation and
andexperience, thesacred
experience, the mysteries, trial,
sacredmysteries, trial,
testing, difficulry, entanglement,evolution,
difficulty,entanglement, evolution,andandthe return to
thereturn to the center. In
medieval cathedrals,
medieval labyrinthswete
cathedrals,labyrinths wereoften incorporated into
often incorporated into the design
design as as
symbol of or substitute
symbol for the
substirute for the pilgrimage F{oly Land.
pilgrimage to the Holy

(orPond):
Lake (or Pond):The
Thelake
lakesymbolizes
symbolizesstillness,
stillness,passivity, contemplation, and
passivity, contemplation,
wisdom. The lake is sometimes
wisdom. sometimes seen as the eye of the earth,
seen as earth, through which
through which
inhabitants of the
the inhabitants the underworld
undenvodd can see. It It isis also
also sometimes
sometimes used as a
^
symbol of the unconscious or the
symbol the feminine principle. As an overflow
feminine principle. overflow from the
primordial
primordial ocean, the lake is also symbol of
also aa symbol abiding power of creation.
of the abiding
Library: The
Library: Thelibrary is aareservoir
library is ofknowledge
reservoirof symbolizing the
knowledge symbolizing the intellectual
intellectual
learning scholarship. It is sometimes
learning and scholarship. sometimes also symbol of wisdom or
also used as a symbol
spiritual knowledge.
spiritual Negatively,the
knowledge. Negatively, libraryisis also
the library associated with
also associated with dusty
dusty or
lifeless knowledg..
knowledge.
Marsh (or Swamp):
Swamp): The symbol of spiritual or moral putrefaction
The marsh is a symbol
obstruction, entanglement
decay, obstruction,
and decay, and entrapment (to become
entanglement and become mired). ItIt
sometimes appears in
sometimes appears obstacle in quests, and shares
in myth as an obstacle some of the
shares some
associations of the forest.
associations
(ot Marketplace):
Market (or Marketplace): As a place ofinteraction
place of andtransaction,
interaction and transaction, the
the
the field
market is a symbol of the field or
^arena of
ot arena of life.
life.

Masonry: In general, masonry symbolizes

general, masonry symbolizes structure
structure and order. Along Along with
with
association with
masonry's association
masonry's with building (hence, initiation)
building (hence, initiation)and order, it
and order, it also
also
symbolizes authorityand
symbolizes authority coercion (th.
and coercion negative aspect
(the negative aspect ofof order),
order), since
since
masonry cteates
creates the
the rvall,
wall, and the palace,
and thus the the courthouse,
palace, the courthouse, the the fortress,
fortress,
and the prison.
prison.
Masonry, however, particulady
N{asonry, horvever, particularly stonemasonry,
stonemasonry, has has long been used used (byfty
Freemasons, naturally) as
F"reemasons, naturally) symbol of
as aa symbol of the enlightenment. A stone,
the process of enlightenment. stone,
symbolizing ra$/
symbolizing rawmafter and the
matter and uninitiated human being, begins
the uninitiated begins as as an an
irregular lump
irregular cleaved from
lump cleaved from an undifferentiated mass,
an undifferentiated mass, butbut itit is shaped
shaped andand
perfected through
perfected through great until itit can
effort until
great effort can be laid as part
laid as the temple.
part of the The
temple. The
construction of
construction temple is a metaphor
of the temple metaphor for for the illumination of both the
the illumination the
^
individual and
individual all of humaniq',
and all humanity, with
with the temple's completion representing
representing re- te-
union with thethe divine.
divine. See Temple and
See Temple and Wall

Mountain: The mountain is

Mountain: is aa nearly
neady universal symbol of
universal symbol proximity of the
of the proximity
divine, representing
divine, representing that which wodd (the
which rises above the world of humanity)
level of
(the level humatrity)
towards heaven. In myth, mountains are often the
and extends towards the site of divine
site of divine

81
81
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

revelation dwellitg place

revelation or are considered the dwelling place ofof the gods who communicate
coffununicate
via mists, storms, lightning,
mists, storms, lightning, and thunder. Twin peaks
and thunder. peaks were sometimes thought
were sometimes
to be the homes of the sun and the moon or or the
the breasts l\fother Earth. In
breasts of Mother
general, the mountain has
general, has three interrelated aspects;
three interrelated (1) cosmic
aspects; (1) cosmic center, (2) axis
center, (2) axis
mundi (connection,
munch communication, and
(connection, colrununication, and mediation between heaven and and
narural temple
(3) natural
earth), and (3) temple and dwelling place of
dwelling place of the numinous. It It is
is also
also aa
symbol of
symbol of strength
suengthand andpower,
power,pride,
pride,permanence,
permanence,constancy,
constancy,eternity,
eternity,
ascension, elevation, vantage, spirirual
elevafion, vantage, spiritual enlightenment, loftiness of
enlightenment, loftiness spirit,
of spirit,
inspiration, the
inspiration, difficult path
the difficult path to tovirtue,
virtue,height,
height,mass,
mass,size, immovability,
size,immovability,
inaccessibility, firmness, and stillness.
inaccessibility, stillness.
llfountain
Mountain climbing has always associated with spiritual
always been associated spirirual ascension
ascension
initiation. Often, myths
and initiation.
and myths describe
describe monsters or or guardians
guardians whowho protect
protect
particulady the
summits, particularly
mountain summits, summits of those mountains representing
the summits representing
the cosmic center or home of the gods.
cosmic center gods.

The ocean
Ocean: The ocean isis aasymbol
symbol ofof the
theuniversal the source
mother, the
universal mother, of life,
source of life,
rejuvenating power, and
reiuvenating power, and endless motion. The
endless motion. alsosymbolizes
ocean also
The ocean symbolizes thethe
primordial rvaters,
primordial formlessness, infrnity,
waters, chaos, formlessness, and the
infinity, and unfathomable. It
the unfathomable. It is aa
of inexhaustible
both of
symbol both inexhaustible vitality of the
vitality and of the all-consuming abyss. As the
all-consuming abyss.
graveyard of
graveyard sailors and
of sailors ships, the
and ships, ocean is sometimes
the ocean sometimes used used as a symbol
symbol of of
A stormy
death. A
death. stormy sea often appears as a symbol
symbol of anger
anger or of divine
divine wrath.
wrath.
shares much of
palace shares
Palace: The palace of the
the general symbolism of the house, but
general symbolism
aspects of
with added aspects of wealth,
wealth, power,
power, magnificence,
magnificence, and hidden secrets.
secrets. The
palace, in general, symbolizes
palace, symbolizes power,
power, good fortune, knowledge, and elevated
knowledge, and elevated
status. palace is
status. The palace thedwelling
also the
is also place of
dwelling place royalty and shares in
of royalty its
in its
symbolism. Just
symbolism. the monarch mediates benveen
as the
Just as divine and the human,
between the divine
palaces often
palaces represent the cosmic
often represent center and axis in
cosmic center the countries
in the in which
countries in which
they stand.
they stand. Because
Because of oftheir
theirverticality,
verticaliry, palaces linkthe
palaces link thesubterranean,
subterranean,
terrestrial, and
terrestrial, celestial in
and celestial their structure.
in their structure. See
See Castle, House, and
Castle, House, Axis
and Axis
Mundi
symbols of endurance,
Pillars: Pillars are symbols stabiliry, strength,
endurance, stability, strength, uprightness,
uprightness, and
The pillar
support. The is also
pillar is also associated with the
associated with the axis mundi and phallic
axis munch phallic power.
power.
Column and Axis Mundi
See Column Mundi
Reef: Probabl)'
Reef: Probably derived
derived from the OldOld Norse rif, for "ridge,"
Norsetry, ridge of
"ridge," a reef is a ridge of
rock,
rock, shingle, sand, or
shingle, sand, or coral
coral at just below
at or just surface of
belo"v the surface water. As an
of the water.
generally possess the opposite
unseen danger, reefs generally opposite symbolism
symbolism of of islands,
islands,
symbolizing hidden
symbolizing hidden peril, obstacles, and misforrune.
peril, obstacles, misfortune.
River: The river
River: river symbolizes flow, change,
symbolizes flow, change, impermanence,
impermanence, and and time, and so is
also aa symbol
symbol of of constant renewal, the
constant renewal, flow of
the flow life, and the
of life, the course
course of of
association with fish,
Because of its association
evolution. Because fish, agriculrure,
agriculture, and
and conunerce,
commerce, the
river is
river is aa symbol
symbol of of fertility
fertiliry and abundance.The
and abundance. river is
The river also aa border or
is also
obstacle, hence crossing a river river is a major symbol transition and
symbol of transition initiation.
and initiation.
Swirilning against
Swimming against the stream is
the stream is often
often used
used as symbol of
as a symbol of the overcoming of of
stubbornness, or the folly
obstacles, srubbornness,
obstacles, of unnatural
folly of unnatural action. TheThe meeting
meeting of of all
all
rivers in the ocean is a symbol
rivers unification in
symbol of unification in the absolute.
absolute. See Ford
See Ford

82
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Roof:AAsymbol
Roof: of shelter
symbol of home, as in the
and home,
shelter and the phrase roof over
phrase "a roof over one's
one's
head." As the top of
head." of the
the house, roofshares
the roof
house, the of the
some of
shares some theassociations
associations of
symbol of the head and the mind.
the attic as a symbol mind. See and Flouse
See Attic and House
Room (or(or Chamber): room isis aasymbol
Chamber): The room ofindividuality
symbol of individuality and of private
private
thoughts.
thoughts. Like the house
house in general,
general, the symbol of
the room is a symbol of the womb, but is
to symbolize
also used to the grave.
symbolize the grave. See Flouse
See House

Seashore: The seashore symbol of transition,

seashore is a symbol transition, emergence,
emergence, and openness to
and openness
natural forces. Like benveen high and low
zones, the space between
Like other transitional zones,
to be
tide is thought to be particularly and has often
magical and
particulady magical ritual
often been used as aa ritual
site.
site.

Spring: Springs are considered sources

Spring: living (moving)
sources of living (moving) water, the water of
water, the
life, and so are symbols of purity, fertility,
life, fertility, regeneration,
regeneration, and life.
and the source of life.
The spring
spring symbol associated with
symbol is often associated with the tree and the garden.
garden. The Tree
of Life is sometimes
Life is with the
shown with
sometimes shown the spring
spring ofofliving
living waters flowing from
waters flowing from
roots.
among its roots.

Stairways (or
Stairways (or Steps):
Steps): Stairways some of
share some
Stairways share of the associations of
the associations both
of both
ladders and andmountains.
mountains.Stairways symbolizeascension,
Stairxrayssymbolize ascension,transcendence,
transcendence,
corrununication betrrieen
communication levels, the
between levels, acquisitionof
the acquisition of learning, and the
learning,and the path of
life. Symbolically,the
Life.Symbolically, constructionofofsteps
theconstrucrion stepsisisas
as important
important as their ascent.
ascent.
Like the rungs
Like of the
rungs of theladder,
ladder, steps represent degrees
stepsrepresent initiation in
degrees of initiation in the
the
approach to heaven
approach heaven and the divine. Part of the meaning
divine. Part meaning of steps
steps is that
that
mastery
mastery andand illumination
illumination cannot attained all
cannot be attained must be
all at once, but must be realized
realized
in stages.
stages.

Of course,
Of course, stairs gotwo
stairs go twoways. Typically, stairways
ways.Typically, stairways leading relate to
upwards relate
leading upwards
initiation and knowledge
knowledge ofof the
thedivine.
divine. Stairways leading down are
Stairways leading are associated
associated
knowledge from
with knowledge from the depths of the unconscious.
Street (or Road):
Road): The road
road is symbol of the
is aa symbol pathof
the path life. ItIt also
of life. alsosymbolizes
symbolizes
passageor
connection, passage
connection, transition, and the
or transition, thespiritual journey. For
spiritual journey. F'orurban
utban
dwellers, the
dwellers, similar to
street is similar
the sreet to the field as the arena
arena of of human
human action.
action. See
See
Crossroad

Temple (or (orChurch):

Church): TheThe Latin
Latin word,
word, templum, referred to
origfnally referred
templum, originally to the
quarter of the skyslry marked out for divination
out for divination by the movements of birds or ot
natural phenomena.
other natural phenomena. It It later
later came tosignify
came to signi fy aa sacred or building
place or
sacred place building
s$ or stars were observed.
where the sky observed. Templum
Templum was derived from
was derived from the Indo-
Indo-
"temr" which
European root "tea,"
European which meant to cut, mark-out, or share. share.
symbol of the sacred,
The temple is a symbol the point
sacred, the connection between
point of connection
the human andand the
the divine. Like the house
divine. Like house and
and the
the city,
ciry, the temple symbolizes
the temple symbolizes
the microcosm
both the microcosm and firacrocosm' the self, the
and macrocosm, the body,
body, and thecosmic
and the cosmic
Temples are
center. Temples are often constructed based on the
constructed based the human form,sacred
humanform, sacred
relationships,the
mathematical relationships,
mathematical movementsof
the movements bodies,or
celestialbodies,
of celestial or the four
four
quarters.
quarters. The act of building the temple is symbolic of the
of building the temple is symbolic the purification andpurifrcation and
illumination ooff humanity.
illumination humanity.

83
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Threshold: Like Like the
the gate or portal,
gate or portal, the
the threshold
threshold isis aa transition
transition between
between the
inside and the
inside outside, aasymbol
the outside, symbol of ofinitiation,
initiation, passage,
passage, and andescape. I\fany
escape.Many
traditions prohibit
traditions people from treading
prohibit people treading on on the threshold of a temple,
temple, or just
iust
dwellirg. Since
as often, aa dwelling. the threshold
Since the symbolizes the
threshold symbolizes the ransition
transition between the
sacred and the profane (in the case case of aa temple),
temple), and the the domestic
domestic and the
foreign (in
foreign house), it is
(in the case of aa house), is considered
considered extremely important not
extremely important not to
Often, protective
stumble crossing it. Often, protective symbols,
symbols, talismans,
talismans, or or guardian
guardian images
images
are placed upon thresholds. Crossing the
thresholds. Crossing threshold is
the threshold is an important act in in
^re ^n
rituals of mardrg€,
many riruals adoption, ordination, and funerals.
marriage, adoption, funerals.

The throne
Throne: The symbolofofsovereignty,
throne isisa symbol superior position,
sovereignry, superior position, exalted
exalted
status, or the
the power ofaa^particular
power of particular nation orrealm.
nationor realm.Many
Nlanycultures
cultures created
created
consecrated
consecrated thrones kept in sacred spaces or upon holy mountains.
sacred spaces mountains. See Altar

Tomb: The tomb

Tomb: tomb isis aa symbol of death
symbol of death and It isis sometimes
mortality. It
and mortality. sometimes used as
aa symbol of the
symbol of thebody.
body.The tombis is
Thetomb also
also sometimesassociated
sometimes with
associatedwith
entrapment, as movies. See
as seen in countless horror movies. Room
See Room

Tower: The
Tower: The tower
tower isis aasymbol of ascension
symbol of andspiritual
ascension and evolution, associated
spiritual evolution, associated
with the
the axis mundi. A
axis munch. window in aa tower
A window towet is isa symbol
symbol ofofconsciousness
consciousness
opening the inner darkness to the power of
the power light. ^The tower
of light. is also
tower is also aa symbol
symbol
of watchfulness, strength, and isolation or imprisonment.
watchfulness, strength, imprisonment.
Tunnel: The tunnel is aa dark
tunnel is dark channel ofcommunication
channel of cofiununication leading
leading from one
area of light toanother.
light to another. ItItsymbolizes
symbolizes initiation passage, but is
initiation and passage, is also
also
^re^
associated with
associated darkness, anxiety,
with darkness, andthat
anxiety,and which is
that which hidden. The tunnel
is hidden. runnel isis
symbol of birth and
sometimes used as a symbol and death. The tunnel,
death. The tunnel, particularly
particularly a train
clich6 as a sexual
entering a tunnel, is a well-known cliche sexual metaphor.
metaphor.
Valley: \ralleys
Valleys are points of convergence, to which
are points which the
the life-giving
life-giving rains that
stream down from from the
the mountains
mountains must allflow.
must all flow. AsAs such,
such,valleys
valleys are
are the
the
symbolic complements of
symbolic complements of mountains.
mountains. Valleys
Valleysare are often
often used
used as symbols of of
fertility, teceptiviry,
shelter, fertility, receptivity, fecundity, abundance, prosperity,
fecundity, abundance, prosperity, and mundane
life. The valley
life. valley also
also appears
appearsas symbolof
asaa symbol the womb
of the womb and of descentdescent and
depth (in
depth (in contrast to the mountain). See
the mountain). See Mountain

Volcano: TheThe volcano

volcano symbolizes
symbolizes thethepassions, particul"rly anger,
passions, particularly anger, sharing
sharing
much of the symbolism of cthonic fire.
the symbolism fire. In myth, the volcano often appears
appears as
as
the smithy of thethe gods. The volcano
gods. The could also
volcano could be said
also be tosymbolize
said to symbolize the
the
destructive power
destructive the earth
po'nier of the earth and gravitation. See
and gravitation. See Mountain

Walls are symbols of division,

Wall: Walls division, enclosure, obstruction, internrption
enclosure, obstruction, interruption of
corrununication, and restrictive force.
communication, force. Walls are sometimes
Walls are sometimes seen as boundaries
between families, tribes, nations, and individuals.
bet'ween families, individuals. See Masonry

WelL As a point of
Weil: of access to the
access to the waters ofthe
waters of thedeep, wellisisassociated
thewell
deep,the associated
vdth secret
with knowledg*, and
secret powers, secret knowledge, enerses of the
and the energies the unconscious.
urlconscious.
are channels
Wells are channels ofof communication
cofiununication between heaven, earth, and
heaven, earth, the
and the
underrodd.
underworld. Wells life and life force,
symbols of life
Wells are also symbols force, spiritual
spiritual refreshment,
refreshment,
forfune, imagination,
fortune, imagination, and inspiration. See Fountain
See Fountain

84
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Window: The
Window: The word
word window
window comes fromroots
comes from rootsmeaning "rvind eye."
meaning'`wind eye." The
'uvindorv is aa symbol
window of enlightenment
symbol of andrevelation
enlightenment and revelation(as symbolized by
(as symbolized light
by light
outside or above),
from outside above), acting
acting as a portal for supernatural
portal for supernarural as rvell as
as well nafural
as natural
light. The window
light. symbol of communication,
urindow is also a symbol conununication, access, and possibility.
access, and possibiliry.
In Freudian
In psychology, the
Freudian psychology, window is
the windorv is aa female
female symbol, and entering
srnmbol, and entering aa
associated with sexual
window is sometimes associated sexual penetration.
penetration.

Mapping Places and Architecture

Mapping Places Architecture
you can
as you
just as
Just map aastory
can map ormyth
story or mvthvia viadescriptions
descriptions of of natural
narural phenomena
phenomena
such as weather
'weather and light or darkness,
light or darkness, you can can also analyze a story's use of
also analyze of
natural locations
natural locations and architecture.
architecture.
Choose a story or
Choose myth that is
or myth is long
long enough
enough to to have
have aa number
numtrer ofof
various locations.
different scenes in various Then, re-read
locations. Then, thestory,
re-read the story, keeping list of
keeping aaList
locations and architecture
the locations described in
architecture described For example,
scene. For
in each scene. exampl€, an story
story
might progress
might progress from from an office, to
an office, street, to an alley,
ciq' street,
to a city alley, and or itit
so on, or
and so
might start on a wooded moving to
wooded road, moving to aa castle,
castle, to aa dungeon, to to aa cave,
cave, and
rerurning to
then returning to the
the castle tower. See
castle rower. See if if you still perceive
canstill
you can the basic
perceive the basic
pattern ofof the
the story
stoqr by looking at just
by looking locations.
iust the locations.
If you
If like, take
you like, verT basic
take a very myth or story that is
basic myth is told
told without
without great
great
detail and make
detail make up aa location for each
location for ofthe
part of
each part thestory. Tryvarying
story.Try varying the
the
locations of each phase and see how this changes
locations changes the tone and meaning of the
storv.
story.

Pathworking Through
Pathworking Through Locations
Locations
of atatleast
list of
Write out aa list least aadozen locations, real
dozenlocations, orimaginary,
real or imaginorf, and number
number
using a dice or some other random
them. Then, using random method,
method, choose or six
five or
choose five six
locations, writing
locations, writing them down in the order in which they occur.
them do',vn
Next yourselfin
imagine yourself
Next imagine in the first
first location.
location. This may take take a little
little
practice, but
practice, but try toto see theplace
see the asifif you
place as youwerewereactually
acrually there,
^ than
rather than
there, rather
watching yourself from
watching yourself from outside. Take aa moment
outside. Take moment and write down dorvn what you
'what you
find anyone else there? What do they
find there. Is anyone they say
say to you?
After aa few
After few minutes, imagine aa transition
minutes, imagine transition that
that allows you to
allows you to move to
next location.
the next Again, describe
location. Again, what you
describe what you find, who is there,
find, 'uvho and what
there, and rvhat
happens. previous location seem to affect the nature
happens. Does the previous nafure of your current
vour current
location?
location?
Repeat this
Repeat process until
this process until you
you have gone through through all five or
all five or six
six
locations. \7hen
locations. When youyou are done, read through
are done, description and
through your description and see if if it
forms any sort of of narrative
narrative oror message.
message. It It may
may take
take some time to
some rime to become
become
comfortable with this process,
comfortable process, but itit can provide aavery
can provide very valuable
valuable basis for
basis for
pathworking and guided imagery.
and guided imagery.

85
85
 Chapter 9z
9: Metals

Metals
Nfetals have prominent place in the
have a very prominent the symbols
symbols of of humanity.
humanity. SinceSince pre-
historic times,
historic times, metals associated with power, strength,
metals have been associated strength, wealth,
wealth, and
later, technology.
technology.
Those metals known known to to the
the earliest
eadiest people, such as copper,copper, gold, and
meteoric iron were all once regarded as sacred or magical.
meteoric magical. In many cultures, it
was thought that metals metals were gestated in
were gestated in the womb of the
the womb the earth.
earth. To To early
eady
peoples, dr
peoples, tin and
and copper weapons for
provided weapons
copper provided for the hunt and for war. Iron
the hunt Iron
provided fire,
provided superior arlns
fire, and supedor arms and armor.
atmor. Gold was was valued for its its beauty
beauty
and permanence.
permanence.
cultures made
IUany cultures
Many sacrificewhen
made sacdfice when metal
metal waswas mined partly as
mined -- partly as
repayment to
repayment to the earth, and partly pardy to appease
appease the spirits
spirits often thought to
guard treasures buried in the earth. These guardians embodied
treasures buried embodied the dangers
dangers of
wealth from
taking wealth
taking from the earth,
earth, such
such as cave-itr, explosions,
as cave-ins, exposure to
explosiorls, and exposure
toxic gases substances. Often, early
gases and substances. early peoples jealously guarded the secrets
peoples jealously secrets
of mining and working metals, passing metallurgical knowledge through
metallurgical knowledge through secret
initiations. This
initiations. concept of sacrifice
This concept sacrifice was central to
was central smith archetype
to the smith archetype in
many cultures. \rulcan,
many cultures. Vulcan, Hephaestus, Sfayland were all portrayed as club-
Hephaestus, and Wayland club-
footed or otherwise
footed othenrdse lame.
lame.
Metals
I\(etals combine symbolic aspects of the earth
symbolic aspects eafth and primeval fite, since
primeval fire, since
they are mined mined and thenpurified,
and then purified, smelted,
smelted, and fotged. Because
and forged. Because of of their
their
^re
importance and rarity, rarity, metals have oftenoften been
beenviewed
viewed as asmagically
magically powerful,
powetful,
figuring heavilyinin magical
frguring heavily practices,both
magicalpractices, both byby their use and by their absence.
their use absence.
Magical talismansand
I\{agical talismans and tools
tools (objects intended embody a magical
intended to embody magical
force or or concept)
concept) are often often constructed
constructed fromfrommetal, particulady ^gold and
metal,particularly and
^re
silver, since these
silver, since these metals
metals are thought to attract magical
are thought energies. Iron,
magical energles. iron, on the
other hand,
hand, was bannedfrom
\r/as banned from magical
magical circles
circles and temples
temples in in some
some cultures.
cultures.
Similarly,
Similady, some some modetn magicians remove
modem magicians remove allall iron (and
(and sometimes
sometimes all all metals)
metals)
their persons
from their wotking magic,
before working
persons before believing that its
mag1c, believing its presence
presence will will
disrupt
dismpt the forces of the operation. operation.
The metals
metals best known to to the
the ancients
ancients have long been
have long been associated
associated with
the planets. Typically, lead
planets. Typically, lead is associated with
is associated with Saturn, iron with Mars,
Saturn, iron l\{ars, copper
with
urith Venus, quicksilver with
\renus, quicksilver with l\{ercury, silverwith
Mercury, silver the lrfoon,
with the Moon, tin with with Jupiter,
Jupiter,
and gold with the the Sun. I\{agicr[y, these
Sun. Magically, these metals ate are viewed manifestation
viewed as the manifestation
of planetary
of planetary forces forces in cthonic form. Here are
in cthonic are some
some of ofthe thesymbolic
symbolic
associations of commonly
associations cofiunonly found metals:
metals:

Aluminum: A A light,
light, silvery that transmits
silvery metal that heateasily,
transmits heat aluminum is
easily, aluminum
generally associatedwith
generally associated elemental airboth
withelemental because of its
both because its lightness
lightness and
and
^1r
conducti"ity.
conductivity.
Brass: A
Brass: A golden-colored alloyof
golden-colored alloy copper and
of copper zinc, long used as aa cheap
and zinc, cheap
substitute for gold, and thus
thus aasymbol of cheapness
symbol of or mediocre
cheapness or value. To
mediocre value.

86
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
of brass"
"have a lot of brass" means
means to
to have lot of
have aa lot of nerve
nenre or
or arrogance.
affogance. Because
Because of its
military pins,
use in military pins, the brass has become synonymous with officers and
the name brass
authority.
authoriry'.

Bronze: Bronze is a ruddy-brown alloy of

ruddy-brown alloy of copper and tin. It has
has sometimes
sometimes
been used
used as symbolofofincorruptibility
asa?symbol incorruptibility and immortality because of its
and immortality its
durable and
durable and long-lasting nature. Like
long-lasting nature. Like most other
other metals, bronzewas
metals, bronze was
considered sacred by many early
considered sacred cultures. It is
eady cultures. is also
also associated with antiquity
associated with antiquity
and martial because of its Icing
martial valor because long use
use and its role in warfare.
role in watfare. Bronze
Bronze is
is
associated with
with resonance
resonanceandand voice becauseof
voicebecause ofits use for both
its use both bells
bells and
and
:::"ff:d
cannon.
Copper: Copper is a soft, soft,reddish-orange
reddish-orange metal
metal that
that oxidizes to aagreenish
oxidizes to greenish
color. is one
color. It is one of
^ onlytwo
of the
theonly twocolored
colored pure
puremetals
metals (the
(the other
other being
beinggold).
gold).
Copper was probably ftst metal
probably the first metal extracted
extracted from compounds
compounds foundfound inin
nature. It is
is frequently
frequently used in the
the manufacture
manufacture ofofritual
ritual wands,
wands, particularly
paticulady in
modern times. It was formerly
modern times. used to make magic
formerly used mirrors for
magic mirrors for scrying
saying --
some say that the
say that thesymbol
symbol ofofVenus andthe
venus and thealchemical
alchemical symbol
symbol forfor copper
copper
mirors.
represents one of these mirrors.
represents

Electrum: TheThe electrum

electrum of of the
theancients
ancientswas wasan anamber-colored,
amber-colored,naturally-
naturally-
occurring
occurdng or artificial alloy of
artificial alloy of gold
gold and silver, generallyabout
silver, generally about one
one part
part gold to
silvet. As
five parts silver. As a mixture
mixrure of of the
thesolar
solar(gold)
fuold) and lunar(silver)
andlunar (silver) metals,
metals,
electrum symbolizes the
electrum symbolizes union of
the union of opposites
opposites and the attainment
attainment of perfection.
perfection.
Naturally-occuring electrum
Naturally-occurring electrum has been particularly
particularly prized as as aa magical
magical metal.
metal.
Pliny
Pliny describes cup made of electrum
describes aa cup electrum that reputedly
reputedly sparked and fizzed if it
and fizzed
contained poison.
contained poison.
According to
According theGreek
to the Greekphilosopher
philosopherand andscientist
scientistTheophrastus,
Theophrastus,
electrum is aacomposite
electrum containing all the metals attributed to the
composite containing theseven
seven
planets. $/hile
planets. While most
most older mentionsmentions of electrum probably refer to the gold
probably refer gold
and
and silver alloy, itit is
silver alloy, interesting to
is interesting to note
note that Theophrastus'
Theophrastus' description
description shares
shares
the symbolism of union
the symbolism union andandperfection. ScottCunningham
perfection. Scott Cunningham mentions
mentions that that
modern versions
versions of of electrum, produced for
electrum, produced formagical
mag$cal purposes,
pu{poses, may may also
also
contain
contain some amount of platinum. platinum.
In modem
modern times,times, the term electrum is most often
term electrum often used to refer to an an
alloy
alloy of copper, nickel, and and zinc
zinc used to to make
make keys
keys and
and tableware.
tableware. This
This alloy
alloy is
also called German silver silver or nickel
nickel silver.
silver.

Gold: Gold was possibly

possibly the first metal to be be discovered
discovered (probably
(probably in stream
stream
beds).
beds). It is the most malleable
malleable and also
also the most imperishable metal. For these
imperishable metal.
reasons, gold has almost
reasons, almost always considered the most
always been considered most sacred,
sacred, most
most
magical, and most
magical, and valuable of metals. Gold is
most valuable is aa symbol
symbol ofof wealth,
wealth, excellence,
excellence,
value,
value, and perfection. Because of its color,
perfection. Because color, luster,
luster, and
and value,
value, gold is nearly
gold is nearly
universally associated with
universally associated with the sun, light, and illumination.
illumination. Largely resistant to
Largely resistant
heat, acids, time, ititisisalso
and time,
acids, and alsoa symbol
symbol of ofdurability,
durability,incorruptibility,
incorruptibiliry,
immort^hty, purify,
immortality, purity, perfection, ^ and
perfection,nobility,
nobility, wisdom.Gold
andwisdom. has often been
Gold has been
to construct
used to ritual objects
constnrct ritual objects andand implements
implements to to collect
collect herbs formagical
herbsfor magical
use.

87
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Nfinted gold is sometimes

Minted gold regarded as
sometimes regarded as a symbol of perversion
symbol of penrersion and
and
impure desire, since it symbolizes
symbolizes the spiritual
^
degraded to the material.
spiritual degraded material. Oddly
enough, gold isis also
also associated with excrement
associated with excrement (sometimes
(sometimes considered
considered the
excrement of the earth
earth or
or sun)
sun) by
by many
many cultures.
culrures.

The fourth
Iron: The fourth most
most abundant
abundant element, iron isis aahard,
element, iron hard,blackish
blackish metal
metal that
turns
rurns reddish oxidized. The
reddish when oxidized. first iron was obtained from meteorites.
The first meteorites. In
Egyptian word for iron was
eadiest Egyptian
fact, the earliest was &Ripe, believed to mean "metal
benipe, believed
s\'."
from the sky."
Many traditions
Nlany traditions have taboos
taboos against iron.Frequently,
against iron. Frequently, altars,
altars, sacred
sacred
buildings, and rirual
buildings, and ritual fires
fires were
were mademade without
without its use. Often, magicians
use. Often, magicians and and
forbidden to wear iron or
priests were forbidden takeititinto
ortake intovarious
variousmagical/sacred
magical/sacred
places. Herbs are
places. are sometimes
sometimes collected for magical magical use without using iron.
Today, magicians still
Today, some magicians remove all
still remove all iron
iron from theirtheir persons
persons before
before
working magic. In
working magic. In some cases,
cases, this comes from the ancient belief that iron is
this comes
offensive to faeries
faeries or other supernatural beings, but there is also the school
supernarural beings, school
of thought
thought that
that iron
iron disrupts
disrupts or
orgrounds
grounds magical
magical energies.
energies.
Iron isisinextricably
Iron associatedwith
inextricably associated with fu., both for
Fire,both for the
the origins
origins of
meteoric iron, the
meteoric the forging
forgrng process,
process, and iron's ability to make
ability to make sparks
sparks when
when
struck against
against flint. Iron symbolofof
Iron isisaasymbol hardness,
hardness, durability,firmness,
durability, firmness,
inflexibiliry, and
inflexibility, andstrength (sometimesharsh
strength (sometimes harshor strength). In
or hellish strength). In the
the
symbolism
symbolism of ages, iron iron is associated
associated withwith the last and current age in the series series
that began
began with the the golden
golden age. Iron Iron isisoften
oftenassociated
associated with
r.vith war,
\x/ar, both
both
^ge.
because of
because of its use in in weapons
weapons and because because the reddish color color of rust is is
suggestive of
suggestive of blood.
blood. Perhaps because of
Perhaps because power and value of iron tools,
of the power tools,
iron was often thought to have power over and
have power and toto offer
offer protection
protection fromfrom
fairies, demons, and spirits.
Lead: Lead
Lead is a soft, poisonous metal with a low melting
soft, poisonous point, and is the
melting point,
darkest and heaviest
heaviest of the common metals. ItIt isiseasily
common metals. easily engraved
engraved and cast, and
is often used in seals.
used in seals. Lead is sometimes melted and
sometjmes melted and dropped into water as as aa
form of of divination.
divination. Lead
Lead symbolizes
symbolizes weight, density, inertia, and
density, inertia, and baseness or
r,vorthlessness, and so also symbolizes
worthlessness, symbolizes the unregenerate soul or undevelopedundeveloped
Since it has often been
person. Since been used to seal
used to or encase,
seal or encase, itit has
has associations
associations with
limitations boundaries. Because of its
limitations and boundaries. its association
association with with heaviness,
heaviness, lead
lead
sometimes symbolizes
symbolizes oppressive associated with death,
oppressive burden. Lead is also associated death,
lifelessness, and inertness (being "leadett").
lifelessness, and "leaden").
Mercury (Quicksilver or
Mercury orHydrargyrum): Nfercury is a poisonous,
Hydrargyrum): Mercury poisonous, liquid
liquid
metal
metal of silver
silver color, so heavy that iron will float
float on it. ItIt^freezes
freezes solid
solid at -40
-40
Fahrenheit and slowly
degrees Fahrenheit vaporizes at room
slo'uvly vaporizes room temperature. Ilfercury is
temperature. Mercury
generally consideredto
generallv considered to be
be dual-natured (since itit is aa liquid,
dual-narured (since liquid, yet dry),
dry), thus
combining some
combining some of the thesymbolic associations of elemental
symbolic associations earth and
elemental earth and
elemental water. It
elemental water. It was formerly used for
u/as formerly for scrying because of its
scrying because its lustrous
lustrous
surface. Nfercury
Mercury isis a symbol of fluidity,
fluidiry, fluency
fluency (and
(and hence thought). It is aa
hence thought).
symbol of transmutation,
symbol transmutation, both because of its ability
both because abiliq' to change
change state
state and
and
because it can be used as a solvent
solvent for
for gold.
gold" Mercury
lt{ercury also appears as a symbolsymbol

88
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
spirit and
of spirit and the
thesoul. Inwestern
soul. In westernalchemy, mercury is a symbol
alchemy, mercury symbol of mind,
mind,
consciousness, thought.
consciousness, and thought.
^
Silver: The Latin
Silver: word for
Latin word for silver,
silver, mgentum,
argentum, is derived from aa Sanskrit
rs derived Sanskrit root
meaning white or shining.
shinirg. Silver has been
Silver has been long
long associated
associated with
with the
the moon, and
the lunar, waterl, feminine
lunar, watery, feminine principle.
principle. Perhaps because
because of thisthis association,
association, it
was often used to make
used to make magic mirrors and
magic mirrors and cups
cups used for scrying
used for or ritual.
scrying or ritual.
Silver is
Silver is sometimes
sometimes usedused as symbol of purity because
as a symbol because of its value and its
whiteness. Silver is
whiteness. Silver is also,
also, of course,
course, associated with wealth.
associated with wealth. LikeLike iron, silver
was sometimes thought to to provide
provide protection
protection from
from evil
evil spirits
spirits and
and magic.
magic.

Steel A symbol
Steel: symbol ofof transcendent
transcendent toughness.
toughness. The
The word
word isisultimately
ultimately derived
derived
Germanic base, stakb, to be firm.
from the Germanic firm. Steel was
was once
once thought to provide
from fairies
protection from fairies and
and other
othermagical
magical creatures. It has,
creatures. It has,essentially,
essentially, all the
symbolic associationsof
symbolic associations of iron,
iron, but also has more connotations of of technology
technology
and the modem
modern era.
era. See Iron
See iron

Tin: Tin is
Tin: is a brittle
brittlemetal with aalow
metal with lowmelting
melting point. Like lead,
point. Like it was
lead, it was
sometimes melted^ and
melted and dropped
dropped into water as a form ofof divination.
divination. In Roman
Roman
times, tin was
was used make mirrors since it does not
used to make not tarnish.
tarnish. Today,
Today, tin is
primarily aa symbol
primarily symbol ofof cheapness
cheapness or lack
lack of
of worth.
worth.

An Alphabet of Metals
Make list of the metals
I\{ake aa list metals in and around
atound your house. Next to each
each metal
metal on
your list, write
write down
down what the metal is used for in both
both aaspecific
specific and
and general
general
sense. For example:
example:

mercury thermometer
mercury thermometer provides information
provides information

copper wires
utires carries
carries power

gold ring symbolizes love and union

::ffii:il;"ffffni'n
steel knife cutting and dividing
iron nail bonds objects together
nail bonds

For each
each metal,
metal, come up with one wordword that
that describes
describes its
its role
role or
or nature. All
nature. All
of the
the metal's
metal's uses
uses in your home
home should
should be
be encompassed
encompassed by this word. Then,
devise
devise a simple symbol that
simple symbol that conveys
conveys this concept
concept to you.
you.
Draw oror place
placestickers withthe
stickers with theappropriate
appropriate symbols
symbols nearnearplaces
places
around your house
house where the the associated
associated metals
metals are used. OverOver the next few few
days, each
each time you see one of the metallic
metallic symbols, try to perceive the action
of the symbolized concept.
symbolized concept.
After you've
you've had some time to to consider
consider the
the qualities
qualities of each
each metal,
metal, try
to imagine
imagine an object for each metal that best conveys
conveys or embodies
embodies its nature.
nature.
Draw or ot describe
describe each
each object, incorporating the appropriate
appropriate symbol
symbol forfor each
each
metal into your designs.
designs.

89
89
 10: Stones
Chapter 1O:

Minerals, in general,
I\{inerals, in general, are
are viewed
viewed as asmanifestations
manifestations of of the
the earth's energies.
enetgies. Each
variety of
variety mineral is
of mineral is thought to represent
represent aa specific
specific form or or frequency
frequency of
these energies.
Crystals are used as symbols of clarity,
Crystals are purity, and spiritual
clarity, purity, perfection.
spiritual perfection.
Th.y are also used to symbolize
They symbolize the the self, order and the union of spirit
self, otdet spirit and
and
matter. Crystals are also
Crystals are associatedwith
also associated with the perception of light (and hence,
the perception hence,
illumination) because of their
illumination) their clarity
clarity and brilliance.
brilliance.
jewels are
Gems and jewels are often used to symbolize
symbolize the heart, the sun, the
moon, stars,
stars, knowledge,
knowledg., spiritual treasure, perfection, and truth. They
spiritual tteasure, Th.y are also
used as as symbols
symbols of value,
value, virtues
virrues oror precious
precious qualities,
qualities, reflected
reflected or or solidified
solidified
and splendor.
light, and splendor. Precious sometimes appear as
Precious stones sometimes symbols of
as symbols
humanity,
humaniry, since their beauty is revealed by the effort of of polishing
polishing (initiation).
(initiation).
For this
this reason, cuttirg of aa gem
reason, the cutting gem is is sometimes
sometimes used as a metaphor metaphot for for
shaping the soul.
soul.
Stone, in ingeneral,
general,symbolizes
symbolizes hardness, durability,stability,
hardness,durability, stability, and
and
permanence
permanence (and hence, eternity, immortality, and
eternity, immortality, and divine power), but also
divine power), also
inertness, coldness, and and lifelessness.
lifelessness.
As is often
often the
the case with flowers,
case with fl.owerc, the
the symbolism
symbolism of minerals
minerals is most
commonly
coffunonly derived from their color. color. Other
Othersymbolic
symbolic aspects
aspects areare determined
determined
by a mineral's
mineral's form (particularly in the
form (particularly the case
case ofofcrystals), its translucency
crystals), its translucency or
"
opacity, hardness, and its value.
opacity, its hardness, Here are some associations
value. Hete associations of commonly
commonly
encountered gems gems and minerals:

Alexandrite: Alexandrite is a transparent

Alexandrite: Alexandrite transparent chrysoberyl
chrTsoberyl thatthat appears
appears emerald
emerald
green in daylight,
daylight, but red or
^
or purplish-red in artificial
purplish-red in Because of its dual
artificial light. Because
nature,
nature, it is sometimes used to symbolize
symb olsze duality
duality and opposites.

Amber: Amber is a golden,

golden, transparent gem composed of of the
thefossilized
fossilized resin
of prehistoric
prehistoric coniferous trees. It is found
coniferous trees. found in in alluvial
alluvial soil and onon some
some sea-
sea-
shores. Amber is
shores. Amber warm to the
is waffn the touch. \Vhen rubbed
touch. When rubbedagainst
against wool or or silk,
silk,
amber becomes
becomes electrically charged and
electrically chatged and 'will
will attract
attract small objects. For this
small obiects.
reason,
reason, it is often associated
associated with electricity and magnetism
electriciry and magnetism (the(the Greek name
for Amber was "elektnn2").
"elektrvrf'). Amber will butn,
burn, emitting
emitting aa sweet,
sweet, pine-like scent,
and was sometimes used as incense for purification. Amber is sometimes used
purification. Ambet
as aa symbol
symbol ofof congealed
congealed light, particularly sunlight. It is also
light, particularly associated with
also associated
since it is the product
spirit since product of ofaaliving
living creature
creatute (and
(and because
because of itsits golden
golden
color).
color).

Amethyst: Amethyst is a purple

Amethyst is purple or violet form of quartz races of iron.
quartz with traces
The name
The name is isderived from the
derived from theGreek word "awiettaos,"
Greek word " Amethlstos," meaning
meaning "not
(because of the
drunken" (because thebelief thatthe
beliefthat thestone
stone prevented
preventedintoxication).
intoxication).
Amethyst is commonly
conunonly a symbol
symbol of piety,
piety, truth, and
and peace,
peace, primarily
primarily because
because
of its color.
color.

90
 Bill Whitcomb
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Tear:AAtranslucent
Apache Tear: formofofobsidian,
translucent form obsidian, apache tearisisassociated
apache tear with
associated with
fire, since it is volcanic
fire, since volcanic in origin. See
See Obsidian

Asbestos is
Asbestos: Asbestos
Asbestos: is a mass massofofgrayish
grayishororgreenish, flexible,prismatic
greenish,flexible, prismatic
crystals. It
crystals.
^
was used by the ancients to
It rvas to make
make wicks for oil
wicks for oil lamps,
lamps, since it can
since it can
continuously burned
be continuously burned rvithout consumed (the name is a Greek word
being consumed
without being
meaning
meaning "inextinguishable,"
"inextinguishable,"because becauseof ofthe belief that
the belief e\ren showers
that even shorvers and and
not extinguish
could not
storms could extinguish lamps made with it). i0. When itit occurs with
rvith quartz,
has been
and has polished, itit isiscalled
been polished, called tiger's
tiger's eye, Generally, asbestos is
eye. Generally, is associated
associated
with fire
fue and aa symbol imperviousness. Of course,
symbol of imperviousness. course' in modern
modern times,
times, many
many
of the traditional associations
the traditional associations of asbestos
asbestos havehave been replaced by
been replaced an awareness
by an awareness
carcinogenic properties.
of its carcinogenic properties.

Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a light sea-green

Aquamarine: Aquamarine sea-green or
or blue-green
blue-green transparent
transparent form
of beryl
of beryl colored bytraces
colored by tracesof ofchromium. Literally meaning
chromium.Literally "sea water,"
meaning "sea water,"
aquamarine is frequently
aquamarine associatedwith
frequently associated withwater
water and
and the because of
the ocean because of its
color. of the
color. Like other gems of beryl family,
the beryl formedy used for serving.
family, it was formerly scryirg.
"vas
Beryt Beryl
Beryl: Beryl is
is aa very
very hard,
hard, lustrous
lustrous stone
stone ranging from green to blue-green. It
ranging from It
is traditionally associatedwith
traditionally associated the moon
with the moon and water. was often
Beryl was
water. Beryl often used for
scrying until
scrying until recent times. It It was
was said to be
said to beparticularly effective during the
particularly effective
waxing of
waxing of the fullmoon.
thefull Beryl isissometimes
moon.Beryl sometimesassociated rvrth youth
associated with vouth and
and
becauseof
immortaliry because
immortality of its color. Emerald
greenish color.
its greenish Emerald andandaquamarine
aquamarine are
are
Aquamarine and Emerald
beryl. See Aquamarine
varieties of beryl.

Bloodstone is a dark-green
Bloodstone: Bloodstone variety of
dark-green variery' jasper spotted with
of jasper with red
red
associated with blood, because of its red spots.
iron oxide. It is associated It isis associated
spots. It associated
with and vital
fertiliry and
with fertility vital energ,
energy,both becauseof
both because of its color and
its green color and its
its
association with blood.
blood.
Carnelian: Carnelian
Carnelian: variety of
Carnelian is a variery of chalcedony
chalcedony that ranges in
that ranges in color
color from deep
red toreddish-white.
red to Named for
reddish-r,vhite. Named forits
itsflesh-like carnelian isisusually
color,carnelian
flesh-like color, usuallv
associated with blood, flesh,
associated flesh, and carnal
carnal passions.
passions.

Cat's-Eye: Cat's-eye is
Catts-Eye: Cat's-eye is a variety ofquartz
varietl'of quartz(usually containingasbestos)
(usuallycontaining asbestos)
showing yellowish,
^ reflections.
opalescent reflections.
yellowish, opalescent It moving luminescence
It exhibits aa moving luminescence
chatoyancy. It
called chatol'ancy. associated with vigilance
It is associated because of
vigilance because of its resemblance
resemblance to
eye.
a cat's eye.
(Vermillion): Cinnabar, a sulphide of
Cinnabar {Vermillion): mercury, is
of mercury, is aa heavy
heavy' stone
stone
adamantjne luster,
with adamantine ranging in
luster, ranging from bright
in color from bright scarlet
scadet to to red-brown.
red-brown.
from aa Persian
Named from rvord meaning
Persian word meaning "dragon's blood," itit is
"dragon's blood," primary source
is aa primary source
(rvhich sometimes forms in droplets on its
mercury (which
of mercury its surface.
surface. It It was formerly
was formerly
in pigments.
used in pigments. Cinnabar has sometimes
Cinnabar has been associated
sometimes been associated with vital energy,
'uvith vital energ)',
both because of its
because of its blood-like color, and
blood-like color, and because
because itit combines
combines sulphur
sulphur andand
mercurlr (two
mercury (nno of the basic
basic elements
elements in both eastern
eastern and western alchemy).
and western alchemr').

CoaL Coal is a soft, black,

Coal: combustible mineral
black, combustible composed of carbonized
mineral composed carbonized pre-
historic plant-life.As
historic plant-life. As a fuel
fuel (a source of
(a source power), it
heat and power),
of heat it is aa symbol of
symbol of
^
potential fire (and hence, hidden
hidden or or occult power --Ere
occult power firecontained
contained within
within
potential

91
91
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

earth). Burning coal is

Burning coal sometimes seen as
is sometimes symbolofofalchemical
asa symbol alchemical
transformation.
trans formation.
^
Coral Coral
Coral: Coral is is a hard
hardsubstance composed of
substance composed of concentric
concentric rings of the
of the
skeletons of marine
^
marine polyps. It appears in various
Ir appears shades of
various shades of pink and red, and
also other rarer colors such
rarer colors such as black and yellow.
as black The word coral comes from
yellow. The from
two Greek words meaning meaning "daughter Coral combines
"daughter of the sea." Coral combines somesome of the
associations of
associations of watet
water and trees
ttees (because the tree-like
ftecause of the tree-like shape of of many
many types
tFpes
associated with the ocean
coral). Coral is associated
of coral). ocean and lif., since
with life,
and with life comes
since life comes
from the sea.
sea. It It isisalso
alsosometimes to symbolize
used to
sometimes used symbolize spirit, since itit is the
spirit, since
of aa living
product of living creature.
creature.

Diamond(Adamant):
Diamond (Adamant): Diamond is is an
anextremely hard,brilliant
extremely hard, brilliant gemstone
gemstone
composed neady pure carbon
composed of nearly carbon in crystalline form. ItIt has
crystalline form. has the most compact
compact
arrangement of
arrangement of carbon foundin
atoms found
carbon atoms and is
nature and
in nature is one ofof the
the hardest
hatdest
substances known (1000 times times harder
harderthan thanquartz). Usuallycolorless,
quartz).Usually colorless,
diamonds also appear in pale blue, yellow,yellow, or or other varieties. Diamond
other varieties. Diamond has the
highest refraction
highest ftdlliance) of
refraction index (brilliance) of all gemstones. It
all gemstones. light when
emits light
It emits when
struck. Long used as
ground, scratched, or struck. as aa symbol wealth and
symbol of wealth value, the
and value,
diamond has almost
almost universally associations. It is associated
universally positive associations. associated withwith the
light, because
and light,
sun and its brilliance
because of its brilliance (the word diamonddiamond comes from the
Sanskrit 6,
dJn, meaning "luminous
11, meaning being"). Often seen
"luminous being"). seen as perfected crystal,
as perfected crystal, the
diamond is used as
is used symbolofofhardness,
asa&symbol durabiliry,perfection,
hardness,durability, petfection,purity,
purity,
incornrptibiliry, immutability,
incorruptibility, immutability, and sovereignty. In Indian alchemy, the
and absolute sovereignty.
diamond identified with
diamond is identified Philosophet's Stone
with the Philosopher's Stone because
because of of its
its associations
associations
with immortality
with perrnanence. It
immortality and permanence. It isisalso
alsoassociated
associated with withunyielding
unyielding
constancy, faithfulness,
constancy, sincerity,and
faithfulness, sincerity, andabsolute truth. On the
absolutetruth. the negative
negative side,
side,
diamond is also associated
associated with that which is is cold,
cold, hard, andand unyielding.
unyielding.

Emerald is
Emerald: Emerald is aahard,
hard,lustrous, rich green
lustrous, rich green gemstone
gemstone ofof the
theberyl
beryl
farnily. Like
family. Like many gems, the
many gems, the emerald obtains much of its symbolic
emerald obtains value from
symbolic value
its color. ItIt isisassociated with growth,
associated with growth, vegetation, water and
vegetation, water and moistness, vital
moistness, vital
energ, fertility,
energy, fertility, and life. ItIt is also associated
and life. associated with
with spring (and hence, rebirth,
immort^liry). Emeralds
youth, and immortality). Emeralds have long been viewed viewed as sacred
sacred by many
culrures - the legendary
cultures tabletsof
legendary tablets ofThoth and Hermes
Thoth and were both
Hermes were both thought
thought to be
made of of emerald,
emerald, as 2s was
wasthe theHoly Grailininsome
HolyGrail some N(edievalEuropean
Medieval European
traditions. It is sometimes thought to to symbolize
symbolize the conjunction of elemental
conjunction of elemental
air (blue)
ftlue) and the sun
sun (yellow).
(yellow). See Beryl
Flint is aa very
Flint: Flint very hard form of opaque quartz. It was used to make the first
hard form first
tools, since itit chips easily and holds a good edge.
easily and edge. Flint is associated fire
associated with fire
(since flint
flint and steel
steel can be used to to strike
strike fire). Because it produces sparks,
fue). Because sparks, it
associated urith
is associated with love, procreation, and lightning. It is also used to
love, procreation, to symbolize
symb olize
hardness (and
hardness (and emotional hardness).To
emotional hardness). To be flint-heartedisis to
be flint-hearted cold and
to be cold and
inflexible. To
inflexible. To be skin-flint is
be aa skin-flint to be
is to bemiserly. Flint arrow-heads
misedy. Flint arrow-heads found in
Europe were formedy thought
were formerly thought toto have
have been
been used by elves
used by and fairies.
elves and faides.

Fluorite: Fluorite is aa soft

soft translucent forming crystal
mineral forming
translucentmineral crystal octahedrons
octahedrons
pyramids). ItIt is usually
(double pyramids). usually puqple, but occurs in other
purple, but other colors. Fluorite
colors. Fluorite

92
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
greenish glow when
emits a greenish when heated at low low temperatures. It also
temperatures. It also emits light
emits light
ground, scratched,
when ground, or struck.
scmtched, or Fluorite's symbolic
struck. Fluorite's symbolic associations of spiritual
associations of spiritual
light within matter
light from its
derived from
matter are derived its pyramidal form and
pyramidal form light emitting
and light emitting
qualities.
qualities.

Galena: Galena is
Galena: is naturally-occurring lead, which
naturally-occurring lead, crystals. It
which forms cubic crystals.
shares the basic symbolic associations
basic symbolic associations of lead and the cube.
cube. See Lead
See Lead

Garnet: The name

Garner refers to members of aa group
name garnet refers group of minerals. It
of minerals. It is
is
usually red, but
usually red, occurs in many other colors. The name
but occurs name garnet from
garnet comes from
the Latin "Aranum,"
the Latin meaning "a
"granumr" meaning "a grain" or or "seed" redgarnet's
(from red
"seed" (from garnet's
resemblance to a pomegranate
pomegranate seed).
seed). Red garnet is associated
associated with devotion,
devotion,
loyalty, and enerry,
loyalty, and energy, primarily because of
primarily because its blood-like
of its blood-like color.
color.
Geode: Geodes
Geode: hollowconcretions
Geodesare hollow concretionscontaining
containing crystals
crystals(usually
(usually some
some
variety of quartz).^re word geode comes
variety quartz). Th.
The geode comes from the the Greek "gd' and
Greek "gtv and "tidos,"
"eidls,"
meaning "earth-form." Sometimes
meaning Sometimes called thunder-eggs, geodes combine the
called thunder-eggs,
symbolism of crystals
symbolism crystals and €Sgs,
eggs, and
and are associated with
are associated with the earth mother.
the earth mother.
Halite: Halite of salt
Halite is a form of thatoccurs
salt that occrusin inregular
regular six-sided cubic crystals.
six-sided cubic crystals.
Halite can dissolve in water
Halite water and has salt's
salt's usual
usual associations purification,
associations with purification,
sterfization. It is associated
presefi/ation, and sterilization.
preservation, associated with
with matter and elemental earth
because of its cubic shape.
shape. See
See Salt

Ffematite: Hematite is aa heavy

Hematite: heavy mineral composed iron oxide,
composed of iron ranging in
oxide, ranging
fromsilvery
color from black to
silvery black toreddish-brown.
reddish-brown. The The name
namehematite
hematitemeans
means
named because
"bloodstone," so named because it it produces redfluid
produces aa red fluid when mixed with
when mixed with
water while being cut
while being cut or ground.
gtound. As a majormajor source iron, itit was
source of iron, was nearly
neady as
valuable gold during
as gold
valuable as during the early Iron
the eady Age. If
Iron Ag.. If scratched, rub a finger over the
scratch and it may smooth over and disappear.
disappear. The soft form of hematite,
hematite, red
lining and
ocher, was used as a grave lining and a pigment by people
people of the the Stone Ag.,
Stone Age,
because of the
perhaps because color red's
the color red's association with blood,
association with life, and
blood, life, vitality.
and vitality.

Spar: A transparent variety

Icelandic Spar
Icelandic variety of calcite, Icelandic
Icelandic spar
spar has the unique
quality of
optical quality refraction. It was formerly
of double refraction. formedy used in the
the manufacture
manufacture
prisms, Icelandic
of prisms. is associated
Icelandic spar is associated with doubling or magnification,
doubling or magnification, and is
is
"double" the
sometimes used to "double" the effect of magical
effect of magical operations.
operations.

Jade: Jade is a hard, semi-precious

Jade: Jade semi-precious stone, usually white in color, that
green or white
usually green
is one ofof two minerals; jadeite
nx'o minerals; iadeite (imperial jade) or nephrite (mutton-fat
(impedal iade) iade). A
(mutton-fat jade).
very tough mineral, jade iade was sometimes
sometimes used to
to make
make anvils
anvils and
and axe-heads.
axe-heads.
Jade
Jade was
\vas also used in ancient times to
ancient times to create
create gongs, windchimes, and other
gongs, windchimes, other
musical instruments,
musical since,when
instruments, since, struck, jade
when stnrclq jadeproduces resonant tone. It is
produces aa resonant
used as
often used asaasymbol
symbolof ofexcellence, virtue, and good
excellence, virtue, good fortune.
fortune. Jade
Jade isis
sometimes associated with the interaction of of earth
eath andand water, fertility (because
water, fertility (because
its green
of its color), immortality
green color), immortalir)' (because
(because of of its
its durability),
durabiliry), and longevity (for
and longevity (for
its color
both its color and
and toughness).
toughness). In the the Chinese
Chinese Empire, jade was considered the
Empire, jade
noble of
most noble of all
all gems; much so
gems; so much thatititwas
sothat wascalled
calledyii,
IU, meaning
meaning "precious
"precious
stoner" but
stone," butalso
alsomeaning "tfeasur€r" the
meaning "treasure," "gold" isissynonymous
way"gold"
the way synonymous with with
"wealth" in
"wealth" in English.
English.

93
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Jasper:
Jasper: Jasper is aa type
Jasper is of chalcedony
rype of chalcedony with impurities. It is sometimes used as
impurities. It
svmbol of pregnancy
a symbol pregnancy and birth, since,
and birth, when broken,
since, when broken, seemingly
seemingly new stones
stones
it.
rvithin ir.
appear within
(witch's amber
Jet (witch's amber oror black
black amber):
amber): A A form
form ofof coal, i.t isis aablack,
coal, jet black, glassy
glassy
composed of
stone composed offossilized
fossfized wood. Likeamber,
wood. Like i.tbecomes
amber,jet becomeselectrically
electrically
charged when
charged rubbed. It
when rubbed. is combustible
It is combustible and has has sometimes
sometimes been used as as
incense for purification,
incense for protection,and
banishing, protection,
purification, banishing, and divination.
divination.J.t jet is
is
associatedwith
sometimes associated
sometimes with spirit (sinceitit was
spirit (since part of
was part living thing).
of aa living thing). Jet is
mourning because
during mourning
often worn during because of its rich
of its rich black
black color.
color.

Lapis Lazuli: Lapis lazuli

Lapis Lazuli: lazuli is royal blue stone with flecks
is a royal of golden
flecks of golden pyrite.
pyrite.
Long considered sacred in
considered sacred Ntiddle East, it
in the Middle formedy used to
it was formerly to make
make
cylindrical seals
carved cylindrical and to
seals and make ultramarine
to make blue pigment.
ultramarine blue Since lapis
pigment, Since lapis
lazuli was
lazuli was called sapphire by
called sapphire by the
the ancients, the Ten
ancients, the Commandments may
Ten Commandments may have
lazuli is associated
been graven on it. Lapis lazuli with the firmament, because of its
associated with
star-like golden flecks.
blue color and star-like flecks.

Lava: Lava
Lava: Lava is a a form of volcanic
form of It isis associated
volcanic rock. It with fire
associated with fire and earth,
earth-
volcanic origins.
because of its volcanic origins.

(magnetite or
Lodestone (magnetite or way-stone):
way-stone): Lodestone is is a naturally
narurally magnetic,
magnetic,
^
stone. It can be used as a compass by rying
blackish stone.
blackish tying aa thread
thread around it. It
around it. It has
has
associated with
long been associated magnetismand
with magnetism the power of
and the In folk
attraction. In
of attraction. folk
magic, lodestones
magic, are often painted with various
lodestones are various colors intended to
colors intended to attract
attract
love, health, or other
money, love, other qualities.
qualities.

remains of meteors
cooled remains
Meteorite: The cooled meteors are made, for
are made, for the most part, ofof
nickel-iron. I\feteorites
nickel-iron. Meteorites are generally
generally associated with fu.,
associated with fire, the sky, and divine
sky, and divine
power. Also called thunderballs, meteorites have
called thunderballs, been associated
have long been with
associated with
lightning and thunder. See
lightning lron (in
See Iron (in the Metals
lUetals section)
section)

Moonstone: Moonstone
Nfoonstone is aa milky of blue,
mill.1t form of white, or pink, opalescent
blue, white, opalescent
feldspar. As
feldspar. would imply,
As the name would imply, moonstone associated with
moonstone is associated with the moon,
rvith love.
also with
and so also
Agate: Moss
Moss Agate: vari.ry of agate with green
I\foss agate is a variety markirgs.
moss-like markings.
green moss-like
Harish Johari
Harish Johan (a of Tantra
teacher of
(a teacher Tantra and
andayurvedic
ayurvedic medicine) claims that moss-
medicine) claims moss-
sometimes imprinted
agate is sometjmes picrures of sunrises,
imprinted with pictures sunrises, sunsets, birds, animals,
sunsets, birds, animals,
trees when
and trees the stones
',vhen the stones are formed, caused
areformed, bysomething
caused by like aa natural
something like natural
photographic
photographic process.
process. Moss
IWoss agate
agate is fertfity and
is associated with fertility and growth.
growth.
Mother of Pearl
Mother Pead (Nacre):
(Nacre): MotherIrfother of pearl is the
pearl is lustrous, opalescent
hard,lustrous,
the hard, opalescent
interior of various
interior sea mollusks. It
various sea It is
is associated primarily with
associated primarily with the ocean and
the powers of water. It isis sometimes
r.vater. It sometimes associated spirit, since
associated with spirit, it was once
since it once
of aaLiving
part of living creature. Pead
creature. See Pearl
Obsidian: Obsidian is
Obsidian: is aahard,
hard,dark volcanicglass,
darkvolcanic primarily associated
glass, primarily associated with
heat because
fire and heat of its
because of its volcanic origins. It
volcanic origins. formedy used to
was formerly
It was to make
make
weapons (since
tools and weapons (since itit holds v€rf, very
holds aavery, very sharp
sharpedge) and was
edge) and highly
v/as highly
prized by Native
Native American cultures. It
American cultures. has also sometimes
It has sometimes been formed into

94
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
or spheres
mirrors or forscrying,
spheres for most notably
scrying, most notably when
when John
JohnDeeDeeemployed
employed
Edward Kellyto
Edward Kelly to scry using an
scry using obsidian miror
an obsidian mirror and report to him
and report him the
the
supposed angelic
angelic language magical system
language and magical system now
now known
known as
as Enochian.
Enochian.
Opat Opal
Opal: Opal is is aa very
very soft,
soft, non-crystalline, form of quartz containing
iridescent form
non-crystalline, iridescent containing
as much
much asas 30% rvater. ItItoccurs
30olo water. occursininclear,
clear,milky,
milLlr,flame
flame orange
orange(girasol),
(girasol), black,
black,
and other
other varieties most displaying
varieties - most displaying the opal's characteristic
characteristic flash of different
colors. ItIt isisassociated
associated with thought
thought and theimagination
and the because of its
imagination because its
brilliance
brilliance and ever-changing appearance. eu^nce.
^pp
Pead: Pearls
Pearl: Peads are are roundish,
roundish, lustrous
lustrous accretions
accretions of ofvarious
variousmollusks
mollusks (mainly
(mainly
oysters). They
oysters). white, but
usually white,
They are usually found in
but are found in many
maoydifferent
different shades.
shades.
Pearls are associated
Peads
^re with
associated with the
the ocean,
ocean, the ^re
the powers of
powers of water,
water, and
and the moon. At
one
one time,
time, itit was
was thought that pearls
thought that peads were formed from
were formed from aacombination
combination of
seawater
seawater and and moonlight.
moonlight.Peads Pearls are sometimes
sometimesused usedas as a. symbol of the
a symbol the
^re
feminine principle,
feminine becauseof
principle, because of their associationswith
their associations with water
water andand the moon.
moon-
associations with fertility
Their watery associations similarity of the
are strengthened by the similarity
fertility are
pearl and the
pead the fetus,
fetus, and
and the
theassociations
associations of ofthetheoyster
oysterwithwithfemale
femalegenitalia.
genitalia.
The pearl
pearl is also
also used as as aa symbol
symbol of of experience
experience or wisdom (the "pearl "pead of
great price"), since it
price'), since it comes out of the sea sea (the
(the unconscious)
unconscious) and is built built up in
layers from
layers grarrr of sand, but also
from a grain because it is
also because is hidden.
hidden- ItIt isissometimes
sometimes
associated ^ spirit
with
associated with since itit is
spirit since is the product of of aa living
living creature.
creature. The pearl is
also used as as a symbol
symbol of ofspiritual
spirirual essence
essence or or soulsoul(again, because it is
(again, because is
^
concealed in the oyster), perfection (because
concealed (because of its spherical
spherical shape and luster),
luster),
value, virtue, initiation,
value, virtue, initiation, enlightenment,
enlightenment,and gnosis.To
andgnosis. To "scatter pearls" is to
"scatter pearls"
eloquendy. The
speak eloquently. threading of
The threading of pearls
pearls has sometimes
sometimes been been used as aa
symbol of poetic
poetic composition.
composition. BecauseBecause of their long association
their long association with tears,
tears,
pearls are
are sometimes
sometimes used as as symbols
symbols of of disillusionment
disillusionment and sorrow. sorrow. The
pead necklace is
pearl necklace symbol of
is a symbol of cosmic order and
cosmic order andunification.
unification. The The broken
broken
necklace is
necklace is sometimes ^
sometimes seen as as aasymbol
symbol of ofuniversal disorder and
universal disorder and the
the
disintegration
disintegration of the personality.
personaliry.

Wood: Petrified
Petrified Wood: Petrified wood isis the
themineralized
mineralized remains of prehistoric
temains of prehistoric
forests. It is associated
associated with antiquity and time.

(Fool's Gold):
Pyrite (Fool's Gold): Pyrite is aashiny,
Pyrite is shiny,metallic
metallic golden mineral, often
golden mineral, often
occurring in cubic crystals.
crystals. Its name is derived from the
derived from theGreek py, meaning
Gre ek pyr, meaning
"fire," because
because it will create sparks
sparks when struck by iron. It It isis associated with
associated with
material wodd
the material world and matter,
matter, because shape. It is
because of its cubic shape. is also
also used
used as
as aa
symbol
symbol of folly, since it is so easily
follv, since mistaken for
easily mistaken gold. It has sometimes been
for gold.
used to make mirrors for divination.
divination.
Quartz Crystal: Quartz
Quartz Crystal: Quartz isis aabrilliant,
brilliant, crystalline
crystalline stone composed
composed of ofsilicon
silicon
dioxide. It is
dioxide. is often
often colorless, but occurs
colorless, but inmany
occurs in different colors.
many different colors. Quartz
Quartz
generates
generates an electric charge when
electric charge when struck, ground, or stressed. \rarious
struck, ground, types of
Various fypes
quartz,
qv^rtz, particularly smoky quartz
particulady smoky quartz and clear quartz, have been used
clear quartz, for scrying.
used for scrying.
It is
is associated
associated with trance
trance and
and vision, since ititsymbolizes
vision, since symbolizes the
thematerialization
matenalization
of the
of theinvisible.
invisible. Colorless quartz is
Colodess quartz is also often used as as a symbol
symbol ofofclarity,
clariry,
purity, and spiritual
purity, perfection. It
spirirual perfection. It is also associated
associated with
with^ the perception
perception of

95
95
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

light (and hence, the mind,

mind, illumination, its clarity
illumination, and spirit) because of its clarity and
brilliance. In
brilliance. In ancient
ancient times,
times, quartz
quartz was
was sometimes used to focus sunlight to
sometimes used
ignite ritual fires.
fues. Quartz is is also
also associated (because of its
associated with water (because its
translucence),and
tanslucence), andwith
with intuition
intuition and
and dreams (perhaps because of
(perhaps because of its
its
water). ItIt is sometimes
association with water). symbol of
sometimes seen as a symbol unification of
of the unification
opposites, since
since it is solid matter, yet transparent.
solid matter,

Ruby: RubyRuby is a hard,

hard, clear
clear gemstone
gemstone of of the
thecorundum
corundum family,family, ranging
ranging in
colot from deep
color
^red to
deep red pink. ItIt also
to pink. also occurs
occurs as as star
star ruby.
r,tby. The name ruby ntby comes
comes
from the Latin
Latin"n4b€ils," meaning "red."
"rubeirs," meaning "red." The red tint of the the ruby
ruby comes
comes from
from
small traces of iron and chromium. Ruby emits light when ground, scratched,
small traces scratched,
or struck.
struck. Because
Because of itsits linear
linear molecular
molecular structure, light refracted
refracted in a ruby is
aligned in parallel,
parallel, horizontal waves (a utili-ed in ruby
(a quality utilized mby lasers).
lasers). Because
of the ruby's
ruby's typical
typical deep red color and its its association
association with blood, it is used as as
a symbol of power,
power, love,
love, passion,
passion, vitality,
vitality, and
and royalty.
royalty.

Sapphire:
Sapphire: The The sapphire
sapphire is aa hard,
hatd, transparent
transparent gemstone
gemstone of the the corundum
corundum
family. ItIt is
family. is usually
usuallydeep
deep blue,
blue,but occurs in
but occurs in many
many other
other colors.
colors. It also occurs
occurs
as star sapphire.
as star sapphire. Like the ruby, ruby, itit emits light when
emits light when ground,
ground, scratched,
scratched, or
The name
struck. The namesapphire
sapphire isisultimately
ultimately derived from the
derived from theSanskrit
Sanskrit Sari
Sani
(Saturn)
(Saturn) and PiJa pot,a (precious), sometimes translated
(precious), sometimes translated as "beloved of Saturn."
as "beloved Saturn."
Because of
Because of its color, the sapphire
sapphire is often thought
thought ofof as thecelestial
asthe celestial gem,
gem,
associated with
associated with the sky,
sky, heaven, and elemental
elemental air.afi. The sapphire
sapphire isis also
also
associated with
associated with truth, virtue, and contemplation
contemplation because of its its typical
typical blue
blue
color.
color.

Selenite:
Selenite: Selenite
Selenite is
is aa clear,
clear, layered mineral resemblirg
layered mineral calcite. ItIt is
resembling calcite. is named for
Selene, a moon goddess,
goddess, and as thename
as the nameimplies, is associated
implies, is associated with the the
*lH,
moon.
^

Staurolite (Fairy Cross

Staurolite Cross or Cross Stone):
Stone): Staurolite
Staurolite occurs in twin
t'win crystals,
crystals,
which form into
into equal-armed
equal-armed crosses "X"-shapes. It shares
crosses or "X"-shapes. the normal
shares the normal
symbolic associations of the cross.
symbolic associations cross.

(Brimstone): Sulphur
Sulphur (Brimstone): Sulphur is is aabright
brightyellow
yellowmineral
mineral found found in in
amorphous
amorphous and crystalline forms. It
crystalline forms. It burns with a blue flame flame and produces aa
powerful,
powerful, foul smoke. Its
foul smoke. Its old
old narne,
name, brimstone,
brimstone, comes from from the Greek
Gre ek brims,
brimo, a
name of Athena. Because of its
Athena. Because its color
color and
andcombustible nature, itit isisusually
combustible nature, usually
associated with
associated fit., the active
with fire, active principle, energy. It is
principle, spirit, and energy. is sometimes
sometimes
associated with
associated with the infernal or demonic,
the infernal because of its
demonic, because its foul
foulsmell
smell when when
burned. Sulphur is sometimes
butned. sometimes burned in rituals for banishing
rituals for banishing or or purification.
pudfication.
Sulphur's
Sulphur's combustibility, smell, and
combustibility, smell, and its use in
its use in ancient
ancient taditions
traditions of both magic magrc
and alchemy
and alchemy resulted
resulted in itsits association,
association, atat least within Christianity,
least within Christiarity, with sin, sin,
hell, and
hell, and damnation
damnation (all being said
(a11 being saidto
to have
have "a"a whiff
whiff of
of sulphur"
sulphur" about
about them).
them).
Sunstone: Sunstone is a form form ofof Indian
Indianfeldspar
feldspar resembling
resembling an orange
orange opal
opal
fi.ty, multicolored
with a fiery, multicolored flash.
flash. Obviously,
Obviously, suns tone is associated vrith
sunstone with the
^ natne is sometimes used
sun. The name used to refet
refer to a form of translucent
translucent quartz with
an orange hue
hue (also associated with the sun).
(also associated

96
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Tourmaline is a complex
Tourmaline: Tourmaline complexmineral
mineral occurring
occurring ininthree-sided
three-sided
cylindrical crystalsof
cylindrical crystals of pink,
pink, red,
^ green, blue,
red, green, color. When
black, and mixed color. \frhen
mixed, it often appears in crystals
mixed, with ends of opposite colors,
crystals with colors, such as redred
and green.
green. ItIt contains
contains aa greater
greater variety
variety of elements
elements than any other stone.
any other stone.
Tourmaline is
Tourmaline translucent when
is translucent viewed from
when viewed from the side, butbut opaque
opaque when
'nvhen
viewed from
viewed from either end. It It isis electrically polarized when
electrically polanzed heated or
when heated or rubbed -
one end will become negative,
end will negative, the other end will become
end will positive -- causing
become positive causing it
to attract
to attract ashes
ashes or orlight
lightstraw.
straw. TheThenamenametourmaline
tourmaline is isderived from a
derivedFrom
^
Sinhalese
Sinhalese word "tourmar meaning "colored
"tourmalf',, meaning stone" or "attractor of ashes."
"colored stone" ashes."
Tourmaline is associated with dualiry,
associated rvith duality, opposites,
opposites, and the power of attraction.
and the aftraction.

Turquoise is
^ soft bright light-blue,ororblue-green
Turquoise: Turquoise
Turquoise: is a soft bright light-blue, blue-green
mineral. ItIt changes
cryptocrystaline mineral.
cryptocrystaline changes color
color (fades)
(fades) over
over time
time rvhen
when exposed to
heat and
heat light,Turquoise
and light. Turquoise has longbeen
haslong beenconsidered
considered sacred
sacred bybyNative
Native
American cultures. It is sometimes associated
associated with the moon and water.
r,vater.

Like many
many symbolic
symbolicelements, one of
colorisisone
elements,color of the primary sources of the
primary sources the
symbolic associations of
symbolic associations of minerals.
minerals. The
The list
list below
below shows
shows some conunon
common gems
and minerals grouped by their characteristic
characteristic color.

Black Apache tear, black tourmaline,

Black: touffnaline, coal,
coal, galena (sometimes grey),
grefl, hematite,
jet, magnetite,
iet, magnetite, obsidian, onlx.
obsidian, onyx.
Purple/Violet: Amethyst,
Purple/Violet: Amethyst, fluorite, sugilite.
sugilite.

Blue/Light Blue:
Blue/Light Blue: Aquamarine,
Aquamarine, azurite, blue
blue calcite,
calcite, chrysocolla,
chrysocolla, lapis
lapis lazuli,
lazuli,
sapphire, sodalite, turquoise.
turquoise.

Green: Beryl,
Green: emerald, gre€o
Beryl, emeraldr calcite, green
green agate, green calcite, jasper,green
green jasper, green
tourmaline,
tourmaline, jade, malachite, moss
iade, malachite, moss agate,
agate, olivine/peridot.
olivine/peridot.
Yellow f Onnge: Amber, carnelian, fire opal, sulfur,
Yellow/Orange: sulfur, sunstone,
sunstone, tiger's
tiger's eye,
€)ne ,

topaz, zircon.
topaz, zircon.

Garnet, onyx,
Red/Pink: Garnet,
Red/Pink: jasper, red tourmaline,
onvx, red agate, red jasper, tourmaline, rhodocrosite,
rhodocrosite,
rhodonite, rose quartz, ruby,
rub1n, sard.
sard.

orClear:
White or Clear: Calcite, chalcedonlr diamond, feldspar,
Calcite, chalcedony, feldspar, gypsum,
gypsum, halite,
halite,
motherof
moonstone, mother ofpearl,
pead,quartz crystal, selenite,
quartz crystal, selenite , talc.
talc.

Agate,jasper,
Multicolored: Agate, jasper, opal,
opal, tourmaline.
tourmaline.

When placed in
$Vhen placed in fire,
fue, many
many minerals
minerals cause flame to turn
flame to turn aacharacteristic
characteristic color.
This is oneofofthe
is one thetests usedbyby
testsused whentrying
mineralogistswhen
mineralogists trying totoidentify
identifi' a
^
specimen.The
particular specimen.
particular abilityto
The abiliry tocolor
color fire
firecan alsobe
canalso used to
be used good effect in
to good
rirual fires
ritual fires (iust
(justas as it is used
it is infireworks).
used in The following
fueworks). The gives the
follor,ving list gives the
characteristic color in
characteristic color fire of
in fire of some common minerals
some common minerals and
and elements:
elements:

Red: strontium
strontium
calcium
Orange: calcium
sodium, salt
Yellow: sodium, salt

97
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Azute Blue: copper chloride

Azure chloride

Light Blue: arsenic

Light arsenic
tVhitish Blue: lead
Whitish
Blue- or Light-Green:
Blue- or Light-Green: antimony
Blue-Green: zinc
zinc

Yellow-Green:
Yellow-Green: boron
Emerald Green: copper
Emerald

Whitish
$Thitish Green: bismuth
bismuth

Communicating With Rocks

Rocks
Choose
Choose a rock or or gemstone.
gemstone. If If possible,
possible, let it be
be one
onethat
thatyou
youfeel feelnaturally
naturally
drawn towards. This
drawn towards. This should
should be holds your attention, even if it
be a stone that holds
doesn't
doesn't seem
seem particularly attractive or
particularly attractive unusual. It could be a sample
or unusual. sample you own
or it could
could be aa stone
stone by
by the
the side
side of the
the road. If the
toad. If the stone
stone isis outside,
outside, ask
ask its
permission before
permission removing it from
before removing from its current
current place'.
place*.
Sit down somewhere you feel comfortable and study the the stone,
stone, giving
giving
it all
all of your attention. Notice
Notice as as many
many details
details as you can. Examine
Examine its shape,shape,
size, temperature, and texture. After aa few minutes, close
weight, temperature,
size, weight, close your
your eyes
eyes
and ask the stone these questions:
quesdons:
What are your properties
properties and powers?
powets?
I\fay I have permission
May permission to use use these properties? Will you show me
these properties?
how to use your powers?
powers?
Is there anything you want to tell tell me?
me?
Be patient and waitwait until
until you
you get
get an
ananswer.
answer. Like
Like many
many magical
magical exercises,
exercises, this
practice. If
may take some practice. If the response
response you get is is confusing,
confusing, ask what it
means.
means.
exercise with
Try this exercise other stones or, over a period
with other pedod of time,time, with the
same stones, and think think about
about thethedifferent
different responses
responsesyou you receive.
receive. You You may
m^y
find it helpful
find helpful to write down your impressions.

Divination I
Stone Divination
First, think of a decision wish to make, a problem you want to solve,
decision you wish solve, or
something you want
something you want to know
know more
more about and focus your attention on it.
Next, while focusing
Next, focusing on the subiect
subject of the
the divination,
divination, walk through a
wild area until aa stone
stone catches
catches your attention.
attention. For best
best results, this stone
results, this stone

' This may

ffray sound silly, but don't worry
sound silly, rvorry about it. You
about it. You can
canview
r,-iew this
fhis as
as establishing
establishing aa channel
channel
of communication
communication rvith with l'our
your subconscious
subconsciousself, self,or oryou
you can think of
can think of it as speaking
speaking to the
spirit of the
the stone. In either
stone. In either case, it isis aagood
case, it thirgtotopractice.
goodthing practice, Speak aloud, just as you
.Speak aloud, you
would
rvoulcl talk to another
another person"
person.

98
98
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

should bebe the

the size of your
size of your fist, or larger.
fist, or larger. Just
Just as in the
as in ptevious exercise,
the previous exercise, the
doesn't need
stone doesn't need totobebeanything
anything special,
special, so long as
so long as it attracts your notice.
Pick up the stone
stone andand carry
cmty it it to
toaacomfortable
comfortable spot. Sit down
spot. Sit down and and
place the stone on the ground
place ground in in front
ftont of of you. Then, state
you. Then, problem or
your problem
state your
aloud, asking for
question aloud, fot the stone's
stone's assistance.
assistance.
Look carefully
Look carefully at at the surface of
the surface of the stone until you begin to see see shapes,
shapes,
faces, plants,
faces, animals,and
plants, animals, andso soonon in textures and cracks
in the textures cracks in the the stone.
stone.
Continue to study the stone
study the stone as long as
as long as it takes to see see these forms.
these forms.
you have
Once you found several
have found images, consider
several images, pictures in the
consider these pictures
question. Try to discern
light of your problem or question. discern what the stone stone isis trying
trying to
tell you.
holding on to your
while holding
Next, while initial irnpression,
your initial impression, turn the rock over over
and repeat thethe process.
process. You You cancan continue
continue this this exercise
exercise as long as there are
as there are
additional sides to
additional sides to the stone.
stone.
Think about the the images
images and messagemessage from each side of the stone and
each side
consider how they relate to your problem or or decision. Finally, thank the stone
decision. Finally,
and put it back original position
back in its original position and spot. spot.
Remember that what you receive
Remember receive is a combination
combination of what is outside outside
inside yourself.
and inside This exercise
yourself, This exercise can can be beuseful
useful in inclarifying andrevealing
clariS'ing and revealing
options, but you must
options, must taketake care
care not nottotodelude with your
yourself with
deludeyourself your ownown
preconceptions and desires.
preconceptions desires.
exercise is adapted
This exercise adapted fromfrom The The WigWa1 of of the
the Shah=
S haman byby Michael
l\fichael
Harner. A A similar
similar exercise can be performed using using trees
ttees (bark,
ftark, leaves,
leaves, etc.) or
nrnning water.
running
II
Divination II
Stone Divination
If you have assigned symbolic associations
assigned strong symbolic associations to aa variety minetals, you
variety of minerals,
can
can utilize set of these
utilize aa set these stones just as
stones just you would
as you runes or tarot cards.
would funes cards.
First, place a small sample of
small sample type of stone you will use
each type
of each use in a bag
or bowl.
or The stones
bowl. The should be
stones should beapproximately
approximately the and if
size, and
the same size, not
if not
enough variety that no
texrure, of enough
uniform in texture, no single
single stone cancan be determined
be determined
by touch.
touch.
Once you have aa complete
complete set of stones,
set of formulate aaquestion.
stones, formulate question. Speak
Speak
the question aloud. WhileWhile your
your attention is focused on your question, reach in
without looking and begin grasping
without looking gasping stones.
stones.
You can take one stone tosignify
stone to your essential
signify your essential answer,
answer, or you can use
multiple stones. For example,
multiple stones. example, three
three stones could
could represent
represent the past, present,
present,
and future,
future, oror the
the beginning, middle, and end. If
beginning, middle, If you
you like, you can
like, you use any
can use any
arrangement that would normally be used used for tarot cards.

99
 Chapter 11: Substances

Uke color, substance

Like substance is pervasrve, since everything
pervasive, slnce everything around us is
around us comprised of
is comprised
material. Also, like color,
some substance or material. substances often act as modifiers
color, substances
other symbolic
of other symbolic elements, since
since they attributes more
are attributes
they are more than objects in and
of themselves.
themselves. For example, glass hammer and an iron hammer
exampll, a glass hammer each each have
have
very different
very different connotations.
connotations.
Because of these qualities, substances
these qualities, substances areare essential
essential as ingredients in
as ingredients
spells and potions and as components of
as components ofsymbolic
symbolic objects. The alchemist,
objects. The alchemist, in
combining different wishes to
substances, wishes
different substances, combine or
to combine or alter theirspiritual
alter their spirirual
attributes as
attributes as well. The magician,
well. The magician, in in utilizing
utilizing different substances in ritual,
different substances rirual,
invoke or
intends to invoke or evoke their qualities
evoke their particular vibration
qualities and utilize the particular vibration or
essence natures.
essence of their natures.
Unlike
Unlike metals minerals, however,
metals and minerals, symbolism of substances
however, the symbolism substances as
whole is more
a whole more amorphous and and less
less able to be viewed as a coherent
be viewed coherent band in a
spectrum of symbolism.
spectrum symbolism. Here
Here areare some cofiunon substances
some common substances and and their
their
associations:
associations:

Air: Air is the rarefied zone between bet'ween heaven

heaven and earth. In many traditions, air
many traditions,
is thought of as ofthe
one of
as one thefourfourororfive
fivefundamental
fundamental elements making up
elements making up all
all
other things.
things. It is purifying agent - to air
is aa purifying air something
something out is to cleanse
is to cleanse it. Air
medium for
serves as the medium for light,
light, color,
color, scent, andflight.
scent, and Air isis associated
flight. Air associated with
breath, and hence
breath, hence spirit, word, and
spirit, word, and speech. Air isis also
speech. Air also associated with light,
associated with light,
life, lightness,
lightness, the sky, inspiration,
the rky, reason, the irnrnaterial,
inspiration, reason, immaterial, and and the infinite.
infinite. It is
sometimes thought of as as the intermedi"ry between
the intermediary benveen fire fire and water. In western
alchemical traditions, air
alchemical traditions, air is considered to
is considered to be active and masculine
masculine in nature,
nature,
having the masculine
having propertyof
masculine property heat, but the
of heat, thefeminine property of
feminine property of
moistness.
moistness.
life-water (aqua
Alcohol: Sometimes called life-water vitae) or fire-water,
(aqua vitae) fire-water, alcohol often
appears symbol of vital
appears as a symbol vital energ)r
energy and the coniunction
and the (fu. and
conjunction of opposites (fire
rvater). For
water). thesereasons,
For these reasons, and becauseofofitsits
andbecause pharmacological effects
pharmacological effects
(relaxation, inebriation,
(relaxation, removal of inhibitions),
inebriation, removal inhibitions), alcohol associated with
alcohol is also associated
festiviry, social
festivity, social celebration, and, of
celebration, and, course, drunkenness. See Wine
of course,
Like dust,
Ashes: Like symbol of
dust, ashes are aa symbol the transitory
of the nature of the body and
transitory nafure
^re
lorver soul. Because
lower Becauseashes ashes are the remainsof
the remains because of its
of fire and because its
association with cremation,
^re
association cremation, ashes
ashes symbolize death. To
symbolize death. To "rise from the ashes" is is
resurrection. As
resurrection. As the result of of fire
fire(associated or passion),
anger or
(associated with anger passion), ashes
ashes
symbolize remorse and penance.
symbolize remorse penance. Among many many Middle
N{iddle Eastern
Eastern cultures,
cultures,
sometjmes rub ashes on
people sometimes on themselves
themselves as an an expression
expression of of mourning.
mourning"
frre is thought to
Since fire to regenerate
regenerate and and purify,
puri$r, ashes
ashes share
share these
these associations
associations
often used
are often
and are in purification
used in purification rituals.
rituals. Some cultures
culrures regarded ashes as the
or seed
soul or offire,
seed of fre, containing
containing the the essence
essence ofof fire. In many
fire. In many traditions,
traditions, the

100
100
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
ashes of aacreature
ashes orthing
creature or thing were
werethought tocontain
thought to contain its qualities in aa
itsqualities
concentrated
concentrated form.
form.

Bread: As the most basic

the most staple ("the staff
basic staple of life"),
staff of symbol of
life"), bread is a symbol
nourishment,and
prosperity, nourishment,
prosperity, sustenance. There
and sustenance. There is isintense
intense ^traditional
traditional
symbolism in
symbolism in every step ofof producing
producing bread. Growing and
bread. Growing and grinding
grinding grain,
grain,
separating the wheat from the
separating the the chaff,
chaff, baking, and sharing
baking, and sharing bread
bread allall have
have
symbolism.As
fundamental symbolism.
fundamental Aswith
withwine, breadis
wine,bread is often
often used to torepresent
represent
spiritual food
spiritual nourishment. To
food and nourishment. together" is to share
To "break bread together" share the
the
essential stuff of
essential stuff life. To
of life. To "know
"know which
which side
side one's bread is
one's bread buttered on" is to
is butteted
know what is good, used as a metaphor for self-interest.
good, though it is also used self-interest.
Bubbles: Bubbles
Bubbles: Bubbles are symbols
symbols of of beauty, butalso
beauty, but alsoimpermanence,
impermanence, the
the
life, and
transience of life, empty or uffealistic
and empry unrealistic thought
thought (being
fteing "bubble-headed').
"bubble-headed").
Clay, like
Clay: Clay, like mud, appears in
mud, appears in many myths the substance
myths as the from which
substance from which
humanity ir
humanity is fashioned. Clay is commonly
Clay is commonly thought
thought of as a symbol
symbol of shapeless
shapeless
or unformed matter
matter and
andmalleability.
malleabiliry. The act of molding
molding clay
clay is often used as
metaphor for
a metaphor for creation. See Mud
creation. See

Dew: Dew, like rain, is often associated with blessings

associated with blessings and
and celestial
celestial influence
influence
descending from heaven. It isis aasymbol
heaven. It offertilization,
symbolof fertility, and
fertthzation, fertility, and renewal,
renewal,
is also
but is also associated the ephemeral
associated with the ephemeral and
and impermanent.
impermanent. As As aadistillation
distillation
of water, dew is sometimes
sometimes thought to possess
possess the
the qualities
qualities of water,
water, but in aa
more rarified or spiritual form.
form.

Earth: Earth hashas associations fertility and vegetation, but also

associations with fertility also death,
death,
burial,
burial, and the underworld.
underwodd. Earth,Earth, like
like salt,
salt, is a symbol
symbol of physical
physical matter. As
the foundation
foundation of of life,
life, the
theearth
eatthisistraditionally
traditionally associated with the
associated with the Universal
Universal
N{other. In many
Mother. n}any traditions, earth is
traditions, earth is one of of the fouror
thefour orfive
fivefundamental
fundamental
elements of all
all things.

Embers: Like coal,

coal, embers
embers are sometimes
sometimes viewed
viewed as symbol of
as aa symbol of hidden or
occult
occult power, holding
holding within them the potential for fire.
potential for fre. See
See Ashes

Excrement is a symbol of that

Excrement: Excrement that which is repressed
which is repressed or or rejected,
rejected,
^ and
associated with
associated filth,
with darkness, filth, evil. Nfost generally, itit is
Most generalll, is aa symbol of the
unpleasant, undesirable, left-over,
unpleasant, undesirable, left-over, and
and worthless, whether in
worthless, whether reference to an
in reference an
object or aa situation. Paradoxically, it is also
situation. Paradoxically, also a symbol fnrctifyug power
symbol of the fructifying power
of putrefaction decomposition, a source of strength
putrefaction and decomposition, strength fromfrom which
which life
life is
reborn.
reborn.

Fabric: Fabric
Fabric is a symbol
symbol of pattern,
pattern, underlying
undedyt"g structure,
structure, interdependence,
interdependence,
and all things interwoven. Thread
interovoven. See Thread

Fat: Fat is aa traditional

traditional symbol
symbol of plenty,
plenty, often
often used
used inin animal
animal sacrifice
sacrifice (as
(as in
the case
the ofthe
case of the"fatted calf).Virtually
"fattedcalf"). \rirrually all fats oroily
fats or oily substances
substances have
have aa
association with
traditional association with wealth
wealth and abundance. The
and abundance. "fat of the land" is the
The "fat
abundance of of nature. Until relatively
nature. Until relatively recent times,
times, fat
fat was
was sexy
sexy because it waswas
symbol of success
a symbol success —
- ananoutward
outward sign
sign that
that someone
someone could afford to to eat
eat well.
well.
Of course,
Of course, ininmodern
moderntimes,
times,fat fatisisoften
oftenassociated
associatedwithwithexcess,
excess,luxury,
luxury,

101
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

gluttonf, waste,
gluttony, ill-health.The
waste, and ill-health. The fat
fat man has long
man has long been used symbol of
used as a symbol
plutocracy, greed,
plutocraclt greed, and
and corruption
corruption
\While it is no
Fire: While no longer
longer viewed
viewed as a substance,
substance, few things have have been of of
greater importance in in human
human existence.
^ Fire manifests
existence. Fire symbolically in three
manifestssymbolically
principal ways;
principal ways; as generator, purifier,
as generator, purifier, and
and destroyer.
destroyer. Just Just as fire performs
as fue performs these
functions in
functions nature, in
in nature, the forge,
in the forge, and
and in inthethealchemist's
alchemist's furnace,
furnace, it it also
also
symbolizes these processes in ourselves. ourselves.
Fire
Ffue has generally
generally been viewed viewed as a manifestation
manifestation of of divine en€rg,
d.ivine energy,
embodying
embodying both creation and destruction. destruction. It is
^is the
the seed
seed ofof all
all things,
things, to which
shall return.
all things shall Masteryof
return. Mastery of fre
fire hashas been the mark of of the
theshaman,
shaman,
sorcerer, magician since ancient times. Sacred fues
sorcerer, and magician fires are common
comrnon in in
cultures throughout
cultures throughout the world. In In some
somecases, priests or
cases, priests orpriestesses
priestesses havehave
maintained holy fires for
maintained centuries. For example,
for centuries. example, the convent of St. Brigid at
St. Brigid
Kildare maintained
Kildare maintained a sacred flame flame in the sanctuary
sanctuary that was not extinguished
$/as not extinguished
from the foundation
foundation of the the monastery
monastery in the sixth sixth century until the reign of
century until
Henry VIII.
source of light
As a source light and
and warmth,
warmth, fire fir. symbolizes
symbolizes life, protection, spirit, spirit,
illumination. As heat and
and illumination. energ, fire
and energy, fite symbolizes
symbolizes power, will, wil, love, hate,
hate,
wmth, eroticism,
wrath, eroticism, desire,
desire, passion,
passion, zeal,zeal,and inspiration.Fire
and inspiration. Fireisis an
an agent of
transmutation
transmutation and transformation, often often appearing
appearing as a symbol symbol of destruction,
destruction,
purification (destruction
but also purification (destruction of evil error), change, renewal, and rebirth
evil or error],
on aa higher level. Trial
higher level. Trial by fire is common to many
by fire many cultures, wherein a person
or object must withstand fire, fire, walk
walk over coals,coals, andand so so on,
on, to prove
prove innocence,
innocence,
chastity, or
chastity, or truth.
truth. Passing through the fire
Passing through fue is aa common
common symbol symbol of of initiation,
initiation,
purification, and
purification, and refining.
refining. FireFire is also, of
is also, of course, associated with
course, associated with the
the sun and
lightning. In
lightning. traditions,fire
many taditions,
In many one of the
fireisis one four or
the four orfive
fivefundamental
fundamental
elements of all
elements all things.
"Earthly" firefire isissymbolic
symbolic of oferoticism,
eroticism, anger,anger,and andphysical
physicalenergy.
energy.
"Heaverly" fire is
"Heavenly" symbolofofmysticism,
is aasymbol purification, sublimation,
mysticism,purification, sublimation, and and
spiritual
spiritual energy.
energy. The act of making Eire fue by byrubbing
rubbing two two sticks
sticks together
together appears
as a symbol
symbol of the sexual
sexual act in many folktalesfolktales and legends.
legends.
Fire symbolizes
symbolizes pelpetual change. ItIt transforms
perpetual change. transforms substance,
substance, but is not aa
substance itself
substance itself The Herachtusthought
philosopher Hetaclitus
The Greek philosopher thought of of fire
fire as thethe
primordial element out of
primordial of which
which everything
everything else else arises. He believed that fire fite is
the origin
origin of all matter and that, through through fire, fit., all
all things come into being being and
away: "This
pass away: "This wodd,
world,which
whichisisthe same fot
the same for all,
all,no one of
no one of gods
gods or men has
made; but it
made; it was
was ever,
ever, is is now,
now, and andeverever shallshall bebeeternal flre." See
eternal fire." See Altar,
Crucible, Flame, Forge, and Hearth
Flame, Forge, Hearth
Flame: A symbol of life
Flame: life force, inspiration, illumination,
force, inspiration, illumination, wisdom, activity, and and
purification. A
purification. flameisis often
A flame often used
used as symbol of
as aa symbol spirit. At the
of the soul or spirit.
same time, flame in general
genera! isis often
often seen as a sign
sign of
of peril
peril and
and destruction.
destruction.
Since fire is an agentagentof ofpurification
purification andand since
since being
being burned
burned is is
extremely painful,
extremely
^n cultures have
painful, many
many cultures have viewed flames as as aasignificant
significant
component
component of of hell,
hell, where
where unquenchable
unquenchable spiritual fites torture
spiritual fires torrure the
thewicked.
wicked.
hellfire as redemptive or at
Some doctrines describe hellfire at least
least escapable
escapable through
through

r02
102
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

true repentance
repentance oror renunciation
renunciation ofof attachment,
attachment, while forothers,
while for others,infernal
infernal
flames are punitive and eternal.
flames eternal. See
See Fire

Flesh: Flesh is
Flesh: is associated with life,
associated with life, death, and physical
death, and existence. To
physical existence. To bebe
incarnated is
incarnated is literally be"in
literallytotobe "in the flesh."To
the flesh." be '*flesh
To be and blood"
"flesh and blood" is both to
be real and to be be mortal. "sins of the
mortal. The "sins the flesh"
flesh" are desires of the
the desires
are the the lower
lower
$ust, gluttonl,
nature (lust, gluttony, and so on). See the section The Human Fluman Body
Frost: Generally,
Frost: Generally, frost symbol of the onset of
frost is a symbol of winter,
winter, age, slowing
age, and the slowing
down or cessation of
or cessation life. An
of life. early or
An early frost, one
or late frost, one which
rvhich ruins crop or
or
symbol of disillusionment or disappointment.
appears as a symbol
garden, sometimes appears disappointment.
See Ice

Glass/Crystal: Generally, glass or crystal symbolizes

Generally, glass light, truth, and
clarity, light,
symbolizes clariry,
Clear glass
perception. Clear some of the
shares some
glass shares the associations quartz crystal,
associations of quartz crystal, but
unlike quartz, has no crystalline
unlike quartz, crystalline stmcrure
structure and is, in
and is, in fact, an amorphous and and
extremely slow flowing
extremely slow liquid. In
flowing liquid. In general, glass is
when glass
general, ',vhen colored or mirrored, it
is colored
the filtering,
represents the
represents filtering, reflection,
reflection, and overall
overall distortion of of reality.
realiry. Glass is
also used as symbol of
as aa symbol offragility. See Mirror
fragiliry. See Mirror
Honey: Honey
Honey: Honey waswas the first sweetener
sweetener known humanity, and also provided
knor,vn to humanity, provided
the first making an
means of making
Frrst means an intoxicating beverage. It is the only food which,
intoxicatirg beverage. rvhich,
when stored conectly, never goes bad,
stored correctly, bad, hence its association
hence its rvith preservation
associarion with preservation
and incorruptibility.
and Honey is
incorruptibiliry. Honey is rapidly digestibleand
rapidly digestible andis
is a perfect source of
Because of
energy" Because
energy. of this, along with
this, along with its antiseptic
^
properties, honey has often
antiseptic properties,
been used in in both
bothinternal
internal andandexternal
external medicines. Honey is
medicines. Honey is associated with
associated with
fruitfulness, both
fruitfulness, because of
both because of its connection
connection with bees and because of its pre-
eminent place as a symbol
eminent symbol of plenty
plenry and goodness. Honey Honey isis sometimes
sometimes used
used
as aasymbol
as symbol of ofvirility,
viriliry,fertility,
fertiliry, health, vigor, eloquence
health, vigor, eloquence(honeyed rvords),
ftoneved words),
divine sustenance,
divine bliss (spiritual
sustenance, bliss (spirirual sweetness), and eroticism.
fullness, and
sweetness), wealth, fullness, eroticism.
Honey is also sometimes associated with
sometimes associated with the because of its color and the
the sun, because
fact it is
that it
fact that is produced
produced from from flowers.
flowers. InIn general,
general, honey is is aa symbol
symbol ofof all
all
goodness. Honey has uaditionally been used in birth
has traditionally birth and marriage rituals
and marriage riruals and
and
was sometimes poured as
was sometimes as aaritual
rirualoffering
offering(libation). Honey also
$ibation). Honey also has
has
associated with
associated with death, since itit u/as
death, since was used as aa funerary offering and in
funerary offering in the
the
presenration corpses.
preservation of corpses.
Ice: Ice
Ice: Ice isisassociated with cold
associated with cold and
andthe withimmobility
north,with
thenorth, immobiliq' or orrigidity,
rigidirl',
fttgtdiq'
frigidityand cessation of
and a cessation of life, feeling,or
life, feeling, or emotion.
emotion. IceIce is
is also used asas aa
symbol of
symbol
^
brittleness and
of brittleness impermanence.To
and impermanence. "breakthe
To"break ice" is
the ice" to bring
is to bring
situation or, in
social situation
warmth to aa social general, to
in general, fust to take an action.
to be the first action. To
"rvalk on thin
"walk thin ice" risk. To be of
ice" is to risk. of an "i.y heart" is to be
an "icy be pitiless without
pitiless or without
love. Ice is alsoalso aa symbol
svmbol of latency, since it
of latency, contains water
it contains (the essence
rvater (the essence ofof
life) in a lifeless form.
form.
Incense: The rising smoke
Incense: of incense
smoke of viewed as aa symbol
incense has long been viewed symbol ofof
the ascending spirit or
ascending spirit of prayers
or of to heaven.
rising to
prayers rising because of its
Also, because
heaven. Also, its
and pleasant
expense and nature, incense
pleasant nature, isoften
incense is oftenassociation withspiritual
associationwith spirirual

103
103
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

offering or sacrifice. Incense is

or sacrifice. is also usedtoto
alsoused symbolizepurification,
symbolize purification,
transmutation, and spiritual
transmutation, spirirual substance. See Smoke
substance. See Smoke
Typically, ivory
Ivory: Typically, ivory is is a symbol
symbol ofofpurity
purityand incorruptibiliry,primarily
andincorruptibility, primarily
because of its color. It is now also
also associated ecological exploitation.
associated with ecological exploitation.

Linen: Linen symbol of purity,

Linen is a symbol because of
purity, because color and because it is un-
of its color un-
dyed.
dyed. As such, linen funeral wrapping and is sometimes used
was a traditional funeral
linen was
clothing, in
in ritual clothing, to purify
in both cases as an attempt to purify the weatet. See Fabric
the wearer.

