The “Occult”

The “Occult”The “Occult”

A Crash CourseA Crash Course

04/24/23 Charles Ennis

Topics:Topics: Ceremonial Ceremonial

MagicMagic Neo Pagan Neo Pagan

ReligionReligionWiccaWiccaDruidismDruidismÁsatrúÁsatrú

Afro Afro Diasporan Diasporan ReligionReligionVodounVodounSanteriaSanteria

““Vampires”Vampires”


Ceremonial MagicCeremonial Magic



Hermetic Order of the Hermetic Order of the Golden DawnGolden Dawn



Occidental Ceremonial Occidental Ceremonial Magick’sMagick’s

2 Methods:2 Methods: EvocationEvocation

From From “evocare” “evocare” (“to call (“to call out”)out”)

ThreateningThreatening

InvocationInvocationFrom From “invocatus” “invocatus” (“to call in”)(“to call in”)

Asking or Asking or pleadingpleading

Invocation/EvocationInvocation/Evocation


Invocation

Evocation

GrimoiresGrimoires


Grimoire of Armadel

Grimoires are…Grimoires are…


• a collection of magical customs• “recipe books” of magical spells•directories of names and ranks of various spirit entities that the magician may call, along with the signatures or "sigils" of these entities

Magic CircleMagic Circle


From the Greater Keys of Solomon

Sigil

Magic circle

Sigil

Ordo Templi OrientisOrdo Templi Orientis


Aleister CrowleyAleister Crowley


Liber al vel LegisLiber al vel Legis


Gnostic MassGnostic Mass


WitchesWitches


WitchesWitches



““Witch”Witch” ~6000 BCE: weik (proto Indo-~6000 BCE: weik (proto Indo-

European): “to shape” or “to European): “to shape” or “to bend”bend”

890 CE: wicca/wicce (Old 890 CE: wicca/wicce (Old English)English)

1111thth Century: wiche Century: wiche 1717thth Century: witch Century: witch


WiccaWicca

The Indigenous Shamanism The Indigenous Shamanism of Northern Europeof Northern Europe


Modern Wicca dates back Modern Wicca dates back to the 1940s:to the 1940s:

But originated with the Romantic Movemen

t of the late

1800’s


StereotypesStereotypes


WiccansWiccans


Wiccan Statistics (2003):Wiccan Statistics (2003): Between 250,000 and 1 million Between 250,000 and 1 million

Wiccans in North AmericaWiccans in North America COG survey, October 2000: 768,400COG survey, October 2000: 768,400 Every US state and Canadian Every US state and Canadian

province has Wiccan clergyprovince has Wiccan clergy Accepted within US military since Accepted within US military since

1987 (choice on dog-tags since 2001)1987 (choice on dog-tags since 2001) Wiccan prison chaplains in most Wiccan prison chaplains in most

states and provincesstates and provinces


C.O.G. Survey:C.O.G. Survey:

11% of 11% of Wiccans Wiccans under 17under 17

37% under 2537% under 25


Wiccan Organizations:Wiccan Organizations: Military Pagan Network Military Pagan Network Officers of AvalonOfficers of Avalon Pagan Alliance of NursesPagan Alliance of Nurses


PentagramPentagram

Represents the 5 elements in the Celtic Represents the 5 elements in the Celtic WorldWorld

Spirit

water

fire

earth

air

Magickal NamesMagickal Names Follows ancient Follows ancient

Celtic practice of Celtic practice of having childhood having childhood names replaced names replaced with adult nameswith adult names



Esbat CircleEsbat Circle

Wiccan AltarWiccan Altar



Wiccan CircleWiccan Circle

altar

spirit

Earth

Air

Fire

WaterN

Deosil (sunwise)

Widdershins

Wiccan MagickWiccan Magick Monistic: Divine inseparable Monistic: Divine inseparable

from the mundanefrom the mundane Energy directed with will- Energy directed with will-

similar to Reiki or Chi Gongsimilar to Reiki or Chi Gong Magician is the flood gate or Magician is the flood gate or

the valve for universal energythe valve for universal energy



The Sabbats:The Sabbats:The Wheel of the YearThe Wheel of the Year

BeltaineBeltaine



HandfastingHandfasting

Jumping the BesomJumping the Besom


DruidsDruids


Etymology of “Druid”Etymology of “Druid” ““Druid” may derive from the old Celtic Druid” may derive from the old Celtic

words “Dru”, meaning “very” or words “Dru”, meaning “very” or “assuredly” and “Wid”, meaning “wise” or “assuredly” and “Wid”, meaning “wise” or “all knowing” (from the Indo European “all knowing” (from the Indo European root “wid”, meaning “to know”). Thus the root “wid”, meaning “to know”). Thus the name Druid likely means “very wise”. name Druid likely means “very wise”.

