144 Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
Celestial is also known as Angelic or Enochian, and
it is still used in the higher degrees of Masonry. It
came from Dr. John Dee’s work with Edward Kelly,
who in 1581 produced a set of 21 symbols which he
claimed had been revealed to him as the true alphabet
of the angels, used to compose the names of the heav-
enly hosts. These symbols became the foundation of
Dee and Kelly’s Enochian system, used to invoke an-
gels and demons. The figures of Malachim are said to
be derived from the constellations—though which
ones, it is impossible to say. Malachim is sometimes
confused with the “Writing of the Magi.”Theban (Theban)
The Theban script is also called Honorian in
honor of its creator, Honorius III (Pope 1216–1227).
It has always been a very popular alphabet among
Wizards, and it is also used extensively by modern
Witches—so much so that it is often referred to as the
Witches’ alphabet. When I received my first training
in Witchcraft, back in 1970, my teacher, Deborah
Letter, insisted we learn to read and write fluently in
Theban—not just for spells and magickal inscriptions,
but also for communications among our fellow
coveners. I remember showing up for a meeting one
evening to find the following note pinned to the front
door—see if you can translate it!The key is under the
flowerpot. Come on in
and make yourself at
home. We will be back
shortly. Blessed be.Roman numerals
(I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X)
The Romans, who gave us our modern alphabet,
also devised what is possibly the most stupidly use-
less numerical system in history. Roman numerals
worked well enough for tallies and small numbers, as
long as you were simply counting them off (they are
still used for clock faces and outlines, like our Classes).
But larger numbers became hopelessly complicated,
and you would have to work out exactly what they
meant. The year “1888,” for instance, had to be writ-
ten as “MDCCCMLXXXVIII.” Moreover, there was
no “zero.” What all this meant was that it was impos-
sible to do even the simplest arithmetic in Roman
numerals. They could not even be added or subtracted,
let alone multiplied or divided! No one relying on
this system could keep financial records, calculate the
dimensions of a space, figure percentages, or do any
of the “countless” mathematical operations we use
every day.Pictish ( )
The ancient Picts of the British Isles developed
an elaborate “swirl” style of writing. The symbols are
very similar, however, and you need to be careful in
writing them to avoid confusion. Pictish lettering, art-
work, and ornamental designs were later adopted and
elaborated by the Celts, especially in Ireland.Lesson 3: Magickal Alphabets
From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, when
thousands were being tortured and burned at the stake
on the charge of Witchcraft, there were many (includ-
ing priests, bishops, archbishops, and even popes of
the Christian Church) who practiced magick quite
openly and unrestrained. The reason they were able
to work so freely lies in the word practice. Witchcraft
was viewed as a religion and hence, a rival to Chris-
tianity. But magick, of the ceremonial or ritual vari-
ety, was only a practice, like medicine, and therefore
no cause for concern by the Church. It was also a
very expensive and learned practice, and consequently
only available to the select few who not only had the
education and time to devote to its pursuit, but also
access to the necessary resources.
In those days, each magician worked alone and
jealously guarded his methods of operation—not so
much from the Church authorities, as from other ma-
gicians, among whom there was often great rivalry.
To conceal their doctrines and tenets from the pro-
fane, many invented their own cryptograms (“secret
alphabets”). Some of these scripts have been passed
down through the centuries in Grimoires and the
records of magickal societies, and continue to be used
by magicians, Witches, and Wizards today.
Magicians use magickal scripts, glyphs, and sigils
to charge (with power) everything they need. You have
already done this if you have inscribed the runes on
your wand, athamé, and other tools. Learning one or
more of these traditional magickal alphabets, and
writing certain spells, inscriptions, and messages in
them, can put great power into your words and works.
Writing in ordinary, everyday English script requires
no special attention or energy. You are so used to writ-
ing this way that you can do it almost unconsciously.
On the other hand, when you write in a strange alpha-
bet that you do not know well, you really have to con-
centrate and focus your mind on what you are doing.Hermetic Alphabets: Chaldean
( ); Malachim ( )
Often called sacred or hermetic alphabets, these
are used almost exclusively by Ceremonial Magicians,
though occasionally you may find an individual Witch
or Wizard using them on a talisman. The best-known
scripts are: Passing the River, Celestial, and Malachim.- Practice.p65 144 1/14/2004, 4:24 PM