"The majority of modern mediumistic apparitions are but
elemental creatures masquerading through bodies composed of thought
substance supplied by the very persons desiring to behold these wraiths
of decarnate beings."
"...in the arcanum of magic it is declared that 'he
controls the soul who controls the blood of another.' "
CEREMONIAL
magic is the ancient art of invoking and controlling spirits by a scientific
application of certain formulae. A magician, enveloped in sanctified
vestments and carrying a wand inscribed with hieroglyphic figures, could by
the power vested in certain words and symbols control the invisible
inhabitants of the elements and of the astral world. While the elaborate
ceremonial magic of antiquity was not necessarily evil, there arose from its
perversion several false schools of sorcery, or black magic.
Egypt, a great center of learning and the birthplace of many
arts and sciences, furnished an ideal environment for Transcendental
experimentation. Here the black magicians of Atlantis continued to exercise
their superhuman powers until they had completely undermined and corrupted
the morals of the primitive Mysteries. By establishing a sacerdotal caste
they usurped the position formerly occupied by the initiates, and seized the
reins of spiritual government. Thus black magic dictated the state religion
and paralyzed the intellectual and spiritual activities of the individual by
demanding his complete and unhesitating acquiescence in the dogma formulated
by the priestcraft. The Pharaoh became a puppet in the hands of the Scarlet
Council -- a committee of archsorcerers elevated to power by the priesthood.
These sorcerers then began the systematic destruction of all
keys to the ancient wisdom, so that none might have access to the knowledge
necessary to reach adeptship without first becoming one of their order. They
mutilated the rituals of the Mysteries while professing to preserve them, so
that even though the neophyte passed through the degrees he could not secure
the knowledge to which he was entitled. Idolatry was introduced by
encouraging the worship of the images which in the beginning the wise had
erected solely as symbols for study and meditation. False interpretations
were given to the emblems and figures of the Mysteries, and elaborate
theologies were created to confuse the minds of their devotees. The masses,
deprived of their birthright of understanding and groveling in ignorance,
eventually became the abject slaves of the spiritual impostors. Superstition
universally prevailed and the black magicians completely dominated national
affairs, with the result that humanity still suffers from the sophistries of
the priestcrafts of Atlantis and Egypt.
Fully convinced that their Scriptures sanctioned it, numerous
medieval Qabbalists devoted their lives to the practice of ceremonial magic.
The transcendentalism of the Qabbalists is founded upon the ancient and
magical formula of King Solomon, who has long been considered by the Jews as
the prince of ceremonial magicians.
Among the Qabbalists of the Middle Ages were a great number
of black magicians who strayed from the noble concepts of the Sepher
Yetzirah and became enmeshed in demonism and witchcraft. They sought to
substitute magic mirrors, consecrated daggers, and circles spread around
posts of coffin nails, for the living of that virtuous life which, without
the assistance of complicated rituals or submundane creatures, unfailingly
brings man to the state of true individual completion.
Those who sought to control elemental spirits through
ceremonial magic did so largely with the hope of securing from the invisible
worlds either rare knowledge or supernatural power. The little red daemon of
Napolean Bonaparte and the infamous oracular heads of de Medici are examples
of the disastrous results of permitting elemental beings to dictate the
course of human procedure.
While the learned and godlike daemon of Socrates seems to
have been an exception, this really proves that the intellectual and moral
status of the magician has much to do with the type of elemental he is
capable of invoking. But even the daemon of Socrates deserted the
philosopher when the sentence of death was passed.
Transcendentalism and all forms of phenomenalistic magic are
but blind alleys -- outgrowths of Atlantean sorcery; and those who forsake
the straight path of philosophy to wander therein almost invariably fall
victims to their imprudence. Man, incapable of controlling his own
appetites, is not equal to the task of governing the fiery and tempestuous
elemental spirits.
Many a magician has lost his life as the result of opening a
way whereby submundane creatures could become active participants in his
affairs. When Eliphas Levi invoked the spirit of Apollonius of Tyana, what
did he hope to accomplish? Is the gratification of curiosity a motive
sufficient to warrant the devotion of an entire lifetime to a dangerous and
unprofitable pursuit? If the living Apollonius refused to divulge his
secrets to the profane, is there any probability that after death he would
disclose them to the curious-minded? Levi himself did not dare to assert
that the specter which appeared to him was actually the great philosopher,
for Levi realized only too well the proclivity of elementals to impersonate
those who have passed on. The majority of modern mediumistic apparitions are
but elemental creatures masquerading through bodies composed of thought
substance supplied by the very persons desiring to behold these wraiths of
decarnate beings.