Latin “Druidae”Latin “Druidae” Gaulish (mainland Celtic) term “Druides”Gaulish (mainland Celtic) term “Druides” In Old Irish Gaelic the word for wizard is In Old Irish Gaelic the word for wizard is

“drui” (plural: “druid”).“drui” (plural: “druid”).


Memory vs BooksMemory vs Books The Celts had no written The Celts had no written

records, so they had people to records, so they had people to remember things. The Druids remember things. The Druids were sub divided into:were sub divided into: BBards (keepers of stories and ards (keepers of stories and

geneologies, satirists);geneologies, satirists); Ovates (healers, seers); and Ovates (healers, seers); and Druids (clergy, counselors, judges). Druids (clergy, counselors, judges).


Modern DruidsModern Druids Interest in the Celts was rekindled in the 1600s by Interest in the Celts was rekindled in the 1600s by

the British Antiquarian movement. In 1659 John the British Antiquarian movement. In 1659 John Aubrey, the proto-archeologist, attributed the Aubrey, the proto-archeologist, attributed the building of Stonehenge to the Druids. Stonehenge building of Stonehenge to the Druids. Stonehenge was actually constructed by Neolithic peoples was actually constructed by Neolithic peoples between 3,000 and 1,500 BCE, long before the between 3,000 and 1,500 BCE, long before the Celts existed in Britain.Celts existed in Britain.

In 1717, the antiquarian scholars John Toland and In 1717, the antiquarian scholars John Toland and William Stukeley founded a Druidic group called William Stukeley founded a Druidic group called the Universal Druid Bond in a London pub, the the Universal Druid Bond in a London pub, the Apple Tree Tavern. The modern Order of Bards, Apple Tree Tavern. The modern Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids grew out of this organization. Ovates and Druids grew out of this organization.


Druid HandfastingDruid Handfasting


Grove, Nemeton, or Grove, Nemeton, or NyfedNyfed

a pole representing a pole representing the world tree, the world tree, erected within the erected within the Nemeton, often in the Nemeton, often in the midst of the central midst of the central altar. This is called altar. This is called the Bile (pronounced the Bile (pronounced 'bee-lah'). 'bee-lah').

The Bile is similar to The Bile is similar to the Irminsul used in the Irminsul used in Ásatrú.Ásatrú.


Druid GrovesDruid Groves


Henge of Keltria AltarHenge of Keltria Altar


Awen: The Holy Spirit of Awen: The Holy Spirit of DruidryDruidry

From “aw” (‘a fluid, a From “aw” (‘a fluid, a flowing’), and “en” (‘a flowing’), and “en” (‘a living principle, a living principle, a being, a spirit, being, a spirit, essential’), so awen essential’), so awen may be translated as may be translated as ‘a fluid essence’, or ‘a fluid essence’, or ‘flowing spirit’.‘flowing spirit’.

Variously translated Variously translated as ‘inspiration’, as ‘inspiration’, ‘muse’, ‘genius’, or ‘muse’, ‘genius’, or even ‘poetic frenzy’. even ‘poetic frenzy’.


ÁsatrúÁsatrú



ÁsatrúÁsatrú““Ásatrú” means “true to the Ásatrú” means “true to the

Aesir” or “belief in the gods” Aesir” or “belief in the gods” in Old Norse. in Old Norse.

Followers of Ásatrú are Followers of Ásatrú are known as Ásatrúar, but often known as Ásatrúar, but often refer to themselves as refer to themselves as “Heathens”“Heathens”

Mjolnir or Thor’s Mjolnir or Thor’s HammerHammer

Principal symbol of Ásatrú. Principal symbol of Ásatrú. In Norse Mythology Thor, son In Norse Mythology Thor, son

of the God Odin, was the God of the God Odin, was the God of the sky and thunder. of the sky and thunder. Thursday is named after him.Thursday is named after him.

It was believed that lightning It was believed that lightning was the sparks created when was the sparks created when Thor struck his anvil with his Thor struck his anvil with his hammer Mjolnir. hammer Mjolnir.

Ásatrúar wear it as a symbol Ásatrúar wear it as a symbol of their faith. of their faith.


