The Sign of the Cross and its origins...

The Qabalistic Cross And Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram

Introduction to the Ritual

There is a much employed Ritual which utilizes the symbol of the Pentagram as a general means to banish and invoke the elemental forces. This Ritual is called the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram.  However, it should not simply be regarded as a mere device to invoke or banish, for it is really the Stone of the Wise and incorporates within its structure a high magical formula of Self-Initiation. It is, to all intents and purposes, a Ritual of Self-Initiation.  This ritual is given to the Neophyte of the Order as a means for him/her to come into contact with the invisible forces of Nature and to learn how to direct those elementary forces.

Please note that traditionally the name of the Hebrew God 'Yahweh' is used in the East. As many of our members are Pagan, we have a negative relationship with Yahweh, or none at all. However, we do know his Mother/Sister/Consort Asherah and as Her name is a Tetragrammaton 'AShRH' (Aleph-Shin-Resh-Heh) it serves well as a replacement. We leave the student to explore the Qabalah of Her Name.

1. Touching the forehead, say Ateh (Thou art)
2. Touching the breast, say Malkuth (The Kingdom)
3. Touching the right shoulder, say ve-Geburah. (And The Power)
4. Touching the left shoulder, say ve-Gedulah. (And the Glory)
5. Place the two palms of the hands together upon the breast, and say le-Olahm, (Forever)
6. Fingers pointing up, say Amen.
7. Advance to the East, trace the Pentagram with the proper weapon (Wand to invoke, Dagger to banish). Give the Sign of the Enterer saying (i.e., vibrating) Ashera imagining that your voice carried forward to the East of the Universe. Resuming standing position, catch the reflux by giving the Sign of Silence.
8. Turning to the South, the same, but say Adonai
9. Turning to the West, the same, but say Eheieh
10. Turning to the North, the same, but say Agla
11. Return to the East, completing the Circle,
    extend the arms in the form of a Cross, and say:
12. Before me Raphael;
13. Behind me Gabriel;
14. On my right hand, Michael;
15. On my left hand, Auriel;
16. Before me flames the Pentagram,
17. And in the Column shines the Six-rayed Star.
18. Repeat 1 through 6, the Qabalistic Cross. For Banishing use the same Ritual but reversing the direction of the lines of the Pentagram.