The Theory and Practice of Black Magic
Some understanding of the intricate theory and practice of
ceremonial magic may be derived from a brief consideration of its underlying
premises.
First. The visible universe has an invisible counterpart, the
higher planes of which are peopled by good and beautiful spirits; the lower
planes, dark and foreboding, are the habitation of evil spirits and demons
under the leadership of the Fallen Angel and his ten Princes.
Second. By means of the secret processes of ceremonial magic
it is possible to contact these invisible creatures and gain their help in
some human undertaking. Good spirits willingly lend their assistance to any
worthy enterprise, but the evil spirits serve only those who live to pervert
and destroy.
Third. It is possible to make contracts with spirits whereby
the magician becomes for a stipulated time the master of an elemental being.
Fourth. True black magic is performed with the aid of a
demoniacal spirit, who serves the sorcerer for the length of his earthly
life, with the understanding that after death the magician shall become the
servant of his own demon. For this reason a black magician will go to
inconceivable ends to prolong his physical life, since there is nothing for
him beyond the grave.
The most dangerous form of black magic is the scientific
perversion of occult power for the gratification of personal desire. Its
less complex and more universal form is human selfishness, for selfishness
is the fundamental cause of all worldly evil. A man will barter his eternal
soul for temporal power, and down through the ages a mysterious process has
been evolved which actually enables him to make this exchange. In its
various branches the black art includes nearly all forms of ceremonial
magic, necromancy, witchcraft, sorcery, and vampirism. Under the same
general heading are also included mesmerism and hypnotism, except when used
solely for medical purposes, and even then there is an element of risk for
all concerned.
Though the demonism of the Middle Ages seems to have
disappeared, there is abundant evidence that in many forms of modern thought
-- especially the so-called "prosperity" philosophy, "will-power
building"metaphysics, and systems of "high-pressure" salesmanship -- black
magic has merely passed through a metamorphosis, and although its name be
changed its nature remains the same.
A well-known magician of the Middle Ages was Dr. Johannes
Faustus, more commonly known as Dr. Faust. By a study of magical writings he
was enabled to bind to his service an elemental who served him for many
years in various capacities. Strange legends are told concerning the magical
powers possessed by Dr. Faust. Upon one occasion the philosopher, being
apparently in a playful mood, threw his mantle over a number of eggs in a
market-woman's basket, causing them to hatch instantly. At another time,
having fallen overboard from a small boat, he was picked up and returned to
the craft with his clothes still dry. But, like nearly all other magicians,
Dr. Faust came at length to disaster; he was found one moming with a knife
in his back, and it was commonly believed that his familiar spirit had
murdered him. Although Goethe's Dr. Faust is generally regarded as merely a
fictional character, this old magician actually lived during the sixteenth
century. Dr. Faust wrote a book describing his experiences with spirits, a
section of which is reprinted below. (Dr. Faust must not be confused with
Johann Fust, the printer.)
"While the black magician at the time of signing his pact
with the elemental demon may be fully convinced that he is strong enough to
control indefinitely the powers placed at his disposal, he is speedily
undeceived. Before many years elapse he must turn all his energies to the
problem of self-preservation. A world of horrors to which he has attuned
himself by his own covetousness looms nearer every day, until he exists upon
the edge of a seething maelstrom, expecting momentarily to to be sucked down
into its turbid depths. Afraid to die -- because he will become the servant
of his own demon -- the magician commits crime after crime to prolong his
wretched earthly existence. Realizing that life is maintained by the aid of
a mysterious universal life force which is the common property of all
creaeures, the black magician often becomes an occult vampire, stealing this
energy from others. According to mediaeval superstition, black magicians
turned themselves into werewolves and roamed the earth at night, attacking
defenseless victims for the life force contained in their blood."
Extract From the Book of Dr. Faust, Wittenberg, 1524
(An abridged translation from the original German of a book
ordered destroyed.)
"From my youth I followed art and science and was tireless in
my reading of books. Among those which came to my hand was a volume
containing all kinds of invocations and magical formulae. In this book I
discovered information to the effect that a spirit, whether he be of the
fire, the water, the earth or the air, can be compelled to do the will of a
magician capable of controlling him. I also discovered that according as one
spirit has more power than another, each is adapted for a different
operation and each is capable of producing certain supernatural effects.
