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Rituals · Liber XXVIII · Solomonic Magic
Formation of the Circle of Art
Key of Solomon, Book II ch. 9 (Mathers 1889)
The sickle or scimitar of the Art is driven into the centre of the chosen place and a cord nine feet long is tied to it to sweep the circumference. Inside this the master marks the four quarters with names and symbols, then draws further circles a foot apart with the consecrated knife or sword, leaving an opening to the north. Pentagrams with divine names are drawn beyond them and two interlocking squares surround the whole, with censers of charcoal and sweet incense at their corners. The master censes the four quarters, stations the disciples facing outward with drawn swords, closes the openings, sounds a trumpet and begins the invocations. Spirits are dismissed before anyone leaves.
Purpose
The circle is described as a fortress within which the master and disciples may call spirits and remain unharmed, "as within a fortified castle".
Timing
- Day
- Wednesday — the day of Mercury
- Planetary hour
- An hour of Mercury, reckoned from local sunrise and sunset
- Moon
- Waxing (increasing in light)
Ch. 9 itself gives no time. Book I ch. 2 names the day and hour of Mercury as preferred for conversing with spirits (Saturn, Mars and Moon hours are also listed), with the Moon in an airy sign and increasing, never at the conjunction.
Materials
- nine-foot cord
- charcoal
- exorcised incense
- exorcised water
Tools
- sickle or scimitar of the Art
- black-handled knife or sword
- censers
- trumpet
- swords for the disciples
Fire safety with multiple open censers; ventilate.