Organization:Organization: KindredsKindreds Steadings: an old term from Scotland and Steadings: an old term from Scotland and

Northern England (1425-75) for a farm and Northern England (1425-75) for a farm and its buildingsits buildings

FreeholdsFreeholds HofsHofs

HearthsHearths Garths: from the Old Norse/Middle English Garths: from the Old Norse/Middle English

(1300-1350 C.E.) “Garthr” (“farm”, (1300-1350 C.E.) “Garthr” (“farm”, “farmyard”, “courtyard”)“farmyard”, “courtyard”)


Priests/PriestessesPriests/Priestesses The Gothar are the collective priesthood The Gothar are the collective priesthood

of the Ásatrú Community. of the Ásatrú Community. A priest is known as a “gothi”A priest is known as a “gothi” A priestess is know as a “gythia.” A priestess is know as a “gythia.” Heathens do not believe that they require Heathens do not believe that they require

the Gothar as a means to communicate the Gothar as a means to communicate with divinity: They all have direct access. with divinity: They all have direct access.

The Gothar lead rituals, though individual The Gothar lead rituals, though individual Heathens may lead their own. Heathens may lead their own.


Icelandic Althing 1988Icelandic Althing 1988


Hammer CastingHammer Casting


Ásatrú StalliÁsatrú Stalli


YggdrasilYggdrasil The “World Tree”The “World Tree” Connects Midgard Connects Midgard

(our world, the (our world, the “middle world”) to “middle world”) to the other 9 realmsthe other 9 realms


IrminsulIrminsul A pillar used in religious A pillar used in religious

worship practices by early worship practices by early Anglo-Saxons. Charlemagne is Anglo-Saxons. Charlemagne is said to have destroyed one in said to have destroyed one in 772 C.E. Named for the Anglo-772 C.E. Named for the Anglo-saxon deity Irmin, who is saxon deity Irmin, who is related to the Norse God Tyr . related to the Norse God Tyr .

Related to the World Tree Related to the World Tree Yggdrasil and to the Druid Bile.Yggdrasil and to the Druid Bile.

Modern Irminsuls usually Modern Irminsuls usually consist of an upright pole or consist of an upright pole or cross, representing the union cross, representing the union of earth with the heavens, and of earth with the heavens, and are often surmounted or hung are often surmounted or hung with a solar wheel or sun cross. with a solar wheel or sun cross.


BlótBlót The principle religious observance of The principle religious observance of

Ásatrú. Blót translates as “offering.” In Ásatrú. Blót translates as “offering.” In ancient times these involved the sacrifice ancient times these involved the sacrifice of an animal, who was then prepared and of an animal, who was then prepared and eaten. The animal’s blood was captured eaten. The animal’s blood was captured in a bowl called the Blótbolli. A modern in a bowl called the Blótbolli. A modern Blót involves offering gifts to the Gods in Blót involves offering gifts to the Gods in exchange for their blessings. Modern exchange for their blessings. Modern Heathens have replaced this blood ritual Heathens have replaced this blood ritual with an offering of drink, usually mead. with an offering of drink, usually mead.


4 Types of Blót:4 Types of Blót: Seasonal Blots: These are celebrations of the cycles Seasonal Blots: These are celebrations of the cycles

of the year, including Yule, Oestara, Walburga, of the year, including Yule, Oestara, Walburga, Midsummer, Winter's Finding, and Winter Nights. Midsummer, Winter's Finding, and Winter Nights.

Deity Specific Blots: These recognize individual Deity Specific Blots: These recognize individual deites or classes of deities. Examples include The deites or classes of deities. Examples include The Feast of Vali, Thorrablot, Tyrsblot, Freyfaxi, and Feast of Vali, Thorrablot, Tyrsblot, Freyfaxi, and Disablot. Disablot.

Ancestral Blots: These honor the memory of Ancestral Blots: These honor the memory of ancestors and famous people. Examples include ancestors and famous people. Examples include The Feast of the Einherjar and Lindisfarne Day. The Feast of the Einherjar and Lindisfarne Day.

Personal Blessings: These mark rites of passage Personal Blessings: These mark rites of passage (births, funeral services, and weddings). (births, funeral services, and weddings).


SumbelSumbel The Sumbel (also known as a Symbel or Samal) is a The Sumbel (also known as a Symbel or Samal) is a

toasting ritual, consisting of three rounds. Anything toasting ritual, consisting of three rounds. Anything said over the drinking horn must be true: said over the drinking horn must be true:

1st Round: Each person hails a God or Goddess, 1st Round: Each person hails a God or Goddess, followed by the recitation of a personal story or followed by the recitation of a personal story or information about this deity. information about this deity.

