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TheBornless Ritual, also known as thePreliminary Invocation of the Goetia or simplyPreliminary Invocation, originates from the Graeco-EgyptianPapyri Graecae Magicae (PGM), a collection of ancient spells, invocations, and hymns compiled between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE.[1] Initially used for exorcism and healing, the ritual invokes the "Headless One". In modern times this entity has been re-interpreted as the "Bornless One" without beginning or end, who symbolizes the unity of the divine and the practitioner. Some interpretations suggest that the ritual may have connections with the Egyptian godSet. It is also called the "Headless Rite" or the "Invocation of the Bornless One".[2]
Adapted by theHermetic Order of the Golden Dawn andAleister Crowley'sA∴A∴, the ritual is employed to contact the Holy Guardian Angel, a key concept inThelema and other esoteric traditions. It serves purposes of spiritual protection, purification, and preparation for deeper magical workings, aiming to facilitate a connection with higher spiritual forces.[3]
Today, the Bornless Ritual remains significant inWestern esotericism, especially in the pursuit of theKnowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. Its continued use underscores its foundational role and impact on the spiritual journey in modernoccult practices.[4]
The Bornless Ritual is deeply rooted in ancient texts and traditions, drawing from Graeco-Egyptian magical practices. One of the primary sources for the ritual is theGreek Magical Papyri (Papyri Graecae Magicae), a collection of ancient spells, invocations, and hymns compiled between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE. This collection includes various rituals and invocations that have influenced the development of the Bornless Ritual.[1]
The ritual is derived from a specific text within the Greek Magical Papyri known as the "Stele of Jeu the Hieroglyphist in his letter" (PGM V. 96–172).[1] The original ritual was intended as a rite ofexorcism. It refers to "Moses" and the "ceremonies of Israel", suggesting aJewish influence.[5] The Bornless Ritual was first published in England in 1852 byCharles Wycliffe Goodwin asFragment of a Graeco-Egyptian Work Upon Magic for theCambridge Antiquarian Society. In 1899,E. A. Wallis Budge included excerpts from it in his bookEgyptian Magic.[5]
The adaptation of the Bornless Ritual in the context ofWestern esotericism owes much to theHermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (1887–1903).Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, one of the primary founders of the Golden Dawn, is credited with incorporating the ritual into the order's teachings. The Golden Dawn's teachings and ceremonial practices played a significant role in preserving and popularizing the ritual.Israel Regardie'sThe Golden Dawn provides an in-depth look at the ritual's structure and its significance within the order's framework.[6]
Aleister Crowley's extensive work on the ritual is detailed in hisThe Temple of Solomon the King,[7] where he emphasizes its use for attaining theKnowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel.[8] His "Liber Samekh" offer a detailed interpretation and adaptation of the ritual, which he integrated into his practices. These foundational texts and references form the bedrock upon which contemporary understandings and practices of the Bornless Ritual are built.[9]
The theoretical foundations of the Bornless Ritual are rooted inancient Egyptian andGreek magical traditions, reflecting a synthesis ofHermetic,Gnostic, andearly Christian influences. The ritual calls upon the "Bornless One", a term signifying aprimordial,transcendent deity beyond the confines of birth and death. This concept is central to the Hermetic tradition, emphasizing the unity of the divine and the individual soul'scapacity to accesshigher realms of existence. Philosophers such asIamblichus and theNeoplatonists have significantly contributed to themetaphysical framework that informs the ritual, advocating the practice oftheurgy to attaindivine illumination.[10]
InThelema, the Bornless Ritual is particularly significant for its role in the "Invocation of theKnowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel". The invocation's structure and language are designed to evoke a profound spiritual response, tapping into thearchetypal imagery and symbolism present in ancient magical traditions. The ritual's invocation ofdivine names,magical formulae andattributes is intended to align the practitioner withcosmic forces, facilitating a state of heightened spiritual awareness and connection with the Holy Guardian Angel. This alignment bridges the gap between the material and spiritual worlds, enabling the practitioner to wield spiritual authority and attain deeperself-realization.[11]
The structure of the Bornless Ritual is composed of several key components that together form an impactfulinvocation. It begins with the declaration of the practitioner's intent and a series of preparatory invocations aimed atpurifying andconsecrating theritual space. The core of the ritual involves the recitation of the central invocation, which addresses the Bornless One and enumerates divine attributes, invoking protection, guidance, and spiritual authority. This central invocation is a detailedlitany that calls upon variousdivine names and attributes, establishing a connection with higher spiritual forces. The invocation includes references to ancient deities such as theEgyptian godThoth and theGreek godHermes, symbolizing wisdom and communication.[1]
Following the central invocation, the ritual concludes with a series of closing statements, reaffirming the practitioner's connection to the divine and sealing the ritual space. Each segment is rich with symbolism, drawing on elements from various esoteric traditions to create a unified magical operation. The language used in the ritual is designed to resonate deeply with the practitioner'sunconscious mind, invoking a sense ofawe andnuminosity. This intricate structure ensures that the ritual is both a spiritual and psychological journey, guiding the practitioner through stages of purification, invocation, and empowerment. InThelema, these stages facilitate theKnowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, with the aim of establishing a profound connection with one's truedivine self.[12]