Mead: Mead often considered

I\fead is often considered aadivine drink,associated
divine drink, udthknowledge
associated with knowledge
since it is made
and immortality, since from water
made from watet(fertility)
(fertiliry) and
and honey
honey(spiritual
(spiritual
truth). See
See Honey

Metat Metals
Metal: very prominent place in the symbols
have a very
l\{etals have symbols ofof humanity.
humanity. Since
Since
pre-historic times,
pre-historic metals have been associated
times, metals associated with power, strength, wealth,
strength, wealth,
and later, Those metals
technology. Those
later, technology. known to the
metals known the earliest people, such as
eadiest people, as
copper, gold, and meteoric iron were
copper, all once
were all once regarded
regarded as
as sacred ormagical.
sacred or magical.
cultures, itit was
In many cultures, was thought that metals
metals were gestated in
were gestated in the womb of the
the womb
earth. See the section Metals
Milk Milk
Milk l\filk is the first
fust nourishment
nourishment of human human beings
beings (and, of course, of all
course, of all
Milk is
marrunals). Nfilk
other mammals). also a symbol of nurturing
is also nurtuing (the(the milk of kindness).
milk of kindness).
For this
this reason, milk is aa symbol
reason, milk life, the
symbol of life, the sustenance provided by nature,
sustenance provided nature,
everything we
divine grace (in the sense that everything
and divine we need is hete
here for us whether
wisely or
we know it and use it wisely Because of
or not). Because of its
its color
color and the fact that it is
liquid, milk
liquid, has often
milk has often been associated with
been associated the moon.
with the moon.
Mortar (or Cement):
Mortar I\'fortar symbolizes
Cement): Mortar symbolizes binding, that which holds together
binding, that together
and hence affection or attraction. See Masonry
attraction. See

mixture of earth and water,

amorphous mixture
Mud: As an amorphous water, mud is aa symbol
symbol of
primeval ^n and fertility.
matter
primeval matter fertility. It symbolizes
symbolizes the receptive principle of earth,
teceptive principle eatth,
generative potential, and like clay,
generative potential, plasticity.Mud
clay, plasticity. Mudisis sometimes seen both
sometimes seen both as
to life
earth brought to life by earth. Both of these
polluted by earth.
by water and as water polluted these
inherent
aspects are inherent in the symbolism
symbolism of the marsh.
marsh. SeeSee Clay
Perfume: In general,
Perfume: perfumes and incenses
general, perfumes incenses are symbols
symbols of virtue (the
(the sweet
sweet
sanctity). Th.y
smell of sanctity). They are also associated elemental air. In
associated with elemental modern
In modern
^re
associated with the sense of presence, ^rr.
times, perfume
perfume is also associated sense of presence, lingering
lingering after its
wearer has gone. See Incense
gone. See Incense

Resin: Resin is associated

Resin: with immon"lity,
associated with immortality, both
both because its preservative
because of its presearative
qualities
qualities and origins in evergreen
and its origins trees. It is also
evergreen trees. used as a symbol
also used spirit
symbol of spirit
incorruptibility.
flammable nature and incorruptibility.
because of its flammable
Rock A symbol
symbol of foundation,
foundation, immutability,
irrunutability, and permanence. See Stone
See Stone

Salt: An essential
Salt An of the
part of
essential part the diet,
diet, salt isan ancient
salt is of life
symbol of
ancient symbol life and
and
of preservation^n and incorruptibility (hence,
prosperity. Salt is also aa symbol
symbol of preservation and incorruptibility (hence,
also eternity), since salt
eterniry), since was vital
salt was vital for
for the preservation of
the preservation of food until modern

104
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
abilig to sterilize
times. Its ability led to salt's use in rituals
sterilize led rituals of purification, exorcism,
and protection
and ftomevil.
protection from evil. Because
Because of ofall
allthese
theseassociations,
associations, thetheaccidental
accidental
spilling of
spilling is considered
of salt is unlucky in
considered unlucky cultures. Salt
in many cultures. Salt has been so so
valuable that
valuable that workers
workers were
were some salt. In fact, this is the origin of
some times paid in salt.
salary and the expression "worth one's
the word salary one's salt."
salt." Salt symbol of
Salt is also a symbol
wit and spirit (because
and spirit its seasoning
(because of its @ecause of its
friendship (because
properties), friendship
seasoning properties),
value life-giving properties),
value and life-giving properties),and and the union of water and
the union fire (because
and fire (because it
v/as usually
was usually obtained
obtained by evaporation). symbol of earth and
alcheffiy, salt is aa symbol
evaporation). In alchemy,
physical matter.
physical matter. The grain of
The grain dissolvedin
of salt dissolved in the ocean is a symbol of the
the ocean
reunification of the individual with the absolute.
absolute.

Sand: Sand
Sand: Sandtypically
rypically symbolizes instabfiq' and
symbolizes instability impermanence, but
and impermanence, but also
also
infinity (because of its countless
countless grains).
grains).

Silk Silk coffunonly

Silk: commonly appears
appears as symbol of luxury,
as a symbol luxury, wealth, and sensual
sensual or
^
sybaritic Life.
sybaritic Becauseofofits
life. Because itssrength,
strength, beaury, and value,
beauty, and silk isis often
value, silk often used as a
cover or container for magical
container for talismans when
magical tools and talismans they are not in use.
when they use.
Many
N'fany magicians believe that
magicians believe silk will
that silk will act as an
act as ot retainer of
an insulator or of magical
magical
energies.
energies.

Smoke is sometimes
Smoke: Smoke sometimes seen
seen as the union of heaven and earth,
as the earth, and of
spirit and matter. In many
matter. In many cultures,
cultures, the smoke of sacrifice
smoke of sacrifice was thought to
c rfr/ prayers
carry up to heaven.
prayers up mixture of elemental
heaven. As a mixture fue and air,
elemental fire air, smoke
srnoke is
the antithesis of mud. It is
is also symbol of that which hides or obscures,
also a symbol obscures, and
("where there's smoke,
danget ("where
of imminent danger fire"). Smoke and mirrors
smoke, there's fire"). mirrors
trickery, and lack of substance.
are synonymous with illusion, trickery, substance.

Stone: Stone symbolizes permanence and

symbolizes permanence and hardness. Stone is
hardness. Stone is ofren
often used as a
divine power, because of its
symbol of divine
symbol its durability
durability and permanence,
pefinanence, leading to
its use
use ininaltars.
altars.Stones
Stones shaped
shaped by bynature
naturewere
weregenerally considered more
generally considered more
those shaped
sacred than those shaped byby human
human beings.
beings. Stones
Stones that srike sparks
that strike (such as
sparks (such
flint) or that have fallen
flint) the sky
fallen from the symbolic importance.
sky have additional symbolic importance. In
some traditions,
some paticularly Celtic
traditions, particularly Celtic traditions,
traditions, stones
stones such menhirs and
such as menhirs and
dolmens were
dolmens thought to
were thought to store energy from
store up energy transmit it to
from the earth and transmit
people who came came inin contact with them.
contact with them.(Menhirs
(Irfenhirs are standing
standing stones
stones and and
^re
dolmens are three or
dolmens or more
moreupright
upright stones
stonessupporting horizontal stone
supportirg a horizontal stone
"table.') Standing
"table.") Standing stones almostuniversally
stones are almost universally regarded
regarded as
^asphallic
phallicfertility
fertility
^re
through them themarearesimilarly
similarly regarded
regarded as fertiliry or
as fertility
symbols. Stones
Stones with holes through
regeneration symbols
regeneration associated vrith
symbols associated with the feminine principle. Often, objects,
feminine principle. objects,
of the
parts of the body, orwhole
body, or wholepersons
personswere were passed through these
passed through these stones
stones in in
order toto obtain
obtain health orfertility,
health or fertiliry, perhaps as an an act of symbolic
act of symbolic rebirth and and
reconnection with
reconnection with the source of
the source of life. Stone is
life. Stone is also symbol of
also a symbol the earth
of the earth
mother. In In many
manymyths,
myths, humans
humans(and (andsometimes
sometimes supernatural
supernatural beings)
beings) werewere
created from stones (the bones of Mother l\fother Earth).
Earth).
In many traditions, gems gems areare "born from the rocks,"rockr," having
having ripened in
the womb of of the
theearth. Precious stones
earth. Precious stones symbolize transmutation of the
symbolize the transmutation
opaque into the
opaque the translucent,
tanslucent, andand hence,
hence, matter into spirit
matter into spirit and imperfection
andimperfection
into perfection.
perfection.

105
105
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Stone is used
used in in tombs,
tombs, temples, and other
temples, and other monuments andsacred
monuments and sacred
buildings, both
buildings, both as link with
as aa link the divine
with the and to provide
divine and connection to the
provide a connection
(continuity). See the section Stones
furure (continuity).
past and the future

Water: Water
Water. associated with
universally associated
Water is universally life. ItIt is the central element of all
with life. all
liquids of life, such as blood and
the liquids and sap. Water is
sap. Water is the liquid that
theliquid thatallallliving
living
require, that fills
things require, fills the womb,
womb, makes plants plants grow,grow, and provides a home
fish. Water is also
for fish. also associated
associated with life life by
bv itsits flowing
flowing nature,
nature, since
since lifeless
lifeless
matter remains still. strll.
As "ions
As water is the
oigo," water
etongo,"
"_font el the primordial
primordial liquidliquid from
from which all life
r.vhich all life
originates. In
originates. In many creation myths,
many creation myths,the the cosmos
cosmos arises arisesoutour ofof an ocean of of
primeval chaos. As
primeval chaos. As an an undifferentiated
undifferentiated mass, water is
mass, ruvater symbol of chaos and
is aa symbol
possibility. Immersion
possibiliqr. symbolizesaarefurn
Immersion s)rmbolizes return to the rvomb,
to the womb, but also momentary
also momentary
dissolution of
oblivion, a dissolution
oblivion, re-integration into the
of form and aa re-integration the formlessness
formlessness of
pre-existence,hence
pre-existence, henceits associationwith
itsassociation withboth bothdeath death and rebirth or
and rebirth or
regeneration. Emerging from
regeneration. repetition of the act of creation.
water is aa repetition
from water
In
In Jungian psychology, the
Jungian ps1'chology, sea or any large body of water is a symbol
the sea symbol
unconscious. Jr.g
of the unconscious. said, "If
Jung said, directed to the unconscious,
"If attention is directed unconscious, the
unconscious rvill
unconscious yieldup
willyield up its contents, and
its contents, these in
and these in turn will fructify
turn will fructi$r thethe
conscious like a fountain of living
conscious like fountain of living water." Still rvater." Sill waters represent
represent peace and
and
Stormv or rough
order. Stormy rough waterswaters and floods represent
and floods represent imbalance, disorder, or
imbalance, disorder,
dil'ine r,vrath.
divine wrath.
Ir{any myths
Many differentiatethe
myths differentiate the "upper waters" or
"upper lvaters" or primal state of
formlessness from
formlessness from the "lower waters"
the "lower waters" that are are thethefecundating
fecundati.g waters from from
which form and life emerge.
and life Similarly, rain
emerge. Similarly, rain isis frequently
frequently seen as the
seen as solar or
the solar
celestial semen that
celestial semen that fertilizes
fertilizes the earth, whereas
the earth, whereas the ocean and
the ocean and other waters of
other waters
the earth are seen as lunar and feminine. feminine.
Subterranean waters,
Subterranean waters, such as those those ofofsprings
springs and andwells,
wells,have
have always
always
had special symbolic significanceasasaablessing
symbolic significance blessingfrom fromthe earth and
the earth and source
source of
fertility and
fertility and curative
curative power.
power.
In general,
In general, waterlvater is is associated
associated with with life,
life, the
theunconscious,
unconscious, emotion,
emotion,
purification and cleansing,
purification cleansing, the the feminine
feminineprinciple, fertiliry, fluidity,
principle, fertility, fluidiry, depth,
depth,
reflection
reflection and illusion, uniry or absence of parts,
illusion, unity absence of parts, comprehensiveness, and comprehensiveness, and
motion. In many
motion. man\r traditions,
traditions, r,vaterwater is is one of of thethefourfouror orfive
fivefundamental
fundamental
elements.
elements.

symbol of that which

Wax: Commonly, wax is a symbol r,vhich is
is pliable impressionable.
pliable and impressionable.
Wax since it melts
Wax also symbolizes the ephemeral, since melts soso easily.
easily,

\\/ine symbolizes
Wine: Wine symbolizes the divine spirit, ecstasy,
divine spirit, intoxication and madness.
ecstasy, intoxication madness.
associated rvith
Wine is associated
Wine with blood because of
blood because wine's color and because it is the
of red r,vine's
essence of the grape. association with blood and
grape. Its association vital essence,
and vital essence, the added
added
associations of alcohol, and the fact
associations fact that it is aa preserved
preserved form of the the grape,
grape,
beverage of life
makes wine a beverage
makes life or immortality.
immortality. This,
This, asas much asas its presence
presence at
supper, is the reason that wine
the last supper, 'uvine is the symbol of the blood of of Christ.
Christ.
Because wine
Because wine is
is aa product distillation and refinement,
product of distillation refinement, it is sometimes used
knowledge and truth. Wine is used as aa symbol
as a symbol of knowledge symbol ofof inspiration
inspiration
(particularly poetic inspiration),
(particulady poetic celestialfire,
inspiration), celestial fire, and
and burning
burning desire
desire or passion.
passion.

106
106
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Wine associated with
$fine is also associated with the since it
the sun, since it is sometimes thought of as
is sometimes as
Alcohol
distilled sunlight. See Alcohol
probably the oldest
Wood: Wood is probably oldest andand one of thethe most important of
most important of all
all
materials used
materials used by
by humanity.
humanity.Hard enough to
Hard enough to be useful, but
be useful, but soft
soft enough
enough to be
malleable,wood
malleable, woodhas has been
been used to tobuild
buildweapons, tools,houses,
weapons, tools, houses,ships,
ships,
wagons, and nearly
nearly everything
everything else that people
people have
have ever built until
ever built untilrelatively
relatively
recent times. In modern
times. In modernsemiotic
semiotic terms,
terrns, smoothed woodconveys
smoothed wood conveys nature,
nature,
comfort, and,
and, because
because it is shaped
shaped atat least
least partly
pardy by hand, craft and luxury.
luxury. To
wooden, however, is to be
be wooden, be dull,
dull, stiff,
stiff, or passive.
passive. See the section Trees

Yeast: Yeast is a symbol of life,

symbol of life, growth, andfermentation.
growth, and fermentation. Yeast has also
also
^
been used as a symbol of decomposition,
decomposition, spiritual
spirirual decay,
decaf, and impurity.
impurity.

An Alphabet
An Alphabet of
of Substances
Substances
As an exercise,
exercise, make list of the various substances
make aa list substances around your your house that
you use on on a day-to-day basis. Out
day-to-day basis. Out of this this list,
list, choose
choose at at least
least a dozen
dozen
^
substances that evoke some kind of
substances ofemotional
emotional response
response in in you, ^
lou,however
however
slight.
Think about how you use each of the substances substances on the second second list.
list, Is
it a drug oror food? Does itit cleanse
food? Does cleanse oror change
change something's
something's appearance? Choose Choose
^ppem^nce?
a single
single compound word or phrase phrase thatthat best
best describes
describes how
how eacheach substance
substance is
For example,
used. For example, something
something could be be aa rug-cleaner,
rug-cleaner, a plant-sustainer,
plant-sustainer, or a
scent-changer.
scent-changer.
Next, think about how you react to the substance. substance. Do you you enjoy
enjoy using
it? Is it something you use when injured injuted or ill? List a single
ill? List single word
word or or phrase
phrase to
represent thethe substance's
substance's principal
principal association,
association, symbolic nahrre, nature, or emotional
emotional
value. For example,
value. example, perhaps the the substance
substanceis is emblematic
emblematic of ofillness,
illness, security,
security,
intoxication, vanity, glamour, and
vanity, glamour, and soso on.
on.
Choose aa symbol
symbol for each each substance.
substance. You You cancan use
use any
any symbols
symbols you you
like, but each symbolsymbol should be easy to to draw
draw andand remember.
remember. Draw Draw the the
symbols on
symbols small adhesive
on small labels and
adhesive labels and place
place them on onthe theappropriate
appropriate
substances and materials (or their containers)
containers) around around your house,
house.
For the next few
the next few days,
days, try to to bebeaware
aware whenever
whenever you use or or interact
interact
one of
with one ofthethemarked
markedsubstances.
substances. Pay P"y particular attention to
particular attention to how the the
substances on
substances your list
on your relate to
list relate to one another.
another. Is Is one
onesubstance
substance used used in in
coniunction with
conjunction with or in inresponse
responseto toanother?
another?Are Aredifferent
differentsubstances
substances
associated with different times of the day
associated day (for
(for example, breakfast or preparing preparing
to go toto bed)
bed) orordifferent
different days of the
days of theweekweek(for (for example, laundry day or the
example, laundry
night
night one most often goes out). out). When
\rflhen you think of more more associations,
associations, add to
the notes on youryour list next to each substance.
substance.
After a fewfew days,
days, begin
begin totothink
thinkof ofthe theactivities
activitiesor orcircumstances
circumstances
^ substance in mythic terms. Imagine
associated with each substance
associated Imagine that each example of
the substance
substance is the unique archetype or ideal ideal form of that that substance.
substance. As you
use each
each substance, think of
substance, think yourself as
of yourself archetype of
as the archetype of the one one whowho
performs the the associated activiry. Thrs,
associated activity. Thus, whenwhen you you mop
mop the floor, you are The
One WhoSflho Cleans
Cleans wielding
wielding That Which Cleanses. If you can, try
'Vhich Cleanses. try relating
relating the

r07
107
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

activity to
activity traditional myth
to a traditional myth or story (such as the union of of divine
divine lovers,
lovers, the
nourishing of life,
creation or nourishing creadon of light,
life, the creation light, or the
the winning of fire).
win.irg of fte).

108
108
1
^---.,-l_--

Living Things
Chapter 12: Living

"Up in
in my
my head,
head, there's an
an animal Ki.g of the
animal kingdom. I am the King the Animals
there."
there."
From the song,
song, Animal Kingdom, by
Animal Kingdom, by The l\feat
Meat Puppets
Animals have
Animals always had
have always had a pre-eminent
pre-eminent place in in human
humanmythology
mythology and and
symbolism, ^
symbolism, perhaps because animals display display more
more "human" qualities
qualities than any
other element
element of of our
oursymbolic
symbolic environment.
environment. Our Our ability
ability totouse usesymbolic
symbolic
elements
elements in a magical
magical way way depends
depends uponupon our ability to relate these
abiliry to these elements
elements to
aspects of ourselves
ourselves and and ourour experience.
experience. Animals share many of the the qualities
qualities
human beings
of human beings in in that
thatthey live, eat,
theylive, eat,breed, di.,utter
breed,die, uttetsounds,
sounds,manifest manifest
emotions, and have have faces.
faces.
much of
In much ofmythology,
mythology, there is is no
noseparation between animals
separation between animals and
humanity. Many cultures
humanity. I\fany cultures have have viewed
viewedanimals
animalsas people---- not
aspeople not human, but
people equal to ourselves. Some ma)' may consider
consider this
this anthtopomoqphism,
anthropomorphism, but is
it a case
case of of attributing
attributing human traits traits to
to animals
animals as much as it isis realizing
as it realizing the
astonishing
astonishing amountamount of of traits and behaviors
behaviors that humanshumans share
share with other other
creatures?
creatures? The The word animal comes from the Latin
word animal Latin anima, meaning spirit or
breath, and it is the essential unity of spirit that is recognized in myth.
essential unity myth.
Animals often
Animals often represent
represent nourishment and life. This can be seen in the
life. This
animals" of various
"master animals" various tribal
tribal culfures,
cultures, such
such as as the
the bison
bison of the the plains
plains
Indians
Indians and the salmon salmon of of the
the northwestern
northwestern tribes.
tribes. Cattle
Catde are
are still
still symbols
symbols of
the source of life,lif., nourishment,
nourishment, and wealth in many cultures.
The dependence
dependence of of humanity
humanity on on domesticated
domesticated and wild animals
andwild animals would
be sufficient
be reason for animals
sufficient reason animals to have inhabited the psyches
have inhabited psyches of our our
ancestors, but our
ancestors, ourconnection
connection to toanimal
animalsymbolism
symbolism probably
probably goes goes much
much
deeper
deeper than this.this. Certain
Certain classes
classes of animal
animal symbols could be said
symbols could said to represent
encoded
encoded evolutionary information. Our physical structure
evolution ry information. structure is inherited
inherited from
fish
fish and reptiles,
reptiles, asas well
well as mammals.Our
as mafiunals. Our blood
blood still
still knows
knows the salt of the
the salt
which life
seas in which life was
was born.
born. Deep
Deepbeneath
beneathour ourconscious
consciousawareness,
awarefless, the
reptile brain
reptile remembers the lessons of the age of dinosaurs.
brain remembers dinosaurs.
Animals
Animals play play the roles of many many human
human archetypes
atchetlpes in mythology.
mythology. For
example,
example, many many animals
animals (such(such asas the monkey, coyote, and raven) appear in
myths as trickster figures.figutes. A symbol of chaos, and and aa cruel,
cmel, lecherous,
lechetous, cheat,cheat,
trickster is also
the trickster also an initiator and
an initiator and aaculture-hero
culfure-hero (such(such as as Raven,
Raven, whowho
brought firefue to
to humanity
humaniry in in Native
Native American
American myth).
myth). Animals are also used as as
symbols
symbols of supernatural
supernatural or or cosmic
cosmic powers,
powers, as aswell
well as
assymbolizing
symbolizing instinctive
instinctive
levels
levels ofof the subconscious.
subconscious.
Animals
Animals also also appear as totems, spirits or clan ancestors of
totems, the tutelary spitits
a particular people. ^pper
people. Frequerdy,
Frequently, the totem
the totem animal
animal isis one
one that led the way way to aa
new dwelling place or
dwelling place or a particular
particular shrine.
shdne.
Animals
Animals sometimes symbolize natural
sometimes symbolize processes. For
natural processes. example, to
For example, to the
ancient Egyptians,
Egyptians, the jackal jackal symbolized because itit buries
digestion because
symbolized digestion buries its food

I10
110
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
until putrefied. Ilfanl
Many animals come to symbolize
have come
animals have their most prominent
symb ohze their
quality or behavior,
quality behavior, suchsuch asasferocity,
ferociry,perception, strength,speed,
perception, strength, speed,flight,
flight,
concealment, and
concealment, and soso on. It It should
shouldbe benoted,
noted,however,
however, thatthatthethesymbolic
symbolic
associations of animals
associations animals often have little
often have or no relationship to the actual
little or actual nature
and behavior of thethe animals.
animals. For example, anyone who has spent much time
example, anyone time
keeping doves unlikely to view them as sweet
doves is unlikely sweet and roving.
loving.
with many
As with categories of symbols
many categories symbols (such as plants and gems) gems) the the
of the
color of theanimal
animal is ofgreat
is of importance. For
greatimportance. Forexample, bull (a(ageneral
example, a bull general
symbol life-force) might
symbol of power and life-force) associated with
might be associated
^
with the moon (if (if it was
was
the powers
white) or the powers of ofthe
theearth
earth(if(ifititwas brown).Generally
wasbrown). Generallyspeaking,
speaking, a
^
color is used toto add specific quality
add aaspecific quality toto anan animal
animal symbol
symbol in in the
the same
same way v/ay
that the
the parts
partsofofdifferent
different animals
animals are combined in
are combined in mythological
mythological creatures to
symbolize different qualities.
symbolize the combination of different qualities.
often symbols
Animals are often symbols of ofspecific
specific qualities
qualities ororpowers
powers(slyness,
(slyness,
swiftness, and so on) and are
strength, swiftness, are also
also used to to symbolize
symbolize the alter-ego or
the powers
the powers of of the
theunconscious.
unconscious. Ffere Here are some of of the
themost
mostcommon
comlnon
associations
associations of animals:
animals:

Thealbatross
Albatross: The albatross isisaasymbol ofceaseless
symbol of wandering and
ceaseless wandering and tireless flight.
tfueless flight.
Also used to symbolize
used to symbolize aa burden
burden (as inColeridge's
(m in Nne of
Coleridge's The Rime 0f the
the Ancient
Ancient
Marino).
Marine).

Thealligator,
Alligator: The like the crocodile
alligator, like crocodile is often used as a symbol
symbol of lurking
danger. A
danger. creature of
A creature mud and
of mud riverthat
andriver thathas
hasremained
remainedunchanged
unchangedsince
since
primordial times, the
primordial times, the alligator
alligator has many of the
has many the same associations as
sameassociations as the
the
aquatic or cthonic dragon. See Crocodile
dragon. See Crocodile
Ant: The ant is often
ant is often used
usedasasaasymbol ofthrift,
symbol of thrift,organization,
organizatlon, submission
submission to
authority, industry,
authority, industry,and and toil.
toil.The
The ant embodies the
ant embodies of hard
the virtue of hard work,
work,
otdediness, conformity,
orderliness, conformity,and communallife.
and communal life.ItIt is also
also used
used totosymbolize
symbolize
numbedess multirudes,
numberless lack of
multitudes, lack individuality, or
of individuality, or the insignificance of
the insignificance of the
the
individual. In
individual. the futility
symbols of the
In India, ants are symbols of earthly
futility of activity, due to
earthly activity,
restless motion.
their restless motion.
Theape
Ape: The apesymbolizes
symbolizes intelligence, cunning,agility,
intelligence, cunning, agdity, mischievousness,
mischievousness, and
mimicry, but also lasciviousness
mimicry, lasciviousness andand quarrelsome greed. It is sometimes used
quarrelsome greed. used
to symbolize qualities in general. The ape sometimes
symbolize base human qualities sometimes appears in
psychopomp or messenger
myth as a psychopomp messenger of the gods as in the case of Hanuman,
Hanuman,
l\{onkey Ktrg
the Monkey King of Hindu See Monkey
mythology. See
Hindu mythology. Monkey
The badger
Badger: The badgersometimes
sometimes appears
appears as
as aasymbol of ferocity,
symbol of ferocity, tenacity,
tenacity, and
since, with
courage, since, with its
its back
back protected
protected by burrow, it can often defend itself
by its burrow, itself
from much larger creatures. Its stubborn
srubborn defense,
defense, however,
however, made it popular
popular
for cruel in times
cruel sport in times past. "tobadger"
Hence, "to
past. Hence, someone isisto
badger"someone toneedlessly
needlessly
torment them.
Bat
Bat: The bat
bat is associated with the
is associated night, caves,
the night, darkness. It is
ruins, and darkness.
caves, ruins, is also
also
associated with
associated blindness('blind
with blindness ("blindas bat"). In
as?a bat"). modern times,
In modern times, bats
bats are
^te
associated with
associated with mental illness("to
mental illness ("to have bats in
have bats belfrl"', "batty",
in the belfry", just
"batty", or just

1111
11
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

plain "bats").
plain African cultures however,
"bats"). In African the bat
however, the is aasymbol
bat is ofintelligence
symbol of intelligence
because of
wisdom because
and wisdom itsability
of its tonavigate
ability to navigate in indarkness. Batshave
darkness. Bats have
sometimes
sometimes been used as as symbols immortaliry and the other
symbols of immortality wodd, since
other world, since
live in caves (in
they live (in myth, gateway to
myth, a gatervay to trans*mortal
trans-mortal realms).
realms).

Bear: The bear

bear is commonly seen as the embodiment of power, pou/er, strength, and
fortitude. It is often used
fortirude. as aa symbol
used as of stubbornness
symbol of srubbornness or or grouchiness (as in
grouchiness (as
the stock
the stockmarket). Thebear
market). The bearisis sometimesassociated
sometimes withresurrection
associated with resuffection
@ecause it hibernates,
(because awakes in the spring).
hibernates, then awakes many traditions,
spring). In many traditions, bears
bears
associated with the Great Mother
also been associated
have also Nfother because
because of of their
theirearth-like
earth-like
qualities (earthy color,
qualities (earthy stockiness, and care in
color, stockiness, in rearing young). Because
rearing young). Because bears
sometimes walk upright and because of their
because of their native
native intelligence
intelligence and curiosity,
curiosity,
some cultures viewed bears
culrures viewed somewhat as a different
bears somewhat kind of human.
different kind
Beaver The beaver
Beaver: The beaver isis a symbol
symbolof ofindustry
industry(busy andnatural
beaver) and
Fusybeaver) natural
engineering. It is also
^
associated with
also associated with water,
water, earth, and
and r,vood.
wood.
Bee: The bee is an
bee is anembodiment
embodiment of ofindustry
industry(busy
(busyas x5aabee), activiry, zeal,
bee),activity, zeal,
order, diligence, communal life.
and communal
diligence, and Becauseitit produces
life. Because honey, the
produces honey, the bee is
sometimes used as aa symbol refining and distillation.
symbol of refining distillation. The bee also appears
symbol of the soul.
as a symbol soul.

associated with
Birds are associated
Birds: Birds with the
the sky, the powers of the air,
sky, the air, the
the heavens,
heavens,
the sun, heavenly bodies, weather, and the
sun, heavenly the seasons.
seasons. Birds in general
Birds in symbolize
general symbolize
flight, aspiration,
freedom, flight, aspiration, ascension, throughascension,
spirirualization through
ascension, spiritualization ascension,
imagination,and
thought,imagination,
transcendence, thought,
transcendence, andthe soul.In
thesoul. In the myths of of many
many
cultures, reside in the branches
birds reside
cultures, birds branches of of the oftensymbolizing
World-Tree, often
theWorld-Tree, symbolizing
human souls. Nocturnal
Nocturnal birds are sometimes viewed as the souls of the dead.
viewed as dead.
Birds often appear
appear in myth as a link between
betr,veen heaven
heaven and earth (humanity
(humanity and
the gods)
gods) and arefrequently
and are thought to
frequendy thought topossess knowledg.. Even
secretknowledge.
possesssecret Even
associated with messages
today, birds are still associated messages or messengers litde bird told
messengers ("a little
me"). Because birds are so often
vre so often portrayed
portrayed as asmessengers, there are
messengers, there many
are many
forms of divination
divination based
based on their behavior. ability to transform
behavior. In myth, the ability
into a bird symbolizes ability to
symbolizes the ability communicate with
to communicate wodd. Some
with the other world.
believe that
believe that a dream of of birds
birdssignifies the onset
signifies the ofpsychic
onset of psychictransformation.
transformation.
The bird's
bird's nest is sometimes
nest is sometimes used
used as symbol of
as aasymbol ofsecurity,
security, family,
family, and home.
Feather and Wing
See Feather
The two-shelled
Bivalves: The mollusks (which
nvo-shelled mollusks (r,vhich include oysters and
and scallops)
scallops) are
associated with sexuality and
with sexuality and fertiliry,
fertility,water,
water,and
and the powers of the waters.
the powers waters.
Bivalves have
Bivalves symbolized female
have symbolized genitalia and
female genitalia reproductive organs
and reproductive organs since
since
the Latin
ancient times. Indeed, the word for
Latin word bivalves in general
for bivalves ("concha") also
general ("concha") also
ttvulva.tt
meant "vulva."

Boar: Typically
Boar. associated with
Typically associated aggressir-eness and
with aggressiveness ferocity, the
and ferocity, the boar is
is
sometimes used as as aa symbol
symbol of death and destruction, but also
destruction, but also courage, valor,
courage, valor,
fertilitv of the earth. In ancient
and the fertility was one of the most
times, the boar was
ancient times,
dangerous animals to
dangerous animals to encounter).
to hunt (or even to encounter). There are myths of
are myths of even
even
gods being slain while hunting boars.
slain r,vhile boars.

LL2
112
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Buffalo: buffalo is aa symbol
Buffalo: The buffalo ofpower,
symbol of power, strength, fortitude, and the
strength, fortitude, the
self. To "buffalo"
unredeemed self. See Ox
"buffalo" someone is to intimidate them. See
One of
Bull: One ofthe
theearliest
earliestandandmostmostimportant
importantanimals hunted, and
animals hunted, and later
later
domesticated, by humanity.
domesticated, humanity. The The bull's
bull'sprodigious
prodigious sexuality wasassociated
sexualiry was associated
with both the fertility of the herd
the fertility herd and
and the fertility of the
thefertility the fields. bull is a
fields. The bull
symbol ofof fecundity, the fertility
fecundity, the of the
fertility of theearth, virility, lasciviousness,
earth,virility, life-
lasciviousness, and life-
power. The bullbull is sometimes also also used as symbol of
as aa symbol of tenacity, fury, anger, or
tenacity, fury,
unconstrained
unconstrained strength.
Bull worship
Bull worship was
was a pervasive feature of nearly
pervasive feature neady all of the the earliest
eadiest near
near
\,fiddle Eastern, and North
eastern, Middle North African civfizations. In each
African civilizations. bull
case, the bull
each case,
was considered a god god ofof fertility
fertility and
and strength,
strength, hadhadaacelestial
celestial aspect (usually a
aspect(usually
connection with
connection with the sun sun or ormoon),
moon),and andhad hadanan earthly
earthly manifestation.
manifestation.
Typically, the ki.g
Typicalll, the king identified himself with
identified himself with the divine bull. See See Cow
Butter{ly: The
Butterfly: butterfly isisassociated
The butterfly associatedwithwithtransformation
transformation and and
metamorphosis, rebirth,
metamorphosis, resurrection (hence,
rebirth, and resurrection immort"lity). Like the bird,
(hence, immortality).
it is sometimes
sometimes used as symbol of the soul
as a symbol soul in ascension it rises from its
ascension -- it
body) and
(the body)
cocoon (the and flies away. Often
flies away. freedom
Often seen as an embodiment of freedom
and joy,
and butterfly appears
the butterfly
ioy, the frequendy as
appears frequently as aasymbol ofbeauty,
symbol of beauty,particularly
particulady
symbol of transience and
fantastic beauty, but it is also used as a symbol
ephemeral or fantastic
frailry. Elves
frailty. and fairies
Elves and are often
fairies are often portrayed
portrayed as having butterfly wings.
Calf Like the
Calf: Like lamb, the
the lamb, the calf is sometimes
calf is tosymbolize
used to
sometimes used symbolize aasacrifice,
sacrifice,
particularly *r
particulatly an innocent sacrifice. Like
Like the cow, symbol
cow, the calf is a traditional symbol
prosperity and
of prosperity fertility.
and fertility.

Camel The
Camel: Thecamel is aasymbol
camel is ofstamina,
symbol of humility, and
stamina, humility, dociliry, but is
and docility, is also
also
symbol of stubbornness. In
sometimes used as a symbol In medieval
medieval Europe, the the camel
camel
was a symbol
symbol of temperance
ternperance because
because of of its
its ability
ability to go days drinking.
days without drinking.
Because the
Because the camel
camel enables one to
enables one to cross the desert, it is sometimes
it is sometimes used to
symbolize
symbolize crossing (or veil)
crossing the abyss (or veil) on
on the journey
iourney to secret knowledge and
secret knowledge
illumination.
illumination.
Like the
Carp: Like the salmon, the carp
salmon, the symbolofofperseverance,
carpisisaasymbol since carp
perseverance, since carp
annually leap
annually leap steep rapids to spawn. In Japan,
steep rapids is aa symbol
carp is
Japan, the carp symbol ofof martial
martial
scales. I\fost
courage because of its armor-like scales.
courage Most corntnorly,
commonly, the carp is aa symbol
calp is symbol
life-span.
of longevity because of its great life-span.
The cat
Cat: The symbolizes quickness,
catsymbolizes agility, stealth, freedom,
quickness, agility, luck (having
freedom, and luck ftaving
landing on its
nine lives, landing its feet), butalso
feet), but alsopredatory lust,selfishness,
nature,lust,
predatory nature, selfishness,
desire, pleasure, curiosity, and jealousy.
pleasure, curiosity, jealousy. Cats
Cats are
are also associated with
also associated the moon
with the moon
because
because of their nocturnal habits
nocturnal night vision.
habits and night vision. Kittens are often used to
Kittens are
symbolize playfulness.
playfulness.

Chameleon: The chameleon isisthe

Thechameleon embodimentofofdisguise,
theembodiment disguise,camouflage,
camouflage,
invisibility, and
invisibility, and changeableness.
changeableness.

113
113
 -■•■•■-■••

The Magician's Reflection

Reflection

The cicada
Cicada: The is aa symbol
cicada is symbol of cycles, since it emerges from the ground
of cycles, ground
only after thirteen
only years as
thirteen years lawa. It
as a larva. It isisalso
alsoseen asas
seen representing
representing
trans formation (hence
transformation
^ and immortality).
resurrection and
(hence resurrection immort^liry) .

(Rooster): The cock is associated

Cock (Rooster): awakening, sunrise (dawn),
associated with awakening, (dawn), the
light, vigilance,
sun, light,
sun, vigilance, and courage. It is also used as aa symbol
symbol ofof carnality,
carn^liry, male
lust and
lust andsexuality,
sexuality, pride, andstrutting
pride,and struttingover-confidence (feelingcocky).
over-confidence (feeling cocky).
Because of its often reddish feathers,
Because feathers, some cultures associate rooster with
associate the rooster
fke. In
fire. some cultures,
In some theNorse
cultures, such as the Norseand
andCeltic
Celtictraditions, the cock
traditions, the cock
appears
appears as a psychopomp, accompanying the
psychopomp, accompanying soul of
the soul deceased to the next
of the deceased
wodd,
world, whete awakens to a new day and
where the soul awakens and is reborn.
reborn.
The largest
Condor: The bird of
largest bird of prey in the
prey in world, the
the world, condorisisgenerally
the condor generally seen
seen as
symbol of the sun,
a symbol th. air,
sun, the air, and their powers.
and their condor has
powers. The condor much
played much
has played
same role in South
the same South American mythology as
Americari mythology eagle has in the mythology
as the eagle mythology
America.
of North America.
Cow: In older
older myth,
myth, the cow often appears symbol of the Great Mother
appears as a symbol l\{other
(ptoviding the
(providing milk of
the milk life). It
of life). It is often associated with
often associated with the the
the earth and the
maternal, nurturing
maternal, power of the earth. The cow
nurturing power co\v was major symbol
was aa major of life
symbol of life
and fertility to many
and fertility many nomadic
nomadic and pastoral
pastoral peoples. It has
peoples. It hasfrequently
frequendy been
been
associated with
associated the moon
with the because of
moon because of its crescent
crescent horns and sex. In modern
modern
times, the cow is more often associated dullness or complacency.
associated with dullness complacency.

Coyote: A
Coyote: A common
conunon symbol
symbol ofof mischief and cunning,
mischief and the coyote
cunning, the coyote often
often
figure in
appears as a trickster figure myth. As aa trickster,
in myth. trickster, the coyote appears in myth
coyote appears
as aa wanderer,
as glutton, lecher,
wanderet, glutton, thief, cheat,
lecher, thief, cheat,outlaw, clown, pragmatist,
oudaw, clown, pragmatist, and
and
sunrivor. In myth, coyote
survivor. coyote is an initiator because of his tricks and pranks,
initiatot because pranks, but
himself falls
because he himself
also because prey to
falls prey consequences of his lust, greed, and
to the consequences
foolishness. Becausethe
foolishness. Because the coyote inhabits wild
coyote inhabits wild and regions, it is
and often sparse regions, is
associated with
also associated with loneliness and desolation. See See Trickster

The crab is
Crab: The is associated
associated withwith the moon, because of
moon, because themoon's
of the moon's
relationship to
telationship to water tides. The crab is sometimes
water and tides. sometimes used as a a symbol
symbol of of
creation, life- giving
creation, the life- powers of
giving powers of water,
water, and primal ocean,
and the primal ocean, both because
because
of its connection
connection to to water
water and its ability
and its abiliry to regenerate
regenerate severed limbs, It is also
severed limbs.
associated with defense and ill-humor,
associated ill-humor, because of its shell claws. The crab
shell and claws.
has sometimes been seen as aa symbol
has sometimes symbol of of inconstancy,
inconstancy, because
because ofof its
its sidling,
sidling,
^s
back and forth, mode of movement.
forth, mode movement.
Like many
Crane: Like long-necked birds (such
many long-necked flamingo),
(such as the goose, egret, and flamingo),
associated with the sun.
cranes are often associated

Crocodile: The crocodile

Crocodile: crocodile symbolizes the primal
symbolizes the primal ocean
ocean and
and the powers of the
the powers
waters (sometimes associatedwith
(sometimes associated withthe symbol of
the symbol Leviath^r), but
of Leviathan), but also
also
associated with cthonic
associated forces. The crocodile is also a symbol of danger and
cthonic forces.
deception, since
deception, since crocodiles are often
crocodiles are often mostly
mostly hidden
hidden beneath water. It is
beneath the water.
associated urith
associated death and fate, probably
with death because of
probably because of snatching
of its habit of snatching
suddenly from
people suddenly rivers. Like the dragon, the crocodile
from the edge of rivers. crocodile has

114
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

often been
been associated with darkness
associated with moon and
the moon
darkness and the sometimes viewed
was sometimes
and was vie'uved
as a devourer sun. See
devourer of the sun. Alligator
See Alligator

Like the raven, the crow

Crow: Like is frequently
crow is frequently portrayed
portrayed in in myth as trickster
as aa trickster
and often
and often appears as aamessenger
appears as messenger or or oracle. Like the
oracle. Like the magpie, the crow
magpie, the crow isis
sometimes aa symbol of thievery
s)'mbol of because itit will
thievery because will steal small shiny
steal small shiny objects.
objects. SeeSee
Raven

Cuckoo: The cuckoo

Cuckoo: associated with
is associated
cuckoo is because of
unfaithfulness because
with unfaithfulness its habit of
of its of
laying eggsin
in other
other bird's nests. It
bird's nests. associated rvith
It is associated for the
with deception for the same
same
Slryggs
reason.
dinosaurs in
Dinosaurs: Large dinosaurs particular symbolize
in particular symbolize untamed
untamed narure
nature and its
potential ferociry.
potential Dinosaursin
ferocity. Dinosaurs in general share many
general share many of of the
thesymbolic
symbolic
associations of
associations dragons and represent the
serpents and dragons
of seqperits primordial powers
the primordial porvers ofof
earth and
the earth and waters. Like Godzilla,
waters. Like Godzilla, dinosaurs in in movies
movies are
are sometimes
sometimes used
used
as a metaphor for for the revenge of
the revenge of nature
narure out ofbalance.
out of Dinosaurs, however,
balance. Dinosaurs, hor,vever,
because of
because their fossilization
of their fossilization and, forfor the
the most
most part,
part,absence, also symbolize
absence, also symbolize
evolution, time,
evolution, extinction, and obsolescence.
time, extinction, When someone is
obsolescence. $flhen called a
is called
^
it is
dinosaur, it
dinosaur, is saying that they
saying that they are
are unsophisticated, out*of-date, dwindling
unsophisticated, out-of-date, dwindling in
number, on their way
number, and on their way out. out. See
See Fossils
Dodo: The
Dodo: The dodo
dodo bird is commonly
bird is commonly used as aa symbol
used as ofstupidity
symbol of srupidiry and
and
extinction.
extinction.
Doe (or
Doe Hind): The
(or Hind): The doe is a symbol of swiftness,
symbol of swiftness, gentleness, It
timidiry. It
gentleness, and timidity.
associated with
is often associated feminine aspect of
with the feminine the powers
of the of the
powers of the wilderness.
rvilderness.
See Stag

Dog: The
Dog: The dog
dogappears
appears as guardian of
asaa guardian of the
the portals to the
portals to undenvorld or as
the underworld as aa
psychopomp (a
psychopomp guide for
(a guide for the souls
souls ofofthe
thedead) inmyths
dead) in mythsthroughout
throughout the the
world. Because of of their abiliq to
their ability to sense imperceptible to humanity,
sense things imperceptible humanifin, dogs
often thought
are often
are thought to to be
besensitive
sensitive to tothe
thesupernatural
supernarural and able to to act asas
messengers or
messengers betweenthis
intermediaries befrveen
or intermediaries this and the other
and the othernvodd.
world. Again,
sensitiviry, it
because of the dog's sensitivity, it is sometimes associated
associated with divination and
knowledge of
kno'uvledge invisible. The
visible and invisible.
of the visible The dog is aa symbol
symtrol of offaithfulness,
faithfulness,
fideliry, friendship,
fidelity, watchfulness,and
friendship, watchfulness, companionship. It
and companionship. is also
It is alsoassociated
associated
with territoriality, the hunt,
territoriality, the hunt, and war.war. At
At the same time, the dog is often used used
as a symbol for baseness, low
as lor.v birth, rmpuriry (dirty
birth, and impurity bitch, or son of aa
dog, bitch,
(dirry dog,
bitch).
bitch).
Dolphin: Just as
Dolphin: as the dog has
the dog acted as
has acted to the
guide to
as aa guide the dead in many
dead in many myths,
myths, the
the
dolphin appears in
dolphin also appears in myths
myths as a a psychopomp
psychopomp when the journey journey to the
to the
underworldis
undenxrodd made by
is made There are
sea. There
by sea. aremany
manytraditions
traditions (and, in fact,
(and, in fact,
documented cases) ofof dolphins
dolphins carrying shipwrecked humans to
carrying shipwrecked to safety. An
safery. An
embodiment of
embodiment of the ocean and
the ocean thepower
and the power ofofthe
thewaters,
waters,dolphins
dolphins areare
sometimes used as symbols ofof playfulness
playfulness and swiftness.
swiftness.

115
115
 Reflection
Ttre Magician's Reflection
The
Donkey (Ass
(Ass or Mule): The
or Mule): Thedonkey
donkey isis often
often used tosymbolize
used to stupidity and
symbolize stupidity
obstinacy, but also patience, humility,
obstinacy, and bearing
humility, and burdens. In older
bearing butdens. older myths,
myths, it
sometimes symbol of the lower nature.
sometimes is used as a symbol nature.

Dove: Though itit has litde to do

has little with their
do with their actual
actual behavior
behavior in nature, the dove
frequently appears as
frequendy appears symbol of peace, gentleness,
as a symbol meekness. The dove
gentleness, and meekness.
to symbolize
is also used to grace, and beauty. It is
aspiration, grace,
symbolize purity, innocence, aspiration,
one of the most universal
the most universal metaphors forfot woman.
woman. TheThe white
white dove is also
dove is also used
symb ohze the Holy Spirit ot
to symbolize or the soul.
soul.

Perhapsbecause
Eagle: Perhaps because ofof its
its image
image as the mightiest
as the of winged
rnightiest of winged creatures,
creatures, the
eagle is
eagle is almost
almost universally associatedwith
universallyassociated withthe
thesun and the
sun and powers of the sky
the powers slry
and air. It amplifies
air. It the associations
amplifies the associations of ascension,
ascension, spirit, and intellect that are
cofiunon to
common to birds
birdsiningeneral. Otherassociations
general. Other includestrength,
associations include sttength, courage,
courage,
victory, authority,
authority, pride, celestial
celestial power, perception or keen
power, perception vision, dignity,
keen vision, digttity,
swiftness. The eagle
and swiftness.
and eagle sometimes symbolizesthe
sometimes symbolizes triumph of
the triumph spirit over
of spirit over
matter (good over evil, evil, light
light over darkness,
darkness, and
and so on). InIn myths,
myths, the
the eagle
eagle
often appears
appears asas aaslayer of serpents,
slayer of andisisfrequently
serpents, and frequently portrayed holding aa
portrayed holding
snake in its beak.
Eet symbol of slipperiness
Commody, aa symbol
Eel: Commonly, slipperiness or sliminess.
sliminess.

Elephant: Theelephant
Elephant: The elephantsymbolizes
symbolizes strength, power,memory,
sttength,power, memory,fidelity,
fidelity,
patience, unchanging
patience, stability,wisdom,
unchanging stability, wisdom,wealth, size,and
wealth,size, weight. ItIt is often
and weight. ofren
as aasymbol
used as of the
symbol of theearth
earthand cthonicpower.
andcthonic power. A Awhite
whiteelephant
elephant is is
sometimes used to symbolize
used to expensive or grand, but useless.
symbolize something expensive useless.

Like the
Falcon: Like the eagle, thefalcon
eagle, the symbolofofaspiration,
falcon isisaasymbol aspiration,ascension,
ascension,
swiftness, victorf,
swiftness, freedom.The
and freedom.
victory,and falcon is
The falcon is also
also used symbol of the
used as a symbol
^s
hunt and predatory
predatory nature, associated with
natrre, and is often associated with the sky
sky and sun. The
name may derive
falcon's name dedve from the the Latin
Latin -foi*, sickle, probably
faix, meaning sickle, probably
referring to
referring itssickle-Like
toits sickle-like claws.
claws.

Fish: Fish in
Fish: in general water, the
symbolize water,
general symbolize ocean, the
the ocean, life, and the
the depths, life,
oflg1n of life.
origin Because of
life. Because of their association with
their association with water and the depths, fish
water and fish are
are
sometimes used as as aa symbol
symbol of of wisdom.
wisdom. As As aa major foodsource
major food (particulttly
source(particularly
in ancient
in cultures), fish
ancient cultures), were often seen as aasymbol
fish were symbol of ofabundance
abundance and and
nourishment. The fish
nourishment. fish has also appeared
has also appeared as symbol of fertility
as aa symbol fertility and sex,
sex, both
because of its prolific breeding and its association
association withurith water.
Since m2ny
many myths describe cosmic manifestation
describe cosmic manifestation as as occurtirg
occurring out out of
the chaos of the primal ocean
the primal ocean (on(on the
the face
face ofof the
the waters), fish are often seen
watets), fish seen
instruments of
as instruments of salvation revelation. Thus,
and revelation.
salvation and Thus, many
many deities and spiritual
deities and spititual
figures have
figures have been identified with
been identified with both fish and the fisherman.
both fish fishennan. The fish fish also
also
naturally,as
appears, naturally, as a symbol of
a symbol of baptism
baptism and andspiritual
spiritual immersion.
immersion. In In
psycholory, the
Freudian psychology,
Freudian fish is a phallic
the fish symbol. In
phallic symbol. In common usage, the fish fish
symbol of coldness
is sometimes used as a symbol coldness or lacklack of
of emotion.
emotion.
Fly: Flies sometimes
Fly: sometimes symbolize cornrption, putrefaction,
symbolize pestilence, corruption, putrefaction, and
and
most insects
death. Like most insects associated
associated with rotand
vrith rot anddisease, fliessometimes
disease,flies sometimes

116
116
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
appear as a symbol
symbol of evil
evil and
and spiritual
spiritual corruption.
corruption" The fly is also used as
The fly as aa
symbol of annoyance
annoyance or insignificance.
insignificance.

Fox: The
Thefox symbolofofslyness,
foxisisaasymbol slyness,shrewd
shrewdcunning,
cunning,craftiness,
craftiness, trickery,
trickery,
guile, wisdom. The fox often appears
guile, and wisdom. appears in in myth
myth as
as aa trickster,
trickster, playing
playing a role
in European
European andand Asian myth similar
Asian myth similar to that ofCoyote
that of Coyote in inNative
Native American
American
myths. In many traditions, fox is
ttaditions, the red fox is also
also associated
associated with fire because of
fue because
the color of its coat.
coat.

Frog: TheThe frog

ftog is
is an
ananimal
animal ofofthe humidprinciple.
thehumid principle. Like
Like thethe butterfly,
butterfly, the
frog is aa symbol
symbol of psychic
psychic transformation, but it is is also
also associated
associated with the
fertilizing power
fertilizing power of of water
water(particularly
(particuladyrain), life,generation,
rain),life, generation, fecundity,
fecundity,
fertility, sexuality,
fertility, sexuality,and andthe forcesof
theforces of the unconscious. The
the unconscious. The frog is a natural
natural
symbol of evolution,
symbol since its life
evolution, since life history pamllels the course of evolution
parallels the ^ as as aa
whole. A
whole. symbol of
A symbol of rebirth since the
rebirth since the Neolithic
Neolithicera, era,itit is often used to
symbolize transformation (frogs
symbolize transformatjon (frogs into princes),metamorphosis,
into princes), metamoryhosis, and and
resurrection.
resuffection.

Thegazelle
Gazelle: The symbolofofspeed,
isa symbol
gazelle is speed,grace,
grace,light- footedness, keen-
light-footedness, keen-
sightedness, ^ somedmes associated
sightedness, and beauty. It is sometimes associated with the air and wind.

Gnat
Gnat (or
(or Flea):
Flea):Commonly,
Commonly,aasymbol ofsmallness
symbol of smallness or
or insignificance.
insignificance.

Goat Often
Goat: Often used
used asasaasymbol
symbol of
of lust,
lust, lechery,
lechery, appetite, and the lower
lower passions
passions
or desires.
or It isisalso
desires. It alsosometimes
sometimes used
usedas symbolofofvitality,
asa symbol virility, and
vitality,virility, and
f.ttility.
fertility. ^
Goose: Wild \Ufild geese
geeseare associated withwandering,
associatedwith wandering,seasonal
seasonalchange
change
(particularly
(particulutly spring), the^re
spring),the lengthening of
lengthening of days,
days, and
and the renewal of growth
the renewal growth and
fertility.
fertility. By
By extension,
extension,the goose is
the goose associatedwith
is associated with the sun. The goose also
the sun. also
appears as
appears symbol of
as a symbol ofwatchfulness because of its
watchfulness because its loud
loudhonking
honking whenwhen
alarmed. The
alarmed. ^ domestic goose
The goose is sometimes
sometimes used as a symbol of silliness
symbol of silliness or
foolishness. ^

Hawk The
Hawk: Thehawk
hawksymbolizes
symbolizes perception
perception (being
@eing "hawk-eyed"),
"hawk-eyed"), alertness,
alertness, and
swiftness, fterceness,
fierceness,and warlikeor
and warlike or predatory nature. It is
predatory nafure. is also
also sometimes
sometimes
used as a symbol
symbol of the spirit
spirit or
or soul.
soul. Like
Like the eagle
eagle and the
the falcon,
falcon, the hawk
hawk
associated with
has often been associated with the sun.
FIen: The
Hen: The hen is aasymbol
hen is of maternal
symbol of maternal care. is also
care. It is also used as aa symbol
used as symbol of
foolish worry.
Heron:
Fleron: The
Theheron
heronisisaasymbol ofvigilance
symbol of vigilance and
and stillness.
stillness. It isis often
often associated
associated
with the rising sun. The
The heron
heronalso
alsosometimes
sometimes appears
appears as as aa symbol of divine
symbol of divine
knowledge,
knowledg., perhaps because of of its
its long
long penetrating
penetrating bill.
bill. See
See Stork
Stork
Florse: Often
Horse: Ofren used
used asas aasymbol
symbol of ofpower,
power, vitality,
vitaliry, and pride, the horse
horse is
is
similar in
similar many of its symbolic
in many associationsto
symbolic associations to the
the bull (though
(though the bull
bull is
is
associated with
more often associated with the power and fertility of the earth). The horse is
and fertility
also used tosymbolize
used to symbolize industry ("work Like
industry ("work like a horse"), thethe instinctual
instinctual animal
animal
nature,
nature, the body
body (since "ridden" by
(since it is "ridden" by the
thespirit),
spirit), and
andchaos (wild horses).
chaos(wild horses).

117
TL7
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Only the serpent

serpent is
is more
more varied
varied and
and wide-ranging
wide-ranging in its symbolism
symbolism than the
horse. The nature
nature ofof the
thehorse's
horse'ssymbolism
symbolism spansspans the gulf between
the gulf berween the the
underworld
undenvodd and heaven.
The white,
white, celestial associated with
horse is associated
celestial horse with air,
air, water
water (in
(in the form of
the form
heavenly fit.,
clouds and rain), heavenly fire,andand the
the sun. It It isisalso
alsoassociated
associated with
with
motivation and swiftness,
swiftness, the intellect,
intellect, thought, imagination,
imagination, and nobility.
nobility.
The black,
black, cthonic horse isisassociated
cthonic horse associatedwithwithearth,
earth, water
water(particularly
(particularly
waves and the
the waves the power
power of ofthe
theocean), fire, and
earthly Fire,
ocean), earthly and the moon. It It
represents
represents dreams andand nightmares,
nightmares, passions
passions andand desires,
desires, sexuality,
sexuality, instinct, the
unconscious,
unconscious, and death. The black Lrorse,
and death. horse, the horse
horse of of darkness,
darkness, appears
appears inin
many myths
myths as a psychopompr
psychopomp, since at night, the horse leads the rider.
The horse's embodiment
embodiment of of intuition
inruition and
and instinct makes itit aaspiritual
instinct makes spirirual
guide in life
life as well
well as
as death. Becauseof
death. Because of this,
this, the horse is
the horse the steed of the
is the
shaman throughout Asia,Asia, bearing the shaman between
befween the worlds.
worlds.

Hyena: The
Hyena: Thehyena
hyenasymbolizes
symbolizescoarseness,
coarseness, cowardice,
cowardice, greed, impurity or
uncleanliness (since it
uncleanliness (since it isisa carrion-eater), instability,mockery,
carrion-eater),instability, mockery,hysterical
hysterical
laughter, and inconstancy ^treach.ty.
inconstancy or treachery.

Ibis: The ibis associated with

ibis is sometimes associated with the
the moon because of
moon because cunre of
of the curve
its beak and because
because it remains near
neat water. The ancient
ancient Egyptians
Egyptians considered
the ibis
the ibis to be the earthly manifestation of
earthly manifestation of Thoth wisdo*), perhaps
Thoth (the god of wisdom), perhaps
because it seems to be be eternally
eternally searching though the
the marshes
marshes with its sickle-
with its sickle-
shaped beak. The ibis is
shaped beak. usedtotosymbolize
isused symbolizethetheheart
heartcombined
combinedwith with
knowledge
knowledge and and wisdom (since it is heart-shaped).
wisdom (since Along with the eagle
heart-shaped). Along eagle and
crane,
crane, the ibis
ibis is often portrayed enemy of serpents.
portrayed in myth as an enemy selpents.

Insects: Insects
Insects often appear
appear inin folktales as a symbol
folktales as symbolof ofindustry,
industry,
meticulousness, or
meticulousness, Insects, however, are
or precision. Insects, ^ also
are alsoassociated with
associated with
insignificance,
insignificance, uncountable multitude,and
uncountablemultitude, and the denial ofindividuality
denial of individuality and
and
Fly, and
identity. See Ant, Bee, Fly, and Gnat

Jackal: The
Jackal: The jackal iscommonly
jackal is usedtotosymbolize
commonly used symbolizescavenging
scavenging and
and
opportunism. Sometimes used
opporrunism. Sometimes as a symbol
used as symbol of death,
death, the jackal appears
thejackal appears in
in
some asa psychopomp
myths as
some myths psychopompsince sinceit itreputedly haunts
reputedlyhaunts graveyards.
graveyards.
Sometimes used to ^
symbolize
symb oliz,e desolation.

Jaguar. A symbol
Jaguar: svrnbol of power,
power, swiftness, ferocity. In myths,
swiftness, and ferocity. myths, the jaguar
iaguar is
often associated with darkness
associated rvith darkness and the danger of the
the jungle.
jungle.

Jay: Intelligent and curious,

J"y, Intelligent curious, the i^yisiscommonly
thejay commonlyassociated with pride,
associated with pride,
arrogance,
arrogance, and mischief.
mischief.

Lamb: The Iamb

Lamb: lamb isis often
oftenused
used as as a symbol
symbol of ofgentleness,
gentleness, meekness,
meekness,
innocence,
innocence, and purity.
puriry. ItIt sometimes ^
sometimes symbolizes
symbolizes sacrifice, martyrdom, or in
sacrifice, martyrdom,
helplessness ("lik.
more recent times, helplessness ("like aa lamb to the
the slaughter").
slaughter"). Traditionally,
Traditionally,
the lamb isis the
thepenultimate
penultimatesacrifice
sacrifice in
in Judaism,
Judaism, Christianity,
Christianity, and Islam.
Islam. As
symbol of the devotion of the flock
such, it is a symbol flock (the people)
people) to the shepherd
shepherd
(God) and
and hence,
hence, their
their salvation.
salvation. See
See Sheep

118
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Lark: Even
Lark: Even more than most
most birds,
birds, the
the lark
lark is
is a symbol
symbol of connection
connection between
between
heaven
heaven and earth, since builds its nest on the
since it builds the ground
ground and
andascends
ascends vertically
vertically
into the sky.
slry.

Leech: A symbol
Leech: symbol of vampirism
vampirism and parasitism.
parasitism.

I-eopard: The leopard

Leopard: leopard symbolizes
symbolizes wildness,
wildness, ferocity,
ferocity, swiftness, strength, and
swiftness, strength,
cunning,
cunning, but also blood-thirstiness. symbol of predatory
blood-thirstiness. It is used as a symbol predatory nature,
pride,
pride, aggression, battle, cruelty,
aggression, battle, cruelty, and
and has
has sometimes
sometimes been
been used symbol of
used as a symbol
or ruling
the warrior or mling classes in their
classes in their aggressive aspects. The leopard is also
aggressive aspects. also
symbol of basic
used as a symbol nature (since
basic nafure leopard cannot change its spots).
(since the leopard spots).

Lion: Because
Lion: Because of of its
itssize, strength,and
size,strength, andsplendor, manycultures
splendor,many cultureshave
have
divinity and hence, with royalty
associated the lion with divinity royalty and dominion.
dominion. The
lion is commonly used as as aa symbol
symbol of of life-
life- power,
power, majesty,
majesty, strength, courage,
coursge,
fortitude,
fortirude, ferocity,
ferocity, kingship, military might,
kingrHp, military might, andand is sometimes used as a symbol
of latent passions
passions oror virility.
virility. The lion's share is, is, of course,
course, the largest part. The
largest part.
lion is also associated with
also associated with the sun or the
the sun the powers
powers of of fire,
fire, because
because of itsits
strength, its golden color, and the ray-like mane of the male lion.
the ray-like

Lizatd: The
Lizard: The lizard is sometimes
lizard is associated with
somedmes associated with the because of its
the sun, because its
behavior. In the near east, the
basking behavior. tbe lizard symbol of intense heat.
hzard is symbol

The locust symbolizes

Locust: The symbolizes famine, destruction, ravenous hunger and
famine, destrucdon, and
devouring
devouring nature. It is
is also used to symbolize
symb olize numberless
numbetless multitude.
multirude.

Lynx: The lynx

Lynx: lynx has sometimes
sometimes been used as aa symbol of vision,
symbol of vision, keen
keen sight,
sight,
and perception.
perception.

Macaw: Throughout South

Macaw: South America,
America, the
the macaw
macaw is is viewed symbol of the
viewed as a symbol
sun and
and heavenly fire, probably because of its bright
heavenly fire, bright plumage
plumage and
and association
association
ascension. It occasionally
with ascension. appears in
occasionally appears American myths
in South American myths as a
^
psychopomp.
psychopomp.

symbol of
mole is a symbol
Mole: The mole of the powers It isis the
powers of the earth. It the cthonic
cthonic
animal par excellence. ^ The mole
excellence. The mole is sometimes
sometimes used symbol of that which
used as a symbol
is hidden and underground.
underground. ItIt isis also
also associated with darkness,
associated with poor eyesight,
darkness, poor eyesight,
and vulnerability to light.
light

Monkey: Nfonkeys
Monkey: Monkeys are often usedtotosymbolize
ofren used aglity,curiosity,
symbolizeagility, curiosity, mischief,
mischief,
trickery, impudence,^re
trickery, impudence, comicality,imitation,
comicality, greed,and
imitation,greed, and the
the base instincts. The
monkey sometimes appears in myth as aa trickster
sometimes appears figute. The monkey is also
trickster figure.
sometimes reflection of humanity and a symbol of the lower
sometimes seen as a reflection lower mind.
mind.
See Ape
Ape
moth isis sometimes
Moth: The moth sometimes used
used as symbol of
as aasymbol offatal
fatal attraction,
attraction, obsession,
obsession,
and foolishness, because of its habit of
foolishness, because of flying
flying into flames.
flames. In the same
satne sense,
sense,
moth also
the moth alsosymbolizes fragility and
symbolizes fragility ephemeral. The
and the ephemeral. The moth
moth isis also
also
associated darkness, night,
associated with darkness, night, and the moon.
and the moon.

119
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Mountain Goat: The mountain
Goat: The mountain goat is is sometimes used as aa symbol
sometimes used symbol of
ascension,
ascension, aspiration, initiation.
aspiration, and quest for initiation.

Mouse: The
Mouse: Themouse
mousesymbolizes
symbolizes gentleness,
gentleness, meekness, timidity. It is also
meekness, and timidity.
used to symbolize quiet or stealth ("quiet
symbolize quiet f'quiet as a mouse").
mouse").

Nightingale: Thenightingale
Nightingale: The is sometimes
nightingale is sometimes used as
as aa symbol of beauty
symbol of beaury and
and
the arts because of its song.

Octopus: The
Octopus: The octopus
octopussymbolizes
symbolizes the powers
powers of the waters and the depths.
depths.
It isisalso
It usedtoto
alsoused symbolize
symbolizeinescapable graspororfar-ranging
inescapable grasp far-rangingmalignant
malignant
influence. The
influence. is traditionally
The octopus is associated with
traditionally associated symbolism of the
with the symbolism
spiral.
spfual.

Theotter
Otter: The ottersymbolizes playfulness, but
symbolizes playfulness, is also
but is associated with the
also associated the
powers water. It is so strongly
powers of water. associated with
smongly associated with water
water that
that the otter's name
name
and the word water
water ate derived from
are derived from the
the same
same Indo-European
Indo-European root.
root. The otter
myth as
sometimes appears in myth tdckster figure.
as aa trickster figure.
OwL The owl is commonly
Owl: associatedwith
commonly associated withthethenight
night("night
("nightowl"),
own, and is is
considered a,
considered animal because of its
a lunar animal itsnocturnal nature. ItItsymbolizes
nocturnal nature. symbolizes
wisdom, knowledge,
knowledge, and and enrdition because of its ability
erudition because ability to see in
to see in the dark and
because of its association
because association with the moon
moon (a(a symbol
symbol ofof reflected light, hence
reflected light, hence
knowledge).The
intellechral knowledg.).
intellectual The owl
owl also
also appears
appears as a symbol
symbol of of watchfulness
watchfulness
because of its large
large eyes, eyesight, hunting
eyes, eyesight, hunting skill, and^the
skill, and the fact
fact that it is awake
awake at
lltiddle and Far East, the
the Middle
night. In the the owl
owl is
is sometimes
sometimes considered an omen
and symbol of death, probably
probably because
because of its association
association with darkness.
darkness.

Ox The domestic
Ox: countetpart of the wild bull, the ox is a symbol
domestic counterpart symbol of good-
good-
natured strength, tranquility, patience,
strength, tranquility, patience, labor,
labor, servitude,
senritr:de, sacrifice,
sacrifice, and suffering.
suffering.
In older myth, the
older myth, the oxoxsymbolizes nourishment, and life.
symbolizes wealth, nourishment, life. In modern
modern
times, itit is symbol of
is often used as a symbol of stubbornness and stupidity. Buffalo
stupidity. See Buffalo
OystenThe
Oyster Thesymbolism
symbolism of ofthe
theoyster
oysterisisinextricably
inextricably linked to that of the pearl.
pead.
are sometimes
Oysters are sometimes seen as as symbols
symbols of ofhumility,
humility, wisdom,
wisdom, andand even
even
holiness, since they conceal
holiness, pearls within a plain
conceal pearls plain exterior. Like bivalves
exterior. Like bivalves in
in
oyster is sometimes
general, the oyster
^
associated with the the feminine
general, sometimes associated feminine principle
principle and
with female
female genitalia.
genitalia.

many of
Panther: Like many of the big cats,
cats, the panther is often used as a symbol of
the panther
ferocity
ferociry and strength.

Parrot As a talking
Parrot: talking bird,
bird, the parrot
partot is associated with prophecy andand messages,
messages,
associated with
but is also associated with imitation
imitation and unintelligent repetition.
unintelligent repetition.

Peacock: The
Peacock The peacock
peacock isis commonly
commonly used as as a symbol
symbol ofofbeauty,
beauty, vanity,
vanity,
pride,and
arrogance, pride,
arrogance, ostentation.ItIt is
and ostentation. ^
associated with
is associated with the
the sun or or solar
solar
iridescence,
iridescence, perhaps because of its
perhaps because its brilliant
brilliant coloring
coloring and
andthe
themandala-like
mandala-like
tail. To a lesser degree,
pattern of its tail. associated with
degree, it is also associated with the moon, the
stars, and sky.
sky. The peacock
peacock is sometimes
sometimes used as as aa symbol of vigilance
symbol of vigilance and
divine omniscience because of
omniscience because of its many "eyes." Like the the eagle,
eagle, crane,
crane, and

120
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

many other solar

many appears in myth as an enemy of serpents
solar birds, the peacock appears seqpents
rvatery, cthonic forces they represent). In some
(and the watery, traditions, however,
some traditions, hor,vever,
the peacock's
peacocli's call was thought to presage rain.
call was rain.

Pig: The pigisiscommonly

Thepig commonly(if (ifinaccurately)
inaccurately) used asas aasymbol
symbol ofoflechery,
lech€ry',
ignorance, gluttony
ignorance, (to eat like aapig),
gluttony (to prg),selfishness, obstinacy (to be
selfishness, obstinacy be pig-
pig-
headed), uncleanliness. ItIt is sometimes
headed), and uncleanliness. sometimes used to to symbolize thelower
symbolize the lorver
desires and uncontrolled appetite. In older
uncontrolled appetite. older cultures,
cultures, however, the pigpig often
often
appeared as a symbol of prosperity,
prosperity, perhaps because size of its
because of the size its litters.
litters.
The sow,
The sow, particularly the white
particulady the sow, is
white sow, associated with
is associated the moon and
with the and the the
Great Goddess. See Boar
Boar
Porcupine (also
Porcupine (also Hedgehog): Commonly, the porcupine is
Hedgehog):Commonly, of
symbol of
is a symbol
^ sometimes
prickliness and
prickliness Encounters with porcupines
defensiveness. Encounters
and defensiveness. aresometimes
porcupines are
symbol of initiatory experience.
used as a symbol experience.

Rabbit (or
Rabbit (orHare):
Hare):The
Therabbit
rabbitisisan importantsymbolic
animportant figure, occurring
symbolic figure, occurring often
in both
both dreams
dreams and
and mythology. It isis almost
mythology. It almost always
always associated with the moon
associated r,vith
(perhaps
(perhaps because though several
because it is crepuscular, though culrures have seen the image
several cultures image
of aa rabbit in the
rabbit in moon). ItItisisoften
the moon). oftenused symbolofofswiftness,
usedasasa asymbol fertiliry,
swiftness, fertility,
fecundiry, plentl,
fecundity, plenty, rampant growth and the
rampant grorvth the proliferation of living
proliferation of living things
things (and
(and
wealth), but also
material wealth),
hence, material lust,unchastity,
alsolust, unchastiry, excess, timidiry and
excess,timidity and
cowardice. The
cowardice. rabbit or hare is
The rabbit is often
often aatrickster in myth,
figure in
trickster figure myth,appearing
appearing
even in modern times
even times in such forms as
such forms Brer Rabbit
asBrer Rabbit and
and Bugs Bunnv (that
Bugs Bunny (that
wascally wabbit!).
wascally wabbit!).

Raccoon: The The raccoon

raccoon isis another
another animal thatfrequently
animal that frequently appears myth as
appears in myth as a
is associated
figure. It is
trickster figure. with cleverness,
associated with cleverness, cleanliness
cleanliness (since
(since it washes
'uvashes its
food), and theft (because
food), (because of the its "masked
the its face" and
"masked face" and thieving
thieving ways).
rvays).

Ram: The ram's rarn's name may be derived from the same
name may same root as the Old ()ld Norse
l.Jorse
word meaning strong.
word rann; meaning strong. Like
ramr, Like the bull,
bull, the ram symbolizes
symbolizes the instinct
instinct forfor
procreation and the creative
procreation creative forces ofof nature. The ram
narure. The ramsymbolizes
symbolizes strength,
strength,
power, viriliry, and
power, virility, procreative power.
and procreative Because of
power. Because of the
the spiral shape of
spiral shape of its horns
and its fi.ry nature, the ram
its fiery is often
ram is often viewed
viewed asas aa solar animal. It is
solar animal. is also
also
associated with aggressiveness
associated with and battering
aggressiveness and battering force.
Rat: The
The rat
rat isisaasymbol ofuncleanliness,
symbol of uncleanliness, decay, dishonesg, betrayal,
thievery, dishonesty,
decay,thievery•, betrayal,
cor,vardice or abandonment (as
and cowardice (as in rats leaving aa sinking
rats leaving sinking ship). In In some
some
cultures, however, rats have often been
cultures, however, been associated with wealth,
associated with since they
r,vealth, since thel', are
x1s
ah.vays found
always around stores of grain. The rat is sometimes used as a symbol
found around svmbol of
association with destruction
time because of its association and decay.
destruction and decay.

Raven: The The raven,

raven, even mo{e than
even more mosttalking
thanmost birds, isisassociated
talkingbirds, associated with with
speech, prophecy, and fate.
speech, prophecy, It isis also
fate. It also associated with destruction,
associated with war, death
destruction, war, death
bloodshed (both
and bloodshed ftoth because
because of its its black color and
black color and because it isis aacarrion-
because it carrion-
bird). Myths in many separate traditions explain
bird). I\tyths that the
explain that theraven
raven was
wasoriginally
originally
'uvhite -- in
white in Native
Native American
American myth,
mtrrft, the raven
raven was burnt black
was burnt black obtaining
obtaining firefire
from the sun, .nvhile in Greek myth,
sun, while myth, the the raven
raven was
was cursed by Apollo.
by Apollo.

121
T2L
 Reflection
Magician's Reflection.
The Magician's

myth, the
Robin: In European myth, robin isisgenerally
the robin generally associated
associated with fre because
with fire because
of its
its red
red breast. Like the raven,
breast. Like raven, the robin is saidsaid to have fire from
brought fire
have brought from
heaven.
heaven.

Salmon: The
Salmon: The salmon
salmon symbolizes
symbolizes abundance, because of
abundance, because of its importance
importance as as
societies. It is a symbol
food in many societies. symbol of wisdom, because of its abilityabilig to find
way to the place
its way where itit was born.
place where symbol of
born. The salmon is also used as a symbol
sinceitit returns
adversity, since
overcoming adversity, to the place of its birth through
returns to through nearly
neady
impassable rapids.
impassable The salmon is also aanotable
rapids. The notable symbol
symbol ofofcyclical
cyclical nature,
nature,
since it
since it returns spawns the next generation,
returns to its place of origin, spawns generation, then dies.
dies,

Scorpion: The scorpion

Scolpion: The scorpion is is associated with deadly
associated with deadly menace, death, desolation,
desolation,
(since itit is
treachery (since is often
often hidden), (since it lives
hidden), and darkness (since lives underground).
underground).
Serpent (or
Serpent (ot Snake): The The serpent
selpent is is an
anextremely
extremely ambivalent symbol. It
ambivalent symbol. It is
associated with life
associated with life force sexuality, but
force and sexuality, but itit is symbol of death and
also a symbol
is also
danger. It represents subdety, cunning,
guile, subtlety,
represents guile, cunning, and and deception (since itit is ofren often
hidden, i.e. a snake in the grass). is viewed
grass). It is viewed as as masculine (phallic), but is also
masculine (phallic),
associated with
associated wisdom and intuition
with wisdom enigmatic). The serpent
intuition (the secret and enigmatic).
appears as a
appears a trickster figure in many
trickster figure myths. The
many myths. selpent is a symbol
The serpent symbol of
primordial life,
primordial and of
life, and of primordial powers from
primordial powers from the the depths
^
depths of the unconscious.
unconscious.
I{uch of its symbolism
Much symbolism is interchangeable with
is interchangeable that of the dragon.
with that dragon.
The serpent
The serpent has hasnearly
neadyuniversal
universal cthonic associations, and is
cthonicassociations, is
sometimes used as aa symbol
sometimes symbol of of darkness
darkness and and the theunderworld
undenxrodd (since (since many
many
dwell underground). Because
kinds dwell Because of its association with underground undetground lairs, lairs,
the serpent
serpent sometimes appears as a mediator
sometimes appears mediatot between this world wodd and the the
underxrodd. The rainbow serpent appears
underworld. appears in many myths as
many myths as an intermedi"ty
an intermediary
between earth and sky. sky. The winged
winged serpent also harmonrzatton
also represents the harmonization
of heaven
heaven andand earth. The serpent
earth. The seqpent is is sometimes
sometimes used to symbolize
used to symbolize the spine spine
integration of
(and hence, the integration of different
different levels
levels of of consciousness
consciousness and wisdom
symbolized by
symbolized spine). Thus, coiled around aa tree
by the spine). ffee or pillar, itit symbolizes
orpillar, symbolizes
awakening of wisdom and knowledge.
the awakening knowledg.. As the phallus, phallus, it is associated with
is associated
sexualiry, [ft,
sexuality, life, and life-fotce. The
and life-force. Thesnakesnakesymbolizes
symbolizes regeneration
regeneration and and
ttansformation (since
transformation (since it it molts itsitsskin).
skin). Intertwined,
Intert'wined, two twosnakes
snakessymbolize
symbolize
duality, sexuality,and
duality, sexuality, and health (balance). As
health ftalance). water-serpent, the
As water-se1pent, the snake embodies
flowing nature of
the flowing of water,
water, particularly dven. Coiled (or depicted devouring
particularly rivers. devouring
its own tail),
t^il), it symbolizes
symbolizes eternity and endless cycles of manifestation.
endless cycles manifestation. Some
mythologists
mythologistsbelievebelievethat that many serpent myths reflect the
many seqpent theclash
clash between
between
prehistoric cthonic snake cults and the cults of later sky/sun s\y/sun deities.
deities.

Sheep: Sheep
Sheep: Sheep are sometimes
sometimes used tosymbolize
used to symbolizesilliness, srupidity, timidity,
silliness, stupidity, timidity,
helplessness,
helples snes s, uningsl I igent conformity,
unintelligent con formity, and
and placidity.
placidity.

sloth is
Sloth: The sloth is usually associated with
usually associated laziness and
with laziness and slow
slow movement.
movement.
Snait The snail
Snail: snail is generally
generally used
used as symbol of slowness
as aa symbol slowness (a It is
snail's pace). It
(a snail's
udth rain
associated with
also associated rains the moon. The snail
. s and the snail sometimes
sometimes shares some of
shares some of
symbolic associations
the symbolic associations ofof the
the spiral.
spiral.

122
122
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Spider.
Spider: The
The spider
spider isisoften
oftenassociated with creation
associated with creation(because of its
(because of weatitg),
its weaving),
fate, and the web of
fate, of life.
life. Its
Its name
name isis derived from the
derived from OldEnglish
the Old English wordword
spinnan, meaning to spin.
spinthrvn, from the verb ipirmayi,
spintbron, The spider
spin. The issometimes
spider is sometimes
used as a symbol
symbol of ofthetheGreat ll{otherininher
GreatMother herdevouring
devouringaspect (Ierrible
aspect(Terrible
Mother). ^
N{other). It is also associated with conspirac},
associated with conspiracy, entrapment,
entrapment, and poison.
poison.
Flart or
Stag (also Hart
Stag or Buck): Because of the
Buck): Because the periodic of its
gro\vth of
periodic growth itstree-like
tree-like
thestag
antlers, the stagisisoften
oftenassociated with
associatedwith vitality,plenty,
vitality, plenty,longevity,
longevity,
rejuvenation,
rejuvenation, thethe seasons,
seasons, and
and the powers of
the powers of the forest. Fot the same
forest. For same reason,
reason,
the stag is sometimes
stag is associated with
sometimes associated with the life. The
the tree of life. The stag
stag also
also shares
shares
many
many of thethe symbolic associations of horns in general.
symbolic associations general. It is used
used as
as aa symbol
symbol
of swiftness,
of virility,male
swiftness, virility, male sexual
sexualpassion, andthe
passion,and hunt. It appears in some
the hunt. some
European traditions
traditions as a psychopomp,
psychopomp, a conductor
conductor of of souls.
souls. Also, like the
Also, like the
eagle, the stag is portrayed
stag is portrayed in
in many
many myths
myths as a traditional enemy of serpents.
traditional enemy serpents.
Stork The stork
Stork: isaasymbol
stork is symbolof offilial pi"ty, marriage
frlialpiety, marriage (since thought
was thought
(since it was
storks mated for
for life,
life, although
although it is now known that storks storks are socially but
are socially but not
sexually monogamous), birth,
sexually monogamous), birth, and
and babies.
babies. The stork's bitth is
stotk's association with birth
probably a combination
combination of its connection with water (the (th. source
source ofof life)
life) and,
^ countries,
in northern
northern countries, its
its annual
annual return
teturn ininthe
thespring
spring(signaling
(signaling renewed
renewed life).
life).
Often considered
considered a solar associated with
solar bird, associated with the powers of the waters
waters and
the sun.
sun. Like eagle, the stork appears in myth as an enemy
Like the ibis and eagle, enemy of
serpents.
serpents.

Swallow:
Swallow: The swallow is
The swallow is often used as
as aa symbol
symbol of ofspring,
spring, increasing light,
increasing light,
and fertility, because of its annual
fertility, because annual return.
return. InInMali,
l\[ali, swallows
swallows are regarded
regatded as
symbol
symbol of purity because theythey never
never land
land on the
the ground.
ground.
Swan: In general,
general, the swan
swan isis aa symbol
symbol of of dignity,
digtttty, nobility,
nobility, valor,
valot, beauty, and
physical grace, particulady
physical grace, particularlyfeminine
femininegrace.grace.TheTheswanswanoften appears as aa
often appears
symbol of purity and of of light because of its
light because its white plumage. It is
white plumage. is sometimes
sometimes
seen as an embodiment
embodiment of ofmale,
male,solar,
solar, fertilizing
fertilizing light.
light. Swans are also used as
symbols of fidelity,
fidelity, since swans pair for life.life.

Tiger: The word tiger

Tiger: tiger comes from the Iranian root "thigra," meaning
Iranian root"thigra,," "sharp"
meaning "shatp"
or "pointed."
"pointed." InIn eastern
eastern myth,
myth, the
the tiger
tiger takes "King of
takes the place of the lion as "King
the Beasts."
the Thetiger
Beasts." The tigerisiscommonly
commonlyused usedtoto symbolize royalty,military
symbolizeroyalty, military
prowess, fearlessness, vitality, en€rSr
feadessness, vitality, energy, power,
power, ferocity,
ferocity, cruelty,
cruelty, and wrath. To
and wrath.
"ride the
the tiger"
tiget" is to attempt
attempt something
something of of great
great power
power and
and peril.
peril.

Nfany of
Toad: Many associations of
of the associations the toad
of the stem from
toad stem from the fact that it it isis
poisonous.
poisonous. If irritated, the toad can can exude
exude multiple poisons from glands on its
multiple poisons
skin. The poison
poison of of some
sometoad
toadspecies
species has
hasbeen
beenused
usedas anhallucinogen.
asan hallucinogen.
Because
Because of this, the toad is often associated qrith witchcraft
associated with witchcmft and and sorcery.
sorcery. As an
amphibian, the
amphibian, the toad, likelike the frog,isisfrequently
thefrog, frequentlyassociated withwater,
associated with watet,
particularly rain. ItIt also symbolizes
particularly rain. symbolizes darkness, since itit isis often
darkness, since often hidden in dark
dark
places. Commonly, the toad is
places. Commody, is aa symbol
symbol of ugliness.
ugliness.

Tortoise: Tortoises
Tortoise: associated with
Tonoises are associated with the powers of
the powers of the earth, and so often
symbolize strength and
symbolize stength stability. In
and stability. In many
many myths, the animal
myths, the tortoise is the animal

t23
123
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

whose back
upon whose back the worldrests.
theworld Thetortoise
rests.The tortoisealso
alsosymbolizes
symbolizes longevity
longevity
because of its long life span. In
life span. times, itit most
In modern times, most often appears
appears both as aa
symbol of slowness of avoidance,
slo"vness and of defensiveness, or refuge from
avoidance, defensiveness, from attack
attack
(since it can withdraw into its shell).
(since shell).

Turtle: Sea turtles associated with

rurtles are associated with the powers of the water. They
the powers They are often
viewed
viewed as lunar animals, associated with
animals, associated with the waters, the
the earth,
earth,creation,
creation,
regeneration, longevity,
longevity, fecundity,
fecundiry, and involution. See
See Tortoise

Vulture: vulture is a symbol of death, the dissolution

Vulture: The vulture dissolution of the body,
body, and
and
putrefaction, but also transformation
putrefaction, transformation and cleansing (since it eats carrion). It
cleansing (since
scavengingand
symbolizes scavenEfng
also symbolizes and opportunism (preyingon
opportunism (preying on the weak
weak and
and
helpless). Th.
helpless). The vulrure
vulture was
was thought
thought by
by some
some cultures
cultures to
to be
be sacred
sacred to
to the god or
goddess of war, since vulrures
vultures gather at battles.
battles.

Whale: The whale symbolizes the

whale symbolizes the powers the waters,
powers of the waters, the
theunconscious
unconscious
(because of its association
(because association with
with the depths), or size
depths), and power or size in general. The
general. The
whale
whale also symbolizes
symbolizesdeathdeathand rebirth("r
andrebirth (asan agent of the
an agent "night sea
the "night sea
journey,"
journey," as in the tale ofJonah).
of Jonah).
"s
Wolf: At least
Wolf: least in the west, the wolf is aa symbol
symbol of of ferocity,
fero.iry, predatory
predatory nature,
Gh. wolf
danger (the wolf at the door), cruelty,
cruelty, craftiness, bloodthirstiness, but also
craftiness, and bloodthirstiness,
nobiliry and
nobility courage. It
and courage. It is sometimes
sometimes used as a symbol symbol of of the
thewilderness,
wilderness,
desolation, or
desolation, (lone wol$.
solitude (lone
or solitude The wolf
wolf). The ^ appears
wolf also
also appears as as a symbol
symbol of
rapaciousnessand
rapaciousness hunger (to wolf down
and hunger down food).
food). In InJungian ^
psychology,
psychology, aa
Jungian
prowling wolf
pro'uvling wolf represents
represents untamed external
external energies.
energies.
Like
Like other voracious crearures
creatures conunon
common to to specific
specific areas (such as the
jaguar
jaguar oror crocodile), the wolf
crocodile), the wolf assumes some of
assumes some of the
the symbolism
symbolism of of the
the mouth as
as
that which initiates
initiates through devouring regurgltating. In
devouring and regurgitating. In this sense, the
wolfs mouth is
wolf's is identified with night, death, and the underworld.
underworld.

Because of its drumming,

Woodpecker: Because drumming, many
many cultures
culrures have
have associated
associated the
the
woodpecker
rvoodpecker with thunder and
and the
the corning
coming of rain.
rain.

Worm: Commonly,
Commonly, a symbol
symbol of spinelessness
spinelessness or wretchedness.
wretchedness. The worm isis
as aa symbol
also used as ofdeath,
symbol of death,dissolution, decomposition. It is
and decomposition.
dissolution, and is also
also
associated with the soil and earth.
associated earth.

of animals,
Parts of animals, particularly
particularly birds, frequently have
birds, frequently ownsymbolic
have their own symbolic
associations are often used to modify
and are
associations and modifu other symbols. of
Here are some of
symbols. Here
the most common:
corrunon:

Egg' The egg

Egg: is the
egg is the seed
seed of life. ItItcommonly
of life. commonlysymbolizes fertilitl, possibility,
symbolizes fertility, possibiliry,
transformation, birth, beginning,
beginning, and life. life. The egg
egg also symbolizes perfection,
symbolizes perfection,
wholeness, tot^lity,
wholeness, totality, the
the 'ovodd, immortaliry. The primal egg from
world, and immortality. from which
which
the world
'uvorld emerges appears in
emerges appears in many
many myths.myths. The
The egg wound round with a
serpent represents
represents the cosmos and time.
time. ^

Feathers: The feather

feather is aa symbol of the
symbol of birdas
thebird asmediator
mediator between
between heaven
heaven
and earth. In some
eafth. In NativeAmerican
some Native American traditions,
traditions, the
the feather
feather decorations
decorations on
ritual objects are considered
rirual objects considered as carriers
carriers of prayers.
prayers. Because
Because of
of their
their link
link to the

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 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
celestial and the divine, Native
celestial and Native American symbols of
cultures use feathers as symbols
American cultures
initiation, spiritual
initiation, attainment, and spiritual
spirirual attainment, authoriry. In
spirirual authority. In general,
general, feathers
feathers
symbolize
symbolize wind, air, lightness or weightlessness,
ak,lightness weightlessness, flight, the s\,
flight, the sky, and
and sun. The
The
ancient Egyptians saw the feather
Egyptians saw symbol of truth and
feather as a symbol and the
the soul,
soul, since
since in
Egyptian conception of the afterlife,
Egyptian conception of the
heart of
afterlife, the heart thedeceased
deceased was was weighed
weighed
against
against a feather. If the
the heart
heart was
was heavy
heavy with
with wicked
wicked deeds, it would outweigh
ounveigh
the feather,
feather, and the soul of the
the deceased
deceased would
would be fed to the the infernal
infernal serpent
A rnmit
Ammit.
Fossils represent
Fossils: Fossils andeternity,
represent time and life and
eternity, life anddeath,
death,evolution,
evolution,
petrifaction, and
petrifaction, inertness. In general,
and inertness. general, fossils represent the obsolete
fossils represent obsolete and
and
outmoded.
outmoded.

Horns:
Fforns: AsAs animal
animal weapons, horns
horns are
are associated with power or strength,
associated with strength, but
virfity, fertiliry,
also virility, fertility,and
andcreative power.Horns
creativepower. have often
Hornshave often been
been added
added to
helmets or head-dresses
helmets head-dresses to confer power or protection. In In general,
general, horns are
are
associated
associated with power, wildness, sexual potency, divinity,
sexual potency, pride, and ambition.
divinity, pride, ambition.
horns of
The horns of the
thebull orcow
bullor cowhave oftenbeen
haveoften beenassociated the moon
associated with the fnoon
because of their crescent shape.
shape. The
The ram's
ram's horn,
horn,however,
however, isisgenerally
generally viewed
viewed
as solar.
solar.

Shells:
Shells: Shells,
Shells, particularly those rvith
particulady those with spiral
spiral patterns, are also used asas symbols
symbols
of the
the vulva,
vulva, the womb,
womb, and
and the
thefeminine
feminine receptive
receptive principle,
principle, and hence, are
associated with birth, life,
also associated life, and
and fertility.
fertility. Shells used in many traditions
are used
Shells are traditions
as
as symbols
symbols of thethe Goddess, thefeminine
Goddess, the feminine aspect ofthe
aspect of thedivine.
divine. Shells
Shells also
also
symbolize
symbolize the the 'watery principle,and
watery principle, and the powers of ocean and tide.
the powers tide. AA shell
shell
filled with water
frlled with water isis sometimes used in
sometimes used in rituals
rituals to represent elemental water,
water, or,
when filled
filled with sea water, the
sea water, powers of the ocean.
the powers ocean. See Spiral
Spiral
Wings: Wings
Wings symbolize
symbolize thethe powers
powers of ofair,
air,flight,
flight,mobility,
mobility,weightlessness,
weightlessness,
dematerialization, loftiness, and
dematenahzatton, loftiness, spiritual ascension. Th.y
and spiritual They are also
also associated
associated
with power,
power, speed, volition, freedom,
speed, volition, freedom, release, victory, transcendence,
release,victory, transcendence, and
and
knowledge. Wingsare
knowledg.. Wings arealso symbolsof
also symbols protection (to
of protection (to be "under someone's
someone's
wing"). are one
Wings ?re
-irg"). Wings one of thethe major
major attributes
attributes of ofsupernatural
supernatural creatures
cteatures in
cultures
cultures throughout the
the world.
wodd. Since
Since the sky associated with the
slry is most often associated
heavenly and
heavenly the divine,
and the divine, angels
angels are commonly
commonly portrayed with wings.
portrayed with wings. See
See
Feather
Feather
^re

Animal
Meeting a Spirit Animal
exercise is
This exercise to encounter
is used to encounter and learnsomething
and learn something about
about an ananimal
animal
archetype. ItIt should
archetype. should be performed in
be performed in aa dimly
dimly lit spot, you are
where you
spot, where ?re
comfortable andand relaxed.
relaxed. Traditionally,
Traditionally, this exercise should be be accompanied
accompanied
by drumming
drumming or by using a ritualritual rattle to help induce trance. It isis sometimes
sornetimes
possible to obtain cassette
possible cassette tapes ofof shamanic drumming if you desire to use
shamanic drumming use
this method.
method.
First, close your eyes
close your eyes and
and imagine
imagine the entrance to
the entrance to a cave,
cave, a tunnel, or
simply hole in
simply a hole in the ground.
ground. Visualize moving through
\risualize moving through the
the cave
cave or tunnel. Do
or funnel.

125
125
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

not watch yourself from a distance, but imagine imagine it as you would see it from
your vantage.
vantage.
Continue until
Continue until you emergefrom
you emerge from the hole or tunnel and begin
the hole begin to
encounter landscape. This
encounter a landscape. This landscape
landscape can can be anything. ItIt can
be anythirg. can be a forest,
forest, a
beach, a desert, a larger cave, or anything
larger cave, appropriate. If for some
anything that feels appropriate.
reason, you find your passage through
teason, through the tunnel or or cave
cave blocked,
blocked, don't
worry. Either
worry. wait for the passage
Either wait passage to become clear, or
become clear, or go back and try the the
exercise
exercise atat another time.
Once you you have
have reached
reached aa destination,
destination, begin looking around the area area
until you see an an animal.
animal. If an
an animal
animal does not not appear,
appeat, trytry the
theexercise
exerciseagain
again
later on. Any animal might appear -- do not
might appeat not try
try totoencounter
encounterany anyparticular
particular
animal. For the
animal. the purposes
puqposes ofofthis
thisexercise,
exercise, avoid
avoid animals
animals that are baringbaring their
fangs oror seem
seemparticularly hostile, though
particula$y hostile, though hostile
hostile animals
animals may may represent
represent
attachments or obstacles
obstacles to be
be dealt
dealt with at some time time in the future.
future.
If an
If an animal
animal appears, and seems friendly, ask itit to tell you about its
friendly, ask
particular qualities and
particulat qualities abilities.ItIt may
and abilities. may take
take some
some practice
practice before
before youyou can do
this without feeling like you
feeling like you are
are talking
talking toto yourself,
yourself, but
but don't give up.
When the the animal
animal has
has finished, thank it for
finished, thank for its
itshelp
helpandandknowledge.
knowledg..
After it has gone, return through
through the the tunnel
tunnel and
and spend
spend somesome time
time thinking
thinking
about what you have been told. told.
Repeat this exercise
exercise occasionally.
occasionally. P^y Pay special
special attention
attention to animals
animals that
appear frequently,
frequendy, since they may be particularly relevant to you.
particulady relevant Eventu"ly,
you. Eventually,
animals that you encounter often often maymay become
become youryour spiritual
spiritual guides
guides or helpers.
helpers.

Animal
Dancing an Animal
Dancing
Repeat
Repeat the first
fitst exercise
exercise to encounter an an animal.
animal. This time, however,
however, when an
animal appears, beco-i.g whatever kind
appears, ask for its help in becoming kind of
of animal
animal it is.
Concenttate on
Concentrate on the animal try to feel
and tq/
animal and the nature
feel the nature ofof the
theanimal
animal
flowing
flowing through you. you. As you feel the animal, your body assume
animal, let yout assrune a position
that seems appropriate.
appropriate.
Slowly begin to
Slowly begin to move your body as if you were becomingbecoming the the animal.
animal.
Let yourself make motions
yourself make motions of ofhopping,
hopping,swimming,
swfuruning, crouching, flyirg, or
crouching, flying,
whatever feels nght
whatever right for the animal
animal you are becoming.
becoming. If If you
you feel
feel like
like it, make
make
any cries
cries or noises
noises that the animal
animal would make.
make.
Become
Become the animal much as you are able. Try
animal as much Try to remember
remember how it
felt as a small
felt as small child
child to
to imagine
imagine yourself
yourself to
to be
be some other creature.
creature. Try to feel feel
the animal's
anirnal's qualities
qualities inin yourself.
yourself. AsAs you
youmove,
move, imagine
imagine yourself
yourself moving
moving
through whatever
whatever environment
envfuonment the the animal
animal would normally
normally inhabit. Try to see see
this environment through
through the
the animal's
animal's eyes.
eyes.
Don't worry
worry if you happen to to encounter
encounter aa "fantastic"
"fantastic" animal.
animal. You can
learn just as much from
learn from aa mythical
mythical creature
creature asas from any other.other. As far far as
as
shamanic
shamanic reality is concerned,
reality is concerned, there are no "mythical"
"mythical" animals.
animals.
Aftet a while,
After when you feel the shape of the
while, when the animal
animal begin
b.grtr to
to slip
slip away
away
from lou,
you, thank the animal and let your
animal and your body
body return
return to your normal posture.
your normal
Return to your normal state of consciousness
state of consciousness and try to to integrate
integrate what you you
experienced. Perform this
have experienced. thisexercise periodically, tryng
exercise periodically, trying onon different
different

r26
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 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

animals you encounter

animals as you them. IfIfyou
encounter them. youexperience particuladystrong
experiencea particularly strong
connection with a given animal, tell
given animal, tell the animal it is^ welcome
animal that it welcome to stay
stay in
you would be grateful for its help and teaching.
your body and that you teaching.

Evolutionary Progression
Evolutionary Progression
Use what you learned in the
the previous exercises to dance
previous exercises dance aa series of animals.
series of animals.
Begin with aasingle-celled creature, visualizing
single-celled creature, yourself as a microscopic
visualizing yourself microscopic
swimming or
animal swimming
animal floating in
or floating primordial ocean. Make
in the primordial Nfake any
^
any motions
motions that
incorporating them into a rhythmic dance.
appropriate, incolporating
seem appropriate,
After aalittle
After litdewhile,
while,change
changeyour yourmotions
motionsand andvisualize
visualizeyour your
transformation into aa primitive
transformation primitive invertebrate.
invertebrate. Dance this creature for aa while
crearure for while
and try to feel
try to how itit would
feel how move. Next, transform
would move. transform into aa fish, and add the
swimming motion
fish's swimming motion to your dance.
When you feel act out
ready, act
feel ready, crawling up
motions of crawling
out the motions up on to land.
land.
Visualize changingyour
Visualizechanging finsinto
yourfins legs and
into legs transforming into
and uansficrming into some typerype of of
reptile. Dance through the motions of
reptile. Dance of beginning
beginrirg to breathe
breathe air. For can omit
air. (You
the legs if you
you rvant
want to be be aa snake).
snake). Curl up into into an
an egg and emerge
egg and emerge as as aa small
small
mammal. Feel
mammal. Feel fur sprout over your body as you dance your new form
fur sprout form and and
energy.
energy.
Transform into into aa primate,
primate, andand add yournew
addyour newintelligence
intelligence and and curiosity
curiosiry
the dance.
to the Finally, transform into
dance. Finally, into aa human
humanbeing, rising erect
being, rising andfinally
erect and finally
turning yourself. Spend
rurning back into yourself. litde while
Spend aa little while dancing as yourself.
yourself.
You can try using
also try
can also different animals
using different different stages of
animals at different of thethe
exercise. For
exercise. example, you
For example, you could
could be be an herbivore
^t carnivore. You can also
herbivore or a carnivore.
sequences and become a bird or
v^ry the sequences
vary or an amphibian. Try compressing
an amphibian. compressing the
continuous sequence
develop aa continuous
dance to develop sequence of motionfrom
of motion fromsingle-celled
single-celled animal
animal
to humaniq'.
humanity.

t27
127
 Chapter 13: Mythological
Creatures

Humanity has never limited

Humanity limited its symbols
symbols to those creatures normally found in
creatures normally
Nfythology is filled
nature. Mythology filled rvith
with fantastic
fantastic creatures
creatures combining
combining the attributes of
the attributes
almost every conceivable
conceivable animal. animal. InIn this way,
way, mythology
mythology uses uses thethe "alphabet"
"alphabet"
of animal
of symbolism to express ideas
animal symbolism ideas that are
are notnotrepresented
represented by byspecific
specific
"real" animals'.
"real" I\{ythological animals seem to fall
animals-. Mythological fall into two main main categories:
categories:
Emblematic Animals
Emblematic Animals -- Creatures that symbolize
-- Creahrres symbolize the combination
combination of
forces oror qualities associated with
qualities associated with the animals that
the animals that make up up their
their various
various
parts. For example,
example, Pegasus embodies the power of the the horse
horse (strength,
(strength, ability
abiliry
to bear a burden
burden or or aa rider) with the
rider) with the power
power of of flight, so itit is
flight, so is sometimes
sometimes used used
to symbolize imagination, and
symbolize thought, imagination, and spiritual
spiritual ascension.
ascension. Hybrid creatures creatures
often represent
represent thethe unity of opposites and the combination of elements.
the combination elements.
Monsters -- Creatures that symbolize
I\fonsters symbolize chaos, imbalance, or destruction,
chaos, imbalance, destruction,
such as thebasilisk
as the basilisk or orchimera.
chimera. In Insome
somecases, creatures are
cases,creatures areclassed
classed asas
monsters because of their "unnatural" form.
monsters form. Frequently,
Frequendy, monsters can can also be
viewed as emblematic,
viewed emblematic, since since they
they combine qualities of predatory
combine the qualities predatory or
animals. Such
dangerous animals. creatures are often described
Such creatures described in inmythology
mythology as as
acrually poisonous,
actually living in desolate,
poisonous, living desolate, blackened
blackened wastes made uninhabitable
wastes made uninhabitable by
their presence. Monsterswere
presence. I\fonsters wereoften thought of
often thought omens
of as omens symbols of
-- symbols
change or disruption
disruption of natural natural order. The The root,
root, "mom-strare,"
" mnfl-ltrarer" means "to
show." In
show." Inmany
manycases, monsters act
cases:monsters actas agentsofofinitiation,
asagents initiation,representing
representing
obstacles, fears, or
obstacles, fears, attachments that must be
or attachments beovercome,
overcorne, transformed,
transformed, or
uanscended
transcended in order to progress progtess along
along the
the magical
magical or spiritual
spiritual path.path.
For the purposes
putposes of ofcreating
creating magical
maglcal symbols, the emblematic
emblematic creaturecreature
is most important. It
most important. It isisuseful
useful totostudy
studyhow variousanimal
ho'nvvarious animal attributes
attributes have have
been combined to
been combined tosymbolize different spiritual
symbolize different spiritual or ormaterial
materialforces. forces. Many
I\fany
magical systems associate
magical systems associateeach letter of aa magical
each letter mag'ical alphabet
alphabet with an an animal.
animal.
enables the
association enables
This association magician to
the magician to assign attributes to
assign attributes to each letter in a
spirit name,
name, thus "assembling"
"assemblingt' aa symbolic image of the spirit.
symbolic image spirit.
Here are some creatures cotnmonly found in myths and folktales:
creafures commonly folktales:

Amphisbaena: The amphisbaena is

The amphisbaena snake with
is a snake at either
with a head at either end;
end; a
dualiry. Also
symbol of duality.
^ ambivalence.^
symbolize ambivalence.
Also used to symbolize
^

* tothe in this
• Note that refeoirg to
that referring thecreatures
creatures described
described in thissection
section as mythological does not
asmythological not
necessarily mean
necessarily mean they
theyare non-existent,but
are non-existen! but that
that they
they constirute different order of being
constitute aa different being
thecreatures
than the creatures
, typically found in
qpically found nature. If
in nature. If you
youshould
should happen
happen to toencounter
encounter such
such
experience of magical
dudng the experience
creafures during
creatures reality,do
magical reality, do not
not be fooled thinking that
fooled into thinking that they
they
are any
any less "real" than
less "real" than one's
one's self. The "magical
self. The "magical contract," ll'hich allows
contract," which you to use the
allorvs you the
techniques of magic,
techniques also allorvs
magic, also you to
allows you be affcctcd
to be affected byby thc
the contents magical u'odd.
contents of the magical world.

