Nicole Explains It All

Welcome to the study of Western occultism. This glossary is designed to be your first step into a world of profound and often complex ideas. For centuries, philosophers and magicians have sought to understand the hidden connections between the divine, the cosmos, and the natural world. This pursuit, often shrouded in symbol and allegory, has its own unique language.

This guide provides a foundational vocabulary to help you navigate these traditions. The terms are not listed alphabetically but are grouped by theme, starting with the core philosophies and moving outward to the structures of the cosmos, its inhabitants, and the practices used to interact with them. This approach will help you build a coherent framework for understanding this rich and fascinating field of study.

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1. Foundational Philosophies & Concepts

These are the core ideas upon which magical practice is built, describing the art itself and the universal laws that magicians believe govern reality.

1. Magic (The Art) Magic, or “The Art,” is a sublime and sacred philosophy for understanding the occult (hidden) virtues of all things. It is not mere sorcery or trickery, but rather the most absolute perfection of all philosophy. It is traditionally divided into three interconnected parts:
   • Natural Philosophy: The study of the nature of things in the world, their causes, and effects.
   • Mathematical Philosophy: The study of the properties and virtues of things derived from numbers, figures, and harmonies.
   • Theological Philosophy: The study of God, divine powers, angels, and spirits, upon which all other aspects of magic depend.
2. Types of Magic Magic is broadly categorized into three main practices, ranging from working with the natural world to interacting with celestial and divine powers.
   • Natural Magic: This is the art of using the inherent “occult virtues” found in natural objects such as stones, herbs, metals, and animals. It works by understanding the sympathies and antipathies in nature and applying “actives to passives” to produce wonderful effects.
   • Celestial or Talismanic Magic: This branch focuses on harnessing the influence of the stars and planets. By creating seals, images, rings, and talismans at astrologically opportune times, the magician seeks to capture and direct specific celestial virtues for a desired purpose.
   • Ceremonial Magic (or Theurgia): Considered the highest form of magic, this art involves divine rites, prayers, consecrations, and invocations to attract and communicate with spiritual and celestial beings, such as angels. It is a path of divine seeking, aiming to unite the human soul with higher powers.
3. The Spirit of the World (Quintessence) This is a vital, universal spirit that flows from the “Soul of the World” and acts as a medium connecting all of creation. It is described as a “quintessence” because it is not one of the four base elements (earth, air, fire, water) but a fifth, celestial element that permeates everything. This spirit infuses all physical things—stones, herbs, metals, and animals—with their specific occult virtues.
4. Occult Virtues These are the hidden, secret properties within natural things. They are not immediately obvious to the five senses but are the source of a thing’s true magical power. These virtues are infused into matter by the celestial bodies (stars and planets) through the medium of the Spirit of the World.
5. Sympathy and Antipathy These are the two fundamental principles that govern the interactions between objects in natural magic. They are the invisible forces of attraction and repulsion that exist throughout the cosmos.

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These foundational concepts of magic operate within a universe that is seen as a highly structured, multi-layered cosmos.

2. The Structure of the Cosmos

Magicians view the universe not as a random void, but as a structured, hierarchical reality, an ordered ladder of creation stretching from the divine to the material.

1. The Sephiroth In the Cabalistic tradition, the Sephiroth are the ten most sacred names of God, or the divine emanations, through which His incomprehensible essence flows down into creation. These attributes act as instruments that influence all things, from the highest angels to the lowest elements. The angelic choirs correspond to and are influenced by these divine emanations. Examples include:
   • Tiphereth: (Beauty) — Corresponding angelical order: Malachim (Kings)
   • Geburah: (Power or Fortitude) — Corresponding angelical order: Seraphim (Fiery Serpents)
   • Netzach: (Victory) — Corresponding angelical order: Elohim (Gods)
2. The Celestial Spheres The cosmos is structured into a series of concentric spheres, each associated with a planet and governed by specific spiritual intelligences. These spheres are the channels through which celestial virtues descend to Earth. The seven planetary spheres are:
   • Saturn
   • Jupiter
   • Mars
   • Sun
   • Venus
   • Mercury
   • Moon
3. The Zodiac The Zodiac is the belt of twelve celestial signs that encircles the heavens, through which the planets move. Each sign possesses its own unique nature and influence. The twelve signs are:
   • Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
4. The Mansions of the Moon The Zodiac is further divided into 28 sections known as the Mansions of the Moon. As the Moon passes through one of these mansions each day, it takes on the specific magical properties of that mansion. A magician performs rituals or creates talismans when the Moon is in a mansion that is favorable to the intended work.
   • Example: “The fourth, called Aldeboran…causeth destruction and hindrances.”
   • Example: “The twenty-fifth…favours besieging and revenge; it destroys enemies, and causes divorce.”

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This cosmic map is not empty but is populated by a vast and complex hierarchy of spiritual beings.

3. The Inhabitants of the Cosmos

The magical universe is a vibrant and populated reality, inhabited by a vast hierarchy of non-corporeal beings, from divine messengers to elemental forces.

