Bornless Ritual

The Bornless Ritual, also known as the Preliminary Invocation of the Goetia or simply Preliminary Invocation, originates from the Graeco-Egyptian "Papyri Graecae Magicae" (PGM). Initially used for healing and charms, the ritual invokes the "Bornless" or "Headless One", a transcendent deity beyond birth and death, symbolizing the unity of the divine and practitioner. Some interpretations suggest that the ritual may have connections with the Egyptian god Set. It is also called the "Headless Rite" or the "Invocation of the Bornless One".

Adapted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Aleister Crowley's A∴A∴, the ritual is employed to contact the Holy Guardian Angel, a key concept in Thelema and other esoteric traditions. It serves purposes of spiritual protection, purification, and preparation for deeper magical workings, aiming to facilitate a connection with higher spiritual forces.

Today, the Bornless Ritual remains significant in Western esotericism, especially in the pursuit of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. Its continued use underscores its foundational role and impact on the spiritual journey in modern occult practices.

Theoretical foundations

The theoretical foundations of the Bornless Ritual are deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian and Greek magical traditions, reflecting a synthesis of Hermetic, Gnostic, and early Christian influences. The ritual calls upon the "Bornless One," a term signifying a primordial, transcendent deity beyond the confines of birth and death. This concept is central to the Hermetic tradition, emphasizing the unity of the divine and the individual soul's capacity to access higher realms of existence. Philosophers and occultists such as Iamblichus and the Neoplatonists have significantly contributed to the metaphysical framework that informs the ritual, advocating the practice of theurgy to attain divine illumination.

In Thelema, the Bornless Ritual is particularly significant for its role in the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. The invocation's structure and language are designed to evoke a profound spiritual response, tapping into the archetypal imagery and symbolism present in ancient magical traditions. The ritual's invocation of divine names and attributes is intended to align the practitioner with cosmic forces, facilitating a state of heightened spiritual awareness and connection with the Holy Guardian Angel. This alignment bridges the gap between the material and spiritual worlds, enabling the practitioner to wield spiritual authority and attain deeper self-realization.

Structure

The structure of the Bornless Ritual is composed of several key components that together form an impactful invocation. It begins with the declaration of the practitioner's intent and a series of preparatory invocations aimed at purifying and consecrating the ritual space. The core of the ritual involves the recitation of the central invocation, which addresses the Bornless One and enumerates divine attributes, invoking protection, guidance, and spiritual authority. This central invocation is a detailed litany that calls upon various divine names and attributes, establishing a connection with higher spiritual forces. The invocation includes references to ancient deities such as the Egyptian god Thoth and the Greek god Hermes, symbolizing wisdom and communication.

Following the central invocation, the ritual concludes with a series of closing statements, reaffirming the practitioner’s connection to the divine and sealing the ritual space. Each segment is rich with symbolism, drawing on elements from various esoteric traditions to create a unified magical operation. The language used in the ritual is designed to resonate deeply with the practitioner's unconscious mind, invoking a sense of awe and reverence. This intricate structure ensures that the ritual is both a spiritual and psychological journey, guiding the practitioner through stages of purification, invocation, and empowerment. In Thelema, these stages facilitate the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, with the aim of establishing a profound connection with one's true divine self.

Practical application

In ancient times, the Bornless Ritual was primarily used for healing and protective charms. Its invocation of the "Bornless One" was believed to summon a transcendent power capable of banishing negative influences and purifying the practitioner and their surroundings. This use of the ritual reflects its roots in the Graeco-Egyptian magical traditions, where it served as a means of invoking divine assistance for health and protection. The ritual's exorcistic qualities was thought to make it effective for warding off malevolent entities and ensuring the safety of the practitioner.

In modern ceremonial magic, the Bornless Ritual serves multiple purposes, extending its ancient applications to more complex magical workings. It is often used to invoke divine guidance and protection, enhancing the practitioner’s spiritual resilience and clarity. Practitioners often report heightened states of consciousness and profound spiritual experiences as a result of performing the Bornless Ritual. It is considered an advanced practice within the magical community, often performed after preparatory rituals such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP).

