Protection Before Casting a Spell: The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Qabalistic Cross

When diving into the practice of magic, taking the time to invoke proper protection is an essential step. Two commonly employed rituals for this are the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) and the Qabalistic Cross. Both these practices have rich historical and mystical backgrounds and serve to cleanse and protect the practitioner and the space they are working in.

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is a protection technique found in various forms of magical practices. It is often referred to as "calling the corners" or "casting a circle". This ritual involves calling in the four elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—to protect the speller from negative energies and ensure a cleansed space. Each element corresponds to a direction: Earth is North, Air is East, Fire is South, and Water is West. Additionally, these elements are associated with specific archangels: Uriel (North), Raphael (East), Michael (South), and Gabriel (West). In some traditions, Metatron is invoked above and Sandalphon below the invoked elements, creating a three-dimensional sphere of protection.

The LBRP is highly adaptable and can vary depending on the practitioner's traditions and personal beliefs. However, its core principles and structure remain consistent. This ritual is particularly effective in cleansing a space of negative energy and introducing protection, making it a staple in many magical practices.

The Qabalistic Cross

The Qabalistic Cross is a spiritual technique used to call in protective energies. Unlike the LBRP, which generally creates a two-dimensional circle, the Qabalistic Cross can be viewed as a three-dimensional ritual, providing a more holistic approach to protection. While the cross is commonly recognized as a Christian symbol, historically, it represented the four elements and aided in spiritual orientation during magickal practices.

Damien Echols, a well-known figure in the modern esoteric community, developed a summarized version of the Qabalistic Cross Meditation. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing this ritual:

Begin by imagining your body expanding until the earth is tiny beneath your feet. Visualize a vast, beautiful galaxy surrounding you. A blinding white light, representing the source of all creation, descends into the top of your head. Touch your forehead with the first two fingers of your right hand as the light descends into your head, and vibrate the mantra "Ateh" (pronounced ah-tay). Allow the light to flow down your body, anchoring you at the base of the universe. Touch the middle of your chest with the same fingers and vibrate "Malkuth" (pronounced mal-kooth). Draw the first two fingers across your chest to your right shoulder, where the light travels to the far reaches of the universe. Vibrate the mantra "Veh Geburah" (pronounced vey-get-boo-rah). Move your fingers across your chest to your left shoulder, where a shaft of light connects you to that side of the universe. Vibrate the mantra "Veh Gedulah" (pronounced vey-ged-dool-lah). When the ritual is complete, imagine a cross of light flowing through your body, connecting you to the source of all creation, the base of the universe, and the polar sides of the universe. Fold your hands over your heart, inhale, and watch the cross grow brighter. Vibrate "Le Olam Amen" (pronounced lee oh-lom ah-men), and then slowly fade the image. Transition back into waking consciousness by clapping your hands.

The Hebrew mantras used in this version of the Qabalistic Cross Meditation have specific meanings:

Ateh - Thou Art Malkuth - The Kingdom Veh Geburah - The Power Veh Gedulah - The Glory Le Olam - Forever Amen - So be it

These words announce our connection to the divine and help awaken the psyche, reminding us that the source of all creation is not separate from us but part of us. This ritual is often performed before the LBRP and acts as a powerful way to connect with the universal consciousness.

Conclusion

Both the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Qabalistic Cross are excellent for cleansing and protecting a space before casting a spell. Performing these rituals not only helps to create a protective environment but also enhances one's spiritual awareness and connection to the divine. Many traditions require practitioners to perform the LBRP daily to develop their magical abilities, underscoring the importance of these rituals in magical practice.

References

ECHOLS DAMIEN. High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row. SOUNDS TRUE 2022.