"After reading this wonderful book, I made several
experiments, desiring to test the accuracy of the statements made therein.
At first I had little faith that what was promised would take place. But at
the very first invocation which I attempted a mighty spirit manifested to
me, desiring to know why I had manifested him. His coming so amazed me that
I scarcely knew what to say, but finally asked him if he would serve me in
my magical investigations. He replied that if certain conditions were agreed
upon he would. The conditions were that I should make a pact with him. This
I did not desire to do, but as in my ignorance I had not protected myself
with a circle and was actually at the mercy of the spirit, I did not dare to
refuse his request and resigned myself to the inevitable, considering it
wisest to to turn my mantle according to the wind.
"I then told him that if he would be servicable to my desires
and requests and needs for a certain length of time, I would sign myself
over to him. After the pact had been arranged, this mighty spirit, whose
name was Ashteroth, ["Ashtar" -B:.B:.] introduced me to
another spirit by the name of Marbuel, who was appointed to be my servant. I
questioned Marbuel as to his suitability for my needs. I asked him how quick
he was, and he answered, 'As swift as the winds.' This did not satisfy me,
so I replied, 'You cannot become my servant. Go again whence you have come.'
Soon another spirit manifested itself, whose name was Aniguel. Upon asking
him the same question, he answered that he was swift as a bird in the air. I
said, 'You are still too slow for me. Go whence you came.' In the same
moment another spirit by the name of Aciel manifested himself. For the third
time I asked my question and he answered, 'I am as swift as human thought.'
'You shall serve me,' I replied. This spirit was faithful for a long time,
but to tell you how he served me is not possible in a document of this
length and I will here only indicate how spirits are to be invoked and how
the circles for protection are to be prepared. There are many kinds of
spirits which will permit themselves to be invoked by man and become his
servant. Of these I will list a few:
"Aciel: The mightiest among those who serve men. He manifests
in pleasing human form about three feet high. He must be invoked three times
before he will come forth into the circle prepared for him. He will furnish
riches and will instantly fetch things from a great distance, according to
the will of the magician. He is as swift as human thought.
"Aniguel: Serviceable and most useful, and comes in the form
of a ten-year-old boy. He must be invoked three times. His special power is
to discover treasures and minerals hidden in the ground, which he will
furnish to the magician.
"Marbuel: A true lord of the mountains and swift as a bird on
the wing. He is an opposing and troublesome spirit, hard to control. You
must invoke him four times. He appears in the person of Mars [a warrior in
heavy armorl. He will furnish the magician those things which grow above and
under the earth. He is particularly the lord of the spring-root. [The
spring-root is a mysterious herb, possibly of a reddish color, which
mediaeval magicians asserted had the property of drawing forth or opening
anything it touched. If placed against a locked door, it would open the
door. The Hermetists believed that the red-capped woodpecker was specially
endowed with the faculty of discovering spring-root, so they followed this
bird to its nest, and then stopped up the hole in the tree where its young
were. The red-crested woodpecker went at once in quest of the spring- root,
and, discovering it, brought it to the tree. It immediately drew forth the
stopper from the entrance to the nest. The magician then secured the root
from the bird. It was also asserted that because of its scructure, the
etheric body of the spring-root was utilized as a vehicle of expression by
certain elemental spirits which manifested through the proclivity of drawing
out or opening things.]
"Aciebel: A mighty ruler of the sea, controlling things both
upon and under the water. He furnishes things lost or sunk in rivers, lakes,
and oceans, such as sunken ships and treasures. The more sharply you invoke
him, the swifter he is upon his errands.
"Machiel: Comes in the form of a beautiful maiden and by her
aid the magician is raised to honor and dignity. She makes those she serves
worthy and noble, gracious and kindly, and assists in all matters of
litigation and justice. She will not come unless invoked twice.
"Baruel: The master of all arts. He manifests as a master
workman and comes wearing an apron. He can teach a magician more in a moment
than all the master workmen of the world combined could accomplish in twenty
years. He must be invoked three times.
"These are the spirits most serviceable to man, but there are
numerous others which, for lack of space, I am unable to describe. Now, if
you desire the aid of the spirit to get this or that, then you must first
draw the sign of the spirit whom you desire to invoke. The drawing must be
made just in front of a circle made before sunrise, in which you and your
assistants will stand. If you desire financial assistance, then you must
invoke the spirit Aciel. Draw his sign in front of the circle. If you need
other things, then draw the sign of the spirit capable of furnishing them.