22ndnd Round: Each person toasts Ancestors and Heros. Round: Each person toasts Ancestors and Heros. 33rdrd Round: Consists of an oath, boast or toast. Oaths Round: Consists of an oath, boast or toast. Oaths

must be serious. A boast can be of accomplishments must be serious. A boast can be of accomplishments or objectives. A toast can be to a person, the host of or objectives. A toast can be to a person, the host of the Sumbel or one of the Nine Noble Virtues.the Sumbel or one of the Nine Noble Virtues.


Ásatrú CalendarÁsatrú Calendar The calendars of ritual dates also vary from one The calendars of ritual dates also vary from one

Heathen organization to the next. Typically Heathen Heathen organization to the next. Typically Heathen organizations don’t have more than a half dozen organizations don’t have more than a half dozen celebrations throughout the year. The most celebrations throughout the year. The most important are: important are: Yule (Júl): This is the most important of all.Yule (Júl): This is the most important of all. A festival for arrival of spring or Oestre/Summer A festival for arrival of spring or Oestre/Summer

FindingFinding MidsummerMidsummer Winter Finding or HarvestWinter Finding or Harvest A feast for the Einherjar (warriors) around A feast for the Einherjar (warriors) around

November 11November 11thth


Nine Noble VirtuesNine Noble Virtues Courage: Standing by one’s principles in the face of fear.Courage: Standing by one’s principles in the face of fear. Truth: Being committed to the truth and seeing things as they Truth: Being committed to the truth and seeing things as they

are.are. Honor: Being ever mindful of how one’s actions reflect on the Honor: Being ever mindful of how one’s actions reflect on the

community. This is all about maintaining one’s reputation and community. This is all about maintaining one’s reputation and respect.respect.

Loyalty: Keeping of oaths.Loyalty: Keeping of oaths. Hospitality: Helping one another within and without the Hospitality: Helping one another within and without the

community.community. Industriousness: Living life to the full through building and Industriousness: Living life to the full through building and

creating.creating. Perseverance: Seeing things through to completion.Perseverance: Seeing things through to completion. Self-Discipline: Taking responsibility for one’s actions.Self-Discipline: Taking responsibility for one’s actions. Self-Reliance: Living and acting on one’s strengths and assets.Self-Reliance: Living and acting on one’s strengths and assets.


TrothTrothLoyalty, staying true, Loyalty, staying true, in the way that one in the way that one might refer to staying might refer to staying true to one's spouse true to one's spouse or one's ideals.or one's ideals.


FrithFrith ““Protection, sanctuary, asylum, Protection, sanctuary, asylum,

security, safety and reconciliation.” security, safety and reconciliation.” ““Maintaining security and refuge of Maintaining security and refuge of

the community.” the community.” ““The web of peace and The web of peace and

interdependence in a happy, interdependence in a happy, functioning society.”functioning society.”


WyrdWyrdWyrd is the sum of the Wyrd is the sum of the

deeds of each Heathen's deeds of each Heathen's life, and that of their life, and that of their ancestors and anyone to ancestors and anyone to whom they have sworn an whom they have sworn an oath. oath.


OrlogOrlog Orlog is the process of natural laws Orlog is the process of natural laws

by which wyrd is re-balanced -- by which wyrd is re-balanced -- those who do good deeds can expect those who do good deeds can expect good to come to them in turn, and ill good to come to them in turn, and ill deeds will bring ill of one kind or deeds will bring ill of one kind or another, either to the individual or another, either to the individual or even to their children, if their debt is even to their children, if their debt is not paid in their own lifetime. not paid in their own lifetime.


HamingjaHamingja Spiritual power. One’s Hamingja Spiritual power. One’s Hamingja

accumulates over time. Some Ásatrúar accumulates over time. Some Ásatrúar speak of being on this earth to learn and speak of being on this earth to learn and accumulate Hamingja. When one dies his accumulate Hamingja. When one dies his Hamingja is left to his kin and he goes to Hamingja is left to his kin and he goes to rejoin his ancestors in a sort of collective rejoin his ancestors in a sort of collective pool. When one’s children are born they pool. When one’s children are born they take some of this collective soul pool with take some of this collective soul pool with them, accumulating Hamingja until they, them, accumulating Hamingja until they, in turn, pass on to the ancestors. in turn, pass on to the ancestors.


RunesRunes The Runic alphabet is over The Runic alphabet is over

2200 years old, forming the 2200 years old, forming the first written language among first written language among the Germanic tribes. the Germanic tribes.

