E. A. Koetting - staticfly.net

CHAPTER FOUR: RITES OF
CONSECRATION
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If the stone altar is set in the ground, all rituals will need to be
performed kneeling or seated in the dirt next to it. While this is ideal for
the working of curses or simple manipulations of reality, it may be
entirely inappropriate for such an Operation as the evocation of demons.
Being set on a pile of stones as support, the altar would be easily accessible
for one ritual, yet another Operation would be difficult without
\ wrestling it to the ground. These tedious details need to be considered
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before they are able to pose difficulties in the Magickal height of ritual.
Traditionally, and Kabbalistically accurate, the altar should be
made of two square boxes attached to one another, placed in the Temple
one on top of the other. These boxes represent the macrocosm and the
microcosm, one being above and one below.
The unity of these two
boxes as a whole implement represents absolute Unity between the
Upper and the Lower.
According to the Hermetic mysteries. the altar
represents the base sphere of the Sephirotic Tree of Life, the sphere of
Malkuth, or Earth. It is four-sided in representation of the union of the
four magical elements present on the physical plane.
This type of altar is wonderful when performing rituals while
standing, as will be necessary in most evocations, powerful conjurations,
and aeonic and chthonic rituals.
The construction of the altar as two
boxes placed together is superfluous save for the effect it may have on
the Hermetically trained mind.
The main disadvantage in constructing
and consecrating an altar of this fashion for use in your Temple is, once
again, the immobility of the thing.
Although it is made of wood, most
often particle board, and therefore shouldn't be heavy, it is awkward
and is sure to get in the way during rituals where standing is less desired.
A compromise between the two altars, the stone slab and the
wood box. is the last and most highly recommended design for your
altar.
A simple slat of rectangular wood, edges and corners sanded
round and smooth, is an ideal altar for use in the Black Magick Temple.
Being at least an inch thick. it should have as much durability as you'll
ever need.
balancing objects on it
Being completely flat, you will never have problems with
or balancing it on other surfaces. It can be set
on the ground or on a tabletop depending on the ritual being performed.
If this is the altar type that you desire, it needs to be made of oak, pine,
maple, or another solid hardwood.
These three implements are to be consecrated together,
preferably following the consecration of the Temple.
Have nearby the
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