top of page

Ch.8 The Magick Circle (WMB 8.c)

Sorita d'Este

Extract from: Wicca: Magical Beginnings written by d’Este & Rankine, 2008 (Avalonia.) PB / Kindle @ https://amzn.to/3Ay4HJr.

----





(The Magick Circle as portrayed in Gardner’s novel High Magic’s Aid)




(The Magick Circle as given in the Mathers’ Key of Solomon)



If we now turn our attention to the triangle on the diagram in High Magic’s Aid, this was taken not from the Key of Solomon but from the Goetia. The original source was Sloane MS 2731, which is reproduced in Crowley’s Goetia. The copyist has again made an error, this time in only partially copying the name of the archangel Michael in the inner corners of the triangle. This reads Mi-CH-L, and should read Mi-Cha-El. We may also note that the triangle is not shown next to the circle in any of the grimoires, and should be further away (two foot away). By its position the implication is that this triangle was used for an operation to summon one of the Wandering Princes, either Icosiel or Soleviel, both of whom are described as good spirits.


The final addition to the High Magic’s Aid magick circle, not seen in any images of a magick circle from grimoires like the Key of Solomon or Goetia, is a central altar. The altar is important to Wiccan practice, being the working table used during ceremonies. Grimoires such as the Key of Solomon and Goetia did not make use of an altar, as all the tools were carried by acolytes or placed on the floor. However if we look at the Book of Abramelin, which was contemporary to these grimoires, we see the use of an altar in which the tools are stored:


“The altar, which should be made of wood, ought to be hollow within after the manner of a cupboard, wherein you shall keep all the necessary things, such as the two robes, the crown or mitre, the wand, the holy oils, the girdle or belt, the perfume; and any other things which may be necessary.”




Extract from: Wicca: Magical Beginnings written by d’Este & Rankine, 2008 (Avalonia.) PB / Kindle @ https://amzn.to/3Ay4HJr. Shared here with the intention to inspire and inform the now and future generations interested in Wicca and other Pagan traditions inspired by it.

Comments


Hello

My name is Sorita d'Este

and this is my website and blog!  Thanks for visiting - I hope you are finding what you are looking for!

 

Many years ago I dedicated myself to the pursuit of both esoteric knowledge, and an understanding of polytheism, the Gods and Nature.  I have been a full-time writer, author and publisher, specialising subjects linked to the occult, witchcraft, Paganism, mythology, ancient religions and magic - and all kinds of things in between since 2003. 

 

I live on a hill in Glastonbury, overlooking the marshes of Somerset,  a place of myth and legend, and a crossroad for many different religions. Here I am frequently found digging and growing, serving my fluffy rescue cat and navigating the unknown with my teenage son.  

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
18028572973006726.jpg

Get Irregular Updates

Sign up for my mailinglist for updates on my work, courses and other interesting things I might remember to share :-)

Thanks for submitting!

Delphi (12).JPG
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • TikTok

copyright © 2022 Sorita d'Este. 

All photos, blogs and articles on this website is © Sorita d'Este or as credited.  Please seek written permission should you wish to reproduce material on this site in your own publications, including digital / online. 

Here on www.soritadeste.com you will find articles by Sorita d'Este, as well as excerpts from books or other works she has contributed to - some of which will be co-authored with others.  See each blog or article for more information.  This website includes information on Paganism, Wicca / Witchcraft, Polytheism, Gods & Goddesses, Mythology, Folklore, Ancient & Modern Magic and many linked practices and beliefs.   You will also find information on courses, classes, lectures and other events with Sorita d'Este. 

bottom of page