E. A. Koetting - staticfly.net

WORKS OF
DARKNESS
should be made of brass or silver, with a long stem and a wide base. As
with the dagger, simplicity is the rule of thumb. Most often in ritual,
the contents of the chalice have greater importance than the chalice
itself. Such importance is not to be distracted from by the vessel.
The final implement needed for the working of Black Magick is
an altar. Depending on the exact manner in which you personally
prefer to ritualize, you will want to choose from a small variety of altar
constructs. The altar should be stable, durable, and should not be
difficult to adjust and move about for different types of ritual. The
fledgling Black Magician may be tempted to draw or carve various
symbols, names, words, or images in the ritual tools, especially the
altar, to give them a "personal touch." Doing so carries natural
consequences which are ultimately devastating to the successful
operation of the Works of Darkness.
The symbols given in the second chapter of this book are selfdirected
and quite automatic, possessing a power and influence
independent of the Sorcerer's will once they are drawn and consecrated.
These Magickal effects are also extremely specific, causing changes in
the universe and the Magician in alignment with their individual
designs. Drawing a Double Armed Cross on the altar, for example, may
negate the effects of a curse if such is not in complete harmony with the
personal Destiny of the Operator. Although in the long run this may
prove to have been the best course, the Black Magician should be the
one who has command over his universe, rather than power of the
symbols that he drew on his altar years ago. You are admonished to
leave the ritual tools as they are set forth here, rather than adding
little personal touches as you go.
There are three basic altar types that you may choose from. The
first is a stone slab which is set in the ground or on top of a pillar of
stones. Although the stone altar will last as long as you need it, it is also
extremely difficult to move about and adjust to meet the demands of
various rituals. If you desire to have a stone altar, it should be made of
metamorphic rock, either cut or naturally formed into a rectangle. To
increase your ability to move and maneuver the altar, you may wish
to find or have a stone slab cut less than an inch thick. You should also
grind, sand, or scrape off any pebbles that have attached themselves to
the slab or any tangent formations which might distract the mind or
distort the function of the altar.
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