Performance

Performing the Bornless Ritual requires meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of its components. The practitioner must begin by purifying themselves through bathing and donning ritual garments, followed by the consecration of the ritual space with incense and the drawing of protective symbols. The ritual proceeds with the chanting of the invocation, during which the practitioner must focus intensely on the words and their meanings. The use of specific gestures and movements can enhance the ritual's effectiveness, aligning the practitioner's body and mind with the invocation's spiritual intent.

At the climax of the ritual is the powerful invocation of the Bornless One, a key segment that exemplifies the depth and complexity of the ritual. This climatic invocation as translated from the text by Hans Dieter Betz reads:

I am the headless daimon with my sight in my feet; [I am] the mighty one [who possesses] the immortal fire; I am the truth who hates the fact that unjust deeds are done in the world; I am the one who makes the lightning flash and the thunder roll; I am the one whose sweat is the heavy rain which falls upon the earth that it might be inseminated; I am the one whose mouth burns completely; I am the one who begets and destroys; I am the Favor of the Aion; my name is a heart encircled by a serpent; come forth and follow.

Variations of the ritual exist, allowing for adaptations to different traditions and personal preferences, but the core elements remain consistent. Common challenges include maintaining concentration and navigating the intense energies invoked, which can be overwhelming for the unprepared practitioner. However, with practice and experience, these challenges can be managed effectively. The Bornless Ritual demands a high level of commitment and discipline, but its rewards in terms of spiritual empowerment and enlightenment make it a cornerstone of ceremonial magic practice.

History

The ritual is derived from an ancient Greek manuscript called the "Papyri Graecae Magicae" (PGM), specifically from a text known as "Stele of Jeu the Hieroglyphist in his letter" (PGM V. 96-172). This manuscript contains a collection of magical spells and rituals from late antiquity, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The original ritual was intended as a rite of exorcism. It refers to "Moses" and the "ceremonies of Israel", suggesting a Jewish influence.

It was first published in England in 1852 by Charles Wycliffe Goodwin as Fragment of a Graeco-Egyptian Work Upon Magic for the Cambridge Antiquarian Society. In 1899, E. A. Wallis Budge included excerpts from it in his book Egyptian Magic.

Uses

In the Golden Dawn, it was used as an invocation of the knowledge and conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. Aleister Crowley, a prominent occultist and founder of Thelema, included his version of the ritual in his book "Liber Samekh". It is a core method and milestone in Thelema, and is often considered the proper preliminary invocation to the Ars Goetia since it was introduced as such by Crowley.

See also

• Abrahadabra – Magical formula
• Goetia – Magical practice involving evocation of spirits
• Magical formula – Words expressing a process in ceremonial magic

References

Works cited

• Asprem, Egil (2018). The Problem of Disenchantment: Scientific Naturalism and Esoteric Discourse, 1900-1939. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1-4384-6992-8.
• Betz, Hans Dieter (1996). "PGM 96-172: Stele of Jeu the hieroglyphicist in his letter". The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press. p. 103. ISBN 978-0-226-04447-7.
• Butler, E. M. (1998) [1949]. Ritual Magic. Pennsylvania State University Press. ISBN 978-0-271-01846-1.
• DuQuette, Lon Milo (2003). The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema. York Beach, Maine: Weiser Books.
• Fowden, Garth (1986). The Egyptian Hermes: A Historical Approach to the Late Pagan Mind. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-32583-7.
• Greer, John Michael (2003). The New Encyclopedia of the Occult. Llewellyn Publications.
• Guiley, Rosemary (2006). "Bornless Ritual". The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy. Facts On File. pp. 47–8. ISBN 978-1-4381-3000-2.
• Hanegraaff, W. J. (2013). Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4411-8897-7.
• King, Francis (1970). The Rites of Modern Occult Magic. Macmillan.
• Stratton-Kent, Jake (2012). The Headless One. West Yorkshire: Hadean Press.
• Sumner, Alex (2004). "The Bornless Ritual". Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition. 1 (7).
• Sutin, Lawrence (2002). Do What Thou Wilt: A life of Aleister Crowley. New York: St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-25243-9. OCLC 48140552.

Further reading

• Brier, Bob (1980). Ancient Egyptian Magic. Morrow. ISBN 978-0-688-03654-6.
• Regardie, Israel (2007). Ceremonial Magic: A Guide to the Mechanisms of Ritual. Aeon Books. ISBN 978-1-904658-10-8.
• Ritner, Robert K. (1993). The Mechanics of Ancient Egyptian Magical Practice. Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.