The High History of Good Sir Palamedes Ardentis

Peace, Tolerance, Truth; Salutation on All Points of the Triangle; Respect To the Order.

To All Whom It May Concern: Greeting and Health.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law!

Thanks to everyone that came to my talks! I’m always so honored and excited to see so many brethren seeking to expand their religious horizons and trust me to help them do so. I know some of you had expressed interest in a list to be posted online in regards recommended readings from my Cultus Sancti talk, so here it is. You can always find me on Facebook (I’m on the event page this was linked from) if you have any questions/wish to chat, email me at [email protected], and find my website here at fraterpalamedes.tumblr.com. Once they are edited and sent for my review, I'll be posting the audio recordings and videos here of both the Sikhism and Cultus Sancti talks. Thanks again for such warm hospitality, brethren!

Reading of Interest for Thelemites in Catholic Mysticism:

The Cloud of Unknowing (Anonymous Author)

Book of the 24 Philosophers (Anonymous Author)

Revelations of Divine Love (Julian of Norwich)

Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola

The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis)

Works of St. Teresa of Avila

Works of St. John of the Cross

Meditations on the Tarot (Valentin Tomburg)

Works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (Read “The Phenomenon of Man”)

The Life and Works of Thomas Merton

Love is the law, love under will!

Who’s going? I’ll be giving a presentation on my Santeria practice Friday at 10 AM (first talk of NOTOCON!) and also hosting a poetry salon Saturday at 3 PM. If you signed up for the Thursday event at the Ransom Center, I’m your guide through the archive!

The schedule is here: http://x.notocon.org/Schedule/

1- DUSK Hands out in supplication, as if holding up the moon itself at heart level, with palms skyward, facing West to proclaim the Moon Collect:

"Lady of night, that turning ever about us art now visible and now invisible in thy season, be thou favourable to hunters, and lovers, and to all men that toil upon the earth, and to all mariners upon the sea."

Enter the Sign of Harpocrates/Silence, followed by this adoration while in the Sign of Puer/Khem/N:

"Uncharmable charmer Of Bacchus and Mars In the sounding rebounding Abyss of the stars! O virgin in armour, Thine arrows unsling In the brilliant resilient First rays of the spring!

By the force of the fashion Of love, when I broke Through the shroud, through the cloud, Through the storm, through the smoke, To the mountain of passion Volcanic that woke --- By the rage of the mage I invoke, I invoke!"

2- MIDNIGHT

Hands out in supplication, as if holding up the moon itself above your head, with palms skyward, facing North to proclaim the Moon Collect:

"Lady of night, that turning ever about us art now visible and now invisible in thy season, be thou favourable to hunters, and lovers, and to all men that toil upon the earth, and to all mariners upon the sea."

Enter the Sign of Harpocrates/Silence, followed by this adoration while in the Sign of Vir/Pan/O:

"By the midnight of madness: - The lone-lying sea, The swoon of the moon, Your swoon into me, The sentinel sadness Of cliff-clinging pine, That night of delight You were mine, you were mine!

You were mine, O my saint, My maiden, my mate, By the might of the right Of the night of our fate. Though I fall, though I faint, Though I char, though I choke, By the hour of our power I invoke, I invoke!"

3- DAWN

Hands out in supplication, as if holding up the moon itself at heart level, with palms skyward, facing East to proclaim the Moon Collect:

"Lady of night, that turning ever about us art now visible and now invisible in thy season, be thou favourable to hunters, and lovers, and to all men that toil upon the earth, and to all mariners upon the sea."

Enter the Sign of Harpocrates/Silence, followed by this adoration while in the Sign of Mulier/Baphomet/X:

"By the mystical union Of fairy and faun, Unspoken, unbroken - The dust to the dawn! - A secret communion Unmeasured, unsung, The listless, resistless, Tumultuous tongue! -

O virgin in armour, Thine arrows unsling, In the brilliant resilient First rays of the spring! No Godhead could charm her, But manhood awoke - O fiery Valkyrie, I invoke, I invoke!"

Note: I wrote this ritual on short notice when a few friends/partners wanted to participate in a ritual for “Beltane”. Here’s what I put together, so feel free to use it and let me know what you think! -Fr. P-A

Ritual Positions: Priest/Pan Hekate/May Queen The Witches/Seasons/Maenads (3-4)

The Priest wears a robe, Pan wears nothing. Hekate wears black, May Queen wears nothing. The Witches wear colors evocative of their seasons, The Maenads may choose to disrobe.

THE PREPARATION All enter and process silently to the ritual area, led by Hekate. Candles/Fires are lit to correspond to the points of the pentagram, all ritualists are annointed and the lines of the Pentragram are drawn between them. A magickal circle is established through the Priest conducting the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Triangle of Three (both will be sent in links) while Hekate stand in the center, arms as Baphomet in Solve/Coagula form. Ritual implements are placed before Hekate.