On the place where you intend to make the circle, you must first draw a
great cross with a large sword with which no one has ever been hurt. Then
you must make three concentric circles. The innermost circle is made of a
long narrow strip of virgin parchment and must be hung upon twelve crosses
made of the wood of cross-thorn. Upon the parchment you must write the names
and symbols according to the figure which follows. [see GIF included in this
series] Outside this first circle make the second as follows:
"First secure a thread of red silk that has been spun or
twisted to the left instead of the right. Then place in the ground twelve
crosses made of laurel leaves, and also prepare a long strip of new white
paper. Write with an unused pen the characters and symbols as seen on the
second circle. Wind this latter strip of paper around with the red silken
thread and pin them upon the twelve crosses of laurel leaves. Outside this
second circle make a third one which is also of virgin parchment and pinned
upon twelve crosses of consecrated palm. When you have made these three
circles, retire into them until at last you stand in the center upon a
pentagram drawn in the midst of the great cross first drawn. Now, to insure
success, do everything according to the description, and when you have read
off the sacred invocation pronounce the name of the spirit which you desire
to appear. It is essential that you pronounce the name very distinctly. You
must also note the day and the hour, for each spirit can only be invoked at
certain times."
While the black magician at the time of signing his pact with
the elemental demon may be fully convinced that he is strong enough to
control indefinitely the powers placed at his disposal, he is speedily
undeceived. Before many years elapse he must turn all his energies to the
problem of self-preservation. A world of horrors to which he has attuned
himself by his own covetousness looms nearer every day, until he exists upon
the edge of a seething maelstrom, expecting momentarily to to be sucked down
into its turbid depths. Afraid to die -- because he will become the servant
of his own demon -- the magician commits crime after crime to prolong his
wretched earthly existence. Realizing that life is maintained by the aid of
a mysterious universal life force which is the common property of all
creaeures, the black magician often becomes an occult vampire, stealing this
energy from others. According to mediaeval superstition, black magicians
turned themselves into werewolves and roamed the earth at night, attacking
defenseless victims for the life force contained in their blood.
Form of pact with the spirit of Jupiter:
"The aforesaid Bond of Spirits, together with the seal and
character of the planetary angel, must be written on virgin parchment and
laid before the spirit (for signature) when he appears; at that time the
invocant must not lose confidence but be patient, firm, bold, and
persevering, and take care that he asks nor requires nothing of the spirit
but with a view to the glory of God and the well-being of His fellow
creatures. Having obtained the desires of the spirit, the invocant may
license him to depart."
"Form of Bond of Spirits Given in 1573
"I, Pabiel, ministering Spirit and messenger of the presiding
and ruling Spirit of Jupiter, appointed thereunto by the Creator of all
things visible and invisible, do swear, promise, and plight my faith and
troth unto thee in the presence and before the great [Heb.] Yod Heh Vau Heh
and the whole company and host of Heaven, and by all the Holy Names of God
do swear and bind myself unto thee by all the contents of God's Sacred Writ,
by the Incarnation, Death, and Passion, by the Resurrection and glorious
Ascension of JC, by all the holy Sacraments, by the Mercy of God, by the
Glory of Joys of Heaven, by the forgiveness of sin and hope of eternal
salvation, by the Great Day of Doom, by all Angels, Archangels, Seraphim,
Cherubim, Dominations, Thrones, Principalities, Powers and Virtues, above
rehearsed, and by whatsoever else is holy or binding, do I swear, promise,
and vow unto thee that I will appear, come, and haste unto thee and at all
times and places and in all hours, days, and minutes, from this time forward
unto thy life's end wheresoever thou shalt call me by my name or by my
office, and I will come unto thee in what form thou shalt desire, either
visibly or invisibly, and will answer all thy desires and give testimony
thereof and let all the powers of Heaven witness it.
"I have hereunto subscribed my hand and confirm my seal and
character unto thee. Amen."
From The Complete Book of Magic Science (unpublished)
Modus Operandi for the Invocation of Spirits
The following condensed extract from an ancient manuscript is
reproduced herewith as representative of the ritualismm of ceremonial magic.
