Construction of the Pentacles of Mars

Mathers gives seven Martial pentacles. They are cut on iron, or drawn in red on virgin paper, during the day and hour of Mars. The figures carry Hebrew divine names associated with strength and judgement, angelic names, and scriptural verses about deliverance from enemies. The general rules of chapter 18 apply: the material must be unused or fire-purified, the maker clean in body and mind, the incense of the Art burned during the work, and the completed pentacle kept wrapped in silk until shown. The book presents Mars' pentacles as guarding the bearer in conflict and danger. Several are described in the plates as inspiring terror in hostile spirits, consistent with the planet's martial character in the Key's scheme.

Purpose

The pentacles of Mars are said to give courage and success in conflict, protection in danger and, in some, relief from illness.

Timing

Day

Tuesday — the day of Mars

Planetary hour

An hour of Mars, reckoned from local sunrise and sunset

Moon

Waxing (increasing in light)

Ch. 18 requires the pentacles to be made in the days and hours proper to their planet. Book I ch. 2 favours the Moon increasing in light for any work of construction and forbids beginning anything while the Moon is conjoined with the Sun.

Materials

• Iron plate (the metal of Mars)
• or virgin paper/parchment written in red
• incense of the Art
• silk cloth for wrapping

Tools

• burin or graver of the Art (for metal)
• pen and ink of the Art (for paper)

Omitted

Book II ch. 17 describes "virgin parchment" as made from the skin of a young animal flayed with ritual words; this is recorded for historical understanding only and should not be performed. Ordinary paper is the text's own lesser alternative.

Fire safety when burning incense.