Ch.9 The Mighty Ones (WMB 9.b)

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

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Considering the original meaning of the term watchtower as applied by Dee, the use of archangels as the Lords of the Watchtowers is entirely correct by his definition, as they are literally the Lords of the Angels! However, if the Golden Dawn meaning of the term were used, then they would be the Lords of the Enochian Tables, making them Enochian Angels being called at the cardinal points, which is not part of the Wiccan tradition.

The Enochian Angels corresponding to each of the cardinal points are Bataivah, the King of Air in the East, Edelperna the King of Fire in the South, Raagiosel the King of Water in the West, and Ikzhikal the King of Earth in the North.

However, when considering Dee’s use of the term watchtower, we should bear in mind that he was a deeply religious man. Therefore his use of the term may well have been influenced by the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 21 describing the news of the fall of Babylon.

“Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.”

To understand the practice of invoking guardians at the four cardinal points there is a range of sources which we need to consider in order to trace the magickal beginnings. The first and most recent source which is also most often cited by modern authors as being the ultimate source for the practice of calling the Lords of the Watchtowers is that of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.

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.