The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)

Purpose: The LBRP is used to clear and consecrate a space, to banish negative energies, and to create a protective barrier around the practitioner. It’s often performed at the beginning and end of a magical session.

Preparation

Dress: Wear comfortable, preferably ritual robes or clean, comfortable clothes.
Space: Ensure you have enough room to move freely in all directions.
Tools: While not strictly necessary, a dagger or your index finger can be used to trace the pentagrams.

The Ritual

1. The Kabbalistic Cross

Stand facing East.
Touch your forehead and vibrate: “Ateh” (Unto Thee)
Touch your chest and vibrate: “Malkuth” (The Kingdom)
Touch your right shoulder and vibrate: “ve-Geburah” (and the Power)
Touch your left shoulder and vibrate: “ve-Gedulah” (and the Glory)
Clasp your hands at your chest and vibrate: “le-Olahm, Amen” (forever, Amen)

2. Drawing the Pentagrams

East: Draw a banishing earth pentagram (start at the lower left, move up to the top point, then down to the right, across to the left, up to the top again, and down to the starting point). Thrust your hand or dagger through the center, vibrating: “YHVH” (Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh, or Tetragrammaton).

Move to the South, drawing an imaginary line, and repeat the pentagram, this time vibrating: “Adonai“.

Move to the West, and vibrate: “Eheieh” with the pentagram.

Move to the North, and vibrate: “AGLA” (Atah Gibor Leolam Adonai).

3. Calling the Archangels

Still facing East, extend your arms in a cross posture:

Say: “Before me, Raphael; Behind me, Gabriel; On my right hand, Michael; On my left hand, Auriel.”

For above and below, add: “Above me the Flaming Star; Below me the Abyss of the Earth.”
Conclude with: “For about me flames the Pentagram, and within me shines the six-rayed Star.“

4. Repeat the Kabbalistic Cross

To seal the ritual, repeat the Kabbalistic Cross as described above.

Visual Aids

Diagram of the Earth Banishing Pentagram

Diagram of the Circle of Archangels

Notes

Pronunciation: The Hebrew names can be challenging; approximate pronunciations are given.

Visualization: As you perform each step, visualize what you are saying or doing as vividly as possible.

Breath: Coordinate your breath with the vibrations; inhale deeply before vibrating each name.

Practice: The LBRP can be practiced daily for personal protection, clearing, and spiritual development.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use this ritual for any tradition?
A: While it originates from the Golden Dawn, many adapt it for various practices. Consider the intent and symbology if blending with other systems.

Q: What if I make a mistake during the ritual?
A: Intent is key. If you make an error, continue with focus on the purpose of the ritual. You might repeat the ritual to ensure it’s done correctly if you feel it necessary.