“The public profession of magic has been one of the roads by which men have passed to supreme power, it has contributed to emancipate mankind from the thrall of tradition and to elevate them into a larger, freer life, with a broader outlook on the world. This is no small service rendered to humanity.” J.G. Frazer

All of us are born with an innate ability to create ritual. The human body is in effect a biological battery, capable of channeling cosmic energy [or: divine current] through the diligent practice of ritual- be it ceremonial magick, yoga, trance, meditation, religious devotion, or ecstatic dance. The practice of magical ritual is ideal because it does not require special talents, religious affiliations, or even a belief in magick to work

A tablet of ancient Hermetic wisdom known as the tabula smargdinia, or emerald tablet, states: that which is above is like that which is below- revealing the most important axiom of magic. When we create ritual, we are attempting to communicate with the divine by mimicking its precepts on earth. This creates an open channel between the earthly and the spiritual realms. By becoming a mirror of the universe, we become the universe.

Some form of ceremonial magick is common to all cultures, and while the methods vary, the underlying principal is always the same- that by aligning oneself with the laws of the universe, one can become a conduit for divine energy. Ritual is the basis of all religious practice, and the purpose is always the same. In its basest form, it is used to accomplish earthly goals- the achievement of wealth, power, or love- but all of these, in one sense or another, can debase the practitioner and separate him from his true will. This book will not be concerned with charms and folk magic, or with the basics of ritual magick, but with creating the harmony between the practitioner and the universal current- the ultimate aim of magick.

In practicing magick, it is appropriate and even preferable that the aspirant (student) learns and practices historical ritual. This gives one the building blocks necessary for successful practice, and helps to open channels of communication with one’s spiritual self. However, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to tailor one’s practice individually- and this means that one must learn to create one’s own ritual. The purpose of all ritual magick is to perfect the microcosm- the self- in order to commune with the macrocosm- the divine. The purpose of ritual magick is to create within one’s self a perfect mirror of the divine- what the mystics have termed Union with God, and in magick, the Summum Bonum, or Great Work.

The creation of this mirror is achieved by bringing the disparate elements of one’s self into balance. This requires a mapping of one’s interior, in order to determine one’s strengths and weaknesses. In magick, this mapping is accomplished through analysis of one’s astrological chart, and by reconciling one’s attributes with the Kabalistic Tree of Life, with which you are no doubt familiar. Our astrological chart is the pattern for our personality, and our innate strengths and weaknesses. The Tree of life is the Macrocosm, the map of the universe and the perfected magician. When one brings one’s self into harmony with the Tree of Life, one will achieve divine union.

Ritual is our tool for creating balance within ourselves, which is why it is of vital importance to tailor one’s practice to one’s individual requirements. In the following chapters, we will discuss the creation of one’s personal Tree of life, the principals of ritual, and the building blocks of ritual creation. You will have the tools necessary to create and travel upon the path to the divine, to create sacred space, and to protect yourself from negativity and outside interference.

If you have been practicing a ritual magick tradition for any length of time, you will have no doubt noticed changes in your life already- your perception of reality will be greatly expanded, your focus will be sharp, and you have the necessary tools to begin the next stage of your journey.