The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) is one of the most well-known and widely practiced rituals in Western ceremonial magic. It serves as both a protective and purifying rite, used to clear a space of unwanted influences and to establish a sacred space for further magical work. This blog post will look into the history, symbolism, and detailed instructions on how to perform the LBRP, providing a thorough understanding of this powerful ritual, I came across this around 10 years ago now and Iv put together everything I know on the topic in this Blog together with resources for further reading at the end…..

History of the LBRP

The LBRP has its origins in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a magical society founded in the late 19th century. The Golden Dawn synthesized various elements of Western esoteric traditions, including Kabbalah, astrology, alchemy, and ceremonial magic. The LBRP was designed as a foundational practice for members, serving as a daily ritual to develop discipline, focus, and spiritual protection.

For more info on Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn see the Post Here

One of the key figures in the development of the Golden Dawn and the LBRP was Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. Along with William Wynn Westcott and William Robert Woodman, Mathers was instrumental in shaping the teachings and rituals of the order. The LBRP, in particular, reflects Mathers’ deep understanding of Kabbalistic and Hermetic principles.

See another post here for more info on Hermetics

Purpose and Benefits of the LBRP

The primary purpose of the LBRP is to banish negative energies and influences from the practitioner’s environment. This includes not only external entities or energies but also internal states of mind that may hinder spiritual progress. By performing the LBRP regularly, practitioners can:

• Create a protected and purified space for magical and spiritual work
• Strengthen their connection to the divine and their higher self
• Develop concentration, visualisation, and ritual skills
• Balance and harmonise their energy bodies

Components of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)

The LBRP consists of several key components, each with its own symbolic and practical significance. These components include:

1. The Qabalistic Cross
2. The Formulation of the Pentagrams
3. The Evocation of the Archangels
4. The Qabalistic Cross (Closing)

The Qabalistic Cross

The ritual begins and ends with the Qabalistic Cross, a short invocation that centres and aligns the practitioner with the divine. This invocation involves the following steps:

1. Touch the forehead and say, “Ateh” (Thou art).
2. Touch the chest and say, “Malkuth” (The Kingdom).
3. Touch the right shoulder and say, “ve-Geburah” (and the Power).
4. Touch the left shoulder and say, “ve-Gedulah” (and the Glory).
5. Clasp the hands at the chest and say, “le-Olahm, Amen” (forever, Amen).

This invocation draws on Kabbalistic concepts and establishes a connection with the divine light, creating a protective shield around the practitioner.

The Formulation of the Pentagrams

The next step involves drawing pentagrams at the four cardinal points (east, south, west, and north) while invoking specific divine names. Each pentagram is drawn in the air with the index finger or a ritual dagger, visualizing it as a blazing blue flame. The steps are as follows:

1. Face East and draw a banishing pentagram (starting from the bottom left point, moving to the top, and so on).
2. Thrust the finger or dagger into the center of the pentagram and vibrate “Yod-He-Vav-He” (YHVH).
3. Turn to the South and repeat, vibrating “Adonai.”
4. Turn to the West and repeat, vibrating “Eheieh.”
5. Turn to the North and repeat, vibrating “Agla.”
6. Return to the East and complete the circle by connecting the pentagrams with a line of light.

These divine names are powerful invocations that call upon different aspects of the divine, reinforcing the protective barrier created by the pentagrams.

See a post on Witchcraft Magickal Tools Here

The Evocation of the Archangels

After formulating the pentagrams, the practitioner invokes the archangels to guard the four quarters. This step involves visualising the archangels standing at each cardinal point, their presence forming a circle of protection around the practitioner:

1. Extend the arms to form a cross and say:
   • “Before me, Raphael” (visualise a figure in yellow robes, holding a caduceus, associated with air).
   • “Behind me, Gabriel” (visualise a figure in blue robes, holding a chalice, associated with water).
   • “On my right hand, Michael” (visualise a figure in red robes, holding a sword, associated with fire).
   • “On my left hand, Uriel” (visualise a figure in green robes, holding a sheaf of wheat, associated with earth).
2. Say: “For about me flames the pentagram, and within me shines the six-rayed star.”

This invocation not only calls upon the protective forces of the archangels but also aligns the practitioner with the elemental forces and the divine presence within.

The Qabalistic Cross (Closing)

The ritual concludes with a repetition of the Qabalistic Cross, sealing the protective circle and reinforcing the connection to the divine.

