The lamen is a tool of the ritual magician, a symbolic device meant to embody the spirit of it's owner's magical intent, or, as in many magical orders, a badge of rank or grade. In a way, it is like a personal coat-of-arms or even a shingle announcing one's vocation. A lamen most often represents an individual or the collective intent of a magical group or organization.

The practice of creating lamens was popularized by medieval and renaissance magicians, most notable of which was the "Holy Table" of John Dee and Edward Kelly. Originally, these were consecrated to an angel or spirit as a means of maintining a connection or 'line of communication,' as it were, by creating a symbolic focus.

The lamen as a personal device was popularized by the Golden Dawn and it's progeny, after the ephod worn by Hewbrew priests and the breastplates of the egyptian magicians. GD initiate Aleister Crowley further expanded upon the idea, making the device specific to the magician, to facilitate a connection between the mage and her angel or higher genius. The lamen is typically worn over the heart, in the place of Tiphareth.

Lamen of the OTO

Related resources:

• Goetia
• Images from the Goetia
• Demonology
  Demonology, both ancient and modern, including the Goetia and other Demon-centered works, the legends of Solomon, fallen angels, and more.
• John Dee
  Historical Resources, Images, et al.
• Magick and Theory
  Magick and magickal theory. What Ritual magicians do, and why they do it. Essays on a number of subjects relating to Ritual/ Ceremonial Magick.
• Satanism
  Satanism as a religion and a philosophy. Every variety and type of Satanic belief, from the mythical Satanist of the Middle ages to modern ritual Satanists, Dabblers, and Gnostics.