Class VII: Spellcraft
The number of rows or columns is determined by
the number of the appropriate sephirah in order (there
are 10 total, but only 7 are associated with the plan-
ets). You can’t make a magick square with only one or
two rows and columns, so we start with number 3. The
kamea of Venus, for example, has 7 rows and columns
because Venus is attributed to Netzach, the 7th
sephirah. 7x7=49, so there are 49 divisions within the
square of Venus. Here are the numbers and sephiroth
for each of the planets:Number Sephirah Planet Divisions Sum
3 Binah Saturn 9 15
4 Chesed Jupiter 16 34
5 Geburah Mars 25 65
6 Tiphareth Sun 36 111
7 Netzach Venus 49 175
8 Hod Mercury 64 260
9 Yesod Moon 81 369Magick squares are used in the production of
sigils in talismanic magick. Each kamea has a seal,
which is a design that touches all the numbers of the
square. The seal represents the epitome or synthesis
of the kamea, and serves as a witness or governor for
it. Each planetary kamea is also assigned a “Spirit”
and an “Intelligence.” The Intelligence is seen as an
guiding and inspiring entity, while the Spirit is consid-
ered more of a neutral force. Each Intelligence and
Spirit has a sigil that represents its associated name,
number, powers, etc. A sigil is just another way of
representing a name, and magickally, they are in every
way equivalent. These sigils are created by first con-
verting the letters in the name of the Spirit or Intelli-
gence into numbers, then tracing a line from number
to number on the appropriate square.
The same system can be used to create a sigil for
any word or name, including your magickal name—
tracing it out on a planetary kamea to reflect the influ-
ence of that planet. This is done by assigning num-
bers to each of the letters of the alphabet, in repeating
order, like this:Number: 123456789
Letters: ABCDEFGHI
JKLMNOPQR
STUVWXYZUsing this chart, you just replace the letters of a
word or name with the equivalent numbers. For in-
stance, my first name, Oberon, is written in numbers
as: 625965. To create a sigil for myself under the influ-
ence of the Sun, I use the Square of Sol, which is:- Introduction to Spell-Casting
UCH OF THE WORKING OF MAGICK IN-
volves the casting of spells. A
spell is an organized act designed
and performed to alter probabili-
ties in the direction desired; sim-
ply, to make something more or
less likely to occur. There are
many techniques used in spell
casting. The general idea is to pull as many corre-
spondences together in one place to increase the level
of synchronicities. In doing so, you shift the prob-
abilities along a continuum from impossibility im-
probability possibility probability inevitabil-
ity manifestation.
Your surroundings when working spells and ritu-
als are extremely important. All the various correspon-
dences (candles, colors, incense, etc.) are intended to
create a unified and harmonious space to put your
mind into complete accord with the intention of your
spell. Therefore, the most important thing is that it all
feels right to you. If you are doing a spell which recipe
calls for a particular combination of roots and herbs,
but you feel that one should be left out or substi-
tuted—do so. Always go with your hunches! Each
spell you cast and working you do is another practice
exercise, further attuning your own psychic senses
and intuitions, and developing your own personal
magick. So do what feels right to you, and if it doesn’t
make sense to you, don’t do it! A basic principle in
dealing with magick is called “Diddy-wa-diddy.” This
means, if you don’t know what it is, don’t mess with it!
And each time you do a spell, make sure to record
it in your Book of Shadows (see 3.II.7: “Books of
Magick”). Note the date, day of the week and hour,
using the astrological and planetary glyphs. Record
the candle colors, incense, chants, and other elements.
And later on, go back and note the results.Lesson 2. Magic Squares & Sigils
A magick square (kamea in Hebrew) is an arrange-
ment of numbers in a square so that each row and
column adds up to the same sum. In most magick
squares, the sum of either diagonal also equals that
same number. Each number from one through the num-
ber of divisions in the square is used. Hence, magick
squares that are attributed to the seven planets have
9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64 or 81 divisions. Each of these plan-
etary kamea is also associated with a planetary
sephirah (“sphere”) on the Qabalistic Tree of Life (see
6.IV.3: “The Tree of Life”).Corrected pages 3rd printing.2.p65 22 6/10/2004, 4:02 PM