THE WITCHES SABBATH The Priest, kneeling in adoration before Hekate, invites the Witches to commence the Sabbath by declaring their seasons in turn as they are present:

Winter: "I am Winter, desolate and full of mysteries. May my snows reign no more." Spring: "I am Spring, verdant with life and joy! Carry forward my ecstasy!" Summer: "I am Summer, soon triumphant and blazing with glory. My reign approaches!" Autumn: "I am Autumn, the center of magick, as change is willed about me. I am ready for all transitions."

If a season is not present, the Priest states "*INSERT SEASON HERE* is dead, but will rise again".

Then, they place a portion of their libations into the grail before Hekate and then raise their hands towards the stars as the Priest proclaims the Invocation to Hekate.

THE PRIEST IS SLAIN Once the Invocation is complete, Hekate declares "I am present in my threefold ways! The Day of the Priest, self-slain of the Sun, has ended and the Night of the Witches, enveloped in the darkness of the mysteries, begins!"

The Priest is then metaphorically and ceremoniously slain before Hekate by the Witches, the Witches saying in unison as the slaying continues:

"A man who would come here of his own free will. A man who has come here with the power of a king by representing the Law! A man who would come here as a virgin. A man who has come here as a fool!"

They repeat until Hekate yells "Silence!" and drags the priest out to a hidden area, where they are no longer Priest and Hekate, but are reborn by the Beltane as Pan and the Uncrowned May Queen. Hidden still, the May Queen proclaims the Hymn of Pan as he skulks about whispering nonsense to the Witches, who begin to enter into a celebratory mode and laugh.

PAN EMERGES WITH THE MAY QUEEN Pan returns to the hidden place and walks hand in hand with the May Queen towards the Witches, where she begins to dance around the fires lost in ecstasy and the Witches join her as Pan stands and praises frivolity and joy, nature and beauty. Once Pan finishes speaking, the May Queen stands in the center, Pan facing the May Queen with the Witches behind the May Queen facing Pan.

PAN AND SPRING CROWN THE MAY QUEEN The May Queen sings the following:

"So you must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear; To-morrow ’ll be the happiest time of all the glad new-year; To-morrow ’ll be of all the year the maddest, merriest day, For I ’m to be Queen o’ the May, mother, I ’m to be Queen o’ the May."

Spring removes their crown and raises it above the head of the May Queen, where Pan holds the other side of the crown as they both place it on the May Queen and then all cheer in joy and dance around the May Queen.

ESTATIC CELEBRATION Dancing and jubilation continues as Pan and the May Queen drink the Grail in completion, then all the Witches, now as Maenads, drink and dance in ecstasy, disrobing and jumping over the fires as is the May Day tradition. Everyone engages in wanton revelry and drink beneath the stars as the May Queen is adored in celebration. Then, the May Queen takes the hand of Summer as all gather and kisses it, saying "Your reign comes soon, Blazing One, and we will all gaze at your glory!"

IN WHICH PRAISE IS GIVEN BY PLEASANT RITUAL TO THAT SECRET AND ETERNAL TEACHER OF THE MYSTERIES, THE TRUE INITIATOR, MOTHER OF THE ARCHONS, HAGIA SOPHIA, PRAISE BE TO HER NAME

Ritual Tools

The Sacred Fire

Four Holy Texts (The Gathas, The Acts of Thomas, The Emerald Tablet, The Book of the Law)

Four Candles & Holders

Sacred Water Bowl

A Vial of Oil of Abramelin  

A Resplendent Robe

Participants

The Magus

The Congregation

The Prologue/Epilogue Assistant

The Prologue

The Magus enters and prepares the Ritual Tools according to their needs in regards to alignment and aesthetics according to the directions mentioned in the latter sections, though after a banishing ritual of their choice has been performed. The Sacred Fire must be positioned in the center, either on open ground or in an open containment device. An Assistant may be called in to aid the Magus as they so wish, but absolute silence must be maintained during the arrangement of the Ritual Tools. Once it has all been prepared, the Sacred Fire is lit, with the Magus chanting THELEMA towards the flames three times as the fire grows. Then, standing aright before the fire, the Magus blessed himself with the Gnostic Cross on his forehead with the Oil of Abramelin and sprinkles some of the oil into the fire three times chanting AGAPE towards the flames. They shall then bless all of the Ritual Tools remaining in silence with the Oil of Abramelin using the Gnostic Cross and once the task is complete, the Magus shall sit before the Sacred Fire and in a booming voice shall summon the Congregants into the ritual chambers.

The Procession

The Magus is seated in meditative silent before the Sacred Fire. The Congregants enter chanting the Mantra Gayatri as they circle around the Sacred Fire sunwise and slowly, hands positioned as flames above their heads.

