The Magical Function of the Girdle in the Venusian Current

[Noruas]

I’d like to explore the esoteric meaning of the girdle as a weapon of Venus, as described in certain magical traditions. It seems to embody a paradox: on one hand, it represents erotic allure and the power to enchant or bind through desire. On the other, it symbolizes chastity and the conscious containment of that same force.

The reference to the hidden knot fascinates me — as if it represents a secret pattern of initiation. Perhaps it's a cipher for mastering emotional energy so that love becomes a tool of will, not a trap of longing. The phrase “love under will” echoes strongly here.

Does anyone have insight into the symbolic structure of the knot? Is it Kabbalistic, perhaps tied to Netzach's role in managing desire and aesthetic perception?

 

[stalkinghyena]

I think the "paradox" between eroticism and chastity represents a dichotomy like you can find in Thunder, Perfect Mind in the sense of the "virgin-whore".

Astrologically, generally speaking Venus is the unifier, which I think can be linked to the constraint or bounding function of the girdle as an article of clothing. But the girdle also has an ornamental aspect which can be related to beauty and allurement.

The glyph of Venus, which is the circle bound to a cross, is suggestive. I had long read of the symbol as representing a hand mirror, but also representing Spirit (the circle) bound to Matter or hyle as the cross. My own esoteric working interpretation of this is that the union is one of actualizing form upon potential. That is, as an act of creation which embraces a vast range from sexual reproduction to artistic expression.

There's probably a lot that could be found in myths that could correspond with various operations of Venus. Most notable, I just browsed that the girdle of Ishtar relates to general fertility when she wears it, but if she takes it off then everything becomes desolate. I fell a "tohu ve-bohu" itch coming on from that, just a little. The Orphic hymn to Aphrodite I think contains a lot of operational secrets that could be applied magically.

There's temptation for me to do a deep dive Kabbalistic analysis in the manner of Grant here, but that could take some time I don't have, lol. However, broadly, I like to interpret the general force of Venus a type of provocation of the hyle that develops the "non-entity" into an elaborate baroque universe via the agitation of Mars through "seduction". In a certain sense I think this process applies to "love under Will."

As per the knot in Kabbalistic interpretation, I think this can relate to the notion of binding one's will to God. Also "clothing God in one's will" - this being a pretty deep meditation and process I am currently contemplating. I think this can be developed into so many understandings and action. On thing I will note, reflecting the above, is that placing the glyph of Venus on the typical pattern of the Sephiroth, it touches every single one.

 

[Noruas]

Thank you, this symbolic view is truly rich. However, I’m particularly curious about the practical aspect of the girdle and its knot, as described in John Bonner’s work on the Qabalah.

"The second major weapon is the girdle. This is also a traditional weapon of

Venus and represents womanly eroticism combined with the power to
fascinate and blind through love, and may be used to hoodwink or restrain a
candidate during initiation. Paradoxically (or not, to those who have made a
study of the psychology of sexual arousal), the girdle may also be used as a
symbol of chastity and continence, making it a particularly apt attribution.
Hidden within the girdle of Netzach/Venus is another weapon—the knot by
which it is fastened. This knot is of a special and secret design whose
pattern must be understood before it can be unravelled. Once mastered, full
control over the wiles of Venus is gained for it may then be loosened or
tightened at will, freeing the aspirant from the distracting glamour of
“Kallipyge” whilst allowing free access to her subtle, or not so subtle,
charms."



Could this refer to an actual trained ability, such as controlling the Venusian force in a magical or psycho-emotional context? Perhaps akin to transmuting sexual energy, consciously managing allure, or even using charm strategically in initiation rituals?

Did any Golden Dawn rituals or inner teachings focus on this skill? I wonder if it was taught through astral meditations on Netzach or practical exercises with symbolism of the girdle.

Any insights or references would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Yazata]

I was actually reading about this just this week in a book I found on archive . org
Look up "Girdles their origin and development, particularly with regard to their use as charms in medicine, marriage, and midwifery" by Walter J. Dilling

 

[AbammonTheGreat]

I’d like to explore the esoteric meaning of the girdle as a weapon of Venus, as described in certain magical traditions. It seems to embody a paradox: on one hand, it represents erotic allure and the power to enchant or bind through desire. On the other, it symbolizes chastity and the conscious containment of that same force.

The reference to the hidden knot fascinates me — as if it represents a secret pattern of initiation. Perhaps it's a cipher for mastering emotional energy so that love becomes a tool of will, not a trap of longing. The phrase “love under will” echoes strongly here.

Does anyone have insight into the symbolic structure of the knot? Is it Kabbalistic, perhaps tied to Netzach's role in managing desire and aesthetic perception?

One of the key components to utilizing Venus power over love, sex, and women is loyalty/commitment. This is why the dove is a symbol of Venus. It represents the commitment, sanctity, and loyalty in marriage. One of the best oaths you can give Venus when utilizing her for love and sex spells is an oath of faithfulness, this is why the grimoires suggest a sacrificial dove for her. It's a symbolic gesture towards that faithful commitment that comes with marriage. This is one of the paradox's of Venus. She can grant you the power to attract and satiate your sexual appetite but in return wants you to be faithful towards women.