129
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 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Basilisk: From the Greek "basilens,"" or

Greek"ltasileut kirg.According
o. king. According to to legend, basilisk is
legend, aa basilisk
when aa hen lays
created when
created lays an
an egg upon aa bed
egg upon bed of
of dung and serpent or a toad
and a serpent toad
the egg.
hatches the The creature
egg. The creature is is described
described as ashaving yellow, toad-like
having yellow, toad-like eyes
eyes in
body of
cock, the body
the head of aa cock, of aa serpent,
serpent, the talons
talons of of aa cock,
cock, and aa three-
three-
sung on
pointed sting
pointed its tail.
on its tail. The
The basilisk
basilisk was was said to be so
to be sopoisonous
poisonous and and
malignant that its tread split rock, its hiss burned,
malignant breath, its
burned, and its breath, its gaze,
#ze, and
touch of
the touch of its
its tail
tail all
all killed. presence in
killed. Its mere presence region was thought
in a region thought to
madness and
spread madness hydrophobia. The basilisk
and hydrophobia. basilisk could only be destroyed
destroyed by au
cock (a(" solar lveasel, or
symbol), a weasel,
solar symbol), or by meeting its own gaze gze reflected in in aa
mirror or inin crystal.
crystal. (The weasel was
Gh. weasel was possibly confused with
possibly confused with the mongoose, aa
uadirional enemy of serpents,
traditional serpents, byby the
the writers of medieval
'uvriters of medieval bestiaries.)
bestiaries.)
The basilisk
The basilisk might
might be consideredto
be considered to be aspect of
be an aspect of the
theserpent
serpent
archetype. It
archetype. It is sometimes
sometimes said said to be the king of the
the king the smaller serpents, just as
smaller serpents, as
dragon is
the dragon is the kirg of
the king of the larger serpents.
the larger serpents, TheThe basilisk is aa symbol
basilisk is symbol of of evil,
evil,
sin, and all else that is harmful and destructive.
destructive. It It was also used to
rvas also to symbolize
symbolize
the desolation of
the desolation of wastes deserts. In
wastes and deserts. In alchemy, basilisk is
alchemy, the basilisk is used to
symbolize the destructive
symbolize destructive Ere fue that precedes
precedes purification
purification and transmutation.
transmutation.
Behemoth: TheThe Behemoth
Behemoth symbolizes por,vers of the earth.
symbolizes the powers It isisusually
earth. It usually
described as
described anunbelievably
asan immensehippopotamus-
unbelievably immense hippopotamus-or orelephant-like
elephant-like
creature. The behemoth
creature. of Leviathan.
counteqpart of
behemoth is the cthonic counterpart Leviathan.

Capricornus: The capricornus

Capricomus: creature with
capricornus is a creature with the front half of a goat and
tail of
the tail fish.ItItsymbolizes
of aafish. the power
symbolizes the power andand life principle of
life principle the ocean,
of the ocean,
evolution, and
evolution, ascensionfrom
and ascension from the depths. It
the depths. is also
It is alsosometimes
sometimes used to
symbolize nature of the land and sea.
symbolize the dual nature sea.

Centaur: The centaur

Centaur. creafure rvith
centaur is a creature with the head, arms, and torso of a man
arms, and man
body of
the body
atop the horse. ItIt symbolizes
of aa horse. symbolizes anger
anger and untamed passions, also
passions, but also
the intellect joined will.
ioined with will.
Chimera: The chimera
Chimera: chimera has the head, rnane, and legs of a lion,
head, mane, of a
lion, the body of
selpent (with head)
goat, and a serpent tail. ItIt is
head) as a tail. symbol of
is aa svmbol of the power of storms
the power
dangers of
and winds (the dangers and sea).
of land and sea). In In modem
modern times, the chimera
times, the chimera is
is
coffunonlv used to symbolize
commonly symbolize the impossible; foolish fancy.
impossible; a vain or foolish fancy.

Cyclops: Like giants

Cyclops: giants in general, the
in general, Cyclops is
the Cyclops symbol of
is aa symbol of bmte
brute force and
unbalanced, or primitive nature. In
chaotic, unbalanced,
chaotic, In addition,
addition, the
the Cyclops'
Cyclops' single
single eye
eye
signifies aa lo'nv
signifies level of
low level of intellect, understanding, or spiritual development.
intellect, understanding, development. This
holds true for many
true for many one-eyed in myth,
beings in
one-eyed beings myth, whose single eye is frequently
whose single frequendy
accompanied by by gigantism deformiry. See Giant
gigantism and deformity.

Dragon: The dragon is aa great

dragon is great scaly, winged, often
scaly, reptilian beast, sometimes winged,
horned. InIn the
the oldest
oldest myths,
myths, the dragonisisnearly
thedragon nearlyalways
always associated
associated with water
cosmic terms, the primal ocean
-- in cosmic ocean ofof chaos. dragon frequently
chaos. The dragon frequently appears
appears
in myth
in myth as embodiment of
the embodiment
as the of untamed
untamed natural power (such
natural power (such as wind, rain,
as wind, rain,
rivers,
rivers, mountains
mountains and other manifestations
manifestations of of earth-energies),
earth-energies), the powers of
the po'uvers of
the oceans,
r,vater and the
water and celestial
oceans, and manifestation of
celestial power. As aa manifestation of primordial
primordial
power, the dragon is also
dragon is also used
used ininthe m)'thsofoflater,
themyths later,patriarchal
patriarchalcultures
culfures

130
130
 SM1.± a a -La. L.

Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

(particularly
(particularly western cultures) to
western cultures) to symbolize
symbolize chaos
chaos and darkness - in in Jungian
Jungian
terms, the regressive forces of the
regressive forces the unconscious.
unconscious. Western
Western mythology
mythology abounds
solar hero/dragon
with solar hero/dragon grudge-matches
grudge-matches such such as Nfichael and
as Michael the Great
and the Great
Serpent,
Seqpent, St. George
George and the dragon, Horus Hams andand Typhon,
Typhon, Marduk
I\farduk andand Tiamat,
Tiamat,
Apollo and Python,
Python, and so so on. In the
on. In theeast,
east,the
thedragon
dragon isisstill
still seen
seen asas aa symbol
symbol
of happiness,
happiness, capable of of producing
producing the the elixir ofimmortality.
elixir of immortality. As aawinged winged
serpent,
seqpent, the
the dragon
dmgon symbolizes
symbolizes the union of mattermatter and
andspirit.
spirit. AsAs aa guardian
guardian
of treasure or secret
treasure or knowledg., the dragon is a symbol
secret knowledge, symbol of of initiation.
initiation. The
The
word dragon is derived
derived from a Greek word meaning
^ "to see."
meaning "to see." See Dinosaur
See Dinosaur
and Serpent
Dwarf: Dwarves
Dwarf: I)warves areare usually
usually portrayed as short,
portrayed as short, broad,
broad,powerfully
powerfully built,
built,
bearded men, with earthy complexions
complexions and craggy
craggy or rough-hewn features.
features. In
myth, dwarves associated with secret powers or
dwanres are often associated or hidden
hidden treasure.
fteasure.
Like giants, d'nvarves
Like gfants, dwarves are associated with
are also associated with pre- ages
pre- human ages -- an
anearlier
earlier
of creation.
order of creation. Like gnomes, drvarves
dwarves are
are often
often thought of as as guardians ofof
the interior of the
the earth
earth and
and have
have long
long been
been part of the
part of mythology of mining.
the mythology mining.

Fairies: Fairies
Fairies can be viewed emissaries of the
viewed as emissaries the unconscious,
unconscious, symbolizing
symbolizing
the powers of of the
the spirit,
spirit, particularly imagination. Th.y
particularly the imagination. They are also often seen
symbols of the powers of
as symbols of vegetation
vegetation and nature,
narure, related
related to elementals,
elementals, but
perhaps more complex.
complex.
According
According to to Jean
Jean Chevalier
Chevalier andand Alain
Main Gheerbrant in tn A
A Dictionary
Dictionary of
of
Symbols,
Sltnltok, fairies associated with a
fairies are associated a triple rhythm that
triple rhythm thatisisactually four-fold,
acfually four-fold,
representing phases of the moon and the rhythms of the
representing the phases the seasons:
seasons:

moon isisvisible
"The moon forthree
visible for threeof ofthese
thesephases, butdisappears
phases,but disappears
during its fourth when it
during it isis said tobe
said to "dead."Similarly
be"dead." lif., in its
Similarly life, its
vegetable form, waxes
vegetable form, when itit comes out of the ground
waxes when in Spring,
ground in Spring, is
fullest in Summer, wanes during Autumn and vanishes during
at its fullest
Winter, a time of silence
silence and death.
death.

If fairy
fairy lore is closely examined, itit will
closely examined, will be
be seen
seen that its anonymous
anonymous
authors
authors have not disregarded this "fourth time."
disregarded this time." This is the period
period
of breakdown
of breakdown when the the effects
effects of of the
thefairy's
fai$r's transformation
transformation into
human shape wear off. The fairy
human farrry shares in the
the supernatural
supernatural because
because
her life is continuous, not discontinuous
discontinuous likelike ours
ours and like that of
like that
every other earthly
earthly living thing. It is quite natural,
living thing. narural, then, that
thatfairies
fairies
should remain invisible during the
invisible during the dead
dead season
season when
when they
they do not
appear."
Depending on
Ghost: Depending point of
on one's point ofview,
view, ghosts
ghosts are thespirits,
arethe spirits,shells,
shells,
psychic remnants, or psychological
psychic remnants, impression of the dead.
psychological impression Inpsychological
dead. In psychological
terms, they can be viewed
viewed as the
the return ofthe
return of therepressed,
repressed,symbolizing
symbolizing that
that
which is disowned,
disowned, feared,
feared, or reiected.
rejected.

Giant: Many
N'fany creation
creation myths describe an immense primordial being that
immense primordial that
sacrifices
sacrifices itself (or is
itself (or killed)to
is killed) to allow
allow the^nceation
the creation of
of the world.
wodd. Often, the
the
earliest creatures in
eadiest creatures in myths giants who
myths are giants qualities and powers of
who share the qualities

131
131
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

this original being. In fact, giants

original being. appear in the myths of almost
giants appear almost every
every culture.
culture.
Giants symbolize
symbolize both the
the overwhelming manifestations of untamed nature
overwhelming manifestations nature
and those forces
forces within humanity
humanity that we are unable to control.

Gorgon (Medusa):
$Vledusa): The gorgon is is described
described as a woman with
vrith snakes
snakes asas hair.
It symbolizes
symbolizes fear and terror (since
fear and sight of
the sight
(since the of the Gorgon turned
turned its victim
its victim
to stone).
stone).

Gryphon:
Gryphon: The gryphon
gryphon is is aa creature
creature with the head
head and
and wings
wings of
of an
an eagle
eagle and
the body of aa lion.
lion. It is
is most
most often
often associated
associated with the sun and
and gold,
gold, but is
sometimes used
used to symbolize powers of earth and sky,
combined powers
symb alize combined union of
the union
slcy, the
terrestrial
terestrial and celestial strength. It is also used to
celestial stength. to symbolize
symbolize vigilance
vigilance and the
combination of intelligence
intelligence and strength.
smength.

Hydra: The hydra

Hydra: hydra is a many-headed
many-headed serpent or dragon.
dragon. It is
is sometimes
sometimes used
used
as a symbol
symbol of difficulties (since it
difficulties or obstacles (since it grows
grows two
two new heads forfot each
off). The
cut off).
one cut The hydra
hydra isis also
also sometimes
sometjmes used as a symbol
symbol of chaos,
chaos, the
the
life-force, and
powers of water, life-force, powers of nature.
and the powers nanre.
^

Kraken: The kraken symbol of the primordial

kraken is a symbol primordial ocean and the powers
powerc of
the waters. It isis usually
usually described as an
an unbelievably
unbelievably huge squid-
squid- like creature.
creature.
Like the squid and the
Like the octopus,
octopus, the
thekraken
kraken isisassociated with the
associated with thesymbolism
symbolism
of the spiral.
spiral.

Leviathan: The leviathan

leviathan is an aquatic counterpart to to the
theBehemoth,
Behemoth, usually
usually
described
descdbed as an unbelievably huge f,sh.
unbelievably huge fish. Like
Like the kraken, itit is an embodiment
the kraken, embodiment
of the primordial ocean and the powers
primordial ocean powers ofof the
the waters. Like the dragon,
waters. Like dragon, the
leviathan's associationwith
leviathan's association withthe
the primeval
primevalocean alsolinks
oceanalso linksitit with
with the
the
symbolism
symbolism of chaos and darkness.
darkness.

Lycanthrope (Werewolf):
Lycanthrope flWerewolf): The werewolf
werewolf is usually
usually described
described as aa creature
creature
with the body of aa human andand the
the head,
head,fur,
fur, and
and claws of aa wolf, but
claws of but may
may also
appear
appear asas a human
humantransformed completely into a wolf.
tansformed completely wolf.ItItsymbolizes
symbolizes
irrationaliry,^blood lust,
irrationality, lust, and brutal nature.
nature.
^
Mermaid:
Merrrraid: The mermaid
meffnaid has the head, torso, and arms of of. a woman and the
tail of a fish. It appears
tail appears as aa symbol
symbol of thethe beauty, treachery of the
beaug, lure, and treachery
ocean (since mermaids were
(since mermaids were said
said to sailors to their doom). The mermaid
to lure sailors mermaid
is also used symbol of the spiritual
used as a symbol aspect of the oceans.
spiritual aspect

Merman: The male the mermaid,

male counterpart to the mermaid, the
the merman
merman is is aacreature
creahrre
with the head, torso, and
with and arms
arms of aa man
man and
andthe
thetail
tail of fish,ItItisisgenerally
ofaafish. generally
used to symbolize
symbolize the power of the ocean.

Minotaur: The
Minotaur: The minotaur creature with the body and
minotaur is a creature arms of a man and
and arms
the head of aa bull. It isis sometimes
bull. It sometimes used to symbolize
used to symboLze unbridled
unbridled passions and
desires.
Nymph: Nymphs are thought to to exist
exist as both beautiful
as both beautiful women
women and and specific
specific
locations that the
locations the women
women embody,
embody, suchsuch asasgroves,
gtoves,springs,
springs, ororgrottoes.
grottoes.
Nymphs are
are personifications of the
personifications of the creative
creative and
andlife-giving activities of nature,
life-giving activities

r32
132
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

most often
most often identified
identified with theoutflow
'uvith the ofsprings.
outflor,v of Whiletending
springs.While liveaway
tendinglive away
humanitl, nlmphs
from humanity, nymphs might be encountered by lone travelers
by lone rvho, hearing
travelers who, hearing
music, might
their music, might see them dancing or
them dancing bathing in
or bathing in aa stream
stream oror pool.
pool. Such
Such
could be
encounters could perilous, sometimes causing besotted infatuation, loss of
be perilous, of
speech, madness or stroke to
or stroke tothe
theunfortunate human(generally
unforrunatehuman male) who
fuenerally male) who
could not throw
could off their
throw off their obsessive attraction.
obsessive attraction.

Pegasus: .Ahorse
Pegasus: horse(usually
(usually white) with wings,
rvhite) with wings, the
the winged symbol of
winged horse is a symbol
higher mind. It
aspiring higher
the aspiring It isis aasymbol
symbol ofof inspiration,
inspiration,imagination,
imagination, creativity,
creativirl',
and ascension. Just as the horse
ascension. Just shaman's mount, providing
horse is a shaman's providing transportation
transportation
between the worlds, Pegasus
between Pegasus is is aa symbol
symbol of ofastral andmediation
traveland
astraltravel mediation
between
bet'uveen different levels of consciousness. In Greek
different levels myth, Pegasus
Greek myth, Pegasus waswas born
the blood
of the fromMedusa's
bloodfrom Nfedusa's severed head mixed
severed head with sea-sand
mixed with sea-sand byby Poseidon,
could be viewed
Pegasus could
thus Pegasus vier.ved as the powers
as the powers of of the
thespirit
spiritand
andcreative
creative
imagination after fear is overcome.
imagination overcome.
Phoenix: The The phoenix
phoeni-x is is usually described as aa large
usually described large beautiful bird with
beautiful bird rvith
brilliant red
brilliant plumage. The
red and gold plumage. The only
only one of of its
its kind,
kind, the
the phoenix
phoenix liveslives
many hundreds of years and then immolates
many immolates itself (either on an altar fire, fire, or in
stories, in
some stories, made of spices
in a nest made spices which is ignited
ignited by by the sun and the the
fanning of
farming wings). The
phoenix's wings).
of the phoenix's phoenix lies dead for
The phoenix for three
threedays days
symbolizing the
(perhaps symbolizing dark of the moon),
the dark moo.), and then then rises alive from its own
rises alive o',vn
ashes. The phoenix
ashes. phoenlx is hermaphroditic and is is said to feed
said to ondew
feed on (since itit will
dew(since will
harm any
not harm living creature).
anv living creature). The The phoenix
phoenlx symbolizes resurrection,
sacrifice, resurrection,
symbolizes sacrifice,
initiation, and
renewal, death and rebirth, initiation,
renewal, immortality. Though primarily
and immortality. fire
primarily aa fire
symbol, the phoenix combines male/
symbol, male/female
female and solar/lunar attributes. It
and solar/lunar It is
is
sometimes viewed
sometimes viewedas symbol of
as aa symbol of the
the sun and its its spontaneous
spontaneous rebirth as as aa
symbol of the sunrise.
sunrise. The word phoenix may be related related to pboinos,
phoinos, meaning
referring to
blood-red, perhaps referring
blood-red, to its
its association
association with fre.
rvith fire.

Roc (or Ziz): The roc is aa gigantic

roc is said to feed its young
gigantic bird, said It
young on elephants. It
viewed as
is sometimes viewed symbol of
as a symbol of the powers of the air.
air.

Satyr: The satyr creature with

saryr is a creature with the head, torso,
the head, torso, and arms of a man, and the the
and hind-quarters
beard, and
horns, beard, hind-quarters ofof a goat. Thesatyr
goat.The sat)'rsymbolizes
symbolizesprofane
profane
energy,untamed
masculine energy,
masculine
^license,lust,
nature,license,
untamednature, lust,and lechery.ItIt is
and lechery. is also
also
fertilirv.
associated with fertility.

Siren: Sirens are described

described asas hvbrid creatures with
hybrid crearures with the heads and breasts
the heads of
breasts of
women, but the the bodies
bodies ofofbirds or,more
birds or, morecommonly,
commonly, fish. Inmyth,
fish. In m)'th, they
they
seduced passing sailors with their
seduced their beautiful
beautiful faces irresistible song,
and irresistible
faces and luring
song, luring
their deaths in the ocean.
them to their ocean.
rvodd, sirens
outer world,
In the outer sirens are symbols dangers of the sea. In the
symbols of the dangers
like most mythological
rvodd, like
inner world, associated with
my'1fuological creatures associated with water, such as as
nymphs and and undines,
undines, sirens
sirens symbolize the destructive
symbolize the destructive qualities of unbridled
qualities of unbridled
desire, obsession,
desire, emotion. See
obsession, and unbalanced emotion. Mermaid and Nymph
See Mermaid

Sphinx: sphinx is a creature with

Sphinx: The sphinx with the head
head of a man or woman, the bodybody
of a bull, the legs and tail of a lion, and the wings of an eagle. It
an eagle. of
svmbol of
It is a symbol

133
133
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

the since in
enigmatic, since
the enigmatic, mythologf, the
in Greek mythology, the sphinx asked aa riddle of
sphinx asked
everyone that passed and devoured those who
everyone who could notanswer
could not answer correctly.
correctly.
sphinx is also
The sphinx as aa symbol
also used as of the
symbol of the whole
whole human-being (since it is aa
human-being (since
combination of the
combination thecreatures
cteatutes usually associated with
usually associated four elements;
with the four elements; air,
air,
earth, fire, water). It is sometimes used
fir., and water). symbolize spirit
used to symbolize spirit and the sun.
Unicorn: The unicorn isisaawhite
The unicorn whitehorse-like
horse-like creature with a straight,
creature with straight, spiral
spiral
horn inin the
thecenter
centerof ofits head.ItItisisusually
itshead. usuallyused
^
usedtotosymbolize
symbolizeinnocence,
innocence,
purity, virginity,and
purity, and chastity (since,ininm)'th,
chastity(since, myth,the the unicorn
unicorn can only be be
"itgt"ity, associated with symbolism of the
approached by by a* virginal maiden). Often
virginal maiden). Often associated with the symbolism
moon, the unicorn is sometimes
unicorrr is sometimes portrayed
portrayed in myth as an enemy of the lion lion (a(a
symbol). The
traditional solar symbol). The unicorn
unicorn is also used as a symbol intellect
symbol of the intellect
sublimation of
the sublimation
and the of sexual
sexual energy,
energy, because of the phallic single horn rising
phallic single rising
from its forehead.
forehead.

Mythological Animal
Assembling a Mythological
You can combine
combine animals to describe concepts or ot forces,
forces, just as you combine
combine
the members ofof any other symbolic
any other symbolic category.
category.
Choose a concept or force
Choose force that
that you
you want to represent.
want to Next, choose
represent. Next, choose
between two and animals. All
five animals.
and five animals can be
All the animals be associated
associated with the
the
or force,
concept or or each
force, or represent related concepts or forces.
could tepresent
each animal could forces.
combiningdifferent
Imagine combining
Imagine differentpafts partsofof the animals to
the animals form one
to form one
creature. exampl e, tf
creature. For example, if one of thethe animals bull, the
animals chosen is aa bull, the composite
composite
creature might have might
might have might have legs and hooves of the bull,
have the legs bull, it might have
the head of aa bull, or perhaps
bull, or perhaps it it might
might have only the bull's
have only bull's horns. InIn some
some
cases,
cases, you of an
attribute of
you can use an attribute ananimal withoutactually
animal without actually using
using aa specific
specific
part. For example, instead of
example, instead of having
having a fish's head or or tail,
td, perhaps
perhaps the the
^
composite animal
animal might be be partially
partially or completely
completely covered in scales.
scales.
Keep trying
tryrng different combinadons until
different combinations until you have created
created atat least
least
using the animals
creatures using
three composite creatures animals you chosen. Notice how
you have chosen.
different combinationsofofparts
different combinations partsseemseemto give a different
to grve different feel to to each
each
composite creature. You
composite creature. You maym^y find that symbolic
symbolic elements when placed in one
elements when
position, such as the
position, the creature's head, have
creature's head, muchstronger
have aa much stronger influence
influence thanthan
placed in
when placed in other positions.
other positions.
exetcise again, only
Try the exercise choose two different concepts
only choose concepts or forces.
forces.
^g^rn,
dme, select
This time, associated with
select one or two animals associated each of
with each of the two
two concepts
or forces.
or Noticehow
forces. Notice howcombining
combiningtwo twoanimals
animalsassociated withdifferent
associated with different
concepts
concepts produces composite concept
produces aa composite concept and new set
and new ofassociations.
setof associations. Again,
Again,
rearrange the
rearrange the parts ofof the
theanimals until you
animals until you have
havedesigned three different
designed three different
creatures. Now look again and compare
creatures. compare the influence of each concept when
the parts of its associated animal(s) are
associated animals) are arranged
arranged inin different
different ways.
ways.

r34
134
 Chapter 14: Human Body
L4z The Human

Often, primordial humans such as

primodial humans as Adarn Kadmon in the Hebrew tradition
Adam Kadmon tradition or
Pan-Ku in Chinese
Chinese mythology, archetype or prototype,
represent the human archetype
mythology, represent prototype,
the mold of of all
all humanity.
humanity. In the the case ofmythic
case of mythic progenitors,
progenitors, such
such as Adam
as Adam
and Eve, they
they serve
ser\re as the image
image of "everyman"
"everyman" symbolizing
symboluing the permanence
and nature of the human condition.
The human
human bodybody as
as aa whole
whole symbolizes
symbolizes the axis of the the universe
univetse and
and
the center ofof existence.
existence. The body is the interface between the self and the
interface between the
world, acting
wodd, acting as a bridge between
betrxreen the
the physical
physical and thethe spiritual. Certainly for
spiritual. Certainly
each individual, the body is the
individual, the the central
centtal core
core (the microcosm), wherein
(themicrocosm), urherein every
every
aspect of the universe
universe (the macrocosm)
fnacrocosm) has its its counteqpart.
counterpart.
Ancient Chinese
Chinese physicians
physicians made
made thethefollowing
follouringcorrespondences
correspondences
between the wodd
betrnreen world and the human body: body:

Head the sky

slry

Hair the stars and constellations

constellations

Eyes and ears

Eyes the sun and moon
Breath wind
Blood rain
Bodily vessels
vessels streams
strearns and waters
watets

Veins valleys
valleys and rivers

Body (as aa whole)

whole) the element earth
Skeleton mountains
mountains

Heart the Great Bear

Bear constellation
constellation

The 7 apertures
aperttrres of the heart the 7 stars of the Great Bear
Bear

The 5 internal
intemal organs
organs the 5 elements
elements

The 8 parts of the body the 8 trigrams l-Ching

trigrams of the 1-Ching

The 9 apernres
apertures of
4 the
the body
body the 9 gates of Heaven
The 44limbs
limbs the 4 seasons
seasons

l2 principal
The 12 princlpal joints
ioints the 12 months
months
The 360
360 minor joints
ioints the days of the year

135
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Here are some of the other

other common
corrunon symbolic
symbolic associations
associations of the human
body:
Arm: Generally,
Ann: Generally, the
the arm
arm is
is aa symbol
symbol of physical vigor, strength,
physical vigor, strength, the projection
of power
of power("a ("^long arm'),work,
longarm"), work,and
andactivity, butalso
activity, but alsohelp,
help,protection,
protection,
authority, justice. Divinities
authoriT, and justice. Divinities are
are often
often portrayed
portrayed with
with more than two
rwo arms
to signify omnipotence.
signi$r their omnipotence.

Beard: The beard

Beard: The is used
beard is used as
as aasymbol of manhood
symbol of manhood and
andwisdom.
wisdom. A A tangled
tangled
beard, like
like wild
wild hair,
hair, isis sometimes
sometimes used
used as a symbol
symbol of madness.
madness. See Hair
Belly:
Belly: The belly
belly isis often
often considered
considered the
the seat of life,
life, both
both as
as womb
womb and as the
of transmutation
center of transmutation and anddigestion. Inalchemical
digestion. In alchemical symbolism,
symbolism, the the belly
belly was
was
often used
used asas aa symbol
symbol of
of the
thealchemical
alchemical laboratory.
laboratory. The
The belly
betly is
is also
also a symbol
symbol
of the
of the gross
gross appetites,
appetites, gluttony, "g.t aa belly
hunger. To "get
gluttony, and hunger. belly full" is toto have
have
enough or too much.much. SeeSee Stomach
Stomach
Blood: Blood
Blood is is an
an almost
almost universal
universal symbol of life, strength, and soul, sharing
some of of the
thesymbolic associations of
symbolic associations of the
the color
color red, fire, fire, and thethe sun.
sun.
Sometimes referred to
Sometimes referred to as the water or river of life, life, blood flowsflows through
through our
bodies as long as
as long life lasts.
aslife lasts. Chemically,
Chemic"ily, blood is very very similar
similar to seaware t, a
to seawater,
characteristic remaining from
characteristic remaining from our origins in the
our origins the ocean.
ocean. Many
I\{any cultures
culrures have
have
taboos connected with with spilling
spilling or consuming
consuming blood, all rooted in the the essential
essential
belief
belief that blood linked with soul or spirit.
blood is linked Ground where innocent blood
spirit. Ground
has been shed is often thought thought to to be
beaccursed.
accursed. Likewise,
Likewise, in some cultures, the
blood ofof animals
animals or or humans
humans was was ritually
rirually drunk to to absorb
absorbtheirtheirworthwhile
worthwhile
qualities. This ancient
qualities. This ancient belief
belief is
is even reflected in
even reflected in the
the Christian
Christian Communion. As
essence of life, blood is the
the vital essence primary element in both human
the primary human and
and
animal sacriFtce. It
arumal sacrifice. It was
was aa cofiunon
common beliefbelief that
that blood
blood is a food for for supernatural
supernarural
beings
beings and is is connected
connected with with divine life. Many
divine life. I\{any rituals involve anointing
rituals involve anointing an
an
altar, magical objects,
altar, magical objects, or or human
human beings
beings with
with blood
blood as as aa form
form of empowerment
empowerment
or consecration.
consecration. The most solemn solemn of of pacts, bothsupernatural
pacts, both supernarural and and otherwise,
othenvise,
are traditionally signed
signed or sealed
sealed in blood.
blood.
There are are many references to blood
many references blood in in common
coffunonusage. usage. Bad
Bad blood
blood
causes violence. $fhen
causes violence. When angry,angry, one's blood boils. Young blood
boils. Young bloodrejuvenates.
rejuvenates.
Something deliberately and
Something done deliberately dispassionatelyisisdone
and dispassionately done in in cold blood.
blood.
Inherited characteristics
Inherited characteristics are areinin the
the blood. People in
blood. People in love or passion
passion are hot
blooded.
blooded.

Bones: TheThe bones

bonesare the thelast
lastearthly
earthlytraces
traces ofofthe
thedead,
dead,significant
significant partly
pardy
^re
because they last
because they last so much longer than the the flesh. The bones
flesh. The bones are
are commonly
cofiunonly
viewed
vie'uved as symbol of
as aa symbol of death impermanence of flesh,
death and the impermanence flesh, but also as the
seeds of the
the body
body and its hope
and its hopefor forresurrection. Asaarelatively
resurrection. As relatively enduring
endurirg part
of the
the body,
body, bones
bones have
have sometimes
sometimes been viewed
viewed as the center of aa creature's
creature's
being and life force.
force. To something in
To feel something in one's bones is to feel
one's bones in your
feel it in your
innermost
innermost self. Perhaps because of the
Perhaps because association of bones
the association life force
with life
bones with force
and
and the
the dead,
dead, many
many cultures
cultures have used bones in variousvarious forms
forms ofof divination,
divination,
from "throwing the the bones"
bones" to to reading
reading the
the cracks
cracks in bones
bones scorched
scorched byby fire.
fire.

136
136
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
In many
In many cultures,
cultures, particularly those in
particulady those in which
which hunting was of of great
great
importance, the bones of slain animals were
slain animals returned to the earth (or in some
were returned
fire or water)
cases, hre
cases, water) so that its kind would continue toto renew itself. Bones are
renew itself.
often used
used as
as symbols of ancestors
symbols of ancestors and
and are
arerevered in many
revered in manysocieties.
societies. Bones
Bones
also symbolize foundation, and
symbolize support, core or foundation, and sometimes, inner virtue.
sometimes, inner virtue. See
See
Skeleton
Brain: The
Brain: The brain
brain is
is typically symbol of the mind and intellect.
typically a symbol intellect.

The female
Breast: The female breast is often used
used as symbol of
as a symbol ofboth
bothphysical
physical and
and
spiritual nourishment, motherhood, comfort,
^security, and plenty.
comfort, security, plenty. The breast
breast
symbol of the
is also a symbol nurt*irg aspect
the nurturing of the
aspect of the universal mother. Because
universal mother. Because of
this, goddesses have been portrayed in some
some cultures
cultures as many-breasted. Partly
as many-breasted.
because of its associations
associations with
with nurturing, because itit is
nurturing, but also because the seat of the
is the
heart, the breast poth male
breast (both male and symbol of affection.
female) is a symbol
and female) affection.

Breath: Breath, like blood, is a universal

Breath: universal symbol
symbol of life, animating
animating force, soul,
soul,
and spiritual
and Breathingisisthe
essence. Breathing
spiritual essence. the first
first action Breath is so
action after birth. Breath so
associated with life that
much associated that many
many creation
creation myths
myths describe being women
describe being women
impregnated Finnish Kalevala.
impregnated by the wind, as in the Finnish incense is often
Kalevala. In ritual, incense
used to represent the
the breath
breath of life. See
of life. See Lungs

Ear: Typically,
Ear: Typically, the ear is a symbol
the ear ofperception,
symbol of hearing,awareness,
perception, hearing, awareness, and
and
acuity.
acuity.
^

Eye: Almost universally consideredthe

universally considered the most
most important
important organorgan of the senses,senses,
is a symbol of
eye is
the eye of intelligence,
intelligence, consciousness,
consciousness, and spirituality. This is
and spirituality.
pardy due to
partly ^to its
its association
association with light and partly because it
partly because is the
it is theprimary
primary
organ of perception, allowing human
perception, allowing beings to
human beings to orga the patterns of the
nrze the
organize
world. The eye
rvorld. The eye isisalso symbolofofperception,
alsoa symbol clarification, discernment,
perception,clarification, discernment,
^ knowledg., vigilance,
omniscience, enlightenment, knowledge, vigilance, andand wisdom.
wisdom.
The eye eye is frequently associatedwith
frequently associated withthe sun, the
the sun, moon, or the stars.
the rnoon, stars.
The sun
The in particular,
sun in particular, hashas been thought of
been thought ofbybymany
manycultures
cultures asasan anall-seeing
all-seeing
eye. Likewise,
Likewise, the has often
eye has
the eye often been used as as aa symbol
symbol of of various
variousan-seeing,
all-seeing,
all-knowing deities.
Heterotopic eyes eyes (eyes transferred anatomically to
transferred anatomically to various parts of the
various parts
body, such as a hand) are often used
are often used to tosymbolize spiritual sight,
symbolize spiritual sight, clairvoyance,
clairvoyance,
or superhuman
or knowledg.. In
superhuman knowledge. In the
theScriptures, beings are
angelic beings
Scriptures, angelic atefrequently
frequendy
described as "full of eyes
described all round and
eyes all within." Likewise,
and within." Likewise, deities have often
been portrayed as as many-eyed.
rnany-eyed.
The leftleft eye
eye has mostoften
has most oftenbeen beenassociated
associated with with thethepast,
past,passive
passive
forces, and the moon, while
forces, right eye is associated
while the right associated with future, active
with the future, active
forces, and the
forces, the sun.
sun. AAthird
thirdeye oftensymbolizes
eyeoften illuminated consciousness
symbolizes illuminated consciousness
and inner or or spiritual vision, since
spiritual vision, it unifies
since it unifies perception.
perception. A A single,
single, unlidded eye eye
is sometimes used as as aa symbol
symbol of of divine
divine essence
essence and knowledg". A single
and knowledge. single eye
mythological being such as
in aa mythological as aaCyclops,
Cyclops, however,
however, most often oftensymbolizes
symbolizes
diminished primitive perception
diminished or primitive perception and lack of understanding.
understanding.
Blindness is
Blindness is often used as as aasymbol
symbol of ofignorance
ignoranceand andspiritual
spiritual lack.
lack.
Sometimes, however,
Sometimes, blindness is
however, blindness symbolize sight turned
is used to symbolize rurned awayaway from

137
137
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
world, inner
material wodd,
the material inner sight, spfuirual vision
sight, and spiritual clarity. I.
vision or clarity. In this context,
context,
associated with clairvoyance
blindness is associated clainroyance and
and prophecy.
prophecy.
Face: The face fust thing noticed
face is the first noticed of one's
one's appearance. primary
is the primary
appearance. It is
image of the self
image self presented
presented to the wodd, yet
the world, the face
yet the never be
cannever
face can bedirectly
direcdy
oneself, but can be perceived
seen by oneself; perceived only
only through
through thethe use of a mirror. The
The
face is typically thoughtof
rypically thought the organ of expression
as the
of as symbol of the
expression and a symbol
outward personality, The
outward personality. face is
The face the seat of the senses
is the doorway of the
senses and the doorway
symbol of both the
soul. It is a symbol the external
external image
image and of the whole self.
self.

Fingers: Thefingers
Fingers: The fi.ngers are
are differentiations the essential
differentiations of the essential organ
organ of action, the
the finger
such, the
hand. As such, is aa symbol
finger is of indication,
symbol of indication, manipulation,
rnanipulation, and hence,
fate. The fingers
fate. symbolize counti.g
fingers also symbolize touch. The finger on the lips
and touch.
counting and lips is
is
of silence
symbol of
a symbol silence oror secrecy. ring finger,
secrecy. The ring finger, particularly that of the left
particulady that left
^hand (nearest the heart), is associated fidelity. The word finger
and fidelity. finger
hand (nearest the heart), is associated with love and
probably
probably derives from a Germanic root word word meaning
meaning five.
five. See
See Hand

The foot
Foot: The
Foot: foot symbolizes
symbolizes stability (to(to "have one's feet fu-ly planted
feet firmly planted on the
ground"), but also beginnings (to
also beginnings step). The foot is
(to take a step). is aa symbol
symbol ofof will
will
because of its connection
down), because
(putting one's foot down), connection to motivation
motivation and to
standing. The
standing. The foot footalso
alsosymbolizes foundation, progress,
symbolizesfoundation, freedom of
progress, freedom
rnovement, and
movement, and travel.
travel. Placing foot on something
one's foot
Placingone's something is is aa symbol
symbol of
possession or dominance.
dominance. Kissing another's foot is aa symbol
Kissing another's symbol of of submission.
submission.
footprint is
The footprint is aasymbol
symbol ofof presence,
presence, andand hence,
hence, also of possession
also of possession or
occupation. Foot
occupation. washing is
Foot washing is often aa part
partof ritualsofofcleansing.
ofrituals cleansing. Washing
$Tashing
foot is
another's foot is aa symbol
symbol of great devotion or respect.
respect.

The genitals,
Genitals: The
Genitals: both male
genitals, both male andandfemale,
female,are typically symbols
aretypically symbols of
generation, reproduction, fertility, life force, and
reproduction, fertility, lust. See
and lust. Phallus
See Phallus

Hair: Hair has often been

Hair. ofas
thought of
been thought asaarepository oflife
repository of life force,
force, associated
associated
with bodily
bodily strength, virility, and magical
strength, virility, magfcal power. Shearing the
power. Shearing hair was
the hair \vas
considered
considered an act of degradation
act of andhumiliation
degradation and inmany
humiliation in manycultures, inflicted
cultures, inflicted
on slaves,
on criminals, and
slaves, criminals, and defeated Shaving the
captives. Shaving
defeated captives. head has also been
the head been
viewed as an act of
viewed of ritual mourning, sacrifice,
ritual mourning, surrender, or the
sacrifice, surrender, the renunciation
renunciation
of specific
of specific qualities, rights, or
qualities, rights, identiry. The
or even identity. The ritual cutting of of hair
hair
accompanies entrance into monastic monastic life in nearly
life in neady every culture with monastic
culture urith monastic
practices. The
practices. style and
The sfyle and cut of hairhair has
has always indicator of social
always been an indicator social or
hair remained uncut during a war, a journey,
societies, hair
spiritual states. In many societies,
spiritual journey,
or during the period
during the period of of aavow. Hairon
vov/. Hair onthethehead
headisisusually
usuallyassociated with
associated with
(since it
spiritual forces (since
spiritual from the
grows from
it grows thehead).
head). Hair, particul"{ abundant
H^it,particularly abundant
body hair, isis sometimes
sometimes used tosymbolize
used to instinctive forces
symbolize instinctive forces and
and primitive,
primitive,
or animal
base, or animal nature.
nature. Like blood, spittle,spittle, fingernails,
fingernails, and so oo,
and so on, hair is
is
sometimes thought to retain
sometimes retain its connection to the donor, and so is often used
so is used
in homeopathic magic.
magic. See See Beard

Hand: The
Hand: The hand is the
hand is partofofthe
thepart thebody
bodymost
mostassociated withpower,
associatedwith power,
manipulation, and action. The words
manipulation, manifestation and
words manifestation manipulation derive
and manipulation derive
from the same as "mama,"
same root as Latin word for the
" mnflus," the Latin the hand. The hand's
hand. The hand's

138
138
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

connection to action and

connection and power
power can bediscerned
can be discerned in inmany
lnflnlr idioms still in
idioms still in
coffunon use,
common use) such
such asas "to hands on" or "to
lay hands
"to lay "to get
get out ofhand."
out of hand." TheThe laying
laying
o[ hands
on of hands represents
represents thethe transmission
transmission of power. Images of the hand
porver. Images hand havehave
been used in in protective magic since
protective magic at least
since at Neolithic times.
least Neolithic times. TheThe handprint
handprint
(often painted in red) is one of of the oldest images
the oldest images used humaniry and
by humanity
used by and isis still
still
placed dr,vellings by
placed on dwellings man),' cultures
by many today. The
cultures today. washing of
The washing the hands
of the hands
symbolizes innocence
symbolizes innocence (clean purification. The
hands) and purification.
(clean hands) The hand in in general
general is is
used asas aasymbol
symbolof ofaction,
action,grasp,
grasp,ability, assistance (to
abiliry, assistance lend aahand),
(to lend hand),
salutation, blessing, rvriting.
blessing, and writing.
various motions
The various motions of of the handall
the hand all have theirown
have their ownsymbolism.
symbolism. The
directionor
symbolizes direction
pointing hand symbolizes
pointing indication.The
or indication. fist is
The fist symbol of
is a symbol of
uniry, and force.
strength, unity, force. The open openhandhandsymbolizes
symbolizes both
^
both generosity
generosity and and
receptivity.The
receptiviry. raised right
The raised hand is a symbol
right hand symbol of of protection
protectionand andblessing.
blessing.
Raised hands, or hands open with
Raised rvith palms
^ outward symbolize
palms outward symbolize acceptance.
acceptance. T'uvoTwo
fingers up
hands, fingers and palms
up and together, is
palms together, symbol of
is a symbol ofsupplication
supplication or or
left breast ^ (the heart) is a symbol of
adoration. The
adoration. The right hand on
right hand on the left breast (the heart) is a symbol of
obedience. The
obedience. index finger
The left index frnger raised and pointed
raised and torvards or
pointed towards or touching
touching the the
palm symbolizes
right palm symbolizes argument or or discussion.
discussion. Hands clasped with fingers
clasped with fingers
internvined is
intertwined is a symbol
symbol of of unity. The fingers
uniry'. The fi.ngers and thumb also
and thumb alsohavehave phallic
phallic
cofiunonly invoked in insulting
connotations, commonly insulti.g gestures
gestures around the world.
r.vodd. See
Hand and Thumb
Hand

Head: The head is often

head is often considered
considered the essence of being,
essence of of the
being, seat of the soul,
soul,
and
and aa symbol
symbol andand source
source ofof magical
magical power.
porver. The head, containing the organs
head, containing organs
of speech,
of is associated
speech, is associated with speech and prophecy
speech and prophecy and issimilarly
and is similarly used to
cognition, perception, wisdom,
symbolize cognition, intellect (to use
wisdom, intellect one's head),
use one's head), the
the
mind, control and rule (to (to be
be head oQ,awareness,
head of), and spiritual
awareness, and life. It
spirirual life. It is aa
symbol of
symbol of thethedriving forceororintention,
drivingforce intention,government, legislation, and
governrnent,legislation, and
enlightenment. The
enlightenment. manifestation of the spirit
symbolizes the manifestation
The head also symbolizes (tt
spirit (as
opposed toto the rvhich symbolizes
bodv, which
thebody, matter). See
symbolizes matter). Ear, Ey",
See Ear, Mouth,
Eye, Face, Mouth,
Nose
and Nose
Fleart: Sharing
Heart: many of
Sharing many of the symbolic associations of
symbolic associations of blood,
blood, the heart is often
considered to be the
considered the seat of emotions,
seat of emotions, hopes, desires. In
hopes, and desires. the west,
In the r.vest, the
the
primarv symbolism
heart's primary symbolism is passion, whether religious,
passion, whether woddly, or
spiritual, worldly,
religious, spiritual,
is the
sexual. ItIt is
sexual. thesource
source of of lifelifeand (tobe
vitaliry(to
andvitality behearty),
hearry),and andwillrvill
(wholehearted). To
(wholehearted). To"take heart"isis to
"takeheart" to be ofof good courage. The heart is a
good courage.
^
symbol of the inner self, the core and
symbol and secret
secret center beneath the the surface
surface that
the state of the soul.
reflects the
reflects In Egyptian
soul. In Egyptian myth, IUa'at (the goddess of
myth, Ma'at truth
of truth
and justice)
and weighed each
iustice) rveighed person's heart
each person's heart after
after death, comparing itit to
death, comparing the
to the
rveight of a feather.
weight today, we say that someone's
feather. Even today, heart is light or that
someone's heart
one is heavy-hearted. The heart is also
is heavy-hearted. associated r,vith
also associated romance, of
with romance, of course,
course,
really any love,
but really since one can "give your heart" to
love, since to anyone
anyone or oranything.
anything.
Because of its associations
Because life, and
center, Life,
associations with center, and vitality, the heart has often
vitality, the often
associated with
been associated Sun. The heart is aa symbol
with the Sun. symbol of of the spirit combining
the spirit combining
knor,ving and
knowing hence, itit is
being, hence,
and being, seat of intuition
is a seat inruidon (to know one's heart).
knor.v in one's heart).
When one's heart is open,
heart is open,one oneisisreceptive
receptivetotooutside
outsideinfluences
influences and and
perceptions.
perceptions.

139
139
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

The systole
The (conttaction) and diastole
systole (contraction) (expansion) of
diastole (expansion) heat are
of the heart
^re
seen as
sometimes seen
sometimes symbols of
as symbols of creation anddestruction,
creation and involution and
destruction, involution and
evolution, and
and cosmic
cosmic cycles.
cycles. See Blood

Heet Like
Heel: Like the foot asas a whole, theheel
whole, the isa symbol
heel is symbol of offoundation,
foundation, the
the
cornerstone of
^ ^ heel on
cornerstone of the human being.being. To
To set one's heel on something
something is to
dominate or
dominate or lay
lay claim to it.
claim to it. Perhaps, becauseof
Perhaps, because this,to
ofthis, to be heel is to be
be aa heel
See Foot
selfish. See Foot
Intestines: The
Intestines: Theintestines
intestinessymbolize
symbolize digestion, intuition (a
digestion, intuition grt feeling)
(" gut feeling) and,
and,
most commonly, fortitude (to
coffunonll', fortitude (to have
have guts). See Belly
guts). See

Joints: The joints

Joints: The ioints are symbols offlexibility
symbolsof flexibility and
and communication
cornmunication (as
(as well
well as
as
^re
connectivity.).
connecti"ity.).

l.gs are
Leg: The legs aresymbols of locomotion,
symbols of locomotion, movement,
rnovement,progression,
progression, duality,
duality,
support. To be "without
and support. leg to stand on" means
"rrdthout a l"g means that one is in an an
indefensible position.
indefensible position.

Lips (Kiss):
Lips (Ifiss): The
The lips
lips take on special
take on significance in
special significance in the
the context of a kiss. The
The
symbolizes the
kiss symbolizes joining of
the ioining spirit to spirit,
of spirit partaking of the symbolism
spirit, partaking symbolism of
breath. The kiss is used
used as a symbol
symbol ofof union and love, but also, sometimes, of
reverence or submission. See Mouth
reverence

Lungs: The lungs associated with

lungs are associated with respiration
respiration and breath, and are
and breath, are thus
thus
symbols of life and ^re
and cycles.
cycles. See Breath
Breath

Mouth: The mouthmouth isis a symbol

symbol of ofspeech
speechandandcommunication,
cornmunication, but but also
also
assimilation, hunger, and
assimilation, hunger,
^eating. The
and eating. The mouth sometimes
sometimes appears
appears as aa symbol
symbol
(as in the maw
destruction (as
of destruction maw of of the
the underworld), since itit is the organ of
undenvodd), since
eating and swallowing,
swallowing, asas isis illusrated
illustrated by the wolf
by the wolf as
as grandmother
grandmother in the the fairy
fairy
tale of Little Red Riding
Riditg Hood. Indeed, Indeed, certain
certain creatures
creatures such as the the lion,
lion,
crocodile, wolf sometimes
crocodile, and wolf sometimes have have similar
similar symbolic
symbolic associations
associations as the the
devouring aspect of
devouring aspect of the mouth. ("My, ('Iv{y, Grandma,
Grandma, whatwhat big
big teeth
teeth you
you have!")
haver)
Hell has been portrayed devouririg mouth
portrayed as a devouring mouth by both Eastern and and Western
Western
cultures, thoughthe
cultures, though idea of
the idea hell mouth
of the hell mouth seems
seems toto have
have been
been more
more
prevalent in
ptevalent West. Throughout
in the West. Throughout much of Christian Christian history, the entrance to
Hell been portrayed
Hell has been portrayed as a mouth.
mouth.
the body's
Navel: As the body's center of gravity,
center of the navel
graviry, the is the
navel is themidpoint
midpoint between
between
higher and lower
higher and nature. The
lower nature. navelisis aa symbol
The navel symbolof of the
the center, both of the
center, both
individual and
individual the wodd
and the world (such as thethe Greek
Greek omphalos). It isis a place
omphalos). It place where
where
levels of
different levels existence meet,
of existence meet, such
such as wodds of humanity
as the worlds ^
humanity and the
gods, living and the dead.
gods, and the living dead.

Neck:The
Neck The neck
neck is the mediator between
befween the heart and the
the head. In general,
head. In genetal, aa
symbol
symbol of vital connection and mediation.
vital connection mediation.

Nerves:
Nenres: The nerves
nefi/es are symbol of focus
ate aa symbol will. To
focus and will. To "have
"have nerve"
nerve" is to
courage, but
have courage, also to be arrogant
but also aggressive. To
arrogant or aggressive. To "lose
"lose one's nerve" is

140
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
to lack courage. Oddly, to
courage. Oddly, be all
to be nerves or
all nenres or to be nervous be jittery
ner\rous is to be iittery and
:""1i::
unsure.
Nose: Like the
Nose: Like theeyes, noseisistypically
thenose
eyes, the typically aasymbol
symbol ofofperception
perception and
and
discernment. The nose, however,
discernment. however, is a symbol intuitive rather than rational
symbol of intuitive rational
perception. follow one's
perception. To follow one's nose
nose is
is to
to move
move instinctively.
instinctively.

Phallus: Typically,
Phallus: symbol of
Typiculy, aa symbol of male
male sexual
sexual potency
potency and
and the generative power
power
of nature. William Burroughs
nature. William claimed that the ancient Egyptians
Burroughs has claimed Egyptians used the
hieroglyph of
hieroglyph of the phallus to
the phallus mean "to
to mean stand in
"to stand presence of."
in the presence Genitals
of." See Genitals
Shadow:
Shadow: The shadow is the image double of the self
image or double self..AA shade
shade is
is the
the soul
soul in
the after life, aa ghost
afrer life, ghost or orspirit. InJungian
spirit. In terms, the
Jungian terms, theshadow
shadow is is the
the
unconscious,
unconscious, that which hidden. In
which is hidden. In some l.{ativeAmerican
someNative American languages,
languages, the
same word for the
word is used for the shadow,
shadow, image,
image, and soul.
soul. The shadow
shadow is is also
also used
used
as
as aa,symbol of the
symbol of thefleeting,
fleeting, mutable,
mutable, andand unreal.
unreal. See the section
See the section Defining
Archetypes
Archetypes
Shoulder: The
Shoulder: The shoulder is generally
shoulder is generally seen as aa symbol
symbol of of strength,
strength, power,
power,
making, striving, accomplishing,and
striving, Accomplishing, andthe abilitytotobear
theability burden. To lend aa
bear aa burden.
shoulder
shoulder to cry support. For something
cq/ on is to lend support. something to be on one's shoulders
shoulders
to take
is to responsibility for
take responsibility it. To
for it. To put one's shoulder
shoulder to thethe wheel
wheel is to exert
exert
effort.
effort.
Skeleton: In
Skeleton: In general, the skeleton
general, the is aasymbol
skeleton is symbol of ofmortality,
mortality, death,
death, and
and
disintegration.
disintegration. It is also used as a symbol of ascetic renunciation. See Bones
renunciation. See

Skin: The skin is a symbol

Skin: touch, sensation,
symbol of touch, sensation, covering,
covering, and protection. To
and protection.
be thin-skinned
thin-skinned is to be overly sensitive. To
ovedy sensitive. To be thick-skinned
thick-skinned is
is to
to be tough.
tough.
Skull: The skull
Skull: skull is sometimes viewed equivalent of
viewed as the equivalent of the vault of heaven,
heaven,
sharing some of the symbolic associations of the dome.
symbolic associations Like the skeleton
dome. Like skeleton as
as aa
whole, it is often
whole, often seen
seen as symbol of
as a symbol ofdeath
death and mortality. See
andmortality. Bones and
See Bones
Head
^

The spine symbolizes

Spine: The sharing many of the
symbolizes the axis-mundi, sharing thesymbolic
symbolic
associations of the tree and the
associations column. Many
the column. aspects of
I\{any cultures have related aspects
person"lity, and spiritual
the mind, body, personality, development to particular
spiritual development particular points on
spine (the
the spine mostnotable
(the most notable example the chakras
being the
example being chaktas [lotuses] Hindu
flotuses] of Hindu
yoga)'
yoga).
Spittle: As a bodily fluid containing
Spittle: vital element
containing the vital element of water, spittle
spitde is often
associated with life
associated with life force.
force. Spitde
Spittle has frequently been
has frequently used in
been used rituals of
in rituals
consecration or anointing and in
consecration in the
theratification
ratification of of agreements (rtill seen
agreements (still seen in
custom ofof spitting
spitting in the
the palm
palm before clasping hands). In some
befote clasping some cultures,
cultures, the
the
act ofspitting
act of spitting was
was seen
seen asasa sacrifice of vital
sacrifice of vital moisture. Spittle is used in
moisture. Spittle
homeopathic rnaglc
magic because
^of the
because of belief in
the belief in its continued connection to the
continued connection
donot. If "doesn't
donor. If something "doesn't mean
something spit," itit is
mean spit," is worthless.
worthless.

Stomach: stomach is aasymbol

intestines, the stomach
Stomach: Like the intestines, symbol ofofdigestion
digestion and
and
fortitude. To "not have
fortitude. the stomach,"
have the to lack
stomach," is to lack will To "not be
courage. To
will or courage. be

L4T
141
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
able to stomach,"
stomach," is to be
is to be disgusted.
disgusted. The stomach is also
stomach is also a symbol
symbol of appetite
and the lower nature. SeeBelly
nature. See andIntestines
Bellyand Intestines
Theteeth
Teeth: The coffunonly appear
teethcommonly appear as
assymbols
symbols of of power
power and and sexual
sexual potency.
potency.
be toothless
To be toothless is tobe
is to befeeble
feebleororancient
ancientto tothe pointofofineffectiveness.
thepoint ineffectiveness.
Toothlessness generally vierved
Toothlessness is generally viewed asas aa symbol of frustration,
frustration, castration,
castration, and
loss of strength
strength or life force. Something "with
fiorce. Something teeth" or
"with teeth" or "with bite
bite to it" has
has
power. To sink one's teeth into
power. into something
something is to possess
possess it or or focus
focus the will
the will
it. To
upon it. To bare teethisisaasymbol
theteeth
bare the symbol of offierceness
fierceness or ti:ression. To "chew
oraaggression. "cherv
something is to consider
on" something process it.
consider or process it. To "bite off more than one one can
can
chelv" is to use poor iudgment,
chew" udgment, to
f
to be inadequate to
be inadequate to aa task, or to
task, or to lack sufficient
lack sufficient
power
power or strength.
Thethigh
Thigh: The thigh isis usually symbol of
usually seen as a symbol of strength
strength and support.
support.
Thumb: The thumb thumb isis aasymbol
symbolofofdecisiveness (thumbs up or
decisiveness (thumbs or thumbs
thumbs
dorvn), sftength,
down), power, and
strength, power, transmission of
and the transmission power. To
of power. To bebe "under
"under
thumb"is
someone's thumb"
someone's is to
to be Yet,to
controlled. Yet,
be controlled. thumbs" is to be
to be "all thumbs" be
clumsv. The thumb is
clumsy. is also
also sometimes
sometimes viewed
viewed as a phallic symbol, representing
symbol, representing
See Fingers and Hand
creative force. See Hand
Tongue: The tongue is a symbol
tongue is oftaste
s)'mbol of anddiscrimination,
tasteand discrimination, speech
speech and
and
communication,
corrununication, language
^ falsity (to speak with a forked-
language (tongues), truth, and falsity forked-
tongue). In Egyptian
tongue). Egyptian myth,
myth, Ptah created wodd using heart and
created the world and tongue
tongue
(will and
(will word). To
and rvord). To be sharp-tongued is
be sharp-tongued is to wound with
with words.
words.
Womb: The womb rvomb isisuniversally
universally associated with manifestation,
associated with manifestation, fertility,
fertiliry, and
spirirual regeneration.
spiritual Ritualsof
regeneration. Riruals immersionoften
of immersion often symbolize return to the
symbolizeaarerurn
rvomb and aa new
womb new birth, with the
birth, with regeneration and
the regeneration renewal that
andrenewal implies. Caves
that implies. Caves
have typically been
have typically viewedasasthe
beenviewed womb of
thewomb Earth Mother.
of the Earth l\fother. InIn many
many
traditions, itit was
traditions, was thought
thought that precious
precious stones or metals
metals grew rocks as
grew in the rocks as
in a womb.
r,vomb.

Wrist: In some African societies,

societies, the wrist is
the wrist viewed as
is viewed as aa symbol
symbol of of skill,
skill, since
since
it controls that
that which is done
rvhich is done by by the
the hand.
hand. InInthis
thissense,
sense,the wrist symbolizes
thewrist symbolizes
and the
control and transmission of power.
the transmission power. Perhaps
Perhaps this is is similar
similar to the
the idea
idea
sayirg, "ft's
behind the saying, all in
"It's all wrist." A
in the wrist." A "flip r,vrist" is a gesture of
"flip of the wrist"
finesse.
finesse.

An Alphabet
An Alphabet of
of Physical Gestures
Physical Gestures
As an exercise,
exercise, try to create
create aa magical alphabet based on gestures
magical alphabet or physical
gestures or physical
positions. In
positions. "lynchpin" of the
the "lynchpin"
In this case, the the system, instead of being
system, instead being a
^
graphic sign, gesture or a particular
sign, is a hand gesture particular stance.
stance.
If you have associated states of
associated states mind or concepts with specific
of mrnd parts of
specific parts
the body,
the tryassigning
body, try associationsto
symbolic associations
assigning symbolic positions or other
yoga positions
to yoga other
exercises that
exercises strengthen or stretch
that strengthen stretch those parts.
parts.
you have
If you haveassociated
associated symbols with different
symbols with different emotional
emotional states, try
states, try
assigning symbol to
each symbol
assigning each to a stance oror gesture thatexpresses
gesture that the appropriate
expresses the appropriate
emotion.
attirude or emotion.
attitude

142
142
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Virtually all
\rirrually allraditions
traditionsuse
use various
various hand gestures or
hand gestures or body positions in
dance or ritual
rirual to symbolize
symbolize different
different spiritual concepts, such
spirirual concepts, such as attitude of
as an attitude
acceptance,
acceptance, contemplation, or adoration.
adoration. For example,
example, the gesture
gesrure ofof drawing
drawing
aside aa veil or opening
aside door isissometimes
opening aa door sometimes used
used totosymbolize
symbolize thethe passage
passage
from one
one plane
plane toto another,
another,particularly
particularly the transition
transition between
benveen the mundane
mundane
and sacred realms.
realms.
There are examine, if
are a variety of sources to examine, wants to pursue this
if one wants this
approach. You might
approach. might want to to examine
examine aa manual
manual alphabet
alphabet such
such asas American
American
Sign Language (Amslan) or
Language (Amslan) military system of
or the military of semaphore
semaphore signals
signals (using
(using
two signal
signal flags).
flags).
If you want to go into greater
go into depth, aa variety of systems
greater depth, systems have been
developed to notate dance
developed or other
dance or other movement
movementsystems.
systems. The
The following
following works
works
might be of value in recording
recordirg detailed physical movements for ritual:
physical movements ritual:

Dance Notation: The

Dance TheProcess
Pmcess of
af Recording Movement on Paper, A. Hutchinson
Recording Moaement Hutchinson Guest,
Dance Books, London,
L,ondon, 1984
1984

Chorea -Graphics:AA Comparison

Cborvo-Cr@hics: Conparison of
of Dance
Dance Notation
I\otation Systems from the
Slstems frvn the Fifteenth
Ffteenth Century
Century
to the Prvsent, A. Hutchinson Guest,
tbe Present, Guest, Gordon
Gordon and andBreach
BreachScience
Science Publishers
Publishers S.
S.
A., 1989
Perhaps the
the most
most widely
widely known system
system of physical
physical notation is Labanotation.
Labanotation.
This system has been used to to record
record movement
movement in indance,
dance,yoga,
Ioga, and
and martial
martial
and can
arts, and cansupposedly
supposedly record even detailed hand movements, though 1I
record even
have heard it is exceedingly complex. The
exceedingly complex. The principle
principle work
work by Laban would be aa
good place to start:
start:

Language of
l-anguage Movement, R. Laban, I\facdonald
of Mouenent,R. Macdonald and Evans Ltd, 1966
7966

Your Name
Dancing Your
If you
you develop
develop anan alphabet
alphabet associated
associated with gestures or postures,
postures, try
trry dancing
dancing
dancing a word
your name. Try dancing word or a phrase.
phrase.
In rituals
riruals of invocation
invocation or evocation,
evocation, you could use this technique
technique to
dance the name
name ofofaamagical
magical being. This could
being. This could be beparticularly
particulady effective for
effective for
invocations, where the intent of the
invocations, where the ritual
rirual is
is to
to achieve
achieve temporary
temporaqy possession
possession
by a magical being to gain some
magical being some of its knowledge or abilities.
abilities.
"
Dancing a Story
Dancing
myth that
Choose aa myth that you findpersonally
youfind personally meaningful.
meaningful. If you like, like, you can use
of the
one of the myths
myths you
you chose orcreated
chose or createdduring
during the
theexercises
exercises inin the
the Archetypal
Archetypal
Processes section.
section.
List the different parts or phases
phases ofof the myth and
themyth andassign
assign aagesture,
gesture,
body series of postures
body posture, or series postures toto each
each phase.
phase. Each posture
posture or or gesture
gesttrre
should remind
remind you in some way of the part of the story story it represents.
represents.
Try to dance
dance the This dance
myth. This
the myth. dance can
can bebe as
as simple
simple or or as
as complex
complex as as
you would
would like, but it should
like, but should be long enough for you to to feel
feel aa sense
sense of
of energy
energy
and rhythm. Under the the best
best circumstances,
circumstances, such aa dance would have
dance would have aa fluid,
fluid,

143
143
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

evocative
evocative feel, youto
allowingyou
feel, allowing fed the myth
to feel mvth emotionally
emotionallv rather than thinking
thinking
about itit intellectually.
intellecfually.

r44
144
 Chapter 15:
Chapter Objects and
15: Objects and Tools
Tools

objects and
The objects tools we
and tools we produce,
produce, ourour artifacts, extensions of the
artifacts, are extensions the human
human
mind andand spirit. In the
spirit. In themost
mostgeneral
general sense, all tools
sense, all tools and sl'-b olize
weapons symbolize
andweapons
power, since they are intended intended as literal extensions
asliteral extensions of of our
ourinnate
innatephysical
physical
abilities.
Our firsttools
C)urfirst toolsand andweapons
weaponswere weresticks
sticksandand rocks
rocks eventuallv
— eventually
developing into club, lever,
developing spear, hammer,
lever, spear, hammer, and axe. This
and axe. This is why the rod and
is why and
are universal
staff are universal magical tools; they
magical tools; thev are
aresimultaneously
simultaneouslv club, club, lever,
lever, ruler,
ruler,
stylus, prop,
spear, cane, stylus, prop, and hoe.
As the possessions
possessions of gods and other other mythic
mythic figures,
figures, tools and objectsobiects
help define
often help their symbolic
define their nature and purpose.
svmbolic narure purpose. Even if if you
you knew
kne"v
nothing else,
nothing you .-vould
else, you would get a very very different impression from
different impression statue or
from a statue
^ ^a spear,
painted figure,
painted depending on
6gure, depending whether the figure
on whether portrayed held a
figure portrayed spear, a
^
fishing net,
pitcher of water, fishing and so on. This is carried
net, and carried to the the furthest
furthest extent
extent
in Hindu
in Hindureligious
relipfous iconography,
iconography, where deities arefrequently
deities are frequently depicted
depicted as as
having many
having Nlultiple arms symbolize
many arms. Multiple power, but they
symbolize po$rer, they also
also allow
allor.v each
each
deiry to
deity beshown
to be holding a variety
shownholding variery of of objects, tools, and
objects, tools, and weapons
weapons that that
illustrate deiry's myth and
illustrate the deity's
^ emblematic of its nature.
and are emblematic nature.
Obviously, most objects receive
most objects theirsymbolic
receive their symbolicassociations
associations eithereither
from the way they are created or, more commonly, the task task they
thev are intended
to accomplish.
accomplish. Here Here are some some common
common tools and objects, objects, both ancientancient and and
along with some
modern, along some of of their
their symbolic
symbolic associations:
associations:

The abacus
Abacus: The is the
abacus is the emblem of arithmetic
emblem of arithmetic and
and aa symbol of calculation.
svmbol of calculation.

Aircraft: The aircraft

Aircraft: aircraft often substitutes in dream
substitutes in dream and symbolism for
and symbolism for monsters
and fabulous
fabulous creatures
creafures (such
(such as the winged
as the horse) in
winged horse) myths of
in myths of the past. The
aircraft is
aircraft is aasymbol
symbolof ofpower,
power,speed, freedom,ascension,
speed,freedom, ascension, andandspiritual
spirirual
Like many
aspiration. Like
aspiration. many forms of transportation, there isisaasymbolic
transportation, there symbolic association
association
with the accomplishment of rvill
the accomplishment will or goal, in the sense
or the attainment of goal, that
sense that
there is
is aaconnection bet'ween the plane (or
connection between (or ship
ship or orwhatever)
whatever) andand the
the
destination.
destination.
Anchor: The
Anchor: Theanchor
anchorisisaasymbol ofstability,
symbol of stabiliry, safety,
safery, security,
securiry, and hope, since it
since it
the ship's
source of the
is the source ship's safety
safew and stabiliry' during
and stability during the storm. ItIt is
is also
also used
used
symbol of steadfastness
as a symbol fideliry. On the negative
steadfastness and fidelity. negative side, the anchor is is aa
symbol rvhich drags one down
symbol of that which dorvn or or holds
holds one
one back.
back. See
See Boat

Anvil: The anvil

Anvil: symbol of earth and matter. It is
anvil is a symbol viewed in some cultures
is viewed culfures
as the bride of the
bride of the blacksmith (rvhosymbolizes
blacksmith (who symbolizes aa creative fertilizing force).
creative fertilizing force).

Arrow: As one of of the

theearliest
eadiest and most effective
and most effective weapons
weapons used by humanity,
used by humaniry,
abiliry to kill
the arrow's ability made it
kill at a distance made it an important symbol
svmbol in cultures
culrures
wodd. The arrow
all over the world. arrow is
is aa symbol of direction,
symbol of direction, impulse,
impulse, decision,
decision, and
("straight as an arrow").
determination ("straight It is
arro*"). It is also
also used
used as
as aa symbol of piercing
s)'mbol of piercing

145
145
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
and penetration, sometimes
sometimes used
used to to portray
portraya ray oflight,
r^yof light, particularly sunlight
particularly sunlight
^
(and hence, intuition
intuition and the power
power of of thought).
thought). The Thearrowanowalso alsosymbolizes
symbolizes
fate, menace, and
fate, menace, death. As
and sudden death. As the shaft of light that pierces pierces the darkness,
darkness,
the arrow
arrow is a symbol
symbol ofof knowledge.
knowledge. The The arrowarrow has often been used as as a
symbol of
symbol
^ influence
the
of the influence of symbolic agent such as
of a symbolic Death or
as Death orCupid
Cupid
^

depictedaiming
(frequendy depicted
(frequently
^arrowsat
aimingarrows at intended targets). The
intended targets). The arrow is is
sometimes used as a symbol lightrirg (the
symbol of lightning (the thunderbolt), virility (because of
thunderbolt), virility
its phallic qualities),
qualities),and desire. ItIt still
and desire. stillpossesses
possesses strong connotations of speed
strong connotations
swiftness, though in modem
and swiftness, modern times,
times, it it isis often
often replaced
replaced in insymbolism
symbolism by by
The arrow
rocket. The
the rocket. arrowsymbolizes
symbolizes that which which ascends (following the
ascends (following the arc of
experience), and so is a symbol
experience), symbol of the advancing
advancing self. self.

Athanor: The athanor

Athanor. athanor was
was the
the alchemist's
alchemist's furnace, where physical,
furnace, where physical, moral, and
occurred. It
spiritual transformation occurred. It shares some of the associations of the
the associations
womb and theworld-e
andthe lal. See Forge
wodd-.gg. Forge and Oven

Axe: The axe was one of the first tools

the first known to
tools known tohumanity,
humanity, and has long
has long
been an almost universal
an almost symbol of divinity
universal symbol diviniry and royalty. It isis associated
royalty. It associated with
thunder and lightning by many cultures,
and lightning cultures, perhaps because of the sparks
perhaps because sparks thrown
and the
off and sound made
the sound made byby the
theaxe's impact. In
axe'simpact. In ancient
ancient times,
times, the the axe
axe was
was
associated with war
associated war and destruction,
destruction, sacrifice, execution. Even today, it is
sacrifice, and execution.
associated with
still associated with firing
firing and ("gettingthe
dismissal f'getting
and dismissal axe"). The
the axe'). The axe is aa
symbol of the
symbol the critical faculty or
critical faculty or intellect, becauseititcuts
intellect,because cuts to
to the roots. The The
labrys, or double-bladed
labrys, double-bladed axe, has often
axe, has associated with
often been associated with lunar power and
phases of the moon because traditional half-moon shape of the blades.
because of the traditional blades.
Other sources, however, claim that the
sources, however, the labrys
labrys was
was shaped
shaped like like aa butterfly,
symbol of the soul
which was used as a symbol soul by the Cretans. The labrys
Cretans. The labrys is also used
as
as aa symbol ofof matriarchy, particulady in feminist
matriarchy, particularly feminist spirituality.
spirituality. The labrys has
sometimes symbolized
symbolized thethe dual nature of
dual natute of power that
that "cuts both ways."
ways."

Automobile: Often, in modern

Automobile: modern times, the automobile
times, the automobile is used as a symbol symbol of
the self body (the
self and the body (the vessel soul). It
vessel of the soul). It takes sorne of the
takes over some the
symbolism once
symbolism associatedwith
once associated with the
the horse,
horse, the
the chariot,
chariot, and later, the horse
and caffL^ge. Like
and carriage. Like the
the hotse,
horse, the automobile symbolizes power,
automobile symbolizes power, andand in
in modern
financial success,
society, financial
society, status, and freedom.
success, status, freedom. TheTheautomobile's
automobile's engine
engine
symbolizes will and the body, while the driver symbolizes the intellect and
syrnbolizes the will
the airplane,
spirit. Like the
the spirit. airplane, the automobile sometimes fills
automobile sometimes role of the
the role
fills the
monster or or fantastic
fantastic creature
creature ofof older
older myths. Like transportation
myths. Like transportation in in general,
general,
the automobile has connotations of action, action, transition, accomplishment of
ttansition, the accomplishment
goals, and the attainment of
the attainment ofdesires
desires —- the automobile is something that you
the automobile
use when you are (or at leastleast want to be) going somewhere
be) going somewhere to do do something.
something.
Of course,
Of many people would argue that automobile
course, many automobile is is also
also used as an an
masculitrity or status.
expression of would-be masculinity
Bag: The
Bag: brg symbolizes
The bag certainty (i"
containment, certainty
symbolizes containment, (in the bag),
b^g), secrecy
secrecy or
mystery black b"g),
mystery (the black bag), and blame (to be left holding the bag).
and blame bag).

BalL In many older cultures, the hall

Ball: associated with the
ball was associated the sun. Ball games
sun. Ball
the ball)
movement of the
(and the movement ball) were associated with
were associated movement of the
with the movement

146
146
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
sun. The ball
ball also shares
shares some of the associations of the
the associations the sphere
sphere (the
(the three-
three-
dimensional of the
dimensional form of the circle),
circle), symbolizing
symbolizing perfection and unity.
unity.

Basket: The basket

Basket: The basket is aa symbol of the
symbol of thewomb.
womb. When
$flhenfilled fnrit, it is a
urithFruit,
filled with
symbol of fertility
symbol fertility and plenty, possessing much of
possessingmuch of the symbolism of the
the symbolism the
cornucopia.
cornucopia.

The bed
Bed: The isaasymbol
bed is ofrest,
symbol of rest,repose,
repose,sleep,
sleep, and
andregeneration, but also
regeneration, but also
birth, sickness, Because of
sickness, and death. Because with birth
associations with
of its associations birth and death, the
bed symbolizes
symbolizes anan unmanifest condition of self
unmanifest condition self at
at the beginning
beginning oror end of the
cycle. The
cycle. The bed is also a symbol of sexuality,
sexuality, love, and marriage.
marriage.

Belt The
Bell: The sound
sound of ofthe bellisis
thebell associated
associatedwithwithmourning,
mourning, alarm,alarm, and
and
summoning,
surrunoning, but alsoalso happiness
happiness and celebration.ItIt is
and celebration. used to ring the hours
is used
and, at sea, watches. It is often
sea, the watches. often thought
thought ofof as
asaasymbol
symbol of of hearing,
hearing, the
voice of God,
God,creative
creative vibration,
vibration, cosmic
cosmic harmony,
harmonl, andand divine
divine omnipotence.
omnipotence.
Irfany cultures
Many believethe
cultures believe the bell's
bell's peal willwill drive away devils or or other
other
supernatural beings, so bells have often been
supernatural beings, been worn
worn as asprotective
protective talismans.
talismans.
Bells
Bells are associatedwith
are associated with temples
templesand churches in
and churches in both
both the east and the west. west.
In this
this case, to say
case, it's hard to bells are used in holy site because of their
say whether bells
protective qualitiesor
protective qualities or whether
whether bells
bells are thought to tohave
havethese
thesequalities
qualities
because
because they are used in holy holy sites
sites (as in the
(as in the instances
instances in in media
media where
where evil
evil
things are momentarily
momentarily driven away by
driven away by the
the sound of church
church bells)
bells) TheTh. bell
bell
itself is a symbol
itself symbol of cycles, since it
of cycles, it swings forth. The
back and forth.
swings back The bellbell also
also
symbolizes
^
symbolizes the union of of male
male and
andfemale
female energies,
energies, since
since the
the shell
shell traditionally
traditionally
has been regarded female while
regarded as female whilethe dapper or hammer is thought
the clapper thought of as as
male.
male.

Bellows: The bellows

Bellows: bellows often
often appears
appears as a symbol
symbol of breath andbreathing
breath and breathing
because of its function
because function and its rhythm.
and its
^
rhythm. Bellows
Bellows are also sometimes
sometimes used to
symbolize the winds and elemental
elemental air.

Belt Because
Belt: Because of
of its circular form
its circular form and
and the
the fact
fact that it is fastened
fastened around the
middle,
middle, the belt is aa symbol
symbol of strength or power.
strength or power. Because its clasp,
Because of its clasp, it is
is
also a symbol initiation, fidelity,
symbol of initiation, protection, and chastity.
fidelity, protection, Since one can be
chastity. Since
symbolism of the whip.
some of the symbolism
beaten with a belt, it also shares some
Birycle: The bicycle
Bicycle: bicycle is aa symbol motivation and
symbol of motivation and transportation
transportation through
through
one's
one's own power. ItIt is
own power. is also
also aa symbol
symbol of balance
balance and evolutionary
evolutionary progress.
progress.

Blindfold:
Blindfold: Typically, the blindfold
Typically, the blindfold is
is aa symbol
symbol of ignorance
ignorance (sometimes moral moral
or
or spiritual
spiritual ignorance) oror lack of discrimination
lack of discrimination (hence,
(hence, also,
also, impartiality,
imparti"lity, as in
the depictions
the depictions of blind-folded justice). The
blind-folded fustice). blindfold is
The blindfold also a symbol
is also symbol of
powerlessness,
powerlessness, since kidnap-victims and prisoners
since kidnap-victims prisoners are sometimes blindfolded.
Boat: The boat isis aasymbol
symbol ofof passage
passage and is sometimes
and is sometimes used tosymbolize
used to symbolize
life to
the crossing from Life death. ItIt appears
to death. appears in
in the myths of many
many cultures as a
vehicle of the soul.
vehicle soul. Model boats, and sometimes, real boats, have often been
buried journev through the underworld.
buried with the dead to help aid in their journey undenvodd. The
boat is also associated with
also associated with the
the sun or the moonbecause
the moon oftheir
because of theirpassages
passages

147
147
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

through the sky.

through lunar associations
sl'1. Its lunar associations are strengthened
strengthened by the
the boat's
boat's typical
typical
crescent
crescent shape. See
See Ship
Book: The book
book can
can be
be aasymbol
symbol ofof the
theself,
self, the world (fiber
the world mundi), or the
(liber mundi),
universe. As
universe. container of "the
As a container "the Word,"
Word," the thebook
booksymbolizes
symbolizes thethedivine
divine
scheme or order. As aachronicle
order. As chronicle ofofexistence,
existence, the bookmay
the book maysymbolize
symbolize fate
fate
and destiny ("the book
book ofofLife").
life"). The book symbolizes experience ("the
symbolizes experience ("the book
of nature" or"the
nature" or bookofoflove").
"thebook love').TheThebook
bookalso symbolizes
also symbolizesknowledge,
knowledg.,
scholarship, intellect,
intellect, culture, revealed wisdom, and
culture, revealed and religious
religious teachings.
teachings. In
ancient times, scroll held
times, the scroll much of
held much of the symbolism
symbolism of of the
the book.
book. See
See Paper
Paper
Box: The box, like many
box, like containers, is
manv containers, svmbol of
is a symbol of the womb and the the
unconscious. It is also used as
unconscious. as aa symbol of^secrecy
symbol of secrecy and
and potential. The black
potential. The black
in particular,
particular, is of the
themysterious, unknown, or the
mysterious, the unknown,
box, in
unknowable.
unknowable.
^ symbol of
is a symbol the

Bow and Arrow: The bow

and Arrow: bow and
and arrow
arrow have
have sexual
sexual associations,
associations, pardy because
because
of the phallic
phallic nature
nafure of the
the arrow, but also
arrou/, but also because of the
because of the tension,
tension, relaxation,
relaxation,
and release involved in
release involved in the bow's Because of
bow's use. Because of this, because of the
this, and because the
arrow's
arro',v's association with bitting
hitting a target, the bow and arrow is sometimes used
"vith
desire. See Arrow
as a symbol of desire.
Brick The brick
Brick: brick is aa symbol of order,
symbol of order, rules,
rules, measure,
measure, and uniformity. It is
and uniformity.
also used as aa symbol
svmbol of weight,
weight, inertness,
inertness, or
or indigestibility.
indigestibiliry.

Broom: The
The broom
broom isis aasymbol
symbol ofofboth
bothmaterial
material and
andspiritual
spirirual cleansing.
cleansirg. It is
also a symbol of
oF change
change (sweeping change, aa new broom,
(sweeping change, broom, or a clean
clean sweep).
sweep).
In older
older European
European traditions,
traditions, the broom
broom was was aa symbol
symbol of
^
of woman
woman (the(the male
male
equivalent
equivalent being pitchfork). The
being aa pitchfork). The broom is also viewed
viewed as symbol of the
as a symbol
union of male
union male and
and female
female energies (staff into
energies (staff brush). In some European and
into brush).
modern pagan traditions,
modern traditions, couples still "jump the broom" as
still "fump as a symbol of union
? symbol
during
during wedding
wedding celebrations.
celebrations.

Caduceus: TheThe winged

winged globe atopthe
globeatop theserpent-entwined
serpent-ennvined staff staff (traditionally
(traditionally
associated with Hermes) symbolizes
associated symbolizes the reconciliation
reconciliation of opposites,
opposites, balance,
balance,
and communication
coffununication between heaven,
heaven, earth, and the underworld.
undemrodd.
The caduceus combines the rodrod (a
(a symbol
symbol of will will and power)
power) with two
intertwined
internvined snakes
snakes (symbolizing the evolutionary
(symbolizing the evolutionar)' spiral,
spiral, cyclical
cyclical movement,
movement,
and the union of opposites).
union of wings at
opposites). The wings at the top of of the
the caduceus
caduceus add the
element of ascension. view itit as
ascension. Some traditions view as aa representation
representation of the spine.
spine.
See Snake and
and Spine
Spine

The candle
Candle: The is aasymbol
candle is oflight,
symbol of light,illumination,
illumination, truth, life, and
truth, life, and the
the
individual soul. It also symbolizes
individual soul. uncertainty of life ("blown out like
the uncertainry
symbolizes the like aa
candle")
candle") and the transitory life ("burning
transitory nature of life ("burning the candle at both ends").
candle at

Cape (or Robe): The cape or robe has often appeared appeared as a symbol
symbol of power
or office. It is a symbol
symbol of inheritance, since to "assume the mantle" is to take
inheritance, since take
on power
on power or responsibility. It
orresponsibility. It is also
also sometimes used as
sometimes used as a symbol
symbol of
(shelter). See Cloak
protection (shelter).
^

148
148
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Cauldron: The The cauldron
cauldron is symbolofofnourishment,
isa symbol nourishment,sustenance,
sustenance, and and
abundance, some of
sharing some
abundance, sharing of the^ associations
the associationsofof both
both the horn of plenty
plenry and
(chalice). ItIt is
the grail (chalice). symbol of the
is also a symbol womb, and
the womb, and hence f.rtility. In
hencefertility.
Indo-European traditions,
traditions, the cauldron is the source
source ofof magical
magical potions and
and so
brews, and sosymbolizes
svmbolizestransformation,
transformation, change,
change, renewal, initiation, and
renewal, initiation, and
resurrection.
resurrection.

Censer- The wide

Censer:. The wide use of the
use of thecenser inboth
censer in bothEastern
EasternandandWestern
$Testernreligions
religions
the censer's
causes the associations with orthodox religion
censer's associations religion and worship.
worship. The
thurible,
thurible, a censer
censer hung from a chain, is stillstill used in the Catholic and Eastern
Orthodox churches
churches during
during aa variety
variety of ceremonies
cetemonies wherewhere the smoke
smoke from the
incense viewed as
incense is viewed as representing
representing the views of
the views of the faithful rising to heaven.
faithful rising heaven. In
general,
general, the censer is a symbol of the purifrtrg fire
the purifying fue releasing (th. smoke)
releasing spirit (the smoke)
from
from matter (the Seefncense
incense). See
(the incense). Incense and
and Smoke
Chain: In In times
times past,
past, the
the chain
chain was
was often
often seen asaasymbol
seen as symbol ofofbondage,
bondage,
slavery, imprisonment, and
slavery, imprisonrnent, and defeat. Hence,
F{ence, broken chains
chains symbolize
symbolize liberty
liberty -
the overcoming slavery or attachment. Chains also symbolize any
overcoming of slavery any bond or ot
Chains made of precious metals
link. Chains have often
metals have often been used asas symbols
symbols of
office or position.
office position. The chain is also
chain is also used
usedas asa symbol
symbolofofcommunication,
communication,
interdependence, lasting uniry,
interdependence, lasting unity, and strength in
and strength ^
in numbers.
numbers. In cosmic
cosmic terms, the
"great chain
chain of being"
being" has
has been
been used
used as
as aa symbol
symbol of the connections
connections between
between
all parts of existence.
existence. The links of the the chain
chain sometimes
sometimes symbolize
symboLze thethe stages
stages
or planes of existence
existence between
benveen heaven
heaven and earth.
earth.

Chair: The
Chair: The chair
chair is
is often
often aa symbol of authority.
symbol of authority. To sit
sit while
while others stand
stand is
is aa
sign of superior position. To offer
superior position. offer another
another aa chair is aagesture
chair is ofcourtesy,
gesture of courtesy,
respect, recognition of
respect, or recognition authodry or prestige.
of the other's authority prestige. The
The throne
throne of aa
ruler is traditionally raised above
traditionally raised above the seats of
the seats of othets.
others. Even today, the position
of one's
of chairatata a
one'schair meetingoror
meeting dinner
dinner sometimes representsfunction,
sometimesrepresents function,
importance, power, or
importance, power, or honor. SeeThrone
honor. See Throne
Chalice: The
The chalice or grail
chalice or grail is
is an
an extremely
extremely complex symbol.
symbol. It isis the
the vessel
vessel
of plenty
of abundance, and also
andabundance,
plenty and that which
also that which contains
contains thethe elixir
elixir of
of
immortality. Becauseitit holds
immortality. Because holds the
the blood symbol of the
blood of life, the chalice is a symbol
heart, and thus, the cosmic
thus, the cosmic center. The chalice
center. The is also
chalice is also associated urith the
associated with the
image of crescent moon and
image and isis sometimes
sometimes viewed
viewed as as half of the
half of theworld-egg.
wodd-egg.
See Cup
Cup
The chariot
Chariot: The chariot derives
derives some ofits
some of itssymbolic
symbolic associations
associations from thethe
wheel, and so is often
wheel, and associated with
often associated cycles. It is also
with cycles.
with the sun and with also a
symbol of will (directed force)
force) and instincts (since it is drawn
and the lower instincts dmwn by
horses or other
other animals).
animals). The charioteer is sometimes seen as a symbol
symbol of the
higher mind steering
steering the passions and desires, and thus a symbol
desites, and symbol of reason.
reason.
Because of
Because of this, chariot is sometimes
this, the chariot used to symbolize
sometimes used symbolize thethe ego or the
dynamic power of
dynamic power of the mind drawn
drawn by the horses ofthe
horses of theunconscious.
unconscious. InIn
ancient
ancient times,
times, the chariot
chariot was aa symbol
symbol of war androyal
war and or imperial
rcyal or imperial power.
power.
See Wheel
Wheel

t49
149
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Thechisel
Chisel: The chisel symbolizes
symbolizes the active
active cosmic
cosmic principle of shaping
principle of shaping andand
creation. It is
creation. is sometimes
sometimes used asaasymbol
used as symbol of ofthe
thedifferentiating
differentiating intellect
intellect
driven by the will (the
the will (the hammer),
hammer), and
and hence,
hence, discrimination
discrimination and
and distinction.
distinction.
The chisel is also used as a symbol initiation, since it cuts away dross (error,
symbol of initiation, (error,
^w^y
ignorance, and imperfection).
imperfection).

CloakThe
Cloak Thecloak symbolofof
cloakisisa symbol dignity, butalso
dignity,but also
disguise,
disguise,withdrawal,
withdrawal,
separation,
separation, obscurity
^ invisibility,
obscuriry or invisibility, secrecy, and
secrecy, and concealment "cloak
concealment (hence "cloak
and dagger"). It also
also symbolizes opinions, prejudices,
s)'mbolizes opinions, prejudices, and conventions.
conventions.

Clock The
Clock: The clock
clock symbolizes
symbolizes time,
time, particularly fleeting time
particulady fleeting and the brevity of
time and
life. As
life. symbol of time,
As a symbol time, the clock represents implacability. To race the clock
represents implacability.
tohave
is to havean animmovable deadline. To beat
immovable deadline. beat the clockisistotoaccomplish
theclock accomplish
something *ith time to spare.
something with spare. The clock
clock is also a symbol
symbol of perpetual
pe{petual motion
(eternal change), the
(eternal change), the concept of number,
number, automata
automata andandmechanism
mechanism (cosmic
(cosmic
order).
otdet). As aa symbol
symbol of of order,
order, the
theclock
clocksometimes
sometimes symbolizes
symbolizes measurement
measurement
and objectivity.
objectivity.

is typically
club is
Club: The club symbol of
typically aa symbol of brutal force. It shares some
brutal force. some of the
symbolism of the staff and the rod, but with
symbolism with associations primitive or
associations of more primitive
uncontrolled force.
fotce.

Coffin: The coffin

coffin is the womb of the
'uvomb of the second
second birth,
birth, symbolizing
symbolizing the body and
such, it is also used as aa symbol
mortaliry. As such,
mortality. symbol of initiation.
initiation. See Sarcophagus
Sarcophagus
and Tomb
and Tomb
coin isisaasymbol
The coin
Coin: The symbolof ofduality, fortune, chance,
dualiry,fortune, chance, and
and wealth.
wealth. Coins
Coins
sometimes
sometimes partake symbolism of
partake of symbolism metals of which they are made. For
of the metals
example, a gold coin would
would represent great
gteat value, whereas a brass coin might
symbolize something of
symbolize something dubious, or counterfeit
of slight, dubious, \vorth. Coins
counterfeit worth. Coins also
also
symbolize redemption, as
symbolize redemption, as in the ancient practice
practice of placing
placing coins
coins on the
the eyes
eyes
of the deceased
deceased or burning
burning funeral
funeral money
money (such
(such as the Taoist Hell
Hell Banknote).
Banknote).
See Money
Compass (magnetic): The
Compass (magnetic): compasssymbolizes
The compass s)'mbolizesguidance,
guidance,direction,
direction,
knowledge, intelligence, and
knowledg., intelligence, and right-conduct.
right-conduct.
Compass (drafting): The compass
(drafting): The compass is a symbol of measurement,
measurement, delimitation,
delimitation,
planning, and
planning, appearing as
cosmic order, often appearing
and cosmic as an
arr emblem
emblem of ofgeometry,
geometr/,
geography, architecture,and
geography, architecture, astronomy. As
and astronomy. symbol of measurement,
As aa symbol measurement, the
compass
compass also symbolizes moderation, judgment,
restraint, moderation,
symbolizes restraint, judgment,and and truth. TheThe
compass open
open toto 90
90 degrees
degrees symbolizes
symbolizes thethe balance of spiritual
balance of spiritual (vertical)
(vertical) and
material ftodzontal)
material forces.ItIt is
(horizontal)forces. used to draw the perfect
is used perfect circle
circle and
and shares
shares
some of the
the circle's
circle's associations. Because the
associations. Because the calpenter's
carpenter's square
square waswas used to
dtaw the
draw the perfect
perfect square,
square, thethecarpenter's
caqpentet's square in conjunction
square in conjunction with with the
the
compass (like
ftke the circle
circle inside
inside the
the square)
square) represents
represents the
the union
union of heaven
heaven and
earth.
earth.

In the
In thesymbolism ofFreemasonry,
symbolism of FreemasoffJr the the square
square imposed onon the
thecompass
compass
symbolizes dominating spirit,
symbolizes matter dominating spirit, the compass over the
the square
square symbolizes
symbolizes

150
150
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

dominati.g matter,
spirit dominating matter, and the rwo intertwined
the two intertwined symbolize spirit and matter
symbolize spirit matter
in balance.
balance.

Trumpet: Having
Conch-Shell Trumpet: Having once been aa living living sea creature,
creature, the conch-
conch-
shell trumpet was believed culrures to possess the
believed by some cultures magical power of
the magical o[
tides (and
the tides moon). ItIt isis associated
(and so, also, the moon). with many
associated with lunar deities
firanv lunar deities and
symbol of female
also appears as a symbol procreative power.
female procreative power.
Cord (or
Cord (or String): or string
String): Cord or is often
string is often used asaasymbol
used as oflife,
symbol of life, binding,
binding,
connection,
connection, and
and cohesion. See Knot and Thread
cohesion. See

Cradle: The cradle

Cradle: The is a symbol
cradle is ofthe
symbol of thewomb, birth,early
r,vomb,birth, eadvchildhood,
childhood, and
and
innocence.
^

The shepherd's
Crook: The crooksymbolizes
shepherd's crook symbolizes guidance
guidance and authority (hence,
and authority (hence, its
its
metamorphosis into the bishop's
metamorphosis bishop's staff).
staffl.

Crown: The crown

Crown: crown isisaasymbol
symbolofofpre-eminence,
pre-eminence,synonymous
slrnonymous with r,vith the
the
highest point
highest point (the crown of the head, the crown
(the crown of aa hill).
crown of hill). There is aa long
long
tradition culture of placing
tradition in almost every culrure something on a person's head
placing something head asas aa
symbol success. The greatest
symbol of success. life is still
someone's life
greatest success of someone's sull referred
referred to as
achievement." Some of the
"crorvning achievement."
their "crowning the crown's
crown'ssymbolism
s)nmbolism is isderived
derived
horn-like points found
from the horn-like found onon many
many crowns and some
crowns and some fromfrom its
itscircular
circular
form. The points of the crown
form. symbols of both power and enlightenment,
crown are symbols enlightenment,
representing both horns
representing horns and
and rays light. As a ring, the crown
rays of light. symbol of
crorvn is a symbol
between the divine and the human, between above and below.
the marriage berween below. In
general, the crown
general, symbolofofsupremacy,
crown isisa7symbol supremflcf,sovereignty, victorlr, dignity,
sovereignry, victory, dignity,
attainment, honor, and wisdom. The crown topped by
attainment, by a dome
dome (the(the heavens)
heavens)
^
See Hat
sovereignty. See
symbolizes absolute sovereignty.
The crucible
Crucible: The crucible is aa symbol
symbol ofof purification
purification byby fire, initiation by
fue, initiation by travail,
travail,
the test
and the test of worth. ItIt isisalso
of worth. of the
symbolic of
also symbolic receptive feminine
the receptive feminine principle.
principle.

The crutch
Crutch: The is aasymbol
crutch is of age,
symbol of weakness, but also of
inFrrmiry, and weakness,
age, infirmity,
support.
suppoft.

Cup: The cup cup symbolizes refreshment and

symbolizes refreshment and nourishment. \7hen overflowing,
nourishment. When overflowing,
symbol of abundance.
it is a symbol abundance. The cup also also symbolizes
symbolizes the open, the receptive,
receptive,
the feminine
and the principle. It is
feminine principle. associated with the water
is also associated rvater of life, the heart
and emotions, and fate or or karma
karma (the bitter cup).
(the bitter The filled
cup). The filled cup is aa mirror.
mirror.
The cup
The cup overturned
overturned symbolizes
symbolizes emptiness.
emptiness. See Chalice
See Chalice

Curtain: The curtain

curtain symbolizes
symbolizes separation, m)rstery). It is
veiling (and hence, mystery).
separation, veiling
symbol of the end and
also a symbol final Fate,
and final since the
fate, since the curtain
curtain is
is drarvn
drawn at the end of
at the
the play.
play. See Veil

Daggen The dagger

Dagger. is aa symbol
dagger is of piercing,
symbol of cutting, and
piercing, cutting, and the
theactive,
active, creative
creative
principle that shapes matter. It
principle It isisalso
alsoassociated r.vithassassination
associatedwith assassination and
and
murder.
murder.

Dice: Dice are slrslbols of chance and fate.

?re symbols fate.

151
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's

Diploma (or
Diploma (orCertificate): Thediploma
Certificate):The diplomasymbolizes
symbolizesaccomplishment
accomplishment or
or
attainment.
Distaff: InIn ancient the distaff
times, the
ancient times, distaff was a symbol ofwomen's
symbol of women's domestic
domestic
activities, and by
activities, and extension,women.
by extension, women. See
^ and Spindle
SeeThread
Thread and Spindle
Drum: The The drum
drum is aa symbol
symbol of of primordial
primordial sound (both of the
heart ftoth
and the heart
sound and
self and the universe).
and the universe). ItIt isisassociated with thunder,
associated with stoms, and
thunder, storms, andearthquakes.
earthquakes.
It isisalso
It alsoused
usedas symbolofofspeech,
asa symbol speech,communication, the divine
conununication, the divine voice,
voice,
revelation, and truth.
revelation,
^ Many shamanic
truth. Ilfany cultures viewed
shamanic culrures viewed the dnrm as a bridge
the drum bridge to
other world.
the other Uke the bell,
wodd. Like bell, the
the drumstick
drumstick and drum
drum are often
often seen asas
embodying male and female ene4fes (phallus
female energies womb)^re
(phallus and womb) respectively. The
respectively.
drurn is
drum is also
alsoassociated
associated with withbattle (andhence,
battle(and martialtradition),
hence,martial tradition),alarm,
alarm,
ceremony, and ritual.
and ritual.

Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses shaqpen perception,and
sharpenperception, andso symbols of
so are symbols the
of the
intellect. Rose-colored
intellect. glasses, however,
Rose-colored glasses, however, symbolize
^re or even foolish
tdealism ot
symbolize idealism foolish
Dark glasses,
optimism. Dark particula$y mirrored glasses, denote
glasses,particularly denoteseparation,
sepatation,
disguise, veiled intention
disguise, from aa hidden
intention or perception from hidden vantage, shatirg some
vantage, sharing
associations of the cloak.
the associations
of the See Ey"
cloak. See Eye
Fabric: Fabric
Fabric embodies
embodies the blending of
the blending of wary andwoof,
warp and the web of life, and
woof, the and
nature of
the nature of reality. SeeThread
reality.See and Spindle
Thread and Spindle

Fan: Fans symbolize air,

Fans symbolize winds, spirit,
the winds,
au, and hence the spirit, and expansion. Because
of the
of the fan's
fan's shape it isis also
shape it alsosometimes
somedmes used to symbolize
used to divergence of
the divergence
symbolize the
possibfity.
possibility.
The flag
Flag: The symbolofof
flag isisa symbol sovereignty,allegiance,
sovereignty, victory, and
fidelity, victory,
allegiance,fidelity, and
military honor.
military honor.
^

In ancient
Flail: In the flail
ancient times, the flail was a symbol of Whip
authoriry. See Whip
of authority.
Forge (or
Forge (or Furnace): Theforge
Furnace): The symbolofofpurification
forgeisisaasymbol purification and
andtransmutation
transmutation
through fire.
through See Anvil,
fire. See Anvil, Athanor,
Athanor, andand Crucible
girdle symbolizes
Girdle: The girdle strength, protection,
symbolizes strength, protection, and continence,
continence, but also
also
submission. It
submission. It is sometjmes used to
is sometimes to represent
tepresent a contract, oath, or vow
conttact, oath, vow
undertaken. ItItis
undertaken. is also
also used to symbolize
used to office or
symbolize an office orstate ofinitiation.
stateof initiation.
Fastening a grrdle taking or fulfilling
girdle symbolizes taking fulfilling aa vow. Laying aside a sash or
Laying aside
girdle
girdle symbolizes renunciation of
the renunciation
symbolizes the an official
of an official or
or civic
civic function. See Belt
function. See Belt
symbolic of the
Glove: Often symbolic
Glove: the hand
hand itself, the glove
itself, the glove shares many of the
shares many the
associations of the hand as the organ
associations organ of action. The
of action. glove has often been used
The glove
as a symbol
symbol of power, rule, and
power, law, rule, protection ---- in
and protection in essence,
essence, an extension of
an extension
hand. At one
the hand. one time,
time, throwing
throwing down aa glove
glove oror gauntlet
gauntlet was the symbolic
was the symbolic
equivalent of a blow from
equivalent hand. In
from the hand. In modern times,
times, the
the glove
glove has also
also come
to be
be associated hidden action.
associated with veiled or hidden

Flammer:One
Hammer. Oneofofthe
theearliest
eadiest symbols
symbolsdrawn ftom technology,
drawn from technologt, the hammer is
the hammer
of both
symbol of
a symbol bothcreative anddestructive
creative and wil, force,
power, will,
destructive power, force, formation
formation and
and

152
152
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
shaping,
shaping, creation, f.rtility, and
cteation, fertility, and sometimes vengeance. The
sometimes vengeance. The hammer has also also
beenassociated
often been associated withwith thunder. Thehammer
thunder. The striking the
hammer striking thechisel
chisel
symbolizes will
symbolizes will directing the defining
directing the power of
defining power of the intellect. In
the intellect. In modern times,
times,
hammet is
the hammer is sometimes
sometimes usedusedto torepresent
representmilitary,
military, political, or industrial
political, or industrial
power.
Power.
Hat (also
Hat (also Headdress):
Headdress):Perhaps
Perhapsbecause
becausethey
the),are
atenear
neareye
eyelevel
level and make the
taller, hats
seem taller,
wearer seem andheaddresses
hats and commonly have much
headdresses commonly much more more
symbolic value than
symbolic value other types of clothing
than other clothing or ornamentation.
ornamentation. Hats are often
used asas symbols
symbols ofof authority, power, rank,
authority, power, office, social status, or group
tank, office, group
membership. symbols of
membership. Hats are symbols of identity
identity (as in, "to
(as in, "to put on a different
different hat").
hat").
Removing one's headgear
Removing makes one seem shorter and is
headgear makes still seen as a sign of
is still
respect. To
respect. be the
To be theonly
only person something upon
wearing something
person wearing upon the head at aa
the head
gathering is to
gathering toassert
assertspecial
specialprerogatives
prerogatives or orstatus. Military headgear,
status.Military headgear, in
particular, has often
particular, has designed to make
often been designed make thethe wearer
wearer seem
seem taller,
taller, more
more
imposing, or
imposing, fearsome. Horns
or fearsome. Horns have
have often
often been added to various various types of
head-dresses to
head-dresses to symbolize
symbolizepower
powerandand protection.
protection.See Crown, Helmet,
SeeCrown, Helmet, and and
Mask
Helmet The
Helmet: The helmet
helmet is
is aasymbol
symbol of
of protection
protection or
ordefense,
defense, and
and by
by extension,
extension,
power and invulnerability. It is emblematic
and invulnerability. emblematic of war and the warrior.
warriot.
Hood: The
Hood: Thehoodhoodisis symbol
a symbol of disguise,
of disguise, concealment,
concealment, invisibility,
invisibility,
withdrawal, contemplation,
withdrawal, ^ solitude,
contemplation, solitude,and death.The
anddeath. hood is
Thehood is thought
thought to
ftom distraction
insulate from distraction and
and concentrate
concentrate spiritual hence its
energy, hence
spiritual energy, its use in
rituals. Covering
many riruals. Covering the head completely
completely is especially associated with
especially associated with death,
death,
annihilation,
annihilation, and loss of control, particulady in some rituals of initiation.
control, particularly initiation. In
the west, the hood isis part
part of
of the
thetraditional
traditional clothing of monks,
clothing of monks, sorcerers,
sorcerers, and
even some
some supernatural
supernatural or emblematic
emblematic beings (such as Destiny or or Death).
Death).
The act of drawing
act of hood over
drawing aa hood over one's
one's face
face has
hassometimes
sometimes been seen as aa
symbol
symbol of shame or grief.
gnef.

Horseshoe:
Florseshoe: The Thehorseshoe isconsidered
horseshoe is considered aa lucky
lucky charm, thought
thought to confer
confer
luck and protection in many cultures. This is probably
probably due
due to the combination
of various symbolic associations. The
symbolic associations. The horseshoe
horseshoe paftakes symbolism of
partakes of the symbolism
iron (the
iron (theemblematic
emblematic metal fte and
metal of fire and power), itshorn-like
power), its horn-like shape,
shape, the
the
blacksmith and
blacksmith and the
the smith's tradition of supernatural power, and the horse
supematural power, horse
itself (the animal
animal that confers power
pou/er and speed).
speed).

Hourglass:The
Hourglass: Thehourglass
hourglasssymbolizes time, deadlines,
symbolizes time, thetransitory
deadlines, and the transitory
nature of existence. See Clock
existence. See

JeweL In general,
jewel: In jewel is a symbol
general, aa jewel of value
symbol of value and
and beauty. Like gold, it is
beauty. Like is
^
associated with all things of great worth, spiritual
associated or physical.
spirirual or physical. See the section
section
Stones
Stones

Jewelry:
Jewelry: Jewelry
Jewelry symbolizes
symbolizes rvealth, but is also associated
wealth, but vanity and
associated with vanity and
worldly possessions.
wotldly possessions.

153
153
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Key: The
Key: k.y symbolizes
The key opening and closing,
symbolizes opening closing, binding
binding and loosing. It
and loosing. It is
typically used
wpically used asas a symbol of of access, power, knowledge,
access, power, liberation, initiation
knowledge, liberation, initiation
and the
and mysteries. To be given
the mysteries. gfven the "key to the
"key to city" is
the city" to be
is to beawarded
a'uvarded special
special
status
starus implying access of all
implying access levels. As
all levels. As the means of access
the means access and power,
power, the keykey
symbol of the most
is a symbol important thing.
most important $fhensomething
thing. When something is is called
called the
the key,
key, it
means that itit is
is indispensable.
indispensable.