The Runic alphabet is known The Runic alphabet is known as the “futhark” as this is the as the “futhark” as this is the word that the first few letters word that the first few letters of that alphabet spell. of that alphabet spell.

Some Ásatrúar use this as a Some Ásatrúar use this as a basis for a calendar, with basis for a calendar, with dates reckoned according to dates reckoned according to the Runic Era (R.E.)- Add the Runic Era (R.E.)- Add 250 to date.250 to date.

Runes are used for divination Runes are used for divination or magical writing. or magical writing.


Santeria/LukumiSanteria/Lukumi This is a botanica, This is a botanica,

where followers of where followers of Santeria obtain Santeria obtain their suppliestheir supplies


Santeria/LukumiSanteria/Lukumi (Spanish- trans. "Saints")(Spanish- trans. "Saints") Originated in CubaOriginated in Cuba An Afro Caribbean religion formed An Afro Caribbean religion formed

from the beliefs of the Yoruba tribe from the beliefs of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria and Catholicism through a in Nigeria and Catholicism through a process of synchretismprocess of synchretism

Followers now shifting to original Followers now shifting to original African name: LukumiAfrican name: Lukumi


OOrriisshhaassThe deities of The deities of SanteriaSanteria

Associated to Associated to Catholic SaintsCatholic Saints


ChangoChango


Saint Barbara

ElleguaEllegua


Sopera and OtanesSopera and Otanes


ElekesElekes


ElekesElekes


Babalawo Babalawo (Yoruban "baba" (“father”) and (Yoruban "baba" (“father”) and

"awo"(“of divination”)"awo"(“of divination”) High priest of SanteriaHigh priest of Santeria Yorubans often shorten this to Yorubans often shorten this to

"awo" ("diviner")"awo" ("diviner")


PatriarchalPatriarchal All Babalawo’s are All Babalawo’s are

dedicated to the Orisha dedicated to the Orisha Orula, who specializes Orula, who specializes in oracles and in oracles and divination. Only those divination. Only those consecrated to the consecrated to the Orisha Orula, the Orisha Orula, the owner of the Table of owner of the Table of Ifa, can be a Babalawo. Ifa, can be a Babalawo. This means that all This means that all Babalawos are men, as Babalawos are men, as Orula is a male deity. Orula is a male deity.


4 Orders of Babalawos:4 Orders of Babalawos: 11stst rank: Omo Kolobas- have received the rank: Omo Kolobas- have received the

initiation called Olofi ("God's mysteries")initiation called Olofi ("God's mysteries") 22ndnd rank: consecrated to Ifa in an initiation rank: consecrated to Ifa in an initiation

called the Cuanaldo or Wanaldo, where called the Cuanaldo or Wanaldo, where they receive the babalawo's sacrificial they receive the babalawo's sacrificial knifeknife

33rdrd rank: Oluwos- consecrated to Ifa in an rank: Oluwos- consecrated to Ifa in an asiento or coronation ceremonyasiento or coronation ceremony

44thth rank: Babalawos- consecrated to Ifa rank: Babalawos- consecrated to Ifa without the asiento. without the asiento.


Divination: Table of IfaDivination: Table of Ifa


““Ritual Animal Sacrifice”Ritual Animal Sacrifice”

Hileah, FloridaHileah, FloridaComparison with Comparison with Kosher practicesKosher practices


VoudounVoudoun


VoudounVoudoun (Var. Voodoun, Voodoo, Vodun. Deriv. (Var. Voodoun, Voodoo, Vodun. Deriv.

West African Fon "Vodu" ("deity" or West African Fon "Vodu" ("deity" or "power"). "power").

A religion derived from the beliefs of the A religion derived from the beliefs of the Nagos, Ibos, Congos, Dahomeans, Nagos, Ibos, Congos, Dahomeans, Senegalese, Haoussars, Caplaous, Senegalese, Haoussars, Caplaous, Mandinges, Mondongues, Angolese, Mandinges, Mondongues, Angolese, Libyans, Ethiopians and the MalgachesLibyans, Ethiopians and the Malgaches

Originated in Haiti and the Dominican Originated in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.Republic.


LwaLwa


Erzulie

GuedesGuedes


Baron Samedi

MamboMambo


HounganHoungan


Voudou AltarVoudou Altar


Drum BatteriesDrum Batteries


Veve Veve


Legba

VampiresVampires


Michelle Michelle BelangerBelanger


Psychic VampirismPsychic Vampirism


Psychic VampiresPsychic Vampires






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