The Mantra Gayatri: Om bhur bhuvah svah Tat savitur varenyam Bhango devasya dhimahi Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

This is translated into English as: We meditate upon that most meditation-worthy, The most knowable and hence the most relished Self-luminous radiance of the Divine Sun Which inspires our activities, properties and intellect

They do this four times, at which point the Magus stands rapidly, arms outstretched, and proclaims:

"The Sun rises, brethren! The Flames of the Gnosis are present and within us! Hail Sophia!"

The Congregants repeat "Hail Sophia!" in triumphant tone and take their seats, seated in the yogic pose of the God Enthroned.

The First Lesson

The Magus prostrates themselves before the Sacred Fire and whispers to themselves "Ahura Mazda, dwell in our souls" before standing and processing reverently towards the West chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN towards the First Candle and The Gathas. The Magus then takes the candle and takes it to the Sacred Fire, lighting it as the Congregants chant the Mantra Ahuna Vairya four times.

The Mantra Ahuna Vairya: Yatha ahu, vairiyo Atha ratush ashat chit hacha Vangheush dazda manangho Shyaothananam angheush Mazdai Khashathremcha Ahurai a Yim drigubyo dadat vastarem

This is translated into English as: Whereas he shall be chosen by the world according to Truth, The judgment of deeds done by the world through Good Thought, As provided by Wisdom and by the Power of Light, Which shall bring relief as a guide to the impoverished.

While the Congregants chant, the Magus makes their way back to The Gathas, takes their seat before them facing East, and placing the candle back into its holder, reads either from the whole or a section of The Gathas in the local vernacular or in the original tongue. Once the reading is complete, the Magus closes their eyes, bows their head, holds the Holy Text to their forehead in reverently, kisses it and then opens their eyes, placing the Holy text back in position. Once the text is in place, the Magus shall stand in the Sign of Ra and proclaim:

“A light has dawned for me! Zarathustra shall not speak to the people but to companions! ”

Then, the Magus shall motion for the Congregants to stand and lead them in Resh at Solar Dawn:

Hail unto Thee who art Ra in Thy rising, even unto Thee who art Ra in Thy strength, who travellest over the Heavens in Thy bark at the Uprising of the Sun. Tahuti standeth in His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Night!

This is followed by the Sign of Harpocrates, after which they shall process reverently towards the Sacred Fire chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN.

The Second Lesson

The Magus prostrates themselves before the Sacred Fire and whispers to themselves "Holy Logos, make our hearts your throne" before standing and processing reverently towards the North chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN towards the Second Candle and The Acts of Thomas. The Magus then takes the candle and takes it to the Sacred Fire, lighting it as the Congregants chant the Qabalistic Cross four times.

The Qabalistic Cross: Ateh Malkuth, Ve-Gevurah, Ve-Gedulah, Le-Olahm, Amen.

This is translated into English as: Thou art The Kingdom, And the Power, And the Glory, Forever, Amen.

While the Congregants chant, the Magus makes their way back to The Acts of Thomas, takes their seat before them facing South, and placing the candle back into its holder, reads either from the whole or a section of The Acts of Thomas in the local vernacular or in the original tongue. Once the reading is complete, the Magus closes their eyes, bows their head, holds the Holy Text to their forehead in reverently, kisses it and then opens their eyes, placing the Holy text back in position. Once the text is in place, the Magus shall stand in the Sign of Ahathoor and proclaim:

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth”

Then, the Magus shall motion for the Congregants to stand and lead them in Resh at Solar Zenith:

Hail unto Thee who art Ahathoor in Thy triumphing, even unto Thee who art Ahathoor in Thy beauty, who travellest over the heavens in thy bark at the Mid-course of the Sun. Tahuti standeth in His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Morning!

This is followed by the Sign of Harpocrates, after which they shall process reverently towards the Sacred Fire chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN.

The Third Lesson

The Magus prostrates themselves before the Sacred Fire and whispers to themselves "Trismegistus, enlighten our minds" before standing and processing reverently towards the East chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN towards the Third Candle and The Emerald Tablet. The Magus then takes the candle and takes it to the Sacred Fire, lighting it as the Congregants chant the Declaratio Hermeticum four times.

The Declaratio Hermeticum: Verum, sine mendacio, certum et verissimu, Quod est inferius est sicut quod est superius.

This is translated into English as: Tis true without lying, certain & most true, That which is below is like that which is above.

While the Congregants chant, the Magus makes their way back to The Emerald Tablet, takes their seat before them facing West, and placing the candle back into its holder, reads either from the whole or a section of The Emerald Tablet in the local vernacular or in the original tongue. Once the reading is complete, the Magus closes their eyes, bows their head, holds the Holy Text to their forehead in reverently, kisses it and then opens their eyes, placing the Holy text back in position. Once the text is in place, the Magus shall stand in the Sign of Tum and proclaim:

“From lead to gold, these are the ways of the human soul”

Then, the Magus shall motion for the Congregants to stand and lead them in Resh at Solar Dusk:

Hail unto Thee who art Tum in Thy setting, even unto Thee who art Tum in Thy joy, who travellest over the Heavens in Thy bark at the Down-going of the Sun. Tahuti standeth in His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Day!