The extract is from The Complete Book of Magic Science, an unpublished
manuscript (original in the British Museum), with pentacles in colors,
mentioned by Francis Barrett in his Magus.
"Opening Prayer
"Omnipotent and Eternal God who hath ordained the whole
creation for thy praise and glory and for the salvation of man, I earnestly
beseech thee that thou wouldst send one of thy spirits of the order of
Jupiter, one of the messengers of Zadkiel whom thou hast appointed governor
of thy firmament at the present time, most faithfully, willingly, and
readily to show me these things which I shall ask, command or require of
him, and truly execute my desires. Nevertheless, O Most Holy God, thy will
and not mine be done through JC, thine only begotten Son our Lord. Amen.
"The Invocation.
[The magician, having properly consecrated his vestments and
utensils and being protected by his circle, now calls upon the spirits to
appear and accede to his demands. ]
"Spirits, whose assistance I require, behold the sign and the
very Hallowed Names of God full of power. Obey the power of this our
pentacle; go out your hidden caves and dark places; cease your hurtful
occupations to those unhappy mortals whom without ceasing you torment; come
into this place where the Divine Goodness has assembled us; be attentive to
our orders and known to our just demands; believe not that your resistance
will cause us to abandon our operations. Nothing can dispense with your
obeying us. We command you by the Mysterious Names Elohe Agla Elohim Adonay
Gibort. Amen.
"I call upon thee, Zadkiel, in the Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, blessed Trinity, unspeakable Unity.
"I invoke and intreat thee, Zadkiel, in this hour to attend
to the words and conjurations which I shall use this day by the Holy Names
of God Elohe El Elohim Elion Zebaoth Escerehie lah Adonay Tetragrammaton.
"I conjure thee, I exorcise thee, thou Spirit Zadkiel, by
these Holy Names Hagios O Theos Iscyros Athanatos Paracletus Agla on Alpha
et Omega loth Aglanbroth Abiel Anathiel Tetragrammaton: And by all other
great and glorious, holy and unspeakable, mysterious, mighty, powerful,
incomprehensible Names of God, that you attend unto the words of my mouth,
and send unto me Pabiel or other of your ministering, serving Spirits, who
may show me such things as I shall demand of him in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
"I intreat thee, Pabiel, by the whole Spirit of Heaven,
Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations,Witnesses, Powers, Principalities,
Archangels, and Angels, by the holy, great, and glorious Angel Orphaniel
Tetra-Dagiel Salamla Acimoy pastor poti, that thou come forthwith, readily
show thyself that we may see you and audibly hear you, speak unto us and
fulfil our desires, and by your star which is Jupiter, and by all the
constellations of Heaven, and by whatsoever you obey, and by your character
which you have given, proposed, and confirmed, that you attend unto me
according to the prayer and petitions which I have made unto Almighty God,
and that you forthwith send me one of your ministering Spirits, who may
willingly, truly, and faithfully fulfil all my desires, and that you command
him to appear unto me in the form of a beautiful Angel, gently, courteously,
affably, and meekly, entering into communication with me, and that he
neither permitting any evil Spirit to approach in any sort of hurt, terrify
or affright me in any way nor deceiving me in any wise. Through the virtue
of Our Lord JC, in whose Name I attend, wait for, and expect thy appearance.
Fiat, fiat, fiat. Amen, Amen, Amen.
"Interrogatories.
[Having summoned the spirit unto his presence, the magician
shall question him as follows:]
"'Comest thou in peace in theName of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Ghost?' [And the spirit shall answer:] 'Yes.'
"'Thou art welcome, noble Spirit. What is thy Name?' [And the
spirit shall answer:] 'Pabiel.'
"'I have called thee in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth at
whose Name every knee doth bow in heaven, earth, and hell, and every tongue
shall confess there is no name like unto the Name of Jesus, who hath given
power unto man to bind and to loose all things in his most Holy Name, yea
even unto those that trust in his salvation.
"'Art thou the messenger of Zadkiel?' [And the spirit shall
answer:] 'Yes. '
"'Wilt thou confirm thyself unto me at this time and
henceforth reveal all things unto me that I shall desire to know, and teach
me how I may increase in wisdom and knowledge and show unto me all the
secrets of the Magic Art, and of all liberal sciences, that I may thereby
set forth the glory of Almighty God?' [And the spirit shall answer:] 'Yes.'
