Solomonic Newbie

[Dashman90]

I took an interest in Solomonic magic about 10 years ago when I was quite spiritually immature while at the same time being more wise than most people my age (mid 20s), exploring the occult in terms of kaballa, reading stuff like golden dawn and only practicing LBRP and not much else other than some basic spells that anyone could easily do.

Long story short Ive considered the idea of summoning spirits on and off through the decade and now I just wana finally dip my toes in.

Ive only just discovered wizardforums and was previously consulting chatgpt which seems quite clued up about the art, although we all know it can give some strange answers.

So now Ive got some genuine wizards to ask, Im wondering about:

1. What it suggested was that modern practitioners tend to self initiate rather than be initiated by some tradition. Is this true?

2. I should first of all start by doing LBRP every day in my circle with some purification prayers along with candle, incense, wand, staff, water, salt, having consecrated them. This should be part of my trial month, beginning with a light self initiation and not summoning any spirits until Ive built my magic muscles a bit more. Sounds plausible. Is it?

3. I only have a small room to practice in and I have a fold up bed with the circle underneath. Also, my dog likes to lay inside the circle sometimes. Are these things acceptable?

4. What got me going down this road again was finding a staff from a tree that fell in a major storm. I think it was the Greater key or one of the other books that suggested that the tree must be elm or whatever and you must fast 3 days before you take it etc. Ive also heard that you dont have to take everything word for word and that a staff which came from a tree that fell in a storm is a powerful staff. If thats the case, is it suitable for Solomonic magic?

5. Im trying to get started with the Greater Keys but its not a very straightforward, step by step approach so I started exploring other books which I found here and come to the conclusion that Gary St. M. Nottingham's 7 books may be the best approach to laying the foundation. Could I be right in thinking this way?

 

[silencewaits]

1. Yes. People tend to self-initiate, or simply skip initiation entirely.

2. I recommend studying the correspondences of the spirits; the Ars Goetia (for example) attributes metals to ranks and spirits. These themselves have planetary associations. Doing some workings with planetary intelligences, the Four Great Kings, or perhaps even the corresponding angels might make for a nice prelude. The intent is to develop these associations in your mind through experiencing them as they are. Burning the incense, reciting the prayers--it lets your mind make the connection. Study the ranks, the hierarchical variations throughout editions or texts, the virtues, and so on. You'll have a library in your head to pull from, and you won't be reading from cards or going through the motions.

3. I don't use circles, so take my advice on this with a grain of salt, but drawing it yourself (on paper if necessary) after preparing the room for the evocation might help you get into the state of mind you need to perform the ritual. If you have to ask if it's acceptable, or if you worry your dog laying on it voids it, how will you be sure of its defense? A ritual is something like a play, to yourself. Sure, things might have meanings. But if it isn't something fluid your audience might pick up on that. You want to put on a show. It isn't just that you put all the working parts together and suddenly it works. If you follow the exact method given in the book it will carry its own drama because it is the traditional way, which carries power.

4. The same applies here too. Do you have doubts about its efficacy? Does it feel magically potent, able to perform what you need it to do? Is it handleable like the wand needs to be? The way I've deduced the Solomonic tradition works is a bit like handling a tiger--I would not go into the pit or guide a safari without trust in my tools. Would you?

5. You're right in seeking out various ways to do something before you attempt it. My advice is to find something that sticks to the spirit of what you're doing, instead of oversimplifying it and making it into something else entirely.

 

[Faria]

1. What it suggested was that modern practitioners tend to self initiate rather than be initiated by some tradition. Is this true?

Yes. The very few "Solomonic" magic groups are relatively recent creations offering nothing you need unless you just feel like meeting other people with similar interests. You'll be on your own throughout most of your occult career.

2. I should first of all start by doing LBRP every day in my circle with some purification prayers along with candle, incense, wand, staff, water, salt, having consecrated them. This should be part of my trial month, beginning with a light self initiation and not summoning any spirits until Ive built my magic muscles a bit more. Sounds plausible. Is it?

The LBRP is irrelevant. Study the Book of Proverbs and become familiar with the content and organization behind the Psalms if you want to get a handle on Solomonic magic. Leave off the incense for later. Become familiar with every sacred Name you plan to invoke and figure out what they mean to you. Build on that.

3. I only have a small room to practice in and I have a fold up bed with the circle underneath. Also, my dog likes to lay inside the circle sometimes. Are these things acceptable?

No, not really. You'll need some proper space. Finding that and claiming it for your private use is part of what makes the ritual work. You must act as King Solomon, not as a guy with normal people type of limitations. Allow yourself no excuses, do it the way you envision it should be done.

4. What got me going down this road again was finding a staff from a tree that fell in a major storm. I think it was the Greater key or one of the other books that suggested that the tree must be elm or whatever and you must fast 3 days before you take it etc. Ive also heard that you dont have to take everything word for word and that a staff which came from a tree that fell in a storm is a powerful staff. If thats the case, is it suitable for Solomonic magic?

If I tell you no, there will be umpteen people here to tell you it's fine. But I'm going to tell you no. Everything you use in Solomonic Art, whether it's the brazier or the staff, is obtained in a highly controlled manner. You don't just get something cool and adapt it to the purpose; but you instead have to set aside time for this whole ordeal of the thing, do 20 minutes of psalm reading, and strike down with your specially consecrated sword, etc.

5. Im trying to get started with the Greater Keys but its not a very straightforward, step by step approach so I started exploring other books which I found here and come to the conclusion that Gary St. M. Nottingham's 7 books may be the best approach to laying the foundation. Could I be right in thinking this way?

1. I ordered his book from Avalonia, and it never arrived. I have not received any communication from them and after a few emails, I just gave up and I guess that's it for my $100.

2. The book doesn't really do anything to streamline or even explain the process. You can see for yourself here on the book section, but it's not much more than a re-printing of the source books. Recommend this instead: The Faculty of Abrac

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Edit: The dog is fine. There's a whole "Blessing of the Dog" thing in the Key of Solomon. As long as it doesnt make a mess or start a fire, your dog is not an issue.