This is followed by the Sign of Harpocrates, after which they shall process reverently towards the Sacred Fire chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN.

The Fourth Lesson

The Magus prostrates themselves before the Sacred Fire and whispers to themselves "My tongue is the Sanctuary of Truth and a God sitteth upon my lips" before standing and processing reverently towards the South chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN towards the Fourth Candle and The Book of the Law. The Magus then takes the candle and takes it to the Sacred Fire, lighting it as the Congregants chant the Mantra A Ka Dua four times.

The Mantra A Ka Dua: a ka dua tuf ur biu bi a'a chefu dudu nur af an nuteru

This is translated into English as: Unity uttermost showed! I adore the might of Thy breath, Supreme and terrible God, Who makest the gods and death To tremble before Thee - I, I adore thee!

While the Congregants chant, the Magus makes their way back to The Book of the Law, takes their seat before them facing North, and placing the candle back into its holder, reads either from the whole or a section of The Book of the Law in the local vernacular or in the original tongue. Once the reading is complete, the Magus closes their eyes, bows their head, holds the Holy Text to their forehead in reverently, kisses it and then opens their eyes, placing the Holy text back in position. Once the text is in place, the Magus shall stand in the Sign of Tum and proclaim:

“There is no part of me that is not of the gods”

Then, the Magus shall motion for the Congregants to stand and lead them in Resh at Solar Nadir:

Hail unto thee who art Khephra in Thy hiding, even unto Thee who art Khephra in Thy silence, who travellest over the heavens in Thy bark at the Midnight Hour of the Sun. Tahuti standeth in His splendour at the prow, and Ra-Hoor abideth at the helm. Hail unto Thee from the Abodes of Evening.

This is followed by the Sign of Harpocrates, after which they shall process reverently towards the Sacred Fire chanting AUMGN three times as they take one large step after each AUMGN.

The Sophic Blessing

The Magus, now before the Sacred Fire, does the 3-5-3 clap and, head aright, proclaims The Law (Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law) and the Congregants respond as is appropriate (Love is the Law, love under will). The Magus then mixes the Oil of Abramelin with the Sacred Water, both Ritual Tools having been next to the Sacred Fire for the whole of the ritual. Once it is mixed, the Magus holds the bowl in their hands and loudly inquires of the Congregation:

“Brethren, if you seek Wisdom and Beauty in all things, come and approach to be questioned and take the Sign of the Gnosis, the Sign of True Victory”

The Congregants approach the Sacred Fire, on its opposite side from the Magus, and stand with palms cupped and open, wherein the Magus shall place the Sacred Water Bowl. The Magus shall question the Congregant in the format of:

“What is the Beauty that resides in the Heart of_______?”

The blank section is left to the Magus to fill as they see fit, with a recommendation to use great mystics and sages of ages past, especially the Gnostic Saints, though not limited at all to that honored host. The Congregant, in response to the inquisition, shall intone loudly SOPHIA, after which they will be blessed on the forehead with the Gnostic Cross and asked to depart by the Magus with the words:

“Ite in pace”

Which translated into English means: “Go in peace”

The Congregant then departs from the ritual in silence and this continues until all the Congregants have received the Sophic Blessing and have departed.

The Epilogue

Once all of the Congregants have departed from the ritual, the Magus then questions himself by saying:

“What is the Beauty that resides in the Heart of Every Conscious Being?”

They then answer by intoning loudly SOPHIA and then blessing themselves with the Sacred Water in the sign of the Gnostic Cross one last time before pouring the Sacred Water into the Sacred Fire and whispering into the rising steam:

“Ite in pace”

An "extra layer of protection", so to speak. All experiments with this method have been successful, adding more potency to the ritual and a greater sense of security and mindfulness. Triangle must be within a magical circle already prepared by the magician and can be prepared physically, magically, and/or astrally. As always, "success be thy proof". All items bolded are to be vibrated. Face North, with wand pointing towards the Northern Point: O he who is Thrice-Great, Master of All Mysteries, Scientist of the Soul, be present at this point most north within our circle and witness our working this day in your role as Stropheus in your name HERMES. Bow, then Sign of Silence. Face East, with wand pointing towards the Eastern Point: O he who is True Strength, Smith of the Secrets, Master Builder of the Adytum, be present at this point most east within our circle and witness out working on this day in your role as Chusor in your name KOTHAR-WA-KHASIS. Bow, then Sign of Silence. Face West, with wand pointing towards the Western Point: