The Keys to the Gateway of Magic: Summoning the Solomonic Archangels and Demon Princes by Stephen Skinner

[techniquea2z]

Hello.

I am working on invoking Archangel Raphael using the shew stone method outlined by Skinner.

I'm utiilizing this crystal

Along with two white candles.

I'm familiar with the concepts on ceremonial magic, but the book makes no mention of necessary circles, pentacles, or triangle of art.

I've drawn the sigil at the correct planetary hour, I just wear it over the heart -- set in place with some tape (would appreciate some tips on proper ways to mount the lamens).

Just looking for tips on how to conduct the ritual properly, am I missing anything?

 

[Lurker]

I have worked with that book. I didn't get visible manifestations, but I got strange lights in the crystal ball while being knocked into a trance state every time, with varying degrees of hypnagogia, which I assumed meant the spirits were present and communicating.

My advice is to follow Skinner and Rankine's advice - do the entire ritual as written, beginning with the preliminary prayer. Whether you are Christian or not doesn't matter, don't change a word. I put the seal under the crystal ball, but wearing it will probably work too (I should probably experiment with that). The book didn't mention using a circle or triangle, so I didn't use one at first, but be prepared for the intensity. I did later try a Trithemian-style table of practice with the planetary archangels, but I don't think it added much.

I wish you all the best with your operation.

Post automatically merged: Sep 15, 2025

I forgot to mention something: be sure to skry the incense ashes afterwards, and check the results using another form of divination.

 

[Jabroney2]

Any updates with this method guys?

 

[techniquea2z]

Still haven't gotten around to trying this again.

I did make contact with Skinner (who's retired), but I'll reach out again with specific questions about best practices.

Don't really have a consistent place to practice magick atm.

 

[MorganBlack]

Very cool! I haven't used those rites, but I agree with Lurker here not to try to change them too much, at least until you have done it a few times and have a pretty good inner sense of why and how it constructed.

And then wait and do it again, sit and mediate on why it is made the way it is. Read up on what original composer/s were thinking, their culture. And don't listen to anyone from the internet who is trying to tell you what they "really" are or mean. Including me. That is all up to you.

The rites we use will give different kinds of 'vibe' to spirit manifestations. In some New World sorcery this is called their 'caminos', or roads. We can think of it as each spirit has different 'moods'. Archangels I call using Jewish rites are far more primal and primordial than the "nice-ified" versions that come through using more Catholic ones.

And yes, part that is our expecations of what we get, and a buch of our hind-brain output, but there is a group mind effect to each of these myth-streams / currents.