Like most
Knife: Like most cutting is aa symbol
knife is
cutting tools, the knife of the
symbol of theactive principle
active principle
that changes defines matter. It is sometimes
changes and defines sometimes used as a symbol cutting
symbol of cutting
away, division,
away, division, sacrifice,
sacrifice, vengeance, legal execution,
vengeance, Iegal execution, and
and death.
death.
Knot: The knot symbol ofconnection
knot isisa symbol connectionororattachment, binding, and
attachment,binding,
^sometimesofappears
and
continuity'. The knot sometimes
continuity. appears as a puzzle, symbol of obstruction,
puzzle, a symbol
constraint, entanglement
entanglement (to be all knotted
be all knotted up),
up),complexity,
complexity, and
and adversity
adversiry (a(a
problem). It is
knotty problem). is also
also aa symbol of concentration.
symbol of Knots also
concentration. Knots symbolize
alsosymbolize
marriage and union (tying
love, marriage infiniry, fate, and determinism. In
(ryi"g the knot), infinity,
ritual, tying or untying
rirual, ryirg untying is often of of greater significance than the
greater significance knot itself.
the knot itself.
Loosing knot implies
Loosing a knot implies liberation
liberation and thefreeing
and the freeing ofofenergies. Il{any cultures
energies. Many cultures
that untying
have thought that knots facilitated
unrying knots childbirth, and that
facilitated childbirth, that tying
ryrng knots
knots
Untying aa knot
conception. Utttytng
prevented conception.
prevented knot has also been viewed as a symbol symbol of
concealed mysteries,and
concealed mysteries, and of death and the release
of death the soul.
release of the soul. See
See Cord and
Thread

Ladder: The
The ladder
ladder symbolizes
s)nmbolizes ascension in in steps,
steps, aspiration,
aspiration, passage
passage from
toanother,
plane to
one plane verticality, communication
another,verticality, communication between
benveen heaven and earth earth
(both the ascent of the
the human
human andand the
the descent
descent ofof the
the divine), transition, steps,
divine), transition,
initiation, and opposites (the
degrees of initiation, fwo pillars
(the two pillars unified by the rungs).
rungs).

Lamp (or Lantern): The lamp shares some

(or Lantern): symbolism of both
some of the symbolism both fire
fire and
It symbolizes
light. It symbolizes life, the light of divinity,
light of diviniry, spirit, immortality, guidance (and
spirit, immortality,
hence, wisdom and the intellect),
intellect), and the stars. The lamp is sometimes used as as
a symbol birth and
symbol of birth anddeath, since itit isislit,
death, since lit,then
thenextinguished. The clay
extinguished. The clay oil-
oil-
^lamp, in particular,
lamp, humaniT, since it is fashioned
particular, is a symbol of humanity, fashioned of clay
clay but
contains the divine flame. Like
divine flame. Like the
the boat, the the tamp
lamp was often among
was often among items
items
buried with the dead.
buried dead.

Lance:
Lance: The lance appears symbol of
appears as a symbol of strength,
strength, power, divine truth or
power, and divine
knowledge
knorvledge (since it pierces). It is often associated with lightning.
(since it lightning.

Level: The level is aasymbol

level is ofequality
symbol of justice. See
andjustice.
equaliry and Rule and
See Plumb Rule
Square
Square
Loom: The loom symbolizes of reality,
symbolizes time, the nature of reality, fate
fate and
and destiny.
destiny. See
See
Spindle and Thread
Spindle
Lyre lyre is aa symbol
Lyre (or Lute): The lyre symbol of harmony.
harmony, It It isissometimes
sometjmes associated
associated
with
with cosmic
cosmic harmony
harmony and the music of the
music of the celestial
celestial spheres.

Mask: lWasks have long been among the

Masks have the most
mostimportant
importantsymbolic
symbolic objects
objects
vital parts
and are vital ritual enactment
the ritual
parts of the enactment of myths. Often worn
myths. Often in initiatory
worn in initiatory

154
154
 - ..•■■••■..■1

Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
rituals, wearing of masks
rituals, the wearirg viewed by many
masks is viewed many culrures manifestation
cultures as the manifestation
of supernatural
supernatural entities.
person donning
The person donning the maskassumes
the mask assumes an anentirely
entirely new identity and
new identity and
persona. Often, the the construction
construction of ofaamagical
magical mask
mask is is accomplished
accomplished through
through
elaborate ritual
elaborate ritual and observanceof
and obserrance of strict taboos. It
strict taboos. thought that the
It was thought the
making of a magical
making magical mask was a powerful
mask was powerful and potentially dangerous act. The
wearer of the the mask is usually
mask is considered a host for
usually considered for the mask-e.tity, since the
the mask-entity,
mask is frequently believed to
frequently believed to have anan independent existence and is treated
independent existence reated as
as
alive. The
if alive. symbolizes transformation and spiritual
The mask symbolizes manifestation.
spiritual manifestation.
IUasks have often been
Masks beenusedusedfor forcatharsis
catharsisand andexorcism.
exorcism. Almost
Almost
univers"ly, carnivalmasks
universally,carnival embodythe
masksembody demonic and
the demonic repressed aspect of
and repressed
humanity, both
humanity, repudiatirg and
both repudiating expressing it.
and expressing it. In general,
general, thethe carnival
carnival or
diamond mask is a symbol symbol of freedom fromsocial
freedom from social restraint,
restraint, license,
license, vice, and
deceit. The
deceit. mask is
funeral mask
The funeral symbol of
is aa symbol resurrection of the
of the return and resurrection the
deceased,
deceased, representing spiritual immortality
representing spiritual and the
immortality and continuity of identity.
the continuity identity. In
modern times,times, masks alsohave
masks also haveconnotations
connotations of ofillusion,
illusion,protection,
protection,
concealment, and and disguise.
disguise.

Mirror: The
Mirror. The earliest
earliest mirror was, of course, the surface
course, the surface ofof still
still water.
water. The
reflection on the surface of aa pool
reflection pool oror lake
lake has often been
has often viewed as
been viewed as aa symbol
symbol
of the soul.
soul. It has
has long been thought that that people
people or or objects
objects are
are linked to their
reflections, and
reflections, that a mirror
and that mirror could catch the spirit of that which itit reflected.
that which reflected"
Perhaps this was why why demons
demons and other supernatural
supernatural creatures
creatures were thought
by some cultures
culrures to have no reflection. Since it reflects,
reflection. Since the mirror has often
reflects, the
been used in in amulets
amulets to toreflect
teflect evil
evil influences, patticulady the
influences, particularly the malefic
malefic effects
of the
the evil
evil eye.
eye.
The broken reflection (and hence,
broken reflection the broken
hence, the broken mirror),
mirror), with its its
overtones of of harmful
harmful image
image magic,
magic, has always symbol of bad luck.
been a symbol
always been
In general, the mirror
In general, mirror is is a symbol
symbol of ofreflection
reflection in inall allsenses,
senses,
knowledg., self-knowledge,
representing knowledge,
^ consciousness, truth,
self-knowledge, consciousness, truth, clarity,
clarity,
wisdom, the mind, the
wisdom, the soul,
soul, and
and contemplation (reflection). As
contemplation (reflection). As a source of
reflected light, itit is
reflected light, associatedwith
is associated with the moon. The Latin
the moon. Latin word for for mirror,
mirror,
Jpecrdum, is
rpecu/um, ts the rootofofthe
the root theverb,
verb,"to "tospeculate." Hence,speculation
speculate."Hence, speculation or or
knowledgeisisconsidered
intellectual knowledge
intellectual consideredby some to
by some to bebelunar,
lunar,secondary
secondary
knowledg.. The mirror also
knowledge. also symbolizes
symbolizes vanity, illusion, and imagination.
vanity, illusion, imagination. The
mirror is also used as a symbol symbol of manifestation,
manifestation, sincesince the world is sometimes
sometimes
viewed as a reflection of the First
viewed First Cause,
Cause, thethe underlying
undedying reality.
reality.

medium of
Money: As aa medium of exchange,
exchange, money
money is is aasymbol ofphysical
symbol of physical reality.
reality. It
also symbolizes greed, fortune,
forn-rne, and
and materialism.
materialism. See
See Coin

Mortar and
Mortar andPestle:
Pestle: The mortarand
The mortar andpestlepestle represents
represents preparation,
preparation,
symbolizing critical intellect
symbolizing the critical (because itit grinds
intellect (because things up for use). Since the
grinds things
mortar
mortar and pestle
pesde has long been used in the the preparation of medicines,
preparation of medicines, it has
emblematic of the pharmacist and the herbalist.
become emblematic herbalist.

Nail: The nail is aasymbol

nail is symbol ofof binding,
binding, but itit also
also shares of the
some of
shares some the
associations
associations of the pole as symbol of the
as aa symbol the cosmic
cosmic axis.
axis.

155
155
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Necklace: The The necklace many of
shares many
necklace shares of the associations of
the associations the ring,
of the ring,
particularly as itit isis worn
particularly as worn over
over the heart. Like the ring,
ring, it is sometimes used as a
symbol of authority or office,
symbol office, and of binding
binding obligation.
obligation"

Necktie: The
Thenecktie
necktie isisaasymbol ofbinding,
symbol of binding, restraint, form"lity, conformity,
restraint, formality, conformity,
and social convention. It is
social convention. is commonly
cofiunonly seen as aa symbol
symbol of of professional
professional or
business life.
life.

Net: The netsymbolizes

Thenet symbolizes entanglement and ensnaring,
entanglement and but also
ensnaring, but also connection,
connection,
order, gathering, and binding
gathering, and together. The
binding together. The net often appears symbol of
appears as a symbol
divine in which
divine power and destiny (the net in which we are
are all
all enmeshed).
enmeshed).

Oven (or
Oven (or Furnace):
Furnace): The ovenisisaasymbol
Theoven symbolof oftransformative
ttansformative power
power and the the
womb. The stove,
womb. stove, like hearth, is a center
like the hearth, center of of domestic fire and
domestic fire life. The
and life. The
furnace is
smelting furnace is associated with trials,
associated with trials, tribulations,
tribulations, and initiation. See
and initiation. See
Athanor and Hearth
Athanor and Hearth
Paper: Paper is,of
Paper is, ofcourse, linked to the
course,Linked the symbolism
symbolism ofof writing.
writing. The written
written
page symbolizes knowledge, corrununication,
symbolizes knowledge, communication, creation, destiny. The blank
creation, and destiny.
symbolizes potential
page symbolizes mystery. Paper by itself
potential and mystery. itself is sometimes
sometimes used
used as a
^s
symbol fragility and
symbol of fragility ephemeralnafure.
and ephemeral SeeBook
nature. See and Pen
Book and Pen
Pen: Just
Just as theblank
as the blank tablet
tabletsymbolizes potential, the
symbolizes potential, pensymbolizes
the pen destiry
symbolizes destiny
and the universal intelligence that
universal intelligence wodd (symbolized
creates the world
that creates (symbohzed by
by the book
or written tablet) via the word.
written tablet) word. The pen isisalso
The pen alsoa symbol oflearning,
symbolof learning,
corurrunication, and
communication, and literature. SeeBook,
literature.See Book,Paper,
Paper, and
^
and Tablet
Tablet
Pole: Like the staff, pillar, and
staff, pillar, and column, the pole is a symbol
column, the symbol ofof the
the axis-
axis-
mundi, the connection between heaven and earth, and
^stability in
and stability
mundi, the center
center
motion.
of motion.
Frequendy viewed
Plough: Frequently viewed as phallic in
as phallic nature, the
in nature, plough is a symbol
the plough symbol of
agriculture,
agriculture, fertility, and pastoral life. In ancient agricultural
fertility, and ^
agricultural societies,
societies, plowing
considerable sexual symbolism
had considerable symbolism and and was often viewed
viewed as "impregnating
as "impregnating
the earth" (the union of
(the union ofthe fertilizing principles
thefertilizing rain and
principles of rain and soil,
soil, heaven and
earth). societies, the
earth). In many societies, plowing of
the plowing ftst furrows
of the first furows of thethe season
season was
was
accompanied by
accompanied by rirual copulation.The
ritual copulation. hitching of
The hitching of unusual animals to a
unusual animals
plough (such as
plough (such wolf, deer,
as the wolf, deer, or or bear)
bear) has
hassometimes
sometimes been used to to^
symbolize
symbolize mastery over over nature.
nature.
Plumb Rule:The
Plumb Rule: Theplumb rulesymbolizes
plumbrule justice,
proportion, justice,
moderation, proportion,
symbolizes moderation,
rectitude,
rectitude, mental
mental and spiritual balance, and transcendent
spidrual balance, knowledg.. It is also
ffanscendent knowledge.
symbol of the axis-mundi.
a symbol axis-mundi.

Purse: The
Purse: The purse is aa symbol
purse is coffunerce. To control the purse
symbol of money and commerce. purse
flow of funds.
strings is to control the flow funds.

Rags: R"gr symbolize

Rags: Rags symbolize material poverty. They
material poverty. They also sometimes
sometimes appear as
as
symbols of moral or
or spiritual
spiritual lack.
lack.

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 Bill Whitcomb
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Riogr The
Ring: rirg combines
The ring combines thethe associations the material
associations of the of which
material of rvhich itit isis made
made
the symbolism
and the symbolism of of the
thecircle. Ingeneral,
circle. In ringsymbolizes
thering
general, the symbolizes continuity,
continuiry,
binding, eternitl,
binding, eternity, union, wholeness, and truth, and
union, wholeness, and sometimes reincarnation.
sometimes reincarnation.
The ring
The (particularly the ring bearing a seal)
ring (particularly seal) is also
also used symbol of office
used as a symbol
authority, power,
and authority, sovereignty. To
power, and sovereignty. To give a signet
signet ring is todelegate
is to delegate
authority. To kiss a ring
authority. ring is to demonstrate
^ obedience.
offer
demonstrate or offer obedience. AA broken ring ring
symbolizes broken
symbolizes vows.
broken vows.
The rope
Rope: The ropesymbolizes binding and
symlrolizes binding and loosing, and hence
loosing, and hencecaptivity
captiviry and
and
It is also used
subiugation. It
subjugation. tosymbolize
used to symbolize connection,
connection, safety
safety(the life-line), and
(thelife-Line),
climbing (and ascension). In many
also, ascension).
(and so also, traditions, the
shamanic traditions,
man),' shamanic the shaman
shaman
rope or thread to ascend
climbs a rope
climbs the other
ascend to the other world.
r.vorld. See
See Cord and Thread
Cord and
The rudder
Rudder: The is used
rudder is usedas symbolofofguidance,
asaasymbol direction,control,
guidance, direction, control,
foresight, safety,
responsibiliry, foresight,
responsibility, safety, and fate or destiny.
destiny. See
See Boat

Rule: almost all

Like almost
Rule: Like tools of
all tools measurement, the
of measurement, rule is
the rule is aa symbol of
symbol of
righteousness, order, law,
righteousness, order, and proportion.
law, and proportion.
symbolizes impulse and motivation.
sail symbolizes
Sail: The sail It isis sometimes
motivation. It sometimes associated
associated
intellect. See Boat and
with the intellect. tWind
and Wind

Sandal The sandal

Sandal: sandal symbolizes the means of progress, the power
symbolizes the to advance,
po'rver to advance,
journey,
iourney, and spirirual
spiritual pilgrimage.
pilgrimage. See
See Shoes
Shoes
Sarcophagus: Literally "flesh-eating stone,"
Literally "flesh-eating stone," the sarcophagus
sarcophagus isis sometimes
somefimes
as aasymbol
used as ofthe
sl'mbol of earth,a a
theearth, containerfor
container forthe
thesoul
soul undergoing
undergoing
metamorphosis. See Coffin
transformation and metamorphosis. and Tomb
Coffrn and Tomb

Scales: Scales are commonlln

Scales are used as a symbol
commonly used judgment, justice,
symbol of judgment, iustice, prudence,
equality, i*p"rtialiry,
balance, equality,
balance, moderation, harmon|,
impartiality,moderation, harmony, economy, larv, order,
economy, law, order, and
truth.
Scissors (or Shears): Scissors
Scissors embody severing. A pair of scissors
embody severing. slrmbolizes
scissors symbolizes
death oror fate,
fate, since it is
since it is used by the
used by the fates of mythology
fates of to sever
mythology to sever the cord ofof
life. See Thread
is aa symbol
scepter is
Scepter: The scepter of royal
symbol of or divine
royal or divine authority. It shares
authority. It shares some
some
the associations
of the mace.
associations of the staff and the mace.

The scroll
Scroll: The scroll symbolizes
symbolizes learning, knowledge,life,
learning, knowledge, life, and destiny. In
and destiny.
modern times, symbolism of the
times, the symbolism the scroll
scroll has been
been assumed
assumed by book. See
by the book. See
Book
The scythe
Scythe: The symbolizes the harvest,
scythe symbolizes harvest, and hence, the passage of time,
passage of tirne,
death.
and death.
or ownership,
seal symbolizes authority or
Seal: The seal ownership, legitimacy,
legitimacy, and solemnity.
solemnity.

The sheaf
Sheaf, The
Sheaf: sheafsymbolizes harvest, prosperity,
symbolizes harvest, and plenty.
prosperiry, and the stalks
plenry. Since the stalks
of grain are
of bound together,
are bound together, the sheaf
sheaf is of unity
is also aa symbol of uniry and
and social
social
harmony.
harmony.

157
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 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
symbol of defense
Shield: The shield is a symbol defense and protection, a passive weapon. It
passive weapon.
is often used
used as
as aa symbol
symbol ofof strength, vittue, and
strength, virtue, and vigilance. symbolism of
vigilance. The symbolism
the shield, however, alloyed with
however, is alloyed with whatever imageisis borne
whatever image upon it, such as
borne upon
animal, geometric
an animal, geometric design,
design, oror combination
combination of ofsymbolic
symbolic elements.
elements. In In
^n raditions, a complex
European traditions, complex system
system of of heraldic
heraldic symbolism controlled the
symbolism controlled
design of shields, specifyt"g the
shields, specifying the colors,
colors, divisions,
divisions, and emblems that
and emblems that could be
might represent
shields might
used. Such shields represent aaparticular individual, family,
particular individual, .ity, or
family, city,
kingdom, or military
military order.
order. The shield, particularly the
shield, particularly the round shield,
shield, has also
also
often been associated with the solar
been associated solar disk.
disk.

I)rawing from the symbolic

Ship: Drawing associationsof
symbolic associations of the ocean, the
the ocean, ship is a
the ship
traveling through the
means of traveling the unknown.
unknown. The The ship, particulafly a black or^
ship, particularly
black-sailed rs in
ship,, appears
black-sailed ship the myths of many cultures as a vehicle
in the vehicle for souls
^ppe
of the
the dead, transpottirg them on
dead, transporting on their journey through the
theit journey undenvodd. In
the underworld.
general, the
the ship symbolizes passage or crossing,
shipsymbolizes tansport through
crossing, safe transport though
danger, arival or bearing of good
danger, the arrival good fortune,
fortune, and
and the
the voyage though life.
voyage though life.
Because of its funereal
Because associations, the
funereal associations, the black bears misfortune
black ship bears misfortune and is a
symbol of woe. See Boat
See Boat

Shoes: To walkwalk shod upon something is to take

upon something possession of it. Thus, the
take possession the
custom of removing one's shoes before entering a mosque is a sign of
Islamic custom
Islamic
respect and reverence for God. Similarly,
respect Similady, toto thtow
throw someone's shoes out of the
someone's shoes
house symbolizes
symbolizes eviction and dispossession.
dispossession. Shoes also symbolize
symbolize travel
travel and
ability to travel,
the ability travel, hence power. InIn ancient times, shoes
ancient times, signified freedom,
shoessignified freedom,
slaves went
since slaves barefoot. To
went barefoot. fiU someone's
To fill shoes is
someone's shoes is to replace them. To
replace them.
walk in someone else's shoes is to
walk to experience their life. In some
experience their some traditions,
traditions,
couples exchange
exchange shoes in wedding
wedding ceremonies to to symbolize
symbc,ltze walking the path
See Foot, Heel, and Sandal
life together. See
of life
Sickle: Like
Like the scythe,
scythe, the sickle symbolizes
symbolizes harvest,
harvest, the passage of time, the
the passage
transience of life,
transience death, and the potential of rebirth.
life, death, tebirth. Because its crescent
Because of its crescent
shape, the sickle
shape, associated with
sickle is also associated particul"tly the
with the moon, particularly phases of
the phases
the moon. Again, scythe, it
Again, like the scythe, it sometimes appears as
sometimes appears as an attribute of
personified Death or Time.
personified Time.

Sieve: The sieve

Sieve: sieve isis a symbol
symbolof ofintelligence, judgment, differentiation,
intelligence,judgment, differentiation, and
discernment.
^
discernment. ItIt symbolizes
symbolizes the separationof
the separation of truth fromfalsehood
truth from falsehood (or
(ot
sometimes, good from evil),
sometimes, good sinceitit is
evil), since used to separate
is used separate the wheat from the
chaff.
chaff.

Spear.
Spear: The spear
spear combines
combines aa variety symbolism. Like
variety of symbolism. the rod or wand,
Like the v/and, it
associations with
has associations
has with fire and
and phallic,
phallic, creative power. Like
creative po\rier. Like the
the staff, it
sometimes appears as
sometimes appears as an axial symbol. Like
axtal symbol. the cenotaph or monolith,
Like the monolith, the
spear also has solar
^n
solar associations and is sometimes thought to to symbolize
symbolize a ray
ray
of sunlight.
of Generally, the
sunlight. Generally, spear is a symbol
the spear symbol of war, but also
war, but also of
^
ofmasculine
masculine
strength and
and potency.
potency. See
See Lance

Spindle (ot Spinning Wheel):

Spindle (or Wheet): Like most thingsthings related toweaving,
related to weaving, the
the
spindle is a symbol of fate or destiny.
spindle destiny. It is also symbol of time,
also aa symbol time, because of

158
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 Bill Whitcomb
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associating it
its regular rate of revolution, associating it with of the
with the movement of the celestial
celestial
spheres. spindle is sometimes
spheres. The spindle seen as a symbol of death, because
sometimes seen because of its
associations vrith
associations with fate
fate and time.

The carpenter's
Square: The carpenter's square is aa symbol
square is symbol ofof order, justice, and
order, justice, and higher It
law. It
higher law.
associated with
is also associated with matter
matter and
and earth, since itit isis the
earth, since the tool used to draw
draw the
square. See Compass
square. See Compass
staff symbolizes
Staff: The staff symbolizes power,
po'n/er, office or authority,
authoriry, and spiritual journey or
spiritual journey
pilgrimage. The
pilgrimage. staff isis sometimes
The staff sometimesusedused in ritual in
in ritual in the center of thethe magic
magic
circle to represent the
circle the axis mundi, but
axis mundi, but also
alsothe Traditionally, a staff
magician. Traditionally,
themagician.
way would
used this way would be crafted to be the
he crafted the same height as
same height as the
the magician.
magician.

Stick (or
Stick (or Rod):
Rod): Perhaps
Perhapsthe
theearliest tool of
eadiest tool of humanity,
hum^rity, the
the stick
stick is symbol of
is a symbol
support, defense, of all,
defense, and most of all, directed
directed power. Staf{ and
power. See Scepter, Staff, and
Wand
Wand
String: String
String: Stdng is is used asaasymbol
used as symbolof ofconnection, continrity, binding,
connection,continuity, binding, and
and
fastening. It
fastening. is sometimes
It is tosymbolize
used to
sometimes used the connecting
symbolize the link between
connectirg link between
of existence.
planes of existence. A A tangled stringrepresents
tangledstring trouble, disorder,
represents trouble, disorder, and
and
confusion. A broken
broken string
string represents
represents separation and ending.
separation and ending. See
See Cord and
Thread
Sword: TheThe sword is aasymbol
sword is symbol of ofpower,
power,particularly
particulady destructive
destructive power, but
power that may have aspect in
have a positive aspect the form
in the justice and protection. It
form of justice
is used
is usedto tosymbolize
symbolizeauthority, toyalty, leadership,
authority,royalty, courage, strength,
leadership, courage, strength, and
and
vigilance, but
vigilance, but also aggression and
also aggression extermination.ItIt has
physical extermination.
and physical has often been
used toto symbolize warrior caste
symbolize the warrior and its
caste and its(real oridealized)
(realor idealzed) virtues.
virtues. The
sword is is sometimes
sometimes used
used totosymbolize truth,the
symbolize truth, innerspiritual
theinner spirirualstruggle,
stnrggle,
decision, discrimination, division,
decision, discrimination, division, dualism,
dualism, separation,
separation, and
and the penetrating
penetrating (or
(or
separating) powet
power of the critical intellect. Like many
the critical weapons, the sword has
many weapons,
phallic associations. It is also associated
phallic associadons. associated with light, lightning, and fire.fte.
The table
Table: The symbolizes cofiununion
table symbolizes corununity. To
communion and community. To share one'sone's
table is to offer food and hospitality. To
and hospitality. come to the table is to find common
To come corunon
ground, a symbol negotiation. To
symbol of negotiation. To put one's cards on on the
the table to reveal
is to
table is reveal
openly. To
all and deal openly. To turn the tables
tables is to reverse the situation.
reverse the situation. The tabletable is
field of action,
also the field making itit the interior
action, making equivalent of the field or street.
interior equivalent street.

The tablet is a symbol

Tablet: The law (both
symbol of law divine and
ftoth divine justice, and
human), justice,
and human),
destiny. Like the scroll,ititsometimes
thescroll, sometimessymbolizes wisdomand
symbolizes wisdom andmagical
magical
knowledg.. See Book
knowledge.
symbolizes the continuity
Thread: Thread symbolizes life, human destiny,
continuity of life, destiny, fate,
fate, and
unity. It
unity. isa symbol
It is symbolofofboth
bothconnection andunderstanding
connectionand (following aa
understanding(following
^
thread). The thread is also a symbol
symbol of tenuousness (to hang
tenuousness (to hang by
by aa thread).
thread). See
See
Cord and String
Throne: The
Throne: The throne
throne ororhigh
highseat,
seat,symbolizes thesource
symbolizes the source ofofauthority,
authority,
knor,vledgr, rule,
knowledge, rule, and
and the
the higher self.An
higher self. empty throne
An empty has often
throne has often been used
used to

159
159
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

presence of the divine.

slrmbolize the presence
symbolize divine. The throne
throne is
is also
also sometimes
sometimes associated
associated
with fame.
fame.

Torch: The
Torch: Thetorch symbolofof
torchisisa symbol light,illumination,
light, illumination,guidance, knowledg.,
guidance, knowledge,
intelligence, purification
intelligence,
^
purificationororcleansing
cleansingthroughthroughfire put to
(toput
fire(to the torch),
to the torch),
(passing the
tradition (passing
tradition torch), love,
the torch), love, and passion
passion (torch songs, holdingholding a torch
for someone).
someone). The torch is is often
oftenassociated
associated with with ritual
ritual and
and ceremony
ceremony in in
general. The torch also
general. symbol of life.
as aa symbol
appears as
also appears life. The extinguished
extinguished torch isis a
symbol of
symbol death and
of death and darkness. The torch
darkness. The torchheld aloftsymbolizes
heldaloft s)'mbolizes perception
perception
and truth (the triumph over
(the triumph over darkness).
darkness).

Trains: Trains symbolize

symbolize power
power and irresistible movement, with some
irresistible movement, some aspects
force. The train entering the
creative force.
of phallic, creative the tunnel is aa well-known
runnel is well-known sexual
sexual
clich6. Trains
cliche. also symbolize
Trains also organization, time keeping, and travel.
symbolize organization, travel.

Treasure: Treasure symbolizes

Treasure: andinitiation
enlightenment and
symbolizes enlightenment initiation(spiritual
(spiritual
treasure), but also greed,
treasure), temptation, and
greed, temptation, corruption by
and corruption by earthly
earthly desires (earthly
desires (earthly
treasure). In
treasure). In myths oror dreams, is often guarded
treasure is
dreams, treasure guarded by a monster
monster or
dragon.
^
dragon.
Trident: TheThe trident is sometimes
trident is sometimes used as a symbolsymbol of lightning. It
of lightning. often
It often
symbol of various trinities
^ symbol of the
appears as a symbol and is also
trinities and used as a symbol
also used
power of thethe ocean. Christian church
eady Christian
ocean. The early saw the trident's prior use in
church saw
the iconography "p"gr." deities
iconography of "pagan" (notably Poseidon
deities (notably Poseidon and Shiva),
Shiva), so demons
portrayed wieldirg
devils have been portrayed
and devils tridents right
wielding tridents up to the modern day,
right up day,
resulting in
resulting in the trident's satanic
satanic reputation.
reputation.
Trumpet The
Trumpet: The trumpet is is aasymbol
symbol ofofannouncement,
announcement,beginning,
beginning, ending,
ending,
alarm, pride, and martial
alarm, Traditionally, the
valor. Traditionally,
martial valor. the trumpet calls to battle,
calls to battle,
ascension of royalty,
honors the ascension and will
royalry, and soundat
willsound the end of
at the of the world. In
times, the sound
ancient times,
ancient the trumpet
sound of the trumpet was
was associated with the voice of the
associated with
divine.
divine.
cinerary urn, the urn is aa symbol
Urn: As aa cinerary symbol of death and mourning.
death and mourning. An urn
with aa flame
flame symbolizes renewal of life and resurrection.
symbolizes the renewal An overturned
resurrection. An overturned
urn with flowing symbol of the
flowing water is a symbol the powers ofthe
powers of thewaters, particul"tly
rvaters, particularly
rivers.

is aa symbol
vase is
Vase: The vase symbol of of the womb and
the womb andthe
thefeminine
feminine principle.
principle. AA vase
vase
flowing water
with flowing water symbolizes fertility and the
symbolizes fertility the waters ofLife.
waters of In alchemical
life. In alchemical
symbolism, the
symbolism, vase is
the vase symbol of
is a symbol of transmutation, similar in
transmutation, similar respects to
in some respects
the cauldron.
the cauldron. Vases
\rases are are also
also sometimes associated with
sometimes associated with treasure and its
See Cauldron
symbolism. See
Veil: The veil
Veil: veil is
is aa symbol ofconcealment
symbol of andmystery,
concealment and but also
mystery, but withdrawal
alsowithdrawal
rvorld, modesty,
from the world, modesty, and virtue. The veil
virtue. The veil symbolizes
symbolizes the separation of
separation of
one thingfrom
one thing fromanother. Unveili.gsymbolizes
another.Unveiling knowledg., and
revelation, knowledge,
symbolizesrevelation, and
Curtain
initiation. See Curtain
symbol of power and
Wand (or Rod): The wand is aa symbol authoriry, sharing
and authority, sharing some
of the
of thesymbolic associations of
symbolic associations of both the club
club and thepointing
and the pointing finger.
finger. The

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 y r -LILY . BMW&

Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
wand or rod has traditionally been associated
has traditionally fu", perhaps because
associated with fire, because of the
wood-drill method of making
wood-drill objects, the symbolism of the
fire. Like many objects,
making fire.
wand is modified by the material which itit is
from which
material from is made.
made. See
See Stick

S7eapon: In general,
Weapon: general, weapons power, aggression,
symbols of power,
weapons are symbols aggression, or menace.
menace.
Somewhat oddly, they are also sometimes
Somewhat oddly, phallic symbols
sometimes seen as phallic symbols and thus,
thus,
oddly enough, represent creative force. Perhaps some
cteative force. some ofofweapon's
weapon'sphallic
phallic
associations are
associations due to the
are due the early association of men and
early association violence, but also
and violence, also
because early
because weapons were
early weapons generally stick-like
were generally and often
stick-like and involved thrusting.
often involved thrusti.g.
Creative associations
Creative besides simple
associations besides simple phallic
phallic resemblance result from the
resemblance result the
weapon's secondary
second*ty characteristics (such intentionality of
(such as the intentionality arow, the
of the arrow,
ability of
ability of the sword toto divide,
divide, and so on) See
so on) See Arrow, Club,
Club, Dagger, Stick,
Sticlq
and Sword
and Measures:
Weights and Measures: Like scales,
scales, rules,
rules, and
and so on, weights
weights are sometimes
sometimes
assymbols
used as ofaccuracy,
symbols of fairdealing,
accuracltfair justice, judgment,
dealing, justice, judgment, balance,
balance, and
and
harmony.
harmony.
Sfheel The wheel
Wheel: wheel is an important
important symbol
symbol combining associations of the
combining the associations
mandala with
circle and mandala
circle with cyclical movement.ItItoften
cyclicalmovement. often takes the form of the
takes the the
wheel cross, adding
wheel cross, adding the aspect of
the aspect of the four quarters or directions.
directions.
The wheel appears as a symbol symbol of the wodd.world. The hub is the still
still center
and the rim isismanifestation.
the rim manifestation. The spokesspokes represent the directions
represent the of space.
directions of space.
The ceaseless
ceaseless turning
nrrning of thethe wheel
wheel isis cyclical
cyclical change.
change. The wheel is also used as
a symbol
symbol of the
the sun
sun and
andthethesun's
sun'sdaily
dailyand
andyearly
yearly cycles.
cycles. Hence, it is a symbol
symbol
year,life,
of time, the year, life, fate, fortune, and of death and rebirth. The wheel
fate, fortune, dso
wheel is also
associated with mutabiliry,
associated mutability, change, karma, the
change, karma, cosmos, law
the cosmos, and truth, order,
law and
eternity, perfect completion.
eternity, and perfect completion.

Wheelbarrow: wheelbarrow is sometimes

Wheelbaffow: The wheelbarrow sometimes viewed as an instrument
viewed as instnrment of
fate, since it is something
something carried upon aa wheel, impelled by
wheel, impelled by human will. See
human will.
Wheel
Wheel
Whip (or
Whip (or Lash): The whip symbolizes
The whip authority, domination,
symbolizes authority, domination, punishment,
punishment,
penance,
penance, slavery, and oppression.
slavery, and oppression.
Wreath (or Garland): gadand is a symbol of honor, joy,
Gadand): In general, the garland ioy, and
victory. The
victory. garland is
The gadand symbol of
is a symbol of temporary or temporal
temporary or honors. The
temporal honors. The
particulady the
wreath, particularly
^
funeral wreath,
the funeral wreath, combines
combines the symbolism of
the symbolism rirg
of the ring
with the life force
the life force associated with living
associated with living plants, symbolizing
symbolizing attained salvation,
salvation,
eternal life,
life, and resurrection or rebirth.
and resurrection rebirth.
Yoke: The yoke is a symbol
The yoke symbol of of union,
union, devotion toaagoal,
devotion to goal,obedience,
obedience, toil,
toil,
^
discipline, control,
spirirual discipline,
spiritual control, and balance.
balance. The words yoke and yoga
yogz are derived
the same
from the The yoke
same root. The yoke also
also symbolizes forced labor,
symbolizes forced imposed burden,
labor, imposed
and humiliation (the
(the yoke of slavery).
yoke of slavery).

161
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 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

An Alphabet of Objects
exercise, just
As an exercise, as you
just as you may
may have done with household substances,
have done substances, make a
list of the various objects
the various objects around your house that that you
you useuse ononaaday-to-day
day-to-day
basis. Out
basis. Out of this list, choose at least dozen items that evoke some kind
least a dozen kind of
emotional response in you,
emotional you, however slight.
however slight.
Think about how you use each of the objects objects on thethe second list. Is it a
second list.
tool? Is it clothing?
clothing? Is it art? Why $7hy do you value it?
Think of the
Think single word or phrase
the single phrase that names names the object and/or andf or
describes how it is used. For example, something
describes something could be a wood-joiner
wood-joiner or a
food-divider.
food-divider.
Next, think about how you
about how teact to
you react to the
the object. Do you
object. Do you enjoy using it?
enjoy using
Is itit something
something you use when something
use when something is broken? broken? List a singlesingle word or
phrase to to represent
represent the theobject's principalassociation,
object'sprincipal symbolic nature, or
association, symbolic
emotional value.
emotional value. For perhaps the
example, perhaps
For example, object is
the object isemblematic
emblematic of of
construction,
constnrction, sewing,sewing, violence,
violence, fishing,
fishing, and so on.
Choose aa symbolsymbol forfor each
each object. You can
object. You can use anysymbols
use any symbols you you like,
like,
but each symbol should be easy
symbol should easy to draw remember. Draw the symbols on
draw and remember.
small adhesive labels
small adhesive labelsand and place them on
place them on the appropriate
appropriate objects
objects around
around your
house.
house.
For the next few
the next few days,
days, try to to be
beaware
aware whenever
whenever you use or or interact
interact
with one of the the marked objects .P^y
marked objects. particular attention
Pay particular attention to how the objects on
your list
your relate to
list relate to one another. Is one object object used
used inin conjunction
conjunction with or in
response to another? different objects
another? Are different objects associated different times of
associated with different
example, going to work) or different
the day (for example, d.ifferent days of the
days of the week (yo* days
week (your days
offl. When you think of more associations,
off). associations, add add to the notes on on your list next
your list next
to each object.
After aa few few days, begin to
days, begin tothink
thinkof ofthetheactivities
activitiesor orcircumstances
circumstances
associated with
associated with each object in mythic
each object Imagine that each example of the
mythic terms. Imagine
object is the unique archetype or
unique archetype or ideal form of that object,
ideal form obiect, so that that your
your
hammer, for for example, simultaneously all
example, is simultaneously hammers. As you use each object,
all hammers.
think of yourself
think yourself as the archetype of the
the archetype the one who performs
one who performs the theassociated
associated
activity. Thus, when
activity. Thus, when youyou open c n, you are the Opener of
open a can, of the W"y wielding
the Way wielding
The FoodFood Key.K*y. If If you
you can, try^relating
can, try relatirg the activiry to aa traditional
the activity traditional myth or
story (such as the creation of the the philosopher's
philosopher's stone, stone, the nourishing of life,
the nourishing life,
the epic winning of
epic winning mode of transportation or
of aa mode or place
place to live,
live, and so on).
If you performed
performed the thesimilar
similar exercise
exercise regarding substances at the end
regarding substances
of Chapter
Chapter 10, 10, take
take the
the results
results ofof that
that exercise
exercise and and compare
compare your your "substance
"substance
alphabet"
alphabet" and "object alphabet." alphabet." Try Tty combining
combining one "letter" from each of the
two symbol sets and think about how the the symbols
symbols affect each other. Try this
with aa dozen
dozen or or so
so pairs andconsider
pairs and considet whatwhat thethe symbols might mean if
symbols might if their
their
concepts were combined.
concepts combined. For each pair, draw draw aasingle
single symbol
symbol thatthat would
would
effectively combine the
effectively combine the each member of the pair's current
each membet current symbols.
symbols.

r62
162
 and Herbs
Chapter 16: Plants and Herbs

As thethemost
rnostbasic levelof
basiclevel ofthe
theorganic world,vegetation
organicworld, vegetationsymbolizes
symbolizes the the
essential unity of all life and the
essential unity the cyclical
cyclical nature of all
all being.
being. Plants symbolize
symbolize
Life,life
life, lifeforce,
force,solar
solarenergy
energymade manifest, fertility,
made manifest, fertility, nourishment,
nourishment, abundance,
abundance,
growth, andand cyclical renewal. Since
cyclical renewal. Since plants are inextricably
plants are inextricably tiedtied to
to the annual
annual
cycles of
cycles the seasons,
of the seasons, plants often appearappear as symbols of
as symbols death and
of death and
resurrection. Plants
resurrection. also used
Plants are also symbolsofof
usedasassymbols inactivity,passivity,
inactivity, passivity,
immobility, and unconscious
immobility,
^re
unconscious life ("to vegetate").
Various classes or parts of plants
parts of plantshave
havegeneral symbolic associations.
general symbolic associations.
some of the most common:
Here are some common:

Evergreens: Evergreens
Evergreens are
arealmost
almostuniversally
universallyassociated with immortality,
associated with immortality,
vitality, youth,
vitality, and vigor
youth, and because th"y
vigor because they retain their leaves remain green
leaves and remain green
through the winter.
Flowers: In general, flowers symbolize
general, flowers spring, fertility,
symbolize spring, the renewal of
and the
fertility,and
life. Th.y often associated
They are often associated with eroticism
etoticism and
and sexual
sexual energy. Because of
energy. Because
radiil arrangement
the radial anangement of petals found
found inin many
many flowers,
flowers, they
they are
are frequently
frequendy
associated with
associated with the
the sun and share many of
share many of the
thesymbolic qualities of the
symbolic qualities the
mandala. Flowers are are used as symbols
symbols of crowning achievement, but
crowning achievement, but also the
transitory nature of life
transitory nature life and
and beauty
beauty (since mostflowers
(since most flowers quickly
quickly fade
fade and
and
wither). Like gemstones,
gemstones, the symbolic
symbolic value of flowers
flowers is heavily influenced
influenced by
symbolism of color. Here are some
the symbolism comtnon flower
some common flower color
color associations:
associations:

Blue dreams, mystery

Red dawn, the rising sun, passion, blood
Yellow
Yellow the sun,
sun, spirituality
spirituality

White purity,
purity, innocence,
innocence, death
death
White
Red and Vrhite death
Fruit: Fruit symbolizes
Fruit: maturityand
symbolizes maturity and completion (fruition).ItIt is
completion (fruition). is also
also
as sociated with abundance,
associated abundance, prosperity, and fertility (fruitfulness).
and fertility (fruitfulnes s) .

Grain: Grain is a symbol ofthe

symbol of therenewal
renewalof oflife,
life,resurrection, fertility, and
resuffection, fertility, and
potentiality. The
^
potentiality. symbolism of
The symbolism grain is
of grain intimately tied
is intimately tied to the symbolism
to the symbolism of of
bread.
bread.

Flerbs: Herbs, in general,

Herbs: gene ral, are
ate symbols life-g..i"g and curative
the life-giving
symbols of the curative powers
powers
of nature. They are
nanrre. They are viewed
viewed as
as sources ofhealth,
sources of health,virility,
.rirility, fertility,
fertility, and longevity.
longevity.
symbolism of herbs
The symbolism is sometimes
herbs is linked with the
sometimes linked the symbolism
symbolism of place,
place,
since in
since myth, the
in myth, the most
most powerful
powerful herbs are often found
are often found by bysprings
springs or
or
sometimes on the slopes
slopes of sacred mountains.
mountains.

164
L64
31.•■•="."-• ••• ! al1.-2 • 2- 2,P13.1,
21.- ME- ' TI'.11.7M=22-1.1!•5

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Leaves are symbols

Leaves: Leaves of plants and
symbols of and the
thevegetable wodd in
vegetable world ingeneral.
general.
^re
Th.y symbolize
They symbolize fertility, renewal. A
growth, and renewal.
fertility, growth, A leaf
leaf in
in the breeze (or river) is
a symbol
symbol of helplessness acceptance. To
passive acceptance.
helplessness or passive To turn over a new leaf is to
make a change.
Mushrooms: The mushroom has has phallic
phallic associations because of its shape. It
associations because
is also
is alsoassociated withsudden
associated with growth
suddengrowth — something
something thatthatgrows
growsquickly,
quickly,
unexpectedly,and
unexpectedly, exponentiallyisis said
and exponentially said to
to "mushroom." Unlike plants,
"mushroom." Unlike plants,
however,
however, the mushroom embodies
embodies lunar,
lunat, watery, cthonic forces (as
waterfr cthonic (as opposed
to solar)
to solar) and
and represents life regenerated
tepresents life regenerated by decomposition
decomposition and and death. Of
course,
course, mushrooms also also have
have associations
associations with poisoning, bothaccidental
poisoning, both accidental
and intentional, and
and intentional, intoxication, (particularly
andintoxication, the white-spotted
(particularly the white-spotted reddish-
teddish-
orange amanita muscaria, the
amanita muscaria, mushroomnearly
the mushroom neady always portrayed in
always portrayed in
illustrations of the hookah-smoking
hookah-smokirg caterpillar of Alice
caterpillar of Alice in ronderkma).
Wondnlantt\.

Reeds: Reeds are symbols of weakness,

symbols of weakness, vacillation, fickleness, but also
vacillation, and fickleness, also
flexibility.
flexibfity.
Seeds:
Seeds: The seed
seed symbolizes potential, the unmanifest,
symbolizes potential, unmanifest, life, and birth. It is
is also
also
a symbol of the
the monad,
monad, being in aa sense,
being in sense, self-contained, shares some of
self-contained, and shares
the symbolism
symbolism of the egg.
egg.

Straw: Straw is a hollow

Straw. hollowstalk,
stalk,usually ofgrain
usually of afterthreshing.
grainafter threshing.Straw
Straw
^
symbolizes wothlessness,
worthlessness, emptiness, wealcness,
emptiness, weakness, unfruitfulness,
unfruitfulness, death, and
and
that which is transitory.
transitory.

Thorns: Thorns
Thorns: Thorns are generally seenasasbarriers,
generally seen barriers, symbolizing
symbolningdifficulties,
difficulties,
obstacles,
obstacles, and external
^re defenses. \ilflhen
extetnal defenses. When paired
paired with
with the rose, th.
the rose, the thorn isis also
also
a. symbol
symbol of duality, in the sense that beauty
duality, in beaury is accompanied by pain. p^it.
It is
is important
important to to note
notethat
thatthere
thereare
aremany
manyplants withmagical
plantswith magical and
and
ritual
rirual uses —- particularly
particulady psychoactive
psychoactive plants
plants —
- that
that I I have
have not
not discussed
discussed here.
Even though
though thesethese plants
plants may
may be of great
be of great magical
magical importance, they do not
importance, they
necessarily have
necessarily have symbolic associationsofofthe
symbolicassociations the sort covered in this
sort covered this work.
work.
Similarly, many plants
Similadl, many plants discussed
discussed here have complex magical uses and specific specific
associations (zodiacal,Qabalistic,
associations (zodiacal, andsosoon)
(kabalistic,and that II have
on)that have not discussed.
discussed. For
interested in
those interested aspects of the
in these aspects the magical
magical uses of plants,plants, II would
would
recommend
recoffunend the the following books:
following books:
Cfinningham's
Cunningbam'r Encyclopedia of Magical
Engc/6pedia of Magical Herlts
Herbs - Scott Cunningham
Cunningham

The Dictionary
Dictionary of
of Stirred and Magical Plants
Sacrvd and Plants - Dr. Christian
Christian Ratsch
Ratsch

Hallmdnogens and
Hallurinagem and SShamanism
hamanbm - Edited by
b)' Michael Hamer
Nfichael Harner

Herbs in Magic and

Herlts and AlchemJ
Alchemy - C. L. Zalewski
Zalewski

Incense:Its
Incense: its Ntrual
Ritual Significance, Use and
Stgnificance, Use Preparation
PrEaration - Leo Vinci
\,rinci

The Magical
Magical and
and Ntual
Ritual Use
Ute of Herh l\Iiller
Herbs - Richard Alan Miller
The Magickal Formulary
Fornulary - Herman
Herman Slater
Slater

165
165
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Plants of the
Plants the Gods
Gods - Richard
Richard Evans Schultes
Schultes and
and Albert
Albert Hoffman
Hoffman
The Practical Handbook of Plant
Practical Handbook Plant Alcheng,-
Alchemy - Manfred
Nfanfred M. Junius
lrf. Junius

A Short
Short Note Concer.irg Drugs in Magic:
Note Concerning NIagic: A A true
truediscussion
discussion of of drugs
drugs inin
magic
magic isis outside
outside the scope of
the scope of this book, but I suppose I should add this note.
When II mention
When mention here something is
here that something used to induce
is used visions or
induce visions or is aa
common
coffrrnon ingredient
ingredient in flying ointments, I do so
flying ointments, so primarily because that is one
primarily because one
of the
the symbolic
symbolic associations
associations of the plant. IfIf you
the plant. youbelieve
believe youryour magical
magical practices
practices
require ingesting psychoactive
require ingesting psychoactive substances)
substances,make makesuresureyou have aa LOT more
you have
information than
information than is provided
provided by this book. book. YouYou should know what
should know what you're
you're
really taking, how
really taking, how itit acts, what it interacts
interacts with, what dosage dosage isis poisonous
poisonous
(given nearly everything is poisonous),
fuiven enough, nearly poisonous), what thelegal
''"vhat the legal ramifications
ramifications
are, and how to to tell
tell someone
someone in in an
an emergency
emergency room what you took. Never
put anything
anythi.g in your mouth you can't spell. spell.
Here are some
some of of the
thecommon
commonsymbolic
symbolic associations
associations of plants
plants along
along
with some of their
their magical
magical uses:
uses:

Aloe:
Aloe: Aloe is a perennial used as
perennial used as balsam (to treat burns) and perfume. Lignum
aloes are used in sacrificial burning, incense, and sachets. The aloe
sacrificial burning, aloe is a symbol
symbol
of repentance or
or abstinence
abstinence because
because of its bitter oil.
oil.

Amanita muscaria
muscaria(Fly
(Fly Agaric):
Agaric): The Amanita muscaria
The ..4nanita muscaia is a yellow- orange-, or
red-capped mushroorn,
red-capped coveredwith
usuallycovered
mushroom, usually with white thatgrows
white warts, that grows
symbiotically with
symbiotically the birch. It is aa highly toxic hallucinogen
with the hallucinogen used traditionally
traditionally
as aa shamanic sacrament. It
shamanic sacrament. it is said to combine
combine the
the effects of belladonna
effects of belladonna (or
(or
other Soltmaceae family d*g.)
Solanaceae family drugs) and
and LSD.
LSD. R.
R. Gordon
Gordon Wasson believes that this
mushroom
mushroom is is the
the "soma"
"somz" ofofVedic
\redic mythology. John Allegro
mythology.John Allegro has
has also
also advanced
advanced
the theory (based
Oased on
on linguistic
linguistic evidence)
evidence) that Amanita mon:aria
muyaria was used as aa
sacrament
sacrament by some groupsof
some groups ofearly
earlyChristians. Likemost
Christians.Like mosthallucinogenic
hallucinogenic
sacraments, it is a symbol
sacraments, symbol of initiation
initiation and illumination,
illumination, but also
also delirium
delirium and
Mushroom
illusion. See Mushroom
The amaranth
Amaranth: The arrlar^nth was a major foodfood source
source considered
considered sacred
sacred by the
Aztecs. As such, it shares
Aztecs. shares some of the the symbolism
symbolism of grain and other sources
sources
of nourishment.
nourishment. Because
Because of its
its long
long lasting
lasting flowers,
flowers, the amaranth is also used
to symbolize
to immort"lity, faith,
symbolize immortality, faith, fideliry,
fidelity,and constancyin
and constancy love. Its
in love. Its name
name
comes from aa Greek word, anyaramos,
Greek word, "unfading." In
meaning "unfading."
amarantos, meaning poetry, it is
In poetry,
portrayed
portrayed as a flower that never fades.
fades.

Anemone: In In antiquity, anemone was aa symbol

antiquiry, the anemone of impermanence,
symbol of impermanence, or
disease and death, because of its
disease and its short
short life-span.
life-span. The scarlet
scadet anemone
anemone has
has
associated with
been associated
often been blood and the
with blood thepowers
powers ofofcreation
creationand
and
fructification.
fructification.

Angelica: Angelica
Angelica: Angelica isisaabiennial,
biennial, umbelliferous
umbelliferous plant used in sachet
sachet mixes, asas
incense, perfume,
perfume, oil, and resin. ItsIts resinous
resinous gum
gum is used as aa substitute
substirute for
musk. Angelica is also used in liqueur and in medicinal preparations (used
medicinal preparations (used to
treat snakebite). Smoking
Smoking thethe leaves
leaves is
is said induce visions. It is considered
said to induce considered
by some toto be
be aageneral
general tonic
tonic and
and panacea.
panacea. Angelica
Angelica is sometimes
sometimes used as aa

r66
166
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcornb

symbol Triniry because its stem grows

symbol of the Trinity grows out
our of two skins or cuticles
skins or cuticles that
enclose
enclose it on either side.
side.

Arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit):
Arum Becauseof
$ack-in-the-pulpit): Because of its
its prominent
prominent pistil wrapped inside a
hood-like petal, the arum
arum has
hasoften
oftenbeen
beenseen
seenasasa aling-am-yoni
lingam-yoni symbol.
symbol. Many
Many
its other
of its othernames,
names,such suchasasAdam-and-
Adam-and-Eve, Eve,lords-and-ladies,
lords-and-ladies, and
andstallions-
stallions-
and-mares
and-mares bear out its sexual
out its sexual symbolism.
symbolism.

Asafoetida is
Asafoetida: Asafoetida is aa plant that produces potent resin
produces a potent with aasmell
resin with smell
similar to garlic,
similar gadic, but but perhaps
perhaps less
less pleasant.
pleasant. Like garlic other strong-
gadic and other strong-
smelling plants, itit is associated
smelling plants, associated with
with protection ftom demons and
protection from evil spirits.
and evil spirits.
Himalayan shamans use
Himalayan shamans use asafoetida
asafoetida asas incense internally in rituals of
incense or taken internally
purification or exorcism.
purification asafoetida is
internally, asafoetida
exorcism. Taken internally, said to stimulate the
is said
nervous system
system and to have some some aphrodisiac
aphrodisiac effects. It is sometimes used as
flavoring. In
a flavoring. In general, asafoetida is
general, asafoetida is used as aI symbol
used as symbol of ofprotection,
protection,
^
purification,
purification, and repulsion.
repulsion.

Balm: Balm
Balm is
is an aromatic
aromatic woody
woody perennial
perennial used
used in perfuffi€,
perfume, cooking,
cooking, and in
liqueur, but most often inin balsam other medicinal
balsam and other medicinal preparations.
preparations. It is used
magically in
magically in potions
potions and in sachet mixes. Since it is so
sachet mixes. so intimately
intimately connected
with the idea of balsam
idea of balsam (an
(an aromatic, oily salve), itit has become associated with
aromatic, oily
love, sympathy, rejuvenation.
sympathl, and rejuvenation.

Bamboo:
Bamboo: Bamboo
Bamboo is a tree-like tropical reed, some species of which
tree-like tropical which gtow
grow up
to a hundred
hundred feet tall. ItItisisused
feet tall. usedininfurniture,
firrniture,house
houseframes,
frames,fishing
fishing poles,
poles,
^ and
canes, and as food.Bamboo
as food. Bamboosymbolizes
symbolizes gracefulness, yielding but enduring
gracefulness, yielding enduring
strength,
strength, flexibility,
flexibility, longevity (since itit is
longevity (since is always
always green), and youth and
green), and and vigor
vigor
(because of
(because quickness of
of its quickness growth). It
of growth). It is sometimes
sometimes used symbol of
used as a symbol
reliabiliry and
reliability and courage becauseof
courage because of its
its strength and pliancy,
^ of upright
pliancy, and of upright
because of
character because of its straightness.
straightness. The joints of
The joints of the bamboo
bamboo are oftenoften
^re
thought to
thought to symbolize
symbolize the the steps on on thethepathpathtotoknowledge
knowledge and andwisdom.
wisdom.
emblematic plant
Bamboo is the emblematic plant of the east,east, just as the palm
as the palm represents
represents the
tropics.
tropics.

Banana: The
Banana: The banana
banana is isa alarge
large tropical
tropical herbaceous perennial with
herbaceousperennial with
hermaphroditic flowers,long
hermaphroditicflowers, longused as a symbol
usedas symbol of offertility
fertility and
andpotency
potency
(perhaps because of
(perhaps because of the
the phallic shape of
phallic shape of its fruit). This
its fruiQ. This is borne out in the
is borne
"top banana,"
phrase "top which means
banana," which means best.
best. Because
Because of of its
its weak
weak stalks wind
stalks and wind
leaves, it has
torn leaves, sometimes been used as aa symbol
has sometimes symbol of of weakness
weakness and and the
the
ephemeral nature of existence.
existence.

Belladonna (deadly nightshade): Belladonna

(deadly nightshade): perennial with
Belladonnaisis aa perennial with puqplish
purplish or
reddish bell-shaped
bell-shaped flowers berries. The name
flowers and black berries. name belladonna
belladonna means
means
probably because Italian
"beautiful lady," probably Italian women of the theRenaissance
Renaissance used
used
extracts of
extracts of this herb totodilate their pupils
dilate their for cosmetic
pupils for pulposes. It
cosmetic purposes. It is aa
hallucinogen in larger doses, but in
stimulant in very small doses, a hallucinogen in general
general
should be considered
considered very poisonous.
poisonous. It is one ofof the traditional ingredients
the traditional ingredients in
flyirg ointments,
flying ointments, used to stimulate
stimulate astral projection. In general,
general, belladonna
belladonna is

t67
167
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

associated and lunat

darkness and
associated with darkness lunar forces,
forces, poisoning, intrigue, and
poisoning, intrigue, and the femme
fatale.
Benzoin properly
Benzoin: Benzoin propedy refers refers to resin of
to the resin the styrax
of the styrax tree, a woody
perennial. It
perennial. It is used in perfume,
perfuffi€, incense, antiseptic
antiseptic ointment and balsam, oil,
and balsam,
in sachet
and in mixes. ItIt isisespecially
sachet mixes. important as
especiallyimportant ingredient in
aningredient
asan in ritual
ritual and
and
incense.It
medicinal incense.
medicinal It is sometimes substituted for
sometimes substituted Storax (to
for Storax which it
(to which it is
telated). In
related). In the western tradition,
the western tradition, the incense is
theincense is sometimes
sometimes used
used as a basis for
spirits. Because of
the manifestation of spirits. of its
itsstrong
strongaromatic properties and its
aromatic properties
association with incense, itit is
association isfrequently
ftequently associated with elemental
associated with elemental air.
air.

(Athenis mbilis):
Camomile (Aibettis Camomile is a perennial
noltilis).: Camomile member of the
perennial member the Composime
Conpositae
family with
family fragrance and
with a sharp fragrance andaa bitter taste. It
bitter taste. It is used
used asasbalsam, oil,
balsam, oil,
petfume,
per
^
flowers, and
fume, flowers, and in in medicinal preparations as
medicinal preparations as aacarminative,
carminative, anti-
anti-
inflammato{f, and
inflammatory, antispasmodic.Camomile
and antispasmodic. Camomileisisalso used as aa relaxant,
also used relaxant, in
for sleep,
potions for in potions
sleep, in potionsfor fotpsychic
psychicdreams, and in
dreams, and in pillows to prevent
pillows to prevent
nightrnares. The
nightmares. scent is said
The scent to have
said to have aatranquilizing
tranquilizing effect. ItsIts Latin
Latin name
name
Matricaia association with the
Matricaria and its association the feminine
feminine principle
principle perhaps from
perhaps stem from
taditional use for gynecological
its long traditional It also
ailments. It
gynecological ailments. also sometimes
sometimes appears
appears
as a symbol
symbol of sleep and dreams.
sleep and dreams.
^s ^
Carrot: The
Carrot: The carrot
carrot is sometimes
sometimes used as aa symbol
used as offertility
symbol of fertility and lust because
and lust because
of its phallic form, but it is also
phallic form, symbol of
also aa symbol improving sight,
of improving slght, and clarity (since
and clarity
it is thought toto be goodfor
be good forthe
theeyes), andgoals,
eyes),and particulaiy fruitless
goals,particularly fruidess ones (as(as
in seeking the "caffot on
the "carrot on aa stick").
stick').
Pepper: Cayenne
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne isis aavery hotred
veryhot redpepper, withdiaphoretic,
pepper,with diaphoretic,
counter-irritant, and
counter-irritant, andstimulant properties.ItItis
stimulantproperties. associated with
is associated and fire
with heat and fire
for obvious
for obvious reasons.
Chqysanthemum: The
Chrysanthemum: Thechrysanthemum (literally, "gold
chrysanthemum (literally, flower') is a symbol
"gold flower") symbol
the sun
of the sun and
and cosmic
cosmic center
center because ofits
because of itscolor
colorand
andthe
theradial
radialarrangement
arrangement
of its
of its petals. It isissometimes
petals. It somedmes used asaasymbol
used as symbolof ofperfection,
perfection, fullness,
fullness, and
and
completeness. It
completeness. It is also
also associated because of its
associated with longevity because its resistance
resistance to
cold.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon
Cinnamon: Cinnamon isisaatree inthe
ree in laurel family,
thelaurel family, whose inner bark
whose inner is dried
bark is dried
and made into a yellow-brown spice. It
atomatic spice.
yellow-brown aromatic It is
is used spice, in
used as a spice, in incense,
incense,
^s
Cinnamon is a mild stimulant
and oil. Cinnamon stimulant when
when smoked, and is said said to be a sexual
sexual
stjmulant for
stimulant for women. Because of
women. Because itscoppery
of its coppe{ycolor colorand
andmildmildwarming
warming
qualities, cinnamon
qualities, cinnamon is sometimes associated withudth fire.
fire.

Clover (or
Clover (or Shamrock): Clover is
Shamrock): Clover associated with trinities,
is often associated because of its
tdnities, because
characteristic three
characteristic threeleaves. Becauseof
leaves.Because of its use in pasturage,
its use pasturage, to "in clover"
to be "in clover"
means to be living well and
be living free of care.
and free care.
A four-leaf
A four-leaf clover symbolizes luck, since it has long been been though lucky
though lucky
to find
to find one.
one.TheThemost
mostcommon
cofiunoninterpretation
interpretation is isthat
that the
thethree-leaf
three-leaf clover
clover
represents the
represents ChristianTrinity
the Christian Trinityand andthat the fourth
thatthe fourth leaf,
leaf, when it it occurs,
occurs,
represent's God's grace,
represent's four-leaf clovers were
gtace, though four-leaf considered significant
\rrere considered significant
during the
during the pagan
pagan era
era as well. The
as well. The Druids believed the four-leaf
Druids believed clover to be a
four-leaf clover

168
168
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

protective charm. In
powerful protective In 1620, according to
1620, according to the
the University of Illinois,
University of Illinois, Sir
Sir
John "If aaman
\r/rote: "If
N{elton wrote:
John Melton walking in
manwalking in the
the fields find any
fields find four-leaved grass,
any four-leaved grass,
shall in aa small
he shall small while after find some good thing." It
find some It has
has been
been estimated
estimated
on average,
that, on average, there are are 10,000
10,000 three-leaf
three-leaf clovers for for every instance of
everv instance of aa
four-leaf clover.
true four-leaf
Corn (Maize):
Corn Corn is
(Ifaize): Corn annual that produces
is an annual produces one of of the most common
the most coffunon
grains.Like
staple grains. Likemany grains,ititis
manygrains, used as
is used symbol of
as a symbol of death and
death and
It is
resurrection. It
resurrection. associated with fertility
is also associated fertility and
^
and the sun.

Daisy: The
The daisy
daisy is aa flower yellow center
florver with yellow pinkish, or rose-
center and white, pinkish, rose-
rays. The name
colored rays. name daisy literally, "day's
daisy is literally, eye." It is sometimes used as
"day's eye." as aa
symbol of freshness
symbol freshness and innocence.

Eyebright is
Eyebright: Eyebright is a small member
member of of the figrvort Emily
the figwort with white,
family with white,
yello'nv, or
yellow, flo'nvers. It is usually
or purple flowers. brewed in
usually brewed in tea is thought to clear
and is
tea and clear the
mind
mind and improve memory. It is is also
also used diseases of the
treating diseases
used in treating the eye. Its
associations with
associations clarity and
with clarity eyesight make
and eyesight eyebright a
make eyebright a symbol ofof light,
light,
eyesight, and perception.
awareness, and
eyesight, awareness, perception.
Fennel: biennial with yellow flowers
Fennet Fennel is a biennial flowers and
and aromatic
aromatic seeds. It is used
in sachet mixes, as balsam,
sachet mixes, sacrificial burning,
fior sacrificial
balsarn, oil, for burning, incense, and in potions.
incense, and potions.
Fennel fortifr strength
Fennel is said to fortify courage. The incense is said to have
and courage.
strength and have an
an
effect. It
infuriating effect.
infuriating It is a carminative expectorant, and
agent, an expectorant,
carminative agent, (ir tea) a
and (in
smooth-muscle relaxant.
smooth-muscle
^Becauseof
relaxant. Because of its
its reputed benefit the eyes,
benefit to the
^
fennel is
eyes, fennel
sometimes used to symbolize
used to symbolize spiritual
spirirual clear-sightedness mental clarity.
clear-sightedness or mental clariw.

garlic is a perennial
Garlic: The garlic onion-like member of the
perennial onion-like lily family
the lily family with a
bulbous root divided
bulbous root divided into cloves. name comes
cloves. The name from the
comes from Anglo-Saxon gar,
the Anglo-Saxon gar>
"A spear"
"a and leae,
spear" and "a leek."
/eac, "a leek." Garlic
Gadic isis used
used in incooking
cookingand andininmedicinal
medicinal
preparations, as
preparations, oil, in
as oil, sachet mixes,
in sachet and in
mixes, and in potions. It It contains
contains aa broad-
broad-
spectrum antibiotic and andfungicide,
fungicide, and hascarminative
and has carminative and andrubefacient
rubefacient
properties. Garlic is
properties. Garlic traditionally used
is traditionally to banish
used to evilinfluences,
banishevil influences, perhaps
perhaps
odor. Garlic
because of its strong odor. Gadic is
is almost
almost universally
universally considered as a source source
from evil
protection from
of protection evil and asaacurative.
and as curative.In Ingeneral, gadic is
general, garlic is considered
considered aa
protection and
symbol of protection andpurification, but isis now
purification, but nowalso
alsoassociated
associated withwith social
social
stigma and bad breath.
breath.

Ginseng ir
Ginseng: Ginseng rvith aa thick,
is an herb with forked, aromatic root. The root
thick, forked, root
human shape,
sometimes has a human
sometimes similar to
shape, similar to mandrake.
mandrake. Ginseng is considered
Ginseng is considered aa
general tonic and panacea, with a harmonizing
harmonizing or balancing
balancing therapeutic effect.
therapeutic effect.
It is sometimes symbol of life and health.
sometirnes used as a symbol health.

Goose Grass:
Goose Grass: Goose grass
grass appears
appears occasionally symbol of maternal love,
occasionally as a symbol
leaves fold
since its leaves fold up flowers when there
up around its flowers is rain.
there is

Uke the
Gourd: Like the pomegranate
pomegranate and tomato, the gourd is aa symbol
and tomato, of plenty
symbol of plenry'
because of
fertility because
and fertility seeds. It
of its many seeds. of
symbol of
sometimes used as a symbol
It is sometimes
longevity, since itit lasts
longevi[', since very long
lasts a verT time when dried.
long time

r69
169
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
The grape
Grape: The vine is
grape vine is associated
associated with spirit, since grapes
grapes can made into
can be made
wine. It is sometimes symbol of
somedmes used as a symbol of the tree of life and is
is often
often used to
^s ^
symbolize abundance. The grapevine also symbolizes
symbolize resurrection because its
symbolizes resurrecdon
strength is preserved
pteserved in the wine.
wine.

Heliottope is aamember
Heliotrope: Heliotrope member of ofthe theborage withfragrant
family, with
boragefamily, fragmnt
flowers. It is a symbol
deep-purple or white flowers.
clusters of small deep-pu{ple symbol of the sun, since
since
it follows
it follows the sun thtoughout the
sun throughout dry. ItIt isisalso
the day. usedtotosymbolize
alsoused symbolizeprayer,
pr:,yer,
since it turns towards the light.
light. It is
is sometimes used in ritualritual incense.
incense.

F{emlock: Hemlock
Hemlock: member ofthe
F{emlock is a member thecarrot fu-ilywith
carrotfamily withsmall
flowers ^leaves. ItIt isofused
flowers and finely-divided leaves. as oil, incense,
small white
white
incense, wood, in talismanic
wotk, and
work, forsacrificial
and for burning. A
sacrificial burning. A powerful
powerful sedative called conium
sedative called conium is is
extracted from Hemlock. general, it is
Hernlock. In general, is highly
highly poisonous, and was \r/as often
often
assassination in ancient
used for assassination ancient times. Because of
times. Because of its role in Socrates' death,
death,
hemlock is most often
hemlock associated with suicide. It has sometimes been used as
ofren associated as
ingredient in flying
an ingredient flying ointments. Like most
ointments. Like similar plants, it is
most similar associated with
is associated
darkness and lunar forces.
darkness Hemlock is typically
forces. Hemlock typically usedused as symbol of death,
as a symbol death,
deceit, poisoning, and intrigue.
deceit, poisoning, intrigue.

Henbane: Henbane is a biennial biennial member of the thenightshade f^-ily. It has

nightshade family. has
^ as drug (narcotic),
been used as incense and as drug (narcotic), but should
should bebe considered
considered highly
highly
poisonous. It
poisonous. hasbeen
It has beenused ritually as
usedritually anhallucinogen,
asan hallucinogen,andandisisparticularly
particularly
conunon in recipes
common flying ointments to induce astral
recipes for flying astral projection. Like
Like most
the plants
of the inits
plants in family, ititisisassociated
itsfamily, with darkness,
associated with lunar forces,
darkness, lunar forces, and
and
poisoning.
poisoning.

Hyssop: Hyssop
Hyssop: Hyssop isis aasmall
small labiate
labiate bushy
bushy evergreen
evergreen herb with white or blue blue
blossoms and
blossoms and aromatic leaves.ItIt is used in
aromatic leaves. in sachet
sachetmixes, in liqueur,
mixes, in liqueur, as
rs
oil, in baths, and in
incense, oil,
perfume, incense, in medicinal
medicinal preparations
preparations (as
(as aa purgative
purgative
and demulcent). Flyssop symbolizes
demulcent). Hyssop purging, purification,
symbolizes purging, purification, and penitence. It is
and penitence.
sometimes used rirually
sometimes rituallyas fan or brush for
as aa fan for sprinkling holy water or other
sprinkling holy
liquids. It is sometimes seen as a symbol
liquids. symbol of innocence regained,
regained, because of its
use as a purgative.
purgative.

Iryr
Ivy: Ivy is a climbing perennial. ItIt isis used
climbing perennial. used toto bind or fasten,
fasten, and is sometimes
sometimes
in decoration.
used in Ivysymbolizes
decoration. Ivy symbolizes immortality (since it
immortality (since is an
it is anevergreen),
evergre.r),
clinSng, dependence,
clinging, dependence, and attachment.
attachment. Ivy Ivy is associated with
is associated with the turning of the
the rurning
resurrection, perhaps
year and resurrection, perhaps because
because it it grows
grows spirally. It also
spfually. It also sometimes
sometimes
appears since it destroys the trees to which
appears as a symbol of death, since which it attaches.
attaches.
Because it was commonly
Because cofiunonly used inin institutional
instirutional landscaping,
landscaping, ivyiw has become
become
associated
associated with academics
academics and scholarship ("ivy-covered
('rvy-covered halls").
halls").

Jasmine:
Jasmine: Jasmine is a vine-like
Jasmine is vine-like shrub withfragrant
shrub with yellow, red, or
ftagrant yellow, or white
white
flowers, belongingto
flowers, belongng
^the olive family.
to the family. It
It is used
used as oil, perfume,
as oil, perfume, salve,
salve, in
sachet mixes, and sleep-pillows. Jasmineisis sometimes
sleep-pillows. Jasmine sometimes used
used asas a,
a symbol of
sweetness and attraction.
attraction.

Jimson Weed (Datum

(Datura ammonium; Thom Apple;
stramonium; Thorn Apple; Yerba
Yerba del
del Diablo):
Diablo): Jimson
Jimson
weed is aa member ofthe
member of thenightshade with white
family with
nightshade family white bell-
bell- shaped
shaped flowers
flowers

170
170
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
and spib rounded
and spiky rounded seed cases.ItItis is
seedcases. a parasympatheticnervous-system
a parasympathetic nervous-system
depressant, with anti-cholinergic, hyprotic,
with anti-cholinergic, hypnotic, and, somesay,
and, some s?1'raphrodisiac
aphrodisiac
qualities. It
qualities. It is sometimes smoked as an an hallucinogen
hallucinogen (most users report a
(most users
prolonged
prolonged delirium, usuallyof
delirium, usually morbid or
of a morbid ornightmarish
nightmarishcharacter),
character), and
and
produces low alphoid and spindal
^
spindal alpha brain activity, leading to
activity, leading to pronounced
pronounced
dreaming. It is
dreaming. is sometimes
sometimes mixed with marijuana
mixed with mariiuana forfor its
itssynergetic
synergetic effect. It
should be
should beconsidered,
considered, however, highly poisonous,
however, highly poisonous, as as ingesting
ingesting even
even small
small
amounts has been known known to to cause
cause death.
death. Jimson
Jimson Weed and and other
other Datura
Datura
family plants are
family plants are cofiunon ingredients in
common ingredients in Eutopean
European flying
flying ointment recipes.
recipes. It
has also been used in Ln aa number
number of of shamanic
shamanic traditions.
traditions. InIn general,
genetal, like other
members of
members of its
itsfamily,
family, Jimson
Jimson weed
weed is isassociated with death,
associated with death,poisoning,
poisoning,
darkness,
darkness, lunar forces, delirium, dreaming, and madness.
delfuium, &eaming, madness.

The lemon
Lemon: The lemon isis aasmall,
small, semi-tropical
semi-tropical evergreen citrus that bears
bears egg-
egg-
shaped, pale yellow fruit. It is used as
as oil,
oil, perfume, incense, and for sacrificial
and for sacrificial
burning. The
burning. fmit itself
The fruit is associated
itself is associated with sourness shaqpness. It
sourness and sharpness. It is
is
sometimes used to symbolize
sometimes used somethingthat
symbolize something that looks
looks good, but is sour
good, but sour and
and
when you
undesirable when you bite
bite into it.
Lily: The
Lily: The name
name lilylily refers
refers totovarious
various perennial
perennial plants
plants grown from from bulbs,
bulbs,
possessing tall,
possessing tall, slender
slender stems,
stems, alternate
alternate or or whoded
whorled leaves
leaves and
and trumpet-shaped
trumpet-shaped
flowers. The lily symbolizes
flowers. symbolizes purity,
purity, peace,
peace, unfolding,
unfolding, andand manifestation.
manifestation. The
lily in particular is associated
white lily with purity,
associated with virginity, and innocence
purity, virginity, innocence(lily
ftly
white). Because of its association
association withwith innocence,
innocence, Lilies have long
lilies have long been
been used in
funerals as a symbol of the
funerals the removal
removal of of sin.
sin. Because
Because of of their
their association
association with
with
funerals (and their white color),
color), lilies are now
lilies are symbols of death.
now also symbols death.
Lotus: The name name lotus is used
lotus is forany
usedfor anyof ofvarious
varioustropical
tropical water
watet lilies.
lilies. The
closes its blossom
lotus closes blossom at sunset withdraws into the water, and
sunset and withdraws and then
then
reappears at sunrise. For this reason,
reappears reason, it is often associated
associated with light,
light, the sun,
illumination, resurrection,and
illumination, resurrection, immortality.ItIt is
and immortality. is also used to symbolize
used to symbolize the
creation of the
creation wodd(arising
the world from the
(arising from theprimeval
primeval waters). Because of its
waters). Because its
association with
association with water, the lorus
lotus is a symbol
s)'mbol of thethe feminine
feminine principle
principle ofof life
life
and fertility. The lotus also
and fertility. also appears
appears asasaasymbol
symbolof ofunfolding,
unfolding,creation,
creation,
manifestation, wisdom,and
manifestation, wisdom, evolution. Ir{any
and evolution, deities in
Many deities Hinduism and
in Hinduism and
bodhisattwas in Buddhism
bodhisattwas Buddhism are portrayed sitting on
portrayed sitting on a lotus, and in some
some case
case
are said to be born out of aalotus.
out of Like the
lotus. Like the rose,
rose, the
the lotus
lotus is often seen
is often seen asas aa
mandala.
mandala.

Hindu iconography,
In Hindu iconogaphy, the pinkpink lotus
lotus (or
(or padma)
padma) is
is aa solar
solat symbol,
symbol, while the
blue lotus
lorus (or utpala) is a lunar
lunar emblem.
Mandrake: A perennial,
perennial, the mandrake is a member of of the
thenightshade
nightshade family
family
with a short stem,
stem, purple or white flowers,
or white flowers, and a thick root (often-forked).
(often-forked). It
has
has emetic,
emetic, anti-cholinergic, narcotic, and hallucinogenic
anti-cholinergic, narcotic, properties. It was
hallucinogenic propenies. was
in ancient
used in ancient times
times as
asa pain-killer andsleep
pain-killer and sleep inducer, and to
inducer, and torelieve
relieve
convulsions and melancholia.
convulsions
^ Large doses
melancholia. Large doses $/ere
were said to cause delirium and
cause delirium
eventual
eventual madness. In magic,
magic, mandrake
mandrake is used in in sachet
sachet mixes, h talismanic
mixes, in talismanic
wotk, as
work, as incense, and as
incense, and (particularly, in flying
drug(particularly,
asdrug ointments). Its most
flying ointments). most

171
17L
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

famous use is, of course,

famous in image
course, in since its root is
magic, since
image magic, is sometimes human
sometimes human
frequent magical
shaped. Because of its frequent magical use, mandrake commonly appears as as aa
symbol of sorcery witchcraft. It
sorcery and witchcraft. used as a symbol
sometimes used
It is also sometimes of
symbol of
fertility, perhaps
fertility, becauseof
perhaps because of its
its human shape, but
human shape, because of
but also because of the reputed
aphrodisiac effects of preparations
aphrodisiac effects preparations made from its roots and berries.
berries.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe
Mistletoe: I\fisdetoe is aa parasitic evergreen plant
parasitic evergreen withsmall
plant with small yellowish-green
yellowish-green
leaves, yellowish
leaves, yellowish flowers,
flowers, and waxywhite
and waxy berries. ItIt is
white berries. associated with
is associated with the oak
(among other trees). Like most
trees). Like most evergreens, mistletoe is aa symbol
evergreens, mistletoe longevity,
symbol of longevity,
vitaliry, immort"liry,
vitality, immortality,and resurrection.Perhaps
and resurrection. because of
Perhaps because association of
of the association
mistletoe berries with
mistletoe berries drops of semen,
with drops semen, mistletoe has often been involved in
been involved
myths of dying/sacrificed
dying/sacrificed gods gods such as the Norse god god Balder
Balder and thethe druidic
druidic
kirg. The
oak king. The present custom of
present custom ofkissing underthe
kissingunder themistletoe
mistletoeprobably
probably
originated fertility rites.
originated in fertility rites.

Monkshood (also called

Monkshood wolfsbane or
called wolfsbane or aconite): I\{onkshood is
aconite): Monkshood highly
is a highly
member of
poisonous member
poisonous the crowfoot
of the fami\', It
crowfoot family. was considered
It was
^
considered sacred to
Hecate and was at at one
onetime
time called hecateis. It
called hecateis. is aacommon
It is ingredient in
corrunon ingredient in
recipes for flying
flyirg ointments, since itit numbs
ointments, since numbs thethe senses and produces
senses and produces thethe
of flying.
sensation of Uke many plants bearing
flying. Like bearing similar alkaloids, monkshood
similar alkaloids, monkshood is
associated with darkness,
associated darkness, lunar forces, poisoning, and death.
forces, poisoning, death.
symbol of sleep,
narcissus is a symbol
Narcissus: The narcissus since itit returns
sleep, since returns to a bulb after
it blooms,
it sprouti.g again
blooms, sprouting again the next year. In the Middle East, itit is
the Middle is sometimes
sometimes
symbol of the upstanding
used as a symbol upstanding person because of its straight stem. stem.

Onion:The
Orion: Theonion memberofofthe
onionisisa amember the lilyfamily,
Lily family, having
having an edible
edible bulb with a
strong, sharp
strong, shaqp smell taste. The name comes from the
smell and taste. the Latin
Latin mnio,
unio, meaning
"oneness." ItIt isis used tosymbolize
used to symbolize layers,
layers, the many in ir the one,
one, the
the personality
personaliry
and ego, and the
€go, and rvodd, because
the world, the onion's
because of the onion's many-layered
many-layered bulb. It It isis also,
also,
course, associated
of course, associated with tears and and weeping,
weeping, since irritate the
since onions irritate the eyeseyes
when
r"vhen chopped.

Orchid: The
Orchid: The name refersto
orchid refers
name orchid toaawidespread
widespread family ofvarious,
family of various,brightly
brighdy
tropical flowers.
colored tropical flowers. Orchids have long been
have long been associated with sexuality
associated with sexualiry and
fertiliry, particularly
fertility, particularly male sexuality, primarily
male sexualiry, because of
primarily because their testicle-shaped
of their testicle-shaped
bulbs ("0rcltif'in
bulbs ("onhis" testicles). Orchids
means testicles).
in Greek means Orchids are also used symbols of
used as symbols
lol'e, sensuality,
love, beauty, luxurf,
passion, beauty,
sensualien, passion, and like
luxury, and like most flowers, the feminine
flor,vers, the feminine
principle.
principle.
Pomegranate: The
Pomegranate: The pomegranate's
pomegranate's numerous
numerousseeds seedshave made itit aa
havemade
widespread symbol of
widespread symbol fertility and
of fertility andabundance.
abundance. Its Itsblood-colored
blood-colored juice
juice
the pomegranate's
reinforces the pomegranate'sassociation withfertility
association with fertilityand life.
andLife.

Poppy: The poppy

Poppy: is aaplant
poppy is plant having
having deeply cut leaves,
deeply cut leaves, aa brownish juice, and
brownish juice,
appearing in
flowers appearing
bright flowers variety of
in a variery colors. The
of colors. The opium
opium poppy is used as a
d*g and
drug inmedicinal
and in medicinal preparations
preparations (narcotic and anesthetic),
(narcotic and and is
anesthetic), and ishighly
highly
addictive. It
addictive. sometimes used in
It is sometimes in magical practices to induce
magical practices induce dreams.
dreams. The
poppy symbolizes
poppy sleep,oblivion,
symbolizes sleep, oblivion,dreams,
dreams, idleness,
idleness, indifference,
indifference,
forgetfulness, addiction,
forgetfulness, addiction, and death.
death.

172
172
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

jffil,JHff i::^il:::Tl#*,r;lJ:,ffi
Reeds (syrinx): The reed is associated with wind instruments in general, and
*::ncommonly, pan-pipes. Reeds in general are symbolsiJ:,?ff
most of flexibility, but ffi :ili
also
also fragility.
fraghry.

Rice: Rice
Rice is thethe "staff life" in
of life"
"staff of inthe
theEast,
East,sharing ofthe
many of
sharing many thesymbolic
symbolic
associations of
associations of corn and wheat. It is oftenoften used
used as
as aasymbol of abundance,
symbol of abundance,
wealth,
wealth, and spiritual nourishment. Even in the west, rice is a symbol
spirirual nourishment. symbol of good
luck and fertility
fertility (hence its use at weddings).
Rose: The rose rose isisthe
themost
mostcommonly
commonly used floral symbol
usedfloral symbol in in the
thewestern
western
world.
world. The name rose applies to various plants with
various related plants with thorny stems and
five-petaled usually fngrant
five-petaled usually fragrant flowers
flowers having
having many
many starnens.
stamens. Roses
Roses come in
almost every associated, of course,
color, but are most associated,
every color, course, with the colorcolor rose.
rose.
Roses are used in perfume,
perfume, sachet
sachet mixes, oil, and
mixes, as oil, and asasbalsam.
balsam. The The fleshy,
fleshy,
coloredfruit
bright colored
bright fruitofof the rose, the rose hip,
the rose, hp, is used in teas
used in and has
teas and has
antiscorbutic and diuretic
diuretic properties. Roses,
Roses, particularly
particulady redred roses, are often
associated with spilt
associated with spilt blood,
blood, sometimes
sometimes innocent's or martyr's blood. In many rnany
myths,
myths, the rose
rose is
is dyed
dyed red
red by
by blood.
blood. Roses
Roses also
also symbolize
symbolize the
the chalice
chalice of life,
life,
the soul,
the soul, the
the heart, love,beauty,
heart,love, thefeminine
beauty, the principle, and unfolding
feminine principle, unfolding or
manifestation. It is a common
manifestation. conunon symbol
symbol of of mystical rebirth, perhaps because of
mystical rebfuth,
association with
its association with blood and the thefeminine
feminine principle.
principle. The rose
rose also
also shares
shares
some ofof the
the symbolism
symbolism of the the wheel
wheel andand the
the mandala
mandala (as in the
(^r in thecompass
compass
rose). As is is often
often thethecase withflowers
casewith flowers that
that vary
vary inincolor,
color,the thesymbolic
symbolic
associations
associations of the rose change according
according to its hue.

Rosemary:
Rosem ary: Rosemary
Rosemary is is an
an evergreen
evergreen shrub in in the mint family.
the mint family. It has
has clusters
clusters
of small,
of light-blue flowers
small, light-blue flowers andand leaves that yield
leaves that yield a fragrant
fragrant essential
essential oil.
oil.
Rosemary is usedused in perfumes,
perfurnes, in sachet
sachet mixes,
^
mixes, as incense,
incense, balsam, oil, and in
potions. It has
has carminative
carminative properties, is used to treat treat headaches,
headaches, and is is a mild
stimulant
stimulant when
when taken
taken as
as aa tea.
tea. Rosemary symbol of remembrance, because
Rosemary is a symbol because
its long
of its long lasting
lasting scent.
scent. Like
Like most evergreens,
evergreens, it is aa symbol
symbol of of immortality.
immortaliry.
narne, rvsemarima,
The Latin name, rvsemainut, means
me ns "rose of the sea," which was once a title of
the sea,"
\renus. It is also
Venus. called "the Elfin plant,"
also called since it
plant," since was once thought to be
it was be
sacred to the
the fairies.
fairies.

Rue
Rue (Common
(CommonRue):Rue): Rue
Rue is
is aa woody perennial.
perennial, It is
is used as a cosmetic and in
medicinal preparations (to
medicinal preparations (to promote menstruation
menstruation andand asasan abortifacient).
abortifacient).
is used
Rue is magically in
used magically in sachet mixes,
mixes, as oil, inin talismanic^n
talismanic work, and in
potions. As its name implies,
potions. implies, rue is a traditional symbol
symbol of grief and regret.
regret.

Saffron: Saffron
Saffron isis aa low
low ornamental
ornamental perennial with large
perennial with large purple
purple crocus-like
ctocus-like
flowers. The
flowers. The spice saffron is is made
made from the the dried
dried orange stigma of the
orange stigma the
flowers. Saffron is
flowers. Saffron used in medicinal
is used preparations and, of course, in cooking.
medicinal preparations cooking.
Magically, saffronisisused
I\fagically, saffron usedas incense for
asincense divination or
for divination or trance work, in potions,
trance work, potions,
in perfume, oil. Saffron is made into a golden orange dye that is used
perfuffie, and as oil.
to color the robes of Buddhist
Buddhist monks.

Shamrock:
Shamrock: The shamrock
shamrock is associated with the triple-aspect
is associated triple-aspect moon goddess
goddess
in both Celtic
Celtic tradition and
and in
in pre-Islamic
pre-Islamic Arabia.
Arabia.

173
173
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sunflower
Sunflower: TheThesunflower
sunflorverisisa atall
tallplant withlarge
plantwith largeyellow,
yellow,daisy-like
daisy-like flowers.
flowen.
The flowers
flowers have yellow,
yellow, brown, purple,
purple, or black
black disks containing
containing edible seeds
that are often
ofren pressed for their
pressed for their oil. As one
oil. As might expect,
one might expect, the
the sunflower
sunflower is aa
symbol of the sun,
symbol sun, because
because ofof its
its color
color and
andradiating
radiating petals,
petals, but
but also
also because
because
it turns
rurns towards
towards the sun.
sun,

Tansy: Tansy
Tansy: Tansy isis aabitter,
bitter, aromatic
aromatic perennial
perennial growing
growing oneone to three feetfeet high
high
with small, yellow flowers.
small, yellow flowers.The The name
name tansy comes from
tansy comes from the Greek
Gre ek aihanasia,
athanasia,
meaning "immortality" (either (either because of itsits medicinal
medicinal qualities
qualities or because its
dried
dded flowers
flowers retain
retain their natural appearance).
appearance). It is used
used asas oil,
oil, wax,
wax, cosmetic,
preservative,and
presenrative, and dy.
dye (the crushed
cnrshed leaves produce
produce green dye; dy.; the
the crushed
crushed
flowers produce yellow
flowers produce dye). Tansy
yellow dy"). Tansy isis also
also used
used in liqueur,
liqueur, in cooking, and in
medicinal preparations (as an anthelmintic
medicinal preparations anthelmintic and and febrifuge).
febrifuge). Like many strong
smelling plants, tansy
smelling plants, tansy isis associated
associated urith
with protection spirits. It has also
protection from evil spirits.
been used to repel moths, fleas, other pests.
fleas, and other

Tea: Tea
Tea is
is an
anevergreen
evergreen plant with white
plant with whiteflowers in the
flowers in theCamellia
Camellia family.
famtly. Its
leaves oh caffetne.
leaves contain 2 - 44 ')/o caffeine.ItIt is,
is, of
of course, used to make the
course, used the stimulating
stimulating
drink named afterafter the
theplant.
plant. Tea symbolofof
Teaisisa asymbol wakefulness,
wakefulness, cultivated
cultivated
society,
society, and social ritual.
ritual.

Thistle; Because
Thistle: Because ofof its
its spines,
spines, the
the thistle is aasymbol
thistle is of sorrow,
symbol of sorrow, tribulation,
tdbulation,
and prickliness
and (ill-humor),but
prickliness (ill-humor), protection.ItIt is sometimes
also protection.
but also sometimes used as a
^
since it retains its shape when
symbol of long life, since when dried.
Thorn (or
Thorn (orBriar): Thorn is
Briar): Thorn symbol of tribulation
is aa symbol tribulation or irritation (a thorn
thorn in the
side), adversity (^
side), adversity (a thorny
thorny problem),
problem), and
and suffering
suffering (a crown of
(a crown of thorns). It also
als<>
appears as a symbol of error or vice,
appears vice, in the
the sense of straying
sense of straying off the correct
correct
path into the thorns (the
(the briar
briar patch).
Tomato: The
Tomato: Thetomato
tomatoisisananannual
annualmember
member of ofthe
thenightshade
nightshadefamily,
family, growing
growing
from two toto six
six feet in height,
feet in with fleshy
height, with yellow round fruit. It is
fleshy red or yellow is
associated with blood because
associated because ofof its
its red juice, and
red juice, and fertility
fertiliry because of its many
seeds. Like the apple, it is also used as a symbol of love love and
and sexuality.
sexualiry.

Valerian:
Valerian: Valerian is aa perennial
\'ralerian is herb with clusters or spikes
perennial herb spikes of white, pink, or
puqplish flowers
purplish flowers andand thick,
thick, strong smelling
smellingroots.roots. It is used
It is used in inextracts,
extracts,
massage oils, philters,
massage oils, philters, sleep-
sleep- pillows,
pillows, andand is
is sometimes
sometimes used as aa relaxantrelaxant in
psychic work.
psychic work. \ralerian
Valerian contains
contains valium
valium precursors and has has significant
significant sedative
and effects.ItIt is often
tranquiloirg effects.
and tranquilizing often made intotea
made into tea(usually mixed with
(usually mixed rvith
spearmint, and/or
peppermint, spearmint, and/or honey
honey forfortaste).
taste). Valerian
Valerian was often burned as as
protection from demons
protection from demons and andevil
evil spirits,
spirits, perhaps
pethaps because
because of of its
its tranquilizing
tranquilizng
effects.
effects.

Violet Violets are a traditional

Violet: Violets gift of lovers,
traditional g1ft lovers, since the bluish color is
bluish color is
associated ^re ^ and constancy.
associated with loyalty
loyalry and As with many other flowers,
constancy. As flowers, violets are
often used as
as a symbol of spring.
spring.

174
174
 Bill Whitcornb
Whitcomb
Watermelon: Like
Watermelon: Like tomatoes andpomegranates,
tornatoes and the watermelon
pomegranates, the is aa symbol
watermelon is svmbol
of fertility
of because of
fertility because many seeds,
of its many but also
seeds, but itspregnant
also its pregnant shape
shape andand
association with water.
association with

\tr7heat More
Wheat: Nfore than most plants, the sowing,
plants, the sowirg, growth, and harvest of wheat are
symbols of the cycle
symbols cycle of birth and and death. \Wheat has had
death. Wheat had such
such aa pre-eminent
pre-eminent
place in
place in western agriculture that
western agriculture that it is used symbol of both agriculture
used as a symbol agriculrure and
harvest. The wheat head is
harvest. is aa symbol
symbol of of fertility
fertiliry and
and the life-giving aspect of
thelife-giving
plants and the earth. The grain grain of wheat often used
'uvheat is often used as
as aa symbol
symbol of of death
death
and rebirth;
rebirth; "Except
"Except a corncorn of of wheat fall into the
rvheat fall the ground
ground and die, itit abideth
and die, abideth
alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." The
much fruit." The symbolic associations of
symbolic associations
wheat are integral to thethe symbolism
symbolism of of bread
bread and
andbread making.
breadmaking.

Wormwood: Wormwood
Wormwood is aa silkysil\' strong-smelling member of the
perennial member
strong-smelling perennial
artemisia family
artemisia family with
with white or or yellow flowers.The
yellow flowers. The name comes from the old
name comes
"vhite
English werrnod, meaning "spirit
wermod, meaning "spirit mother," from the same roots as the German
;permit and French
wermut and French vermwdb. Its Greek
aermouth. Its Greekname name apsifilhios "without
@sinthios means "without
sweetness."
sweetness." ItIt yields
yields bitter, dark-green oiloil used in making absinthe (a (a stimulant
stimulant
liqueur). Wormuiood
liqueur). analgesic, and
Wormwood has narcotic, analgesic, stimulant properties. As a
and stimulant
^
stimulant, either smoked or prepared
stimulant, either prepared as as liqueur, wormwood counteracts
liqueur, wormwood counteracts to
some extent effects of
some extent the effects of alcohol. Unfortunately, prolonged and heavy use
the alcohol. Unfortunately, prolonged and heavy use
damages system, though this requires much greater amounts
damages the nervous system, amounts than
would generally
one would consume in absinthe. It is,
generally consume is, however,
hor,vever, poisonous in in larger
larger
doses. Wormwood is is used magically in
used magically in pillows
pillows and
and as incense. It can
as incense. can be made
into aa yellow
yellow ink or or dye.
dy.. Wormwood
Wormwood is is generally used as a symbol of pain,
general\' used pain,
particulady the grief of absence.
bitterness, and grief, particularly absence.

Garden II
Designing aa Garden
Choose a concept, such such as
as spiritual
spirirual fire, Eros, or death and rebirth, and
frre, Eros, and design
design
a garden around
around it using
using at least hve trees, shrubs, or ground plants.
least five plants. You do
not need to go into greatgreat detail as to the arrangement of the plants or features
features
of the
the location. main thing,
location. The main thing, initially, is to
initially, is to describe group of plants that
describe aa group
all in
you feel are all harmony with the chosen idea.
in harmony idea.

Designing aa Garden II
Garden II
Choose between
benveen four and
and twelve
nvelve concepts
concepts and assign
assign a plant to each.
each. Next,
design a circle or mandala
circle or pattern garden,
mandala pattern placing each
garden, placing plant in the
each plant the
^ direction for the
appropriate direction the chosen
chosen concept.
concept.Since
Since you
you are onlydescribing
are only describing
worry about
the design, don't worry about practicality
practicality or expense.
expense. Shapes
Shapes or symbols
symbols can
be formed by adding
adding paths, benches,
benches, ponds,
ponds, benches, boulders, and so on.
benches, boulders,

Locations
Associating Plants and Locations
Refer to the
Refer thesection onplaces
section on chooseaalocation
andchoose
placesand locationand
andananassociated
associated
concept or or symbolic
symbolic aspect. Describe location in as
Describe the location much detail
as much detail as
as you
you
listing as
can, listing as rrrany
many plants
plants as
as you
you can think of
can think that would
of that would be appropriate both
be appropriate
to the location and the concept. Try this with
with a different location and concept,
concept,

'75
175
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

then try to describe

describe a transition between two locations.
benveen the two locations. This technique can
be particularly
particulady useful trying to
when tr)'ing
useful when to develop for pathworking
develop a setting for pathworking or
^
guided
gurded imagery.
imagery.

176
 L7: Trees
Chapter 17:

Trees are significant neady *ll

significant in nearly cultures for
all cultures for their longevity
longevity and sources of
and as sources
fuel, food, material,
matedal, and other necessities
necessities of life. life. In many
many early
early cultures, trees
place of
dwelling place
were seen as a dwelling of the divine
divine and as the axis axis mundi, a symbolsymbol of
relationship between heaven
the relationship heaven and earth.earth. Many
Irfany cultures also use the symbol symbol
of the inverted tree,
the inverted tree, representing
representing lifelife drawn from from the the heavens
heavens and instilled in
and instilled
the earth below.
specific type of tree was
Often, aa specific \vas viewed
viewed as the Wodd
as the World TreeTree (or Tree of
(or Tree
Life),
Life), connecti.g
connecting the subterranean cthonic
the subterranean regions with
cthonic regions with the earth and heaven,heaven,
thus supporting
thus supporting the the structure
structure ofof the wodd. In
theworld. Inmyth, supernatuml creatures
m1rth,supernatural creatures
and the souls of the dead or unborn inhabit the World $flodd Tree.
Tree.
Trees are arefrequently
frequently associated
associated with oracles oracles and andknowledge.
knowledg.. As As
intermediaries
intermediaries between
between aboveabove and
and below, heaven and the underworld,
below, heaven underwodd, trees trees
were thought to be be connected
connected to to the wisdom and
the wisdom foreknowledge of both the
and foreknowledge
gods and the dead. dead.
Trees are alsosometimes
are also sometimes associated
associated with with ascension, cosmic order,
ascension, cosmic order,
determinism, causality
determinism, causalityand and the
the path of of life,
life, experience,
expedence, initiation (since (since the
branch is almost
branch synonymous with
almost synonymous with path), and even fire. Just
even Eire. Just as trees are are
viewed as a source
viewed source of life, many cultures
cultures believed
believed that the principle of fire fire is in
trees from which it can be extracted by rubbing sticks together.
growth of
The growth of new
new leaves
leaves is is often
often associated
associated with spring, spring, andand hence
hence
new life. The annual cycle of the
annual cycle the deciduous
deciduous tree treesymbolizes
symbolizes life,life, death, and and
rebirth.
rebirth.
The evergreen, in
The evergreen, general, is
in general, is used as as aasymbol
symbolof ofyouth,
youth,vitality,
vitality,
longevity, and
longevity, and immortality. Because of
immortality. Because their associations
of their associations with with immortality,
immort"Lty,
however, sorne
however, some evergreens have been used in funeral
evergreens have funeral practices and and have
have also
also
come to be associated with death.
be associated death.
F'ruit trees
Fruit trees are
aregenerally
generally associated
associated with life life and fertility (fruitfulness).
andfertility (fruitfulness).
Thefruit
The fruititself
itselfsymbolizes maturity and
symbolizes maturity andcompletion (fruition).Perhaps
completion(fruition). Perhaps
because of its association with fertility,fertiliry, sweetness,
sweetness, and and moisfure,
moisture, fruit is often
associated sexuality
sexualiry and sensuality.
sensuality.
Here are some of the
ate some the symbolic associations of specific
symbolic associations specific trees:
trees:

Acacia: A member of
Acacia: of the
the mimosa
mimosa family, theacacia
family, the acacia is a woody perennial with
hard, nearly
neady incorruptible
incorruptible wood, large thotns,
wood, large flowers of blood-red and
thorns, and flowers
white. The name comes from the Greek
white. Gre ek aicakia,
aimkia, meaning point" (because
mearirg "a point" (because
thorns). ItIt isis used
of its thorns). used as incense, balsam,
as incense, flower, and perfume. Some
balsaffi, wood, flower, Some
exude gum
species exude gum Arabic.
Arabic. The The wood
wood is used
used to build temples and sacred
sacred fires
fires
in India. ItIt is
is used
used byby several
several different cultures as a material for bull-roarers.
bull-roarers,
acacia is associated
The acacia associated with with life
life and death, death and rebirth,
rebirth, and
and
immortality because of
immortaliry because color of its flowers
of the color flowers and the
the long-lasting nature of
long-lasting nature
its wood. ItIt isis also used to
also used tosymbolize
symb olize constancy
constancy and
and permanence (rg"tr, since
permanence (again, since
its wood is is very durable). It
very durable). symbol of
sometimes used as aa symbol
It is sometimes of initiation
initiation and

177
177
 Magician's Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

secret knowledge becauseof

knowledge because of its
its thorns
thorns and of its
and the use of in altars
its wood in altars and
and
objects.
sacred objects.
Alder: frequendy found growing on moist land. The alder's
alder is a tree frequently
Alder The alder alder's
.,vood
wood was often used for bridges
used for and piles
bridges and piles because it resists
because it undenrater rot.
resists underwater
alder has also been used in
The alder in dyeing tanning. It
dyeing and tanning. to make
It can be used to make
dyes -- red from its bark,
three different dyes bark, green
green from its flowers,
from its flowers, and
and brown
brown
Because of
trvigs. Because
from its twigs. of this, the alder is sometimes
sometimes used to symbolize
symbolize the
fu., water, and earth.
elements of fire,
elements earth.

Almond: The almond almond is is aa woody

woody perennial belonging to
perennial belonging rose family.
to the rose family. ItIt
produces a bitter fruit
produces fruit containing edible kernel. It
containing an edible is used
It is used as incense, oil,
as incense, oil,
perfume, wood, flower,
perfume, flower, and in sachets. Since Since the almond is the first
the almond first flower
flower ofof
year, it
the year, it is syrp[olize watchfulness
is often used to symbolize watchfulness and spring. Because of the
spring. Because the
concealed by
kernel concealed
sweet kernel the hard shell, it
by the it is sometimes
sometimes used as a symbol symbol of of
spiritual truth
illusion, spiritual
substance hidden by illusion, masked by dogma
truth masked dogma or or ritual,
rirual, and
and
hidden knowledge.
initiation or hidden knowledg.. Because
Because of of the
the vulva-Like shape of
vulva-like shape of the seed,
seed,
the almond
almond is is sometimes
sometimes associated with the
associated with the yoni andsexuality.
yoni and sexuality. All All these
these
associations also
associations symbolism of
also affect the symbolism themandorla,
of the mandorla, an almond-shaped
almond-shaped
^n
\rirgtn Mary).
religious iconography
frame used in religious (particularly that of the
iconography (particularly the Virgin ivtary).

is associated
apple is
Apple: The apple associated in in many
many cultures with immortality
cultures with immortalify and eternal
Because of
youth. Because
youth. association, itit has
of this association, has often been thought unluckyunluc\' to
to cut
an apple
dorvn an
down apple tree
tree (probably, because it
(probably, also, because reduced the supply
it reduced of food).
supply of food).
Even today,
today, apples are still associated with
still associated health and luck. Apples are often
with health
used as aa symbol
symbol of of love
love andandfertility, but also
fertility, but also temptation
temptation andand desire. The
desire. The
knor,vledge, life,
symbol of knowledge,
appears as a symbol
apple also appears life, and world. One reason
and the 'uvorld.
associated with
the apple is associated knowledge is
with knowledge that, when
is that, along its breadth,
when cut along breadth, itit
reveals a pentagram formed
reveals formed by by the
the placement
placement of ofits
itsseeds. Likewise, this
seeds.Likewise, this
association with
explains the apple's association
probably explains \renus. Popularly,
with Venus. Populady, the apple is is
regarded as
regarded as the "forbidden fruit"
the "forbidden fruit" in
in the story of
the stoqr of the Garden of Eden, but the
the Garden the
ide"tify it
bible doe not identify it as such. Early
Early Christian scholars may have have stated that
fruit was an apple
forbidden fruit
the forbidden because of
apple because of the pun suggested
the pun by the
suggested by Latin
the Latin
means both "apple" and "evil,"
malum, which means "evil," but itit is
is also possible that the
also possible the
apple was
apple was chosen due due to toitsitsassociations
associations withwithVenus
\renusandandsexuality.
sexuality. See
See
Pentagram
Pentagram
Ash: The ash
Ash: ash isis a woody
woody perennial with pinnate
perennial with pinnate leaves,
leaves, winged fruit, and
winged fruit, and
^
tough, close-grained wood. ItIt has
elastic, close-grained
tough, elastic, has sometimes
sometimes been seen as symbol of
as a symbol of
"vood.
axis mundi or Tree of Life.
the axis Life.

Bry Laurel:
Bay Laurel: The name name bay from the Latin
derived from
bay is derived Latin uaca,meaning"a berry."
paw, meaning "a berry."
The leaves, narcotic. The priestesses of Apollo chewed
leaves, berries, and oil are narcotic. chewed bay
bay
leaves and inhaled their fumes to
leaves to induce
induce prophetic visions. Perhaps
prophetic visions. Perhaps because
because
this, itit is
of this, is sometimes
sometimes associated with the
associated with the sun. B"y laurel
sun. Bay laurel is
is used in pillows,
used in pillows, as
as
incense, and in constructing
wood, oil, incense, constructing sacred fires.
sacred fires.