"'Then I pray thee give and confirm thy character unto me
whereby I may call thee at all times, and also swear unto me this oath and I
will religiously keep my vow and covenant unto Almighty God and will
courteously receive thee at all times where thou dost appear unto me.'
"License to Depart.
"'Forasmuch as thou comest in peace and quietness and hath
answered unto my petitions, I give humble and hearty thanks unto Almighty
God in whose Name I called and thou camest, and now thou mayest depart in
peace unto thine orders and return unto me again at what time soever I shall
call thee by thine oath, or by thy name or by thine order, or by thine
office which is granted thee from the creator, and the power of God be with
me and thee and upon the whole issue of God, Amen.
"'Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.'
[Note:]
"It would be advisable for the invocant to remain in the circle for a few
minutes after reciting the license, and if the place of operation be in the
open air, let him destroy all traces of the circle, et cetera, and return
quietly to his home. But should the operation be performed in a retired part
of a house, et cetera, the circle may remain, as it might serve in a like
future operation, but the room or building must be locked up to avoid the
intrusion of strangers."
The agreement set forth above is purely ceremonial magic. In
the case of black magic, it is the magician and not the demon who must sign
the pact. When the black magician binds an elemental to his service, a
battle of wits ensues, which the demon eventually wins. With his own blood
the magician signs the pact between himself and the demon, for in the
arcanum of magic it is declared that "he controls the soul who controls the
blood of another." As long as the magician does not fail, the elemental will
fulfil to the letter his obligation under the pact, but the demon will try
in every possible way to prevent the magician from carrying out his part of
the contract.
When the conjurer, ensconced within his circle, has evoked
the spirit he desires to control and has made known his intention, the
spirit will answer somewhat as follows: "I cannot accede to your request nor
fulfil it, unless after fifty years you give yourself to me, body and soul,
to do with as I may please."
If the magician refuses,other terms will be discussed. The
spirit may say: "I will remain in your service as long as on every friday
morning you will go forth upon the public street giving alms in the name of
Lucifer. The first time you fail in this you belong to me."
If the magician still refuses, realizing that the demon will
make it impossible for him to fulfil his contract, other terms will be
discussed, until at last a pact is agreed upon. It may read as follows: "I
hereby promise the Great Spirit Lucifuge, Prince of Demons, that each year I
will bring unto him a human soul to do with as it may please him, and in
return Lucifuge promises to bestow upon me the treasures of the earth and
fulfil my every desire for the length of my natural life. If I fail to bring
him each year the offering specified above, then my own soul shall be
forfeit to him. Signed..............[Invocant signs pact with his own
blood.]
The Pentagram
In symbolism, an inverted figure always signifies a perverted
power. The average person does nor even suspect the occult properties of
emblematic pentacles. On this subject the great Paracelsus has written: "No
doubt many will scoff at the seals, their characters and their uses, which
are described in these books, because it seems incredible to them that
metals and char- acters which are dead should have any power and effect. Yet
no one has ever proved that the metals and also the characters as we know
them are dead, for the salts, sulphur, and quintessences of metals are the
highest preservatives of human life and are far superior to all other
simples." (Translated from the original German.)
The black magician cannot use the symbols of white magic
without bringing down upon himself the forces of white magic, which would be
fatal to his schemes. He must therefore distort the histograms so that they
typify the occult fact that he himself is distorting the principles for
which the symbols stand. Black magic is not a fundamental art; it is the
misuse of an art. Therefore it has no symbols of its own, It merely takes
the emblematic figures of white magic, and by inverting and reversing them
signifies that it is left-handed.
A good instance of this practice is found in the pentagram,
or five-pointed star, made of five connected lines. This figure is the
time-honored symbol of the magical arts, and signifies the five properties
of the Great Magical Agent, the five senses of man, the five elements of
nature, the five extremities of the human body. By means of the pentagram
within his own soul, man not only may master and govern all creatures
inferior to himself, but may demand consideration at the hands of those
superior to himself.
The pentagram is used extensively in black magic, but when so
used its form always differs in one of three ways: The star may be broken at
one point by not permitting the converging lines to touch; it may be
inverted by having one point down and two up; or it may be distorted by
having the points of varying lengths. When used in black magic, the
pentagram is called the "sign of the cloven hoof," or the footprint of the
Devil. The star with two points upward is also called the "Goat of Mendes,"
because the inverted star is the same shape as a goat's head. When the
upright star turns and the upper point falls to the bottom, it signifies the
fall of the Morning Star.