Do you practice LRP regularly? Also what do you think about Nick Farrel’s controversial opinions on that?
I practiced it daily for well over a decade, I do not practice it so much anymore. I believe that chapter of my work is completed, or at least not my current chapter anymore. The way I practice magic these days is different, and I have had somewhat of a falling out with the Golden Dawn system. I may visit it once more, I may not. This being said I think I have a solid understanding of the rituals so I will offer my thoughts.
I agree with Farrell that people banish far too often. I disagree with the premise that banishing chases all beings away- the ritual is not that strong and does not effect true spiritual beings. It affects the lower astral only. The real issue with over banishing is that if that is all you are doing, you are not really changing anything. You are remaining at a base state. Invoking however invites spiritual force into your sphere of sensation, this is where development occurs.
The original Golden Dawn emphasised balance. I believe this is the correct way, invoke in the morning, banish at night. Invoking turns you on spiritually, it opens you up. You may wish to continue that at night, however, I personally believe that beginners should not allow themselves to be spiritually open (and lit up on the astral) at night whilst they sleep. You could run into problems.
Similarly people have noted losing energy from constant banishing. I can see why- it resets you every time you do it. Sometimes you want to build up energy- which is what the LIRP can achieve.
Farrel is also wrong that Crowley and the original GD folk did not banish before a working or only did so if working in weird areas. Crowley explicitly instructs that prior to a bigger working the temple is to be banished. He actually states that the LBRP doesn't really banish everything, but does a good enough job and can be used in most instances.
I believe once you get used to the ritual you know when to banish and when not to. If I come home stressed and filled with anger and need to perform a ritual, invoking isn't really going to help me. Banishing will allow a clean slate from where I can move to other things with more clarity. If I wake up in the morning refreshed, invoking would be more helpful because there is nothing within my self to banish. I also don't have lingering spirits that want to cause issues around most of the time- there would be no need to banish. I personally find ringing a consecrated bell has a banishing effect that is enough for my own needs. It clears the astral area- as I said I don't believe in demons hanging around in the corner.
The way I started to work towards the end of my practice was to banish by fiat- essentially ringing the bell and declaring the temple clear and set up. This clears the self and the environment of lower astral entities. Most people (and beginners should) would perform a banishing ritual now. But I believe the LIRP is better for beginning workings in environments you can trust e.g. a temple in your home. So long as you live in a peaceful home, there is not going to be much astral sludge in any room of your home more than likely, but that is down to you to judge. I then perform my rites and give the license to depart. I then either give the sign of silence and absorb all the energy of the rite, or I will banish if I feel a little off personally. If the energy invoked was for a talisman for example and it has left me feeling a certain way I don't want in my life, I will put the talisman away and perform a banishing- the LBRP is usually enough for anything.
LIRP = Switching on.
LBRP = Going on standby.
I also think the LRP is an overly focused on. If it is all someone is doing, they definitely need to do more.