Beech: The beech

Beech: evergreen with dark-green
large evergreen
beech is a large dark-green leaves, hard wood, and
leaves, hard
edible three-cornered
edible nuts. Like
three-cornered nuts. evergreens, itit is
Like most evergreens, sometimes used to
is sometimes

178
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 _ I . AM_

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
symbolize endurance and immortality.
symbolize endurance immortality. The
The bark
bark is
is smooth and was once used
for writing
for also a source of creosote and is used in the manufacture
writing upon. It is also manufacture
of some soaps.
soaps.

birch isisaawoody
The birch
Birch: The woodyperennial withslender
perennialwith slender branches,
branches, hard,
hard, close-
close-
grained wood, and smooth bark
grained wood, bark that
that can
can be
beeasily
easily stripped
stripped off in layers.
off in layers. The
bark was formerly
fiormedy usedused to make canoes. Birch
Birch is used as wood, oil, and in in
potions (particularly t rigr were
potions). Birch twigs
(particulady sleep potions). were often used in in cleansing
cleansing
rituals, to banish influences
rituals, influences and expel evil spirits.
spirits. Even today, people enjoying
enioying
a traditional Scandinavian sauna are
Scandinavian sauna are brushed afterwards with
brushed aftenvards with birch. The birch
is one of the earliest
earliest trees to exhibit
exhibit new growth each each year.
yeaL

Camphor: Camphor
Camphor: Camphor is is aa type of tree
type of treeused usedtotoproduce
produceoil, oil,perfume,
perfume, balsam,
balsam,
and wood.
wood. The extract of the
extract of theCamphor
Camphor tree is aawhite,
tree is volatilecrystalline
white,volatile crystalline
substance
substance that burns without residue.
burns without residue. Because
Because of this,
this, it is sometimes
sometimes used as as
aa symbol
symbol of purity and spirit. It usedused in in medicine
medicine as an irritant and stimulant,
stimulant,
and is said to lessen sexual desire. ItIt isis also
sexual desire. also used
used to
to protect
protect fabric from
from moths.
moths.
The cedar
Cedar: The cedar is tall evergreen
is aatall evergreen with fragrant, durable wood. It used as
fragrant, durable as
perfume, oil, wood, and incense.
perfume, incense. The cedar is used to to symbolize
symbolize grandeur and
loftiness (and hence,
loftiness nobiliry), strength,
hence, nobility), strength, durability,
durability, and incorruptibility. Its
and incorruptibility.
incorruptibility, alongwith
incorruptibiliry, along withthethefact that itit is an
factthat an evergreen, causes itit to be
evergreen, causes be
associated with immortality
associated immortality and life life after death,
death, particularly
particulady in Mediterranean
l\{editerranean
cultures.
Cherry: The namename cherry
cherry comes from the the Greek "a horn"
meaning "a
Greek keras, meaning trorn"
because of
because hardness of its
of the hardness its wood. The cherry
wood. The issometimes
cherry is sometimes used to
symbolize spring and
symbolize spring and youth because it bears flowers
flowers before leaves.
leaves. In Japan,
Japan,
particularly, the
particulady, the cherry
cherry blossom
blossom isis seen as a symbol of ephemeral
ephemeral perfection,
perfection,
since the flower
flower lasts only for a brief time.
Cypress: The cypress
Cypress: The cypress isis an
anevergreen,
evergreen, cone-bearing member of
cone-bearing member the pine
of the pine
family with
family with dark
dark foliage,
foliage, hard
hard wood,
wood, and a veq/
very syrrunetrical form. It is used as
symmetrical form. as
aromatic oil
aromatic and in
oil and salve. The
in salve. scent of
The scent cypress is said to
the cypress
of the to have
have aa
tranquilizing Cypress is often used
tranquilizing effect. Cypress to symbolize
used to symbolize long
long life,
life, immortality,
immortality,
incorruptibiliry, and purity.
incorruptibility, Because of these associations and its
purity. Because its sweet
sweet smell,
srnell,
it has
it often been
has often beenused
usedin inthe
theconstruction
construction of oftemples, ritualobjects,
temples,ritual objects, and
and
Frres. It has also
sacred fires. also come toto symbolize
symbolize death (because of
death (because of its use as an
emblem of mourning).
mourning).

Dogwood: The dogwood's

Dogrnrood: The dogrvood's ancient
ancient name,
narne, cornus (from coniu,
cornus (from cornil, meaning "a
horn") referred to
horn') referred hardness of the
to the hardness the wood. Thename
wood. The name dogwood
dogrxrood is aa
corruption of its
its root, the
the old
old English
English dage (a
(a dagger or sharp pointed object),
dagger or object),
since it was
was used to fashion daggers and stakes.
stakes.

The elder
Elder: The elder isis aawaterside
waterside tree of the
tree of the honeysuckle family with
honeysuckle family with red or
violet-black fruit
violet-black fruit and
and fragrant
fragrant white
white or
or pink flowers that bloom
flowers that bloom to their
their peak
peak
midsummer. It is
in midsummer. is used
used as
aswood, andininmedicinal
wood, and preparations. It has
medicinal preparations. has
narcotic qualities,
narcotic but is generally
qualities, but generally considered harmful to
considered harmful to ingest. The inner
inner
the flowers
bark and the flowers have long been
have long beenfamous
famousfor fortheir
theirtherapeutic
therapeutic qualities.
qualities.

179
179
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

The name
name elder
elder is derived from the Anglo-Saxon add,
the Anglo-Saxon meaning fire,
aeld, meaning foe, since fires
fires
were once kindled blowing through hollowed elder branches. The elder
kindled by blowing eldet is
because its pith can
also called the "pipe-tree" because beeasily
can be easily removed toto make
make
pipes and flutes.

Eucalyptus: The eucalyptus is a subtropical

The eucalyptus subtropical evergreen tree of the
evergreen tree the myrtle
myrtle
family. ItIt is used in
family. in sachet ^ as balsam,
sachet mixes,
mixes, as balsam, oil, wood, incense, for
incense, and for
sacrificial burning. It also
sacrificial burning. also has antiseptic and disinfectant qualities.
qualities.

Thefig
Fig: The fig isisan
anandrogynous
androgynous perennial
perennial bearing
bearing small,
small, pear-
pea(- shaped fruit
shaped fruit
with sweet,
sweet, pulpy, seed-filledflesh.
p.tlpy, seed-fi"lled flesh.ItIt is
is used in sachets, and as
sachets, and as perfume,
perfume,
though it is most
though most often
often used
used asasfood. Thefig
food. The figisisconsidered holy in
considered holy in many
many
cultures. It is
cultures. isoften
oftenusedusedtoto symbolize fertilityrprocreation,
symbolizefertility, procreation, abundance,
abundance,
nourishment, religious
nourishment, knowledgeand
religious knowledge wisdom. In
and wisdom. In one interpretation,
interpretation, when
Adam and Eve
Adam Eve sewed
sewed aprons from fig fig leaves,
leaves, this symbol of the
this was a symbol the
necessity of
necessity correct lglidous
of correct religious teaching
teachingafter partakingof
afterpartaking the^fruit
ofthe fruit of
of the Tree
Knowledge. It is
of Knowledge. is sometimes
sometimes used used toto symbolize
symbolize the womb,womb, thethe feminine
feminine
principle, goddesses (perhaps because
principle, and goddesses because of the milky mi[ry appearance
appearance of the sap
fruit's many
the fruit's
and the many seeds).
seeds). TheThe figfig appears
appears in many many cultures
cultures as the axis
as the axis
mundi and Tree of Life or
of Life orTree
Treeof ofKnowledge.
Knowledge.Interestingly
Interestingly enough,
enough, eating
eating
figs raises
figs raises one's
one's level
level of
of the
the neurotransmitter serotonin.
serotonin. The Buddha
Buddha was said said
to have sat beneath
beneath aa Bo Bo tree
tree (a
(a variety of fig)
variery of for forty
fig) for forty days
days before
before achieving
achieving
enlightenment.
enlightenment.

Fir: fir was

Fir: The fir one of the first
was one first timbers
timbers used in boat
boat building.
building. It is used as a
symbol
symbol of fertility
fertility and constancy (probably ability to withstand
(probably because of its ability withstand
winters unchanged). Like
Like most evergreens,
evergreens, it is associated
associated with longevity
longevity and
immortality. It has often been
immortaliry. been used
used inin funeral
funetal symbolism.
symbolism.

Hawthorn: The hawthorn is aawoody

hawthorn is woody perennial with spines,
perennial with spines, fragrant
fragrant white,
white,
or red
pink, or redflowers,
flowers, and tedberries.
andred Thename
berries.The namemeans literally,"hedge-
meansliterally, "hedge-
thorn." The hawthorn
hawthorn is often planted
planted in aa hedge, because of its thorns, but
hedge, because
longassociation
also because of aalong with magical
association with magical protection.
protection. The hawthorn
hawthorn
blossom, for many men,
blossom, rnen) has the strong
strong scent
scent of
offemale
femalesexuality
sexuality and was
u/as used
by the Turks as an erotic symbol.
by Reputedly, the
symbol. Reputedly, the wood
wood ofof the
the hawthorn burns
hotter than any other
other wood.
Hazel: The Thehazel
hazel isis an
anunusually flexible ttee
unusually flexible that blossoms
tree that early and
blossoms early and
produces round, edible nuts.ItItisistraditionally
edible nuts. traditionally associated with fertility
associated with fertility and
and
sexuality, but
sexuality, even more so with wisdom, knowledge,
but even knowledge, and initiation. ItIt is a
and initiation.
traditional wood
traditional wood used for wands, rods, staves, staves, scepters,
scepters, and divining rods. Its
divining rods.
use in dowsing
dowsing stems from the the fact
fact that
that metals
metals and
andspring-water
spring-water were both
regarded expressions of
regarded as expressions fertility of
of the fertility of the earth, the idea being that hazelhazel
wands would elicit
elicit a sympathetic
slnmpathetic reaction. Because of its its association with
association with
fertility,the
fertility, hazel ^
the hazel tree itsnut
and its
tree and nutare also
arealso sometimes
sometimesassociated
associated withwith
unchasrity
unchastity and lust.
lust.

Juniper. juniper is aa coniferous

Juniper: The juniper coniferous shrub with berry-like
shrub with berry-like cones. The name
name
juniper
juniper means literally,"youth*producirg."
means literally, "youth-producing." As
As the name implies,
implies, the juniper is

180
180
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

associated with
associated with rejuvenation
rejuvenation and immortality. It
and immortaliry. It is used as salve
sah'e and oil. The
medicinally (as a diuretic)
oil is used medicinally flavoring in gin. Juniper berries
diuretic) and as a flavoring berries
are used in sachet mixes, in wine, in philters, and in some
sachet mixes, some shamanic
shamanic smoking
smoking
mlxtures.
mixtures.

Laurel The
Laurel: The laurel
laurel is shruborortree
is aashrub tree withlarge,
with large,glossy, aromatic leaves,
glossy,aromatic leaves,
greenish-yellow flowers,
greenish-yellow flowers, and berries. Like all evergreens,
and black berries. evergreens, the laurel
laurel is aa
symbol of immortality,
symbol immortality, xo aspect of its use
an aspect as aasymbol
use as symbol of ofintellectual
intellecrual and
and
military glory. ItIt often appears
military glory. appears as as aa symbol of immortality
svmbol of irnmortalirl' acquired
acquired through
through
victorf,
victory•,and
andas symbolof
asaasymbol the wisdom
of the wisdom and valor necessary to achieve victory.
achieve victory.
The laurel
The crown is
laurel crown is aasymbol
symbol of ofliterary
literary and
andartistic
artistic achievement,
achievement, and of of
triumph oror victory
victo{y in in general. Greek oracles
ancient Greek
general. The ancient oracles used laurel, since
used laurel, it
since it
trance or
produces trance or frenzy
fuenzy ifif it is chewed or its smoke
smoke isis inhaled.

mimosa is sometimes
Mimosa: The mimosa sometimes used symbol of the sun
used as a symbol sun and light
and light
because of its yellow flowers.
its golden yellow flowers.

Oak The oak

Oak: oak is is aa woody
woody perennial
perennial with with alternate
alternate simple
simple leaves,
leaves, bearing nutsnuts
acorns. It
called acorns.
called It is used as wood and
as wood and incense
incense and and was
was sometimes
sometimes used used forfor
sacrificial burning.The
sacrificial burning. The bark
bark cancan be be used to make make red dye.dy.. Also,
Also, oak bark is
preferred over all
preferred all other substances tanni.g.
substances for tanning.
The oakoak is used to symbolize
symboljrze strength, power, and life, because of
long life,
and long
height. The Latin word "raw?'
durabiliry and height.
its durability "rvbuf' was used for for both oakoak and
and
strength. It
strength. It isisnearly
nearly always
always associated
associated with sky-gods slry-gods and lightning, perhaps
and lightning, perhaps
because of the tradition
because tradition that it it attracts more lightning
lightning than
than other kind of tree. tree.
The oak's roots are
oak's roots often as
are often longas
aslong itsbranches,
asits making it
branches, making it an
an appropriate
appropriate
mediator between
mediator earth and
berr.veen earth and sky. The oak
st1r. The oak isis also
also used to symbolize
used to divine life,
symb ohze divine life,
might, protection, stability,
stabiliry, durabiliry,
durability,and endurance. The
and endurance. oak represents the
The oak
axis mundi, appearing
appearing as world-tree in
as aa wodd-tree traditions. The oak was the
in some traditions. the
sacred tree of the Druids.
most sacred Druids. In In fact,
fact, the
the word druid may
rvord druid derive from the
may derive the
Celtic rvords
Celtic words deny (oak) andldd
dena (oak) andydd (part of).
The acorn, more more than most seeds,
than most seeds, isis aa symbol
svmbol ofof potential,
potential, since
since it can
grow into an
grow an oak.
oak. TheThe acorn
acorn is is also
alsosometimes
sometimes used used asas aa symbol
symbol of of plenty,
plenry,
prosperity, and fruitfulness
prosperiry, and fruitfulness (though,
(though, paradoxically,
paradoxically, acorns
acorns were
were generally on\'
generally only
eaten by human beings during times of famine). famine). It is also used as a symbol symbol of
immortality and the continuity
immortality continuiry' of of life.
life.

Olive: The olive low branching

olive is aa low branching evergreen
evergreen tree with stiff,
tree with stiff, narrow,
narrow, dark-dark-
green leaves flowers in
yellow flowers
leaves and yellow bunches. It
small bunches.
in small It is used inin sachet
sachet mixes,
mixes,
used as oil (both for anointing
ftoth for anointing and for lamps),
and for lamps), balsam, wood, and of
incense, wood,
balsam, incense,
course, as
course, as food. The oil
food. The oil isis also mild laxative.
also aa mild laxative.
The olive is sometimes
olive is sometimes used used as symbol of
as aa symbol ofintellect,
intellect, knowledge,
knor,vledge, and
(since it
light (since provided oil for
it provided for lamps).
lamps). It It isisalso
alsoassociated
associated with purification
r,vithpurification
because of the
because the cleansing qualities of
cleansing qualities of the oil. It isisused
oil. It usedto tosymbolize fertiliq'
symbolizefertility
and vitality (since
and vitality olive tree
the olive
(since the treeisisvery•
very hardy
hardy and and long-lived).
long-lived)" An An olive
olive will
rvill
continue grow if
continue to grow interior of the trunk has rotted,
if the interior rotted, or even if itit is
even if is cut
cut
or burned.
do'uvn or
down burned. ItIt has often been
has often been used
used to tosymbolize
slnmbolize the Tree of of Life
Life inin
traditions, probably
rvestern traditions,
western because of
probably because of humaniqr's dependence on the
humanity's long dependence the

181
181
 Magtcian's Reflection
The Magician's
The olive
ftee. The
tree. olive branch isoften
branch is usedtotosymbolize
oftenused love,peace,
symbolizelove, peace, and
and
reconciliation.
reconciliation.

Palm: Palms
Palm: Palms arearevarious tropical or
varrous tropical or sub-tropical
sub-tropical trees with aatall,
trees with tal),, branchless
branchless
trunk topped by by a bunch
bunch ofof huge, fronded leaves.
huge, fronded paltn is named for its
leaves. The palm
vague resemblance
vague
" to the palm
resemblance to hand. ItIthas
palm of aa hand. incredible durability
hasincredible durability and is
self-renewing, never changing its
self-renewing, its leaves.
leaves.
Palms, particularly date
Palms, particularly palms, are
date palms, symbols of nourishment and life.
are symbols life.
The palm
palm is
is considered
considered holy many cultures because of the
holy in many multipliciry of its
the multiplicity
uses. Palms produce wood, fruit, oil, fiber
fruit, oil, fiber and
andleaves (for weaving,
leaves (for weaving, rope-rope-
making, and
making, thatching), and
and thatching), and an intoxicating
intoxicating beverage
beverage can
can be be made from its
sap. The palm is is associated
associated with ascension (because
(because of its long, straight trunk)
and the sun. ItItisisalso
the sun. alsosometimes
sometimes used used asas a symbol
symbol of of divine truth and
divine truth and
blessings. Palm
blessings. Palm leaves often been caried
have often
leaves have
^
carried or worn as as symbols victor/,
symbols of victory,
triumph,
triumph, or joy.
ioy. The palmpalm was
was used
used byby early Eglptians as a symbol of time,
eady Egyptians dme,
since it grows in regular producingrings
intervals, producing
regular intenrals, ringsonon its trunk. In modem
its tnrnk. modern
palm has
times, the palm takenon
has taken onassociations
associations withwithvacations, tropical paradise,
vacations, tropical paradise,
and freedom fromfrom care.
care.

Thepeach
Peach: The peach isisaasymbol
symbol ofofspring
spring and
andfertility because itit flowers
fertility because eady in
flowers early
the season.
the Because of
season. Because itsassociations
of its associations with spring andthe
spring and theattendant
attendant
symbolism of
symbolism rebirth and fertility,
of rebirth fertility,the peachisis often
the peach used in
often used in the East as an
emblem of marriage,
mardage, purity,
purity, and faithfulness.Often,
and faithfulness. Often, the peach tree and its
the peach
fruit associated with immortality.
truit have also been associated immortality. Peaches, because of the cleft
Peaches, because
fruit and
in the fruit its associations
and its fertility, are also sometimes used
associations with fertility, used as erotic
etotic
^re
symbols.
syrnbols.

The pear
Pear: The is sometimes
pear is sometimes used
used as a symbol
symbol of the ephemeral
ephememl because of its
blossoms. In
short-lived blossoms.
short-lived psychoanalysis, the
In psychoanalysis, pear is considered
the pear an erotic
consideted an erotic
because of
symbol because
symbol of its sweet, juicy fruit
sweet, i"i.y with its
fruit with sualestion of the
its suggestion thefeminine
feminine
shape.
shape.

Pine: The
Pine: The name refersto
pine refers
name pine anyofofvarious
toany variouscone-bearing
cone-bearing evergreens with
evergreens with
clusters of needle-shaped
clusters needle-shaped leaves.leaves.ItIt is
is used oil, pine resin (used to make
used as oil, make
pitch, turpentine, and other
other products),
products), perfume,
perfume, incense, in sacrificial
incense, in sacrificial burning
ftes, and
and ritual fires, in medicinal
and in medicinal preparations.
preparations. The pire symbolizes
The pine symbolizes rebirth,
life, immortality. ItIt isis one
and immortality.
life, and one of the few trees that are androgynous.
The plum
Plum: The is aa symbol
plum is symbol of of youth
youth and
and spring,
spring, because
because the plum blossom
blossom
appears before the
appears even before the tree is covered
tree is with leaves.
coveted with In dream
leaves. In dream psychoanalysis,
psychoanalysis,
fruit is
the fruit is sometimes
sometimes seenseen asas aasymbol
symbol ofoffemale
female sexuality.
sexuality. In general,
general, the
symbol of the object of desire.
plum is a symbol desire.

Poplar: The name

Poplar: poplar refers
name poplar to various
refers to various species of tall,
species of fasr growing
tall, fast- growing woody
perennial with small
perennial leaves and
small leaves and soft
soft wood.
wood. ItIt is
is used
used as wood,for
as wood, forsacrificial
sacdficial
rirual fires,
burning and ritual fires, and as
as balsam. White poplar
balsam. White poplat is aa mild analgesic" It is
mild analgesic.
sometimes used as
sometimes used symbol of
as a symbol Autumn Equinox
of the Autumn Equirlox and of old old age.
age. The
black poplar
black poplar was
^funeml tree
was aa funeral sacred to
tree sacred l\{other Earth. The poplar
to the Mother poplar is
is
sometimes used as a symbol pain and
symbol of pain lamentation, since
and lamentation, its leaves
since its leaves tremble
tremble

r82
182
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
with the slightest
slightest breeze.
breeze. It is
is also
also sometimes
somedmes seen
seen as
as aa symbol
symbol ofof duality
duality and
the two-fold nature of all
all things, since one side of the
the poplar
poplar leaf is light
leaf is light and
the other side
side dark.
dark.

Rowan: The rowan is aa deciduous

Rowan: deciduous shrub, related to the apple,
shnrb, related apple, but producing
producing
small red berries. It is
small is also known as
also known asmountain
mountain ash, ash,quickbeam,
quickbeam, or or witch
witch
wand.
wand. The rowan is seen in Celtic
seen in Celtic culture as the tree of life.life. It has
has long
long been
been
associated in European
associated European myth with luck and protection. In ancient ancient Ireland, the
Druids
Dnrids ofof opposing
opposing forces
forces would
would kindle
kindle aa fire
fite of rowan
rowan andand say
say an incantation
incantation
over it to summon
sufilmon spirits
spirits to
to take
take part in the
part in the battle.
batde. The
The rowan
rowan is is also used for
many healing purposes
many healing purposes (the
(the "Quickbeam"
"Quickbeam" is the tree of quickening),
tree of quickening), and as aa
divining
divining rod in metal divination. Rowan berries have a small small pentagram where
they are joined
joined to the stalk.
stalk.

Fig: The
Sycamore Fig: Thesycamore form of
sycamore is aa form of fig
fig that
that often
often grows
grows toto a*great
great
height,
height, and so was
was sometimes associated with
sometimes associated with thethe sky heavens. It is
slqr and heavens. is
associatedwith
taditionally associated
traditionally with nourishment,
nourishment, generation, fertility, and love,
generation, fertility, love,
probably because
probably mil\ substance
because of the milky found in
substance found in its fruit. For this reason,
reason, it
also appears symbol of the Great Mother.
appears as a symbol ll'fother. See
See Fig

Walnut Like many nut-bearing

Walnut: trees, the
nut-bearing trees, walnut is sometimes
the walnut sometimes used as aa
symbol of of secret
secretriches
riches(frequently
(frequently spiritual treasure) inside
spiritual treasure) difficult to
inside a difficult
penetrate container.
container. It sometimes
sometimes appears
appears as a symbol
^
difficult problem
symbol of aa difficult
(a tough
tough nut to crack).
crack). The nut isis sometimes
sometimes used to to symbolize
symbolize the male testes
testes
in Jungian
or, in Jungian symbolism,
symbolism, female
female genitalia, association in some
hence the association
genitalia, hence sorne
cultures with fertility.
urith fertility.
Willow: The name
name willow
willow refers to to various
various trees withnarrow
trees with narrow leaves,
leaves, tassel-
tassel*
like spikes of flowers,
flowers, and flexible twigs. Its
flexible nrigs. Its nxrigs
twigs are
are often used forfor weaving
weaving
baskets. It is used
used as
as wood, in talismanic
wood, in talismanic work, and and as mild analgesic.
as aamild analgesic. The
willow symbolizes mourning,
willow symbolizes mourning, weeping,
weeping, meekness,
meekness, and bending,
bending, but also
also grace,
elegance, flexibility,
elegance, flexibility,and strength in
andstrength weakness. The
in weakness. The willow
willow v/as
was sacred
sacred to
Hecate,
Hecate, Circe, Hera, and Persephone,
Circe, Hera, Persephone, all death aspects of the Triple
all death Triple Moon
ll{oon
Goddess, and was often used by the witches Greece. It is said
witches in Greece. said to be the tree
ttee
that loves water sacred to the Moon
water most and is sacred N{oon Goddess who is the giver giver of
dew and moisture.
moisture. In the
the East,
East, the willow is
thewillow is aa symbol immort^lity, perhaps
symbol of immortality, perhaps
because its branchres, when planted, \Fill
branches, when will often
often take
take root
root and grow.
grow.

Witch-Hazel:
Witch-Hazel: The witchwitch hazel
hazel is a shrub or tree
shrub or with large
tree with large alternate,
alternate, dentate
dentate
leaves, clusters
clusters of
of yellow
yellow flowets,
flowers, and
and woody fruit. ItIt is
woody fruit. is often used for divining
rods. The leaves
leaves and bark are often prepared
are often prepared with alcoholalcohol and used as as an
an
astringent.
Yew: The yew yew isis a cone-bearing
cone-bearing evergreen vdth dark-green
evergreen with dark-green leaves and red
berdes.
^ as a symbol
berries. It is often used symbol of death (because
(because of its poisonous needles
needles
seeds). It is
and seeds). issometimes
sometimes used
usedasasaasymbol
symbolofoflongevity
longevity and immortality
andimmortality
(because it
(because it is an evergreen
evergreen with life-span of
with a life-span centuries). ItIt is also
of cenruries). also used
used to
symbolize mourning and sadness.
symbolize mourning sadness. The yew is known
known as the tree of death in all
death in all

183
183
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

countries. Yew wood

European countries. wood makes
makesexcellent
excellent bows, whichprobably
bows, which probably
strengthened the
the belief
belief that yew connected with death.
was connected
yew was death.

Woods
Chart of the Woods
wooD
WOOD COLOR
COLOR HARDNESS
HARDNESS WEIGHT WORTH
WORTH SMELL

Ash whitish
rvhitish hard heavy coffunon
common

whitish or
whitish
Aspen very
very pale soft ve{y light
very
Poplar common
common
yellow
yello'uv

chocolate
brown
very
Beech rays on hard heavy
common
pinkish-
brown
pale
Birch
Birch brownish--
brownish hard heavy common
corTunon
yellow

Cedar
Cedar aroma tic
aromatic
red- very
(western
(western soft very light
brorvn
brown common
red)
Cherry brownish hard light cofiunon
common pleasant

Douglas red- very

soft Iight
light
Fir brown common

if et
et black
with
extremely
extremellr very
Very
Ebony brown or heavy
hard precious
greenish
greenish
black

warm very
Elm soft light
brownish
brownish common
Eucalyprus
Eucalyptus brownish
bro"vnish hard heavy cofiunon
common

coppe{y-
Mahogany
Nfahogany cop) ery soft light precious
Dreclous
red .|.

yellowish-
yellowish- very
Maple
lWaple hard heavy
hear,y
white common

sharp,
sharp,
very
O ak
Oak yellowish
yellowish hard heavy tannic
tannic
common
acid

184
184
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

sharp,
sha1p,
Oak, deep
hard heavy orecious
precious
|.
tannic
Brown brown
acid
yellowish-
yellowish-
light
very resinous
reslnous
Pine soft lig ht
white common
reddish-
brown,
violet- pleasantly
pleasandy
Rosewood hard heaw
very heavy precious
Dreclous
brown
Drown to
to I
sweet
sweet
go1 den-
golden-
brown
pale
Sycamore
Sycamore
whitish- hard light comrnon
common
Nlaple
N[aple
gray
gr^y

golden- leathery
lea thery
Teak brownish hard heavy precious

pinkish-
brown
Walnut with hard tprecious unpleasant
heavy Dreclous unpleasant
(Austral.) blackish-
brown
streaks
chocolate
Walnut to hard hewn,
heavy preclous
precious aromatic
(black)
ftlack) puqplish-
purplish-
brown

The Druidic Tree Alphabet (The Beth-Luis-

Beth-Luis-
the Boibel-Loth)
Nion and the Boibel-Lothl
Since part of the purpose of
Since of this
this book
book is to encourage
is to encourage people
people toto create their
create their
own magical symbols, II have
magical symbols, have done litdelittle more
more than mention most most traditional
traditional
systems.For
magical systems.
magical the most part, I've
For the I've tried
tried totoavoid
avoiddiscussing
discussing symbolism
symbolism
understanding of aa particular
requires the understanding
that requires particular culture
culture or or myth. My goal
myth. My goal has
has
been to tostick
sticktotodiscussing symbolism that
discussing symbolism has some
that has some sort ofrationale,
sort of rationale,
however
however tenuous, for its its associations.
associations. For example, there are
example, there many plants,
ate many plants,
animals, and stones that
animals, that are
areassociated
associated with fir., primarily
with fire, prim*nly because
because they are are
red. It's pretty thin reasoning,
reasoning, but it is a reason
reason that isn't dependent
dependent on on special
special
knowledg.. The
culrural knowledge.
cultural The Beth- Luis-Nion and Boibel-Loth,
Beth- Luis-Nion Boibel-Loth, however, are so
unique in their focus on trees that thought
unique thought II should brief description
include aa brief
should include description
example of what
as an example
as 'uvhat can
can be
be done with aa specific
done with class of symbols.
specific class symbols.

185
185
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
practices were intimately
Druidic practices connected with
intimately connected with the mythic and
the mythic and
significanceof
symbolic significance
symbolic and their
trees and
of trees interactions with
their interactions changes of the
with the changes
seasons. Boibel-Loth and,
seasons. The Boibel-Loth later, the
and, later, Beth--Luis-Nion were
the Beth—Luis-Nion were alphabets used used
by the druids both as
dnrids both mag'ical symbol systems and as ciphers.
as magical ciphers.
The Beth-Luis-Nion or Boibel-Loth
The Beth-Luis-Nion Boibel-Loth tree alphabets consist consist of of fivefive
vowels and thirteen
vowels consonants. Each letter
thirteen consonants. letter is named
named after the tree tree or shrub
shnrb
associated with
associated with it.
it. The alphabet form
The consonants of the alphabet form aa calendar
calendar of of seasonal
seasonal
tree magic lunar month. The vowels
based on the lunar
magic based vowels of both the Beth-Luis-I.{ion
the Beth-Luis-Nion
and the Boibel-Loth represent the
the Boibel-Loth the stations
stations ofof the
the year and are
ys2r and associated with
are associated
considered to be especially
trees considered sacredto
especially sacred to the
the Great Goddess. Each letter lettet is
associated with
also associated with a bird, a gemstone,
gemstone, a color,color, aa saint, and various
saint, and various poetic
poetic
images such as a specificspecific number of men, women, children,
men, women, children, rivers, dogs, and
rir,rcrs, dogs, and
so on.
Unlike most magical
Unlike alphabets,itit is
magical alphabets, is the layersofofsymbolism
thelayers symbolism
themselvesthat
themselves were used as
that were asciphers.
ciphers. Because
Because of of the
theunusually
unusuallyrich rich
associations
associations of of concrete
concrete images, complex messages could
complex messages could be encoded
encoded in in
poems, riddles,
riddles, and stories that acted as mnemonic repositories knowledge
repositories of knowledge
initiated.
for the initiated.
While most magical
While magical alphabets centered around concepts
alphabets are centered concepts (planets,
(planets,
signs, and
zodiaca,l signs,
zodiacal or), the
and so on), the symbolism
symbolism of the Beth-Luis-I{ion and the
the Beth-Luis-Nion the
Boibel-Loth is
Boibel-Loth inextricablytied
is inextricably tiedto stories.This
to stories. This isis so
so much relatively
much so that relatively
of their
little of their intricate
intricatesymbolism
symbolism is is accessible without delving
accessible without delving deeply
deeply into into
classical and Celtic
classical Celtic mythology.
mythology.
I present slightly more complete
present aa slightly complete description
description of these alphabets
alphabets in my
book,
book, The Magician's Ca@anion. II would
Magidan's Companion. would also reconunend The
also recommend The IQlt
Key af of ItIt All
All
(Book
(Book Two: The Western Mysteries) Nfysteries) by by David
David Allen Hulse. For more detailed
Allen Hulse.
information, II would
information, su:est The White
wouldsuggest White Goddess
Coddess by Robert Graves,Graves, Ogharn
Oghan and and
the Celtic
Celtic Trve
TreeAlpbaltetby
Alphabet by Steve Blamires, Oganr Ogam: Weaving Whdon by Erynn
Word Wisdom
WeaaingWorul
Laurie, and Practical
Rowan Laurie, Celtic Mry
Practical Celtic Magic by N{urrav
Murray Hope.
Hope.
A "Standard' Ogham
"Standatd' Ogharn
B LLFS
B NHDTCaMGNgZ RAOUEIEa0iIa
FS NHDTCQMGNgZRAQUE IEaOiIa
Ui Ae

Kh Th
Kh P PhX
Th P Ph X

X 0 V 9 I tt
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Alphabet Associated
An Alphabet
An With the Boibel-Loth
Associated With Boibel-Loth

tl, lX\6
filVLR Ffl S( 9.4XY
}AXYI+
Alphabet Associated
An Alphabet
An llrith the Beth-Luis-
Associated With Beth-Luis-
Nion

Je\[*
_I.N\lev 715
7 t5 c\ Nvpvr' -,'
1l-1 moovr
I

\,iersion of "Fionn's
A Version "Fionn's Wheel"
Mandala-like Arrangement
(A Nfandala-like the (Ogham)
Arrangement of the )gham)

187
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Alphabet
The Druidic Tree Alphabet
ktter
Letter B L N (v)
F (V) Ss
Beth- Beth Luis
Luis Nion Fearn Sallie
Saille
Luis-
Luis-
Nion
Name
Boibel-
Boibel- Boibel Loth Neiagadon Forann
Forann Saha
Salia
Loth
Name
Tree or Birch Rowan Ash Aldet
Alder Willow
Plant (Quickbeam)
(Quickbeam) (Osier)
Lunar
Lunar 11 2 3 4 5
Month
Part of
Part Dec 24 to Jan 2l to
J"r 21 Feb 18 to Mar 18 Apr 15 to
Solar Jan
Jan 20 Feb 17
17 I\{ar 17
Mar 17 to Apr May 12
Year 14
Bid
Bird Pheasant Duck Snipe Gull Hawk
Gem or Red yard
Sard Yellow
Yellow Sea Green Fire--
Fire Blood-
Stone Chrysolite
Chrvsolite Beryl Garnet
Garnet Red
Carbuncle
Color While
V/hile Gray Clear Crimson
Cdmson "Fine
"Fine
Colored"
Colored"
Zodiacal
Zodiacal Sagittarius
Sagittarius Capricorn
Capricorn Aquarius
Aquarius Pisces
Pisces Aries
Aries
Sigt
Sign
Misc. The Sun
Sun Fire Poseidon Saturn
Saturn Moon
Concepts
Concepts
Fire Hecate
The
Crone
K.y
Key Inception Quickening,
Quickerhg, Spring M"y Dry
May Day
Images
Images Candlemas
Candlemas Equinox

188
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Letter
Letter ZorSS
Z or SS H D T c
C
Beth--
Beth Uath
L'arh Dui Tinne Coll
Luis-
Nion
Name
Name
Boibel--
Boibel Straif
Straif Uida
Cilia Daibhaith Teilmon Caoi
Loth
Name
Name
Trce or
Tree Blackthorn Hawthorn
Hawthorn Oak Holly I Iazel
H.azel
Plant
Lunar 5 6 7 8 9
Month
Pan of
Part Apt
Apr 15 to M"y 13 to
May June
June 10 J"ly 8 to
July Aug 5
Solar t2
May 12 June
June 9 to July 7 Aug 4 to Sept
Year 1I
Bird Thnrsh
'thrush Ntght-
Night- \7ren
Wren Starling
Stading Crane
Crow
Gem or Lapis White Yellow Banded
Stone Lanii
Lazuli Carnelian Caimgorm
Cairngorm Red
Agate
Color "Bright "Terrible"
"Terrible" Black Dark-gray
Dark-gray Brown
Colored"
Colored"

Zodiacal
Zodiacal Taurus Gemini Gemini Cancer
Cancer
Sign

Misc.
Misc. Cardea Mid- Mars Metcury
Mercury
Concepts
Concepts summer
sufirmer
Flora Jupiter/Thor Wisdom
STisdom
Solstice
Solstice,
, The Oak-
Maia King
K.y
Key Earth (the
(the Doot
Door Increase
Inctease
Images
Images element)
element)

189
189
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Letter Qor
Q or M
M G P R
cc
CC
Beth--
Beth Muin
Muin Gort Pethboc
Pethboc Ruis
Luis-
Luis- (Ngetal)
(t-trgetal)
Nion
Nion
Name

Boibel--
Boibel Quert Moiria Gath Ngoimar Riuben
Ritiben
Loth or
Name Cailep
Cailep
Tree or Apple Vine Ivy Dwarf Elder
Plant Elder

Lunar 9 10
10 11
11 t2
12 r3
13
Month
Part of
Part Aug 5 Sept ta
Sept 2 to Sept 30 to Oct 28 to Nov 25 to
Solar to Sept Sept 29 Oct 27
Oct Nov 24 Dec 22
Year 11

Bird Hen Titmouse

Titmouse IMute Swan
Mute Swan Goose Rook
Rook

Gem or Amethyst Yellow Clear Dark

Stone
Stone Serpentine Green Green
Jasper
Jasper Malachite

Color Mouse- \rariegated

Variegated Blue Glass
GIass Blood Red
Red
colored
colored Green

Zodiacil
Zodiacal Leo VLgo
Virgo Libra Scorpio
Scorpio Sagittarius
Sagittarius
sgt
Sign
Misc. Venus Sun Sun
Concepts
Concepts
Dionysus
Dionysus Dionysus
Dionysus
Osinrs
Osirus Osirus
K.y
Key Auhrmn
Autumn Winter
Winter
Images
Images Equinox Solstice
Solstice

190
190
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Letter
Letter A o
0 U E I
Beth- Mtn
Ailm Onn Ur Eadha Idho
Idho
Luis-
Nion
Name
Name
Boibel-
Boibel- Acab Ose 12ra
TJra Esu Jaichim
Jaichim
Loth
Name
Tree or Silver Furze Heathe r
Heather White Yew
Plant Fir Poplar
Poplar

Part of Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Autumn
Solar Solstice
Solstice Equinox Solstice Equinox
Year
Color Piebald Dun Resin
Resin Colored
Colored Red Pale
Pde
White
Planet /I
Planet Moon Mercury
I\{ercuqn Sun Jupiter
Jupiter Saturn
Deity
Deity
Venus
\renus

Misc.
Misc. Birth Youth Maturity
I\faturity and Repose
Repose Death
I)eath
Concepts
Concepts and Consummation
Consummation and Old
Initiation
Initiation Ag.
Age

Tree Hugging
Yeah, I know
Yeah, know itit sounds rily, even
soundssilly, even if if you
youmaymayactually BE aafanatic
actually BE fanatic
conservationist,
consenrationist, but just go aheadahead and
and do it.Find
do it. Findaasizeable
sizeable tree
tree— - one that's
too large
large toto put
putyour
yourarms
affnscompletely around
completely around — and hug it. Examine
Examine the the
texture of the tree's
texture tree's bark
bark and
and feel
feel the
the tree's
tree's solidity. to feel
solidiry. Try to life and
feel its life
connection to to the
the earth.
eatrh.Imagine
Imagine the
the energy
energy of of sun
sunflowing from the
flowing from the leaves
leaves
down to thethe roots,
roots, while
while water and nutrients
nutrients rise
rise up
up towards
towards the
the leaves.
leaves. Spend
Spend
at least a couple minutes
minutes doing this.
this.

Tree Visualization
Tree Visualization
On a sunny
On sunnyday,day,stand
standoutside,
outside, among trees ififpossible.
among trees possible. Place your feet
Place your feet
^
together
together and plant them firmlyfit-ly on
on the
theground. Then, extend
ground. Then, your arms,
extend your arms,
fingers splayed,towards
fingers splayed, towardsthe sky.As
the sky. Asyou
youdodo this,
this, feel
feel the light of
the light of the sun on
your skin. Feel
Feel the strength
strength and weight of the earth
earth in your feetfeet and
and legs.
legs.
Visualize branches
\-isualize branches and
and leaves extending from
leaves extending from your
your arms
arms and upper
upper
torso. Then, visualize roots extending
visualize roots extending from
from your deep into the earth.
your feet deep earth.

191
191
The Magician's Reflection
imagine the
As you breathe in, imagine the support nourishrnent of the
support and nourishment the soil
soil
rising up
dsing though your
up through limbs. As
your limbs. As you breathe energy of the
breathe out, feel the energy the
sunlight sink thtoogh
sunlight sink through the surface
surface of your skin and diffuse through your body.
Feel the wind caress
caress you. Move your
you. Move your attention
attention back foth from
back and forth from
roots to
your roots toyour
yourbranches untilyou
bmnches until youfeel
feelcentered, forrning aachannel
centered,forming channel
betrveen tb, and earth.
between sun, sky, eafth. Spend a while
while absorbing
absorbing their energy,
en€rgfr and then
return to your self.
self.

Tree Associations
Tree Associations
Make a list of four,
Make sk, or
four, six, twelve types of trees
or twelve are you
thearea
trees in the you livelive and
and
^
arrange them by the seasons
arrange months in
seasons or months in which
which they
they show
show newne\v growth,
growth,
bloom, fruit, shed leaves, and so on. In
leaves, and In the
thecase
caseofofevergreens,
evergreens, youyou might
might
them by
place them by the
the months or season in which which th*y
they are
are rnost
most prominent
prominent -- that
period in which
is, the period which othet
other trees are dotmant,
dormant, if you live live that
that far
far north.
Think of atat least
least three mafor traits
three major for each
traits for each tree,
uee, such
such as
as food
food value,
value,
medicinal, or
medicinal, or ardstic/domestic
artistic/domestic use.
Associate
Associate each tree with
each tree bird. If
with aa bfud. If possible,
possible, choose
choose birds
birds that
that are in the
ate dudng
area during the
the months/seasons associated
associated with each tree.
ffee.
Associate each tree
Associate each tree \rdth animal native to (or at least
with an animal li"i"g in) the
least living
area in which you live.
^tea
Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters was famous for, among
was famous other things,
arnong other things, asking
asking people
she interviewed
intendeured what kind of tree they would be if they
what kind they were tee. Reverse
were aa tree. Reverse
idea and
this idea and try to imagine what kind
imagine what kind ofof person
person each tree on youryour list
list would
be ifif it were
be were a human
human being. Write aa short description of this person for each
being. $7dte each
tree.

t92
192
Part 2: Putting
Part 2z It All
Putting It Att Together
r~ I
 Symbols
Chapter 18: Personal Symbols

*'The great function of symbols point beyond

"The great function of symbols is to point beyond themselves,
themselves, in the power
power
of that towhich
that to whichthey point,to
they point, toopen
openup uplevels ofreality
levelsof which otherwise
reality which othenxrise are
are
closed, and to open
open up
up levels
levels of the
the human
human mind
mind ofof which
which we
we otherwise
othennrise are
are
not aware."

-- Paul Tillich
Like
Like many things,
things, the value of creating personal symbols
creating personal symbols lieslies as much in the
as much
process as in the the result.
result. Certainly well- crafted set
Certaidy aa well- of magical
set of magical symbols
symbols has
many uses, but butthe processofof
theprocess self-examination
self-examination and anddiscovery
discovety that that
accompanies the construction
construction of ofmagical
magical systems
systems is
is essential.
essential.
Symbolism and
Symbolism andmetaphor
metaphorare areatatthe core of
the core what it means to be
of what be
human. The act of relating relating one thing to to another
another isis fundamental
fundamental to to human
human
consciousness. In
consciousness. Inaa sense, everything
everythingwe weseesee asas aadistinct entity we
distinct entity we
characterize
charactertze by relatingitit to
by relating to a bundle of of qualities
qualities and attributes attached
attached to
things. We do this
other things. consciously, but
this consciously, also at the
but also the deepest
deepest and and most
most
inaccessible
inaccessible levelslevelsof ofthe
the unconscious,
unconscious,even down to
evendown to the physical
physical act of
perception. Our
perception. Our brains evolved to
brains have evolved organize our
to organize perceptions so
our perceptions so as to
most readily recognize patterns.
readily recognize patterns. Thus light, shadow, shape,
light, shadow, shape, and color become
become
plant, a chair, or someone's face.
a plant, face.
In aa sense,
sense, wewe are
are completely
completely embedded
embedded in in aasymbolic
symbolic environment.
environment.
'$7e
We mask the underlying
undedying noumenal realityreality around us with at at least
least three
three veils:
veils:
** Our
Out physical organization of our
physical organizatron our petceptions.
perceptions.
* Our emotional
emotional conditioning. This is the
conditioning. This the association of responses
association of responses
(attraction, repulsion, etc.)
(artraction, repulsion, etc.) to
to our bundles
bundles of
of perception.
perception.
** Our
Our use ofsymbols,
useof symbols, particularly words, to represent
particulady words, our bundled
represent our bundled
perceptions.
percepuons.

Particularly in
Particularly in the modern
modem west,west, we suffer
suffer simultaneously
simultaneously from from aa lack
lack of living
living
myth andand symbolic
symbolic connection, and an inability to
an inability to distinguish
distinguish shadow
shadow and and
substance.
substance. For example,
example, one might see see the
the place
place where one one experienced
experienced aa fire
fite
as
as aa forest.
forest. The
The experience
experience of ofthe
thefire
firewas
wasterrifying.
terriSring. Afterwards,
Afterxrards, seeing
seeing the
"forest" in
word "forest" in aabook
bookbrings
bringsthoughts
thoughts of ofdanger,
danger, when
when whatwhatisisactually
acrually
perceived is black
black shapes
shapes on aa white
white background.
background. We We may
may be conscious of our
be conscious
responses in
responses such cases,
in such butgenerally
cases, but generally our outimmersion
immersion in insymbolism
symbolism is is
complete. When we see an object,
complete. \J(/hen obiect, an animal, a person, or whatever,whatevet, we often
think its "name" and access
think what we
access what we "know"
"know" aboutabout it. Thus,
Thus, much of the
wander through
time, we wander through the landofofour
theland ourimagination,
imagination,only onlyoccasionally
occasionally
experiencing
experiencing the unmediated reality beneath.
realiry beneath.
Enlightenment entails not only only the mastery
mastery of of symbols,
symbols, butbut the
the ability
ability
to free
free the
the self from their
self from their influence
influence and and tototranscend
transcend illusion.
illusion. We
S7e live
live in an
an

195
195
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

with symbols
saturated with
environment saturated wherein images
symbols wherein images are constantly
constandy confused
realiry. We
with reality. We often
often mistake
mistake news broadcasts for events, picrures
news broadcasts pictures of people
scraps of colored paper for
for sex, scraps for value, for happiness.
value, and objects for happiness. This is,
Zen parable
as the Zen says, "confusing
parable says, "confusing the moon with the finger pointi.g at the
finger pointing
moon."
moon.t'
In this
In thiscontext, examination of symbols
theexamination
context, the symbols leads to aagreater
greater
awareness of ourselves,
awareness ourseh'es, our environment,
environment, and, ultimately, greater freedom.
and, ultimately,

Symbols
The Uses of Personal Symbols
principle use
The principle use ofof magical
magical systems,
systerns, and essentially
essentially any any personal system,
system, is to
form a channel of of communication
communication between different levels
between different of consciousness.
levels of consciousness.
Since many parts of one's mind do not use regularlinear
useregular rinearlanguage,
ranguage'special
speciar
H;,Tgdfr:.:,: ::,1;ililT"ft;:t
means are required to establish dialogue.
By carefully examining our
carefully examining our symbolic associations and
symbolic associations and then consciously
linking them with alphabets or other arrangements of visual/verbal systems,
,TT:"1'rJ:I?*'J't:::il:n"*T:;rH:T::i:,T.HT'f :'?:l,nT;:
we create a structure by which we can pass information and instructions
benveen the conscious
between unconscious, the
conscious and unconscious, the verbal and visual,
visual, and
and thethe
rational rational parts of the mind.
rational and non- rational mind.
operations involve
magical operations
Nfany magical
Many learning to
involve learning to identify
identify and work with rvith
different parts of of the
theself. Typically, a magical
self.Typically, system uriil
magical system includeaa set of
will include
correspondences
correspondences for both both the
thematerial self (limbs,
material self (limbs, bones, blood, vital organs,
blood, vital organs,
etc.) and the spiritual psychological self (the wil,
spirirual or psychological the innridon,
will, the intellect,
intuition, the intellect,
correspondencesallow
etc.). These correspondences allowyouyouto the mind
focus the
to focus mind through use of
rirual, mandalas,and
talismans, mandalas,
ritual, talismans, and soso on
on to refine,
refi.ne, transform, or or heal
heal aa specific
specific
of yourself.
part of yourself. They
They also
also allorv parts of you to communicate
allow parts communicate that that they
they are
are
injured, in
injured, distress, or othenvise
in distress, otherwise require you to take action.
require you
Really, the uses of magical
Really, the systems are limited only by one's
magical symbol systems one's
imagination,
imagination, skill,
skill, and discipline. Here
and discipline. Here are some of the principle uses:
are some
Receiving informationfrom
Receivinginformation from the subconscious. This
the subconscious. This can
can be done
done
&eam-work, divination,
through dream-work, divination, visions, and spirit evocation.
Assemblirg ideals from
Assemblingideals archetypes and
from archetypes them. This
modeling them.
and modeling This
includes operations
includes such as invocation
operations such invocation and the assumption
assumption of god-
forms. Some of the same be used
techniques can also be
same techniques to assemble
used to assemble
negative aspects from
negative aspects from archetypes and transform them.
archetypes and
Accessing states. A
Accessing states. variety of
A varietl of things
things can be anchored
anchored toto symbols.
symbols.
Negative emotions or physical
Negative emotions be altered
physical states can be byaccessing
alteredby accessing
positive states. Particular talents and abilities can be more readily
accessed by anchoring them. These operations include the
construction of talismans and the uses of yantras (visual diagrams),
##g-#g11ffTJ:{,fiiFJiJH*ii
mantras (verbal triggers), and visualization.
Symbols the essential
Svmbols are the essential core ofimitative
core of imitative magic, providing the
magfc, providing the

;L'ffff.T ?T"
actually be that which is symbolized. Thus,
jHi:ffi :*T.',:
magical link. The symbol is thought not just to represent, but to
Iffii: i:-;ITf,Ti:' i Lmagical symbols are a

196
196
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

major tool of practical

maior magic, that
practical mag;ic, branch of magic that seeks
that branch seeks to
directly influence the physical
direcdy influence physical world.

Assembling
Assembling a Symbol
To begin with, choose a central
begin with, for your
central concept for your symbol. This can be
symbol. This be an
an
abstract concept, such
abstract concept, such as^ strength,
as birth, or
strength, birth, or beauty, or it can be
beautl, or be aaprimary
primary
image such as fire,
image such mountain, door,
fue, mountain, door, child,
child, and
and so on. The important thing
thing is
that you choose the single most important aspect
single most aspect or image
image for the
the symbol
symbol you
are creating.
creatitg.

Creating a Visual Sign

With aafewfewexceptions,
exceptions, suchsuch as Dnridic"Tree
asDruidic "TreeAlphabet,"
Alphabet,"thethemyriad
myriad
associations of magical
associations symbols are
magical symbols are anchored
anchored to visual signs. There are four
signs. There four
major
maior methods ofof creating
creating visual
visual signs:
signs:

$igilization ---- The

Sigilization sign is made
The sign made by combining
combining or transforming
mansforming the
the
letters of a word or a phrase.
phrase.

Pictorial (Flieroglyphic)
Pictorial (Hieroglyphic) --The isaasimplified
The sign is simplifiedpictorial
pictorial
representation of the
the central
cenffal image.
image.

Qualitative -- The
Qualitative The sign isbuilt
sign is builtup
uplogically byassembling
logically by assembling graphic
graphic
elements appropriate to the concept.
elements appropriate

Inruitive-- The
Intuitive srgnisisreceived
Thesign meditation,automatic
throughmeditation,
receivedthrough automatic
other method
writing, or some other method ofofaccessing
accessing magical
magical states of
H:r?"ffJ:-.
consciousness.

Sigilization
Sigilization
"There is
is yet another
another fashion of characters
fashion of characters common to almost
coffunon to almost all
all letters,
letters, and
tongues, and very easy, which isis by
ezsf, which by the
the gathering
gathering together
together of
of letters."
letters."
Henry Cornelius
Cornelius Agrippa,
Three
Thrce Books of
of Occult
Orcult Philosophy
Philonphl

Used in many
many different
different traditions
traditions since times, this method
since ancient times, method involves
involves
constructing
constructing a sigil by condensing
slgil by condensing the the letters into aa single
letters of a word or phrase into single
sign. For example,
example, the letters of
the letters the word FEAR could be compressed to the
of the
following sigil:
srgd:

197
r97
The Magician's
Magician's Reflection

The letters of the

the word $7ILL could
word WILL could be
be sigilized
sigilized thus:
thus:

Sigilization was used

Sigilization was extensivelyby
used extensively by the andmagician
the British artist and magician Austin
Austin
Osman Spare,
Spare, who discusses
discusses it in
rn The
Tbe Book Pleasun. Due primarily
BookofofPleasure. primarily to Spare's
influence, this
influence, this method of combining letters is often practiced
combining letters students of
practiced by students
Chaos magic.
magtc.

Hieroglyphic Method
Pictorial or Hieroglyphic
As might be imagined,
imagined, the pictorial
pictorial method works best for symbols
best for symbols focused
focused
on concrete
on concrete central
centtal images.
images. The ideal pictorial glyph is
pictorial glyph easy to
is easy to produce and
distinctive,
distinctive, yet tetains
retains the essential
essential image. For example:
example:

O
Mountain Ey.
Eye Fire
One advantage
One that itit produces
advantage to this method is that produces signs
signs that
that can
can be
beeasily
easily
in evocative
combined in evocative ways:
ways:

198
198
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Anger
Anger
R@ Vigilance
Vigilance Zeal
Zeal

Method
Qualitative Method
Qualitative
The qualitative or
The qualitative logical method
or logical method is used used to tobuild
buildsigns signsby byassembling
assembling
elements
elements chosen by the qualities qualities of their geometric
geometric forms. In this sense, sense, much
what we
of what we are
are engaged
engaged in in isis graphic
graphic design.
design. Here are are some rules-of-thumb
some rules-of-thumb
useful:
that may prove useful:
The dot
The generally takes its meaning
dot generally mea.irg from aa relationship
relationship with another another
sign. Two
Two or more more dots,
dots, however,
however, are are naturally
naturally perceived
pe{ceived as a line or or shape.
shape.
The eye draws
The represent the
draws a line to represent the shortest
shortest distance
distance between
berween two rwo points.
points.
We see crossed lines in
crossed lines groups of dots only
in groups only after seeing
seeing the shorter lines. lines. For
example, six
example, equidistantpoints
six equidistant points are are first seen as
first seen as a circle,
circle, andand then seen as as aa
hexagram.
hexagram.
Human movementmovement is is primarily horizontal, so
primarily horizontal, the horizontal
so the horizontal is is
perceived as
perceived as passive
passive space
space underunder our control. In contrast,contrast) everything
everything that that falls
falls
vertically, causing
moves vertically, causing the vertical to
the vertical to be associated
associated with r.vith events,
events, i.e.i.e. things
things
that happen.
happen.
Oblique lines are iudged judged in in relation to the nearest horizontal or or vertical
vertical
line. The closer an oblique
line. approaches to
oblique line approaches to the horizontal,
horizontal, the more it it
creates an impression
impression of lifting. As itit approaches
of lifting. approaches the thevertical,
vertical, however,
however, it
increasingly gives the
increasingly gives the impression
impression of falling. falling.
Perhaps because of
Perhaps because of our custom of reading reading from left to to right,
right, aa line
line
which runs from the
which lower left to
the lower to the
theupper rightappears
upper right appears to tobe beclimbing,
climbing,
rvhile a line
while running from
line running from the upper upper left to the the lower
lor"ver right appears to be
right appears be
falling.
^
A triangle is always
A triangle ahvays iudgedjudged in relation to the
in relation the horizontal
horizontal and and vertical.
vertical.
Placed with its its base perpendicular to
base perpendicular thehorizon,
to the horizon,the thetriangle
triangleexpresses
expresses
movement. The
horizontal movement. The triangle with aahorizontal
triangle with hoizontal base baseexpresses stabiliry,
expresses stability,
while the reversed triangle
while standing on its apex
triangle standing apex isis an
an active
active sign that conveys
sign that conveys
dynamic balance.
The square
square has has thethecharacteristics
characteristics of of stability
stability and solidiry. The square
and solidity. square
standing on its its corner,
corner, is is active,
active, indicating energy and intention.
indicating energy
Angles greater than 45 degrees
Angles greater degrees are seen as representing resistance
as representing resistance to
oncoming force.
an oncoming force. A A 45 45 degree
degree angleangle is seen
seen as directional movement, but
as directional
only as aa slow
only slow or or difficult
difficult movement.
movement. The The smaller
smaller the angle,angle, the greater
greater the the
energy of the perceived movement.
speed and energy movement.
sorts of
These sorts of rules
rules can canreadily
readily bebe combined
combined with with the the symbolism
symbolism of of
shapes to supply
geometric shapes
geometric supply an an infinite number of
inFrnite number ofsigns.
signs.The Thequalitative
qualitative
approach produces very clean signs,
approach produces signs, but may require a lot of imagination
may require imagination to
concepts, This method
complex concepts.
portray complex method is is probably
probably mostmost effective
effective whenr.vhen used
coniunction with the pictorial
in conjunction pictorial approach.

199
199
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Methods
Intuitive Methods
Inruitive symbols
Intuitive received from
symbols are received from the subconscious, using a variety
the subconscious, variety of
means.
means. If you are are skilled
skilled in visualization,
visualization, you you can simply
simply focus
focus your
your attention
attention
on the
the main
main concept
concept of ofthe
thesymbol
symbol until
until aavisual
visual image
image arises in your mind.
your mind.
Initially, |our
Initially, your results
results maymay varf
vary,, requiring
requiringyou youto make aa number
to make number of of
tries. You may also need need to toreduce
reduce youryour image
imageto toitsitssimplest
simplestgraphic
graphic
elements. With practice,
elements. Sfith practice, 1'ou
you can
can obtain a usable symbolsymbol with greater ease and
speed.
speed.
The following
following method makes makes use of automatic
automatic drawing.
drawing. First consider
considet
the concept you wish to to symbolize. Remember that
symbolize. Remember that you
you should
should be able to
state the concept
concept clearly
clearly and simply. Formulate yout
simply. Formulate definition in
your definition the form of
in the
question,
question, asking something like
asking something like 'lVhat
"What symbol should II use
symbol should use to represent (math
(nain
rons0?"
concepll?"
Next, sitsit down
down with pen pen and
and paper.
paper. Close
Close your eyes eyes and askask the
the
question aloud. If you Like, writeyour
like, write yourquestion
questionatatthe thetop
top ofof your
your paper
paper before
you begin.
begin.
Then, try to let
try to let your
your mind
mind go go blank. Or, ifif you
blank. Or, you like,
like, you
you can
can achieve
achieve a
similar
similar state by chanti.g
state by chanting the the concept
concept overover and over to empty your mind. It
and over
may take some
may some practice
practice to to become comfortable
comfortable vrithwith this technique.
Let your pen begin b.Sn to movemove without thinking
thinking about it. Let your hand
freely. Don't worry
move freely. worry about
about achieving
achieving any any particular
particular results.
results. When
S7hen the
movement
movement naturally
naturally stops, end your meditation and open your your eyes.
eyes.
Again, this method may
Again, may require considerable of practice
tequire considerable practice before you you
begin to reliably receive satisfactory
reliably teceive satisfactory results.
results.
information about the
For more information the construction
construction of of signs
slgns and
and sigils,
sigils, the
following
following works can be of invaluable assistance: assistance:
Practical Sigil
Prailical Sigil Magic, Frater U.D.,
U.D., Llewellyn
Llewellyn Publications,
Publications, 1990
1990

Calligr@fu --
Calligraphy Tbe Art
-- The An' ofof Written
l{/ritten Farms, Donald M.
Formq Donald Nf. Anderson, Dover,
Dover,
1992
1,992

Signs
SWt and S_ymbar,
Sltnbok, Adrian Frutiger, Van Nostrand Rheinhold,
Frutiger, \ran Rheinhold, 1989
1989

Completing Your Symbol

associated a sign with
After you have associated with your
your central
central concept,
concept, devote some time
to your
your new
new symbol
symbol and practice visualizing it.
practice visualizing it. Draw
Draw the symbol or paint it.
Relate
Relate the symbol
symbol ro everything you
to everything you encounter.
encounter.
use the
Finally, use
Finally, exercises you
the exercises you have found in earlier
have found sections of this
earlier sections this
book to choose
choose different
different categories symbolism to flesh out the symbol.
categories of symbolism symbol.
You can, of course,
course, use any or all
any or of the
all of thecategories discussed in this
categories discussed
and perhaps
book, and othetsas
many others
pethaps many well.The
aswell. Themoremoresymbolic
symbolicelements
elements
combined in
combined one symbol,
in one symbol, thethemore
morecomplex
complex and versatile ititbecomes.
andversatile becomes.
However, it also
However, becomes more
also becomes difficult to maintain
more difficult maintain the harmony
harmony and organic
quality life of the symbol.
necessary to the magical life
quality necessary
Do not
Do nothesitate torework
hesitate to reworkyouryourassociations, foryou
associations, for will probably
youwill probably
never produce "petfect" set
produce a "perfect" of magical
set of symbols. In the
magical symbols. the practice
practice ofof creating
creatirg

200
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
these symbols,
symbols, over the course course ofof your
your life,life, you will refine your technique
you will technique as
as
you refine your understanding
understanding of yourself.
yourself.
is perhaps
It is perhaps inevitable
inevitable that you you may may become
become intensely attached to a
intensely attached
magical system that
magical system that you
you actively use.ItIt isis patt
activelyuse. part of
of the magical
magical contract
contract that you
)'ou
treat your symbols
symbols as sacred magical for
sacted and magical for the time of their
their use.
use. Without
S7ithout
this outlook, your
your creation
creation of of aamagical
magical symbol
symbol system
system may
may remain
remain merely
merely an
intellectual exercise. ItIt isis imperative
intellectual exercise. imperative toto remember
remember during during this process that it is
your perception of thesethese symbolssymbols and their their interconnections
interconnections that makes the
magic. Thus, as you grow
magic. Thus, gpow and change,change, it is is natural that your
natural that your symbols
symbols also
also
grow change if they are to remain remain alive.
alive.

In so
so far
far as
as aa symbol
symbol is living thing, it is the expression of a thing
is aa living
not to
not to bebecharacterized
charactenzed in any any other or better
other or better way. The symbol
way. The symbol is
alive insofar as it is pregnant
only insofar
alive only pregnant with meaning. But, if its meaning
outof
born out
is born i.e.ififthat
ofit,it,i.e. thatexpression
expression should
should bebefound
found which
which
formulates
formulates the sought, expected, expected, or divined
divined thing still better thanthan
the hitherto
hitherto accepted symbol, then the
accepted symbol, the symbol
symbol is *dead,* i.e. it
is *dead,*
possesses
possesses only a historical significance. Psychological Tjpet
significance. from Pychological Types, by C.
Jung
G. Jung

As you move from

from one set of symbols
symbols and transform them or create
create another,
you produce aa magical journey as
magical diary that records your personal journey as well.
well.

Mandala
Card or Mandala
Making an Emblem Card
Try making
making an "emblem card" or or aa mandala
mandala usingusing your
your newnew symbol.
symbol. This can can
exercise for refining
be helpful exercise refining the symbol.
symbol. You can use collage, collage, paint, or any
combination of media that
combination that seems attractive. The finished
seems attractive. finished product can be be
valuable
valuable as a focus for meditation
meditation or or ritual,
ritual, and
and may,
m?1'r on
on aagood
goodday,day,actually
actually
be art.
If you have an associated
associated color, try using various
tqr using shades of the color in
various shades
your design. you have
design. If you developed aa personified
have developed personified aspect of of the
thesymbol,
symbol, allal
clothes worn should
clothes should be of of appropriate
appropriate colors.
colors. Perhaps
Perhaps the thefigure
figure may
may be be
holding or using other associated
associated tools or objects.
objects.
To produce an an emblem
emblem card,card, design
design a scene that relates to your central central
concept using thethe various
various symbolic
symbolic elements
elements you have linked together. For
example, in
example, in the traditional tarot, the fifteenth
traditional tarot, fifteenth trump card card (The Devil) is
CIh. Devil) is
generally viewed as
generally viewed as representing the material wodd, materiality,
material world, materiality, the lowerlower
nature, and creative force in its most material
material form. In this this card,
card, aa naked
naked male
male
and a female figure are
female figure chainedto
are chained to aa ring
ring set in a great cube of
great cube of stone,
stone,
^
representirg matter. The two
representing two figures
figures have
have tails
tails and
^
and horns,
horns, symbolizing
symbolizing theirtheir
animal or cthonic nature,
nature, but the the male's tail ends
male's tail ends inin fire,
fte, while
while thethefemale's
female's
terminates
terminates in a cornucopia
cornucopia of of fruit,
fnrit, symbolizing
symbohzing their theit masculine
masculine and feminine
feminine
Crouched upon the
natures. Crouched the stone
stone cube
cube is is aa great
great bearded demonic being.
bearded demonic being. Its
legs ending in eagle's claws.
legs are furred, ending claws. ItsIts right hand is raised and extended,
extended,
while in its left hand, it holds aa fiery
while fiery scepter or torch torch with its flame
with its flame pointed
pointed
towards the earth, slnmbolizing the
earth, symbolizing the fire
are ofof the
thespirit
spirit incarnated.
incarnated. Above the

201
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

figure's
figure's head pentagram; in some cards the pentagram's point
head is a pentagram; point is
is raised,
raised, in
others it points downwards.
downwards.
Place your central image image and
and graphic sign in
graphic sign in the foreground of your your
scene, if possible, makirgmaking itit the dominant element of the the card. In any
card. In any case,
case, all
all
the elements of the card card should
should be inharmony,
be in harmony, telling,
telling, in essence,
essence, one scene
scene
of a story.
story.
To produce aa mandala,
mandala, place the central imageimage or sign in the center of
sign in
your paper.
paper, If If you
you have
have aageometric
geometric formform associated with the
associated with thesymbol,
symbol, you1'ou
place it around your central image (if this
might place this is applicable
applicable to for-) and
to the form)
arrange
arrange the other elements
elements around its periphery.
periph.ry.
Putting
Putting a border around aasymbolic
border around constructions makes it easier to
symbolic constructions
concentrate
concentrate one'sone's attention while giving
attention while giving the image
image thethe quality
quality ofof wholeness
wholeness
and completion. In In addition,
addition, making
making thethe symbolic
symbolic arrangement
affangement in a mandala-
mandala-
stmcrure helps to
like structure toawaken
awaken andandactivate
activatearchetypal material in the
archetypal material the
unconscious.
unconscious.
examples of traditional
For good examples traditional tarot decks,
decks, see the Thoth deck deck byby
.Aleister Crowleyor
Aleister Crorvley the Rider/Wute
or the Rider/Waite Tarot. For For an
anexample
exampleof ofTess
less traditional
assembled using
decks assembled using collage, take aa look at
collage,take at Antero Alli's Vertical
Antero Aili's Vertical Pool
Pool
Oracle Deck.
Oracle Deck. The TheVoyager Tarot and
Voyager Tarot and the
the Secret
Secret Dakini
Dakini Oracle
Oracle deck
deck are
are also
excellent examples of
excellent examples of more
more personal,
personal, modern
modern tarot decks.
declcs.
To learn
To moreabout
learn more aboutmandalas
mandalas in general, IIwould
ingeneral, wouldrecommend
recommend
Mondale, by Jose
Mandala Jose Arguelles
Arguelles andand C.C.
C.G. Jung
Joug Word
WordandandImage,
Image, edited by by Aniella
Aniella
Jaffe.
Ja ffe.
IfIfyou wishtotolearn
youwish learnabout
aboutthethetraditional
traditionalforms
formsof ofHindu
Hinduyantras
yantras
(ritual geometric diagrams)
(ritnal geometric diagrams)and iconic Hindu
and iconic Hindu god-forms,
god-forms, take take a look atat Tools
Toob
Tantra by Harish
For Tantra Harish Johari.
Johari.

202
 L9: Symbol
Chapter 19: Symbol Systems
Systems

its simplest
In its form, a magical
simplest form, system is aa set
symbol system
magical symbol ofmagical
setof magical symbols.
symbols.
it, a setsetofof ^
That is, symbols
symbols each
each layersof
possessinglayers
possessing ofanalogous
analogouscorre-
corre-
spondences.
spondences.
^
Beyond this,
Beyond this, magical
magical symbol systemsand
symbol systems andalphabets tend to
alphabetstend be of four
to be
principal types; hierarchical, cyclical,
types; amorphous, hierarchical, cyclical, and
and grid-based.
grid-based.
Amorphous Symbol
Amorphous Symbol Systems
Systems
In most
In mostcases, magical symbol
cases,magical symbol systems
systems arc macrocosmic and
are macrocosmic and microcosmic
microcosmic
intendedto
models, intended
models, represent both
to represent both the inner and and outer
outerreality of their
reality of their
designers. The amorphous
designers. amorphous symbol
symbol system,
systeffi, however, of
collection of
however, is simply a collection
magical symbols.
magical symbols. Each is created
created as an individual entity, without
individual entity, regard to its
without regard
relationship to
relationship to the elements of
the other elements of the system. This is
system. This is not much an
not so much an
system as a collection of signs
alphabet or system created as needed.
signs created needed. Perhaps the best
examples of
examples of system
of this sort of system are found among
are found among the
the sigils of the
sigils of themedieval
medieval
and renaissance
renaissance grimoires, such as
grimoires, such Lesser K.y
as the Lesser Key of Solomon.
Solomon.

Hierarchical Systems
Hierarchical Systems
Hierarchical systemsare
Hierarchical systems organizedininaa "top down"
areorganized down" fashion, either as
fashion, either as
emanations from a representation
emanations from representation of godhead or as
monadic godhead
of monadic asconcepts
concepts
subsidiary to some central or chief idea.idea. For example, the archetypal opposites
of Chinese
of philosophy, Yin
Chinese philosophy, Yang, can be
Yin and Yang, be thought
thought ofofasasdifferentiated
differentiated
halves of
halves theTao,
of the whichisisboth
Tao,which botheverything
everythingand nothing.Similarly,
andnothing. Similady, the
the
(particulady the
elements (particularly the western
western elements)
elements) can be viewed
can be viewed as permutations of
as permutations
Yin
Yin and Yang. Thus
and Yang. fire isis **,
Thus fire ++, Earth is *-, air is *-,
it --, +-, and water is -*.
-+. The eight
Chinese trigramspa
Chinese trigrams (Pa Kua)
Kua) take take this one step
this one stepfarther,
farther, creating
creating a third
third
generation of four
generation four positive/negative pairs.
pairs.
^
Perhaps the most common
Perhaps common (and(and one of of the
themore
moresophisticated
sophisticated andand
elegant) of the traditional hierarchical
elegant) hierarchical systems
systems isis the Sephiroth or Tree of Life
the Sephiroth
of the
of theHebrew Qabalah.InInthis
HebrewQabalah. this cosmological model,
cosmological model,ten tenarchetypal
archetypal
emanations called
emanations spheresor
calledspheres or sephira emergefrom
sephiraemerge fromthe void to
the void form the
to form the
universe. These ten spheres
universe. These spheres are areconnected
connected by bytwenty-two
twenty-two paths,
paths, each
each
represented by letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
twenfy-two letters
by one of the twenty-two alphabet.

204
204
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Tsyin / \ H€tf

205
205
The
Ttre Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sephircth
Sephiroth Title Planet Animal Color Metal
Metal Jewel
Jewel
Kether Crown Swan White Diamond
Sar
Star
Chokmah Wisdom
$Tisdom Human Goy
Gray
Rby
Ruby
Binah Understanding
Understanding Saturn Raven Black Lead Ot)o
Onyx
Hotse
Horse
Chesed
Chesed Merry
Mercy Jupiter
Jupiter of
or Blue Tin Sapphire
Sapphire
Unicorn
Ram or
Geburah
Geburah Severity Mars Red Iton
Iron Ruby
Basilisk
(Ihe
Beauty (The ot
Lion or
Lion
Tiphareth Sun Yellovr
Yellow Gold Topaz
Kirg)
King) Phoenix
Netzach Victory Venus Dove Green Copper
Coppet Emetald
Emerald
Hod Splendor
Splendot Mercury
Mercury Peacock
Peacock Orange Metcury
Mercury Opd
Opal
Foundation or Hare or
Yesod Moon Ftog
Purple
Puqple Silver Pearl
Pead
Throne
Thtone Frog
Crystal
Malkuth Kingdom
Kingdom Earth Bull Brown
Brovrn
Quartz
Quartz

206
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcornb

Part of
Letter Hebrew English Numbei
Number Image Attributions
Body

(fx Respiratory
Aleph ) A1 1
1 Ox Air
system
system

Nervous
Nervous
Beth IH B
B 2 House Mercury
Irfercury
system

Lymphatic
Gimel lH G 33 Camel Moon
I\foon
system

Daleth iI D 4 f)oor
Door Venus Genitals

He 2n H 55 Window Aries
Window Aries Head, Face
Face

Pin or Shoulders,
Shoulders,
Vau
\rau Y \rlv
V,W 6
Hook
FIook
Taurus
Arms

Zayin
Zaytn T Z 7 Sword Gemini Lungs

Cheth DD Ch 8 Fence Cancer

Cancer Stomach

Teth 3E T 9 Serpent
Seqpent Leo
Leo Heart
Heart

Yod Ivw Y,I 10 Hand \rirgo

Virgo Back

20 or Digestive
Digestive
Kaph " K Fist Jupiter
Jupiter
500 System
System

tL Ox
C)x
Lamed L
1, 30 Libra Liver
Goad

40 or Organs of
Mem
I\fem I
J M
N{
600
Water Water
Nutrition

50 oorr
Nun ITF N Fish Scorpio Intestines
700

Hips,
Samekh tT SS 60 Prop
Prop Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Thighs
Thighs

Ayin D
D o
0 70 Ey.
Eye Capricorn
Capricom Genitals

Pe AT P
P 80 or Mouth
Nfouth Mars
I\fars Muscular
N{uscular

207
207
The Magician's
Mryician's Reflection
Reflection

Hebrew English Number Image Part of

Letter Attributions
Body

800 system

90 or Fish- Kidneys,
Kidneys,
F zaddi
Tzaddi <( Ta
Tz Aquarius
Aquarius
900 Hook Bladder

xt Back of
Qoph
Qoph a
Q 100 Pisces
Pisces Legs, feet
Head

R(2,11 eB R Circulatory
Circulatory
Resh 200 Head Sun
system

Shin Cc Sh 300 Tooth Fire. Spirit Brain

zZ Tau Saturn,
Saturn,
Tau Th 400 Skeleton
Skeleton
Cross Earth

familiar with
Those familiar with the Hebrew Qaba Qabalah ah will
will be aware
aware thatthat many
many other
other
attributions exist or are are possible,
possible, as well as
as well asalternative atuibutions in the
alternative attributions
categories
categories given.
gfven.
A lifetime
lifetirne can be spent
spent studying
studying thethe associations relationships of
associations and relationships
the parts ofthe
parts of theSephiroth.
Sephiroth.EvenEvencasual
casualexamination
examinationwillwillreveal
reveal interesting
interesting
interactions within the system.
interactions within system. ForFor example,
example, the the path between
benveen Tiphareth (the
Sun) and Hod
Hod (representing
(representing the
the intellect)
intellect) is
is Ayin (the eye).
eye).
For those
those interested in more
interested in more information
information andand are
arenotnotalready
alreadyfamiliar
familiar
with the Hebrew Qabalah, II would
Hebrew Qabalah, would particularly reconunend The
particularly recommend Liiing,Qabalab
The Liuingpabalab
by Will Parfitt and A
Will Parfitt A Garden
Garulen of Pomegmnates by Israel Regardie.
of Pomegranate Regardie.
Other hierarchical systems include
hierarchical systems include thethe seven chakras of
seven chakras of Hindu and and
Buddhist meditation,
rneditation, the seven latifah of sufism,sufism, and the nine
nine psychic
psychic centers
centers
of Taoism. Many,
Many, many other systems
systems exist.
exist.

208
 BiIl Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Cyclical Systemg
Cyclical Systems
Cyclical systemsere
Cyclical systerns are probably
probably the the most common of of magical symbol systems,
magical symbol systems,
forrns aa progression,
since any system that forms progression, whether hierarchical ot
whether hierarchical or otherwise,
otherrntise,
can also be arranged circle.
arranged in aa circle.
might be
As might i*g*.{ many
be imagined, many cyclical associated with the
cyclical systems are associated
calendar and phases of time time such
such asas weeks, lunar phases,
ureeks, lunar rnonths, and
phases, months, and years.
years.
zodiac is
western zodiac
The western is an excellent example
an excellent of aacyclical
example of cyclical symbol system:
systern:

209
•

The Magician's Reflection

Reflection

Zodiacal
Zodhcal-
Phnefi Element
Elemcnt N Colon Bodily-
Bodily.
Datest Planet
Mitotic atured Animate
Naturct Animail C olo n Stoneri
$tonan
Systeml
Signn
Signs SySterna
Dec-21.
Dec'21'
Capricorn.
Capricomn to-Jan-
to'Jan. Saturn.
Satumn Earth.
Earthn Cardinal.
Cardinaln Goat.
Goat* Black.
Elackn Turquoise.
Turquoisen Skeletal.
Skeletafc
20.
20,c

Jan 20
Jan'20'
Aquarius.
Aquariusa to Feb
tofeb' Uranus.
Uranusa Air.
Airn Fixed.
Fixsds Eagle.
Eaglen Violet.
Violetn Amethyst.
Amethystn Circulatory.
Circulatoryn
19.
tga
Feb•19
Feb'19-
Sea
$ea.
Pisces.
Pisceso to Mar
to'Mar' Neptune.
Neptuner Water.
VVslsrr Mutab,leo Fish.
Mutable. Fishn
Green. Bloodstoner Lymphatic.
Green* Bloodstone.
Lymphatico
20.
20o

Mar 20
Mar'20'
Aries.
Aries'" to Apr
to.Apr- Mars.
Marso Fire.
Fires Cardinal.
Cardinalo Ram.
Ram," Red.
Red" Diamond.
Diamondo Cerebral.
Cerebrala
19.
19a

Apr 19-
Apr'19.
Sapphire
Sapphire. Larynx,
Larynx,'
Taurus.
Taurus.' to-May
to.May- Venus.
Venusc Earth.
Earth" Fixed.
Fixeds Bull.
Bullo Pale''
Pale' Blue.
Blue,lr Throat.
Throatn
20.
20r
May
May'
Nervous.
Nervous..
Gemini.
Gemini" 20- to•
20.to' Mercury. Air.
Mercrtry'' Airr Mutable.
Mutablen Raven.
Ravensr Yellow. Agale.
Yeltown Agaten
Respiratory.
Respiratoryn
Jan 20.
Jan20n
Jun 20.
Jun'20-
Cancer.
Cancerp to.Jul.
to'Jul^ Moon.
Mcon a Water.
lffaters Cardinal.
Cardinal* Crab.
Crabn Green.
Greeno Pearl.
Feark Digestive.
Digestivea
ll*
22.
July-22-
July'22'
Leo.
Leoa to-Aug•
toAug- Sun.
Suno Fire.
Fireg Fixed.
Fixedn Lion.
Liono Gold.
Goldp Ruby.
Flubyt Cardiac.
Cardiacn
22.
22s
Aug-22.
Aug"22"
Virgo.
Virgoo to-Sept
to'Sept' Mercury.. Earth.
Mercury. Earthn Mutable.
lvtutables Cat.
Caln Blue.
Blue& Sardonyx.
Sardonyx.u Alimentary.
Afimentaryn
lln
22.
Sept.
Sept.
Libra.
Libras 22-to
?Z'to' Venus.
Venusq Air.
Airn Cardinala Serpent.
Cardinal. $erpente Pink.
Pinkn
'ehrysslite," Renal.
glrYsokle. Renalo
Oct
Oct'22a22.
Oct.22.
uct.'12-
Dark
De*.
Scorpio.
Scorpioa toNov-
to"Nov' Mars.
Marsa Water.
Watera Fixed.
Fixeds $corpiom Red.
Scorpion. Opal.
Opaln Generative.
Generativer
Rsdn
21.
21a
Nov-21-
Nov'21'
Sagittarius.
Saoi to-Dec-
to.Dec- Jupiter.
Jupitern Fire.
Fireo Mutable.
Mutablen Aurochs.
Aurqchs.s Orange.
Orange Topaz.
Topazo Hepatic.
Hepaticn
21.
21s

Notice how the

the signs cycle through their
signs cycle associations with the elements and
their associations
their natures, zodiacal rtgtt
nafures, each zodiacal sign being
being aa unique combinationof
unique combination one of the
of one
four elements
four elements and one of
andone of the three natures.
natures. InInaddition,
addition, each of these
each of these
combinations association with a planet.
combinations is modified by association planet.

210
2LO
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

take a look
For example, take look at the differences three zodiacal
differences in the three zodiacal
manifestations of the earth element:
manifestations element:

Zodiacal. Dates Planett . Elem.

Eleme Anim
Naturep Anim Col Stonen
Bodily..
Bodily
Signn
Datesa Planeta ntn Naturea
aln OrI
Monett
Systemn
Signs nth ala or Systema
Dec 21
Dec'21'
Capricomn to
Capricorn. Jan
to'Jan' Salurn.
Satumn Earth.
Earths, Cardinal.,
Cardinaln Goat.,
Goats Blacka Skeletala
Turquoise* Skeletal.
Blacka Turquoisen
20a
20q

Apr"14
Apr'19
Sapphire
Sapphire, Larynx.
Larynx,'
Tams.,
Taurusc to May Venus.
to.May- Venusn Earth.,
Earthg Fixedn
Fixed. Bull.
Bulln Pales Bluv,
Pale. Blueu Throat.
Throata
20.
20o

Aug'22'
Aug 22
Virgo.
Virgoo Sept Mercury.,
to Sept: Merc,ury Earth.,
Earth.' Mutable.,
Mutable" Cat.
Catsr Blue.
Bluen Sardonyx.
$ardonyxo Alimentary.
Alimentaryn
22.'
22n

Again, as in
Again, in the caseofofthe
thecase the manyadditional
Sephiroth,many
Sephiroth, additionalandandalternative
alternative
are possible.
attributions are possible.
corrunon cyclical
Other common systems include
cyclical systems include the eight
eight trigrams Kua) of
trigrams (Pa Kua) of
philosophy, the
Chinese philosophy,
Chinese the seven planets, five elements
the five
planets, and the (both western
elements (both \vestern
Chinese).
and Chinese).

Grid-Based Systems
Grid-Based Systems
\flhile
While they are not as
are nor ascommon
corrunonasashierarchical orcyclical
hierarchicalor cyclical systems,
systems, some
some
magical symbol
magical systemsare
symbol systems arrangedin
are arranged in grids. This is
grids. This the case
is often the case with
r,vith
systems that
that permutate the elements,
elements, such
such as John Dee's Enochian
as John Enochian and thethe
1-Ching. A typical
Chinese 1-Ching. rypical elemental gtid
grid is shown below:
belorv:

EE
Air of Air Fire of Air Air of Fire Fire of Fire

EE
Earth of
Air
Water of
Air
Earth of Fire Water of Fire

EEAir of
Earth
Fire of
Earth
Air of Water Fire of Water

EE
Earth of
Earth
Water of
Earth
Earth of Water

2LL
211
Water of Water
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

The Chinese
Chinese Tai Hsuan Ching Ching isis aamore
moreunusual
unusualexample
example ofof aagrid-based
grid-based
system. While the
system. While the elemental
elemental systems derive from
systems dedve from the
the permutation ofof dualistic
dualistic
principles (hot/cold, dry/moist, active/passive,
principles (hot/cold, acttvef passive, and so or),
and so on), the Tai Hsuan
Hsuan
Ching is based
based ononthree
threeprinciples to the
similar to
principles similar thealchemical
alchemical concepts of
sulphur mercury (+
sulphur (+), mercuqr (+ -), and salt
salt (-). In the
C). In theTai
TatHsuan
HsuanChing,
Ching, these
these
concepts are expressed respectively as
expressed respectively as Tien (Heaven)
(Fleaven) represented by an
unbroken ^re
line, Jen (Man)
line, Jen represented by
(l\fan) represented by a line broken
broken once, and Ti Ti (earth)
(earth)
line broken twice.
represented as a line twice. The
" concepts
The three
three concepts are used to form nine
are
combinations, which
combinations, which themselves
themselves are combined into
are combined symbols of
into the 81 basic symbols
the Tai Hsuan Ching.

Error
2 Chiu Error 9 Hsiung Evil Regret
4 Lin Regret
NOMMMO rrI
OM 0/1 r
NMI r
I I
■ rrI BM M
10/

7 Tsai 5 P'ing Average Portent

3 Hsing Portent
III
MI MI rI
■ MN Miiii
IT
NM rrr
M M Mii

Reiection
6 Hui Rejection Il Chi Lucky
Luclqy 8 Hsiu Fortune
I
■ IN I
■ Millli■I III ME
M
rII
MIII Ini NM 1.0=1 rNM= l♦
I
The best available source of
available source more information
of more information on the Tai Hsuan Ching Chin g is
rs The
by Derek
Chingby
Tai Hsuan Ching Derek Walters.
pteceding examples
The preceding examples were given
glven in an exceptionally form,
exceptionally brief form,
^n sort of stnrctures
since they were intended only
were intended only to give
give an idea of
an idea of the
the structures that can
be used. A slightly
used. A more extensive
slightly more ovenriew of
extensive overview othertraditional
of these and other traditional
systems is provided
provided intn The Magician's Companion.
Companion.

Assembling a Symbol
Assembling Symbol System
The following
The describesaa possible
following process descdbes set of procedures
possible set for putting
procedures for putting
together aa magical
mag'ical symbol system.

l. Decide
I. Decide whether your system
whether your focus on
system will focus on a specific
specific class
class or
classes of
mixed classes
mixed of concepts images. The
concepts and images. ^ planets
The seven planets of the
ancients are a good example of a symbol
symbol system focused around a
specific class. The
specific class. alphabet of the Qabalah
The Hebrew alphabet Qabalah is an
an example
example

212
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
of aa system
system based on mixed classes. In
mixed classes. In the case of the
the Hebrew
Hebtew
alphabet, letter is focused
alphabet, each letter on aaconcrete
focused on concrete image ofvarying
image of varying
type, such
type, such as
as water,
water, mouth,
mouth, fish-hook, and ox
2. Will
Will your
your symbols
symbols focus
focus onon abstract concepts, concrete images,
images, or
(if of mixed classes) both?
both? Abstract concepts are are general
general themes,
themes,
philosophical ideas,or
philosophical ideas, processes, such
or processes, love, spirit,
such as love, spirit, death,
death,
transformation, or
transformation, or victory.
victory. Concrete
Concrete images can be
imagescan Any of the
be any
classes of
classes of symbolic
symbolic categodes
categories such
such as
as gemstone,
gemstone, tree,
tree, and
and bitd,
bird, or
any of the members
members ofof those
thoseclasses,
classes, such
such as
as ruby,
ruby, oak,
oak, or
or eagle.
eagle.

a. Specific Class -- Absuact

Specific Class Abstract Concepts
i. Decide approximately how many
approximately how manysymbols
symbols
you want to create.
you

ii. Decide
Decide which abstract
abstract concepts youwill
concepts you will
use.
iii. Go to Step
iii. Step 3.

b. Specific Class -- Concrete

Specific Class Concrete Images
Images

i. Decide approximately manysymbols

approximately how many symbols
you want to create.
create.

ii. Decide what category

ii. category of images you urish
wish to
use (i.e. thebody,
(i.e. parts of the body, animals,
animals, plants,
plants,
etc.)
iii. the specific
Choose the
Choose members of the
specific members the
category you want
category you want to use.
iv. Go to
iv. to Step
Step 3.

c. Mixed Classes
Classes

i. Decide
Decide approximately manysymbols
approximately how many symbols
you want to
you want tocreate. Choosethe
create.Choose the
apptoximate set of images or concepts you
approximate
want to use.
use.

ii.
ii. Go to Step
Step 3.

3.Decide
3. Decide whether
whether youryoursymbol
symbolsystem willbebeprimarily
system will primarily
hierarchical, cyclical,gdd-based,
hierarchical, cyclical, grid-based, or
or amorphous.
amorphous.
a. Hierarchical
Hierarchical
i. Decide which concept
concept or or image
image you will use
you will use
for the originating
odginating or dominant
dominant symbol.
symbol. While
S7hile
II have
have never seen itit done,
never seen done,ititisisconceivable
conceivable
that you
you could
could have
have twotwosymbols
symbols(a (aduality),
duality),
ttitrity), or
symbols (a trinity),
three symbols or more as asequal
equal

213
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

primary symbols. Generally, though, though, even

even
those systems
systems emphasizing
emphasizing dualities (the Yin
Yang of
and Yang of Taoism)
Taoism) oror trinities
trinities (Brahma
(Brahma -
creator, Vishnu -- preserver,
creator, presenrer, Shiva
Shiva - destroyer
destroyer
or Father/Son/Holy
or Father/Son/Holy Ghost) tend to tounite
unite
them in aa single
single concept
concept (such as the Tao, Tao,
Brahmin, or Jehovah).
orJehovah).

ii. Decide whether your system u/ill be linear or

system will
branching.
branching.

If linear,
1. If
1. linear, decide
decide the order in which
order in which
the following
the following symbols $/ill occur.
symbols will occur.
This arrangement produces aa series
arrangement produces series
that can
can also
also easily be arranged
easily be arranged in in
cyclical form.
cyclical forrn.

2. If
If branching, howmany
decide how
branching, decide nuny
symbols will emanate ordiverge
emanate or diverge
from the initial symbol(s).
the initial Sfil your
symbol(s). Will
pattern
pattem bebe tree-like (r. the Hebrew
tree-like (as Hebrew
pyramidal, or
Sephiroth), pyramidal, or mandala-
mandala-
(branching in aa radial
like (branching radial fashion)?
fashion)?
Symbols
Symbols can readily
readily differentiate in
twos, threes,
threes, fours, and as
fours, and as the
the
hierarchical structure
hierarchical snrucnrre grows,
combinations:
combinations:
* Dualities are
* are typically
typically expressed
expressed
as male
as male andandfemale,
female,positive
positive
and negative
negative pairs.

•x( Trinities
Trinities are generally
expressions^te
expressions of thesis,
of thesis,
antithesis, synthesis or father,
antithesis, synthesis father
mother, and child
child sets.
* Few
* Few traditional
traditional systems
systems split
split
primary systems
primary systems in to
into
quadnrplicities, but
quadruplicities, but Father,
Father,
Son, and
Mother, Son, andDaughter
Daughter
sets can be used.
* Of
* Of course,
course, other
othercombinations
combinations
are possible.
possible.

3. Go to Step
Step 4.

b. Cyclical
Decide which symbol will begin the series.
i. Decide series.

214
214
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
ii. If applicable,
ii. If decide whether
applicable, decide whether you
you want link
want to link
the system
system to periods of time, such as:

** Moon phases (3
(3 or 4)
a)

** Seasons (4)
(4)

** Days of the week

weelc (7)
(7)

** Solar
Solar months (12)
(12)

** Hours (12 or 24)

(12 or 24)

** Lunar months
months (13)
(13)

** Lunar mansions
rnansions (28)
(28)

** Days of the month (28, 29, 30, or 31)

Q8,29,30,or
** An interval
intenral of minutes (such as 2,21 3,
31 4,
5, 6, 10,
10, 12,
12, 15,
15, 20, 30, or some other
20,30,
factor of 1440)
factor 1440)

** Fifths of the yer (73)

the year Q3)
** Quarters
Qu"tters ofof the
the year
year (91)
(91)

iii. thecyclical
iii. Decide whether the will be
stnrchre will
cyclical structure
circular, shaped like a lemniscate
circular, (fig*.-
lemniscate(figure-
eight), multilobed
elght), multi-lobed lilce^the petals of a flower,
like the flower,
and so on.
iv.
iv. Go to
to Step
Step 4.

c. Grid-Based
Grid-Based

i. Decide
Decide how many
many sides
sides (groups
futoups ofof symbols,
symbols,
concepts,
concepts, etc.) your grid will use. Most
glid will Most grids
grrds
are simple
are simple x-yx-y tables, butyou
tables, but youcould
could
conceivably use three, four, or even
three, four, even more
rnore
ffiil:tJlJ'.
symbolic sets.
ii
ii. Decide whether the grid will concatenate a
ffi:',:i'*.'Jhrilo,Y i"J'ii,-n,i
single set or multiple sets. For example,
elemental mixturesare
elemental mixnrres of single
are aa type of single set
set
grid, where the same set of
grid, where of elements
elements is used
used
on both sides of the grid. Starting with the
ff :"':"1*":f
four traditional ',T. tr*' 5#:"r,",*:
western elements, this
g:,iH#;:ffi:T:
produces 16 combinations such as
earth, watery air, and so on.
nre of
as Eire

iii. A grid
iii. gtid using different symbolic
using different symbolic sets, such as
as
traditional elements and
uaditional elements planets,would
and planets, would

215
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

combinations such
produce combinations such as fire of
as Eire of
Mercury, or water
I\fercury, or water of Saturn.
Safurn.

iv. Go to Step
Step 4.

1.
1. If you
you wish,
wish, associate orsyllables
associate phonemes or syllables with your symbols.
symbols.
The process of assigning
process of assigning phonemes orsyllables
phonemes or syllables with symbols
symbols is
discussed
discussed in Chapter 19.
19.

2. Create graphic
graphic signs
signs to represent
reptesent your symbols.
symbols.

i. Decide
Decide whether each sign will be pictorial
pictorial or
nonpictorial.
If the
the sign
sign is
is non-pictorial,
non-pictorial, decide
decide whether youyou
create it by sigilizing
will create
will sigilizin g a
a related
rclated English word
or phrase, by designing
phrase, by designing it according
according toto graphic
graphic
concepts, or
concepts, or bybyreceiving
receiving it it through
thtoughsome
some
method such as as visual
visual meditation
meditation oror automatic
automatic
drawing.
ii. Create each symbol.
ii.
If the
the sign wn be
signwill bepictorial,
pictorial, develop
develop aasimplified
simplified
representationof
representation ofthe
of one of theconcrete
concreteimages
images
associated with the
associated the symbol. Thisrepresentation
symbol. This representation
should be beevocative anddistinguishable
evocative and distinguishable from
from
other signs,
other butsimple
signs, but simpleenough
enoughto toeasily
easily
reproduce.IfIf the
reproduce. signisisnon-pictorial,
thesign non-pictorial, use
use
whichever
whichever method you have chosen to create
create it.

iii. If youhave
If you haveassociated
associated phonemes
phonemes or orsyllables
syllables
with your symbols,
symbols, spend some time tryingttyirg to
the link
establish the link between
between the
the sound, the concept,
and the graphic
gaphic symbol.
symbol.

You may wish to to create

create aasmall ritual for
smallritual for
"breathing
"breathing life" into each
each symbol. Fot example,
symbol. For example,
you could
could chant
chant the
thephoneme
phonemeor orsyllable
syllable while
while
visualizing, drawing, or
visualizhg, drawing, or gesturing (drawing in
gesturing (drawing in the
air) the graphic sign.
3. At this point, youyou have thethe skeleton
skeleton of aa symbol
symbol system
system in that
you have chosen aa set of central
set of central images or concepts,
images or concepts, associated
associated
phonemes/syllables and
phonemes/syliables and graphic signs, and
graphic signs, arranged (or not
and aranged
arranged) them
arranged) them in a meaningful fashion. You
meaningful fashion. should now be
You should
ready to flesh
ready flesh out
^ system by
out the
the system by associating elements of any or
associating elements
all of the following
following symbolic
symbolic categories:
categories:
** Geometric shapes or formsforms (in
(in addition to the graphic
signs you've already
already created)

216
216
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

** Numerical values
values
* Articles
* Articles of
of clothing, so that each part of your symbolic
clothing, so symbolic
system reflected in something
system is reflected something that could be be worn
worn
while performing ritual
rirual

** Tools or objects
obiects that
that can
can be ritually manipulated,
be ritually manipulated, used
to create
to create aatalisman,
talisman, oror used
usedtotoaddadd symbolic
symbolic
significance to your daily
significance routines
daily routines
* Parts of the psyche
* psyche or soul,
soul, or parts of the
the body
body and
and
functions, to facilitate
bodily functions, healing ritual
facilitate healing ritual and
and to
microcosm and
benpeen the microcosm
express the relationship between
macrocosrn
macrocosm
* Plants, or
{< Plants, sub-categories of
or sub-categories of plants such as
as herbs,
herbs,
flowers, or trees
flowers,
* Psychoactive substancesthat
Psychoactivesubstances that express of
express states of
consciousness you associate with each symbol
consciousness symbol
* Substances,
* Substances, or sub-categories
sub-categories of substances,
substances, such as
as
chemical elements, rnetals,
chemical metals, gems, rninerals, and
gerns, minerals, and
corunon materials
common materials

** Colors
Colors

** Physical gestures or
Physical gesnrres or body
body positions
positions

** Natural phenornena
phenomena
* Parts of
* of the
theenvironment, features of
as features
environment, such as of the
the
landscape or of architecture
landscape architecture

** Time, such part of the day,

such as part dry, or part of the calendar
calendar

** Animals
Animals
4. Decide
4. whether you
Decide whether will associate
you will each symbol
associate each with an
symbol with an
embodiment or
embodiment personification. Also, decide whether
or personification. whether the the
embodirnent or
embodiment or personification
personification will
will be a composite
composite creature.
creature.
That is, will it be made
it be upof
made up ofcombined ^ hurnanand
combined human andanimal
animal
elements?
elements?

If primarily human, each

If primarily personification can combine
each personification combine two
two
major sets of attributes:
attributes:

a. Decide whether the

the personification male, female,
personification is male, female, or
hermaphroditic.
hermaphroditic.
b. Decide
b. Decide whether
whether the personification is an
the personification infant, child,
an infant, child,
youth, rnature
youth, mature adult, or ancient.

2t7
217
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

In some
some cases, may wish to have a number
you may
casesr |ou numbet of of personifications
personifications for each each
symbol. For example,
symbol. exampler |ou you might
might want to describe
descdbe aa male aspect, aafemale
male aspect, female
aspect, and a composite
composite creature.
creature.
Typically, determining the
Typically, detetmining the embodiment
embodiment or personification
personification of a symbol symbol
can involve all of the the symbolic categories you have
symbolic categories have used to to assemble
assemble your yotrr
symbol system. For example, example, aa human
human personification
peffionification might
might wearwear symbolic
syrnbolic
clothing c#ry certain
clothing and carry certain obiects hrir, skin,
objects or tools. Its hair, skin, or apparel
apparel might
might be
of significant colors. If depicted,
significant colors. depicte4 the
the figure's
figure's expression,
expression, physical attitude, and
physical attinrde,
gestures
gestues might all relate to the meaningsmeanings of its associated
associated symbol.
It is
is essential that all
essential that symbolic aspects of an embodied symbol be as
all symbolic
harmonious
hatmonious and correct as as you can
can make
rnake them.
lhem. IfIf you
you wish
wish to to ritually
ritrrdly assume
assurne
a persona to attempt
atternpt to todevelop paticular skill
develop aaparticular skill or trait,
trait, it is
is this
this personified
perconified
form you u/iil
form you use. IfIf you
will use. you wish
wishtoto do
do trance
trance work
work or or evocation
evocation and and attempt
attempt to
talk to aa spirit orgodform
spirit or godform connected
connected withwith your
your symbol system, this is the
symbol system,
fiSo*
figure you'uli[
you will converse
converse with.
with.
The skill
The insight you have
skill and insight have used
used totoassemble
assemble youryour symbols
symbols and and
describe thefu
their personified forms will determine
forms will determine their embodiment's
embodiment's usefulness
usefulness
as teachers, models, and servants.
teachefs, rnodels, servants.

218
 Chapter 20: Magical Alphabets
2Oz Magical Alphabets

Initially, aa magical
Initially, alphabet is
magical alphabet simply *a magical
is simply magical symbol system that
symbol system that has been
associated with phonemes or
associated orsyllables.
syllables. Many
Nfany alphabets traditionally used by
alphabets traditionally by
magicians are
magicians are really
really ciphers, since their
ciphers, since their purpose
purpose waswas more to preserve
presen/e secrecy
secrecy
(or to simply
(or to simply establish
establish an alphabet that was used only for for magic)
magic) than to
particular symbolic function.
perform aa particular function. NfostMost of these are are ciphers for Arabic,
ciphers for Arabic,
Greek, or Hebrew.
Hebrew.
Once one
Once one gets beyond the
gets beyond obviousqualities
the obvious qualities of of aamagical
magical alphabet
alphabet (i.e.
(i.e.
it be
that it be ananalphabet
alphabet and thatititbe
andthat bemagical), thereare
magical), there many ways
aremany ways inin which
which
alphabets may may be structured.
stmctured. Most Nfost alphabets fall fall into one of of three
three categories;
categories;
pictographic, syllabic,
pictographic, syllabic, andand phonetic.
phonetic.
In the
In the true
true pictographic
pictographic alphabet,
alphabet, each symbol or
each symbol or cluster of symbols
cluster of symbols
represents one
represents one or or more
moreconcepts.
concepts. Often, Often, thetheconcepts
conceptsrepresented
represented are are
homophones -- that
homophones is, different words that
that is, that sound
sound the the same
same (such "veil" and
(such as "veil"
"vale'). The same
"vale"). same signsigtt may also represent aa variety variety of concepts with related
concepts with related
meanings. Typically,aa pictogtaphic
meanings. Typically, languagesuch
pictographic language such as Chinese may
as Chinese may have
have
thousands of signs.signs.
The graphic
The component of
graphic component of aamagical alphabet may often
magical alphabet often be be
pictographic.
pictographic. Ferv magicians have
Few magicians tried to
have tried toproduce
producemagicalmagicallanguages,
languages,
horvever, much less
however, less languages
languages associated with with pictographic
pictographic symbols.
symbols. Those
pursue this
who wish to pursue this end find itit useful
may Find
end may useful to construct
construct aa phonetic
phonetic magical
magical
alphabet, use
alphabet, use it toconstruct
it to constructtheir theirmagical language, and
magical language, then create
and then create its
its
pictograp
pictographichic representation.
representation.
A syllabic
A syllabic alphabet
alphabethas sign for
has a sign for most if if not
notallallcombinations
combinations of of
phonemes used in
phonemes in a given ^
givenlanguage.
language. While tMhile simpler
simpler than thanaapictographic
pictographic
alphabet, aa syllabic
^
syllabic alphabet may still still have several hundred signs.
have several signs.
One approach
approach to toproducing
producingaasyllabic magical alphabet is to
syllabic magical to associate
associate
groups of phonemes with with different
different symbolic categories or
symbolic categories groups of concepts,
or groups
then to
and then toarrange
arrange thesethese groups in in aa grid
grid sosothatthatthethecombination
combination of of
produces symbolic
phonemes produces symbolic clusters
clusters associated with syllables.
associated with syllables.
The following
The following example examplesho'uvs portion of
showsaa portion grid that
three-way grid
of a three-way that
associated with clusters of concrete images:
syllables associated
produces syllables
^
images:

220
 Bill Whitcomb
13i11 Whitcomb
Concept FI -- Color
Concept Color

Corcept 2 - Elementol Substonce

Wind
Wind hit WW2= :ZA F
Spilt
Spirit
1:AF aWF
A:&V I =111
Fire
Fire
A:E=StWA:M.
Stave
Stone
A I I I7
Aaia=1 1
Water
Woter
AA AF 27. 2 VA •
Concept
Concept 33--Animal
Animol

Phonetic alphabets are typically made up of vowels and various types of

:l:,TffIi"*I l::"H':*'J:3'x ffi #:Hil::: H'i"$
consonants. Vowel sounds are made with aTrelatively unimpeded air flow
through
through the mouthmouth or or nose. Consonant sounds
nose. Consonant sounds are produced by
are produced by closing
closing or
narrouring the vocal tract so
narrowing that air
so that air passing through causes
passing through causes audible friction.
audible friction.
From aa linguistic consonantstend
standpoint, consonants
linguistic standpoint, tend toto occur at the the margins
margins of of
syllables while
syllables while vowels typicallyoccur
vowels typically occurat at the
the center of of syllables.
syllables. Perhaps for for
this reason, many
many people
people have thought that consonants represented the body
have thought body
of speech,
speech, while vowels represented
while vowels represented the soul or spirit. spirit.
\Vhile it is not known
While known how how many
many phoneme
phoneme segments
segments can theoretically
cantheoretically
distinguished in
be distinguished speech, no
in speech, language is
no human language known to use more
is known rnore thanthan
l4l. This seems like quite
141. quite a lot, however,
however, when one one considers
considers thatthat English
English
only uses about 44
uses about 44phoneme
phoneme segments.segments. On Onthe theaverage,
average,most mostlanguages
languages
about 23 consonants
contain about
contain consonants and vowels. Or
and 9 vowels. put itit another
Or to put another way,w?|r thethe
"fypical" language
"typical" language uses a littlelitde over twice
nvice asas many
many consonants as as vowels.
Both consonants
consonants and and vowels
vowels are are classified
classified by the the physical
physical process we
to make
use to their sounds.
make their sounds. MostI\fost of the the consonants
consonants used English can be
used in English
classified into five
five groups:
\relar): Guttural
Guttural (or Velar): Guttural consonants are pronounced pronounced with the the
back part of the
back the tongue raised toward the soft
tongue raised soft palate.
palate. These are ate the
the deepest
deepest
sounds, arising from chest and larynx.
sounds, include G, N
Gutturals include
larynx. Gutturals H,, K, CK,
CK and Q. Q.
Nasal: A
Nasal: A nasal
nasal sound is is produced
produced with with thethesoftsoftpalate
palatelowered,
lowered,
allowing air
allowing air to through the
escape through
to escape nose so that the
the nose the nasal cavity acts as a
nasal cavity
resonator. Nasal consonants include L and R.
Palatal: Palatal
Palatal: consonantsare
Palatalconsonants pronouncedwith
are pronounced with the surface of the
the surface
tongue arching toward,
toward, or held held near or against
near or against thethe hard
hard palate.
palate. Palatals include
Palatals include
J, Y, N,
J, Y, N,andandCh. Ch.Nasals
Nasalsand andpalatals
palatalsare intermediate between
areintermediate between the the deep
deep
gutturals and the more more externalized
externalized dentals.
dentals.
Dental: Dental
Dental: Dental consonants
consonants are pronounced with the tongue tongue touching
touching
the tips of the
tips of theupper teeth.Somewhat
upperteeth. Somewhat more more externalized
externalized than the gutturals,
than the gutturals,
nasals, and
nasals, palatals,dental
and palatals, consonantstend
dentalconsonants tend to to be
be clipped,
dipped, hard, and abrupt. abrupt.

22t
221
The Magician's
Magician's Reflection

Dentals include
Denials include S, Z, Z, T,T, Th,
Th, and
and DD(though
(though S, S,Z, T,and
Z,T, Thare
andTh aretechnically
technically
alveolar).
considered alveolar).
Labial: Labial
Labial: Labialconsonants
consonantsare arethose pronounced vrith
those pronounced lips. Though
the lips.
with the
relatively soft
some are relatively sounds, labials
soft sounds, labials are are the exterior of
the most exterior all the
of all the
^re
consonant sounds. Labials
consonant includeW,
Labialsinclude W,F, F,\r,V, N,N, B, and P. F and and V V are
are labia-
labio-
dental. W, B, andand PP are bilabial.
are bilabial.
Many magicians and
N{any mag'icians and mystics
mystics have triedttied to attribute
attribute symbolic
symbolic meaning
meaning
to sounds
to soundsusing
using similar
similar methods
methods of ofclassification,
classification, with varying degrees of
with varying of
success.
success.
The following
folloudng elemental attributions by
elemental attributions by Rowena
Rowena Pattee Kryderl are
Pattee Kryder' are an
example of
example of what can be done. II think
be done. think itit isisan unusually fine attempt
unusually fine attempt at a
^n it's^
difficult task,
difficult task, but
but by
by no should it
means should
no means it be taken as gospel.
gospel. InIn the end,
end, it's
probably best to say
probably that associating sounds with aa magical
say that magical symbol systemsystem is
one of
one ofthe
themost
mostpersonal
personal and idiosyncratic phases
andidiosyncratic phases in the construction
construction of aa
magical alphabet.The
magical alphabet. The important thing is
important thing that you
is that end up
you end up with something that
with something that
harmonious to you,
seems harmonious though that
lou, though that will likely require
.nrill likely require some revision
revision and
and
smoothing rough edges.
smoothing of rough edges.

Air - Gutteral
Air Fire - Nasal and
Fire Palatal
and Palatal

Air Air
Air of Air Air
Fire of Air
Fire Air of
Air of Fire
Fire Fire of Fire
Fire Fire

H
H a
Q L
L R
\ilZater of Air
Earth of Air Water of Fire Earth of Fire
Fire
Water Air Earth Water Earth

G KCK
K, Ck J,
J,YY N
N

Water - Labial
Water Labial Earth -- Dental
Earth Dental
Air of Water
Air Water Fire of Water
Fire Water Ait of Earth
Air Fire of Earth
Fire Earth

w
W F,V
F, V S Z
lfater of
Water Earth of
Earth of Water of
Water of Earth of
Earth
Water
Water Water Earth Earth
M
N{

B,P
B, P T, Th D

't Reprinted rvith permission

Reprinted with from Saari]
permission from Samd Gntand
GroundIom Sad Spar,
SaLr'sd Rorvena Partee
Spam, by Rowena Kq'dss,
Pattee Kryder,
copyright 1994, Bear & Co., Santa
copyright Santa Fe, NI\{.
N

222
222
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Here is anan assortment

assortment ofof vowel
vowel and
and consonant definitions to choose
consonant definitions frorn
choose from.
There are many
many others, aied to avoid
others, but I have tried avoid those phonemes, such as the
various clicks
various used in
clicks used in Xhosa
Xhosa and other African languages,
othet African languages, thatthat would
would be most
unfamiliarand
unfamiliar difficultfor
and difficult native English
for native speakers.IfIfyou
Englishspeakers. up to
feel up
you feel the
to the
whistles,glottal
clicks, whisdes,
clicks, glottalstops, and other
stops,and less common sounds, by all means go
other less
ahead.
ahead.
It is possible,
It possible, like English,to
like English, have one
to have sign stand for aa variety
one sign of
variety of
sounds, or youyou may choose to to have
have each associated with one sound
sign associated
each sign only.
sound only.
limited only by your imagination
You are limited imagination and
and resolve
resolve as as to how complex
complex a
system wish to describe.
you wish
systern you example, h
describe. For example, in the case of the
case of vowels below,
thevowels below,
associate a
could associate
you could pronunciation for
a pronunciation for each
each elemental (i... one
aspect (i.e.
elemental aspect one
pronunciation of "A" "A" for
for each of fire,
fue of
sub-element, fire
each sub-element, fire, air fir., and so on).
air of fire,

Vowels and Vowel

Vowels and Vowel Segments
Segments
A as in
in "fate" or "ale" E as in "eve" of
in "eve" or "Eden
"Eden"
in "far"
A as in "far" or "what"
"what" E as in
in "prey" crr
or "eight"
A as in "fast" or
in "fastt' or "soda"
"soda" in "her" or "verse"
E as in

A as in
in "fall"
"fall" or "paw" E as in "met" or
in "met" or "ebb"
A as in
in "final"
"final" or
or "seanlan"
"seaman" EE as in "need"
A as in
in "cafe"
"care"
t'accord" ttnotett ttsott
in "at" or "accord"
A as in o as in
in "note" or "so"
in ttrnovett
o as in "move" or or tttornbtt
"tomb"
I as in "life"
in "nine" or "life" o as in "long" or "off'
"long" ot "off"
I as in
in "rnarine"
"marine" o as in
in "wordtt or "atorn"
"word" or "atom"
I as in "bird" or "firrn"
in "bird" "firm" in "not" or "contest"
o as in "contest"

I as in .'it"
in "it" or "vapid"
"vapid" OOasasin
00 in "moon"
"rnoon" or "food"
ot "food"
OO "foot" or
in "foot"
00 asasin "book"
or "book"

U as in "fuse" or "futile"
in "fuse" "futile"
in "put"
U as in "put" or "btrll"
"bull" Y as in "eye"
"eye"

U as in "i,tty"
in "brute" or "jury" Y as in "mvth"
"myth"
in "fur"
as in
U as or "burn"
"fur" or
in t'nrbtt
as in
U as "rub" of
or "sun"
"sun" AU as in
A U as in "urnlaut"
"umlaut"

in "out"
OU as in OY as in "boy"
"boy"
as in "oil"
OI as

223
The Magician's
Magician's Reflection

Consonants and Consonant

Consonant Segments
Segments
"bird"
B as in "bird" "rat''
R as in "rat"
as ifif one
Bh as one pronounces "BobFlope"
pronounces"Bob in"sand"
Hope" SSasasin "sand"
quicLly
too quickly
Bw as in "bwana"
"bwana" "class"
SS as in "class"

Ch as in "chin"
"chful" Sh as in "shock"
"shock"
"Bach"
Ch as in "Bach" Sr as in "Sri Lanl<a" or "Basra"
"Sri Lanka" "Basra"
D as
D "dog"
as in "dog" T as in "talk"
as in "tallC'

in"fun"
F as in "fan" Th as "this"
as in "this"

"gold"
G as in "gold" Th as "thin"
as in "thin"

"Ghatra"
Gh as in "Ghana" Ts as
Ts in "rats"
as in ot "tsar"
"rats" or "tsaf"
H as in "horn Tz as "tza!'
in "tzar"
as in

"iam"
JJ as in "jam" "volley"
V as in "volley"
"r
ru in "bijou"
JJ as "bijou" as in "wing"
$7 as
W "\ilringt'

K as
K "key"
as in "key" X as "axe"
as in "axe"

L as in "lamp"
"lamp" Y as "yes"
as in "yes"

in trmoontt
M as in "moon" Z as "zany"
as in "zany"

N as "none"
as in "none" Z as "azttte"
as in "azure"

as in "thing"
Ng as "thing"
N' (ny)
(ry) as in "manana"
as in et
"rnafran^" or
"Nyasaland"
"Nyasaland"
P as in "pen"
"pen"
Q as "queer"
as in "queer"

ar in
Q as "fraq"
in "Iraq"

224
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

II
Assembling a Symbol System II
Assembling
The following
The describes aa possible
following process describes set of procedures
possible set for putting
procedures for putting
together the alphabet
alphabet part ofaamagical
part of magical alphabet. First, decide
alphabet. First, whether you
decide whether you
wish to associate phonemes oror syllables
syllables with your symbols.
symbols.

Syllabic Alphabet
Syllabic
1. Decide
1. Decide whether you want togenerate
want to thesyllables
generate the using aa grid
syllables using gtid
system or by
system some other method.
by some method.
For a grid-based system:
system:

a. you wish to use.

a. Choose the phonemes you use.

b. Separate
b. Separate the phonemes tnto
the phonemes such as
groups, such
into groups, as
vowels/consonants, typeof
vowels/consonants,type consonants, or
of consonants, or some
some
other grouping.
grouping.

I)ecide how many sets

c. Decide of phonemes
sets of phonemes (how many sides)
ho* many sides)
will use
you will use in your grid.
gdd.

d. Decide whether you

d. willassociate
youwill associate meanings with
meanings with
types of phonemes.
different types
different phonemes. That is, will
will the
the parts of
the
the syllables positions of
syllables (the positions thephonemes)
of the phonemes) youyou
associate with your symbols have additional
additional meaning.
meaning.

e. Use your grid to generate

e. the syllables
generate the you will use.
syllables you use.

f. Associate
1. Associate the syllables with your symbols,
the syllables symbols, either byby
relating the
relating meanings of
the meanings thesyllable's
of the (if you
syllable's parts (if you
assigned meaning to
assigned meaning diffetent types
to the different of phonemes)
rypes of phonemes)
to each
to each symbol,
symbol, or or by
byassigning them through
assigning them thtough some
some
random method. If If you do not want to use aa grid grid to
syllables,here
generate syllables,
generate here are
are some otherpossible
someother possible
methodtt
methods:
** Select
,.r.ct the
the phonemes
phonemes you you want to use. Then,
Then,
write each separate piece of
each phoneme on aa separate
paper andand draw
drawthemthemonioutof
^ i^t to
paper of a jar to
generate syllables.
syllables.

*' Similarly,
Similady, you
you can (ouiia) boatd
can use a talking (ouija) board
or a pendulum
or pendulumand andalphabet-wheel
alphabet-wheel to to
^ syllables.
generate syllables.

It helps
g. It toestablish
helps to establish some rules before
somerules before using
using random
random
methods. ForFor example,
example, syllables ptobably be
syllables should probably
made up of between
benveen two and four phonemes, must be
pronounceable, should not
pronounceable, should not have any any other
other meaning
meaning
(unless you
(unless feel this
you feel this adds toto the
thesymbols you are
symbols you Lre
creating), and so
creating), so on.
on.

225
 Magrcian's Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

h
l",iot** "[i"ifr:Y tfT;'1}f"',n.1"",.:k
h. You can also simply choose syllables you like,
combining phonemes in any way that seems
until you have
appropriate until enough syllables
have enough for your
syllables for your
system.
symbol system.
Associate the syllables
2. Associate syllables you
you have generated or
have generated with your
or chosen with your
symbols. One thing to
symbols. to note,
note, however,
however, isis that
that magic spirit
magic words, spirit
names, and suchsuch constructed usingaasyllabic
constructedusing magical alphabet
syllabic magical alphabet
will tend to
will tohave
haveaaveryve{ycharacteristic
characteristic andandperhaps
perhapsrepetitive
repetitive
sound. It is up
It is up toto you
you whether you feel
whether you this is
feel this or aa
benefit or
is a benefit
drar.vback.
^
drawback.
Phonetic Alphabet
Phonetic
Decide which
1. Decide
1. which phonemes you want to use.
2. Decide
2. whether you want to
Decide whether to differentiate the phonemes
differentiate the phonemes intointo
vowels and different
vowels and different types example, in
types of consonants. For example, some
in some
traditions, vowels
traditions, vowelsare thought to
arethought to represent or soul,
spirit or
represent the spirit soul,
while consonants
while are thought
consonants are thought to represent the body
body or matter.
matter.

3. In aabranching
3. In system, you might
hierarchical system,
branching hierarchical might wish to to assign
assign
"root" consonants
"root" consonants totosymbols
symbols high inthe
high in thehierarchy,
hierarchy,while
while
phonemes you consider their
assigning phonemes
assigning their derivatives to symbols
derivatives to symbols
farther down the
the hierarchical structure. You could also choose
hierarchical structure. choose
to
to attribute differentsymbolic
attributedifferent symboliccategories (plants,animals,
categories(plants, animals,
objects, whatever) to different types
obiects, whatever) of consonants.
rypes of Assign each
consonants. Assign each
phoneme you
phoneme chosen to
you have chosen a symbol.
to a symbol. This
This can be done in
done in
variety of ways:
variety ways:
* IfIf you
* youhave
haveassigned to different
meaning to
assigned meaning different types of
types of
phonemes, to associate
phonemes, you can use this to associate phonemes and
symbols.
symbols.
•* You
You could
could also use some
also use random method,
some random method, such
such as
as
placing the phonemes on slips
placing the of paper
slips of anddrawing
paper and drawing
them from aa jar.
iar
* Simply for each
choose aa phoneme for
Simply choose each symbol
symbol as
as seems
seems
appropriate to you.
most appropriate you.

226
 Chapter ZLz
Chapter Energizing the
21: Energizing
System

Forging the Magical

Magical Link
In order
order to
to use
use aa new
new magical
magical system, must establish
system, you must establish the magical
magrical link that
brings your symbols to to life
life and
and allows
allows communication
comrnunication between
between your inner
inner
wodd. There are three main processes
and outer world. processes that transform aa collection of
symbols into aa magical
magical system:
system:

Construction -- The
The effort,
effort, love,
love, and
and skill
skill devoted to crafting
crafting the
the symbols.
symbols.

Anchoring -- Using
Anchoring repetition and
Using repetition principlesofofstimulus/response
theprinciples
andthe stimulus/response
elements of each symbol
conditio.irg to link the disparate elements
conditioning embed it in
symbol and embed
the subconscious.
subconscious.

Consecration -- Performing
Consecration Performing an action to
an action toinaugurate themagical
inaugurate the magicalsystem,
system,
signifying its magical
signi$'ing its magicalnature
nature and separating itit from
and separating from the
the mundane.

Construction
The process
process ofof forging
forging the
themagical link is
magical link is begun
begunduring
during aamagical
mag'ical system's
system's
construction.
construction. The effort and attention expended
and attention expended on on your
your symbols
symbols during their
creation can be be considered
considered a ? form
formof ofsacrifice thatlends
sacrifice that yoursymbols
lendsyour symbols
significance beyond their technical perfection.
significance above and beyond perfection.
Of course, your symbols
course, your must match
symbols must matchyouryourintellectual
intellectual understanding
understanding
of symbolism.
symbolism. The associations
associations you have assembled logical to you, or
assembled must be logical
at least
least they
they should
should notnotseem
seemdiscordant. Althoughcreating
discordant. Although creatirg magical
magical symbols
symbols
may demand
demand rigorous application of
rigorous application of your intellect,itit must
your intellect, be more
must be more than an
exercise.Your
intellectual exercise.
intellectual symbolsmust
Yoursymbols mustalso draw on
also draw on your inruition, be
your intuition, be
emotionally satisfying,and
emotionally satis$'ing, andsignificant youin
significanttotoyou the light of your
in the your personal
personal
history.
history.
The sheer effort of
sheer effort of discovering
discovering your
your personal
personal symbols
symbols and
and assembling
assemblirg
them into aa coherent
coherent pattern lends them,
pattern lends them, in ina sense,
sense,some
somemagical
magical power.
power.
you have created aapersonal
^
However,
However, once you have created personal magical
magical system,
system, assembled
assembled thethe
symbolic associations, and designed the graphic
associations, and graphic signs, your magical
signs, your magical work is
only beginning.

Anchoring
For a magical system to
magical system effective, itit must seem a natural
to be most effective, natural part of your
psychic architecture. This can be partially
psychic architecture. accomplished just by memorization
partially accomplished memorization
and repeated
and repeated use. Asyour
use. As yoursymbols
symbols andandtheirtheirassociations become more
associations become more
familiar to
familiar to you, your dreams,
dreams, visions, will b.Sn
intuitjve processes will
visions, and intuitive begin to

227
227
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

adapt the
the new
new "language,"
"languag€," opening refining a channel of communication
opening and refining coffununication
with
with your conscious mind.
mind.
You can also exercises to
also create exercises to aid process. In the
aid in the anchoring process.
following ritualis
example,aa ritual
following example, to activate
is used to activate each Like other
symbol. Like
each symbol. other
examples in this
examples in this book, feel free to experiment
experiment to see what
what works best for you.
1. Choose one of
1. of the
thesymbols you have
symbols you have created.
created. IfIf your
vour system
system is is
hierarchical or
hierarchical or lineat,
linear, choose
choose the first symbol.
symbol. Draw the graphic sign sign
in the
in theappropriate
appropriate color(s), making it
color(s), making at least
it at leastseveral inches in
several inches in
height. If
height. If there
there are
are animals or human
animals or human figures
figures associated
associated with thethe
symbol, obtain or make statues
symbol, obtain statues or images
images of them. IfIfpossible,
of them. possible,
obtain any objects or materials associated with
materials associated with the symbol.
symbol. Get anyany
flowers, or
incense, flowers, or perfumes associated with
perfumes associated with the symbol. In
the symbol. In short,
short,
to obtain
try to
bry obtain ororproduce
produceaaconcrete
concreteexample
exampleof ofeach
eachassociation
association
attached to the symbol.
symbol.

2. Find a place that seems

place that harmonious with the
seems harmonious associations of the
the associations the
^
symbol. If this is not possible,
symbol. possible, at least find a place to work without
discordant elements
elements and where
whete you will not be distracted.
you will disttacted.

3. Arrange
Artange the symbolic
symbolic elements collected in any way that
elements you have collected
appropriate, but
seems appropriate, but place the graphic
graphic sign in a central
sigtt in centralhighly
highly
visible spot. If possible,
visible spot. possible, light the area with
light the lamp of^the appropriate
with aa lamp appropriate
incense or spread
color. Burn the incense
^re
spread any perfume, if used. Start a tape
any perfume,
of any
any associated music or sounds.
associated music the environment
sounds. Fill the environment with the
symbol's associations.
associations.

attention on the central

4. Focus your attention central concept of the
the symbol.
symbol. Try to
hold its intellectual meaning irin your
intellectual meaning mind, but
your mind, but at the same time try
try
to rouse
touse any associated emotional state in yourself.
any associated yourself. Let the sensory
sensory
and psychic
and elementsof
psychic elements of the symbol fill
the symbol you to
Ellyou of your
to the best of your
ability.
abiliry.

At the height of your

herght of your saturation with the
saturation with the symbol,
symbol, when you
you can
can feel
feel
the symbol's your breathing,
symbol's emotional effect on your breathing, muscle
firuscle tone, and
posture, make a gesture
postute, make associated with
gesture associated with the svmbol or draw the
the symbol the
symbol in
symbol the^air
in the ait and
andshout
shoutororchant thesymbol's
chantthe symbol'sphonetic
phonetic
component.
component.

you feel
operation until you
5. Repeat this operation feel a natural connection between
natural connection benveen all
all
the elements
the of the
elements of thesymbol,
symbol, so sothat
thatencountering
encountering oneoneelement
element
brings
brings the other
other associations
associations to mind.
mind. Ideally,
Ideally, making ot
making the gesture or
vibrating the
vibrating "name" should
symbol's "name"
the symbol's shouldaccess thesymbol's
access the symbol's
emotional,
emotional, physical,
phvsical, and intellectual
intellectual aspects.
aspects.

228
228
 Bill Whitcomb
sill Whitcomb

Consecration
Consecration
Consecration means
Consecration means "to sacred." It
"to make sacred." act of
It is an act ofdedicating
dedicating or or setting
setting
aside
aside something magicalor
something for mag$cal or religious
religioususe. One of the
use.One most important
the most important
in magic
"rules" in that to
magic is that to make
make something
something magical, |ou must treat itit as
magicalr you if it is
as if
magical. This
magical. This is the heart of the magical
is the magical contract.
contract. If you you create magical tool,
create aa magical
but you show
show itit off
off to
tofriends, treat itit carelessly,
friends, treat carelessly, useuse itit to open beer bottles
beer bottles
when
rvhen you can't find the opener, and so so on,
on, youyou may Endfind that it provides
provides poor
or inconsistent
or inconsistent magical results (even if
magical results if itit does make aa great horde
does make bottle opener).
opener).
Even worse, if you
worse, if you use
use magical
magical toolstools or or symbols carelessly, you may
symbols carelessly, may findfrnd that
magical events and states of consciousness
magical events consciousness intrude in in your
your daily rvhen you
daily life when
want them.
don't want This can
them. This result in
can result in serious
serious consequences,
consequences, such such asas losing your
losing your
job or being placed
iob psychiatric care.
placed under psychiatric care.
Ary number
Any number of consecration
consecration rituals riruals is possible, but whatever you do, it it
signiE aa change of
should signify starus for
of status for the thesymbol
symbolor orobject
obiectconsecrated.
consecrated.
\J{/hatever conditions you
Whatever place on something's
you place something's use use must
must be kept.
point is
The point is to
to bebeconsistent.
consistent. If If you want something
you want something to to change
change youryour
treat itit as
you've got to treat
life, you've if you
as if believe itit will
you believe will change your life.
life.

Your Symbol
Consecrating Your
Consecrating Symbol System
The following
The following example shows one way
example shows walr totoconsecrate
consecrate youryournewnewmagical
magical
system.
Record your magical
Record system in
magical system in aa fresh blank book. You might might drawdra'uv
one symbol
symbol on on each
each page
page along with the
along with the appropriate
appropriate images
images andand associations.
associations.
If you
If like, you
you like, you can
can use
usethis booktotodraw
thisbook drawsymbols
symbolsfor forthethepreviously
previously
described anchoring
anchoring exercises.
exercises.
Some people like to make their own books, but any blank book will
any blank will do
if it seems right to you and isn't used for for any
any other purpose.
purpose. This same same book
later be
can later be used
used totorecord
recordanyanymagical
magical operations
operations you perform (using
you perform your
(using your
new symbol
symbol system)
system) and their
their results.
results.
After you have drawn drawn all the the signs and images,
signs and images, and listed all
and listed all the
the
associations, to consecrate
rirual to
associations, perform aa ritual consecrate the magical system.
the magical rirual can
system. This ritual
be asas complex
complex as as you wish, performed
you wish, performed on on your
your birthday,
birthday, as yourfavorite
asyour favorite
planet rises, or or whatever. However, something
whatever. However, something as as simple
simple as thefollowing
as the following
recitation will
recitation also work,
will also work, providing
providing you keep your
you keep part of the bargain.
your part bargain.
"This is
"This is my
my book
book ofofmagical
magical signs. symbols contained
signs. The symbols contained herein
herein areare
written both to to guide
guide me andand toto perform
perform my my will. As I understand
will. As understand them, so II
shall come to understand myself. myself. As I am true to to myself,
myself, so
so shall
shall my spells
spells be
true. As I hold this book in my hands, here and now, it shall be so." so."

229
1
1
Part 3 -r What to
Part With a
Do With
to Do
Magical
Magical Sgstem
System
 Chapter 22:
Chapter The Magic
222 The Magic Circle
Circle

*grc circle
A magic circle usually consists of
usually consists of aa complete
complete set of magical magical symbols (that is, aa
that forms
set that forms aacomplete
complete modelmodel of ofthetheuniverse)
universe) arranged
arranged in in aameaningful
meaningful
paftern around
pattern around aa circle. For example,
circle. For example, aa typicalrypical magic circle circle might consist of
symbols or
symbols associated with
obiects associated
or objects with the four four elements (earth, air,
elements (earth, at, fire,
fu", and
and
water) placed at the four
rvater) placed four quarters,
quarters, the thefive five elements
elements (the (th. four,
four, plus
plusspirit)
spiriQ
arranged around
arranged pentagram, or
around a pentagram, theseven
or the planetsarranged
seven planets arranged aroundaround aa
hexagram (with (withthe
^ sun in
thesun center) or or around
around a seven
hexagram in the center) pointed star
sevenpointed star
(heptagram). ^
fteptagram).
Circling serves several several important functionsfunctions in in magic
magic ritual. Circling is a
rirual. Circling
ritual
ritual action that that establishes
establishes what Mircea trliade called
N,Iircea Eliade called "sacred space space andand
sacred time." The act ofseparating
act of separating sacredsacred or ormagical reality from mundane
magical reality mundane
life essential. It
life is essential. It says, "The actions I perform
says, "The perform after this are
after this are magical."
magical." The
circle allows the
circle allo'uvs magician to create a controlled arena
the magician that lends
arena that lends significance
significance
and power
and power to to subsequent actions, but also
subsequent actions, also helps
helps keepkeep altered
altered states
states ofof
consciousness
consciousness from from intruding
intmding randomly
randomly into intodaily
daily life.
life.
The circle
The circle also acts as aa barrier barrier or or mediator
mediator between
benween the the microcosm
microcosm
macrocosm, between
and the macrocosm, betrveen the inner and the outer world. wodd. In this sense, the
circle allows the the magician
magician to tosafely
safelydissociate
dissociateand andmanipulate
manipulatepotentially
potentially
dangerous spirirual
dangerous forces and
spiritual forces and states
states of mind.mind. For For example,
example, when when evoking
evoking aa
to visible
spirit to appearance in
visible appearance triangle of art
in the triangle art used
used in insome
sometraditional
traditional
western riruals, the spirit is constrained to
r,vestern rituals, to stay
stay outside the the circle
circle and
and may only
may only
interact with or affect affect the magician in aa controlled
the magician controlled fashion. Thus, circles
fashion. Thus, circles are
are
boundaries
boundaries and and interfaces, providing stability,
interfaces, providing stability, protection,
protection, insulation,
insulation, and and
focus.
focus.
magic circle
The magic circle is also a microcosm. Like Like the pantacle or mandala, mandala, it
symbolizes both
symbolizes both the universeand
magical universe
the magical and thethe body of the theuniversal
universal or or
heavenly man
heavenly man (such(such as as Adam Kadman in
Adam Kadman tradition or Purusha in
the Hebrew tradition
in the
Hinduism). Thus, the magic circle
the magic circle also
also symbolizes
symbolizes the magician.
magician.
Circles symbolize
Circles cycles,such
symbolizecycles, suchas asthe progression of
the progression of the seasons.
seasons. In
this sense, the circle circle is used to link and
to link andharmonize
harmonize the themagician
magician and and the
the
universe,
universe, thethe microcosm
microcosm and macrocosm,macrocosm, the I and Thou. For example, example, in the
Hindu Avarana Puja (a (^ mandala
mandala consecration
consecration ritual), ritual), aa point
point (bindu)
ftindu) is is
designated as
designated as the cosmic center and and divine blessing is requested.
divine blessing requested. Then, the
inner and outer universeuniverse is ordered
ordered around the the bindu
bindu by by chanting
chanting the names names
of the
of theeight
eight regents
regents of ofspace
spacealongalongwith withmantras
mantrasassociated
associated with with different
different
parts ofof the
the body,
body, so so that
that the
theritualist
rirualist sees that the
sees that the universe
universe and and the
the self
self are
are
one.
following steps show
The following approach to
shor.v an approach to constructing
constructing aa circle circle using
using
magical system:
your own magical system:

1. Prepare an image
Prepare an image or orobject
objectassociated each symbol
associated with each symbol in your
your
magical system. IfIf your
magical system. your system uses more
system uses few symbols,
more than aa few symbols, you
you

232
232
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
may wish to
m^y wish to choose
choose some
some subset ofsymbols
subset of that represents
symbols that represents the
the
whole
r,vhole set. You can draw the graphic sign for each symbol,
symbol, or you can
choose a representative object, or
representative obiect, or you
you can
can even
even use a candle
candle of the
the
appropriate
appropriate color, so long as you have something that stands for each
have something each
symbol you will use.
2.
2. Face in whatever
whatever direction you have associated with
have associated with the beginning
beginning or
with auspicious forces.
forces.

3. Draw your
your circle, imagining a bright
circle, imagining light as
bright light asyou
youmove.
move.Typically,
Typically,
circles
circles are drawn moving clockwise (matching
moving clochvise (matchingthe movement of the
the movement
sun), but this
this is uptotoyou
is up youdepending
depending on on the
thestructure
structure of of your
your
personal system. you draw
system. As you draw the circle, something like:
say something
circle, say like: "Let this
circle be a boundary
circle benveen within
boundary between within and without,
without, so that
that nothing
nothing
may pass ^
pass except by *y
my will.
will.As
As this
this circle
circlemeets,
meets,so shallititbe!"
soshall ber
4. Starting from the
4. the direction
direction you you began
began thethecircle,
circle,begin
beginplacing
placing
whatever images or objects
whatever obiects you are using to represent
represent your
your symbols.
symbols.
As you place the first
first image or object, first candle
obiect, light the first (if you're
candle (if you're
using candles), draw the
candles), draw sign in the air or make
the sign make an
an associated
associated gesture
and chant or shout
chant or shout the
the phoneme, syllable, or name of the
phoneme, syllable, the symbol.
symbol. If If
you have a spirit or other
other entity
entity associated
associated with the
the symbol,
symbol, you
you may
may
request that it bless, stand guard, or otherwise attend the ritual at the
otherwise attend
appropriate
appropriate station ofof the
the circle.
circle.

moving in the
5. Continue moving the same
same direction
direction that
that you
you originally
originally drew the
circle. Establish the station for each symbol
circle. Establish symbol at equidistant
equidistant points until
you have
have arranged symbols you will
arranged all the symbols If your
will use. If your system
system is
is
cyclical or
cyclical or describes
describes aa progressive evolution, then
progressive evolution, then follow
follow that order
when placing the symbols around the the circle.
citcle.

6. After you establish

6. establish the last symbol,
symbol, youyou may want to perform
may want petform some
some
action to
to signify
signi$' the completion of of your
your magical
magical cosmos. This can be
saying "It
something as simple as saying "It is
is done."
done."
7. If you like, once your circle is complete, try to charge the whole
' JjJ#,it ;Tj:r
construct with magical .H:5'1.::Til:hff;"
energy. You can build up a sense of magical
"'3,T:
:?'#5
energy using
using breathing
breathing and visualization, or by dancing
visualizarion, or dancing around your
circle in the same order in which you established
circle established the symbols.
symbols. As you
do this,
do this, imagine
imagine each station of
each station of the cu. de glowing
circle glowing brighter with its
brighter with its
appropriate
appropriate color.
color.

8.
8. Spend some time in the center
center of
of your
your circle
circle and try to feel
feel the forces
forces
and ideas
ideas you
you have
have described
described balanced
balanced inside you and outside
outside you.
you.
litde while move from station to
After a little to station,
station, noticing how each
noticing how each
spot affects
affects you
you differently.
differently.

9.
9. When you are ready
ready to end the
the ritual,
ritual, reverse the process,
process, consciously
consciously
returning symbol to
each symbol
rerurning each source in the
to its source the opposite
opposite order
order in in which
which
you brought them
them forth. Tofacilitate
forth. To facilitate this,
this, you
you may find itit beneficial
may find beneficial

233
 -_-rr_r.--

The Magician's Reflection

Reflection

to establish some convention for invoking and for banishing. This

can be as simple as imagining erasing each symbol in the air as you
;i:if$fi l':nxffi ,rlidHi'/nvij,*ffi:d
turn its image over or extinguish its candle. If you have requested the
presence of a spirit oror other
other personified
personified being,
being, be sure to dismiss
sure to dismiss it
and thank it for its attendance
attendance and attention.
attention.

10.
10. When
\X/hen you have removed your your symbols,
symbols, open thethe circle
circle by
by erasing
erasing it
in the
the opposite
opposite direction
direction (i.e. if you
(i.e. if you drew
drew your
your circle
circle clockwise,
clochvise, erase
counterclockwise).
counterclockvise). As you do do this,
this, say
say something
something like
like "By
"By my will, let
my will,
the circle be open,
circle be open, for this rite is ended."
ended."
Myths
Cosmological Myths
Reenacting Cosmological
The circle
circle is also a symbol
symbol of wholeness perfection. As such,
wholeness and perfection. such, the creation
of a magic circle
circle reenacts
reenacts the creation of
the creation of the cosmos.
cosmos.
creationmyths
Typically, creadon
Typically, describethe
mythsdescribe process of coming
the process coming into into
existence out
existence out of the void, the diffetentiation of the directions
the differentiation directions of space,
space, the
onset ofof time,
time, the manifestadon of
the manifestation of matter, emergence of life. In
matter, and the emergence
reenacting creation myths,
reenacting myths, the theindividual
individualexperiences
experiencespsychological
psychological and and
spiritual balancing, regeneration,
spiritual balancing, regeneration,and rebirth. As
and rebirth. As we
we imagine the creation of
imagine the
the cosmos,
cosmos, we recreate
recreate and renew ourselves.
ourselves.
Since a magical symbol system
magical symbol model of
systemisisaa model of the microcosm
microcosm and the
macrocosm (the inner inner and
and outer wodd), any
outer world), any process thatritually
process that ritually arranges
aranges aa
magical system in a circular
magical system circular(cyclical) orvertical
(cyclical) or vertical(hierarchical)
(hierarchical)form form
recapitulates creation.^Here
recapitulates creation. Here is example of aa loose
is an example loose framework
framework for for ritually
ritually
reenacting cosmological myth:
cosmological myth:

1.
1. Many ritual operations
lrfany ritual operations begin by establishing
establishirg a "blank slate," which is
filled with
filled with the cosmos of the magician.
the cosmos One u/ay
magician. One way to
to do this
this is
is to try to
remove all thought and
remove and distraction from your
distraction from mindwhile
yourmind whilesaying
saying
something like:
like:

"Before all else, when there was neither this nor that, when there was
;:::'J*:l::,*:;5"Jff ,r:H:,'}';;";l;:,I|'"'lherewas
no existence, extension, or duration, there was the void."
2.
2. Next, draw a circle to delineate are of working
delineate your area working and to contain
contain
your cosmos,
cosmos, saying:
saving:

"The void contracted

contracted and
and expanded,
expanded, creating
cteatirg aa place
place where
rvhere the void
void
*il:l,a
was not."
If you
3. If you have
have a symbol thatrepresents
symbol that theentirety
represents the ofyour
entitery of yourmagical
magical
^
associated with unity and wholeness,
system, or is associated establish it
wholeness, establish it in the
center of the
the circle by drawing
circle by drawing the sign,
sign, making
making the gesture,
gesture, and so
on, while saying:
saying:

"Then there
there was
\rras one point, containing
one point, or shall
containing all that was, is, or shall be,
shining the heart of the void."
in the
shining in

If you use aa center

center altar or table,
altar or table, you
1rou may
may wish light a candle or
urish to light
lamp at this time,
time, saying:
saying:

234
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

"....and light."
....and there was light."
4. If you
4. If you have
havetworwosymbols
symbols thatthatrepresent polar dualities,
representpolar dualities, such
such as
as
Earth or
Heaven and Earth Active and
or Active and Passive, establish these
Passive, establish symbols also
these symbols
of your
in the center of your circle,
circle, creating axis mundi.
creating an axis Depending on the
mundi. Depending
arrangement of your
arrangement symbolic concepts,
1'stu symbolic might say
concepts, you might say something
something
like:
"Frorn that
"From that one
one point in the
point in the heart of the
heart of void, there
thevoid, there came
came the highest
the highest
and mostactive
and most (while gesturing
active (while gesruring upwards, making the
upwards, making the appropriate
appropriate
sign, and so on), and there
sign, and there came
came the lorvest and
the lowest most receptive,
and most receptive, and
all that was vibrated in
was vibrated between the two."
in benreen two."
Next, lay
5. I.-Text, l"y out the directions of space.
space. Exactly how you would r.vould do this
this
depends
depends on the form of
the form ofyour
yoursymbol
symbolsystem. Forexample,
system. For example, ifif your
your
system contains quaterniry such as
contains a quatemity as the fourtraditional
thefour traditional western
western
elements
elements (earth,
^ fue, water), you would arrange the appropriate
(earth, air, fire, appropriate
around the four quarters.
symbols around
symbols If your
quarters. If system was based on an
your system an
(such as the Pa
octad (such Kua,the
Pa Km, theeight
eighttrigrams
trigrams ofof the
theChinese
Chinese 1- t-
Ching), you
Ching}, you could arrange symbols equidistant like an
arrange your symbols an eight-
elght-
wheel or perhaps in male/female
spoke wheel four quarters.
malef female pairs in the four quarters.

If your system is based on triads, pentads, or some other

"ff
arrangement, you might place them in cyclical order, equidistant ,*:tr:
Hffifi H{}dfifi"f*},:i:;:1i
around
l the circle. At this time, you might say:
";'.,:
"From the
"From of the
interaction of
the interaction the highest
highest and lowest, there
and lowest, was born..."
there was born..."
(While
flVhile establishing
establishing whichever
whichever symbol
symbol seems
seems most
most appropriate
appropriate to
place fust
first around
around the periphery of the
periphety of the circle.)
circle.)

have placed
Continue until you have the symbols
placed all the symbols you wish to place
wish to place
n:::T."#,J.""
around the circle.
onesymbol
If one symbol generates another, you
generates another, could say
|ou could say "...and from (first
"...and from (first
symbol
symbol of the circle) was born (next
circle) was (next symbol
s)'mbol in sequence).
sequence).

7 . When
7. When you you are
are finished, (eturn to
finished, return to the
thecenter andsay
centerand saysomething
something
sigrufying completion, such as:
signifying
thus the
"...and thus Wodd was
the World was made whole and
made whole and complete, it was
complete, and it rvas
good!"
good!"
rirually create
As you ritually create your map of
your map of the cosmos, |ou the Self
you connect the Self
and the Other, the human and the divine, balancing the spirit
barancing the spirit and
and
r**:-?*:;i|;i:ffiTt'"ffi*m
renewing your relationship with all the world.
As before,
before, when you are ready to dissolve circle, take up the symbols
dissolve the circle, symbols and
perform some
some act
act of banishing
banishing or erasing reverse order.
erasing in the reverse order.
Just
Just as in the
as in othermagical
theother magical operations
operations we we have
have discussed, there are
discussed, there are
many ways to
many ways to perform
perform this
this sort rirual. It is up to
sort of ritual. to you to discover
you to rvhat is
discover what
most meaningful
meaningful and most effective
effective for you
you,

235
235
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Also keep in in mind

mindthatthateach
eachcosmological
cosmologicalmyth mythcontains
containsimplicit
implicit
assumptions
assumptions about the nature narue of of reality,
reality, and thatthese
and that theseassumptions
assumptions (world-
(wodd-
views) will
views) have different
will have effects on the
different effects themagician.
magician. For For example,
exarnple, inin StQt
Step
Toward,' Enlog of MindGregory
Topads an Ecology Mind*Gtegory BatesonBatesoncompares
cornpares the thedifferent
different world-
wodd-
views embodied in
views embodied Genesis of
in Genesis the Old Testament
of the Testament and the creation creation myth of
the Iatmul tribe of New New Guinea.
Guinea. In In Genesis,
Genesis, land
land and
and water
water areare differentiated
differentiated
by the hand of God,God, signifying
signifring that the resting
resting state of the the cosmos
cosmos was chaos
until order
until order was irnposed.
imposed. In contrast,
contmst, the
the Iatmul
Iatmul told
told of
of aavast
vast crocodile,
crocodile, called
called
Karnqrokmali, who
Kavwokmali, constantly with his legs keeping
who paddled constantly keeping the water
water and land
mixed and in in suspension.
suspension. A A culture
culturehero,
heto,Kavembuangga,
I(avernbuangga, slew the great gteat
crocodile, allowingthe
crocodile, allovdng themud
mud andand the water to separate.
the water Thus, in the
separate. Thus, the Iatmul
Iatmul
conception of
conception the world,
of the otder isissomething
wodd, order something that thatoccurs
occursnaturally
naturally and
and
spontaneously unless prevented by by an
an outside
outside agency.
agency.
As you can can see, your concept
see, your concept ofofcosmic origin should
cosrnicorigin should be becarefully
carefully
Like other aspects of your magical
crafted. Like system, itit should
magical system, should conform
conform to your
intellectual undersanding
intellectual (combining scientific
understanding (combining scientific knowledg.,
knowledge, ratherrather than
than
opposing it) while at the the same time satisfying
same time emotions and spirit. In
satis$'ing your emotions
addition, as aa magician,
magpcian, you are also responsible
responsible for choosing
choosing aa cosmological
cosmological
model (and an image of your self) sel$ that describes
describes a mode of of existence
existence you find
good.
It isisessential
It essentialto tounderstand
understand that thatthethemagician's
magician'sperception
perception and and
awareness the wodd
create the
awareness create world each day, and that the
each d^y, the magician's
magician's wodd, hrn,
world, in turn,
gives
glves birth to the
the magician.
magician.

236
 Chapter 2&
Chapter On the Planes
23: Rising On

Many
Nfany hierarchical magicalsystems
hierarchical magical systemsbased basedon patterns like
on patterns like the axis mundi or
the axis
the Tree
Tree of ofLife,
Life,involve rituals based
involve rituals based on onprogression
progression fromfrom the thematerial,
material,
mundane wodd
mundane world to the world world of of the
the divine
divine and andabsolute.
absolute. A A typical
typical ritual of
progression
progression spans some number of of symbolic
symbolic steps steps between
between thethe magician
magician and
the Godhead, attempting
attempting to to raise
raise the magician
magician up the entire entire series
series of steps as
a form ofof purification,
purification, renewal, or initiation.
initiation.
For example,
example, in h Hindu
Hindu kundalini
kundalini yoga,
yog*, different spiritual
spiritual realms, states
states
of mind, glandular
glandular systems, vital organs, and so on, are
systems, vital are associated
associated with energy
energy
centers along the the spine
spinecalled
called chakras
chakras (meaning
(meaning wheels or or lotuses,
lotuses, because
because
they appear to spiritual vision as
spiritual vision vortices of
as vortices of lighQ. One of the goals of this
light). One this
form of of yoga
yoga is toraise
is to raisethethemagical cutrent (conceived
magicalcurrent (conceived of as kundalini -
askundalini
literally,
Iiterally, "fi.re serpent") from
"fire serpent") from the the base of of the
thespine
spine(the
(themuladhara
muladharachakrachakra
associated with
associated with earth
earth andand the physical
physical body)body)to the crown of the head
to the head (the(the
associated with
sahasrara chakra associated with universal
universal consciousness oneness). In this
consciousness and oneness).
return toto the
theundifferentiated
undifferentiated and and absolute,
absolute, the theyoga
yoga practitioner
practitioner experiences
experiences
spiritual
spiritual and physical regeneration and renewal. renewal.
Often, in
Often, intraditional
traditionalwesternwesternceremonial
ceremonial magic,magic, operations
operations are
^re
performed in the sphere
performed sphere or or plane
plane of ofthetheenergies
energies the magician intends to
themagician
channel or manipulate.
channel manipulate. Also, Also, as the magician
as the rises higher in the
mag'ician rises theplanes,
planes,
approaching noumenal reality reality and the source source of of all
all manifestation,
manifestation, it is possible
to direct
direct greater
greater amounts
amounts of ofenergy,
energy, causing
causing farther-reaching changes in the
farther-reaching changes
material world. This
material wodd. remains true
This remains true whether conceives of
whether one conceives of magic as as aa
physical, spiritual,
spiritual, or psychological
psychological process.
process.
Similady, in
Similarly, in some
some rituals,
rituals, the magician
magician uses the hierarchical
hierarchical structure
of the
the system
system to to move
move the intention of
the intention ofthe
theritual from the
rirual from theoriginative
originative spark
spark
(the point of of unity
uniry where
where all all things are possible)
possible) down to its its manifestation
manifestation in
the material wodd.
world.
There are many many ways walis to toapply
applysymbolic
symbolic progression
progression to toritual
rirual
operations using
operations ^repersonal
using personal magical systems.One
magicalsystems. methodisis to
Onemethod create a
to create
^
hierarchical diagram
hierarchical diagram of of the cosmos within your magic
the cosmos circle. In
magic circle. In the Sephiroth,
Sephiroth,
the Qabalistic
Qabalistic Tree of Life, the cosmos cosmos is described
is ten
described as ten spheres (sephira)
as spheres (sephira)
connected by twenty-
twenry- two two paths (each path represented by one of the twenty-
(each path twenfy-
two letters of of the
the Hebrew
Hebrewalphabet).
alphabet). UsingUsingthisthisdiagram,
diagram, the
themagician
magician ritually
rirually
moves from one one sphere
sphere to to another,
another, invoking
invoking each each universal
universal force
force and
and divine
d.ivine
turn. IfIf your
aspect in turn. your magical
magfcal system
system can be be formed into aasimilar
formed into similar diagram,
diagram,
this approach can can be used to to create
create very
veqr powerful
powetful ritual processes.

Progression I
Progression
One
One way of creating
way of creating aa progression
progression is is by
by using
using creative visualization to move
creative visualization
from
ftom symbol
slnmbol to symbol,
symbol, as
as in the
the following
following example:
example:

1.
1. Cast a circle, establishitg
establishing sacred space
space and time.

237
237
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

2. Visualize
\risualize aa door emblazoned with
door emblazoned with the first sign in the sequence
the first sequence of
your magical system.This
magical system. This should
should be
be the
the symbol
symbol that most represents
represents
material world
the material world or the magician's beginning
beginning state.
state. The
The door should
be of the appropriate color and shouldshourdbe bedecorated with images
decorated with images
ffi,:*#IJ:fJffi:f'and
associated with the symbol.
Vibrate the name of the
name of the symbol
symbol and
andimagine
imagine its
its sign
sign glowing
glowing with life
life
and energy.
energy.

3.
3. Next, visualize ascending a staircase
visualize ascending staircase exiting
exiting from
from the place containing
contai.irg
the first door.
the first door.Depending
Depending on onthethearrangement
arrangement ofofyour
yourmagical
magical
system, you could also descend. It may help if you physically walk
around iff n:[ ;"sxi
;[Tfr your circle ;]as you move up ;inr.T"# x$
the stairs. Continue moving until
";"il:i,i;::
you
)nou are able to perceive a landing.
- At the next landing of the stairs, visualize
4. visuatt'ze another doonxrav with the
another doorway
#":il:'il,?:#ir:.::["":"os'
next sign in the progression.
Repeat this
Repeat process until
this process until you reach
reach the level you intend
level you intend to work in
and experience, or
and experience, or until you reach theultimate
reach the ultimate symbol in your
symbol in your
progression.

As with other
other magical workings, when
magical workings, you journey
when you this *2y,
journey this way, be
be sure to
formally return to
fotmally return the "normal"
to the This helps
"normal" world. This helps totoprevent
preventpossible
possible
"vodd.
obsession
obsession or confusion.
confusion.

II
Progression II
First, choose between five and
bet'ween five ninesymbols.
and nine symbols. These
These symbols
symbols should
should each
each
represent progressive stages stages of physical,
physical, emotional,
emotional, mental,
mental, andandspiritual
spiritual
development or
development Together, the
evolution. Together,
or evolution. the symbols
symbols should
should represent
represent thethe
complete microcosmos and
complete microcosmos macrocosmos.In
and macrocosmos. In other
other r,vords, aspects of the
words, aspects the
each symbol
symbol should aspects of both the self
should represent aspects self and the world.
Determine an order
Determine for the
order for thesymbols. This order
symbols. This order should
should reflect
reflect your
your
best conception of the the path
pathofofevolution,
evolution, the
thecircle
circleof ofcyclical
cyclical existence,
existence, or
some other pattern that that you
you believe
believe embodies the "way "rvay of things" forfor you.
you.
If your symbols are not already
vour symbols associated with
already associated with parts
parts of
of the body,
body, then
assign them. The symbols
assign them. should be
symbols should assigned to
be assigned to the
the most appropriate part of
most appropriate
the body possible
possible while maintaining"foot
while maintaining "foot to head" order. For For example,
example, thethe
following associations of the elements:
follor,ving associations elements:

Earth Water Fire Air Spirit

eart and
Heart
Feet Sexual organs
organs Solar Plexus Head
Head
Hn
lugs
lungs

Black Blue Red Yellow White

!7hite
Square Crescent
Crescent Triangle Sphere Wheel
$7heel

238
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Beginning with
Beginning with the
the first
first symbol,
symbol, visualize
visuali-e the associated
associated sign while focusing
sigr while focusing
your attention below at
attention below at the bottom of of your
your feet. If there
feet. If thereisisan
anassociated
associated
the sip
visualize the
color, visualize sign within
within a sphere
sphere ofof the
theappropriate colotlight
appropriate color light
surrounding
suffounding your
your feet.
^ vibmte any associated
feet. As you do this,
this, vibrate name or mantra.
associated name
this process
Repeat this process for each symbol untiluntil you
you have gone ttrough
have gone through the
Depending on
entire series. Dependiqg on the nature of your
nahrre of your symbols,
symbols, you may wish to
reverse process when
reverse the process when youyou are done, rehrning
returning to your
yout starting point.
starting point.

239
 Chapter 24: Pathworking
242 Pathworking

Pathworking
Pathwotking is similar similar in some ways to to symbolic
symbolic progression,
progression, exceptexcept that it
makes
makes more extensiveextensive use use of creative visualizationand
creative visualization tends to
andtends to be more
more
focused on the
focused the territory
territory represented
represented by a single single symbol and that that territory's
territory's
inhabitants.
inhabitants. "
In itsits original form, the
original form, the term
term pathworking
pathworking denoted denotedQabalistic
Qabalistic rituals
rituals
performed by
petformed members of
by members of the
the Hermetic
Hermetic Order Order of the Golden Dawn to rise rise
up the paths
paths of of the
theSephiroth,
Sephiroth, the Tree of
the Tree ofLife.
Life. In Inthese
theserituals,
rituals, the
the images
images
and associations
associations of each path are are used
used to to act
act as link allowing
as aa link allowing the magician
magician to
travel spirituallythrough
travel spirirually through the the planes
planes they represent. In
they represent. In recent
recent years,
years, the use of
the use
the term pathworking
pathworkirg has has expanded
expanded to to include
include astral
astral travel
travel oror guided
guided imagery
imagery
using any m^,grcal
magical system
system or system
system of symbolism.
symbolism.
^ny
til({hether
Whether you consideritit a form
you consider form of ofastral
astal travel
travel (in (ir which
which the the
practitioner's astral body
practitioner's astral body leaves
leaves thethe^physical body) or
physical body) application of the
or an application
imagination,
imagination, pathworking
pathworkinguses usesaa magical
magicalsymbol symbolsystemsystemas road map for
asaa road
spirirual journeys.
spiritual journeys. Each block of symbolic symbolic associations
associations is perceived as a place
where one
one can can travel,
travel, gaining
gaining magical initiation and knowledge.
magical initiation knowledg..
Pathworking, in
Pathworking, in its
its broadest sense, takes takes many forms. It includes
many forms. includes both
individual visualization
individual visualizationand and group workings ranging ranging from informal informal guided
guided
imagery to
imagery to formal rituals using
formal rinrals using symbolic
symbolicroad maps. The
road maps. form of role
basic form
The basic
playing games,
playing games,such suchas asDungeons
Dungeons and and Dragons,
Dragons, couldcould even
even be be thought of as aa
form of pathworking,
pathworking, though though one that is used more more for for entertainment
entertainment than
magical or
magical or spiritual
spiritual purposes.
purposes.
Essenti"ly, one
Essentially, enteringinto
imagines entering
one imagines into some type type of ofarchetypal
archerlpal
environment. This could begin
environment. begin by by visualizing
visualizing walking
walking along along aa forest path,
descending
descending into into a cavern, entering into a temple,
cavern, entering temple, or in in countless
countless otherother ways.
ways.
Where you
$7here you wentwent fromfrom there would would dependdepend on pulpose of the
on the purpose the
pathwotking. IfIf you
pathworking. you intend merelyto
intend merely to search around in
search around in the realm of the the
unconscious,
unconscious, you you might
might take take any route
route that presents itself. If you have
presents itself. have aa
^ny
particular destination, you might
particular destination, might make
make use of a magical system or the
symbol system
mag'ical symbol
stnrcture of aa specific
structure specific myth or or fable.
fable. This may may sound
sound likelike little more than
day&eadtg, but
daydreaming, but itit is
is important to realizerealize thatthat you
you can
can gain from imagined
gain from imagined
experience
experience iust just as you would from *'rea|" experience.
from "real" experience. The The mostmostfascinating
fascinating
thitg about pathworking
thing pathworking is that, with with sufficient
sufficient practice
practice and attention,
attention, the
spiritual wodd
spiritual world one discovers
discovers seemsseems to act independently from you. That is,
the beings you meet will will not necessarily
necessarily act act as youyou would
would expect
expect or even as as
you might wish!wish! InIn terms of the magical
magical radition,
tradition, ritual parhworking
pathworking takes the
magician ftom
magician from aa beginning
beginninginside insidehimhimot or herself
herselfand uses itit to
and uses to connect to a
deeper reality
reality ofof which
which the pathworking is only the outer face. face.
In the case
case of group pathworkings,
pathworkings, a guide might might lead
lead aa group through
casting a circle
circle oror performing
performing relaxation
telaxation exercises.
exercises. Then, the the guide
$rrde would
would
begin toto describe
describe the the images
images and and perceptions,
perceptions, leading leading the group along along aa
particular
particular archerypal
archetypalpath. Dependingon
path.Depending onthe skillof
the skill of the guide
gurde andand thethe

240
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

harmony of
harmony participants, this
the participants,
of the this can be be aavery richexperience
veryrich experience that
that
contributes greatly to aamagical
greatly to magical group. Typically, specific
group. Typically, magical orders and
specific magical
groups use techniques to formulate
similar techniques
use similar formulate an an "astral
"astral temple." Thisserves
temple." This serves
both as as aavaluable exercise, a unifying
valuable exercise, uni$ting element,
element, and and as actual "place" of
as an actual
initiation, 'nvhere
initiation, membersof
where members of the group can can encounter
encounter thethe archetypes
archerypes on
which their particular
particular group is based.
based.
It is interesting
interesting to note that
that there
there is ofdepth
form of
is aa form depthhypnosis
hypnosis where
where
two subjects
subiects each hypnotizes
hypnotizes the other.
other. At a certain will enter into
certain point, both will
trance - that is,
non-verbal trance
non-verbal it, after
after aa certain point, they
certain point, will no
they will nolonger
longer speak
speak
aloud - but cases
cases have been reported where where had
had shared
shared experience,
experience, continuing
journey together,
their journey together, even after they non-verbal phase. This
they had entered the non-verbal This
indicate that there
seems to indicate there isis more
more totogroup
grouppathworking
pathworking and theastral
and the astral
temple work
temple work practiced by some
practiced by some groups trance in groups.
groups than just guided trance

Door Visualization
Door
While
\Vhilepathworking hasmany
pathworkinghas uses,in
manyuses, in this case itit provides a way to deepen
this case deepen
understanding of your
your understanding your magical
magical system
system by by exploring anenvironment
exploring an environment
your system's
embodied by each of your symbols. An
system's symbols. An easy way to
easy way to do this is
is by
by
expanding
expanding on the method of symbolic
method of symbolic progression.
progression.

1. Again,
1. circle. The
Again, cast a circle. The circle places you in
places you in the cosmos represented
represented
by your symbol
symbol system to keep
systern and also helps to you balanced
keep you balanced and
and
during your
anchored during your journey.
iourney.
Visualize aa door
2. Visualize emblazoned with
door emblazoned the ftst
with the first sign in the sequence of
sequence of
your magical system.This
magical system. This should
should bebe the symbol that most represents
the symbol represents
material world
the material world or the magician's beginning state. The
beginning state. The door should
of the
be of theappropriate color and
appropriate color andshould
should bebedecorated withimages
decorated with images
associated with
associated with the
the symbol. Vibrate the
symbol. Vibrate name of
the name the symbol
of the svmbol and
and
imagine its sign glowing
imag'ine rvith life and energy.
glowing with energy.

This time,
This unlikeininthe
time,unlike thesymbolic
symbolicprogression
progressionexercise,
exercise,visualize
visualize
opening door and
opening the door walking through.
andwalking through. DoDonot
notvisualize watching
visualize watching
yourself from a distance, but try to perceive
try to perceive everything
everything of it as if you
as if )'ou
are there performing these actions.
actions.

3. Look around and try to

and try to see more of
see more of your
your surroundings. You should
surroundings. You should
already have some
already have idea of where you are based
some idea on the
based on theassociations
associations
you have built up up around
around your first symbol.
your first For example,
symbol. For example, aa symbol
symbol
associated with
associated earth might suggest
with earth orother
cavern or
suggest a cavern otherlocation
locarion
underground, or it
underground, it might
might take
takeplace
^
surrounded by
place surrounded bylush
lushvegetation
vegetation
associated with
associated with the "fruits of the earth,"
the "fruits earth," such
such as grains and other
as grains other
staples of life.
staples life. Similarly, associated with
symbol associated
Similarly, a symbol with anger could be
associated
^ landscape,
jagged
harsh, jagged
associated with aa harsh, flames, peopled
landscape, lit by lurid flames,
predatory creatures
by predatory littered with the paraphernalia of violence.
creatures and littered violence.

24L
241
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

If a symbol
If symbol isisassociated with aaparticular
associated with myth or
particular myth orstory,
storf, your
your
^
pathworking place in the myth's setting,
might take place
pathworking might setting and be inhabited
inhabited
by the gods, creatures, and othet
gods, creatures, other beings of the associated
associated myth.
myth.

Naturally, the more concrete

Naturally, concrete images associated with the symbol and
images associated
the more you
you have
have worked with it, the
the easier
easier this sort
sort of
of journey will
journey will
be. As with other magical
magical practices, it
it is of considerable value to keep
a written record of your
your experiences.
experiences.

you have
Once you have explored
explored some
some of of the
theterritory
terdtory associated
associated with youryour first
first
symbol, you can
symbol, fou can use
use this same technique to explore
same technique explore the other symbols
symbols in your
magical system.
magical system. As As in the
the symbolic
symbolic progression
progression exercise,
exercise, visualize
visualize aa staircase
staircase
or corridor
or corridor stretching
stretching from the firstsymbolic
the first doonxray to the
symbolic doorway thesecond.
second.
Continue
Continue this way until you reach the doorway
reach the dooffray associated
associated with the
the symbol
symbol
you want to explore.
explore. It should
should be be mentioned
mentioned thatthat most
mostmagicians
magicians who write
pathworkitg suggest
about pathworking limiting your
suggest limiting journeys to
your journeys to one major
maior destination
destination
pet session. This allows
per you time to integrate what
allows you what you have learned
leamed and helps
helps
prevent
ptevent confusion
confusion and unwanted
unwanted eruptions
eruptions from the unconscious.
unconscious.
For those
those interested
interested inin seeing
seeing some
some excellent
excellent examples of Qabalistic
examples of Qabalistic
pathworkings
pathworkings alongalong the
the Tree Ufe, II would
Tree of Life, would recommend
recorrunend Maginl
Magical States of of
Consciousness
Consdousnesr-byby Melita Denning and Osbourne Phillips
Nfelita Denning Phillips and
and The Shining
Sltining Paths
Ashcroft-Nowicki. For additional
by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. information about pathworking
additional information
and guided
guided imagery
imagery inin general, Highways of
general, Higlwaj,s the Mind by Dolores
of tbe Dolores Ashcroft-
Ashcroft-
Nowicki and
and Vision Quest by Neville
Vi$on Quest Neville Drury
Drury are both
both very good. Drury's
very good. Drury's book
also includes discussion of
includes a discussion the uses
of the ofdrumming
uses of dnrmming and andsuggestions
suggestions for for
background
background music suitable for pathworking.
pathworking.

242
242
 Chapter 25: The Magical
25:. The Magical Name

You may End find it useful

useful toto create
create aanamename to torepresent
represent your yourmagical
magical persona.
persona.
The process
process of of creating magical name helps to
creatirg aa magical to develop
develop and integrate your
and integrate your
understanding of
understanding magical system
of your magical system and and your relationrelation to tomagic.
maglc. YourYour
magical name
magical name acts In anchor
acts as an anchor for forspecific
specific statesstates of ofconsciousness,
consciousness, and and
hence, can be be aa source
source oror storehouse
storehouseof ofmagical
magicalenergy.energy. Just
Just as
as casting circle
casting aa circle
helps to markmark the the beginning
beginning of of aamagical
magical operation, formally assuming one's
operation, formally one's
magical persona helps to focus
magical persona focus the concenradon and
the concentration andcoalesce
coalescemagical
mag$cal skills.
skills.
*rgcal name,
A magical particularlyininthe
name, particulady the form
form of a sigil,sigil, can be used in the
can be
construction and and consecration
consecration of of magical
magical toolstools and and talismans. Placing one's
talismans. Placing one's
personal name and/or
personal tigl on aa magical
andf or sigil magical tool not only only means that itit is is yours,
yours,
signifies that it represents
but also signifies represents one one aspect
aspect of of your
your magical
magical self.
self.
Magical
N'Iagical namesnames areare also usedused in rituals
rituals of dedication, self-consecration,
dedication, self-consecration,
rebirth. Often,
and rebirth.
and Often, when when aamagician
magician takes takes on on thetheobligations
obligations and and vows
vows
associated with a particular tradition (such
associated (such as joining aa particular
as joining lodge), the
particular lodge),
magician takes
magician takes aa magical
magicalname name as part of their initiation
as part initiation into that that tradition,
ttadition,
signi$'ing that
signifying that the reborn. If this idea appeals
magician isis reborn.
the magician ls to you, try worki.g
try working
^ppe
it into a ritual
rirual used to consecrate
consecrate your your magical
magical system.
system.
There are are many
many ways you can approach approach creating magical name. The
creating aa magical
simplest way is to use
simplest your normal
use your normal name, written(as
name, written (asclosely
closely as phonetically
asphonetically
possible) in the characters
possible) characters of your your symbol
symbol system.
system. Like any other magical magical tool
strucrure, you should only use your name in this
ritual structure,
or ritual formfor
this form formagical
magical
purposes.
pufposes.
You can can also
also choose
choose aa motto, which isisused
motto, which used somewhat
somewhat as asaamagical
magical
name. Many magicians in
Nfany magicians in the ceremonial tadition
the western ceremonial choose a motto,
tradition choose
often in in Latin,
Latin, thatthat represents
represents theirtheir magical ideals or aspiration.
magical ideals aspiration. For For example,
example,
Aleister Crowley chose
Aleister Crowley chose thethe motto
motto Perdurabo,
Perdurabo, meaning "I will will endure." UsingUsing
this method, you )nou would choose your motto in in English, Latin, or
English, Latin, or whatever
whatever
language you
language you prefer,
prefer, and then write it using the the signs
signs ofof your magical system.
your magical system.
Again, it should
Again, should only be used in this form for for magic.
magic.
Similady, fou
Similarly, can use your magical
you can magical system system to to logically
logically construct aa
name. If
magical name.
magical If you think sufficient understanding
think you have sufficient understanding of of your
your magical
magical
self, you
you can choose the combination of signs represents your
signs that best represents spirit
your spirit
and
and magical purpose. Keep
magical purpose. Keep in mind, however, howevet, that just as you should should growgrow
and
and change during the
change during the course
course of ofyour magical work,
)rourmagical work, your magical name may
your magical may
change
change to match your current current spiritual understanding.
spiritual state and level of understanding.
It isisalso
It possibletotoreceive
alsopossible receivea name name through
^ tothrough
variousmagical
various magical
operations. If you have the skills, are willing
skills, or are willingto spend the
spend the time
time and effort to
and effort
obtain those
those skills,
skills, you may may be able to receive your your name in a vision or astral asttal
journey. In
journey. In such a case, case,aapower-animal,
power-animal, spirit spirit guide, deiry, or
guide, deity, or "ascended
"ascended
master" might appear to you
master"
^ you in aa dream, during a vision quest,
dream, during quest, or during some
pathu'orking or ritual
form of pathworking ritual to bestow
bestow the name, name) or you might might "find"
"find" it by
vourself.
yourself.
243
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Magical Name
Obtaining a Magical
You can also obtain aamagical
also obtain magical name through divination
name through divination using thefollowing
using the following
methods:
1.
1. Construct aa set of divination
set of tools. IfIfyou
divination tools. like the
youlike theOuija
ouija board, make a
similar board using the the signs of your
signs of your magical
magical system. A.y shape
system. Any will
shape will
do, but if there
but if is aa way
there is way to construct
construct and and decorate
decorate the board that is
particularly significant or pleasing to you, so much the better. .J;r You
f:Tuse
can lH#:r'*ff
or you
one, or you cancan simply
::
simply use a clear
m
*^ a planchette from af commercial Jff ouija
;,1, i TllfolT"
"
clear glass of an appropriate
appropriate size
#:
board, you3 can make
size (about
(about
width of the average sign
the width on your
sign on your board)
board) furned
turned upside down.
down.

If you feel
If comfortable using
feel more comfortable using a pendulum, then construct one
along with an
along an alphabet wheel made
alphabet wheel using the
made using the signs of your
signs of yourmagical
magical
this case,
system. In this the characters
case, the of your
characters of your magical system would
magical system would be
arranged
arranged in a circle (perhaps divided
circle (perhaps divided by lines forming
by lines forming the "spokes" of
the "spokes"
that you
rvheel) so that
the wheel) you can
canclearly
clearly see thesigns
see the by your
indicated by
signs indicated your
pendulum's movements.
pendulum's movements.

Whether you use an ouija

\-flhether ouija board or or an
analphabet
alphabet wheel,
wheelr you
|ou should
should
include numbers (0 through 9)
include 9) and
and places (well separated) for YES
places (well
This is
and NO. This important, since
is important, since you
you may
may want to ask
ask questions such
as how many
as how many phrases
phrases oror syllables
syllables make up youryour name, how many
name, how many
letters in a phrase or syllable, is this syllable
or syllable, syllable or
or name correct, and so
name correct,
l"j:.*
on.
number generator)
You can also use dice (or some other number generator) and runes.
runes.
make runes,
To make mnes, take card stock, pieces of wood, pebble, or whatever,
and carve, draw, or paint one
carve, draw, one sign from your
sign from your magical
magical system
system on each
piece until you have a full set of letters. To use them, place your
fffi:.l: :::.:*n
runes in a bag or bowl, then use the dice to determine how fitr' many J:;
ilH r;,ftJ1xl1il.:":'"i
runes to draw out.
2.
2. After you divination tools, define what you are
vou have your divination are seeking
seeking in
your magical
your name.ItIt is
magfcal name. is a good idea to
good idea to make thisstatement
make this statement as
as
specific and simple as
as possible. The following
possible. The following example
example shows one
wzy to proceed:
way proceed:
"I seek
"I the name
seek the name ofof my
my magical
magrcal self, the master of the (name
(name of your
magical system),who
magical system), who will guide me truly
will guide truly towards
towards wisdom
wisdom andand
understanding, initiating
understanding, me into
initiating me mysteries and practices of (name
into the mysteries (name
afyom- magiea system),
oflour nagical me from
guarding me
rystem), and guarding from effor
error and harm."
If you
3. If you wish, you should
wish, you perform any
should perform anypurifications or preparations
purifications or preparations
appropriate.
that seem appropriate.
4. Cast a circle or otherwise
4, otheruvise establish
establish magical
magical space.
space.

5.
5. Perform the divination.
the divination.

244
 Bitl Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
If you
6. If youbelieve thatthe
believe that operation isissuccessful,
theoperation successful, accept the name,
accept the name,
saying
sa)4ng something like:
like:

dry, II am born anew.

now, on this day,
"Here and now, anew. II am I, (name ofof
arn I,
mairian)!"
magidan)|"

Many ancient traditions

Many ancient accompanythis
traditions accompany sort of thing
this sort vrith ritual
thing with rinral
that permanently
actions that perrnanendy changechange the magician, such as
the magician, as tattoos,
tattoos,
scarification, branding, or even knocking out teeth! Since you are
::rff i,::,-T:tu;i::[,TT*i';:;fi 1?r:#;il:
creating your own traditions, this is completely up to you. Do what
seerns to be magically
seems correct, but
magically coffect, try not
but try not to hurt yourself
yotrself or make
malce it
unnecessarily difficult to
unnecessadly difficult normal society.
to pass through normal Obviously, if
society. Obviously, if
you choose toto tattoo
tattooororotherwise
otherr*dsepermanently mark yourself,
perrnanendy mark yot
yourself, you
should be pretty certain that youyou have
have a magical name or symbol
syrnbol that
going to want to live
you are going live with.

Once you
you have
have obtained
obtained your
your magical
magical name, will probably find it useful
narne, you will useful
into aasigil.
to make it into Stglt have
sig'il. Sigils have the advantage of being unitary symbols
the advantage symbols that
can be more
rnore readily
readily visualized
visualized and held in consciousness for magical
consciousness for use.
magical use.
The construction of of sigils
sigils is discussed
discussed in more detail elsewhere in this
detail elsewhere
book. For ourour current purposes, it
current purposes, enough to note that
it is enough that any
aoy method
method ofof
creating magical srsls
creating magical sigils (such
(such as compressing the
as compressing signs together or automatic
the signs automatic
drawing)
drawing) can also be used to to sigilize
sigilize your magical
magical name.
narne.

245
 Chapter 26: Magical Tools
262 Magical

N{agical tools
Magical tools and
and talismans are objects
talismans are intended to
objects intended embody some force or
to embody
concept and usedused to
to work with magical
work with magical energies
energ{es and aspects of the selfself during
magical operations.
magical operations. Some magicaltools
Some magical tools are
are also used to to perform
performphysical
physical
functions
functions in rituals. For example,
example, aa magical
m^gical dagger may be used during a ritual
dagget may rinral
to cut a cord, carve
cafire or inscribe
inscribe an object,
object, and so on. Other
Other magical
magical tools, such
the wand,
as the wand, typically have no mundane application
typically have application and
and are used only for for
their magical
magical qualities.
qualities. Typically, talismanor
Typically, atalisman magical tool
or magical has three
tool has three
attributes:
attributes:
^
** It embodies the force or concept to be be attracted
attracted or
or directed,
directed, so
so far
far as
that is possible. This means that its design, material components, and
::T,"TJ,:iii:ffi
construction tril,',31,T::,*31^ffi':f
are in harmony with its magical purpose.:*o"nen'fs'and
** It is charged
charged with the force it is intended
intended to attract,
attract, focus,
focus, and direct.
accomplished to some extent by the degree
This is accomplished degree of attention given
given
to theobject's
to the object's construction tosome
construction and to someextent
extentthrough
through ritual
rirual
techniques.
techniques.
* It
* It isisconsecrated ("made sacred")
consecrated ("made sacred") toto its
itsparticular
particular purpose
purpose by by
anointing,
anointing, laving (ritual washing), visuahzatton
(rirual washing), visualization, or
or othet
other r{tual
ritual actions.
means that the object
This also means object is used
used only for the
only for the purpose
purpose and
and
under the circumstances
circumstances for which it is intended.
intended.
Some
Some people believe that magical objects have a certain
magical objects inertia of use,
certain inertia use. If used
its purpose
according to its purpose(its (itsconsecration),
consecratior), aamagical
magical object will grow more
object will
powerful over
powerful time. If
over time. contrary to its
If used contrary its purpose, the object
purpose, the may be
object may be
desecrated and
desecrated become useless
and become useless ororacquire
acquireundesirable
undesirablecharacteristics.
characteristics. In
psychological tems,
psychological terms,oneone might say that
might say that proper
proper use reinforces the responses
responses
triggered by
triggered by the object.
object.
Here are some
some of of the
thefactors affecting the
factors affecting the charging
charsng and
and consecration
consecration
of a magical tool or talisman:
talisman:
* Time,
* Time, care, and attention
attention spent
spent in manufacture --Obviously,
inmanufacture Obviously, anan
object that has
has taken
taken great time andand effort in manufacture
effort in manufacture is more
more
significant than
significant than one that is is easily
easily made. In magical
magical terms, the care
care
and effort expended
and effort expended in in manufacture
manufacture can beviewed
can be viewed as
as a sacrifice
sacdfice
providing magical
magical energy.
^
* \ralue
* Value or rarity
rarity of materials used in
materials used manufacture - Most
in manufacture Nfost famous and
unique
unique magical objects are
magical objects are made materials of great value in their
made of materials
nght. For the
own right. puposes of
the purposes ofmaking
making aamagical
magical object, this means
that the
the materials should be of sufficient
materials used should sufficient worth (whatever
(whatever that
rns to you)
means you) toto add tothe
add to thesignificance of the
significance of theobject. Again, this
object. Again, this

246
■ ••■•■•■••.-.M.......1.. .1. !- , f-L . - . - I I r I I I 1| . il Lr [ ]lr trtill
• 1I ff.__ILML1.1...E/IML

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

can be viewed magical sacr{fice

vier,ved as a magical that helps
sacrifice that helps consecrate
consecrate and charge
the object.
obiect.
* Difficulty
* Difficulry obtaining
obtaining and significanceof
and significance of the used - The
materials used
the materials The
difficulty of
difficulty of obtaining materials, like
obtaining the materials, like the
the care and effort spent in
care and
manufacture, add to an object's
manufacture, significance and power.
obiect's significance power. In myth and
folklore, the material
folklore, material components magical object
components of aa magical object are sometimes
sometimes
subject of aaguest.
the subject Often, in
quest. Often, inmyth,
myth,the thematerials must be
materials must be
from magical
obtained from magical beings or places.
places.

In some
some cases, the materials
cases, the materials used in magic
used in magic break
break social,
social, moral, or
legal
legal taboos. riruals in many of the
taboos. For example, rituals "classic" grimoires
the "classic" grimoires
the Grimorium
(such as the Grimorium Verum\rerum or or the
theGrand Grimoire)involve
GrandGrimoire) involve
sacrifice, the
blood sacrifice, use of co{pse
the use corpse fat, dirt from a grave, the hand of of
hanged murderer,and
hanged murderer, and so
so on.on. Such
Such things lent great
things lent risk and
great risk and
weightto
psychological rveight
psychological to the
the rirual performed, and
ritual performed, and hence, to to anyany
magical object
magical produced.In
object produced. In other terms, the the breaking
breaking ofof suchsuch
unleashed a great amount of
taboos unleashed
strong taboos of energy, which, if
enersr, which, if itit did
did
harm the
not harm the magician,
magician, could be channeled
channeled into the magical intent.
the magical intent.
*Perfection of
'Perfection of form
form and
and design
design - The form of
The form of the
thetalisman or tool
talisman or tool
embody the magical
must embody force itit is
magical force intended to represent. Nothirg
is intended Nothing
contrary to the
the object's
obfect's purpose
pu{pose should intrude in
should intrude in its
its design. All the
design. All
should be associated in some way
used should
materials used
materials ''way with thethe central
central
For example,
concept. For example, ifif the
the magical
magical object is associated
object is rvith solar
associated with solar
forces, it might
forces, might bebeconstructed
constructed using gold,sunstone,
usinggold, sunstone, or oryellow
yellor.v
topaz, andand engraved
engraved withwith a solar
solardisk and
diskand zodiacalsymbols
zodiacal symbols
associated
associated r.vith
^
with the sun. In addition,
addition, the object might be
object might be anointed
anointed
with sunflorver oil or a heliotrope
r.vith sunflower perfume during consecration.
heliotrope perfume consecration.
# time and
• The time and place
place of consecration - -Typically,
ofconsecration Typically, magical
magical tools andand
objects arecompleted,
obiects are completed,charged,
charged, and consecratedatatmagically
andconsecrated magically
times and
significant times and places.
places. For example, aa chalice
For example, intended to
chalice intended
powers of the
contain the powers the tides
tides and
and waters
rvaters might be consecrated on
aa date hourassociated
and hour
date and with the
associated with moon, during
the moon, waxing or
during aa waxing or full
full
moon phase, in
moon phase, in aa period
period ruled by a watery
ruled by watery sign of the
sign of thezodiac.
zodiac.
rirual would
Perhaps the ritual
^
would be performed at the sea sea shore in the
the space
space
between high
between and low
high and tide or at the
low tide the site of aatraditional
site of temple or
traditional temple
shrine dedicated to aa god, ** goddess, or saint
goddess, or saint associated
associated with the seasea
or waters.
waters.
* The devoutness
* understanding of
devoutness and understanding manufacfurer -- None of
of the manufacturer
discussed factors
previously discussed
the previously factors are as important as
as important the state
as the of
state of
consciousness and
consciousness finesse (ir
and finesse essence, the
(in essence, artistry) of
the artistry) the person
of the person
magical item.
creating the magical item.
Here are
are some
some examples magical tools)
traditional magical
examples of traditional some of their
tools, sorne their uses,
uses, and
symbolic
symbolic associations:
as sociations :

247
247
The Reflection
Ttre Magician's Reflection

(or Gong):
Bell (or Gong): Sometimes
Sometimes rung during rituals, or
sufiunorirg rituals,
during summoning or to mark the
beginning andf
beginning or end
and/or end of rirual.Typically
of a ritual. seen as
Typically seen of
symbol of
as a symbol
communication
corrununication between
betrveen the
^
the spiritual
spiritual and the
the material.
material.
^
Cauldron :: Used for
Cauldron for mixing
mixing herbs andinfusions,
herbs and infusions,laving, orscrying.
laving, or scrying.
Sometimes
Sometimes used objects. A symbol
used to contain ritual objects. symbol ofof transformation
transformation and
and
rebirth.
rebirth.

Censer:
Censer: Used to burn incense,
incense, both for
for its
its spiritual
spiritual influence
influence and to provide aa
basis for the materialization ofof spirits.
thematerialization spirits.Used Usedas as a symbol of the
a symbol the
communication
cofiununication between
betrveen the spiritual
spiritual and material.
material. Also sometimes used as aa
symbol
symbol of elemental air
air or of spirit.
spirit.

Cord: Used in knot

Cord: knot magic ritualbinding
andritual
maglc and ofcandidates
binding of forinitiation.
candidates for initiation.
cords are
Colored cords sometimes urorn
are sometimes worn asas symbols ofparticular
symbols of particular degrees
degrees of
initiation. A symbol
initiation. symbol of binding, looshg,
loosing, and connection.
connection.
Crp or
Cup or Chalice: Used to to hold
holdwater
waterororother
otherliquids forpurifications,
liquidsfor purifications,
eucharists, libations, anointing, or
libations, anointirig, for use in scrying.
or for scrying. Often used as aa symbol
symbol
of elemental
elemental water or as a symbol of the feminine
feminine principle.
pdnciple.

l(nife: Used to cut

Dagger or Knife: cut cords,
cords, inscribe circles or symbols,
inscribe circles symbols, or to draw
draw
Sometimes used to
blood. Sometimes to ritually
ritually threaten
threaten candidates for initiation.
candidates for initiation. The
The
dagger
daK separationand
symbolizes separation
er symbolizes and division (hence pattern and
division ftence andform).
form).
Sometimes used as a symbol
symbol of elemental air or as aa symbol
symbol of the
the masculine
masculine
principle.
principle.

Flail Some traditions

Flail: traditions have used flagellation to
used flagellation to induce trance. Theflail
trance. The flail
symbolizes severity, discipline, and
severity, discipline, purification. ItIt is
and purification. is also sometimes used as aa
symbol of authority.
authority.

Pantacle (Platter
Pantacle or Disc):
(Platter or Disc): Sometimes
Sometimes usedusedto to hold salt or bread
hold salt bread for
for
eucharists or other ritual use. It is often used
used as aa symbol for elemental
symbol for elemental earth
^s
or the
the material wodd. The pantacle
material world. pantacle is also sometimes used in operations of
sometimes used
mrtenalization or
materialization banishing.In
or banishing. In some traditions, the
some traditions, the pantacle or shield
shield is
is
viewed as
viewed as the
the "seat" of the
the altar;
altar; the group
gtoup energy if
stored in the pantacle if
energy is stored
the circle temple must
circle or temple must be moved.
moved.
Sword: The sword
sword is is aa symbol of elemental
symbol of ut, separation,
elemental air, separation, division,
division, severing,
severing,
and It isissometimes
form. It
and form. sometimes usedusedto tobanish
banishor orassert authorityover
assertauthority overmagical
magical
forces example, h
spirits. For example,
forces or spirits. in some operations,
operations, the sword
sword is used to reach
thtough the circle
through circle so that aa spirit's
spitit's sigil
sigil can be held over lit brazier,
over aa lit btazie4 thus
threatening spirit with destruction.
threatening the spirit destruction. The sword is also sometimes
sometimes used to
sever magfcal
magical connections.
connections.
Wand
$7and (or Rod): The wand is is used totrace
used to tracecircles,
circles, sigils,
sigils, signs,
signs, or geometric
geometric
forms in the air. It isis also
air. It also used in general
used in todirect
general to directmagical
magical energy.
energy. The wand
is sometimes used as as aa symbol of elemental
symbol of fit., energy,
elemental fire, en€rglr power, and and will.
$ri11.

248
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

There are are many,

manl, many
many other objects used ritually ritually in tradition or another,
in one tradition
but this
this should
should givegrr* you a good idea of the variety variety of magical
magical tools took and their their
uses.
USCS.
Magical objects
I\fagical objects are similarto
are similar to magical tools, but
magicaltools, but they
they maymay or may not
or may
be intended
intended for for use
use during
during aaritual.
ritual. A A magical obiect may be aa talisman
magical object talisman or
amulet, or it might be a mundane object object constructed ritually. It could even be
constructed ritually.
said that many
said that many objects
objects of of art
artsuchsuchas aspaintings
paintings or orsculptures
sculprures could could be be
considered magicalmagicalobiects,
objects,sincesincetheir purpose is
their pulpose is to embody
embody and and convey
convey
ideas, emotions,
emotions, and states of consciousness.
consciousness.
A talisman
talisman or or amulet
amulet is isgenerally
generally intended to tomagically
magically control
control or
direct a spiritspirit ororforce
forcefor forsome relatively specific
somerelatively purpose. It
specific purpose. It may ffr^y bebe
^ for
constructed
constmcted for ritual
ritual use (such(such as a talisman
talisman to to aid
aidin insummoning
sumnlo.itg and and
controlling spirits) or it may be intended
controlling spirits)
^ aid the magician
intended to aid magician (or someone someone else) else)
daily life
in daily life (such as an amulet to protect protect against
against sickness,
sickness, produce
ptoduce favorable
favorable
weather, assist in attracting the opposite opposite sex,sex, oror bring
bring success
success in in business).
businest).A A
talisman or amulet could conceivably
talisman conceivably be designed and
be designed and constructed for for any
any
purpose. Of
pulpose. Of course,
course, mostmost magicians
magicians will have more more success producing a
success producing
talisman to aid in attaining
talisman attairirg magical states of consciousness than producing
magical states producing aa
talisman to make
talisman make someone invulnerable ftom
someone invulnerable from harm or orunconquerable
unconquerable in
battle.
A mundane
mundane object object constructed magically is
constnrcted magically an object that could be
is an
normally to
constructed normally fulfill a specific
to fulfill specific purpose,
purpose, but butincorporates
incoqporates magical magical
methods
methods in its construction in an attempt to
^ to improve
improve it. it. Weapons
Weapons have have often
been constructed this this way.
way. Such weapons
u/eapons were not intended to to direct
direct magical
magical
energy
energy during ritual, but
during rirual, but were constructed
constructed to to make
maketheir theirwielders
wielders more more
effective warriors. Of course, it is
effective warriors. is very difficult to separate
very difficult separate anything
anything in in magic
magic
from its its symbolic
symbolic aspect. Excalibur supposedly
aspect. Excalibur supposedly helped make King Kitg ArthurArthur
victorious in battle, but
victorious but itit also
alsorepresented
represented his hisspiritual
spirirual power, virhre, and
power, virtue, and
authority - all qualities that contdbute
qualities that contribute to victory.
victory. Is the king kirg such
such aa great
gteat guy guy
because "ll
because of the magic, or does he get the magic
get the magic sword
sword because
because he's such such a
great guy?
guy?
The principal
principal difference between this
difference between magical object and a
this type of magical
talisman
talisman is is that it is intended to to accomplish
accomplish something
something in in the
thephysical
physical world wodd
AND that that itsitstalismanic
talismanic component integrated into
component is integrated into the tool tool one
one wouldwould
normally
normally use use for this purpose. For For example,
example, one one could
could construct
construct aatalisman talisman
eloquence to be
for eloquence wornor
be worn orcarried while writing,
carried while writing, butbut the thesamesamematerials,
materials,
symbols,
symbols, and and rituals
rituals could
could alsoalso be used to create
be used cteate a magical
magical pen. pen. Do Do such such
things
things work? This is like asking ifif magic
like asking works?The
magic works?
^ answer isis both
The answer both true and
dissatis&trg; Ilfagic
dissatisfying; Magicalwaysalwaysworks workswhen whenititisis made
made well enough. enough. So the the
question becomes,
becomes, "how "how magical
magical is it?" A properlypropedy mademade magical obiect truly
magical object ttoly
embodies
embodies the force or spirit spirit it is intended
intended to direct. That is
direct. That to say,
is to the ritual
s?1l, the rirual
preparation for creating
preparation magical sword
creating a magical sword mightmight include
include requesting
requesting the the
assistance of the God of
assistance of War,
^ but
'War, but itit might
might alsoalso include
include learning
learning how to forge fotge
a blade
blade thatthat isissharper
sharper and andstronger
stronger than other blades.
than other blades. One Oneshould
should also also
^
remember
remember that an idiot with
an idiot with aa magical
magical object
obiect of great power could still still be an
idiot.

249
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

While )-ou
While errentually construct
you may eventually construct many different magical
manv different magical tools and
objects, initially
objects, you will
initially you willprobably want to
probablyrvant to construct magical tool for each
construct a magical each
syrnbol used in your magic
symbol maglc circle.
circle. Once
Once these tools are completed, the simple
completed, the simple
appropriate places
act of arranging them in the appropriate in your
places in rirual space
your ritual space can be very
powerful.
powerful.

An Example
An Example of
of aaMagical A Wand
Tool: A
Magical Tool: Wand of
Elemental Fire
Elemental Fire

The wand,
rvand, in in general,
general, is associated
associated withrvrth power, force, fit., will,
force, fire, will, and authority.
authority.
It points and
It and directs.
directs. ItIt isis club, lever, symbol of authority,
club, lever, authoriq', and instrument of
and instrument
discipline. As
discipline. As the rod portion of a drill
the rod drill and bow
borv set, it was one of the the earliest
earliest
tools used to produce fire. fire.
The wand
The rvandshown
shownabove aboveisisapproximately
approximately nine nineinches
inches(3x3)(3x3) long,
long,
fiery red, with bright yellow
colored aa fiery yellow rings
rings on thethe shaft
shaft and
and yellow
yello',v swirls
swids on
the tip. This rvandwand was
was usedused blnby the Hermetic ()rder
the Flermetic Order of of the Golden Dawn Dar,vn and
still made
is still made by by magicians
magicians drawingdrawing uponupon that tradition. It is is employed
employed in rituals
riruals
involving elemental
involving elemental fire which, of course,
fire rvhich, course, is associated
associated with will, will, power, force,
creation) masculine or phallic energy,
creation, energr, purification,
purification, initiation,
initiation, and so on. on.
The wand phallic in shape.
r,vand is phallic shape. TheThe tip is a rounded
rounded cone, possessing
possessing the
associations of
solar associations of the disk and the the fiery associations of the
fienn associations the pyramid.
pyramid. The
three flaming swirlson
flaming swirls onthe the tip are in
tip are shape of
in the shape of three
three yods.
rnods. (Yod
O'"d is aa
associated with
Flebrer,v letter associated
Hebrew masculineenerg,
creation, masculine
with creation, energy,and fire. It
and fue. It is
is
sometimes thought to
sometimes to represent
represent sperm.)
sperm.) ThisThis emphasizes
emphasizes the theinseminating,
inseminating,
inspiring, and
inspiring, and creative powers of
creative powers elemental fue.
of elemental The number of yods
are. The 1rsd5 and the
number of divisions
divisions on the shaft link the wand rvand with the number three, three, which
rvhich
the number
is the number of ofthe
thetriangle
triangle and andof offire.
fire.Running
Running lengthwise
lengthwise through the
center of the wand is
the wand is aa magnetized
magnetized iron iron rod,
rod, adding
adding the the symbolic
symbolic associations
associations
of iron (strength,
(strength, endurance,
endurarrce, fire, fire, and
and soso on).
on). Many magicians believe that the
Irfany magicians
magnetized iron helps direct the
helps direct the real, physical subtle
real, physical subde energy
energv of elemental fire. fue.
addition, various Hebrew
In addition, angelic names,
Hebre'uv angelic names, divine names, narnes, and words,
words,
significant in the [kabalistic
significant magical tradition'
Qabalistic magical inscribed on
are inscribed
tradition, are on the wand:
r,vand:

ALm-'\I
ALHYM Elohim, AA divine
divine name
namesignifying the androgynous
signifying the androgynous
character of God, associated
associated with fire and the south

YHWH TzBA\\rTh Elohim Tzabaoth,

YH\\'H TzBAWTh Tzabaoth, "Lord of Hosts" -- aa divine
Flosts" -- divine name
name
associated with fu*,
associated with fire, the south,
south, and
and the thesephira
sephira
Netzach

NtYIi\L
MYKAL Michael, archangel of
lWichael, archangel of the
the south
south and fire
fire

250
250
 Bitl Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
AR*\L
ARAL fire
angel of fire
The angel
ShRPh
ShRPh kirg of fire
Seraph, the elemental king
Seraph,
PYShWN Pison, fire
associated with fire
Pisan, a river of Eden associated
DARONf
DAROM Hebrew name
The Hebrew of south,
name of thedirection
south, the direction associated
associated
fue
with fire
ASh Aesch, the Hebrew name of elemental
name of elemental fire
fue

The magical
The magical name of the magician
magician owning the wand

for creating
Here is a rough outline for magical tool:
creating aa magical

t. Choose the symbol

1. symbol for which you you want to construct
construct a tool. To begin
begin
with, you might select the symbol
select the symbol you first use
you first whenestablishing
usewhen establishing
maglc circle.
your magic
2. I\{ake list of all
Make a list images and associations of the
all the concrete images the symbol.
symbol.
rnight include
These might include colors, materials (such as woods, metals,
metals, or
minerals), animals, plants,
minerals), animals, plants, graphic signs, geometric
geometric shapes, and
and
obiects.
objects.
3. Look over your list of associations
list of associations and decide how they th.y can
can be
be
applied. In
applied. In some cases, the application
some cases, If your
application is obvious. If your symbol
symbol
associated tool
has an associated tool or object,
object, then that is probably thing you
probably the thing
will make. If
will rnake. there is an associated
If there associated color,
color, then
then the object
obiect should
should be
painted, stained with that color.
painted, dyed, or stained color.

other cases,
In other ingenuify to incorporate
cases, you may need to use some ingenuity incoqporate a
particular association. If
particular association. If there is an
an associated might
creature, you might
associated creature,
image of
an image
place an
place creature on the
of the creature the object, but you
object, but could also
you could also
make part of
make of the
the object fromthe
object from thecreature's fut,feathers,
creature'sfur, feathers, teeth,
teeth,
bones, and so on.
bones, Of course, some
on. ❑f some magicians may object to using
magicians may using
of living
the parts of living creatures their magic,
creatures in their you are
maE;ic, so you are certainly
certainly not
bound to do so.
If your
If your symbol associated with
symbol is associated with aa plant not suitable
plant that is not suitable as a
material, you might use an infusioq
construction material, infusion, extract, or oil from
anoint, soak,
the plant to anoint, soak, or paint your object.

4. Decide
4. Decide whether there are constraints on
magical constraints
are magical theobject's
on the object's
constmction. For
construction. example,you
For example, you might want to
might want to make anan object
object
without using
without using metal tools,or
metaltools, you might
or you want to
might want to work on its its
construction only
construction duringaa fulI
only during moon or
full moon specific day of the
or on aa specific the
week. You might
week. all work
decide that all
might decide work on the object
object must
rnust be
be carried
carried
in aamagic
out in magric circle or after
circle or aftet you
youhave performed some
have performed some particular
particular
ritual of purification
rirual purification or preparation.
preparation.

Construct the object.

5. Construct obiect. Naturally,
Narurally, there are some
there are objects or
some objects of
or parts of
urill not be able to make from scratch.
objects that you will scratch. For example,
example,

25r
251
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
few of us can forge metal, blow
can forge glass, or
blow glass, gems. If
or cut gems. object is
If the object
important enough to you,
important lou, you may want want to take the time to learnlearn a
special skill, but it is up to
skill, but to you decideifif this
todecide
you to necessary for the
thisisisnecessary•
object's magical integrity.
magical integrity.

make all
Generally, make
Generally, allthe parts of
the parts of the object that you can. The more
and attention
thought, effort, and attention youyouexpend
expend in inmaking yourmagical
making your magical
the more
tools, the moresignificance,
significance, appropriate
appropriate form,form, and
andeffectiveness
effectiveness
they will
will probably
probably havehave fot Still, the
for you. Still, the object must be wellwell made
weil suited to its task
and well -- aa hammer
task -- associated with lightning
hammer associated lightning and
^tti probably notnot be magically effective if it was poorly
bemagically poorly
thunder would probably
constnrcted and
constructed and fragile. If you
fragde. If you must
mast obtain part or all all of an
an object
object
sourcel do it in
from another source, in aa way that is
way that is most significant to you
most significant you
and obtain the best items you can afford or
best items or acquire.
acquire.

This brings
brings up another point. Some
another point. will not be
materials will
Some materials available to
be available
everyone due toto their
their rarity,
rariry, expense, or illegality.
expense, or Work within these
illegality. STork
limitations as
limitations you can.
as best you Youprobably
can. You probably wouldwould have
havetrouble
trouble
obtainingaa tiger's claw, but you can still
obtaining still use the animal's
animal's image. Few
uscould
of us afford to
could afford tohave objectmade
have an object made from *by, gold,
ftom ruby, gold, or
or
^n or such
platinum, but most of us could afford to have a small smau piece of
*:H#:ffi:.:|;T*1;if'$[.]
material incorporated into a magical object.
^ve ^

As to illegality, that is an issue

illegality, that must decide.
you must
issue that you decide. Some magical
Some magical
objects, particularly those associated with "black" magic, obtain
:3f :':,
some trJl'$TI
of their power precisely because their ;i,'::,L
;T:;.,,: l".T:',:,nf rH:;r:::T
materials or methods of
construction andf or legal
constnrction break social and/or legal taboos. Before constructing
taboos. Before constnrcting
such an object, you
an object, should ask
you should yourself the
ask yourself following questions;
the following questions; 1) 1)
magical purpose
object's magical
Is the object's enough to
purpose important enough to risk jail, loss of
risk jail,
livelihood, or
livelihood, social ostracism;
or social and 2) Can
ostracism; and Can you obtain, possess, and
use such an an object without doing
object without doingyourself spiritual or
yourself spiritual or psychological
psychological
harm?
harm?

It isisalso
It important that
alsoimportant thatthe
themagical andphysical
magical and aspects of
physical aspects of an
an
object's design,
object's construction,and
design, construction, use do
anduse not interfere
do not interfere with one one
another. ForFor example, might decide
example, you might that aachalice
decide that chalice associated
associated
urith the negative
with aspects of lunar forces should
negative aspects should be made from from yew
yew
and bathed in in an of aconite
infusion of
an infusion aconite (monkshood).
(monkshood). This might be be
correct,but
magically correct,
magically but you should probably
probably avoid drinking from
drinking from
such aa chalice because of its
chalice because its poisonous
poisonousqualities. Il{any substances
qualities. Many substances
sftong symbolic
with strong symbolic associations,
associations, such as lead or mercury,
mercury, may also
have hazardous Magicianswho
properties. I\{agicians
hazardous properties. who do not consider
do not consider such
such
things may not last
things long enough to become
last long old magicians.
become old magicians.

the object
6. Once the object is constnrcted, itit is
is constructed, time to
is time dtually consecrate
to ritually consecrate it. This
is the point
point at which itit formally
at which formally becomes
becomes aa magical object, though as
magical object, as
you have seen, this is really aa gradual process in
gradual process in most cases.
cases.

252
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Consecration serves to bring all the previous

Consecration previous steps together and binds
intent by
their energy and intent forgrng the
by forging the magical
magical contract. The magical
contract. The magical
means that you
contract means
contract will treat
you will theobject
treat the objectas asmagical
magicalandand
significant, and
significant, and that you will
that you will never use it
never use in any
it in any way contrary to its its
magical intent. The
magical intent. energy inherent in this action is
The energy is aa significant
significant part
what makes
of what makes your tools magical.
your tools If you
magical. If you treat your magical
treat your magical tools and
in aa trivial
obiects in
objects trivial way, magical effects will also be trivial.
way, their magical trivial.

Sample Consecration
A Sample Ritual
Consecration Ritual
following is a very general
The following general consecration ritual.ItIt should
consecration rirual. should be adapted to
you see
as you
your circumstances and nature as fit.
see fit.

1. Assemble
1. whatever tools,
Assemble whatever objects, and symbols
tools, obiects, necessary to the
symbols are necessary
working. Light candles and incense, if
working. to signify
if used, to sig"ify the
the beginning
beginning
rirual.
of the ritual.
2. Dissolve
2. salt in
Dissolve salt water and sprinkle
in water sprinkle this
this around the area of
around the the
of the
'uvorking as a form
working purification.
form of purification.
circle to establish sacred
3. Cast a circle sacred space and to contain
space and contain and channel the
magical energies.
correct magical eneqties.

any significant
Take any objects or
significant objects symbols that seem correct and arrange
or symbols
them around
them the area
around the of working
area of working toto form
form the
theboundaries
boundaries of of your
your
sacred space. As you do do this, white or blue
visualize white
this, visualize light forming
blue light forming aa
(or other shape, if that seems
circle (or
circle seems more appropriate).
more appropriate).
4. Rouse the
4. the appropriate energy through
magical energy
appropriate magical ofbreathing,
through use of breathing,
visualization, chanting,
visualization, chanting, dance
dance and
and gesture,
gesture, sexual ecstasy, or
sexual ecstasf, or other
rirual methods.
ritual During consecration,
methods. During consecration, you to evoke
you must strive to evoke all
all
of the
aspects of
aspects the symbol
symbol with as much energy
as much energy and emotional intent as
and emotional as
manage while
you can manage while remaining true to
remaining true to the symbol's
symbol's nature.
nature.
magical tool
5. Take the magical tool or obiect
object to be consecrated and hold it it in your
your
hand, saying
strongest hand, like "Blessed
something like
saying something "Blessed be, creature of
be, creature of art."
art."
obiect to
the object
6. Touch the to the
the symbols associated with the concept or force
symbols associated force
object.
embodied by the object.
to be embodied
obiect through
7. Pass the object
7, through the
the flame
flame ofof an colored candle
appropriate\' colored
anappropriately candle
or through
or through the
thesmoke
smoke of ofananassociated incense. Visualize
associated incense. light of
Visualize light of an
appropriate saying "Be
appropriate color, saying charged with
"Be charged with the
the po'wer
power ofof (the
(the central
central
concept) above
concept) belorv, within
above and below, without" or
and without"
within and or "May you be
"N'[ay you be
charged with the power of
charged of (whatever concept you
(whatever concept you are workirg with)
are working rvith)
well in
serve me well
and serve east, in
in the east, south, in the west,
in the south, west, in the north
north
(while passing
(while passing the object around
the object directions), in
around the directions), in the center of allall
all the worlds. By
things, and in all By my will, as II say
will, as say these words, so so shall
shall
it be."
be."

253
253
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Visualize the energ'y

\risualize the streaming into
energy streaming into the object. Physically push on the
Physically push
object.
object. Breathe urith your blood, spittle, or semen,
Breathe on it. Anoint it with semen, ifif
this seems appropriate to
seems appropriate to you. Ask spirits or deities
deities to help
help you
you
Do whatever
charge it. Do whateverseems right, using
seems right, all your
using all your magical skills and
magical skills
ingenuity, but get that energy
ingenuity, energy in there!
there!

8. Inscribe and appropriate

appropriate symbols
symbols as as well
well as your own
as your own personal
personal
symbols on the
symbols the object.
object. Trace over these
Trace over thesesymbols your own
symbols with your own
saliva, sweat, blood,
saliva, sweat, blood, menstnral blood,or
menstrualblood, or semen (m(as may be most
most
appropriate). Breathe on the object
appropriate). Breathe object and
and imagine
imagine your personal power
forming an enduring
permeatirg it, forming
permeating link with the object.
enduring link

9.
9. Touch the
the object to your
object to your forehead, to your
forehead, to your heart,
heart, and to
to your lipr.
your lips.
10. When
10. When you think you havehave reached the peak
reached the peak of ofthe
theappropriate
appropnate
magical energy,do
magical energf, something that
do something anchors itit to the object
that anchors and seals
object and seals
the energy in.
light of
Visualize light
Visualize of the appropriate color
the appropriate color and wrap itit around
and wrap around the object.
making all the necessary
Then, making motions,tie
physicalmotions,
necessary physical knot in the
tieaa knot
visualized light,
visualized light, binding the power to the magical
binding the magical object.

Literally tie
Literally tiecords
cords around
around the object. Put
the object. cork in it or melt wax or
Put aa codc
seal it.
physically seal
lead and physically it. Some
Some people
people seal small amount
seal aa small bodily
amount of bodily
fluid in
fluid in aahollow
hollow carved
canred or ordrilled inthe
drilled in themagical object, thus
magical object, thus
energizing
energizing and binding. Again, do everything
binding. Agaln, everything you can can that truly seems
seems
appropriate nature of
appropriate to the nature of the
the object. Then, formally
object. Then, formally state
state that it is
that the
done and that the object
object isis complete.
complete.

If this
If is possible,
this is may want
possible, you m^y want to leave one part of the
leave one the object's
object's
construction until this
consttuction until this stage
stage so you can complete final step as part
complete the final
the charging
of the binding. If you
charging and binding. you have
have created
created a name sigil to
and sigil
name and
magical sel(
represent your magical you might
self, you paint or
might paint them on the
engrave them
or engrave
object as the capstone of the ritual.
rirual.

11. Finally, wtap

11. Finally, wrap the object in
the object silkor
in silk or other cloth of
other cloth of the appropriate
appropriate color.
color.
Then, ground the the power,
power, extinguish
extingulsh the
the candles
candles and
and incense (if used)
incense (if
the sacred
and open the sacred space.
space.

Many magicians keep their magical tools and objects in ornate

)lT,"xt':n
containers or silk ff::,iiH-j:H'$,fr:: ;:ff 'l*" :
pouches made or obtained for that purpose. Such;J:f,';a
container should
container beautiful in
should be beautiful in proportion
proportion to the importance of the
for some
object. (In other words, for some people, beauty and value of the
people, the beauty
contain er m^y
container may help add to to the
thesignificance effectiveness of the
significance and effectiveness
mag'ical object.)
magical Formallyputting
object.) Formally putting the
the object away completes
completes the
the
^wayout agaln
magical contract. The
magical conmact. The object should not
object should not be brought out again until it
for its
is to be used for its magical purpose.
magical pu{pose.

12. Ttank any

12. Thank entities you m^y
spiritual entities
any spiritual may have participate in the
have asked to participate
ritual, tell
ritual, th.y may leave,
tell then they leave, perform
perform some type of action
some tFpe for
action for
grounding, and
grounding, your circle.
and open your citcle. Some people perform a formal
formal
^
254
254
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

banishing of forces, others do

banishing not, believing
do nor, this would
believing that this rvould disperse
disperse
the energies into the
energies bound into new magical
the new magical object.

255
255
 Chapter 27:
272 Naming Magical
Naming a Magical
Being

One approach
One approach to tomaking
making changes yourself, other people, or the
changes in yourself, the outside
outside
world
'nvorld is to get a magical being
being embodyi.g
embodying the appropriate
appropriate energy, concept, or
en€rgf, concept, ot
facet of existence
facet existence to do it forfor you
you.
\rirtually anything
Virtually anything that
that can
can be
be named,
named, any aspect of
any aspect wodd or
of the world or self,
self,
can manifest as as aa magical
magical being. Some people believe believe that
that magical
magical beings are
psychological whereas others
phenomena, whereas
psychological phenomena, others believe thatthat magical
magical beingsbeingsare are
"real" if
"real" if not
notphysical
physical creatures
crearures possessing
possessing existence independent of
existence independent of us. One
could also
also say
say that
that magical
magical beings emerge from from pre-existing
pte-existirg archetypes
archetypes given given
form andand energized
energlzed by our attention.
attention. However interesting such
Howevet interesting such ideas
ideas may be,
the important
impotrant thing to remember
remember is that that you
you must
must treat
treat such
such beings
beings as as real if if
you want to work with them.
traditions of
N'fany traditions
Many of magic ne concerned urith
are concerned the interactions
with the interactions of
magicians and mag'ical
magicians magical beings.
beings. There
There are grimoires
grimoires and texts filledfrlled with listslists of
elementals, demons, spirits,
elementals, demons, angels,and
spirits, angels, deities that
and deities that govern
govern or or affect
affect every
every
conceivable
conceivable realmrealm of life
life and existence. The various
various methods
methods of of categorizing
categorizing
magical beings
magical beings reflect their relationships
relationships to to particular
particular magical
magical or orreligious
teligious
systems, their natures (areas of affinity),
systems, their tendencies to
their tendencies
affinity), their to aid or harm, and
their relative power
power and complexity.
complexity.
IUost operations
Most involving magical
operations involving performed through
beings are performed
magical beings through
^re
evocation or invocation. Evocation is the art
invocation. Evocation art ofof summoning
summo.itg aamagical magical beingbeing
to appear
to appear outside circle in
magic circle
outside the magic order to get
in order thebeing
get the being to toprovide
provide
information,
information, increase the magician's abilities,or
magician's abilities, or to
to perform some other task. task.
Invocation can be used for for many
many of thethe same
same purposes,
purposes, butbut the
the magical
magical being
is invok
invokeded inside the circle and is intended
circle and intended to temporarily
temporarily possess the the magician.
magician.

Magical Beings
Naming Magical
Three Methods of Naming
There are many
many different
different methods of defining
defrning or discovering
discovering the name of a
being. II am
magical being.
magical am presenting the basic
presenting the basic procedures forthree
procedures for threedifferent
different
methods as
as examples
examples of different approaches:
approaches:

** Naming a Defined
Defi.ned aa Magical Being Through
lUagical Being Through Divination
Divination

** Constructing
Constructing the
the Name ofaaMagical
Name of N{agical Being
* Determining
■ Determirirg the Name of an
lr{ame of an Unknown
Unknown Magical
Magical Being

257
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Defining and Naming a Magical

Magical Being
Through Divination
Through Divination
Defining a magical being and then divining
divining for
for its
its name
name is
is aalittle
litde like
like placing
placing aa
personal ad. You
You define what
what you
you are after,
after, and then you see who answers.
First, write a description of the being's traits and abilities. Make your
,,",.-.lf ;:
statement
the being
ff *'i T'ff,:
as simple: and
being to do and everything
concise as
you want
everything you
};i::;J$:.lf .f#ffiJ'ff #:;
;: possible,
;:: but specify everything you want
want itit not
not to do. You might think
think of this
description as aa legal
description as document *- you
legal document you don't
don't want to be surprised
suqprised by loopholes
loopholes
later Donot
on. Do
latet on. notbebeconcerned
concernedwithwiththe
themagical
magicalbeing's
being'sappearance
appearance or
symbolic associations, just its behavior.
symbolic associations, behavior-
example, if you wanted aa being
For example, being asas aageneral
general guardian,
guardian, you might
might
write
wdte something like this:
this:

will protect (name

This being will (nane ofof magician)
nagidar) from all harm to the extent
ability. It will
of its ability. will at all times endeavor to warn
all, times $/arn (name
(nane of
af magician)
magician) of
impending danger. It
impending danger. come when
It will come when summoned
surrunoned by by (name
(nane ofof
magician) and will obey in whatever
nagician) whatever wayway is possible. This being
possible. This will
being will
never do anything and is not capable capable of doing
doing anything that could
anything that could
harm
hatm (name of of magician)
nagidan) under any circumstances.
circumstances. (name of of magician)
magician) is
^ny
the only entity who can command this being. This being is
*:,#l ff
energized and ?".:h.
strengthened::: byo?ffi"JT:, *'.H. ilil:.H-"^:
absorbing destructive influences and
energies that would otherwise affect (name
othemrise affect (nane of
ofmagician).
nagician). This being
being
will never drain energy
energy fromfrom (name
(nane ofofmagician) unless it would be
magriarl unless
beneficial,
beneficial, asas in draining off
in draining off harmful energy.
Once you
you have
have defined
defi.ned the
the being's
being's purpose
purpose andandbehavior,
behavior, youyou can
can begin
begin
divining for
divining for its name.
name. To To perform thisdivination,
perform this use aapendulum,
divination, use pendulum, an an
alphabet wheel constructed
constructed using the the characters
characters ofofyour
yourmagical
magicalsymbol
symbol
system,
system, and a separate containing the
separate wheel containing the digits through 9. If you prefer,
digits 00 through prefer,
you can create aa "talking
can create board"showing
"talking board" showing thethecharacters
characters of ofyour
yourmagical
magical
system, number 0 through 9,
system, number 9, and
and two
two spots for
for YES
YES and
and I\TO.
NO.
Here is a general
general procedure you can follow.
follow. It is somewhat exhausting,
exhausting,
but
but can yield excellent
can yield results. If
excellent results. If you wish, establish circle or
establish a circle or other
other
demarcation of magical
magical space
space before you begin.
begin.
^
I. Set
1. YES/NOsignal
Set up aa YES/NO signalsystem.
system. Simply
Srmply state
state aloud
aloud that
that aaclockwise
clochvise
motion ofof the
thependulum willmean
pendulum will meanYESYESand
anda counterclockwise
counterclochpise
motion $ritl
motion mean NO.
will mean NO. IfIf you
you are
areusing ^talkingboard
using a talking board and
and
planchette, simply
planchette, use the
simply use the areas
areas marked
marked \1ES
YES and^ I{O.
and NO.
2.
2. Read over your
Read over description of the being's purpose, then read it aloud,
your description
saying: "I"Iwish
saying-. wishto to know
know the name of the
the true name the being who (mad
being who (rvad
description doled)"
desription a/oud)"

3.
3. Begin
Begrn the divination, asking something
divination, asking like "How
something like "How many
many parts
parts are in
the true name
name of the being II seek?"
the being (For example,
seek?" (For "Bill $Thitcomb"
example, "Bill Whitcomb" is
parts.). After
two parts.). After you
you have
have divined
divined the number of parts in the name,
the number name,

258
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
read over your description again and
description again ask ifif the number
and ask number of parts
parts is
is
correct.
correct.

Divine for the number

4. Divine number of syllables in
of syllables name or, if the name
in the name name has
has
more than one phrase,
phrase, the
the number
number of ofsyllables
syllables in the rust
firstphrase.
phrase.
re-read the description
Again, re-read description and check
check your
your results.
results. Repeat
Repeat this
this
procedure until you know the number
number of of syllables
syllables in each phrase.
phrase"

Perform aa similar
5. Perform procedure for each
similar procedure each syllable to determine
syllable to determine the
the
number of characters
characters in that
that syllable.
syllable. If the divination
divination indicates more
than four or five
four or five characters
charactersfor
for aasyllable,
syllable, try
try again.
again.

6. Finally, you are

Finally, you ready to begin divining for the
are ready the individual
individual characters
characters
of the
of the name.
name. Divine for the
Divine for the characters
characters one
one syllable
syllable atat a time. If the
characters
characters cannot be be pronounced
pronounced as asaasingle
singlesyllable,
syllable, try again for the
or two
last one or twoletters or,ififnecessary,
letters or, necessary, start overfor
start over forthat
thatsyllable.
syllable.
Check the results of each
each character
character and of each
and of each syllable.
syllable.

7. Check again
again once
once you
you have
have divined
divined the
the entire name. If
entire name. If part of the
the
not seem
name does not seem right,
right, go
go back
back and
and re-check
re-check each
each character
character until
you are sure
you sure the name is correct.
correct. After you have determined the name
have determined
of the
the magical
magical being,
being, you can use the divination
divination process to contact
contact
the being
the beingdirectly anddiscover
directly and moreinformation
discover more about its
information about its
appearance,
appearance, nature, and attributes.
attributes.

the Name
Constructing the
Constructing of aa Magical
Name of Magical Being
You can
can generate
generate the the name
nameof ofaamagical
magicalbeing
beingby bylogically
logically assembling
assemblitg the
attributes
attributes you wantwant it to possess.
possess.
First, make
First, list of the being's desired traits and areas of power. For
make aa list
example, i[
example, if you
you wanted a being that that could
could assist
assist you
you inin gaining
gaining wealth,
'uvealth, you
you
might want it to be
might want be associated rvith gold or other
associated with other treasures
treasures from from the the earth.
earth.
Perhaps it would
'uvould be be associated
associated with coins,
coins, govern gamblitg and chance,
govern gambling chance, or
have a mastery of numbers and and mathematics.
mathematics. Once Once you
you have
have assembled
assembled aa listlist
of desirable
desirable traits, rank these
traits, rank these traits
traits in
in order
order of importance.
importance.
Next, looklook over
overthe
thesymbolic
symbolic associations
associations of ofyour
yourmagical
magicalsymbol
symbol
system. Match the desired traits you listed
system. Nfatch listed with the appropriate
appropriate characters of
your system.
system. YouYou will
will probably
probably need ingenuiry to determine
need to use some ingenuity determine the
atuibutions. It
correct attributions. It may possible to find
may not be possible find aa good match for
good match forevery
every
trait on your list, but match
your list, match asas many
many as you can.
as you Of course,
can. Of course, the the larger
larger and
and
more detailed
detailed your magical svmbolsymbol system
system is,
is, the easier itit rvill
the easier will bebe to represent
finely
finely detailed traits.
The characters
characters you have matched with desired desired traits of of the
themagical
magical
form its name.
being form name. Write characters in
Write the characters in the
the order of importance of the the
traits. If
traits. uaitisisofofextreme
If aa trait extremeimportance,
importance) you may may wish to to repeat
repeat thethe
character.
character.
judgment and intuition to
Use your judgment to adjust
adiust the name,ifif necessary.
the name, necessary. You
should be able
able to pronounce
pronounce the the name
name andand ititshould
shouldseemseem harmonious
harmonious with u'ith
the nature of the the desired
desired magical being. You
magical being. You maymay wish
wish toto use
use some method of
some method

259
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

divination
divination to gain additional
additional information
information about the being and to make sure its
name is correct.
correct.
systems and languages
magical systems
Some magical languages use particular
particular conventions
conventions to
represent aspects of magical beings.
beings. For example, in
For example, in the
the Hebrew Qabalah,
Qabalah, the
names of many angelic
names beings have
angelic beings have the suffix ((AL"
the suffix meaning "of
"AL" meaning "of God." You
mly wish to
may to establish
establish conventions
conventions for your your own
ownmagical
magical system,
system, such as as
prefixes or suffixes to signify
suffixes to that aamagical
signi4t that magical being
being possesses
possesses consciousness,
consciousness,
positive or negative
positive negative tendencies,
tendencies, or other
other specific
specific qualities.
qualities.
When you are satisfied with the name,
are satisfied name, use the the concrete
concrete images
images and
and
associations of the name's characters
associations characters to to create
create aa telesmatic
telesmatic image of the being
discussed in Chapter 27).
(as discussed 2\. Once youyou have
have created
created aatelesmatic
telesmatic image,
imrge', you
are ready
ready to evoke or invoke the being.
being.

Determining the
Determining of an
Name of
the Name anUnknown
Unknown
Magical Being
Magical
*grcian can also encounter
A magician encounter unknown ta:uglc l beings in
unknownmagical in visions,
visions, dreams,
&eams,
or in "daily
riruals, or
rituals, life." In other words,
"d^ily life." words, if you pursue aa path path ofofseeking
seeking
magical beings or
magical beings or perhaps even ifif you don't, you
perhaps even you maymay encounter
encounter beings
beings you
didn't call hence, don't know.
call and, hence, know.
Automatic drawing and writing
Automatic drawing writing can
can be
be used to help discover
discover the name
of a magical being
being encountered by by a magician. A talking
talking board (made(made showing
showing
the characters yoursymbol
characters of your
"
symbol system)
system/ oror a pendulum
pendulum and andalphabet-wheel
alphabet-wheel
using your
(also using your symbols)
symbols) can can also
also be
be used ^to ask questions
used to questions about the being being
encountered or, if enough is known, to attempt attempt to to spell
spell the being's name.
youare
If you are able
able totoperceive
petceive an animage
image of ofaamagical
magical being, you can
being, you can
determine its name by
determine by analyzing
analyzing the image's symbolic
symbolic attributes, such as its
color, the appearance of different parts of its its body,
body, and its resemblance
and its resemblance to
other species or combinations
combinations of other othet species.
species.
Just
Just as youcan
asyou createaatelesmatic
cancreate telesmatic image
image of of a magical
magical being
being byby
analyzing its
analyzing its name
name (as discussed in
(as discussed in Chapter 27), you can^reverse the process
27), you process
and use the being's
being's attributes to determine
determine the characters
characters of the the name.
name. After
assemblitg all
assembling all the appropriate characters ftom
appropriate characters from your system,system, useuse your
your
judgement
judgement and intuition to arrange
and intuition characters in
affarnge the characters in the appropriate
appropriate order. A
pendulum or other method of
other method ofdivination
divination may
may be behelpful indouble-checking
helpful in double-checking
the name.
name.

Coding
fifty-two squares
Cut out fifty-two squares of cardstock
catdstock oror cardboard,
cardboard, allall of the
the same
same size.
size. Take
twenty-six of
twenty-six of the
the squares and write
squares and one of
write one of the letters of the alphabet on each
the letters each
square. Place these squares in a bag
brg or small box.
Take the other
other twenty-six
twenty-six squares
squares and, leaving
leaving somesome space
space at
at the
the top
of the
the square, write the
square, write the name of aacolor,
name of color, aamaterial, living creature,
material, aa living creature, and an
object on each
each square.
square. If possible,
possible, try to make list linked
make aa list linked by some idea or
association that connects all four items.
association Fot example,
items. For example, the color "sea green," green,"
fishing rod. Place
water, fish, and a fishing Place these squares in in another bag or small
small box.

260
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
Shake up both sets
Shake sets of of squares
squares so thatthey
so that theyare well mixed
arewell mixed and
and draw
draw
one square from each
square from each set
set — that is,
- that one square from each bag
is, one b"g or box. Wnte
box. Write
the letter that you draw at the top top of
of the
the square with the
square with the list.
list. Set
Set both squares
squares
aside.
aside.
Draw another pair of squares squares and write the letter on on the
the square with
square with
list. Repeat
the List. thisuntil
Repeatthis untilyou youhave
have marked letter on
markedaa letter on each of the the squares
squares
bearing aa list,
list. Discard
Discard the
the squares
squares bearing
bearing only
only aa letter,
letter,and
and then
then put
put the other
twenty-six squares back
twenfy-six squares back inin a bag
bag or box.
You have just generated the core core ofof aa very
very simple
simple amorphous
amoqphous magical
magical
alphabet. You
alphabet. might not
You might want to
not want this alphabet
to use this alphabet as part of of your
your own
orn/n
magical system,
magical sinceitit is
system, since is constructed
constructed so randomly and and may
may lack thethe design
design
grve it personal meaning,
that would give meadrg, but it will serve for the next
will ser\re next exercise
exercise and
those in the next
next several
several chapters.
chapters.

Generating a Name
Generating Name
Take the cardboard
cardboard squares
squares from the the previous
previous exercise
exercise and shake them up,
mixing them thoroughly.
mixing them thoroughly.
Generate aa number
number fromfrom two
twotototwelve
twelveby byrolling
rolling aasix-sided
six-sided die
die twice.
trvice.
This determines the the number
number of ofsquares
squares you will draw.
you will
Begin &awing
drawing squares
squaresone one atat aa time from
from a bag or box. Write down
box. Write dorvn
draw itit out, then place the square back in
each letter as you draw in with
with the rest. It is
all right to draw the same
same letter
lettet more thanthan once.
once. The
The only
only constraint
constraint is that
that
you be able to pronounce
pronounce the the "name"
"name" you you areare generating.
generating. If you
you draw
draw a letter
reconciled with the previous
that cannot be reconciled previous letters,
letters, then
then choose
choose another.
another.
Continue drawing squares until
&awing squares until you have generated aa pronounceable
pronounceable
name of two
name totwelve
trvo to twelve letters
letters (as
(as determined
determined by your dice toll). This is the
dice roll). the
name of the "spirit"
name "spirit" you will work with in
you will in the
the following
following exercises.
exercises.

26r
261
 Chapter 282
Chapter 28: Telesmatic Images

Telesmatic images
Telesmatic images are used to help personi fy aa magical
help personify, being represented by at
magical being
name. To beginbegin building
building up aa telesmatic
telesmatic image,
image, consider the characters
characters that
make upup the
thebeing's
being's namenameand andlistlisttheir
theirconcrete
concretesymbolic
symbolic associations.
associations. In
words, you
other words, you want to to List allof
list all of the attributes of the characters that could
the attributes could
represented in an
be represented an image.
image. Such associations could
Such associations could include colors, parts of
include colors,
the body, animals, objects,
objects, clothes,
clothes, and so on.
Typicalll, the
Typically, the fust character of
first character associated with the head.
of the name is associated head.
The next
The next character determines the being's
character determines shoulders, and
being's shoulders, and so forth.
forth. Each
Each
character of the name
character associated with some
name is associated region of the body.
some region body. The parts
parts
not need
do not need to tobebeofofequal
equalsize, butthey
size,but theyshould
shouldbe beassigned roughly in the
assigned roughly the
characters occur
order in which the characters occur in the name. name.
It isis up
It uptotoyouyoutotodetermine
determinehow howthe thesymbolism
symbolism of ofeach
eachcharacter
character
should bebe applied.
applied. IfIf the fust character
the first character of of aabeing's name isisassociated
being's name rvith
associated with
the color red, the harvk, and iron,
the hawk, iron, its
its image
image might have a reddish hawk's head
with feathers. On the
rvith iron feathers. other hand,
the other hand, the theimage could also
image could also have
have aa human
human
head with red hair hak wearing
r,vearing an iron helmet helmet or or circlet and aahawk's
circlet and har,vk's feather.
feather.
Keep in mind that all
Keep all the
the parts
parts of ofthetheimage
image should
should bebeas harmonious as
asharmonious as
possible, reflectirg
reflecting the nature of the the magical
magical being.
being.
The following
The following example
example shor,vsshows an image created for MNDAL
an image N,INDAL (the (the
[.kabalistic
Qabalistic angel
angel of
of the
the 6th
Gth quinance
quinance of
of Capricorn),
Capricorn), using
using the
the symbolic
symbolic
developedby
associations developed
associations by rwo
two magical
magicalorders,orders, thethe Aurum
.durum SolisSobs and the the
Hermetic Order of
Hermetic C)rder the Golden
of the Golden Dawn. Da'uvn. The Theangel's name is
angel's name is derived from
derived from
N[ND, meaning
MND, "honorable." ItItisisassociated
meaning "honorable." associated with with mercury,
mercury, Venus,
\renus, elemental
elemental
earth, and the tarot card card the the 10
10 ofof Disks.
Disks. Here are are some of the associations of
the associations
the Hebrew letters used in this being's name: name:

11
D Lt
LETTER u (mem)
4 (mem) 1il (nun)
(nun) /'A (aleph)
(daleth)
(daleth) (lamed)
(lamed)

IMAGE
IMAGE water fish door ox whip
ATTRIBUTE water scorpio
scorDlo
|. Venus
venus air libra

metallic bright lntense

intense
sage electric
COLOR prussian
prussian emerald
emerald blue-
green
n blue
blue
blue green gfeen
green
eagle or elephant
fish or scorpion
scorpion dove or
ANIMAL birds in
i or
dragon fish
or fish wolf
general
general tortoise
tortoise
OBJECT
OBJECT cup
cuP weapons
weaPons

262
262
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
ethereal
ethereal thin agile
agle
veiled brooding
APPEARANCE
APPEARANCE adorned winged balanced
balanced
epicene dark
balanced
balanced dancing
GENDER feminine
feminine masculine feminine
feminine masculine
masculine feminine
feminine

Here is one version

Flere version of the resulting
resulting teksmatic
telesmatic image:
image:
\,{NDAL has aa thin,
MNDAL thin, perhaps feminine face, but it is hidden behind
perhaps feminine behind a
green veil. The figure's
sage green figure's chest and and shoulders
shoulders are are strong
strong and
andmuscular,
muscular,
covered with mailmail comprised
compdsed of of sharp,
sha1p, metallic
metallic blueblue scales.
scales. The waist
waist isis very
very
wrapped in a bright
slim, wrapped emerald-green belt adorned with copper
bright emerald-green copper doves.
doves.
MI{DAL carries
MNDAL ^whip irin its right
carries aa whip right hand. In the left hand
the left is aasilver
hand is silver goblet
goblet
decorated with fish and dragons. On the the figure's
figure's back
back are powerful wings of
are powerful
electric blue. NINIDAL
electric blue. MNDAL has the the limber, graceful legs of a dancer, clad in hose
limber, graceful
of intense blue-green with ornaments of tortoise tortoise shell.
shell.
Of course,
course, there
there are
are other
other ways
ways to to assemble
assemble thethe image,
image, depending
depending on
one's understanding
understanding of of the
the Qabalistic
Qabalistic symbolism,
symbolism, but this this should
should serve
ser\re to
to give
give
you an idea of the process
process used.
Keep in mindmind that
that most
mostmagical
magical beings
beings could
could conceivably
conceivably appear in a
variety of forms,
wide variety forms, though all would be aspects aspects of of each
each being's
being's nature.
nature.
likely to
Some aspects are likely to be more
more pleasant,
pleasant, moremore powerful,
powerful, or easier to work
with than others, but none none of of the
the images
images thatthat you
you may
may create
create or encounter are
what aa spirit
spirit or
or other
othermagical
magical "really"
"really" looks
looks like.
like. The
The image
image is an intermediary
intermedi"ry
between
between you and the thearchetypes,
archetypes, energies, concepts, or
energies, concepts, that may
or events that may
comprise
comprise a given entity. The more true the
entiry. The the image,
image, the
the greater
gteater your abfity to
your ability
interact with aa magical
magical being.
being.

Three Images
Three
generated in
Take the name that you generated exercises at
in the exercises the end of the
at the the last
last
chapter and write
chapter letters of the name
write the letters across the
name across sheet of paper.
the top of aa sheet paper.
Under each letter, write the four things
the four things(color,
(color, animal,
anirnal, material,
material, and
and object)
object)
that you associated
associated with that letter. For example:
example:

I Z H
Red Green Blue
Blood Water Air
Dagger Boat Kite
Rose Turtle
Turde Dragon-Fly
Dtagon-Fly

Next, create three images

images for the name you have generated.
generated. One image should
of aahuman
be of human being,
being, one
one image
image should
should bebe aacomposite
composite creature,
creature, and one
image should
image should represent
represent an impersonal force. For
impersonal force. example, for
For example, for the name IZH
the name
shown above,
above, one
one might
might create
create the
the following
follorving three
three images:
images:

263
fire Magician's
The Magician's Reflection

*{( A woman withred

wotnan with redhair
hair and
and green
green eyes wearing aadiaphanous
eyeswearing diaphanous blue
blue
dress. The dress is decorated
dtess is urith aa scene
decorated with scene ofofdragonflies
dmgonflies floating
floating
pond. She
above aa pond. holds aa rose
She holds that has
rosethat pricked her
has pricked her fingers.
fingers.

* A creature
t< A creahre having
having aa turtle's with green
turde's body with greenand
and blue
bluetranslucent
ftanslucent
The creature's
wings. The creature's head is featureless,
feanrreless, appearing as a long
long thorn.

** A green
gt en and swiding mist from which red
and blue swirling &oplets fall.
red droplets fall.

Try toto construct

constnrct your images so
your irnages so that
that each considered to
could be considered
each could to be aa
different aspect
different aspect oror view of thethe same
same thing.
thing.
Aftet
A fter you
you have all three
have all images, spend
three irnages, spend a fernr
few minutes
minutes visualizing
visualizing them
tt a time.
one at time. Use your
your imptessions
impressions of the the image ptovide more
irnage to provide inforrnation
rnore information
what itit means
about what
about means to you. Does
to you. move and, if so, how does
image rnove
Does the image does itit act?
act?
Horr does
How doesthe imagemake
the image rnake youyoufeel?
feel? Can you make
Can you out any
rnake out additional details
anyadditional deails
appeatance? Be
about its appearance? sure to
Be sure to write
write down any impressions you get.
any impressions

264
264
 Chapter 29:
Chapter Spirit Talismans
29: Spirit Talismans

I\{any magicians
Many create talismans
magicians create talismansasas an aid to to evoking invoki.g magical
orinvoking
evoking or magical
beings. In
beings. the talisman
evocation, the
In evocation, is^nplaced
talisman is the circle
outside the
placed outside circle (inside
(inside the
the
triangle evocation, if
triangle of evocation, if this is used). In invocation, thethe talisman
talisman may be kept
within the circle
within held or
circle and held or worn
wornby bythe themagician. Here is
magician. Here isaageneral
general
for creating a magical being's talisman:
procedure For talisman:

1. Determine the being's

1. being's name.
name.

Create a sigil
2. Create for the
sigil for the name
name using
using any method appropriate
any method appropriate toto your
your
magical
^symbol system,
magical symbol system, such tracing the name on
as tracing
such as on aa symbolic
symbolic grid
grid
or combining
or combining the letters of
the letters the name.
of the If desired,
name. If desired, you can also
)rou can also
the sigil
generate the sigil using automatic drawing.
automatic drawing.

3. Make
3. Nfake a list ofmaterials,
list of materials, colors, and images
colors, and images associated r,vith the
associated with the
^being. For
magical being.
magical example, xa being
For exampl€, associated with
being associated might
with the earth might
following symbolic
have the following symbolic attriburions:
attributions:
Colors: black, brorvn
Colors: brown

Shapes: cube, square

Nfaterials: stone,
Materials: stone, lead
lead

Image: A
Image: A mole-like
mole-like creature with a worm for
creature with for aa tail.
tail.

4. Construct thethe talisman, most appropriate

talisman, choosing the most appropriate material
material and
and
form. with any
form. As with anv talisman,
talisman, you may have to to make
make decisions
decisions based
based
on the
on available to you and your ability
materials available
the materials to work with them.
ability to'nvork
example, you
In this example, you might
might make cube or
make aa cube or square lead or from
square from lead
brownish stone.
a black or brownish You could
stone. You could also make your talisman
also make in the
talisman in
shape ofof aadisk
disk(symbolizing
(symbolizing completeness uniry) and carve or
completeness and unity)
square on one side.
draw a square side.

Canre or paint the

5. Carve the name
name ofof the
themagical srgil on the
being and its sigil
magical being the
talisman.IfIf you
talisman. you paint
paint the name and
the name sigil,be
and sigil, be sure to use an
to use an
color, but one that contrasts
appropriate color,
appropriate somewhat with
contrasts somewhat with the color of
color of
the talisman's material.
talisman's material.

6. If image of
an image
place an
possible, place
If possible, spirit on one
of the spirit one side of the
side of thetalisman.
talisman.
Alternatively, youcould
Alternatively, you use the
alsouse
couldalso image of
the image of an animal
animal oror some
some
other creature
other creature associated with the
associated with magical being.
the magical being.

Narurally, you
Naturally, you can use all
can use techniques that can
all the techniques can be applied to
be applied to making
making any
any
talisman. The
talisman. The talisman
talisman can
can be anointed with
be anointed appropriate oil
with an appropriate held in
oil or held in the
smoke of an appropriate incense. You may
appropriate incense. may want to construct the talisman
construct the talisman at
at aa
or under
special time or underparticular circumstance. All
particular circumstance. isdiscussed
All this is more
discussed more

265
265
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

thoroughly in the sections

thoroughly symbolism of objects
sections concerning the symbolism objects and
and making
making
magical tools.

A Sample Spirit Talisman

the amorphous
Use the alphabet and
magical alphabet
amorphous magical the name
and the name that thatyou
yourandomly
randomly
generated chapter's exercises
generated in the last two chapter's exercises to design
design a talisman.
talisrnan.
First, write
write down name, the
down the name, associations of the letters,
the associations and the
letters, and the
generated in the
three images you generated the previous
previous exercises.
exetcises. TheThe following
following letters,
letters,
associations, and images
assoclauons, ano unages were hown ln
were snown
shown in the
tne last chapter's
tef-s example:
cchaDter' examDle:
I Z H
FI

Red Green Blue

Blood Water Air
Dagger Boat Kite
Rose Turde
Turtle Dragon-Fly
*x A woman with red
woman with red hair
hair and
andgreen
green eyes wearing aa diaphanous
eyes wearing diaphanous blue
blue
is decorated
dress is
dress. The dress with aascene
decorated with sceneofofdragonflies
dragonfliesfloating
floating
pond. She
above a pond. She holds a rose that has
has pricked
pricked her fingers.
fingers.

** A
A creature having aa turtle's
creature having tuttle's body with green
body with green and
and blue
blue translucent
translucent
wings. The creature's
wings. featureless, appearing as a long
creatute's head is featureless, long thorn.
** A gteen swiding mist ftom
green and blue swirling ted droplets fall.
from which red fall.

elements of the
Next, combine elements the letter associations to design
letter associations obiect. The
design an object.
obiect can be something
object simple as a disk,
something as simple square, or
disk, square, or other
other shape made of
shape made
parchment or paper
parchment paper inscribed with appropriate
inscribed with appropriate names and images.
names and images. Often,
designs are engraved on a square or disk of wood or metal.
such designs metal. You can also
talisman on one or
base the talisman or more
more ofofthe
theobjects
obiects associated with the
associated with the letters.
letters.
object that
This should be an object that would actually be practical to make or obtain
would actually obtain
and use.
use.
example, one might create the following
For example, following design
design for a talisman
talisman of
,,IZH."
"IZH."
Painted sea green
green Rose
Rose thorns,
thorns, painted red

name of spirit
Srglflzed name
Sigilized
Painted blue

266
iIt{
;j
 Chapter 3O:
Chapter 30: Evocation

A Note of of Caution:
Caution: While
$flhile all
all of life
life has its perils, there are dangers peculiar
peculiar to
spiritual practices such
spirirual practices such as ritual
ritual magic.
magic. $7hen
When pursued
pursued without balance or
without balance or for
the wrong
wrong reasons,
reasons, magical
magtical practices can result in in ego inflation, delusion,
egoinflation, delusion,
obsession, paranoia, or
obsession, paranoia, other detrimental
or other detrimental states of of consciousness.
consciousness. OfOf all
all
magical practices,
magical practices,horvever,
however,none none should
should be approached with more
be approached more caution
caution
evocation. II say
than evocation. this not to
say this to frighten, toemphasize
but to
frighten, but emphasize the carecare and
and
attention that
that evocation
evocation requires.
requires.
Before attempting an
Before attempting an evocation,
evocation, you you should
should be be sure that you have
have aa
good reason to performperform the the ritual.
rirual. You mustmust know
know what you you intend
intend bebe
resolved
resolved that intend it fully.
that you intend fully. You
You should
should be confident
confident that you have the
necessary skills and
necessary skills courage to
and courage to carry
carry thethe operation to aa successful
successful conclusion.
conclusion.
At least, you should
least, fou should bebe convinced
convinced that that the
the operation's
operation's purpose is so important
important
that you should
should attempt
attempt it.it. As
As in inall
all other
otherthings,
things,youyoushould
shouldask
askyourself,
yourself,
"Am II willing toaccept
'nvilling to acceptall allthe
theconsequences
consequences of ofmymyactions?"
actions?"before
before
proceeding.
proceeding.
Here is a rough
rough skeleton
skeleton of of a method of evocation:
evocation:
1. Memorize the name, nature, and symbolic
1. Nfemortze associations of
symbolic associations of the being
you want toto evoke.
evoke. You should
should also have a strong image of the
a strong the
being's appearance.
appearance. Though thethe being's
being's actual
actual appearance
appearance may differ
image of it,
from your image it, the initial image
theinitial image helps
helps inin performing
performing the
the
iru;:
evocation.
Create a sigil for the being by combining
2. Create combining the signs of
the signs of its name. If
name. If
possible, the sigil should associated with
should use colors associated with the being
being and
should be constructed ofof an
an appropriate
appropriate material.
material.

3.
3. Prepare
Prepare your ritual workspace. The circle
rirual rvorkspace. should be surrounded by
circle should by all
all
the colors,
colors, images,
images, symbols, smells,
smells,and
and sounds appropriate to the
sounds appropriate
being to be evoked. For evocations,
evocations, many
many ceremonial traditions make make
of an
use of anequilateral triangle within
equilateral triangle within which the being will be
being will be evoked
evoked
"triangle of art").
(the "triangle art'). This triangle
triangle should be several
several feet (three, if
(three, if
possible)
possible) on each side and should point away away from the the circle
circle towards
the direction associated with
direction associated with (or most suited to) the
suited to) themagical
magical being.
being.
According to some sources, the magical
According being comes into being
magical being being from
the point of the apex
apex and expands towards the base.

4.
4. Place
Place the sigil symbol of
or symbol
sigil or of the being to be evoked inside the triangle.
triangle.
Some magicians suggestthat
magicians suggest thatthe
the sigil
sigilbe wrapped in
be wrapped silk of the
in silk the
appropriate then, at the
appropriate color. Then, the height of the
height of theevocation,
evocarion, the
the magician
magician
uses aa magical
magical sword (or similar to uncover
similar tool) to uncover thethesigil
srgd (being
(being
careful not to break
careful break the
the circle of the
p^rt of
circle with any part themagician's
magfcian's body).
body).
Some magicians alsoplace
placesomething^ny ininthe triangleto
magicians also something the triangle to act
act as a
^

268
--• •••■■••■•-■..1-

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
medium for manifestation,
manifestation, such as
as a bowl of water, a smoking bnzier
smokitg brazier
(with appropriate incense), or
appropriate incense), or a magic (through which the
magrc mirror (through
magical being is viewed).

circle. It is important
5. Cast a circle. note that
important to note that the (if used)
triangle (if
the triangle used) should
also be cast and charged
cast and with magical
charged with magical energy usingusing a wand or somesome
other magical tool.
magical tool.

spirit using
6. Summon the spirit its name
using its name andandevery tide you
everytitle youcancanimagine
imagine
while keeping
while your attention on
keeping your on the being'ssigil,
the being's sigil, characteristics,
characteristics, and
Again,itit isis important
image. Again,
image. important toto have a strong image
image of thethe being's
being's
appearance. \X/hile
appearance. evoking, raise magical
While evoking, magical energy usingvarious
energy using various
methods such
such as chandrg, dancing,
as chanting, drumming, or
dancing, drumming, or sexual
sexual ecstasy.
ecstasy.

It should
It be noted
should be noted that
thatblood
blood sacrifice or terror
sacrifice or terror produced
produced by the the
presence abomination and
presence of abomination and the willful violation
the willful violation of taboos will also
taboos will also
raise energy,but
magical energy,
raise magical these methods
but these should probably not be used
methods should used
by any but the moststable
the most resoluteofofmagicians.
andresolute
stableand magicians.BeBeespecially
especially
cautious if
cautious if you findsuch
you find suchmethods
methodsattractive
attractive because of their
because of their
"forbidden" nature.
"forbidden" nature.

evoking until
Continue evoking until you
you have imptession of the being's
have a strong impression being's
presence.
presence. Ideally,
Ideally, fou perceive an image of
should have the skills to perceive
you should
the being, but the impression
impression of its presence is enough.
enough.

magical being
Once a magical evoked (^t
being has been evoked (at least, you get to
once you
least, once
^ will generally
know it), it will generally keep form when
keep the same form evoked again,
when evoked again,
unless you comrnand
unless command it to change
change its appearance.
appearance.

7. Tell the
the being what you
being what want itittotodo.
you want do.Traditionally,
Traditionally, magical
magfcal beings
beings
are corrunanded by
are commanded by the power divine names,
power of divine threats to burn or
names, threats ot
destroy the
othenrise destroy
otherwise the being's
being's slgll, and the
sigil,and use of
the use oftalismans
talismans or or
magical tools
magical tools (such as thethe magical
magical sword).
sword). InIn the
thefinal
final reckoning,
reckoning,
however, you can only
however, only command a magical being to
magical being to the extent that
your level of personal awareness and initiation
personal awareness permit. All the
initiation will permit. the
magical tools,
magical words of
tools, words of power,
power, andand ritual procedures are but aids to
ritual procedures
$dll and
focus the will and attention.
attention, If If your
your state
stateofofpreparedness
preparedness and and
personal
personal power sufficient, none of the
power is sufficient, theparaphernalia
paraphernalia of of ritual
rinral is
is
necessaty. If your awareness,
tnrly necessary.
truly skills, and will are not
awareness, skills, not sufficiently
sufficiently
developed, no magical
developed, magical tools divine names will
tools and divine make up
will make up for the
lack.
lack.

Thus, you should beware

beware of negotiating beings. ItIt is not
negotiating with magical beings.
wrong to
necessarilywrong
necessarily to perform sacrifices to specific
sacrifices or agree to specific actions,
actions,
but one should
should approach
approach such
such agreements extreme caution
agreements with extreme caution if at
all. If you resort
If you tocompacts
resort to compacts andand deals, you are
deals, you are starting from aa
stating from
position of weakness.
position weakness. Ide^[y, should be
you should
Ideally, you able to command such
be able such
through your own strengths
beings through
beings strengths or request assistance by right of
request assistance
your own virtues.
virnres.

269
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
As urith
with any form
form of magic, be sure your clear and concise. If
your intent is clear If
cofiunand is ambiguous,
your command ambiguous, your results may be be unexpected
unexpected and and
undesirable. This is
undesirable. This to say
is not to that you
say that should try
you should tospecify
try to speci$' exactly
exactly
some magical
how some magical intent should
should bebeaccomplished.
accomplished. When Sfhen working
working
practical
practical magic
magic (that
(that is, magic intended
is, magic intended to make aa physical
physical change
change in
the world you), it is best to keep
wodd around you), the means
keep the means of of fulfillment
fulfillment as
open asaspossible. Forexample,
possible. For example, youyou would
would probably
probably be be more
more
successful wealth in general
successful performing magic to gain wealth general than you would
performing magic to cause
performing maglc bag of
cause aa bag money to fall
of money out of an armored
fall out armored
car going by your
going by your house
house at noon nextnext Tuesday.
Tuesday.

8. Perform
8. Perform a complete banishing both on
complete banishing onyourself
yourself and your ritual
and your ritual
^
workspace, grounding any any residual
residual energy.
energy. Simple
Simple magical
magical beings
beings
with only one purpose can often be ignored after they have
x*d*l *- *ffi:r",,I1i,If ?,Tl*.JT['-1;Ti
completed your instructions. .il#:;:
it becomes necessary to destroy the
magical being
magical (returningitit to its
being (rerurning its potential form), destroy
potential form), desroy itsitssigil
sigil
andf ormaterial
and/or material basis, then reabsorb
basis, then reabsorb or ordissolve
dissolve itsits image
image through
through
visualization. For
visualization. For a more powerful and complex
more powerful complex being,
being, you m^y have
fou may
to raise as much magical energy to
magical energy banish itit as
to banish you used to summon
as you summon
1t.

A Sample Evocation
Using the material generated in
material generated Practical Work
in the Practical sections of the last three
Work sections
compose a short evocation
chapters, compose
chapters, evocation ritual.
ritual. Incorporate
Incorporate as many of the
as many the
^
appropriate images,
appropriate images, materials, and colors
materials, and colors as possible into
as possible the rirual,
into the but try to
ritual, but
create rinral that you would actually
cteate a ritual able to perform
be able
acrually be pedorm using the resources
resources
available to you.
available
To continue example of "IZH" one
continue with the example might use
one might use the following
thefollowing
evocation ritual:
ritual:

1.
1. Find an appropriate open space
appropriate hill or open Nfark out the area
space near water. Mark
^re^
be declared
that to be space and
declared as sacred space set up an altar
and set altar on thethe side
side
water. This should
nearest the water. should be arranged that you
ananged so that will be
you will be facing
facing
both the water and
the water your altar.
and your If you
altar. If perform this
you perform this ritual
rirual inside,
inside, face
face
the altar towards nearest lake ot
towards the nearest possible, light
or river. If possible, light the room
using only
using blue light
only aa blue on one side of the room and
light on and aa green
green light on
the other. Decide seems most appropriate for each color.
which side seems
Decide which color.
In either case, drape the altar
altar with a blood red cloth.
cloth.

Place a censer or incense

2. Place incense burner
burner containing
containing rose incenseon
rose incense top of
on top
the altar along vrith
altat along with a source fire and any other magical
source of fire implements
magical implements
you might need. If possible, place
place a red rose the altar.
rose on the altar.

N'fark out the

3. Mark the area in which
are in IZH will
which IZH will manifest.
manifest. This could be the
the
traditional or some other shape just beyond the
triangle or
traditional triangle the sacred
sacred space
space
in the direction of the water. Place a small green bowl containing
ff:1n ::Ji?rfi ;ffi;';Trfi'i; .*;il'ffiil:
T^,',}' inside this area. Lay the talisman of IZH (as described in the
water

270
270
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

chapter)on
previous chapter)
previous on top of the
top of thebowl, point towards
bowl, point thenearest
towards the nearest
water. The talisman
water. and bowl
talisman and bowl should covered by .a brown
should be kept covered brown or
black cloth until they are used during the ritual.
rirual.

4. Perform some ritual of purification

4. Perfoffn puriFrcation or centering.
centering.

Rirually establish
5. Ritually circleor
establish aa circle orsome other form that creates a boundary
some other bound^ry
and marks
and off sacred
marks off sacred space. This might
space. This might include
include aa banishing ritual so
banishirg ritual
sacred area
that the sacred slate."
area is a "clean slate."

light the rose incense.

6. Face the altar and light incense.

7. Apply
7. breathing and
Apply breathing and dance or or other
othertechniques toraise
techniques to raisemagical
magical
energy. As
energy. do this,
As you do the green
visualize the
this, visualize andblue
green and mistswirling
blue mist swirling
the bowl
above the bowl and
and talisman (still covered
talisman (still If you
covered by the cloth). If you want
to, chant something like:
something like:

TZHI
IZH!
Spirit of
Spirit of the green blue mist from
green and blue of blood
from which drops of blood
flow.
IZHI
IZH!
swirling mist descending towards earth!
The swirling earth!

breathing, visualization,
Continue breathing,
8. Continue (if used) until
visualization, and chant (if until you get the
impression
impression of the swirling luminescent
the swirling green and blue mist.
luminescent green
9. Once
9. you perceive
Once you impression of
perceive some impression of the blue and
the blue and green
green mist
mist
collecting above
collecting thetalisman,
above the usesome
talisman, use some magicalimplement
magical implement
(preferably aa lengthy
(preferably lengthy one) that represents will, force,
represents will, force, creation,
creation, or
formation to reach
formation through your
reach through your magical boundary into
magical boundary of
into the area of
manifestation careful not
(being careful
manifestation @eing not to break the boundary with any part
boundary with
of your body).
body).

Bring your
10. Bring
10. energy up
your energy to a peak.
up to Then,using
peak. Then, thelengthy
usingthe lengthymagical
magical
^ from the talisman
implement, remove the cloth from bowl.
implement, the talisman and bowl.
Still using
11. Still
11. magical implement,
using the magical implement,drawdrawthe sigilof
the sigil of IZF{
IZH above thethe
talisrnan. As
talisman. you do
As you do this, vibrate the nameIZH
this, vibrate name IZH and visualize the blue
and visualize blue
mixing with
and green mist mixing with the smoke ofof the incense and
the incense and coalescing
coalescing
above the talisman.
talisman.

27r
271
The Reflection
Ttre Magician's Reflection

12. If IZH
12. If IZH does not seem
does not to manifest
seem to rnanifest or if itit does
or if not manifest
does not manifest in its
most forn, compel
human form,
rnost human compel itit using thetalisman
using the itsname.
and its
talisrnan and name. Say
Say
something like, "By
something like, "By your talisman and
your talisman and by your name, IZHI IZH!
narne, IZEll IZHI
IZH:I Appear
IZH! form that
Appear now in that form that can
can best talk with me!
best talk me!

If IZH
13. If
13. IZH manifests form you
manifests in aa form you can talk to,
can talk ask itit about
to, ask itself. Ask
aboutitself. Ask
what it
what it does or what itit can
can do. Ask itit what
do. Ask what itit wants.
wants. Ask if if there
there is
knowledgethat
knourledg. thatitit can teach or
can teach i*p"tt. Keep
or impart. Keep in mind that
in mind that you
you
shouldn't automatically believe everything a magical
automatically believe magical being tells you
any rnore
more than you should
should believe everything you
believe everything read. If you
you hear or read.
any doubts about what aa spirit
have any spirit is telling you, try
telling lou, try to compel the
being to truth
truth using its sigil.
using its Aftet learning
sigil. After learning something
something about about IZH,
IZH,
for coming
thank it for coming andand tell to leave
tell it to leave in peace.
peace.

14.
14. Use the magical implement to cover the bowl
magical implernent bowl and talisman again. Crp
and talisman Cap
the incense.
incense.

15. Perform some

15. some ritual to banish
banish and ground all
and ground all energies.
energies.

16. Rernove the boundary

16. Remove marking the
boundary marking sacred space.
the sacred Putaway
space. Put away the
the
tdisman and the rest of the gear.
talisman ge r.

272
 Chapter 31: Invocation
Chapter Invocation

Another Note
Note ofofCaution:
Caution:Many
I\{any ofofthe
thesame warnings concerning
samewarnings concerning evocation
evocation
Typically, most
apply to invocation. Typically,
also apply most invocations are performed for
invocations are for deific
deific
or angelic
or thought to
beings thought
angelic beings beneficial to
to be beneficial to or at least
or at harmless to
least harmless to thethe
magician (assu*itg
magician the ritual
(assuming the ritual is performed with appropriate
is performed skill and intent).
appropriate skill intent).
A good
good rule of thumb is is not to invoke anything
to invoke anything that you wouldn't want
want to
to live
live
with for
with basic form for invocation:
for aa while. Here is a basic invocation:

1. Saturate
1. yourself with
Saturate yourself with the qualities
qualities and associations of
and associations being to be
of the being
invoked.
invoked.
2, Prepare
2. your rirual
Prepare your workspace so
ritual workspace so that you are surrounded
suffounded byby the
the
*'*'s' objects,
colors, symbols, shapes, numbers, images, obi e cts' smells,
smens' and ssounds
ound s
; :l::L,'J*:f
associated d:ffiifiTlr;:
with the magical being.
If particular
If particular items of clothing
items of or ornament
clothing or orriament are are associated with the
associated with the
being,
being, be sure during the
sure to wear them during ritual. You may
the ritual. may want to make
make
the donning of these items part of the ritual.
the ritual.

3. circle (or establish

3. Cast your circle space in whatevers/ay
magical space
establish magical whatever way you think
correct).
is correct).
Invoke the being
4. Invoke using every
being using every name and metaphor you
and metaphor you can imagne.
canimagine.
As you invoke, use various methods to
various methods toraise magical energy,
raise magical energy, such as
chanting, dance, drumming,
chanting, or sexual
drurnming, or sexual ecstasy.
ecstasy.

\risualize the
5. Visualize image of the magical
the image magical being
being enveloping you. If
enveloping )'ou. If there is a
particular myth or story associated with the being,
being, vou mav want to
you may
i:'*.*:lH:u:r'j:ilassociated
re-enact it during the ritual.
magical being
6. Continue until the magical enters into
being enters you. If
into you. your intent
If your intent is to
perfotm action while
particular action
perform some particular possessed by or in communion
while possessed
with the
with the magical
magical being,
being, such
such as oracular announcement,
asoracular announcement, casting
casting aa
spell, or making
spell, making a magical
magical object,
object, this
this should place now.
should take place
7 . Return to
7. toyourself. If necessary,
yourself. If yourself. If
invoke yourself.
necessary, invoke you have
If you have
developed magical persona
developed a magical this to
persona and name, use this to invoke
invoke yourself,
yourself,
otherwise your "nomal"
use your
otherwise use name.
"normal" name.
B. Thank
8. the being
Thank the beingforforparticipating.
participating. Then, perform aacomplete
Then, perform complete
banishing ritual of some kind
kind and ground any
and ground residual magical
any residual magfcal energy.
energy.

Relax and allow

9. Relax yourself to integrate
allow yourself theexperience.
integrate the experience. Regardless of
Regardless of
of the
the intent of theoperation,
operation, union withaamagical
unionwith will have
being will
magical being have aa
transformative
transformative effect
effect upon the
the consciousness
consciousness ofof the
the magician.
magician. Keep
in mind
this in mind when
when deciding whether or not
deciding whether toinvoke
not to invokeaaparticular
particular
magical being.
being.

273
273
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sample Invocation
A Sample
Using
Using the material generated in the Practical
material generated Practical Work sections of chapters 26, 27,,
26,27
and 28), invocation ritual.
28), compose a short invocation nuny respects,
ritual. In many rirual might
this ritual
respects, this
similar to rituals
be very similar developed for last chapter's
riruals developed Practical Work section.
chapter's Practical section.
The difference the emphasis
being that the
difference being emphasis in this is on
ritual is
this ritual onmanifesting
manifesting the
the
entity in oneself.
entity oneself. To again use
To again example of
use the example of "IZH," might use
"IZH," one might use the
the
following invocation ritual:
following ritual:

1. Find an
I. Find an appropriate
appropriate hill or open
hill open space
space near water. Mark
near water. N{ark out thethe area
^rea
that to be
be declared
declared as sacred spacespace and set up an altar
and set altar onon the
the side
side
water. This should be arranged
nearest the water. arranged so that you
so that will be
you will be facing
facing
your altar.
the water and your ahar. IfIf you
you perform this ritual
perform this rirual inside,
inside, face
face the
the
nearest lake or river.
towards the nearest
altar towards If possible,
river. If possible, light the room room
using only
using blue light
only aa blue light on side of the room and aa green
on one side light on
green light
the other. Decide which side seems most appropriate for each color.
Decide which color.
altar with a blood red cloth.
In either case, drape the altar cloth.

censer or incense
Place aa censer
2. Place incense burner containing (ose
burner containing incense on
rose incense on top of
the altar along with a source
source of fire and any other magical implements
magical implements
place a red rose on the altar.
you might need. If possible, place altar.

3. Place a small
small green bowl containing water on
containing water on the altar. L^y the
altar. Lay the
IZH (as
talisman of IZH described in
("r described in chapter 28) on
chapter 28) on top of the
the bowl,
bowl,
point towards the nearest
towards the nearest water. The talisman
talisman and bowl should
should be
kept covered by a brown or black
black cloth until they are used during the
"
ritual.
ritual.

4. Perform some
4. rirual of purification
some ritual purification or centering.
centering.

Ritually establish
5. Rirually
5. circleor
establishaacircle orsome other form that creates a boundary
some other bound"ry
and marks offoff sacred
sacred space. This might
space. This might include
include aa banishing
banishirg ritual so
that the sacred
sacred area
atea is a "clean slate."
slate."

6. Face the altar and light the rose incense.

6. incense.

7 . Apply
7. breathing and
Apply breathing and dance or or other
othertechniques toraise
techniques to raisemagical
magical
energ),'. As
energy. do this,
As you do this, visualize
visualize the green andblue
green and mistswirling
blue mist swiding
bowl and
above the bowl and talisman (still covered
talisman (still covered by
by the cloth). If you want
somethi.g like:
to, chant something like:

TZHI
IZH!
Spirit of the green and blue mist from which drops of blood
blood
flow.
florv.

TZHI
IZH!
swirling mist descending towards earth!
The swirling earth!

274
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

8.
8. Continue
Continue breathing, visualization,
visualization, and chant (if
(if used) until you get the
until you
impression
impression of the swirling
swiding luminescent
luminescent green and blue mist collecting
collecting
above the talisman.
talisfiran.

9. Bring
9. your energy
Bring your up to a peak, rernove
energy up from the
remove the cloth from the talisman
talisfiran
and bowl, the handle
bo'url, and grasp the handle of
of the talisman of IZH and draw the
talisnurn of
sigil of IZH.
sigil nameIZt{
12H. As you do this, vibrate the name IZH andandvisnali7e
visualize the
blue and green mixing with
green mist mixing with the smoke
smoke ofof the
theincense
incense andand
swirling around and into you.
swiding around

10. IZ}{ fill

10. Feel IZH fill you,
you, transforming
transforming you.
you. Visualize yourself in
Visualize yourself in the most
human form of IZH.IfIfaaparticular
of IZH. particular stance
stanceseems
seems appropriate,
appropriate, then
then
assume
assurne that stance. Say something like...
Say something

"I am
am she,
she, the
the Red
Red One,
One, dressed in blue
dressed in blue and
and green. IZF{I I am
green. IZH1 arn she who
thorn.IZHI"
holds the rose, pierced by the thorn. IZH1"
At this
this point in an
point in aninvocation,
invocation, one might make
one might make use of some
use of sorne ability
ability or
understanding while acting as the magical
magical entity being invoked.
invoked.
11. ThankIZH
11. Thank IZH for
for corning
coming and tell itit to
andtell to leave
leave in
in peace.
peace. Place
Place the talisman
talisnran
back on the bowl and cover it it vrith
with the cloth. Cap the incense.incense. If IZIJ
IZH
notreadily
does not readily depart,
depart, command
command it it using
using its slg1l.IfIfnecessary,
itssigil. necessafy,
threaten to destroy the talisman
talisman and return IZH to nothingness.
and return nothingness.

'/.,2. Perform some

12. some ritual
ritual to banish
banish and
and ground
groundall
all energies.
energies. Make
Make sure you
feel like
like you
you have completely renrned
have completely yourself. You may
returned to yourself. may want
want to
try literally invoking yourself.
literally invoking yourself.
13.
13. Remove the boundary marking the sacred space
bound"ry marking put away
space and put away the
talisman and
talisman and the
the rest
rest of
of the
the gear.
gear.

275
i
I
 Magical
Personal Magical
Examples of Personal
Systems
Systems

Two examples
examples of designed
designed magical symbol systems
magical symbol systems are presented in Appendlx
are presented Appendix
A and
A Appendix B.
andAppendix Thefirst
B. The frstsystem,
system,the NARAlphabet
theNAR Alphabetof ofPrimordial
Primordial
constructed by Michael
Elements, was constructed
Elements, lv{ichael Skrtic
Skrtic and appears with his
and appears his kind
kind
permission. The second system,
permission. system, the Alphabet of Dreams, is my own. own. Both are
given in aarather
given ratherabbreviated
abbreviated form,form, omitting material that
omitting much material that has no
bearing on the the focus of this
focus of book.While
this book. While these
these are functional magical
arefunctional magical systems
systems
and could
could certainly variety of purposes,
certainly be used for aa variety puqposes, they they are are presented
presented asas
examples of
examples of how the concepts
concepts of of symbolism described in
symbolism described in this book can be
arranged to formform personal systems. There's no reason why you couldn't use
personal systems. use
one ofof these you'll probably get more out of
systems, but you'll
these systems, of itit ifif you
you make your
make your
own.
own.
It should
It should bebe noted
notedthat thatthese twosystems
thesetwo systems use use thethesame phonetic
samephonetic
attributions
attributions for elemental
elemental admixrures. Thus, itit is possible
admixtures. Thus, possible to "interface" the the
two systems, going back
systems, going and forth,
back and depending on
forth, depending on the
the puqpose
purpose of the user.

277
277
 Alphabet of
NAR Alphabet
Appendix A: The NAR
Primordial Elements
Primordial Elements

NAR is an an elemental magical system designed

elemental magical designed by Michael Skrtic.
by N{ichael One of the
Skrtic. One
principal design
principal parameters of
design parameters of NAR
NAR was was the
the idea that ifif sffanded
idea that stranded on a desert
desert
island without any books the whole system
island system could be unpacked and rederived rederived
from aa simple gnd. Some
simple grid. Some other parameters
parameters were were that the the system
system should be
regular, internally consistent, and easily expandable.
easily expandable.
It is based on five
fi.ve elements
elements as blind forces that arise from a primordialprimordial
of chaos
state of chaos andand their
their translations time. ItIt is intended to be
through time.
translations through be
especially useful fot
especially useful for ritual workingsin
ritual wotkings in which
which an an intention
intention is moved back and
forth through time,
time, and fot astral
and for principal components of NAR
travel. The principal
astral travel.
consist of the following:
the following:

1. I{AR cosmology
1. The NAR cosmology

2.The
2. The primordial elements their associations
elements and their associations

3.
3. The NAR power grid

4.
4. The NAR characters
characters and their arrangement on the grid

5. four elemental
5. The four four temporal
elemental and four temporal essences
essences

6. Riruals using
6. Rituals the NAR characters
using the characters and power
po's/er grid

NAR Cosmology
The NAR Cosmology
Unlike most elemental
Unlike systems, in
elemental systems, NAR the
in I\TAR represent states of time
the elements represent
as well as states of matter and
and energy.
energ)".
Before the beginning,
beginning, there was only the nameless
nameless void. The void was
differentiated into unmanifest
differentiated time, unmanifest
unmanifest time, unmanifest space, andconsciousness.
space, and consciousness.
Through thethe mediation
mediation of ofconsciousness, time and
unmanifest time
consciousness, unmanifest and unmanifest
unmanifest
space were aware of one one another
anotherand andbecame
becamemanifest, and space/time
manifest, and space/time
combined into aa central
combined point —
central point the essential
- the essential here and now.
here and now. From this central
four elemental
point, four elemental and fourtemporal
and four temporalessences fonvard and
radiated forward
essencesradiated and
backwards throughtime
bachvards through timeand space.tttir
and space. Thispoint canbe
pointcan thought of
be thought of as the
the
essence of spirit reflection of the primordial
spirit that is the reflection void. It is the instant
primordial void. instant
of the present.
ptesent.

The Elements in NAR

Elements in NAR
In NAR, the elements
lrTAR" the elements areare considered blind primal
considered blind primal forces that manifest
forces that manifest the
intenve"..i"g) of
fabric (the interweaving) of time
time and space. The four elements are unified in
and space.
fifth essence,
the fifth essence, spirit. element is associated
spirit. Each element associated with state of time,
with aa state time, aa
polarifi', and a color (or colors).
gender or polarity,

278
 Bill Whitcomb

lffixg l
Bill Whitcomb

Element
Element Fire Air
Fire Air Spirit Earth
Earth Water

Time Dishnt Near

Distant Recent Distant
Recent Dishnt
Frame Future Futurc Present
Future Future Preeent Past Past
Past

Gender
Gender Masculine Masculine Balanced
MaEculine Masculine Balanced FeminineFeminine
Feminine Feminine
Feminine
Feminine Masculine
Masculine

Sigil Red Blue

Red Blue Silver Brown Green
Brown
Color

Sigil Blue Orange White Black

Black White
Outline

Sigil 0range Yellow

Orange Yellow Light Green Blue

The forms of the

forms of sigls are shown
the sigils shourn below.
belour.

rr

FIRE

279
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

AIR

EARTH
EARTH

280
280
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

______--------.

WATER

SPIRIT

281
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

NAR Elemental
The NAR Grid
Elemental Grid
of NAR
The heart of NAR isis an
an elemental
elemental grid that depicts the interaction of the
the five
five
essences in space
essences space and time.
Since elements of NAR are
Since the elements associated with
are associated with colors, each of the
colors, each
twenty-five squaresof
twenfy-five squares ofthe Spirit Grid
the Spidt can be shown as an
Grid can anarrangement
arcangement of
elemental colors.

NAR SPIRIT II PRESENT

THE NAR PRESENT GRID
GRID
gnd shown
The grid shown above
above is is called the Spirit
called the Grid. Greater
Spirit Grid. Greater andandLesser
Lesser Spirit
Spirit
intersects with the Active
Active and Passive Present in
Passive Present in the center of the grid.
The grid
grid is
is aa square,
squ^re, subdivided into twenty-five
subdivided into twenty-five smaller
smaller squares,
squares, with
elemental space/time characteristics
elemental space/time attributed to each
characteristics attributed each ro\
row/' and column. Thus
Thus
each square
square has four components;
components; two two temporal
temporal and two elemental,
and two elemental, and can
can
be represented by a pyramid.
pymmid.
"

282
282
 Bilt Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Greatcr.Elmcntel$
Great erElernentar

Lesccr'Elcmcota$
L ess erEirm entail .4,ctive.Tempora$
Active-Trinparalr

Passive-Teuiporar
Persive'Tcnnporal$

When to the
V7hen a letter is added to the square, it isis placed
square, it in aa smaller
placed in smaller square
square with the
the Active
sarne color as the
same Active Temporal color, thus forming a flat topped pyramid. pyramid.

Greets:Elunmta!$
Great erElemental

LesscrElmrmtalf
Lesser Elemental': Active-Temporal''
Active.Temporal$

Passive'Tmporal$
Passive.Teraporalr

top and
The top leftsides
andleft ofthe
sides of gtidare
thegrid attributedtotothe
areattributed thespatial
spatial(material)
(material)
elements. The
elements. The bottom
bottom andand right sides of
right sides grid are
of the grid attributed to
are attributed to the
the
temporal elernents. The elements of
temporal elements. of the
the columns
columns are
are greater influences, while
greater influences, while
the elements
elements of the
the rows
rows are
are lesser
lesser influences.
influences.

283
283
fire Magicia
The Magician's Reflection
n's Reflecti on

Greater Greater Greater Greater Greater wan

Fire Air Spirit Earth Water 0

Lesser riaIEraI II IreI.

Vafli Active
■
Fire
Part

1~ 41 "4
Active
Air ■0 ■ Recen
0 060■
Past t
Pl
a AlA
e
Lesser Active
Spirit • . I Presennt

1 4r
. W
Leaser 0 4004.000 1 Active
Earth ■ ■ Near
Future

L
Wesier
ater PITO 0 "'
■ ■00 Distant
."
Future
Bawds
Passive Passive Passive Passive Passive ,n,
Distant Near Present Repent Distant ...
Future Future Past Past vniue

284
284
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Or, to
to show
show the
the same colors:
appropriate colors:
grid with the appropriate
same grid

Greater Grsater Greater

Air Spirit Earth

NMI ■1111■

Lessor Active
Air Recent
Past

Lesser
SPirit pm!
P9PAP AAIPgr1
Active
Prams

Lesser Active
Earth Near
Future
*MA el al

■ 11. /11111.
F lementg
Passive Passive Passive
Ncar Present Recent
Future Past vn led

285
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
movement along a row
The direction of movement ro$/ or column determines whether
whether action
occurs in space or time. example, h
time. For example, in the first
first column flow
column on the left, the flow
moving down it is the Column
moving Colunrn of Greater Fire, flow moving up it is
Fire, while the flow
the Column of the Passive Distant Future.

G*eatsr Fire
Greater Firc

Ce*urn,n
Column crf,
of
Gr, r,a r Fire
Greater Flrs
rnqnr,{ng.
moving
dffinrnrnrerds
downwards

FsEEivs
Passive
{}*spm Futura
Otstarrt Future

286
 Bill
Hill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

€rester
Greater Firs

ds*urnn
Column of Passive
*fF,assl.vf,
Distant
,*,fr*'tilnt Future
Fu[,u,ra
moving upwards
ntqrry*rig,tlri$ff&rd$

k,xxiw
Passive
$lsknt Future
Distant F*t*rrc

287
287
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Ukewise, ififyou
Likewise, youexamine
examinethethefirst
firstrorn/
rowatat the
the top of the
the grid,
grid, the
the Lesser
Lesser Fire
Fire
moves from left to right
rnoves right while the Active Distant
Distant Past moves from right to
left.

rr
Row of Lesser Fire
Row

Row Active Distant Past

Row of Active

288
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

There are also two main diagonals on a NAR grid.

The diagonal
The diagonal moving from upper left to
moving from to lower is the
nght is
lower right theSpatial
Spatial
Diagonal. Each of
Diagonal. Each thesquares
of the inthis
squaresin thisdiagonal hasmatching
diagonalhas matchingspatial
spatial
ksser Fire or
components (such as Greater and Lesser
components or Greater andLesser
Greater and Ait).
Lesser Air).
ir, each
That is, square contains
each square contains the greater lesser aspect of the
greater and lesser the same
sarne
element.
element.

289
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

The diagonal moving

moving from
from lower left to upper
lower left upper right is the Temporal Diagonal.
Diagonal.
of these
Each of these squares
squares has
has matching
matching pairs oftemporal
pairs of temporal components
components(Active
(Active
Passive Distant
Distant Past and Passive
Distant Distant Past, so on).
Past, and so on). That ir,each
That is, eachsquare
square
contains the active and passive aspect of the same temporal
passive aspect temporal period.
period.

The center of the

center of the NAR
NAR grid,
grid, where
wherethe
thespatial
spatial and
and temporal
temporal diagonals
diagonals cross,
cross,
is where Active Passive Present intersects with Greater and
Active and Passive and Lesser
Lesser Spirit.
Spirit.
This Spirit square
square is the hub of the grid, embodying
is the eternal here and no\tr/,
embodylng the etemal now,
the singularity
the that is
singularity that is the reflection of the
the reflection voidbefore
thevoid befotecreation
creation and
and
manifestation.
manifestation.

290
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb
Each of the squares of the
Each NAR elemental
the NAR with one of the
associated with
elemental grid is associated
consonant characters
characters of the NAR alphabet.
alphabet. The characters I{AR are runes,
characters of NAR runes,
essentially, in
essentially, in that
that they were designed
designed toto be
be carved wood or
carved in wood or stone. In
stone. In
to the
addition to
addition thetwenty-five
twenty-five consonant signs,
signs, there are five vowel
also Eve
are also vowel signs
signs
both the
represent both
that represent thespatial andtemporal
spatialand temporalelements
elements inintheir
theirarchetypal
archerypal
forms.
forms.

I!VRR frLL 71
as
rs in ran
inrun
iK 7TT
VPPIKZ
uu ininlmk
look u io
as in pin
Pal asas ininkin
kin asas inin tool
bol

: -Th
. -Th tsh l{HH rfKs
Sh III Ks VF
g F
asss inin with
with asas ininshcll
shell asu inin honc asu inin Picks
picks asu in fell
_.

!r
II
just
u inmitt
J JV
I fiz Urz ts
V ri Z 71 TZE S
as as is valc
m in vile as in zsr
rs in sea asss inmtrtf
tear asas inin sun
$un 1

Iw 7D nB t' c ;IY
1:Wr
rs inmnn
as in mum
DilBil
is inin dors
as dooru in
no in book
book grh
asas inin gate u 61Ytill
al inyan
Y

\ Th- LLCh IIKw

\I Th- M 11tl N
IrKw IliM N Ch
u in quick
u inbate
at that u in
as in chill
chill la iquick aims&
$ inmsrsh as inn=
as innenu

tmg
Long
N
as
A u
k AU
uinacem
info or is inm oven
88
E
E3
Eyen or
0r
l
88 n wine
ins in
II
Wne or
0t
V
is
U
V 0JU
u in
0 J
in over or 1 as
ova or as in uniqw
nuuque
Short'
Shortf uinrt
u int u inrst
as in rot u in
sa in bit uu inin rock
rock or
orasIs in under
unda
i

** A vertical
vertical line following
followink aa vowel
vowel s' i lies that
sigeifies that the vowel isispronounced
thevowel pronounced

"short" (as
(as in 71 L 9 [2 I.H177III,
^nvrfiul I'1,
(BR,{I(E I NDH, pronounced
(BRAKE1NDH, "brake-end-huh")
pronounced "brake-end-huh")

29r
291
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

About Other Grids

Notes About
Some Notes
Four other essential grids can be created by shifting
essential grids shifting the row with
the row with the Greater
Element labels to the right
Element labels right and thecolumn
and the column withwith the
theLesser Element labels
Lesser Element labels
do'uvnwards until
downwards until the desired element is
desired element is in the center of the the grid. The Active
grid. The Active
column labels
Time column should be shifted
labels should shifted upwards, and the the Passive
Passive Time rowro$r
labels should
labels should be shifted to the right.
be shifted right. Once thisthis is done,
done, use the elemental
use the elemental or
combinations to
temporal combinations re-assign the
to re-assign letters to
the letters to their new positions
positions on the
grid. Thus each derived grid has an
each derived an elemental temporal aspect.
elemental and a temporal aspect. The
The
^
following example
fallowing example shows how to
shows hor.v to affange
arrange the Air // Near Future grid.
the Air gdd.

1.
1. Shift the Greater Element labels
labels one position to the right and wrap
the Water around to the left.
label around
Water label left. The order of the Greater
The order
elements then becomes
becomes Water,
STater, Fire, Ait, Spirit,
Fire, Air, Spirit, and
and Earth.
Earth.
2. Shift the Lesser Element
2. Next Shift Element column labels labels one position
downwards, and wrap
down'nvards, and wrap thethe Water label to
Water label to the top of the column so
the top
that the Lesser Water row
Lesser Water row is now on
is no'uv an top.
top.
3. Passive Time
3. Shift the Passive one position
labels one
Time labels nght and
position to the right wrap the
and'nvrap
Passive Distant
Passive Distant Past
Past label around to
label around to the left.
left. The
The order
order of the
Passive Time
Passive Time labels
labels then becomes Distant
then becomes Past, Distant
Distant Past, Distant Future,
Future,
Present, and Recent
Present, Recent Past.
Past.
4. Active Time
4. Shift the Active Time labels upwards one position, and wrap the
labels upwards
Active distant
Active distant Past around to the bottom of
Past around of the Active Time
the Active
column.
column.

Shift gdumn

111:111"/\
Shift column s"--,

Spirt griJ shifted

Spiritgrid toAir
shifted to grid
Air grid

292
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Assigning letters
Assigning to the
letters to Air grid:
theAir grid:
1. square of the
1. Each square gfid has
the grid has a Greater and
and Lesser Elemental pair.
Lesser Elemental pait.
For each square on the Air grid, note the elemental combination.
combination.

"'Greater'ElementT
--Great er-Elementri

Lesstr'Elernentttr
Lesser.Element"-

2. Then locate the square the Spirit

square on the Spirit grid with the same
same Greater and
lesser Elemental
lesser Elemental pair
pair and
and assign that letter from
assign that grid to the
Spirit grid
from the Spirit
square with
square combination on the Air grid.
matching combination
with the matching grid. Thus, on the
Air grid, the square
Air at the
square at theupper
upperleftleftcorner
cornerhashasthetheelemental
elernental
combination of Greater Water
combination Sfater and Lesser $fater. On the
Lesser Water. Spirit grid
the Spirit gdd
the square with the same
same elemental combination is at the lower right
corner and has the
corner the letter
letter NN associated
associated withwith it. Write N
it. Write N inin the
the
Greater and Lesser $fater square on the
Lesser Water the Air grid.

We ignore
Yve he temporal
ipOre MB temporal components
components
when using
nnen usng the elemental inflecfion
elemental intlecton
le assign ccharacters
to ensign the Gnd
ha-scnsm to the Grid

Repeat this
3. Repeat process for the rest of the
this process the squares of the
squares of Ait grid.
the Air grid.

293
293
 . .—•■••••-

Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Assigning to the
Assigning letters to theNear grid:
Future grid:
Near Future
1. Each square of the
square of gtid has
the grid hasan Active and
anActive andPassive Temponl pair.
Passive Temporal pau.
For each square on the
each square Near Future
the Near (Ait) grid,
Future (Air) grid, note the
the temporal
temporal
nbination.
combination.

ActiveTemporalT
Active.Temporair

-Passive.Temporalr,
"Passive'TemporalT

2. Then locate the square

locate the on the
square on the Spirit
Spirit grid with the
grid with the same Active and
same Active
Passive Temporal
Passive Temporal pair
pair and assign that
and assign letter from the Spirit
that letter Spirit grid to
square urith
square the matching
with the combination on
matching combination the Near
on the Near Future
Future(Air)
(Ait)
gnd. Thus on the
grid. Near Future
the Near grid, the square
Future grid, the upper
square at the left
upper left
thetemp-oral
has the
corner has combination of Active
temporal combination Active Recent Past and and
Passive Distant
Passive Past. On the
Distant Past. the Spirit
Spidt grid, the square
square with the same
same
temporal combination
temporal combination has has the letter F associated with it.
associated with $7rite F in
it Write
Active Recent
the Active Passive Distant
Past and Passive
Recent Past square on the Near
Distant Past square
Future grid.
grld.

we he elernersal
We ignore die elsmentalcomponents
components
wienvenni
Alen usingthe
theterrpocal infieclon
temporalmhese on to
assign
ass, characters to the Grid
g, characters Gnd

3. Repeat this process for the rest of the squares of the Near Future grid.
Repeat this gfld.

294
294
 Bill Whitcomb
M Whitcomb

Temporal and Elemental

complete Temporal
The complete inflectionsof
Elemental inflections the Air/Near Future
of the Future
Grid which we used for this
used for this example
example are below:
are given below:

ilI DOMB
MulleilEE101
1°On kigoo

Air/Near Future Grid

Air/Near Future Grid
(Air inflection)
(Air inflection)

.13 rar013
0•41010013000

Air/Near Future Grid

Air/Near Future Grid
(N ea r Future
(Near nflection )
Future iinflection)

295
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

Thus nine
Thus nine regular gnds are possible;
regular grids possible; four Elemental, four Temporal, and 1I
Temporal, and
grid. The basic four types
Spirit gnd.
Spirit of elemental
types of or temporal
elemental or grids (that
temporal grids it,
(that is,
without letters assigned) spirit grid
assigned) and the spirit gnd are shown below:
below:

Air Grid

296
 Bill Wtritcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Fire Grid
""'"
i"""""-"""""""""'"'

ilri
1"

i...---.*--i

I
i

i,,,,1

Water Grid

297
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Earth Grid
All
All the above grids have been
been generated by simultaneously
generated by shifting both
simultaneously shifting both the
temporal and elemental
temporal elemental components
components so that the central square composed of
square is composed
the same greater and lesser elernent
element and the same
sarne active and passive temporal.
temporal.
Other grids
Other andcombinations
grids and combinations are, are, of possible but
course, possible
of course, not
but not
necessarily advisable.IfIf you
necessarily advisable. wanted to
you wanted to you could, for example, grid
example, create aa grid
whose central square
rvhose central representedthe
square represented actionof
the action of Fire
Fire and Water act
and Water act on the
the
extremely volatile
extremely volatile instant
instant where
where the
the Present
Present meets the NearNear Future. Assig.i.g
Future. Assigning
letters
letters to such grid should
such aa grid follow the same
should follow same procedures
procedures outlined
outlined above, and
is left as an unadvisable exercise. I believe
unadvisable exercise. believe that these irregular
irregular grids
grids represent
the spaces
spaces between quanta. The The stability
stability of these
these grids is questionable.

298
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

O• OIAFF
NIAAAA
•WAY411.
• • • TT
Om kom Farr(

of Fire
action of
The Grid representing the action Fire and Water on
on
extremely volatile
the extremely wherethe
instantwhere
volatile instant Present meets
the Present
Near Future
the Near

299
 11481.M.■.M.:

The Magician's Reflection

The Four Elemental

The Four Elemental and Temporal
Temporal Essences
Essences
Each of the four elemental
the four elemental and four temporal essences in NAR has
four temporal has aa name
name
built up from
built from thetheassociated NARcharacters
associated NAR characters on on the
the grid. Theelemental
grid. The elemental
associated vrith
ve{y loosely associated
names can be very with the elemental kings of
elemental kings Enochian
of the Enochian
Hebtew Qabalistic
and Hebrew systems. The
Qabalistic systems. The NARNAR elemental
elemental essences are are not
not
intelligences, however, but but should
should be
be considered
considered as blind primordial
as blind pdmordial forces.
forces.
names may be used by
These names by themselves
themselves or in in conjunction
conjunction with the
noun GATzONKs-, which
noun GATzONKs_, which means "essence." fn
means "essence." In NAR,
NAR, nouns often possess possess
an elemental or
an elemental or temporal suffix. In
temporal suffix. this case,
In this theelemental
case) the elemental formsforms areare
GATzONKsR (fire),
GATzONKsR (fit.), GATzONKsSh
GATzONKsSh (air), (rit), GATzONKsN
GATzONKsN(water), (water), and
and
GATzONKsG (earth). The temporal
(earth). The forms are GATzONKsTh
temporal forms GATzONKsTh(distant (distant
future), GATzONKsD
future), GATzONKsD (near (near future),
future), GATzONKsKs ^re (recent past),
past), and
(recent and
GATzONKsT (distant(distant past).
past).
names of
The names ofthe
theelemental and temporal
elemental and temporal essences
essences werewere derived
derived by by
creating each of
creating of the
the elemental/temporal
elemental/temporal grid gridarrangements
arrangements and projecting a
and projecting
spiral pattern
spiral pattern onon them as shown
them as below:
shown below:

/\
\
n
MIN
/ 4
on. /
\ ,/ftt.

4E1\,/ ,), /
( / ( ( \

Earl
\
\/
myArm
V
\
\
/
)
/

Elemental
Elemental.SpiralT Temporal.
Terrporal. Spiral!,
SpiralT

Elemental
Elemental Temporal
Collective name of the
Collective R.ShZGN
ItilaGN Tb-DZKsT
Th-DZKsT
Essences
Fire/Distant Future
Fire/Distant Future RTh-T-ThL$rKJP
RTh-T-ThLWKJP Th-RN\rCh-
Th-RNWCh-
ThN{Kw
ThMJKw
Fuhrre
Air/Near Future Sh-ThVHChFDKs
Sh-ThVHChFDKs DCKWVBLYShG
DCkWVBLYShG
Spirit/Present — -
Earth/Recent Past GTzBIIfYKsDK\Y
GTzBMYKsDKW KsTzHKFGShN[-Th
KsTzHICFGSh1S,1-Th
WaterfDistant Past
Water/Distant Past NYI\,{TTh-SKwFCh
NYMITh-SKwFCh TFKNRSPYL
((-Th"
"Th-" as in That
"Th-" "-Th" as in wiTh

300
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
five grid
There are five arrangements of the elements and temporals,
grid arrangements temporals, but for for each
each
elemental/temporal (except
the elemental/temporal
of the Spirit/Present) grids
(except for the Spirit/Present) grids there are two rwo
ways to arrange
ways depending on whether
arrange the letters depending focusing on the
whether you are focusing the
elements
elements or temporals.
reminiscent of
This is reminiscent of Heisenberg's Principle in that you
Uncertainty Principle
Heisenberg's Uncertainty you
can focus either the
focus on either the temporals
temporals oror the elementals, but the more
the elementals, you focus
more you focus
one, the
on one, the more the other fades
the other the background.
fades into the background.
Note that while names
that while names have been derived derived for each of
for each the four
of the four
elemental and
elemental essences, no
and four temporal essences, no name
name has been generated for the the
eternal here and now, sincesince there didn't seem
seem to to be pointinvoicing
muchpoint
be much invoking the the
Spirit in the Present
Spirit Present Here and Now,
Here and but it
Now, but is certainly
it is possible to derive the
certainly possible
names Spirit in
names for the Spirit in the
the Present Here and Now from
Present Here from the
the grid.
grid.
It is also worth noting that these
these are
are names
names and correspondences
correspondences that
have been derived by manipulating the grid grid inin certain
certain ways, these are not
ways, but these
only combinations.
the only Manipulatingthe
combinations. Irlanipulating grid in
the grid rvill result
ways will
in other ways result inin
very different
other, possibly very different names,
names, coffespondences
correspondences and insights.
and insights.

Word:BRAKE
BanishingWord:
The Banishing BRAKEINDH
I NDH
Banishing in NAR was designed to
Banishing to be
be simple
simple and direct—
anddirect - no one likes
likes doing
The best
the dishes! The best way banish aa NAR
way to banish NAR construction is to clap one's hands
and say the banishing word "BR{KE
banishing word I NDH" (pronounced
"BR.-kKEINDH" (pronounced "brake-end-huh")
forcefully rvhile
Forcefully whilevisualizing
visualizingthe
thepure white of
purervhite of blank
blank paper.
paper.

E N-1 f2 I L 1 III
nWfiUltlTltl
71
BRAKEINDH
BRAKE I ND H

301
301
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

A Note on theNAR
on the NAR Language
Language
One ofof the
the branches
branches ofof NAR
NAR that
thathas
hasnever
neverreally
really been
been explored
explored in any depth
is the creation
creation of words from from the individual elemental/temporal components
the individual components
of the letters comprising
the letters comprising them. The goal
them. The goal was tocreate
was to createan Adamic language.
anAdamic language.
The idea being that to create a word you would would think about the elemental
elemental and
temporal attributes of
temporal attributes meaning of the word and
of the meaning and collect letters from
collect the letters from
grid. Thus you
the Spirit/Present grid. you could
could learn
learn something
something of the the true
true meaning
meaning
of each word
ward by deconstructing
deconstructing itsits elemental/temporal components.
components.
There is is aaNAR
NARSyntax Guideand
SyntaxGuide Dictionary of
andDictionary ofseveral hundred
several hundred
words which were used to to create
create the following rituals.
thefollowing rituals. New
New words can can be
created
created as needed using the techniques
techniques ofof magical
magical name generation.

Ritual of Centers
The Ritual
Ritual of Centers
The Ritual Centets is one of of the
thethree
threefundamental rituals of the NAR
fundamental rituals NAR
system that, all together, comprise the complete
together, comprise complete ritual used in the
ritual used the astral
astral
construction of the NAR power pourer grid.
grid.
Ritual of Centers
The Ritual divided into two parts. The first
Centen is divided first part is used as
a daily
daily centering ritual.The
centering ritual. The second part is added for fuller,
second part fuller, more formal
formal uses.
uses.
Riruals to open the gate
Rituals gate to planes fot
to the NAR planes for astral travel always use both
always use
parts.
pafts.
centering within
Part 11 is a ritual for grounding and centering within the four elements.
elements.
Part 2 is an invocadon to the
an invocation the spirit of creation
spirit of creation and
and aa grounding
grounding in in time
time (in
(rn
conjunction with the elements).
conjunction elements). Note thatthat while English translation
while English manslation is is given,
gfven,
rirual is
the ritual is pronounced NAR.
pronounced in NAR.

Performing the
Performing the Ritual of Centers
1. Stand with your arms
L. Stand atyour
arms at yoursides, feettogether,
sides,feet together,knees
kneesslightly
slighdy
bent, and
and relax.
relax,
2. Raise
2. Raise your
your hands high above your head
above your andstretch
headand stretchwhile
while
pronouncing (in NAR,
NAR, not English):
English):

Zlltl NruT
ZJIHZ Z
NiLFI■K EINTVItir5
llNnV lll UV Ul:rV uZ NI'
ifl/121J5VUZ N11 i-t
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDM GATzONKSSh
GATzONKsSh FOEVShOET AR
FOEVShOET AR
essence (air) of flux (air) am II
For one unique essence
3.
3. Bend waist, touch both hands to the
Bend at the waist, ground (or
the ground (or as far as
as far as you
can without bending your knees) while ptonouncing
knees) while (in I{AR,
pronouncing (in NAR, not
English):
English):

NI= f\ rU7 K 1-tlNrlv

t\F NJUFF ltli-11
111/111r1 lEV i- NE
-1 91:Vr NV
AL AVEDM
AL AVEDM GATzONKSGKWOKs
GATzONKsG K\ruOKs AR
AR
and one unique essence (earth) of stability (earth) am II

302
302
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

4.
4, Stand straight, as in
straight, as in step 1. Extend your right arm to the right, turn
the right,
your head toto look
look beyond
beyond your right hand,
your right while pronouncing
hand, while pronouncing (in (in
NA& not English):
NAR, English):

ZlltlZ NN tU7 K ITINPVItlr-

ZJIHE t'NEVltli-U ZNZV K NE
L! ZNZVF NU
TINT AVEDM GATZONKSR
TINT AVEDM GATzONKsR TATOM AR TATOM AR
for one unique essence (fire) of life am II
Leaving right
5. Leaving right arm
arm outstretched,
outstretched, extend your left
extend your left arm to the left and
arm to
beyond your left
look beyond left band whilepronouncin
handwhile pronouncing (inNAR,
g (in NAR, notnot
English):
English):

ZlltlZ Nr[7
ZJII1Z NJ FF K ltli-tl
fiN0.V
5NEVII1r1.1 K NV
Zf\ZV
1NZVF
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDMGATzONKsN TATOM AR
GATZONKSN TATOM AR
for one unique essence (water) of life am II
6. Turn
G. Turn your
your face forward. IfIf you
face forxiard. you are performing only
are performing through
only steps 1 through
pause a moment,
5, pause your attention
focus your
moment, focus attention on your center of gravity,
your center gravity,
then slowly loweryour
slowly lower arms and
your arms and bow your head. If
your head. youare
If you are
ritual, slowly
extended ritual,
performing the extended slowly raise your arms (as in step 2)
raise your
while pronouncing (in NAR, not English):
while English):

tlVVtl tlN
1.1VEL1 :f2VV.F3 HNJ111/
=uVU7 fiNV
7 TINE I 'fiVf
NORNThEOFDI
NORN ThEOFDINAVZOD
NA|'IZODZAR
ZAR
Let dwell within me
N rt! 7 K tiN7.V
NJEFR EVILlETI Kf fi
ll,li-fi IJVS ED
AVEDM GATzONKSZJOShMIZ
AVEDM GATzONKsZ JOShMIZ
creation
one unique essence (spirit) of creation
Pause in this position
Pause spirit of creation
feel the spirit
position and feel creation enter you and
and
NARNON'{ (NAR
charge your NARNOM magical name).
CIAR magical name).

Slowly, ball
7. Slowly, ball your hands into loose
your hands lowering your arms, and
fists, lowering
loose fists, and
touch to opposite
touch your fists to opposite shoulders (l.ft arm
shoulders (left ann nearest to body)
nearest to body)
while bowing
while bowing your head and pronouncing (in
your head NAR, not English):
(in NAR, English):

Zlltl Z AJC717
271112: t'NLVlll i-li it\f
h.ttJiti [102VIt1711 9NVE t 1lif 7VVf, hl1
■ [ 7VER
TINTAVEDM GATzONKsZ KAOS AL DORM
TINT AVEDM GATZONKSZ KAOS AL DORMARAR

For
For one unique
unique essence (spirit) of Here (elements)
(elemenh) and Now (time) am Il

303
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

zYltz
ZE31Z r.! ltTNTvu
i2ICZNZVE
TRIT
TRIT ESTATOR
ESTATOR
This is life.
to feei
Take a moment to feel grounded in time
time and the
the elements.
elements.

Clap your
8. CIap
S. hands and sav
your hands tranishing word,
say the banishing

fl=VNI ti I Ll7 ll I BRA

uo* |IKENDH, rvh'e visualizing
KENDH, while visuari zingcrear
clear
r.vhite.
white.

Performing the
Performing Ritual of Centers with
the Ritual
Breathing
Perform the ritual just as
rirual just before, except
as before, of pronouncing
except instead of the NAR
pronouncing the I\TAR
phrases, recite them mentally
phrases, mentally while following the sequence
while following of breathing
sequence of breathing
described below. Stretching motions
below. Stretching accenruated.
motions should be accentuated.
1. Stand with your arms at
1. your sides,
at your feet together,
sides, feet together, knees slighdy bent,
knees slightly
relax. Inhale and
and relax. and exhale complete\r.
exhale completely.
2. Raise your hands high above your head as
Raise )'our as you
)'ou inhale and stretch
inhale and stretch
rvhile pronouncing mentally
while NAR:
mentallln in NAR:

Tllll 7 Nruf
E3111Z NJUrF rIt, NPVI[Ir5
NnV ltl li
OLIJ5VUZ NEi-,
VV tll-l 5V il7l\U
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDM GATzONKSSh FOEVShOET AR
GATzONKsSh AR

For one unique essence (air) of flux (air)

(air) am I I

3. Exhale as you bend at the waist, touch both hands to the ground (or
' ti:,ft;:,:T,1*,f;
as far as you can without bending your knees) while pronouncing
T:*1fi r*1#m:ilT'riilil'[::
mentally in NAR:
t\f I\Ji2r 1l:V i- kNV
NrIT K tINLV ltl i-t] 91:Vr-
ALAVEDM
AL AVEDM lftVOKs AR
GATzONKSGKVVOKs
GATzONKsG AR
and one unique essence (earth) of
of stability
stability (earth) am II
4. Stand straight, as in
straight, as 1. Extend
step 1.
in step your right
Extend your arm to the right, tum
right arm furn
head to
vour head
your tolook
lookbeyond
beysnclyour righthand,
yourright whilepronouncing
hand,while pronouncing
mentally in
mentally in NAR.
NAR. Hold your while straightening,
lour breath out while straightening, and then
while extending
inhale r.vhile your right arm.
extending \rour arm.

Tlltl 7 'ti7 K
Z7111Z N tlNnVltli-V
NJUFR LINEVIllrE K
TNZV itL
1N7VR NV
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDM TATOM AR
GATzONKSR TATOM
GATzONKsR AR
unique essence (fire) of life am II
for one unique
304
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Leaving right
5. Leaving right arm outstretched, exhale while
outstretched, exhale while extending your left arm
extending your
to leftand
theleft
to the lookbeyond
andlook beyondyour lefthand
yourleft whilepronouncing
handwhile pronouncing
mentally in NAR:

zrrnT'TlilT^ Z N ZV K KI!
Z311.1Z I\J[27R FN EVr ni-n ZKZVE NU
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDMGATzONKsN
GATzONKSN TATOMAR
TATOM AR
for one unique (water) of
unique essence (water) of life
life am
am 1I
6. Turn
G. Turn your fonvard while
your face forward holding your
while holding your breath out. If
breath out. you are
If you are
performing only
performing steps 1 through
only steps through 5, pause moment,face
pause aa moment, face forward
forqrard
and inhale Focus your
slo'uvly. Focus
inhale slowly. your attention on your
attention on your center ofgravity,
center of gravity,
then slowly lower )rour
slowly lower your arms
arms r,vhile
while exhaling and bow your head.
exhaling and
If you are performing
performing the extended ritual, hold
extended ritual, hold your
your breath
breath out, and
inhalewhile
Slowly inhale
fonvard. Slowly
face forward. raisingyour
whileraising yourarms and hold the
arms and
mentally in NAR:
breath in while pronouncing mentally NAR:

nvv n :U1(
: E V 1u7 l L'INJEVF
_473 tlf\ rfiVf nnE
fiNU
NORNThEOFD1
NORN ThEOFDI NAVZODZAR
NAVZOD ZAR
Let dwell within me
NrUTK t]IIKEVItlrE
KJI2717 N11 V IJVrK]fi
115173TI ltli-[
AVEDMGATzONKsZ
AVEDM GATzONKSZJOShMIZ
JOShMIZ
one unique
unique essence (spirit) of creation
essence (spirit)
Pause in this position and
Pause and feel the spirit
feel the of creation
spirit of you and
enter you
creation enter and
charge your NARI\TONI
charge your NARNOM (NAR QIJAR magical
magical name).
name).
your hands into loose
ball your
Slorvly, ball
7. Slowly, fists. Exhale
loose fists. while lowering
Exhale while lowering your
arms, fists to opposite
arrns, and touch your fists opposite shoulders
shoulders (left
$eft arm nearest to
body). Hold your
body). your breath
breath outoutwhile
whilebowing yourhe-ad
bowing your head and
and
mentally i.
pronouncing mentally NAR:
in NAR:

77ltl 7 hArr‘
Z3111Z h:If |i 111■
INtrVltl ilif■ VEt 1\f
i-lr 11
21/11IFT ltf 71/ER
f f UI h11
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDMGATzONKsZ
GATzONKSZ KAOS KAOS AL AL DORM
DORMAR AR

For
For one
one unique
unique essence
essence (spirit) of Here
Here (elements)
(elements) and Now
Now (time) am
am I I

TUllz
ZE3IZ ulEzNzvv
UICZK ZVE
TRIT
TRIT ESTATOR
ESTATOR
This is
is life.
slowly, and
deeply and slowly,
Inhale deeply and then exhale
exhale fully. Take aa moment
fully. Take moment to
feel grounded in time
feel grounded time and the elements.
elements.

305
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

8. Clap your hands and

and say
say the
the banishing
banishing word
word while
while visualizing
visualizing clear
white.
white.

nVNltiltlTl'l
TILN9[211.7111
BRAKEINDH
BRAKE I NDH

Performing the Ritual

Performing the Ritual of Centers as a
Banishing
Perform the
the ritual
ritual as before,
before, either
either with or
or without
without the
thebreathing
breathing sequences,
sequences,
and add
add the
thefollowing
following -visualizations:
visualizations:

1.
1. Stand
Stand with your arms
arrns at your sides,
sides, feet
feet together,
together, knees
knees slightly
slightly bent,
and relax.
relax. Inhale and
and exhale
exhale completely.
completely,

2. Raise your hands high above your

Raise your your head as you inhale
inhale and stretch
stretch
while pronouncing mentally NAR:
mentally in NAR:

lll Z Nruf
713111Z NJURK 11 NnV Itl i-, 1UV Ul-ttV IJZ NL
1/L'.1J5VUZ NU
TINTAVEDM
TINT AVEDM GATzONKSSh
GATzONKsSh FOEVShOET
FOEVShOET AR AR
For one unique essence (air)
(air) of
of flux [air)
(air) am II
Visualize the forces of flux
\risualize the flux (air)
(^it) in blue,
blue, spiraling
spiraling off your
your upraised
upraised
fingertips, cleansing the area.
fingertips, cleansing

3. Exhale as
3. Exhale as you
you bend
bend at
at the
the waist,
waist, touch
touch both
both hands
hands to the ground (or
(or
without bending
as fax as you can without bendins your
vour knees)
knees) while
while pronouncing
pronouncing
il"ff ;',Jli^1;:
mentally in NAR:
Nf NJU717
its NJET K ITARVII1r5
t'N7.V ltli-ti 1EV i- NE
f\U
ALAVEDM
AL AVEDMGATzONKsG lftVOKs AR
GATzONKSGKVVOKs AR
and one unique essence (earth) of
of stability
stability (earth) am II
\risualize the
Visualize forces of stability
the forces (earth) in brown
stability (earth) (orblack),
brown (or black),
your feet,
crystallizing aroundvouf providing the
feet, providing for your
the foundation for vouf
:fl:::_TT:..around
sacred space.
4. Stand straight, as in
straight, as in step
step 1. Extend your right
Extend your right ann
arm to the right,
right, turn
your head
head to tolook
lookbeyond righthand,
yourright
beyondyour whilepronouncing
hand,while pronouncing
in NAR.
mentally in
mentally Hold your
NAR Hold your breath
breath out
out while
while straightening,
suaightening, and then
inhale while extending
extending your right arm.
arm.

ZllllZ Nrt! 7 EKEVII1rE

Z3111Z NJT27R 11 K t\7.VltlrV
7.t\7V
ZNZVR K NU
TINT AVEDM
TINT AVEDMGATzONKsR TAIOM AR
GATzONKSR TATOM AR
for one unique essence (fire) of life am II
306
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Yisualize the
Visualize the active forces of
active forces of life (fu.) in
life (fire) from your
radiating from
in red, radiating vour
outstretched fingertips,
outstretched fingertips, whirling
'uvhirli.g about like warriors
shapes like
about you in shapes r,varriors or
casting out
animals, casting out unrvanted presences.
unwanted presences.
Leaving right
5. Leaving right arm outstretched, exhale extending your
exhale while extending )'our left arm
to the
to leftand
theleft lookbeyond
andlook lefthand
yourleft
beyondyour whilepronouncing
handwhile pronouncing
i. NAB.:
mentally in NAR:
-Illll Z
Z31I1Z I■Nrt!
JUrR t'NnV ltli-tl 7l\\7V
7 KENEVII1r11 KI!
NU K
TINT AVEDMGATzONKsN
TINT AVEDM GATzONKSN TATOMAR
TATOM AR
for
for one unique essence (water) of life am II
unique essence
\risualize the passive
Visualize (r,vater) in
passive forces of life (water) flowing from your
in green, flowing
hngertips like a? stream
fingertips flowing downhill,
streamflowing downhill, washing away unwanted
'uvashing away unrvanted
presences and cleaning the area.
6. Turn
G. Turn your face fonvard while holding
fonvard rvhile holding your
your breath I f you
breath out. If you are
are
performing only
performing steps t1 through 5,
only steps 5, pause moment, face
pause aa moment, faceforward
fonvard
inhale slowly.
and inhale Focus your
slowly. Focus attention on your
your attention ofgravity,
center of
)rour center gravitl',
slowly lower your
then slowly arms rvhile
vour ArM5 whileexhaling
exhalingand bow your
and bo"v your head.
If performing the extended
If you are performing rirual, hold
extended ritual, hold your
your breath
breath out, and
face forward.
fonvard. Slowly inhale while
Slowly inhale raisingyour
whileraising yourarms and hold
arms and the
hold the
mentally in NAR:
breath in while pronouncing mentally NAR:

tlVVtl :uVU7
1.11/Ell 7:f21 tlN
11 r3 LIN!TIV fiNV
TINE I 'fiVT
NORNThEOFDI
NORN ThEOFDINAVZOD
NAVZODZAR
ZAR
Let dwell within me
NrufK !VrKlfi
tINEV ltli-fi 121/S173T
NJI2F17 FINEVILlrE
AVEDMGATzONKsZ
AVEDM GATzONKSZ JOShMIZ
JOS hM IZ
one unique essence (spirit) of creation
essence (spirit) creation
Pause in
Pause in this position and feel the spirit
feel the of creation
spirit of creation enter
enter you and
).ou and
charge NARNONI (NAR
your NARNOM
charge your (NAR magical
magical name).
name).

ball your
Slowly, ball
7. Slowly, hands into loose
your hands fists. Exhale
loose fists. rvhile lowering
Exhale while your
lowering your
your fists
arrns, and touch your
arms, fists to opposite
opposite shoulders (left arm nearest to
shoulders (left
body). Hold
body). your breath
Hold your breath outout while your head
bowing your
r,vhilebowing headandand
mentally i.
pronouncing mentally NAR:
in NAR:
h.ttif [i 1t'-A21
Zlltl 7 KJurF lr-ul/ltl it\Vf. ]tf rvtr,
i-li1 IKVE
1 111H- 7VUF, 1■lr111!
TINT AVEDM
TINT AVEDM GATzONKsZ
GATzONKSZ KAOS }LAGSAL DORMAR
AL DORM AR

For one unique essence (spirit) of Here (elements) and Now (time) am I I

307
307
fiie Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

zul)7
ZL3IZ ulErhTvlI
UICEKZVE
TRIT
TR1T ESTATOR
ESTATOR
This is life.
Thie |ife.
Inhale
Inhele deeply
deeply and slowly, and then
slo'urly, and then exhale fully.
fully. Talse moment to
Take aa tnoment
feel grounded in time
feel grounded time and the elements.
elements.

8. Clap your hands

hands and
and say
sny the
the banishing
banishing word
unotd while
urhile visualizing
visualizing clear
cleat
qrhite.
white.

frVh1 ultlT!'l
EnArelI'ilDH
BRAKE I NDH
can be
vfutrali-ations can
These visualizations added to the
be added the standard
standard ritual, tegardless of the
ritual, regardless the
intent of the operation.
opemtion.

308
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Astral NAR
an Astral
Building an Grid
NAR Power Grid
attempting this operation,
Before attempting
Before operation, sit down descriptions of the grid
down with the descriptions grid
above and make sure sure that you
you understand structure of the grid
understand the structure gfld and how it it
fits together
fits together and and can move. You
can move. maywant
You ffn1r wantto to have
have a copy copy ofof thethe
Spirit/Present Grid
Spirit/Present Grid inin front of of you
you the fustfew
thefirst fewtimes
times you
^ perform
you perform this
this
operation.
operation.
1.
1. Perform thethe Ritual
Ritual of Centers Breathing
Centers with Breathing
Pick a direction
2. Pick direction and sit down.down. Depending on on the
the working, you can
working, you can
choose thethe appropriate direction, but South
appropriate direction, South is is usually
usually chosen for for
general workings
general workings since South is
since South associated with
is associated with Fire and Future.
Fire and Furure.
Imagine that you are facing
Imagine that the Distant
facing the Distant Future.
Future.
Slowly build
3. Slowly build up image of yourself
up an image sitting in
yourself sitting in the middle of aa five five by
five gtid
five grid
Imagine yourself
4. Imagine surrounded by
yourself surrounded by ra white glow and
white glow and KI{OW
KNOW that you you
time and space,
are in the center of time etetnal hete
space, the eternal here and now. now.
5. Let the transparent glowing
5. white of
glowing white of the here and now flow out from
the here
you along the cross
cross of the Spirit Grid.

' iy*;ffi ill-:#Jn,ff T.f*

G. Build up an image of the Spirit Grid, one square at a time,
contemplating and experiencing each set of elemental/temporal
"ff .i:nT,#*x,ffi1i
components. This This process
process can take quite
can take while, so you may
quite aa while, may want to
break this segment
segment up into into aa series
series of of several workings.
several workings.
7. Once you whole grid laid out, take a good look at it. Think
you have the whole
structure of
about the structure of the grid as
the grid whole. Notice the
as aa whole. the Main Diagonals
Nfain Diagonals
of Time and Elements flaring out from your vantage
Elements flaring vantage in in the center ofof
and Now.
Here and Now.
8. When you are ready ready to leave, yourselfin
center youtself
leave, center the Here
in the Here and NowNow
and project yourself into the place
project yourself place you were were when you you began
began this
this
working.
choice. You can stand up,
9. Here you have a choice. ,p, clap your hands
clap your and say
hands and say
banishing word, BRAKE
the banishing BRAKE INDH, I NDH, or or simply
simply allow the grid to fade fade
slght since
from sight since these forces are at work all all the
the time,
time, all around you.you.
This working organtzes the spatial/temporal
working only organizes spattal/temporal forces forces around you you
(or your perceptions of of these forces) so
these forces) thatthey
sothat theyare readily available
arereadily available
usable form.
in a usable form.

1
711. IV1L11.17111
nvNlulHTFl
BRAKEINDH
BRAKE NDH
exercise until
practice this exercise
You should practice you can build
until you build ,rpup an image of the the grid
gdd
instandy. Once you can
instantly. do that,
can do that,practice
practice standing inhaling and
still, inhaling
standing still, and exhaling
exhaling
slowly, then
slowly, clapping your
then clapping your hands seeing yourself
hands and seeing standing in
yourself standing in the center of
the center of
the grid. This will grt. you instant access to your
will give inner resources
vour inner resources — - Fufure
Future ot
or
Past.

309
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Shifting the
Shifting the Grid
Grid
gnd is an essential
Shifting the grid working with the NAR
essential part of working NAR system. Shifting
system. Shifting
Grid in
the Grid in real
real time, forritual
time, for work, takes
rirual work, but isisnot
practice but
takes practice notimpossible.
impossible.
illustration of how the Grid
Here is an illustration Grid can
can be
be shifted
shifted through
through thethe elements
elements
from Spirit/Present to
from Spirit/Present Air/Near Future
to Air/Near Future toto Fire/Distant
Fire/Distant FutureFuture toto
Water/Distant Past
Water/Distant Past to Earth/Recent
Earth/Recent Past
Past and
and back
back totoSpirit/Present. You
Spirit/Present. You
reverse order.
could also use the reverse order.

Shift column

5 4111
1 1

Shirt column

grld shifted to
Spirit grid to Air
Air grid

310
310
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

t-]
tltl A
MOJ Lie

s€=
lel
l=l
la I =
l*
t') |

\.,,,r'

'5-GShift column f\>

Air Grid shifted to Fire

Fire Grid
Gritl

ffi Shift column H>

1t'

11
lEl
t-*
[] filffiffir
qffi'iiii'Tli>>
r",.. Shift coiumn

Fire Grid shifted

shifted to Water
Water Grid
Grid

311
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

ffi 7,/
l-t tAtt
*ffi -'
lsl
l#l
1lf

;nlH
JEL
'riv
M
Shift column =

Water
VVater Grid shrfted
shifted to Earth
Earth Grid

L Shift colu—j
mn>

ill#l A
lel
--v
lEl =}
fi
Shift column IN
_17/

Earth Grid Shifted to Spirit Grid

312
312
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Working with
Working with the Grid
Grid
()nce you
Once you have built up
have built up aa Spirit/Present
Spirit/PresentGrid,
Grid,you willFind
youwill find that you
you can build
can build
up the Elemental/Temporalgrids
otherElemental/Temporal
the other well.These
gridsasaswell. Theseexercises will allow
exercises will allorv you
)'ou
to begin
to begin projecting thoughts/experiences/feelings from
projecting your thoughts/experiences/feelings from the Here and and
Now into the thefuture orpast.
furure or past.This willalso
Thiswill you to
allow you
also allow todraw
drawthoughts,
thoughts,
experiences, feelings from
experiences, and feelings from the future or
the furure past into
or past into the Here
Here and lrlorv:
Now:
1. Rirual of Centers with Breathing
the Ritual
1. Perform the Breathing
Pick a direction
2. Pick direction appropriate working and sit down.
appropriate to the working down.
3. Build
Build up image of the grid
up an image g.id that you will use for the worki.g. For
the working.
this example use
this example the STater/Distant
use the Water/Distant Past Grid.
4'ffi
4. Imagine an event or situation that has happened to you in the past
;'#;::1;;il:ffi ,",il,lj,i?,l;iJ#,7i.*-;",;::,:T:
and then place it in the appropriate Elemental/Temporal square or
squares. If it
squares. it requires
es several you can generate a Name for
squares, you
several squares,
See glowing
this event. See lines connecti.g
glowing lines connecting the squares together.
when I was 6 or so,
example, r.vhen
As a concrete example, could barely
and could
so, and swim, II fell
barely swim, fell off
of aadiving
of diving platform
platform and
andnearly
neady drowned.
drowned. ThisThis experience has colored
experience has colored mymy
relationship with
relationship with height and water
height and water ever since.The
ever since. The Water/Distant
Water/Distant Past Grid is is
appropriate.II broke
therefore appropriate.
therefore broke the core eventevent up intothree
up into threecomponents;
components;
falling, sinking/flafing
falling, around in
sinking/flailingaround in the and potential death. I assigned the
water, and
the rvater,
following
following elemental
elemental combinations
combinations::

Letter
Letter
Greater Lesser from
Component
Component
Element
Element Element
Element Water
Grid
Falling,
Falling, my
my body
moving through
through Earth Air Ks
the air
flailing
Sinking/ flailing
around in the Water Earth Y
watef
water
Potential
Potential death Spirit Earth B

$flhich, when
Which, when projected on the Water/Distant Past Grid
projected on Grid
looks like this:
this:

313
313
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Ytbter/Distant
Water/Distant Past
Pas,t Grid
with Elemental narne KsYB
Elernental name IGYB
1. Mentally shift the
N{entally shift the rows
rows and columnsof
and columns of the
the $Vater/Distant
Water/Distant Past Grid
the Earth/Recent
into the Earth/Recent Past Grid. As you
Past Grid. you dodo so,
so, observe how the
observe how the
(ot squares)
square (or representing the particular
squares) representing event or situation also
particular event
shift into aa new
new position in the
position in thenew
newgrid.
grid. Watch
Watchthe
thesquares
squaresand
andLines
lines
molphing into another,
morphing another, more solid form.
form. Nothing is more solid than
the recent pastl
past! Feel
Feel this event drawing nearer to
drawing nearer to the Here
Here and Now.
Now.

314
 Bill Whitcomb
Dill Whitcomb

P*t Grid
Earth/Rment Past
Earth/Recent GrU
urilh
with Elemental IGYB
Ebrnental name KsYB
2. Shift
Shift the rows
rows and columns again into
columns again into the Gdd. Again,
the Spirit/Present Grid. Again,
observe
obsenre how the squares
squares representing the event or situation
situation move.
rnove.
Watch the squares and lines
Sfatch morphing into
lines morphing another Present form
into another
and, as
as they do, vividly
vividly re-experience this event.
event.

315
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

••••
OX
MAOR1001
n41

SpiriVPresentcrid
Spirit/Present Grid Wlh
with
Ebmental name
Elemental nameKsY13
IGYB

As I Idrew
..-ks drewthis thatIInamed
experiencethat
thisexperience named KsllB
KsYB intointo the present, II tasted
tasted and
and
chlorine from the pool. II re-experienced
smelled chlorine re-experienced the panic
panic and helplessness
helplessness I
felt asII fell,
Feltas fen, hitting
hitting the water,nothing
the water, solid to
nothingsolid to support
support me, relief II felt at
the relief
me, the
being pulled
being out of
pulled out water onto
of the water onto the
the concrete the pool,
beside the
concrete beside pool, cold stone on
my hands and knees, choking as I coughed up up water. The nearness of death.
death.

316
 Bill Whitcomb
BiU Whitcomb

3. Shift the rows and columns again into

and columns Future Grid.
into the Air/Near Future Grid.
Watch the squares lines ^gur,
and lines
squares and morph into
morph into a Near Future form and
Future form and
yourself to
prepare yourself
prepare to rneet
meet this situation in its Near
this event or situation Near Future
Future
aspect.

Air/Near Future Grid

Air/trlearFuture Grid
wilth Ebmental
with IGYB
Elemental name ksY13
Since I didn't really
really feel like drowning
feel like drowning again
again anytirne soon, II focused
time soon, focused on the
^Ay
nearness of death at every
nearness instant benxreen
every instant between the present the future.
present and the future. This
This
had the unexpected side
side effect
effect of
of making
making aa magical
magcal act out of
of updating
updating my life
my life
insurance so that my
my family would be provided for in case
family would case I died
died suddenly
suddenly in
the near future.
future.

317
317
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

3. Shift the rows and columns

Shift the againinto
columns again the Fire/Distant
into the Fire/Distant Future Grid.
Watch
Watch the squares morph into
lines moqph
squares and lines into a Distant
Distant Future form and
prepare yourself this event in
yourself to meet this in its Distant Future aspect.

Firc/DistantFuturcGrid
Fire/DistantFuture Grid
with Elernental name
with Elemental narneKsYB
IGYB

Everyone dies, and

Everyone dies, and that's fact. At
that's aa fact. point I focused
this point
At this focused on the presence
presence of
death and the knowledge
knowledge thatthat I would die. That death companion of
death is the companion
implicit in life. The cycle
life, is implicit completing itself
cycle completing itselfmuch
much asas the rows
rou/s and
and
columns
columns of the Grid shift
shift around
around andand back into itself.
back into itself.

318
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

,1. Imagine
4. Imagrne thethe grids, stackedone
grids, stacked one on top of the other, and observe how
on top horv
or situation
e\rent or
the event situation moves distant past to
mo\res from the distant to the
thedistant
distanr
future. E,xperience the continuum
fr-rture. Experience continuum of of Elemental/Temporal
Elemental/Temporirlstates. states.
Though it is isdifficult
difficult to tovisualize, if you
visualize, if imagine aaglowing
)'ouimagine glorvitrg line
l-ine
connectirg the square
connecting square (or(or squares) representing the situation
squares) representing siruation inin each
each
temporal
temporal period, forms aa three-dimensional
period, it forms three-dimensional sigilsigil that
that represents the
totaliN of
totality of the situation or
the situation or e\rent time. Try to focus
event throughout time. the
focr-rs on the
image of this
image sigil for aa few
this sigil moments.
ferv mc rnents.
:l '""

A
eirr
A
I WEL
Ar ,
r
Ademori
Aorzem"Aw.
Arv
ir Adr
/AT
AisorAw

Ardiw
:W A"
AWAtiry
../Ast Ks
lfrAAir
Al r

13 AIY
r/alArt
66'

Iparmi srA U
SF
-Adw

Ks\T 3D representation
KsYS on the
representation on the stacked Grids
stacked Temporal Grids

319
319
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

ii

t
I
l
I
It

3D representation
Another 3D ofthe
representation of thename KslB projected
nameKsYE3 projected through the
Temporal Grids
Grids

5. Center yourself in
Center yourself in the Here and Now and and project yourself into the
project yourself
place you were when
place )rou when you
)'ou began this working.
6. Flere
G. Ilere you
)'ou have
harne a choice. can clap
choice. You can your hands
clap your and say
hands and sa]' the
the
banishing rn'ord
banishing
^simply allow
word or simply grid to fade from sight.
the grid
allow the sight.

TIEN=CIL17111
nVhTtiltlTl'l
BRAKEINDH
BRAKE I NDI-1

320
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Using the above working

working as
as a template
template you can
can noutr
now create workinp to
create other workings
move
move events/feelings/experiences
events/feelings/experiences into the
the past or future.
past or You can
future. You can also
also create
create
names
names for things you
vou desite
desire to happen.
happen.

Calmness/Stillness
Creating a Calmness/ Word
Stillness Word
1. imagine a situation/place
1. Imagine situaaonf place where
where you
you are
are calm, sil and at peace.
calm, still ce. This
This
can be
can beananactual
actualmemory/place
memory /place you you have ^tpe or an
experienced, ot
haveexperienced, an
idealized image
idealized image (such
(such as Heaven) in
as Heaven) in the future.
future.
2. Place this sinrattonf
PLace this place in
situation/place rnore squares
in one or more squares on thethe appropriate
appropriate
grid.
gFid'
3. Shift the rows
3. rows and columns
columns until
until you are in
you are in the
the Spidt/Present
Spirit/Present Grid.
4. Read the
4. Read the Name
Name using
using the
the letters
letters on the Spidt/Present
on the Spirit/Present Grid.
5. Hold the
5. connecting the letters of the word in your
the image of the lines connecting
mind.
mind.
G. Bring this
6. Bring this sigil
sig-iland
andword
wordback throughinto
backthtough into the present with
the ptesent with you.
7. Put away
away the grid by whatever
whatever method you are accustomed to to (clap
(clap
^te ^ccustomed
andI say
say or just watch the gridgdd fade into the background),
background).

fiVh1
BRAKEINDH
Ultlll'l
BRAKE I NDH
This Calmness/Stillness will now he
Word will
Calmness/Stillness Word available to you whenever you find
be available
yourself in aa stressful
yourself suessful situation.
sinration. Simply
Simply inhale
inhale deeply,
deeply, visualize the sigil,
visualize the sigil, exhale
exhale
and say
say the word either silendy or
either silently appropriate. If
or out loud, as appropriate. If the word is
created
created properly, /ou will
propedyr you will find
find yourself instantly more
yourself instandy more calm; ready to
calm; teady to confront
confront
the situation.
situation.

321
32L
 B:
Appendix B:
The Alphabet of Dreams

The
the Alphabet
Alphabet of of Dreams
Dreams is isaapictorial
pictorialmagical
magicalalphabet
alphabetand andhierarchical
hierarchical
system of symbolism
system offer a rich set of concrete images
designed to offer
symbolism designed images for dream
visualization, sigil
work, visualization, s€1I magic,
magic, andand pathworking
pathworking (or guided imagery). Some of
imagery). Some
the things that can can bebe done with the
done with thealphabet
alphabet and theSelections
and the Selections from the the
I)ream
Dream Manual
N{anual paintings will discussed later in this text.
udll be discussed
Alphabet of Dreams
The .Alphabet Dreams has thirq'-nvo signs,
has thirty-two of which
signs, of which twenty-Eve
nxrenty-five are
consonants and seven
consonants seven are vowels. Each of the the consonant
consonant signs
signs represents
represents aa
associated with
image associated
central image with one of of five
five elements (Spirit, Fire,
elements (Spirit, Ait, Water,
Fire, Air, STater,
and Earth) or or their
their admixtures.
admixrures. EachEach of of the vowel signs
thevowel signs is
is associated
associated with one one
of the
of theseven principal planets
sevenprincipal planets usedusedin intraditional
traditionalastrology
astrology (Sun,
(Sun, Moon,
I\{oon,
Nfercury, \renus,
Mercury, Venus, Nfars,
Mars, Saturn,
Saturn, and and Jupiter).
Jupiter). As withwith many
many ancient
ancientmagical
magical
alphabets, the
alphabets, the vowels
vowels areare viewed
viewed as as giving life to
grving life combinations of
to combinations of the
the
consonants, since vowels are required
since the vowels required to allow pronunciation.
allow pronunciation.
As mentioned
mentioned in in the
theintroduction,
introduction, a magical magical alphabet differs from
alphabet differs from
alphabets in that it is usually
mundane alphabets
^
different from the alphabet used by the
usually different
magician in
magician his or her
in his her daily life and
d^ily life thatitittypically
and that typically has
has many
many layers
layers of
analogical symbolism. The
analogical symbolism. layers of
The layers of symbolism enable enable a magical alphabet to
magical alphabet
act as bridge benveen our our normal,
normal, Linear,
linear, verbal
verbal consciousness
consciousness and part of
the part
and the
mind that
our mind that communicates
cofiununicates best through metaphors metaphors and and symbols.
symbols. It is these
metaphors and symbols
metaphors symbols that swirlswirl in our subconscious
in our compose our
subconscious and compose our
and visions.
dreams and Typicallf, each letter
visions. Typically, magical alphabet will have many
letter of aa magical
layers of
layers symbolic associations.
of symbolic associations.Each letter of
Eachletter of the Alphabet
Alphabet of of Dreams
I)reams
following symbolic
comprises the following symbolic parts:
parts:

** A pictorial sign
** An English
English letter
letter and associated phoneme
associated phoneme

** A central
central Image and Related
Related Concepts

** An associated mixture, or planet

associated element, elemental mixrure)

** A substance
substance or material manifestation
manifestation

** ..A
A color
color
** A locale or
A locale or environment
** Images
Images and settings or guided
settings used in pathworking or guided imagery
imagery

** An object
object or tool

** A time of day and season of the year

year

322
322
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
While central to the
Vlhile less central thesystem, lettet can
each letter
system, each canalso
also bebeassociated with
associated with
traditional nuglcal
traditional magicalsymbols
symbolssuchsuchas as the trigrams of the
the Chinese trigrams theI-Ching,
I-Ching,
geomantic signs, tarot cards, and western zodiacal
zodiacal signs.
In order to understand
order to understand thethe correspondences
coffespondences of the the letters, you must
letters, you
first be aware of some of the symbolism of the
traditional symbolism
the traditional five elements
the five elements and
seven planets.
planets.

The Five Elements

Elements
Spirit, Ait,
five elements are Spirit,
The Eve Air, Fire,
Fire, Water,
Water, and Earth. Air, Fire,
and Eafth. Water, and
Fire, $7ater,
Earth are seen
seen as the building
as the building blocks of our our material wodd. Each represents
material world. tepresents
parts ofof nature,
nature, facets of our
facets of perceptions, and aspects of our
our perceptions, our minds
minds andand
personalities. Spirit(ot
personalities. Spirit Aether)isissometimes
(orAether) thoughtof
sometimesthought as the
ofas the seed or
requiredfor
quintessencerequired
quintessence the other elements
for the manifest. At other
elements to manifest. othet times,
times,
of as
spirit is thought of asaamysterious, li"i"g quality
mystedous, living qualiry or consciousness that arises
consciousness that arises
from the interaction
intemction of the
the lifeless
lifeless elements.
elements.

Here are some of the

some of thecorrespondences
coffespondences used intraditional
used in traditional western
western elemental
elemental
symbolism:
symbolism:

Element Earth
Element Earth Water
Water Air
Air Fire
Fire Spirit

Direction North
Direction North West
West East South
South or
Center Of
Circumference
Circumference

Qualities Cold
Qualities and
Cold and Cool and Watm
Warm and Clear
Hot and
Dry
Dry tUfet
Wet and
and Dry
Dry Immanent
Irnrnanent
Heavy
Heavy Some Moist
Moist Buoyant
Buoyant Transcendent
Still
Still tilTeight
Weight Some
Some Highly Pervasive
Highly Pervasive
Dark
Dark Slow T ightness
Lightness Mobile
Passive
Passive Obscure Iv{obile
Mobile Bdlliant
Brilliant
Some Bdght
Bright Active
Passivity
Passiviw Some
Activity
State of
State of Solid Liquid
Liquid Gaseous Energy Space or
Gaseous Energy
Matter Information
Information

Sense
Sense Touch
Touch Taste or
Smell or Sight
Sight Awareness
Awareness
Hearing
Hearing

Time of
Time of Irfidnight
Midnight Sunset Sunrise
Sunrise Noon
Noon The Present
D"y
Day Moment /
Moment
Tirneless
Timeless

Season Winter
Season Winter -Autumn Sptirg
Auhrmn Spring Summer The Year as
Summer
Turning
Turning
V&eel
Wheel

323
The Magician's
Magician's Reflection

Aspect of
Aspect of Sensation Intuition Thought
Sensation Intuition Thought Feeling
Feeling Consciousness
Consciousness
Mind

Part of
Part of or Stomach
Feet or Heart
Stomach Heart Solar
Solar Head
Body
Body Genitals
Genitals and
and Plexus
Plexus
Base
and Base Lungs
of Spine
Spine

Obiect
Object Platter or
Platter or Cup
Cr'rp Sword or Rod or
Sword or or Lamp
Lamp
Shield
Shield Dagger Wand
Dagger Wand

There manyother
There are many otherassociations anddifferent
associations and differentsources willattribute
sourceswill attribute
^re
different correspondences,
different correspondences, but but this
this should
should be be sufficient
sufficient to give you an
to give idea of
an idea
how these
how these concepts
concepts are usedused ininthe AlphabetofofDreams.
theAlphabet Dreams.Elemental
Elemental
symbolism is thoroughly
^teembedded in our culture. Even people who would
thoroughly embedded
symbolism in our cult-are. people would
never consider themselves
never themselves as havin gany familiarity
ashaving familiarity with magical
magical symbolism
symbolism
wil readily ^ny
will readily understand references to something as
understand references fiery or earthy
as fiery and witl
earthy and will have
have
no problem
problem withwith conceptualizing parts
conceprualizing parts of of the
the personality
personality as relating to heart,
as relating heart,
head, or guts.
Each element
element may be becombined
combined with with another
another element
element and and the
the
combination \vill
combination own qualities.
will have its own qualities. For example,
example, a sandstorm
sandstorm could be
viewed as
viewed manifestation of Air
as a manifestation Air of
ofEarth
Earth because
because Air Air (wind)
(*i"d) isisaffecting
affecting
Earth ^
(sand) and creating
Earth (sand) (sandstorm). In this
creating something new (sandstorm). this combination,
combination,
Earth
Earth isis the major
maior element and Air
element and Air is
is the subelement. The
the subelement. unmixed form
The unmixed form of
described as Earth
the elements can be described Earth, Air
Earth of Earth, Air, and so on.
Air of Air,

The Seven Planets

"planet" comes
The word "planet" comes from the Greek Greek word p/anestbai, wltich means, "to
planesibai, which
wander", because, to
wander", because, appeared to wander
to the ancients, the planets appeared wander among
among the
stars instead of having
stars instead having fixed
fixed positions.
positions.
The seven
seven planets comprised of
are comprised
planets are of the five planets
planets most known to
ancestors (Venus,
our ancestors I\{ars, Mercury,
(\renus, Mars, Jupiter, and
I\{ercury, Jupiter, Saturn) plus
and Saturn) plus the Sun and
and
the Moon. obvious from
N{oon. As obvious from the
the names,
names, these heavenly bodies have
these heavenly have long been
associated with
associated with the principal deities of
principal deities theRoman
of the Roman pantheon
pantheon and and their
their
equivalents in
equivalents in the pantheons of of other
other cultures.
cultures.
symbolism of
The symbolism of the
theplanets, while still
planets,while still pervasive
pervasive inin western
western culture,
culture,
is bit more
is a bit moredependent
dependent on onknowledge
knowledge of ofmythology,
mythology, sincesince each planet is
each planet
^ symbolism of
inextricably boundto
inextricably bound to the symbolism and their
deities and
of deities their myths. Hereare
myths. Here ate
some of the most common
the most cornmon correspondences
correspondences of with the
of with the seven
seven planets:
planets:

324
324
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
PlaneS
Planeto Mimic Mar:oMercury°
Moons Marso llcrcuryoJupitera Veuusn Saturno
Jupiterc Venusa Suun cc
$aturun Sono
Dayo
Ilayu lvlondeyn TuedapWednesday=
Monday= Tuesday= Wednesdafn Thursday= Fuidal'* Saturday=
Thundayn Friday= Satrudap Sundayzo
SundaSc

Metalo
Meteh Silver= kont Mercury=
SilversIron= linn Copper=
Mcror4irTin= Coppuu LeednLead= Gold=Goldn oo
Cobra
Colort $thitcs Rcdp
White= Red= Orange= Bluef;
Orange*Blue= Crrecn*
Green= Indigo'il
Indigo= Yellow=c
Yellorvnc
Deitierand.
Deitioe.aud. Artemis. IVIirsg
futcmis. Mars' Mecury'?
Mercury' Juprts-f
Jupiter' Venus?
Venus' Saturnf
Saturn" Apollo'
Apollo$ oo
Nlyth
Mythohgica$ (newlt AresT
(new)" Ares' Hmes-{
Hermes' Zeusq Aphrodite',
Zeus' Aphroditd Kronosf Helios'
F igu reso
F[urem Hmp.g*f Helios$
t\:--^-
Diana. liw" Odin$ tho/T Ishta$ Kdi$
:.'T:'
(f)"
ull
ta:-ltl] Ssf Odin"
\AAry\.ti )
Thor' Ishtar' Kali' Re
Relt

,? Morrigan= Tboth$
.ldp^giffiF
\cffiH Thoth' n
= kosll
Eros' D emet er=
Demetcril n
Hecate
Hecatg'
(weningF
(waning): Athcnatr
Athena.= Freya=
FrcYafi

()pinions
Opinions differ as toplanetary
as to correspondences much
planetary correspondences much more so than with
than with
elemental symbolism. Perhaps this is because the planetary symbolism
symbolism. Perhaps symbolism is rnore
more
complex, rnore
complex, more mixed. Only the themost
mostcommon,
corrunon,best-known
best-knownmythological
mythological
correspondences are mentioned
mentioned here, but the
here, but the list of deities
list of associated with the
deities associated
planets is very
planets long indeed,
very long with each
indeed, with each associated
associated myth bringing its own
bringing its own
associations
associations and nuances
nuances to symbolism
symbolism of each planet.

The Alphabet of Dreams Correspondences

Dreams Correspondences
The following tables show
follo'*dng tables show the Alphabet of
the Alphabet of Dreams, grouped into consonants
Dreams, grouped
and vowels, and their symbolic
symbolic associations.
associations.

Element
Element Eanh
Earth Air Spirit Water
$flater Fire

Earth
n
A v
* n 9I ill
TU

G D B Y w
w

Air
X
Z 'Ng
^9 aa exe
@/O +•
4:::'
X Sh H
II 1F tH

Spirit
tr
0 \y
V *
* ti
TJ
...

^Iz
Tz V
V Z sS JJ

Y1
1 •.r))0 X ..
'a,. J
8,
Water
M
N,f Ch a
Q N Th
Th

Fire
A + 0 + x
K L P T 12
R

Alpbabet of
Alphabet Dreams Consonants
of Dreams

325
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

Earth
of Earth
The Consonants of
$i$ Enghl Phoneme
Phoueme

A c fish rnd
lurgc and
Image Mountain
Mounhin
Rshffi
Related Transformation
Tnudormrtion
Ehmnffi
Element ofEsrh
Earth of Earti.
Estb 0onmpb
-
Concepts -
tnertia
Inertia
Cohr
Color ongffi
Green on green
Crcen

$ubrtrc ar
Substance or Stone
S6onr
lfisdf*ctrtio'
Manifestation
Them:nein is inanuobstacle,
rlemorrn$n h*t&o
sb,bde, but also
Locale ae
Iaerb or Mountain qrGrFE
l|ffibin
rlrsBrErs orrtts
or care -.-i.L-
1-7nbolixes the proximityofth:
S€fffisfiiry: of thedidna
divine.An
in
Eapiromm
Environment
yfol[le
rrit
axis ooiu,mdiug
connecting md
and couiqnuiffiting
communiceing
SqffirorTaol
Object or Tool SIt
Salt between Haven. rnd
b'etwemflcsren and Earth, the mowitam
Eedh,Sunoqmhia

riru
Time strsisbt
lEidnight ffitrffi
reptesents penaltnence, immortbilar,c,
initiation, and ascension.
Clf,nEsTrigrffi Skf}
Chinese Trip am gm ryti*
(F) receptive

41a4a(ateciog
$mkFin@ior
GeBmmticst$
Geo m andc Sign
tomptdheasionj
oourpmbasron]
*&pi*Sine clst
Alabyrinthine rare
Zodffil5ig"
Zodiacal Sign TmEe
Tetras
p$,ew*Hng containing los _as.
*ttU,uagfissib,
Pathworking
tsotClrd
Tarot Card &ince* ofE[sh
Princess of Disks lursgst
Images grms,mtr&
germs, metallic ocs,
ores,
rndtmssffi
Ind trail cees of
of the
Frn,et
Pluset venue
2174$
past
P$t

326
326
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

SiSr
Sign Engliah
English Phoneme
Phoneme

yMMu Mu

G.
Illement Water of
Water
Element F'
Earth
Eafin
.,

Blue
Blue on
color
Color
green
Substance or
Substance Mud
or Mud
Manifestation
Manifeetation
Swamp,
Suramp,
or
Locale or marsh,
matsh,
Valley
Envircnmentriver,
Environment ot
tiver, or
valley Image and
Fertility
FertilitY
Related
Related
Object or
Obiect or Tree,
Tree, Concepts
Concepts Influence
Tool
Tool wood
wood
Threshold
Thrcshold
Time
Time Sunset
Chinese
Chinese K'un (M)
M
Trigram
Trigram receptive
teceptive

Caput
Geomantic Dmconis
Geomantic Draconis
Sign
Sign (interior A fertile
fertile
threshold)
threshold) valley,
densely
densely
card Queen
Tarot Card
Disks
of
Sffi:" "t Pathworking forested
Pathworking
Images ' with ancient
Images
Venus,
venus', groves
gfo\res
Planet
Planet
Jupiter surrounding
surrounding
Jupiter
a hidden
well

327
327
The Magician's Reflection

Sig$
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

Ki
AKKi Knot
and
Image and
Related
Erement
Element
Fire of
ffi;t
Earth Hfi:|,-
Concepts
Gravity
fraviw
Constriction
Red on
color
Color
green
green

or Magma,
Substance or
Manifestation
Manifestation lava
or
Lpcale or
Locale \rolcano
Volcano
symbol of
The knot is a symbol
Environment
Environment connection,
connection, attachment,
attachment,
or
Obiect or
Object Cords
Cords binding, and continuity.
continuity. The
Tool
Tool knot represents
repr$ents difficulty
difficulty and
constraint,
constraint, but also
Time
Time Noon
Noon concentration
concentration and union.
Chinese
Chinese Chen (M)
(M)
Trigram
Trigram arousing
arousing

Carcer
carcer
Geomantic
Geomantic
(To
Sign
Sign G" bind
together)
together)
Volcanic
volcanic
zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal capricorn
sign Capricorn craters, air
pathworking wavering
Knight of
Knight of
Pathworking
Images
Images
ffi:ru"
card
Tarot Card
Tarot with heat
IJlsKs
Disks from lava
Planet
Planet saturn
Saturn far below
far

328
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme Crossroads
Ctossroads
vA X Ecx
Eex Fnrctification
Fructification
and
Image and ,.,^-r..-^e.
confunction
Conjunction
Air of
Air
Related
Related
Element
Element
Earth
Concepts
Concepts Developrnent
Development
Interaction
Yellow on
Yellow
Color
green
green

Substance or Dust, sand

sand
Manifestation
Manifestation
Plains,
Plains,
Locale or The crossroads
crossroads represents
represents an
deserts,
deserts,
Environment
Environment encounter fate,
encounter with fate,
steppes
stePpes
symbolizing pos sibility,
symbolizing possibility,
Obiect or
Object Statues, transition, and
transition, and choice. It is a
Tool images
images place hope, waiting,
place of hope, waiting,
Time Dawn manifestation, revelation.
manifestation, and revelation.

Chinese Chen (F)

Trigram arousing

Coniunctio
Conjunctio
Geomantic
(collecting,
(collecting,
Sign
meeting)
meeting)
\il7ind-swept
Wind-swept
Zodiacal Sign Virgo
Virgo Pathworldng
Pathworking Pl.Tt filled
plains
{td
Tarot Card
Card
Prince of
Prince Images
Images wrth grains
with grams
Disks
Disks fnriting
and fruiting
trees
tfees
Planet Mercury

329
fire Magician's
The Magician's Reflection

Si$r
Sign English Phoneme
Phoneme Stone
Stone

tr Tz Tzo
and
Image and
Life and
light
Spirit of
Spirit of Related
Related hidden
hidden
Element
Earth Concepts
Concepts in the
secret
secfet
V/hite on
White heart of
heart
Color rnatter
green
green matter
Substance
Subetance or All solid
Manifestation matter
Manifestation rnatter

rocky,
All rocky,
underground,
underground,
Locale or
Locale symbol of
The stone is a symbol
of
Envfuonrnent
Environment or lifelessness
lifelessness and
mountainous
mountainous
areas
afeas
immobility, but also
immobility,
hardness, durability, and
hardness, durability,
Obiect or
Object Panacle
Pantacle permanence.
pefinanence.
Tool

Season Sfinter
Winter
Time Midnight
Midnight
Planet
Planet Satum
Sanrm A shrine
shrine
with a
with
black
Pathwotking
Pathworking cube
cube
Images
Images upon a
?
gganuc
gigantic
rugged
mgged
peak
peal<

330
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

The Consonants
Consonants of Air
of Air
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

vI
D Doh

and
Image and Leaf or tree
Earth of
Earth of Related
Related
Element Fixation
Air
Air Concepts
Concepts
N{aterialization
Materialization
Green
Green
Color on
yellow
Substance or Dust
Manifestation
Manifestation

l.ocale or
Locale Plains
Plains The tree
The is aa symbol
tree is symbol of life and
Environment
Environment fruitfulness, whose
fruitfulness, whose branches
branches
choice of paths and
represent a choice
Object or
Obiect or Incense initiation. The tree also
initiation.
Tool
Tool symbolizes the axisaxis rnundi,
mundi, the
Season Spring relationship between Earth and
relationship
Spring
Heaven.
Heaven.
Early
Early
Time
Time Evening
K'en (F)
(F)
Chinese
keeping
Trigram
still
great garden
A great garden
Tristitia
Tristitia all
stretches in all
Geomantic stretches
(setbaclq
(setback,
Sign directions,
directions,
blame)
blame)
Pathworking
Pathworking sown with
w,tth
Zodiacal Sign Aquarius
Aquarius Images
Images every Plant
every plant
that can be
Princess
Princess used
used for food,
Tarot Card
Tarot Card of
of medicine, or
medicine,
Swords magic
Saturn,
Saturn,
Planet
Planet
IJranus
Uranus

331
331
fire
The Magician's Reflection

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme
Ch Chu
Chu
•. 1))
r))
and
Image and Transmission
Transmission
Water of
Water
Related
Related Vibration
Vibration
Element
Element Concepts
Concepts
Air
Blue on
Blue
Color yellow

Substance or Clouds,
Clouds,
Manifestation
Manifestation fog

Locale or Sea cliffs,

Environment
Environment vdleys
valleys symbol of communication
A symbol
Obiect or Book movernent of
and the movement
Tool information,
information, but also obscurity
obscurity
erosion of form.
and the erosion form.
Season
Season Sptitg
Spring
Late
Time Afternoon
Afternoon
K'en PA)
K'en (IVf) A path leads
leads
Chinese keeping up from the
Trigram
still sea to
SC2 to 2a
shining
shining
Cauda golden tower
Geomantic Draconis
Draconis high upon
high
Sign (exterior
(exterior
the cliffs.
threshold)
threshold) Pathwotking
Pathworking With the
Images
Images dorne of the
dome
Tarot Card Queen of
Queen
Swords
Swords tower is
ts a
vast
Saturn,
Sarum, alchemical
Planet
Mars laboratory
laboratory
whete rests
where tests
Ememld
the Emerald
Tablet.

332
332
 Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme

L Vthirlvdnd
Whirlwind
+ Li
and
Image and
Motion
Related
Element
Element Fire of Air
Fire Concepts
Concepts Violence
Violence
Red on
Red Dutation
Duration
Color
yellow

Substance or Storm
Manifestation
Manifestation

Locale or High peaks The whirlwind

whidwind symbolizes
Environment
Environment change, po\rrer, and
change, speed, power,
Obiect or
Object Burin or
Burin destruction.
destruction. It represents
reptesents
Tool dagger
dagget violent natural
natrual energy,
energy, but
also creative chaos.
Season
Season Spring

Time Hrgh Noon

High Noon

Chinese u 0,0
La (M) Storm
Storm and
Trigram clinging
clingrng winds
swift winds
assail
assail a
(gid,
Puella (girl, fortress
Geomantic
immaculate,
irnmaculate, tower
to\r/ef
Sign
clear, pure) upon
uPon aa
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Libra
Sign Libra mountain
peak.
peak. The
Knight of
Knight
Pathworking
Pathworking toweris
rower is
Card
Tarot Card
Swotds
Swords
Images
Images carved
carveo
with the
Venus
signs
slgns of all
all
magical
alphabets,
alphabets,
Planet
Planet and on the
towet's top
tower's
is etched a
magician's
circle.

333
The Magician's
Maglcian's Reflection
Reflection

Sign English Phoneme

English Phoneme

Shah or Breeze
Breeze
-.9 Sh
Shee and
Image and n^-^----..
Penetmtion
Penetration
Related
Related
Element
Element Air of Air
Air Concepts
Concepts Flexibiliry
Flexibility

Yellow on
Yellow Gentleness
Gendeness
Color
yellow
$find
Substance oror Wind
Substance
Manifestation
Manifestation

l.ocale or
Locale Cliffs The
The wind is a symbol of of
Environment
Environment transience
transience and changeability,
thus fate
and thus forrune,
fate and fortune,
Obiect or
Object Fan but also
also elemental force,
Tool divine
divine breath, and
Season Sprirg
Spring inspiration.
inspiration.

Time Dawn

Chinese Li (F) high

On aa high
Trigram clinging hill above aa
.ity,
shining city,
Albus
Geomantic a library
(white,
(white,
Sigo
Sign built of
built
blankness)
blankness)
pure white
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Gemini
Sign Gemini stone in
classical
Prince of
Prince style gleams
Card
Tarot Card
Swords
Swords Pathworking
Pathworking
Images
Images
;ffjfffi
in the rising
rh;
sun. All the
hnowledg.
knowledge
that is
written
Planet
PLanet Mercury
-Mercury rvithin
rests within
amid
statues of
statues of
great
teachers of
teachers of
the ages.

334
334
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme
Vah or
\y V
Vee Breath
and
Image and
Mind
Related
Element
Spirit of Concepts
Concepts Harmony
Element
Air
Balance
Balance
White on
Color
yellow
Substance or Breath
Manifestation
Manifestation
Locale or Mountains
Mountains
Environment
Environment
lif.,
Breath is a symbol of life,
Obiect or
Object Sword animating fotce, soul, and
animating force,
Tool spiritual
spirirual essence.
essence.
Sptirg
Spring
Season Equinox
Equinox
Time Dawn

Planet Mercury On aa windy

On windy
pl"i"
plain
beneath a
sly, a
clear sky,
golden
dome
srrrounded
surrounded
by white
columns
colurnns
Pathworking marks
Pathworking madrs the
Images
Images passing of
passing
the seasons.
seasons.
Within, a
$7ithin,
rnodel of
model
the solar
system
moves
rnoves in
unison with
unison
the stars
and planets.
planets.

335
335
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

The Consonants of Spirit

Sign
Sign English Phoneme
English Phoneme

nBBoh Boh
House
House
and
Image and

Erement
Element
Earth of
ilT,l"t
Spirit H*:1*
Related
Concepts
Stability
:::o*o
Substance
Substance
Green
Gteen on
color
Color whrte
white
Substance or Stone,
Subetance or Stone,
Manifestation lead
Manifestation
or
Locale or North
North The house represents
represents the self,
self,
Environment
Environment the body, center of
body, the center
existence, world. flre
the wodd.
existence, and the The
Object or
Obiect or Salt,
Salt, house also symbolizes the
Tool
Tool pantacle
pantacle continuiry of the
continuity theEarthly,
family,
"i and
security, safety,
safety, and comfort.
cornficrt.
Season
Season Winter
Winter
Time
Time Midnight
Midnight
The palace
of the
Gnomes,
Gnomes,
surrounding
Pathworking
Images
Images
il1'il:f-
Pathworking the throne
room of the
elemental
ruler of
nrler
Earth.
Earth.

336
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

English Phoneme

X Qu or
P;"'
Kw
Kwu
Image and
Cup
Cr;p

Fluidity
FluiditY
Related
Related
water of
Water Concepts
Concepts Cohesion
Element
Element
Spirit
Desire
Blue on
Blue
Color
white
or Water,
Substance or \U7ater,
Manifestation silver
Manifestation
Locale or
Locate or West The cup
cup is symbol of
is a symbol
Environment
Environment refreshment
refreshment and nourishment.
nourishment.
It represents
represents receptivity,
receptivity, the
Object or
Obiect or Chalice, emotions, water of
emotions, and the water
Tool
Tool crystal life. Overturned, the cup
life.
Season Autumn
Autumn symbolizes emptiness.
emptiness.

Time Sunset
The palace
palace
of the
Undines,
Undines,
surrounding
surrounditg
Pathworking
Pathworking the throne
Images
Images roorn of the
room the
elemental
ruler of
\il7ater.
Water.

337
337
fire
The Magician's Reflection

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

0PPi Pi
and Hand
Image and
Related
Related Change
change
Element
Element
Fire of
|r?:t
Spirit concepts
Concepts
Intention
Intention
Red on
color
Color \$
white
wrute

or
Substance or Fire, iron
Manifestation
Manifestation

Locale or
l,ocale or South The hand represents power,
represents power,
Environment
Environment action, manipulation,
manipuladon, and
manifestation.
manifestation. The hand also
Object or
Obiect or Rod, symbolizes grasp, ability,
Tool
Tool brazier
brazier assistance, salutation,
Season
Season Summer protection, and
and blessing.
blessing.

Time
Time Noon
The palace
of the
Salamanders,
Salamanden,
Pathworking surrounding
Pathworking strffounding
Images
Images ' the throne
room of the
elemental
ruler
nrler of Fire.

338
 Whitcomb
BiU Whitcomb
Bill

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

a H Hae, hah,
XT::"''
or hee
EY'
and
Image and Eye
Related
Related Stability
Element Air of concePts Stability
Concepts
Element
fJJJ
Spirit ,,roror,..
Substance
Yello;1
Yellow
coror
Color wrute
on white
or Air,
Substance or
Manifestation mercury
Manifestation mercury
or
Locale or East
East The eye
The symbolizes
eye symbolizes
Environment
Environment intelligence, consciousness,
intelligence, consciousness,
spiriruality' The eye
and spirituality. eye also
or
obiect or
Object s,word,
Sword,
roor
Tool styrus
stylus
represents perception,
ff.Tff:ffff*;?_.,and
discernment, knowledge, and
Season Spring vigilance'
vigilance.
Season Spring
Time
Time Dawn
The palace
of the
Sylphs,
Sylphs,
Pathworking
Pathworking suffouriditg
surrounding
Images
Images the throne
room of the
elemental
nrler of Air.
ruler

339
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sigt
Sign English Phoneme
Phoneme

* Z zi
Zi of zee
or zee
Pentacle or
Pentacle
and
Image and Pyramid
pyramid
Spirit of Related
Element
)Element
Spirit Concepts
Concepts Pattern
Pattern

Consciousness
Consciousness
White
White on
Color white
Substance or Space/ether,
Space/ether,
Like the mountain, the pyramid
Like pyramid
Manifestation
Manifestation gold
represents the world
wodd center, the
Locale or
Locale Center axis ascension. The
mundi, and ascension.
axis rnundi,
Environment
Environment pentacle represents
represents the human
form as rnicrocosm,
microcosm, the
Obiect or
Object Lamp,
Lamp, balance of the five
balance five elements,
elements,
Tool pyramid
pyramid union, and perfection.
perfection. Pont
Pont upr
up,
Time Timeless the pentacle represents
represents spirit
ovef matter;
over matter; point down,
down, it
symbolizes
symbolizes rnatter
matter over spirit.
spirit.

flat-
A huge flat-
topped
topped
pyramid
pyramid on a
twilit
trxdlit plain
under a deep
blue starry
sky. At the
Pathworking
Pathworking :* *:,n-
top of the
Images
Images pyramid, a
pyramid,
sphinx guards
guards
a sleeping
sleeping
serpent
se{Pent
wrapped
around a
black, star-
filled egg.

340
 BiU Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Water
of Water
The Consonants of
Sigr
Sign English
English Phoneme

gYYoh
9 Yoh
and
Image and T\r,.
Mirror
Related
Erement
Element
fi;*"t
Earth of
Water
Ht#:l,, Crystallintion
Conceptsffiation
Green on
color
Color
blue
DIUE

ilff[ffi;
Substance or
Manifestation
rce
Ice

fields,
Ice fields,
or
Locale or glacien,
glaciers, mirrof represents
The mirror fepfesents
Environment permafrost,
Environment permafrost, teflection symbol of
reflection and is a symbol
ice caves
rce caves soul. The
the mind and the soul.
obiector
Object or Minor
Mirror
mirror symbolizes self-
ffi;U,ffi'il:ti*
knowledge, wisdom, and
Tool
Tool contempltion, but also
contemplation, vanity,
also vanity,
Time Midnight
Midnight illusion, and imagination.
imagination.
Time
Chinese
Chinese K'an(1-7)
K'an (F)
Trigram
Trigram abysmal
abysmal

Geomantic Rubeus
Geomantic Rubeus
Sign
Sign (t O
(red)
Sign Scorpio
Zodiacal Sign Scorpio
mirror in
A mirror
Princess of
rarotcard Cups Pathworking the moonlit
Tarot Card
:il:essor l;'#:rking ih:Xu,
Images ruins of a
Mars,
Mars, sunken land
planet
Planet Pluto

341
The Magician's Reflection

Sigo
Sign Eaglish
English Phoneme
Phoneme
N Nu \7ater
Water
A*
Image and
Reflection
Reflection
Related
Related
Element Water of
$7ater of Concepts
Concepts Iliusion
Illusion
Water
Pleasure
Color Blue on blue
Blue

Substance or
ITater
Water
Manifestation
Manifestation
Water symbolizes life,
Locale
Locale or Ocean, lake,
lake, fluidity, dtlness, but
fluidity, sstillness, but also
Environment
Environment pool ceaseless motion. It
ceaseless motion. It
represents
represents chaos,
chaos,
Obiect or
Object Chdice
Chalice formlessness, immersion,
formlessness, immersion,
Tool and possibility. h general,
possibility. In generat
Twilight
Twilight to water symbol of
watet is a symbol of life, the
Time unconscious, emotion,
unconscious, ernotion,
darkness
darkness
purification, fertility,
purification, fertility, depth,
depth,
Chinese K'an (M)
K'an () and reflection.
reflection.
Trigram abysmal
abysmal

Populus
Geomantic
(assembling
(assembling,
Sigt
Sign
union) The
pdmeval
primeval
Zodiacal Sign Cancer
Pathworking ocean
Pathworking
Card
Tarot Card
of
Queen of Images ' sailed
Images sailed by
bY
Cups the boat
of the
Planet Moon moon.

342
342
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

English Phoneme

4?
TTi Ti
and
Image and \Wave
Wave
Related
Erement *lilt Fire
ire of
Water Concepts
Concepts Solution

Red on
color
Color
blue
Dlue

or Rain,
Substance or
Manifestation
Manifestation waves
Geysers,
GeYsers'
Locale or
Locale or
storm,
storm'
Environmerrt surf
Environment The wave symbol of
wave is a symbol
surging power,
power, motion,
motion,
Object orTool
Obiect or Tool Alembic
Alembic passion, and cyclical
passion, change.
cyclical change.
'fime
Time Noon
Chinese
Chinese T"i (M)
Tui (Ivf)
Trigram
Trigram joyous
ioyous

Geomantic
Geom antic Via (way, Rain
Sign
Sign journey)
iourney) falling
falling on
a river
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Sign Cancer
Cancer flanked by
Knight of Pathworking steaming
Pathworking steaming
card
Tarot Card
Cups
LuPs Images
Images swamps
swamPs
from
Planet
Planet Moon which life
emerges
and
evolves.
evolves.

343
fire Magician's Reflection
The Reflection

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme

Fae or
e./0
@r@ F
Fah
and
Image and Mist
Related
Related Vohtiliwr
Volatility
Air of Concepts
Concepts
Element
Water
STater Putefaction
Putrefaction
Yellow on
Yellow
Color
blue
Foam,
Substance
Substance oror Foam,
bubbles,
Manifestation bubbles,
Manifestation
vapor
vaPof
The fog
fog is a symbol
symbol of the
Fog,
Locale or indeterminate,
indeterminate, the vague,
vague, the
fountains,
fountains,
obscure, and the fantastic.
fantastic.
Environment
Envfuonment
waterfalls
waterfalls
The fog represents
represents
Object
Obiect or Aspergillum disorientation,
disorientation, illusion,
Tool uncertainty,
unceftainty, and
conceaknent. It is the
concealment.
Before
Before primeval
primeval state from which
Time
dawn the universe coalesces.
coalesces.
Chinese
Chineee T"i (F)
Tui (F)
Trigram joyous
ioyous
Laetiiia
Laetitia
Geomantic
(rejoicing,
(tejoicing, A moonlit
Sign
Sigrt
healthy)
hedthy) garden filled
filled
with
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Sign Pisces
Pisces
Pathworking fragrant
Pathworking
Prince of
Prince Images
Images ilght-
night-
Tarot Card flowering
flowedng
Cups
Cups
plants
Planet Jupiter
Jupiter surrounding
sturoundirg
a fountain

344
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme

SS Su Cauldron
U
U Cauldron
and
Image and ^t :
Cleansing
Lteansrng
SPirit of
Spirit
Related
Related
Element
Element
Water
STater
Concepts
Concepts Emotion
Emotion

\$fhite on
White Dreams
Dreams
Color
blue

iffiffir;
Substance or
Manifestation
$rater
Water
The cauldron symbol of
cauldron is a symbol
or
Locale or Ocean nourishment,
nourishment, sustenance,
sustenance,
Environment
Environment abundance. The
and abundance.
Obiect or
Object Cauldron
Cauldron cauldron represents the
cauldron represents
Tool womb, creation,
creation, and fertility,
and fertility,
but also transformation,
Sunset
Sunset to renewal, initiation,
initiation, and
Time
Twilight rebirth.
Planet
Planet Moon
A basin
filled with
filled
lush
tropical
uopical
growth
Pathworkins around
Pathworking fl:* a"
Images
Images cup-
cup_
shaped
altat
altar
covered
coveted
with other
of pearl
pead

345
 Magician's Reflection
The Maglcian's Reflection

Fire
The Consonants of Fire
Sign
Sign English Phoneme
English Phoneme

tU $rl
W $roh
11 011
and
Image and Fire
Earth of Related
Related Fuel
Element
Element Concepts
Concepts
Fire
.t{lre
Combustion
Combustion
Green
Green on
Color
red

or Ash'
Substance or r t coal
Manifert"tio' Ash,
Manifestation
Locale or
Locale Of Volcano,
Volcano, Fire is
is warmth,
warmth, comfort,
comfort, and
Environmentmines
Environment mines danger.
danger. Fire symbolizes
symbolizes
energy,
energy, purification,
purification, and
Obiect or
Object Bnzier
Brazier destruction,
destruction, but also power,
pov/er,
Tool will,
will, love,
love, hate,
hate, wrath, desire,
desire,
Season
Season Summer passion, zeal, and inspiration.
zeaI, and inspiration.

Time Midnight
Midnight
Chinese Sun (F) Dark clouds
Trigram
Trigrarn gentle
gende lit from
within by
Fortuna
Forttrna
flickers of
flickers
Geomantic Maior
Geomantic Major roiling
red roiling
Sign
Sign (exterior
(exterior above a
aid) lightning-
Lightning-
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Sign Leo
Leo struck plain,
Pathworking riven
Pathworking :T:TIil"'
with
Card ofPrincess Images
Images fissures
Tarot Card :lffi:L
Wands spouting
spoutlng
Sun flame.
flame. A
path leads
deep into
Planet the fissures
fissures
to the forge
forge
of a smith
god.
god.

346
346
 Bill Whitcomb
BiU Whitcomb

Sign
Sign English Phoneme
English Phoneme

o\ Th
Th Thu
ThU
Blood
and
Image and

Element
Element
Water ofor Related
ffH:l*
Concepts
FluiditY
Fluidity
ffter
Fire
Following
Folloudng
Blue on
color
CO1Of
red
recl

Substance or
|;};,'ffi#"
Manifestation
Rainbow

or
Locale or
Locale Hearth
Hearth,
Environment alar
Environment altar Blood is a symbol
symbol of life,
soul. Blood
,roor
Object or
obiect or (rlrs
oils
Oils
sftength' and
strength, and soul'
represents life force, kinship,
Tool :ffi:ff:1,:ffe'kinship'
soul, and essence.
Season
Season Summer
Summer

Time
Time Sunset
Sunset

Chinese
Chinese SunM
Sun (M) Adesert
A desert
Trigram
Trigram gende
gentle plain
Plain at
night lit by
bY
Forhrna
Fortuna the cook
Geomantic
Geomantie Mirror'o
Minor fires of
fires
Sign
Sign (interior
(interior nomad
aid)
aid)
Pathworking
Pathworking camps.
carnps'
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Leo
Sign Leo Images
Images Around the
Around
fires,
ftres,
Queen of wisdom is
card
rarot Card
Tarot
$;::: "t
Wands taught,
initiations
Sun
Sun
occtlr' and
occur,
Planet
Planet
myths are
are
retold.
retold.

347
The Magician's Reflection

Sign
Sigrr English Phoneme
English Phoneme

x R Ri
Image and
Power
Energy
Fr Fire of
Fire
Related
Related
'Ercment
Element
Fire Concepts
Concepts Thunderstorm

Red on Swift violence

Sqrift violence
color
Color red
req

or
Substance or n.
rre
Fire
Manifestation
Manifestation
Locale or
Environment Storm
Environment
Storm The storm
storm symbolizes
syrnbolizes
disturbance,
dishrrbance, wildness, violent
or
Obiect or
Object Rod change,
change, and rage, but also the
Tool source
source of creation.
Season
Season Summer
Time Noon
Chien
Chten Heat ripples
Chinese
(a4
(NT) through a
Trigram
creative sparkling
radiant
mdiant
PUer
Puer
atmosphere
Geomantic (upright
Geomantic
filled with
filled
Sigt
Sign sword, a
darting
darting
youth)
Pathworking opalescent
Pathworking oPalescent
Zodiacal Sig"
Zodiacal Aries
Sign Aries Images
Images flames
flames and
blinding
Knight sheets of
Card
Tarot Card of
of lightning.
lightning.
Wands
STands Gigantic
Gigantic
shapes seem
Planet
Planet Mars to dance
through the
Fire.
fire.

348
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme Expansion
Expansion

+
4t. tH
Aeth or
.Meth
Eeth
Eeth and
Image and
Steady
:j::jt
force
Related
Concepts
Concepts Increase
Increase
Element Air of Fire
Fire
Sun or
Color red
Yellow on red Star
Substance or
Sun
Manifestation
Manifestation
Locale or The star symbol of
star is a symbol of
or Star
Sun or Star
and celestial
celestial
Environment
Environment light, the spirit, and
influence. The star
influence.
Obiect or
Object Thurible
Thurible represents perfection,
repre s ents perfection,
Tool irnmortality, fame,
immortality, fame, and
Season Summer
Summer attainment.
attainment.

Time Dawn

Chinese
Chinese (F)
Ch'ien (F) A blazing
Trigram creative
creative sun rises
over sheer
Acquisitio
Acquisitio basaltic
basaltic
Geomantic (gripping,
Gtippirg, cliffs
Sigrr
Sign interior
interior
beneath
beneath a

Zodiacal Sign
comprehension)
comprehension)

Sagittarius
Sagittarius r
paintully
brilliant
rilli
nfuaniltY
blue sky.slry.
'farot Card Prince of
Prince Near the
Tarot Card
Wands toP of the
Pathworking
Pa thworking top
Images
Images cliffs, a
flame risesrises
from a
bmzen
brazen
tripod
dedicated
dedicated
Planet
Planet Jupiter
to those
who have
brought
down the
Fire from
Frre from
Heaven.
Heaven.

349
M.• 44-

The Magician's Reflection

Ttre Reflection

Sign
Sigo English Phoneme
Phoneme
rl/ J Ji
-l
/t\
and
Image and Radiance
Radiance

Spirit of
Related
Related ruumination
Illumination
Element Fire Concepts
Concepts
Purification
V/hite
White on
Color red

Substance or Light,
Light, heat,
heat,
Manifestation
Manifestation energy
energy

Alchemist's
Alchernist's Light symbol of
Light is a symbol of tnrth,
truth,
Locale or
Locale
furnace or
futnace knowledg., acdon,
knowledge, action, life, and,
and,
Environment
Environment labomtory
Laboratory illuminadon. Life
of course, illumination.
Obiect or
Object L*p
Lamp represents immateriality,
represents immatedality,
Tool spirit, revelation,
spirit, revelation, and
happiness.
happiness,
Season Midsummer
Time Noon
Planet Sun Three
towering
to'wering
rnonoliths
monoliths
of granite
rise
dse beneath
a burning
slry in the
sky
middle of a
wasteland
of jagged
rock and
aod
Pathworking plumes
Pathworking plumes of
Images
Images h^-.
flame and
smoke. In
the center
of the
triangular
trianguhr
ate , an
area, arl
adamantine
adamarttine
crucible
cnrcible sits
amid the
blaze of the
blaze
refiner's
refiner's
fire.
fue.

350
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Eleme North East

East South West Center
Center
nt
nt

Spirit
Spirit
n
n a 0
OP X
"A' *
*
Boh -
Boh Hah
Hab -— eye Pi —
Pi - hand Qu - cup
cup zi-
Zi —
house
house pentagfam
pentagram
v
i ,.,.0
^9 + .0
.,)) u
tr
Air Doh - Shah -— Li-—
Li Chu — - Vee -—
leaf breeze
breeze whidwind
whirlwind transmiss
transmiss bteath
breath
ion

Ili
TU +
.0. x
* a) 3::.,
\r/
/r\
Fire
\foh
Woh —- Aeth -— Ri-
]ti — Thu —
Thu - ji
Ji—- radience
radience
fire
fire expansion pou/er
power blood

$7ater
Water
I
9 --s-
+ as
@@ = u
U
Yoh
Yoh —- Ti —
Ti - wave
wave - mist
Fae — mist Nu--
Nu Su--
Su
mirrot
mirror watef
water cauldron
cauldron

Earth
Earth
n
A X A
_ca. 1'
Y n
0
Goh - -
Eex — Ki —
Ki - knot Ilfoh —
11"oh - Tzo
Tzo—
- stone
stone
mountain
mountain crossroads
crossroads valley
The Consonants
The Consonants —- Sign,
Sign, Color, and Image
Color, and Image

351
351
The Magician's Reflection

Vowels
The Vowels
Mars
fupiter Mars
Jupiter Sun
Sun Venus
Venus Mercury MoonSaturn
Mercury Moon Saturn

16005u5
/ 6 0 5 u
Ae
.le Ii Ah
Ah Uh
Uh Ee
Ee (Oo
)o (Oh
)11

The Vowels
The -
Sign, Color,
Vowels — Sign, Color, and
and Planet
Planet

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

, A
A
Ae (as in
*$:i1
"aether")
and
Image and
Related
Related Lightning
Lighrning
color
Color
on
Blue on concepts
Concepts
ofange
Orange

Substance or
Substance or
Titt,
Tin,
Manifestation sapphire
Manifestation

Obiect or
Object or Circle,
Circle,
Tool
Tool wheel
wheel Lightning symbolizes
symbolizes

D"y
Day rhursday Thursday
speed, suddenness,
:[:*]jjaffio*n
energy, and power, both
Sagittarius, creative and destructive.
zodiacar sign
Zodiacal
iLT:|t""
Sign Pisces ffiilffii$:stnrctive'
The thunderbolt
represents fertility and
rarotcard Wheel of ::ffi"*r.ff,yand
Tarot Card
ffii:r
Fortune
creation, but also
revelation, inspiration,
revelation, inspiration,
planet
Planet Jupiter
Jupiter and enlightenrnent,
enlightenment,

Eagle,
Eagle'
Anima, u(ucofn
unicorn

352
 Bill
Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

IIfi Ii
6
Image and
Red on Related
Related phallus
Phallus
color
Color
green
gfeen Concepts
Concepts

or Iron,
Substance or !lron' ruby
rubY
Manifestation
Manifestation
Object or Tool
Obiect or Tool Spear
D.y
Day Tuesday symbol of
The phallus is a symbol
sexual potency and the
sexual potency
Aries,
'l:,, power of
generative po'urer
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Sign
' Scorpio
bcoiPlo nature, but also represents
represents

Card
Tarot Card The Tower
The Tower will, desire,
desire, and the
principle.
masculine principle.
Planet
Planet Mars
Mats

Animal
Animal Wolf, ram
rarn

353
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

oAAh
0
A Ah
Image and
Yellow on
Yellow on Related
Related
Re Sun
sun
color
Color
violet
violet Concepts
Concepts

Substarrceof
Substance or ,, toP&z'
Gold,
Liolcl' topaz
Manifestation
Manifestation
Object orTool
Obiect or Ly*
Tool Lyre The sun represents
represents
cosmic
cosrnic and spiritual
sPidt'al
Darr
-Day
-r sundav
Sunday
, center. The sun
Sign
Zodiacal Sign Leo
Leo symbolizes light, heat,
heat,
and
and life,
life, as well as
Card
Tarot Card Sun
The Sun consciousness,
consciousness,
Sun
Sun perception,
PercePtion'
planet
Planet enlightenment,
enlightenrnent, intellect,
intellect,
wisdom, and wholeness.
wholeness.
Lion,
Animal
Animal Tot'
phoenix
phoenrx

354
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Srgtt
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

0uuh
+
9
Uh
and
Image and
Green r,r
on
Green on
Related
Related Ankh'
Ankh,
color
Color
red
red ConcePts Yoni
Concepts

or Copper,
Substance or Copper,
Manifestationemerald
Manifestation emerald

Object orTool
Obiect or Tool Chalice
Chalice

D"y
Day Friday
Friday
The yoni
yorri symbolizes
symbolizes
sign MUMS,
zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal
lffit,
Libra
d*sirl, sexuality,
desire, fertility,
sexualiry, fertility,
and life force. The ankh
The
The represents the feminine
feminine
card
Tarot Card
Empress
Empress principle
PrinciPle

Plnnet
Planet Venus
Animal
Animal Dove, cat

355
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection
Ttre

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

EEe
Image and
Orange
orange on Related
Related Serpent
seqPent
color
Color
blue
DIUC
concepts
Concepts

or Mercury,
Substance or Mercury,
Manifestation opal
Manifestation opal

or Tool
Obiect ot
Object Boolq staff
TooI Book, staff

D"y
Day Wednesday The serpent symbol
symbol of
Gemini, death and danger,
danger, but
Zodi*calsigrr
Zodiacal Sign Gem
$ff'
Virgo also of life force,
wisdom, intuition,
'qdsdom, intuition,
The subdety,
subtlety, cunning,
cunning, and
cad
Tarot Card
Magician deception.
deception.
Planet
Planet Mercury
Apt'
Ape, twin
t\r/in
Arrimal
Animal serpents
serpents

356
 Bill Whitcomb
Whitcomb

Sign English Phoneme

Phoneme

U o Oo
Oo
Image and
White
White on
Related
Related lyoon
Nfoon
Color Concepts
Concepts
black
or
Substance Of
Substance
Silver, pearl
pead
Manifestation
Manifestation

Object orTool
Obiect or Crystal
Tool Crystal
rnoon is
The moon symbol of
is aa symbol
D"y
Day Monday
:Monday reflection, dreams,
dreams, night,
Zodiacal Sign
Zodiacal Cancer unconscious The
and unconscious
rnoon also
moon represents
also represents
The High tidal motion,
watet, tidal
water, motion, life
Card
Tarot Card
Priestess fotce, sexuality,
force, sexuality, and
Planet Moon
Nfoon fertility.

Animal Hare, hart

357
The Magician's Reflection
Reflection

Sign
Sign English
English Phoneme
Phoneme

5ooh 0 ih
Image and
Indigo on
Indigo on Related
Related Sickle
sickle
color
Color
amDer
amber Concepts
Concepts

Substance or
il}jr'ru;"
Manifestation
Lead

Dry
Day Saturday
Saturday

Zodiacal sign Capricorn,

zodiacal Sign
' ?T..'^'::'n'
/rquaflus
Aquarius The sickle symbol of
sickle is a symbol
Card
Tarot Card World
The World harvest,
hanrest, the passage of
th. passage

Pranet
Planet sat*rn
Saturn
time, the transience of
ilil:*:"Tn:ffi:l"o
life, limitation, death, and
Dragon,
Dragon, ending.
tnding'
Animal
Animal crocodile,
crocodile,
goat

358
 L_

Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

Do With
Things You Can Do the Alphabet of
With the
Dreams
For pathworking
For pathwodring and visualization purposes, the
visualization purposes, Alphabet of
the Alphabet Dreams is
of Dreams is
orgailned in five
organized five circles,
circles, one forfor each
each element, containing each
element, containing each sub-element
sub-element
arranged according to
arranged accordirg to the traditional directions.That
traditional directions. Thatis, earth to
is, earth to the north,
fue to the south,
fire south, air to the the east, the west,
water to the
east, water west, and spirit in the
and spirit the center.
center.
circle of earth, earth of earth is in
Thus, in the circle fire of earth is in the
in the north, fire
spirit of earth is in the center, and so on.
south, spirit
Each of the the five
five elemental circles forms one "floor" of
elemental circles of aafive-story
five-story
tower in this order;
order; earth,
earth, water, fu., air, and spirit.
water, fire, spirit.
In this arrangement,
arrangement, each elemental floor or circle loosely
circle corresponds loosely
with one ofof the firstfive
thefirst fivechakras
chakras (spinal
(spinal energy center) of Hindu
energy center) Hindu Kundalini
Kundalini
Yoga:
Circle
Elemental Circle Chakra Spinal Location
Spinal Location
Earth Muladhara base of spine
spine

Water
$7ater Swadisthana
Swadisthana below navel
Fire llanipuraka
Manipura.l<a solar plexus
Air Anahata center of chest
chest

Spirit Visuddha
Visuddha hollow of neck
hollow

The "entrance" to to each

each floor of the
floor of tower is
the tower floor's ruling
is in the quarter of the floor's
element, with the exception of the fifth
element, fifth floor
floor (spirit), which is entered from
(spirit), which
north (i.e.
the north (i.e. the material
material world).

Sub-element
Sub-element Direction Letter
Letter lmage
Image
Earth of Earth North A (Goh)
A (coh) Mountain
Water of water West * (t Jr)
(Nu) Water

Fire of Fire South *x (Ri)

0.r) Power
Po'wer

Air of Air East ,o

^o (Shah) \Ufind
Wind
of Spirit
Earth of Spirit North nfl (Boh) House

359
 C1-1. .•■=■!1==.=-

Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

C<--.,a >j
zN L_r _l Y

'fower of Dreams
The Tower Dreams

Spiral Ascent
The Spiral Ascent

360
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

You can perform rirual ascent

perform aa ritual ascent of of the
thetower
towerby byconstructing
constructing aa circle
circle and
and
walking itit while
walking while visualizing
visualizingandf and/or or chanting
chanting the letters. You may may walk
rvalk as
as
slowly or as quickly
slowly quickly around
around the circle circle asas feels
feels right. With practice,
practice, asas you
you walk
walk
the circle, visualize and
circle, visualize and feel energies of each element
feel the energies element moving up up your
your
spine and circling around the appropriate
circling around appropriate spinal spinal center.
center.
You begin at the circle (floor) of Earth, complete
circle (floor) complete the the entire
entire circle,
circle, and
then move up the tower tower to to the
the next circle, moving
next circle, moving from from Earth through Water, Water,
Fire, Air,
Fire, Air, and ending at the circle (floor) of Spirit.
circle (floor) Spirit.
While there is isconsiderable
considerable benefit benefit to toactually
actuallywalking,
walking, sincesince itit
provides aa kinesthetic anchor for your mental
kinesthetic anchor mental states, you can
states, you can also
also practice
practice
moving around the the tower
tower while sitting or
rvhile sitting or laying
laying prone.
Performed as aa general meditation or
general meditation orinitiation,
initiation, you wouldtypically
youwould rypically
walk all
walk all the way up
the way up the tower and and then
then walk
walk back down. That is,
back down. is, you would
you would
walk in a spiral through the
walk the elements,
elements, beginning
beginning in the the north,
north, walking
rvalking deosil
deosil
(clock-wise) through all five
(cloclmrise) Frve levels,
levels, entering
entering the center to meditate
the center meditate on Spirit
Sprnt of
Spirit, and then
Spirit, working your way back down through
then working through the theelements
elements walking
walking
(counter-cloclsvise). For
widdershins (counter-clock-wise). Forthis
thismeditation,
meditation, stop stop at each direction
direction
and meditate on the letter symbol.
the letter symbol.
Once youyou are familiar with the Tower
are familiar Tower of Dreams, Dreams, you may want not
way to the top, instead
go all the way instead walking to a specific sub-element in
specific sub-element in order to
perform pathworking (that is,
path'rvorking (that to have
is, to haveexperiences
experiences associated with aa particular
associated with particular
sub-element) or
sub-element} or to use
use thethesub-element
sub-element for forsome
somespecific
specificmagical
magical purpose
purpose
finding or creating
(such as finding creating aa spirit,spirit, talisman, magical tool). In any
talisman, or magical any C2SC,
case,
however
howeve r far you go up up the
the tower,
tower, you you should
should always return all
always return all the way back
the way back
down
do'nvn and exit from the
exit from the tower. Exiting the
tower. Exiting the tower,
tower, thus formally ending
thusformally ending thethe
magical working,
magical working, helps
helps prevent
prevent distraction, obsession, or unbalance.
distraction, obsession, unbalance.
Starting ',vith
Starting with the Circleof
the Circle of Earth, begin in
Earth, begin in the with A
north with
the north (Goh),
A (Goh),
Earth of
Earth of Earth. Walkdeosil
Earth. Walk (clochvise) to
deosil (clock-wise) to the east, then
the east, then south, then west, west,
visualizing the
visualizing the appropriate
appropriatesymbol symboland color at
and color at each station
station as you move
as you move
around the
the circle.
circle.

Direction Letter Image

Letter Color

North n (Goh) I\fountain

A Mountain Black

East p,*") Crossroad

Z (Eex)
X Crossroad Citrine
Citrine

South A (Ki) Knot

-A.. Knot Russet

West 1' gnlu;Valley

Y (Mu) \ralley f)live
Olive

361
361
The Magician's Reflection
Ttre Magician's

Then, after workingwith

after working with Y@Ioh), STater of Earth,
t(Moh), Water Earth, while still in
while still west,
in the west,
b.Sr
begin walking
walkingthe
theCircle Waterwith
Circleofof$7atet with- (Nu),
(Nu),Water of Water.
Water of STater.

Direction Letter Image

Letter ImageColor
Color

West * , ((Nu)
ft. WaterDeep
Nu) Water DeepBlue
Blue

North
North 9 g"tt; Mirror
I (Yoh) MirrorSea Green
SeaGreen

East -- (Ti) CloudWhite

Gi) Cloud White

South we (Fah) tUfave

ezo (Fah) Violet
Wave Violet
Then, after
after working with F (Fah), Fire
working with Fite of Water, still in
while still
Water, urhile in the
the south,
south, begin
walking Fire with R (Ri),
Circle of Fire
walking the Circle (X.i), Fire of Fire.

Direction Letter Image

Letter Image Colot
Color

South X (Ri)
* Power
1ni1Power Scarlet
Scadet

Sfest
West J (Thu)
Gt") Blood
Blood Pink

North tU (Woh) Fire

W"h) Fire Dark Red
Dark Red

East f (Aeth)Expansion
1,t.th)Expansion Orange
Then, after
after working with h
working with h (Aeth), AirAir of Fire,
Fire, while still in the
still in the east, b.gt
east, begin
walking Air with ss (Shah),
Circle of Air
walking the Circle Air.
(Shah), Air of Air.

Direction Letter Image

LetterImage Color

East ^9 (Shah)Wind
•-•9 (Shah)Wind Sky Blue

South +(Li)
+ g,i1Whirlwind
\x/hidwind Yellow

West .1))
'D) (Chu) Transmission White
(Chu) Transmission Vrhite

North Tree Light

p"n; Tree
*Y(Doh) Light Brown
Brourn

Then, after
after working with D (Doh),
working with Earth of
(Doh), Earth Air, while
of Air, while still in the
still in noth, begin
the north, begrn
walking Circle of Spirit
walking the Circle with B (Boh),
Spirit with @oh), Earth of Spirit.
Earth of Spirit.

Direction LetterImage
Letter Image Color

North nFl (Bola)

@"h) House Black

East a (Hah) Ey.

(FI"h) Eye Yellow

South 0 (Pi)
etl Hand
Hand Red

West X(Kwu)Cup
X (I<*)Cup Blue

362
352
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
returningto
Finally, retuming
Finally, to the
the north, enter into
north, enter into the
the center
center and
and meditate on Z
meditate on 2 (Zee),
(Zee),
Spirit of Spirit.
Spirit.

Direction
Direction Letter Image
Letter Image Color

Center ** (Zee)
(Zee)Pentagram or
Pentagram or Mite
Strhite
Pyramid
Pyramid

Pause feeling the balance of the elements

Pause for a while, feeling elements inside you and outsideoutside
you. When you have done
you. V/hen done this, exit from the center of the circle,
this, exit returning to
circle, returning
the north,
the north, and b.grthe
andbegin journeydown
thejourney downthe thetower,
tower,walking
walkingwiddershins
widdershins
(counter-doe kwise).
(counter-clochndse).
Note that
that each
each sign
sign cancan be
bean anentrance
entrance to toaalengthier
lengthierpathworking.
pathworking.
You can visualize door with the appropriate
visualize aa door appropriate color and and symbol
symbol at any station
^t ^ny
of the
the tower,
tower, either to travel
travel along channels to the center of
along one of the four channels
one of
one of the
thefloors, ortotofurther
floors, or furtherexplore
explorethe the"territory"
"territory" embodied
embodied by aa
particuiar
particular lettet. Some of the possible experiences
letter. Some expedences that may may be found
found within
within
the zones
the zones of ofeacheachsub-element
sub-element are aredescribed
described veryvery briefly
briefly under
under thethe
"Pathworldng
"Pathwodcing Images"
Images" heading of the previous tables. tables.
Notice
Notice that in the the meditation above, the only time you go into the
meditation above, the
center is at the fifth
center level. If
fifth level. If you choose to
you choose center of one of the
enter the center
to enter the
other floors,
floors, such
such asas Spirit
Spidt of Air, enter from the direction
direction associated
associated with the
pure element. That is, to enter Spirit Fire, enter
Spirit of Fire, enter through Fire of Fire in the
south, or to enter
enter Spirit \il7ater, enter though
Spirit of Water, though Water
Water of of \07ater
Water inin the
the west.
west

363
363
 Reflection
The Magician's Reflection

Spirits and Sigils

Sigils
Alphabet of
The Alphabet of Dreams
Dreamsreadilyreadily lends itself to
lends itself tocreating
creatirgsigils for elemental
sigils for elemental
beings and forces.
beings sigil is
forces. A sigil is aa single sign that
single sign that encodes name or word, derived
encodes a name
using an analogical or
an analogical inruitive method. Using the
or intuitive the intuitive
inruitive method, the the
magician might
magician chant the
might chant name or
the name or word to induce
induce aa trance until the
trance until the sigil
sigil for
spirit or concept
the desired spirit concept "appeared" or focus focus on thethe name
name oror word while
word while
performing automatic drawing until
performing automatic sign was
until a sign was produced felt right. Most
produced that felt Nfost
are produced
sigils are
often, sigils produced using using aacombination
combination of of intuition
intuition (or(orartistic
artistic
sensitriliry) and
sensibility) and some analogical method
some analogical method of encoding.
example, in some
For example, some traditions, the letters
traditions, the ofthe
letters of themagical
magical alphabet
alphabet
nged in
used are arranged in aa grid
grid and the name, word, word, or phrase is traced over the
^rr
grid so that it is convened into a single sign. rhe Alphabet of
The Arphabet of Dreams tabre of
Dreams table
:*#li
consonants can ;::::T"#t:,"r'J:f:T:*
:T be used for this purpose.
Element Earth
Ekment Earth Air Spirit lVater
Water Fire

Eartlr
A
,^
.Y
f tl
n1 v
v :.:.
rr I

Earth *i-Y
G D B
ts w
W
t ....1
.i+ r} T:../. +-
+
Air in*
Y
X th
511 H iFF tH

Spirit
'o * i.,
i
Tz
TA V z
Z !I Sig,
S ."".,\ It
Ii tzj" '
tY •-d)
.,) v .'f" =o'
'"",
a
a
i'
lTater
Water "'I
M ch
Ch {l
Q\ // ".1
'iN j N Th
93. ..ft-.;i...... -
. -\'-'-",=""+
n "

Fire , .,P
'o
:.'

,--,-l--,---.-,
_r__. j -
-*-r;
K L P R
r-- ' ',7,,,,,,

Some practitioners use a small circle to

small circle to mark the beginning
beginning of the rigil and a
the sigil
'(T" to mark
small "T' mark the end.
end.
the example
In the above, I take the word "PROSPERITY"
example above, "PROSPERITY" and remove
and remove
leaving "PRSPRTY',
vowels, leaving
the vowels, "PRSPRTY",and and then trace itit on the
then trace the grid.
grid. The resulting
resulting
rigl can
sigil during ritual
visualized during
can be visualized and inscribed on talismans,
ritual and enabling it to
talismans, enablirg
more-readily communicatethe
more-readily corrununicate concept of
the concept of "prosperity"
"prosperity" to the non-verbal
non-verbal part
of my
of my mind. I\fany practitioners
mind. Many practitioners of of sigil
sigil magic
magic will visualizeor
wiU visualize stare at a
or stare
^
dra"ving of aa sigil
drawing rigil while
while performing
performing some some activity (sexual or otherwise)
activiry (sexual othenxrise) until
temporarily forget
exhausted and temporarily
they are exhausted
they intention of the
the intention
forget the ritual, thus
the ritual, thus
^re to their will chant,
transferring their intention
intention to their subconscious.
subconscious. OthersOthers will visualize,
chant, visualize,
and otherwise
and othenvise try to invoke the conceptconcept or or emotion
emotion represented
represented by by the
the sigil
sigil
and attempt
and attempt to anchor ititaatalisman
to anchor thesigil,
bearing the
talismanbearing sigl, thus
thus "charging"
"cha4;itrd' thethe
talisman with the particular
particular desired energy.
energy.
Nlost created with
sigils created
Most sigils Alphabet of Dreams,
the Alphabet
with the Dreams, however,
however, are made made
by taking
taking the letters of a name,
the letters word, or phrase and combining
narne, word, Alphabet
combining the Alphabet
Dreams signs
of Dreams single image or design. The Alphabet of Dreams
signs into aa single Dreams was uras
designed to
designed provide evocative
to provide pictographicforms
evocative pictographic formsfor just this
forlust this type of

364
 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb
purpose. Often, duplicate
purpose. letters are
duplicate letters removed, but this is up to the
are removed, the discretion
discretion
of the magician.
magician. W'hat most important
What isis most important is that the final
final product seems to you
be appropriate
to be appropdate to the the spirit,
spirit, concept, intention that it
concept, or intention it isis designed
designed to
embody.
In the following example, the desired spirit was
the following uras first defined
defined (using the
paragraph of
paragraph of text above the the spirit
spirit name below). That is,
shown below).
name shown ir, the
the
characteristics of
characteristics spirit were
of the desired spirit described. An
were described. alphabet wheel
An alphabet wheel of the
Alphabet of Dreams
Alphabet Dreams was was constructed.
constructed. (This(Ihir is aa circle with the
circle with thealphabet
alphabet
arranged around the circumference.) Then,
arranged around Then, the
the name
name ofof the
the spirit
spirit waswas divined
divined
by dowsing the the alphabet using aamercury-filled
wheel using
alphabet wheel pendulum. After the
mercury-filled pendulum.
divined, the spirit's
name was divined, spirit's sigil constructed. This spirit and
srgil was constructed. its sigil
and its sigil
may be usedused by by anyone wishing to
anyone wishing to use
usethe Alphabetof
theAlphabet ofDreams
Dreamsmagicalmagical
system. To activate
system. spirit for
this spirit
activate this for you, outside in the light of a full
you, go outside full moon,
and repeat the following text, aloud, four dines
the following times (once
(once facing each of the four
facing each four
directions) while
while visualizing
visualizing the
the sigil.
sigil,
spirit will
This spirit will act
act as guide to
as aa guide to those would learn the mysteries of
those who would
Dreams. It will
Alphabet of Dreams.
the Alphabet will do
do no noharm
harmto toanyone
anyonewho whosincerely
sincerely seeks
seeks
enlightenment and wisdom
enlightenment wisdom through the Alphabet of of Dreams.
Dreams. This This spirit will
spirit will
no permanent
do no permanent harm harm totoanyone
anyone and will act
and will only as
act only as aa teacher
teacher and initiatot
and initiator
for those
for thosewho whowould wouldwalk walkthroughthrough the theTower
TowerofofDreams. Dteams.
spirit is
This spirit is called:
called:

Vtrrj'ln
\l
tl L I / v\ / \
DBJGWZ
il \r// n n))
MJW--A-
\Y l \
(pronounced "Dohbyig Wohz')and its
"Dohbyig Wohz")and itssigil is formed
sigil is formed thus
thus(draw
(draw sigil in air).
sigil in air).

-y wil,
By my as II am I, (your
will, as (your name
name — use your
- use your magical name ifif you
magical name have one), it
you have
is so.
If you wish to make a talisman for for this
this spirit,
spirit, engrave
engrave thethe sigil
sigil on silver
silvet
and repeat rirual during
the ritual
repeat the during the
thenew,
new,waxing, fu[, and
waxing, full, and waning moons, each
waning moons, each
time holding talisman in
holding the talisman in the moonlight d*th for the new moon) while
moonlight (or dark,
you repeat the charge.
charge. When
$7hen you are notnot using the talisman,
using the talisman, keep it wrapped
wrapped
or in aa bag
bag of blue,
blue, silver, or silk.
silver, or white cloth or silk.

365
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366
 Bill Whitcomb
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The Magician's Reflection
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 Bill Whitcomb
Bill Whitcomb

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369
 Index

Ahacus 145
Abacus 145
44,775,
Abyss 44, 82, 113
6, 82,
5,776, 113
Acacn 177
Acacia 177
Accountant 29
Accountant.29
172,252
Aconite 172, 252
Acrobat 23
Aircraft 145
145
Albauoss
Albatross 111111
Alchemy 23, 23,25,36,39,44,80,89,91
25, 36, 39, 44, 80, 89, 91,,92,96, 105, 150,
92, 96, 105, 165, 166,
150, 165, 367
166,367
Alcohol 100, 106, 107,175,
107, 175,183
183
Alder 178, 188
Alexandrite 90
Alexandrite
Alligator 111, 115
Alligator 115
Almond 178 178
Aloe 166
Altar 76,
76,79,84,
79, 84, 88, 102, 248,270,274,345
105, 183, 186, 248,
102,105, 270, 274, 345
Aluminum 86
Aluminum
Muscaria 165-66
Amanita NIuscaria
Arnaranth 166
.Amaranth 166
Amber 48,48, 50, 87, 90, 94,
50, 87, 97,358
94, 97, 358
Amethyst 90, 98, 190
Amphisbaena 179
Amphisbaena 179
Anchor 18,
Anchor 18, 145, 361,364
253-54, 361,
145,253-54, 364
Androgyne 23, 23,25
25
Angelica 166
"1,66

23,24,28
Anima 23, 24, 28
Animus 23,23,24,28
24, 28
1ll, 118
Ant 111,
145,152
Anvil 145, 152
Ap. 111,
Ape 119, 356
111, 119, 356
62,170,
Apple 62, 174,178,183,
170, 174, 178, 183, 190
Aquamarine 91,
Aquamarine 91,97
97
76,78
Arch 76, 78
Archetyp e 23-28,
Archetype 23-28, 30-32, 68, 86,
30-32,68, 125, 130,
107 , 125,
86, 107, 1 35, 162
130, 135, 162
Arm 136, 303-07
136,303-07
145,146,160,
Arrow 145, 146, 160,161161
Artist 29
Anrm 167
Arum 167
Asafoetida 167
Asafoetida 167
Asbestos 91
Ascension 36, 61, 63,
38, 61,
36, 38, 36,38,
33, 36,
63, 32, 33, 63,77,
38, 61, 63, 77, 82,83, 713, 116
I 12, 113,
82, 83,112, 116
178, 184,
Ash 178, 188, 346
184, 188, 346

370
370
Ashes 46, 97, 160, 133
46,97,100,
Athanor 146 146
Attic 76,
76,8080
Automobile 146
Automobile 146
Axe 146
Axis Mundi 23, 23, 40, 61, 63,
40, 61, 77, 82, 159, 180
63,77,
Badger 111111
Bag 146
Brg 146
Ball 146
Balm 167
Bamboo 167 167
Banana 167 167
Banket 29
Banker
Banquet 36
Baptism 36
Baptism
Basement 77, 80
Basket 147
147
Bat 111
Laurel 178
Bay l"aurel
B"y
ll2
Bear 112
Bead 136
Beard
Beaver 112ll2
Bed 147
147
ll2
Bee 112
Beech 178
Behemoth 130 130
Bell 147
147
Belladonna 167
Belladonrn 167
Bellows 147
Belly 136
Belt 147
Benzoin 168
Beryl 91,188
Beryl 91, 188
Bicycle 147
Bicycle 147
I79
Birch 179
Bivalves 112
tsivalves
Black 44
Black 44
Blacksmith 23
Blacksmith
Blindfold 147
Blood 136
Blood
Bloodstone 91
Bloodstone 91
97
Blue 97
Blue
ll2
Boar 112
Boat 147
t47
Bones 136
Book 148148
Bow and
Bou' and Arrow 148

37r
371
Box 148
Brain 137
137
Brass 87
Bread 101
Brcad 101
Breast 137
Brcast 137
Breath 137
137
Brick 148
Bdck
Bridge 76
Bridge
Bronze 88
Bronze
Broom
Btoorn 148
148
Brown 45
Brown-Ocher
Bronwn-Ocher 45
Bubbles 101
101
Buffalo 113
Buffoon
Buffoon 24
Bull 113
Businessman
Businessrnan 29
ll3
Buttetfly 113
Butterfly
Caduceus
Caduceus 148
Calf 113
Camel 113
Camphor 179 179
Candle 148
Cape 148
Capricomus
Capricornus 130 130
Carnelian 919l
Carp 113
Carpenter'
Carpenter'ss Square
Square 150,
150, 159
Castle 76
Cat 113
Cat' s-Eye 91
Cat's-Eye 91
Cauldron
Caul&on 149 149
Cave
Cave 76
Cayenne
Cayenne Pepper 168 168
Cedar 179
179
Cellar 76
Censer 248
Centaur 130
130
Chain 149
149
Chair 149
Chalice
Chalise 149
149
Chameleon 113 113
Chariot
Chadot 149
149
Cherry 179
179
Child
child 24
Chimera 130
Chisel 150
f50

372
Chrysanthemum 168
Chrysanthemum
ll4
Cicada 114
Cinnabar 91 9l
Cinnamon 168 168
Circle 61
Ciry 77
City
Clay 101
Clsak 150
Cloak
Clock 150
Cloclc Tower 77
Clock
Clover 168
Clown 24
Club 150
Coal 91
ll4
Cock 114
Coffin 150
150
Coin 150
Column 77
Comet 67
(drafting) 150
Compass (drafting)
(magnetic) 150
Compass (magnetic)
Conch-Shell Trumpet 151
Conch-Shell Tnrmpet 1 51

Condor 114 ll4

Cone 61
Consecration 229
Consecration 229
Copper 87
Copper
Coral
Coral9292
Cord 151
151
Corn 169
169
Executive 29
Coqporate Executive
Corporate
ll4
Cow 114
Cowboy 29
Coyote 114114
ll4
Crab 114
Cradle 151
ll4
Crane 114
Crescent 61 61
Crocodile 114 ll4
Crone 28
Crook 151
151
Cross 61
61
Crossroads 77
Crow 115
Crown 151151
Cnrcible 151
Crucible
Crutch 151
151
Cube 6161

373
Cuckoo 115 115
Cup 151
151
Curtain 151
151
Cyclops 130
Cypress 179179
Dagger 248
Daisy 169
Dark Blue 45
Datkness 66
Darkness
Dawn 66
Day 66
Death 36
Descent 36
Deset 77
Desert
Dew 101
101
Diamond92
Diamond 92
Dice 151
151
Dinosaurs 115
Dinosaurs 115
Diploma 152
Diploma
Directions 78
Dfuections
Disk 61
Distaff 152
152
Doctor 29
Dodo 115115
Doe 115
Dog 115
115
Dogwood 179
Dogrrood 179
Dolphin 115 115
Dome 78
Donkey 116 116
Door 78
Dove 116116
Dragon 130
Dmgon
Dnrm
Drum 152152
Dwarf 131131
God 24
Oytng God24
Dying
Eagle 116
E"gl*
Ear 137
F;at 137
Eath Mother 24
Earth Mother
Eclipse 66
Eclipse 66
Eel 116
Egg 124
Elder 179
Electrum 87
Electnrm
Elephant 116
Ellipse 61
Ellipse 61
Embers 101
Embers 101

374
Ememld92
Emerald 92
Empetor 25
Emperor
Enchantrnent 37
Enchantment 37
Eucalypnrs 180
Eucalyptus 180
Evergreens 165165
Excrernent 101
Excrement 101
Eye 137
137
Eyebright 169169
Eyeglasses 152
Fabdc 101
Fabric 101
Face 138
Fairies 131
131
Falcon 116
Falcon 116
Fall 37
Fan
Farmer
Farrner
Fat 101
101
Father
Feast
Feathers
Feathers
Fennel 169169
Fig 180
Financiet 29
Financier
Fingers 138
Fir 180
Fire 102
102
Fish 116
Flag 152
152
Flail 152
Flame 102I02
Flea 117
117
Flesh 103
Flint 92
Flowets 165
Flowers
Fluodte 92
Fluorite
Fly 116
Fty
Fog 67
Fog67
Foot 138
Ford 78
Forest 79
Forge 152
Fossils 125
Fountain 79
Founain
lI7
Fox 117
Frog 117
Frost 103
103
Fruit 165
165

375
Galena
Galena 93
Games 37
Garden 79
Garland 161 161
Garlic
Gadic 169
Garnet
Gamet 93
Gate 79
Gazelle 117117
Genitals 138
Geode 93
Ghost 131131
Giant 131
131
Ginseng
Ginseng16g 169
Girdle 152
152
Glass 103
103
Globe 63
Glove 152I52
Gnat 117
117
Goat 117
117
Gold 87
Goose 117I 17
Goose Grass
Grass 169
169
Gorgon 132 132
Gourd 169169
Grain 164
164
Grape
Grape 170I70
Green 45
Grey 46
Grove 79
Gryphon 132 132
Hair 138
Halite 93
Hammer 152 152
Hand 138
138
Hat 153
Hawk 117
Hawthorn 180 180
Hazel 180
180
Head 139
139
Head-dress 153
Heart 139
139
Hearth 79
Heel 140
l4O
Heliouope
Heliotrope 170170
Helmet 153
Helpful Animal
Helpful Animal 25
Hematite 93
Hematite

376
376
Hemlock 170 170
ll7
Hen 117
Henbane 170 170
Herbs 165
Herbs 165
Hermaphrodite 25
Hero 25
Heron 117117
Hexagram 61 61
Hole 79
Honey 103 103
Hood 153153
Horns 125125
Horse 1171 17

Horse-shoe 153 153

Hour-glass 153
Hour-glass 153
House 80
Hydra 132132
Hyena 118118
Hyssop 170
Hyssop 170
Ibis 118
Ice 103
103
Icelandic Spar 93
Icelandic
Incense 103103
Indigo 46
Individuation 37
Individuation
Initiation 38
Initiation
Insects 118
Intestines 140
Intestines
kon
Iron 88
Island 80
Ivory 104
Ivy 170
Jackal 118
Jackal
Jade 93
Jade
Jaguar 118
Jaguar
Jasmine 170
Jasmine
Jasper 94
Jasper
Jay 118
Jay
Jet 94
Jet
Jewel 153
Jewel 153
Jewelry
Jewelry 153
Jimson $feed 170
Jimson Weed 170
Joints 140
Joints 140
journalist 29
Journalist
Journey 38
Journey
Jungle 80
Jungle
Juniper 180
Juniper

377
377
K.y
Key 154
King 25
Kiss 140
Kitchen 80
Kitchen
Knife 154
154
Knight 25
I{not 154
Knot 154
Kraken 132 132
Labyrinth
I-abyrinth 80
Ladder 154154
Lake
I-ake 81
Lamb
I^amb 118
L*p 154
Lamp 154
Lance 154
154
Lantern 154154
la^fug4
Lapis Lazuli 94
Lark 119
Lash 161
161
Laurel 181
Lava
I-ava 94
Lawyer
Lawyer 29
Itad 88
Lead
Leaves 165
Leaves
Leech 119
I-eech 119
Leg 140
Lemniscate 62
Lemnisc*e
Lemon
Leopard 119
Leopard 119
Level 154
154
Irviathnn 132
Leviathan 132
Library 81
Light 67
Lightning
Lightning 67
l7l
I;ly 171
Lily
Line
I-ne 62
Linen 104
Lion 119
119
Lipr 140
Lips
Lizard ll9
I-nar:d 119
Locust 119
I"ocust 119
Lodestone 94
Lodestone
Logogram
L,ogogt"m
Loom 154154
Lotus 171
Lonrs 171
Lungs 140
Lute 154
154
Lycanthrope 132
Lycanthtope 132

378
378
Ly* 119
Lynx
Lyrc 154
Lyre
Macaw 119
Macaw 119
Magnetite 94
Magnetite
Mandrake 171
Mandrake
Market 81
Marriage 38
Marriage
Marsh 81
Marsh
Mask 154
Mask
Masonry 81
Masonry
Maze 80
Mead 104
Mead
Mechanic 29
Mechanic
Media Star
Media Star 29
Medusa 132132
Mercury
Mercury 88
Mermaid 132
Mermaid
Merman 132
Messiah 26
Metal 104
Meteor 67
Nfeteor
Meteorite 94
Meteorite
Michael
Michael Skrtic 277-8,
Skrtic 277 368
-8, 368
h,{ilk
Milk 104
Mimosa 181
N{imosa
Minotaur
Minotaur 132
Mirror 155
Mirror 155
IUisdetoe 172
Mistletoe
Mole 119
Money 155155
Monlcey 119
Monkey ll9
Monlrshood
Monkshood 172 172
Monster 26
Moon
Moon 67 67
Moonlight 68
Moonlight
Moonstone 94
Morning 68
Morning
Mortar 104
Mortar and
Mortar Pestle 155
and Pestle 155
Mortician
Mortician 29
Agate 94
Moss Agate
Moth 119
Mother of Pearl
Mother Pearl 94
Mother
Mother 26
Mountain 81
Mounain Goat 120
Mountain
N{ouse 120
Mouse

379
379
Mouth 140
Mud 104
Mud
Mushrooms 165 165
Nail 155
Na11155
NAR 277-321
277-32r
Natcissus 172
Narcissus
Navel 140
Neck 140
NecHace 156
Necklace
Necktie 156
Nerrres 140
Nerves
Net 156
156
Night 68
Nightingale 120
Nose 141
Nose 141
Nurse 29
Nurse
Oak 181
Obsidian
Obsidian 94
Ocean 82
Octagon 62
Octagon
Octopus 120
Olive 181
181
Onion 172I72
Opal
Opal 94
Otange 97
Orange
Orchid 172
Orchid
Otter 120
Outcast 26
Outcast
Oven 156
I20
O$'l 120
Owl
Ox 120
Oyster 120
Palace 82
I82
Palm 182
Palm
Panacle 248
Pantacle
I20
Panther 120
Panther
Paper 156
Pauot 120
Parrot
I82
Peach 182
Peacock 120
Pear 182
Pearl 95
Pearl
Pegasus 133
Pen 156
Penacle 62
Pentacle
Pentagram 62
Pentagtam
Perfume 104
Perfume

380
Petrified Wood 95
Petrified
Phallus 141
141
Phoenix 133133
Pig 121
121
Pillars 82
Pilot 29
Pine 182
Pine 182
Pink 47
Planets 68
Plough 156
Plum 182
182
Plumb Rule 156 156
Plumbet 29
Plumber
Point 62
Pole 156
156
Policeman 29
Policeman
Politician 29
Pomegmnate 172
Pomegranate 172
Pond 81
Poplar 182182
Poppy 172 172
Porcupine 121
Porcupine I2l
Portal 79
Pdest/Priestess 27
Priest/Priestess
Pudfication
Purification 38
Purple 47
Purse 156
f 56
Pyramid 63
Pyramid
Pyrite 95
Pyrite 95
Crystal 95
Quattz Crystal
Quartz
Queen 25
Quest 39
Quest
Rabbit 121121
Raccoon 121 l2l
Rags 156
156
Rain 69
Rainbow 69
Rainbow
Ram 121
121
Rat 121
Raven 121121
Red 46
Reeds 165
Reef 82
Resin 104
Rice 173
Ring 157
River
River 82

381
381
Road 83
Robe 148
Robin 121121
Roc 133
133
Rock 104
Rod 159
159
Roof 83
Room 83
Rooster 114ll4
Rope 157
157
Rose 173
Rose
Rose-Red 47
Rose-Red
RosenrarylT3
Rosemary173
Rowan 183 183
Ruby 96
Rudder 157
Rue 173
Rule 157
157
Sacrifice 39
Saffron 173
173
Sail 157
Sailor 29
Salesman 29
Salnron 122
Salmon 122
Salt 104
Sand 105
105
Sandal 157
Sapphire 96
Sarcophagus 157
Sarcophagus 157
Satyr 133
Scnles 157
Scales
Scapegoat 27
Scapegoat
Scatlet 47
Scarlet
Scepter 157
157
Scientist 29
Scissors 157
157
Scoqpion 122
Scorpion 122
Scroll 157
157
Scythe
Scythe 157
Seal 157
157
Seashore 83
Seasons 69
Secrehry 29
Secretary
Seeds 165
Selenite
Selenite 96
Serpent 122
122
Shadow 27
382
382
Shamroclc 173
Shamrock
Sheaf 157
157
Shears 157
157
Sheep 122
122
Shells 125
Shephed2T
Shepherd 27
Shield 158
Ship 158
Shoes 158
158
Shoulder 141
141
Sickle 158
Sieve 158
silk 105
Silk
Silver 89
Siren 133
l4l
Skeleton 141
Skin 141
Sldl 141
Skull
lZ2
Sloth 122
Smolre 105
Smoke
Snail 122
Snake 122
122
Soldier 29
Sparks 70
Sparks
Speat 158
Spear
Sphere 63
Sphinx 133
Spider 123
Spindle 158
$ifheel 158
Spinning Wheel
Spinning
Spiral 63
Spittle 141
141
Spdng 70
Spring
Square 63,
Square 159
63,159
Saff 159
Staff
Stag 123
123
Staitways 83
Stairways
Star 71
Stars 71
Saurolite 96
Staurolite
Steel 89
Steps 83
Stick 159
Stomach 141141
Stone 105
105
Stork 123
Storm 71

383
383
Straw 165
Sueet 83
Street
Stting 151
String
Sulphtrt 96
Sulphur
Sun 71
71
Sunflo'wer 174
Sunflower 174
Sunstone 96
Swallow
Swallow 123
Swamp 81
Swan 123
123
Swastika
Swastika 63
Surord 159
Sword 159
Sycamore Fig 183
Sycamore
Table 159
159
Tablet 159
159
Tansy 174
174
Task 39
Tea 174
174
Teeth 142
Teeth 142
Temple 83
Temple
Temptress 27
Tenible Mother 27
Terrible
r42
Thigh 142
Thigh
Thisde 174
Thistle 174
Thorn Apple
Thorn 174I74
Thread 159159
Thteshold 84
Threshold
Throne 84
Thunrb 142
Thumb 142
Thundet 71
Thunder 71
Thunderbolt 71
Tgrt 123
Tiger 123
Times of the Day 72
Tin 89
l23
Toad 123
Tomato 174 174
Tomb 84
Tongue 142 142
Torch 160
Torch 160
Tortoise 123123
Tourmaline 97
To'qret 84
Tower
Tmins 160
Trains
Transcendence 39
Tteasure 160
Treasure
Triangle 64
Triangle

384
Trickster 27
Trident 160
160
Tnrcker 29
Trucker
Tnrmpet 160
Trumpet 160
Tunnel 84
Turquoise 97
Turquoise
Turtle 123
123
TwilightT2
Twilight 72
Twins 28
Tyrant 28
Unction 39
Unicorn 134
Unicorn 134
Urn 160
160
Valerian 174
Valley
Valley 84
Vase 160
Veil 160
Violet 174
Virginity 39
Virginity
Volcano 84
Vulture 124124
Wall 84
STall
Walnut 183
Wand 248
\il7andew
Wanderer 28
Water 106
Watermelon 175
Watermelon 175
lD7aves 72
Waves
Wax 106106
Weapon 161 161
Weights Measures 161
Weights and Measures 161
Well 84
Werewolf 132 132
Vrhale 124
Whale
Wheat 175175
Wheel 161161
't$(rheelbarrow
Wheelbarrow 161 161
Whip 161
St/hirludndT2
Whirlwind 72
White 48
Willow 183
$Tillow 183
Wind 72
Wind
Window 85
Window
Wine 106
Wings 125125
$fise
Wise Fool 28 28
Witch 28
Witch

385
Witch-Hazel 183
183
Wolf 124
Womb 142142
Wood 107
107
Woodpecket 124
Woodpecker L24
Worm 124
124
Wormwood 175
Wormwood 175
Wreath 161
161
Wrist 142
Yeast 107
107
Yellow 48
Yellow 48
Yew 183
183
Yoke 161
161

386
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 THE MAGICIAMIS

The Hidden Powers Symbols

Jnereasinglv,,we live immersed in a nllailic environment that mediates between

ourselves and the world aroundts. Our modern use of symbols gives us great
power, but only it we are awaf of how we symbolize otir selves and our world.
The Magician's Reflection helps us to reveal the hidden nature of reality.
This new, expanded edifin provides methods to create your own personal
symbol systems, enablig you to consclowl■ use your symbols to better
understand and mandr,t your desires.

\Written by the auth Jr of The Magician's Companion, this indispensikle des]:

reference containstnaterial for the working magician, but will also be of v;due ro
writers, designerf, and artists of all types. I ro- follow exercises and
procedures guidrthe reader thought such topics as:

A.coming More Aware of Your Symbolic Surroundings

Working with Archetypes
Creating Personal AIythology
. letals, Minerals, and other Substances as Physical Alphabets
Using[
Developing -Your Own Dialogue with the V-orld
A 1!■ sembling Custom Spiritual Guides 3....
Cre:iring Personal Symbols for SuCCCSS1 IP

Bill Whitcomb 1"oas been fascinated by magic, symbols, and language since
contracting semi .ti ever as a child. 4-le has spent the greater parr of his life in -
,
pursuit of magic, owledge and has, on ,-occasion, foundsome. Whitcomb
lieliev
—Fsi"The two at tasks for todav's 4Mi'cianfare to develop 1 cal
inMe with modern ways of life and 'Mnake ou . 'ti
traditiont
manifest in our corn UllifICS.91INC is a member of the'neo-tri

—
\V()C, but hangs with other orgariAtions now and then.

a
ct I
=P.

111Viegalithica Books Publication

An Imprint of fmmanion Press
Stafford, England."- --
www immanion-press.coal

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