1. Angels Angels are super-celestial, intelligible substances who are the holy ministers of God. They are described as messengers, governors, and protectors of humanity, driving away evil spirits and corroborating the human spirit towards good. Angels are organized into hierarchies or “choirs,” such as the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The seven planets are each governed by a primary angel:
   • Michael (rules the Sun)
   • Raphael (rules Mercury)
   • Gabriel (rules the Moon)
   • Anael (rules Venus)
   • Zadkiel/Zachariel (rules Jupiter)
   • Camael/Zamael (rules Mars)
   • Zaphiel/Oriphael (rules Saturn)
2. Demons (or Evil Spirits) These are spirits who are enemies of God and humanity. They often inhabit the “inferior world” (the realm beneath the Moon) or the elements themselves. Their primary functions are to tempt, accuse, deceive, and invent all manner of wickedness. Some texts name prominent rulers such as Lucifer, Astaroth, and Beelzebub. Other traditions, such as the Lemegeton, name a different set of rulers: four great kings set over the four cardinal points of the world:
   • Amaymon (King of the East)
   • Corson (King of the West)
   • Zimimay or Ziminair (King of the North)
   • Gaap (King of the South)
3. Spirits “Spirit” is a broad term for various non-corporeal beings that a magician might seek to interact with. These can be categorized by their nature and domain:
   • Planetary Spirits: Beings associated with the specific virtues and powers of the seven planets.
   • Elemental Spirits: Beings that inhabit the four elements. They are categorized as fiery, airy, watery, and earthly.
   • Spirits of the Dead (Shades/Ghosts): The souls of deceased humans, especially those who died violently or were improperly buried. These souls are said to wander about their former bodies and can be called forth by the art of Necromancy.
4. Genius (or Demon of Nativity) This is a personal keeper, preserver, or “demon of nativity” assigned to every person at their birth. It is given by the stars and the celestial arrangement at the moment of one’s birth. To live prosperously and carry out one’s affairs happily, it is considered essential to know one’s Genius, understand its nature, and follow the path to which it leads.

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Magicians developed specific practices and created specialized tools to communicate with and command these various spiritual beings.

4. The Art of Magic: Practices & Tools

Ceremonial Magic is an exacting art that relies on specific preparations, rituals, and consecrated tools to ensure the safety of the operator and the efficacy of the operation.

1. Preparation of the Magician Before undertaking any magical operation, the magician (or “Karcist”) must purify themselves both physically and spiritually. This preparation creates a worthy state to interact with spiritual forces. Key requirements include:
   • Abstinence from sensual pleasures and chastity for a set period, often nine days.
   • Fasting and frequent prayer.
   • Ritual bathing in consecrated water.
   • Wearing clean, white linen vestments, symbolic of purity.
2. The Magical Circle The Magical Circle is a consecrated and fortified space that protects the magician from evil or uncontrolled spirits during a ritual. It is not merely drawn on the ground but is ritually constructed and purified. Divine and angelic names are written around its circumference to act as a spiritual barrier, ensuring that no spirit can harm the operator or disobey their commands.
3. Magical Tools The instruments of the Art are not mundane objects but are specially prepared and consecrated extensions of the magician’s will.
   • Sword, Knife, or Sickle: A consecrated blade, often with a white or black hilt, used for tracing the circle and commanding spirits, but never for drawing blood or performing a sacrifice.
   • Wand or Rod: A baton made from a specific wood (e.g., Hazel that has never borne fruit) cut with a single stroke at an astrologically precise time, engraved with sacred characters, and used to direct magical energy.
   • Pentacle: A symbol (most often the Pentacle of Solomon) drawn on specially prepared parchment or engraved on metal. It is shown to spirits to compel them to take a comely and fair human shape and be obedient.
   • Seal or Character: A specific sign, signature, or symbol that represents a particular spirit, angel, or celestial power. These are used in invocations and inscribed on talismans to attract the desired being.
   • Talisman (or Image): An object, typically a stone or metal plate, engraved with celestial characters or figures under a fortunate astrological configuration. A properly constructed talisman is believed to capture a specific planetary or stellar virtue and radiate it for a desired effect.
   • Virgin Parchment: Specially prepared parchment made from the skin of a young, “virgin” animal (such as a lamb or kid) that has not yet mated. It is used for writing characters, seals, conjurations, and pentacles.

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These tools and preparations are brought together in the performance of specific magical actions.

5. Key Actions in Magic

These terms describe the specific actions a magician performs during a ritual to purify their space, communicate with spirits, and achieve their goals.

1. Consecration This is the sacred act of purifying and dedicating a place, tool, or substance (such as water, fire, oil, or salt) to a divine purpose. The act typically involves prayers, sprinkling with exorcised holy water, anointing with holy oil, and fumigating with blessed incense, thereby removing all impurities and preparing the object to receive celestial virtue.
2. Invocation / Conjuration These terms refer to the act of calling upon spiritual beings to appear and communicate. Though sometimes used interchangeably, they often imply different approaches based on the nature of the spirit being called.
   • Invocation: The act of calling upon higher beings like gods and angels through devout prayer. The magician’s attitude is one of reverent supplication, asking for the being’s assistance.
   • Conjuration (or Exorcism): The act of compelling lower spirits and demons to appear and obey. The magician’s attitude is one of authoritative command, using divine names, sacred seals, and threats of divine punishment to bind the spirit to their will.
3. Divination This is the art of foretelling future events or discovering hidden knowledge through various means. Magicians believed that insights could be gained by interpreting patterns in the four elements:
   • Pyromancy: Divination by observing fire, flames, smoke, and embers.
   • Hydromancy: Divination by observing water, such as the ripples in a basin or the forms seen in a crystal vial.
   • Aeromancy: Divination by observing the air, such as cloud shapes, wind patterns, or rainbows.
   • Geomancy: Divination by interpreting patterns made from casting dirt, stones, or making marks upon the earth.
4. Fascination This is the act of binding or influencing another person’s spirit through the power of one’s own sight. It is described as a powerful form of bewitching performed by “evil eyes.” The spirit of the fascinator, concentrated through a vehement imagination, is said to strike the eye of the victim, travel to their heart, and wound it, thus overpowering their spirit and binding them to the fascinator’s will.
5. License to Depart This is the formal, ritual dismissal of a spirit after an operation has been successfully completed and the magician has obtained what they desired. It is a crucial step that ensures the spirit returns to its own abode peacefully and without causing any harm. The spirit is commanded to depart without causing terror, noise, or leaving a foul odor.