In ancient times, the Bornless Ritual was primarily used forexorcism and healing. Its invocation of the "Bornless One" was believed to summon a transcendent power capable of banishing negative influences and purifying the practitioner and their surroundings. This use of the ritual reflects its roots in the Graeco-Egyptian magical traditions, where it served as a means of invoking divine assistance for health and protection. The ritual'sexorcistic qualities was thought to make it effective for warding offmalevolent entities and ensuring the safety of the practitioner.[1]
In modernceremonial magic, the Bornless Ritual serves multiple purposes, extending its ancient applications to more complex magical workings. It is often used to invoke divine guidance and protection, enhancing the practitioner's spiritual resilience and clarity. Practitioners often report heightened states of consciousness and profound spiritual experiences as a result of performing the Bornless Ritual. It is considered an advanced practice within the magical community, often performed after preparatory rituals such as thelesser ritual of the pentagram.[12]
In the Golden Dawn, it was used as an invocation of the knowledge and conversation of theHoly Guardian Angel. Crowley included his version of the ritual in his book "Liber Samekh". It is a core method and milestone in Thelema, and is often considered the proper preliminaryinvocation to theArs Goetia[13] since it was introduced as such by Crowley.[14]
Performing the Bornless Ritual requires meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of its components. The practitioner must begin bypurifying themselves through bathing and donning ritual garments, followed by theconsecration of the ritual space with incense and the drawing ofprotective symbols. The ritual proceeds with the chanting of theinvocation, during which the practitioner must focus intensely on thewords and their meanings. The use of specific gestures and movements can enhance the ritual's effectiveness, aligning the practitioner's body and mind with the invocation's spiritual intent.[15]
At the climax of the ritual is the powerful invocation of the Bornless One, a key segment that exemplifies the depth and complexity of the ritual. This climactic invocation as translated from the text byHans Dieter Betz reads:
I am the headless daimon with my sight in my feet; [I am] the mighty one [who possesses] the immortal fire; I am the truth who hates the fact that unjust deeds are done in the world; I am the one who makes the lightning flash and the thunder roll; I am the one whose sweat is the heavy rain which falls upon the earth that it might be inseminated; I am the one whose mouth burns completely; I am the one who begets and destroys; I am the Favor of theAion; my name is a heart encircled by a serpent; come forth and follow.[1]
Variations of the ritual exist, allowing for adaptations to different traditions and personal preferences, but the core elements remain consistent. Common challenges include maintaining concentration and navigating the intense energies invoked, which can be overwhelming for the unprepared practitioner. However, with practice and experience, these challenges can be managed effectively. The Bornless Ritual demands a high level of commitment and discipline, but its rewards in terms of spiritual empowerment and enlightenment make it a cornerstone ofceremonial magic practice.[16]
Practitioners often report a heightened sense of spiritual clarity and connection, experiencingvisions or insights during and after the ritual. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the invocation induces atrance-like state, facilitating deepermeditation andintrospection. This process can lead to significant personal transformations, as the practitioner confronts and transcends inner obstacles.[17] Practitioners may also use it to integrate their spirituality into their daily lives and navigate their feelings about their place within the cosmos.[18]
In modern esoteric practice, the Bornless Ritual is often integrated into intensive retreat settings to potentiate its effects. Inspired by theAbramelin operation, these retreats can span several months. Crowley developed a six-month version detailed in "Liber VIII".[19] During these retreats, practitioners focus intensively on the ritual, aiming to achieve theKnowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. The extended period of focused practice allows for deeper spiritual engagement and transformation, enhancing the ritual's efficacy and impact.[9]
Reports from practitioners who have undertaken these intensive retreats often mention profound psychological and spiritual experiences. Many practitioners describe encounters withJungian archetypes, which are symbolic representations of universal human experiences and emotions. These archetypes can emerge during the deep meditative and trance states induced by the ritual, providing insights into the practitioner'sunconscious mind.[20]
Additionally, some practitioners report experiencingatavistic resurgence, where ancient, primal aspects of thepsyche surface during the ritual. These experiences can be both enlightening and challenging, as they confront practitioners with deeply buried aspects of their psyche that require integration and understanding. The intensive nature of the retreat amplifies these experiences.[21]
Scholarly interest in the Bornless Ritual spans various disciplines, includingreligious studies,anthropology, andpsychology. Researchers analyze its historical roots, comparing it with similar rituals across different cultures and epochs. Academic studies often focus on the ritual's linguistic and symbolic components, exploring their psychological impacts and the mechanisms by which they inducealtered states of consciousness.[18]
While scholars critiqueefficacy of prayer from a scientific perspective, others acknowledge its cultural and spiritual significance, contributing to a broader understanding of esoteric practices. Jake Stratton-Kent has produced a robust analysis, examining its historical and practical aspects in detail.[2]Richard Kaczynski's work on Aleister Crowley and Thelema also provides valuable insights into the ritual's context and evolution.[9] Contemporary researchers continue to explore its applications and adaptations in modern occultism, examining how the ritual evolves and maintains its relevance.[22]
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