Performing the LBRP: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the components and symbolism of the LBRP, let’s go through the complete ritual step-by-step:

1. Stand facing East, in a calm and quiet space. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
2. Perform the Qabalistic Cross:
   • Touch your forehead and say, “Ateh.”
   • Touch your chest and say, “Malkuth.”
   • Touch your right shoulder and say, “ve-Geburah.”
   • Touch your left shoulder and say, “ve-Gedulah.”
   • Clasp your hands at your chest and say, “le-Olahm, Amen.”
3. Formulate the Pentagrams:
   • Face East. Draw a banishing pentagram in the air with your finger or dagger.
   • Thrust into the center and vibrate “Yod-He-Vav-He.”
   • Turn to the South. Draw the banishing pentagram, vibrate “Adonai.”
   • Turn to the West. Draw the banishing pentagram, vibrate “Eheieh.”
   • Turn to the North. Draw the banishing pentagram, vibrate “Agla.”
   • Return to the East, connecting the pentagrams with a line of light.
4. Evocation of the Archangels:
   • Extend your arms to form a cross. Say:
     • “Before me, Raphael.”
     • “Behind me, Gabriel.”
     • “On my right hand, Michael.”
     • “On my left hand, Uriel.”
   • Visualise the archangels surrounding you, forming a protective circle.
   • Say: “For about me flames the pentagram, and within me shines the six-rayed star.”
5. Perform the Qabalistic Cross (Closing):
   • Touch your forehead and say, “Ateh.”
   • Touch your chest and say, “Malkuth.”
   • Touch your right shoulder and say, “ve-Geburah.”
   • Touch your left shoulder and say, “ve-Gedulah.”
   • Clasp your hands at your chest and say, “le-Olahm, Amen.”

Symbolism of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)

The LBRP is rich in symbolism, drawing from Kabbalistic, Hermetic, and elemental traditions. Understanding these symbols enhances the ritual’s effectiveness and deepens your spiritual connection.

The Qabalistic Cross

The Qabalistic Cross centres the practitioner within the Tree of Life, a central symbol in Kabbalah representing the divine structure of the universe. The invocation aligns the practitioner with the divine light, establishing a sacred space and reinforcing their connection to the divine.

• Ateh: Represents the divine presence, the higher self.
• Malkuth: The physical world, the Kingdom.
• ve-Geburah: The divine power and strength.
• ve-Gedulah: The divine glory and magnificence.
• le-Olahm, Amen: Eternity, affirming the connection with the eternal divine light.

The Pentagrams

The pentagrams are powerful symbols of protection and control over the elements. In the LBRP, the banishing pentagrams are used to clear the space of unwanted influences and establish a purified environment.

• Yod-He-Vav-He (YHVH): The Tetragrammaton, representing the divine presence and authority.
• Adonai: A name of God, meaning “Lord,” associated with divine authority.
• Eheieh: “I Am,” the divine name associated with the Kether, the highest point on the Tree of Life.
• Agla: An acronym for “Ateh Gibor Le-Olam Adonai,” meaning “Thou art mighty forever, O Lord.”

The Archangels

The archangels represent the four cardinal directions and the elemental forces, providing protection and balance.

• Raphael: Associated with the element of air, representing intellect and communication.
• Gabriel: Associated with the element of water, representing emotions and intuition.
• Michael: Associated with the element of fire, representing courage and transformation.
• Uriel: Associated with the element of earth, representing stability and strength.

See the Mystic Realm Blog post on Archangels Here

The Six-Rayed Star

The six-rayed star, or hexagram, symbolises the union of the divine and the human, the macrocosm and the microcosm. It represents the practitioner’s divine nature and the integration of their higher self with their earthly existence.

Resources for Further Study

For those interested in exploring the LBRP and related practices further, here are some recommended resources:

Books

1. “The Golden Dawn” by Israel Regardie: This comprehensive work details the teachings and rituals of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, including the LBRP.
2. “Modern Magick” by Donald Michael Kraig: A practical guide to modern ceremonial magic, including step-by-step instructions for the LBRP and other foundational rituals.
3. “The Middle Pillar” by Israel Regardie: Explores the Kabbalistic foundations of Western esoteric practices, including detailed explanations of the LBRP.
4. “High Magic: Theory & Practice” by Frater U.D.: Provides an in-depth look at various magical practices, including the LBRP.

Websites

1. Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: The official site of the modern Golden Dawn, offering resources and information on their teachings and practices.
   • Golden Dawn
2. Esoteric Archives: A collection of historical texts and manuscripts related to Western esotericism, including the Golden Dawn materials.
   • Esoteric Archives

Online Communities

1. Reddit: r/Occult: A subreddit for discussions on all aspects of occultism, including ceremonial magic and the LBRP.
   • Reddit r/Occult

Conclusion of The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is a foundational practice in Western ceremonial magic, offering protection, purification, and spiritual alignment. By understanding its history, symbolism, and steps, practitioners can harness its power to create a sacred space for their magical and spiritual work.

Regular practice of the LBRP not only enhances your ritual skills but also strengthens your connection to the divine, providing a solid foundation for your spiritual journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the LBRP is an invaluable tool in your magical arsenal.