The Ecclesia Ogdoadica, public religious branch of the Order of Aurum Solis, transmits a magical teaching of great importance. Icons, or magical statues, hold a central place in this teaching. The study that we present to you here is an external text which can be easily used by all. For this reason, the techniques used are completely accessible, whatever your level of practice. However, they are extremely effective and you will feel their force immediately. It will be easy for you to adapt this structure to the male or female divinity whom you wish to worship. Obviously you can bless any icon/statue in this way, whatever the religion to which they belong.

 

The two sorts of worship:

First of all, it is necessary to distinguish two types of worship of statues.

1- The first corresponds to a true animation of the statues by calling upon various theurgic techniques that we will have the occasion to approach in the next issue. This form of worship was formerly practised in the temples of old Egypt, certain Greek places of worship and within the Schools of Mysteries such as the Order of Aurum Solis and the Ecclesia Ogdoadica. The practice consists of causing the power from God to descend into his representation, in order to enable him to reside there. These precise rites were and sometimes still are used while offering prayers to God, who is present in this Iconic form. Daily prayers and offerings, usually given at sunrise and sunset, indicate this special relationship between the priest and his God. However, we must emphasize the fact that this first use is rare and that we will see the second type of usage of traditional icons much more often.

 

2- In the second form of practice, the statue is the symbolic representation of whatever the chosen divinity represents to the worshipper. That is, the worshipped divinity is not really present in the icon, (in contrast to the first method). The symbolism of the statue allows the worshipper to attach their subconscious mind to the power of their God in a spontaneous and immediate way. It is thus a means whereby, or an intermediary, which enables us to channel our worship to some extent. Yet we do not wish to imply that the icon has no sacred value. The prayer that we spontaneously offer in its direction is already a form of worship, but is obviously insufficient to draw the deity into the icon.

Out of respect, the icon must be secluded from the profane world, and regularly worshipped as the representation of the divine presence that is always with us. It is interesting to note that regular worship makes it possible to accentuate, or even to enhance the icon’s virtue as an intermediary, at the same time as amplifying the quasi magical relationship existing between the divinity and her representation. Our prayers, words or requests will then have a direct effect on the divine power.

We now present to you the general structure of the ritual, which you will be able to adapt to your personal needs, by modifying the prayers, names, incenses, perfumes and colours according to the divinity you want to bless.

Today we have access to any number of excellent iconic statues, including statues of ancient deities as well as “modern” divinities, so that you may even bless a statue representing a still existing religion. We advise you to choose one or two divinities that correspond to your aspirations, or with which you feel a spontaneous relationship. In the pagan tradition, it is generally wise to choose two divinities: male and female. But this practice is flexible according to the dictates of your needs of the moment. Each person must feel perfectly free in making this choice, which should be in response to only one major desire: a spontaneous and immediate sensitivity to the deity chosen. Choosing the deity from the desires of your heart will enable your intellect free expression in choosing the symbol that best represents your chosen deity. However, the most important aspect is the pleasure of seeing this divinity and your involvement with it/her/him. There are no limitations on the deity you may select. Paganism simply makes it possible to add divinities (and statues to represent those divinities) if you feel the need to do so at any given time. One could even choose divinities/icons representing Christianity... All is possible!... You can find representations of divinities in the shops which specialize in reproductions at the national museums, or, perhaps if you will want to make a voyage to Greece to find an icon, or, more simply, you may find many excellent artistic reproductions online and elsewhere.

 

Start by defining, as much as it is possible, the colour that you relate to the divinity. A collection of canons or formulas appeared at the end of the Renaissance period that specified, for example, seven divinities corresponding to seven principal traditional planets. With each deity there are attributed specific correspondences which we will point out below. If you are in doubt, you may select an icon that more nearly represents your chosen deity by looking at the planetary characteristics associated with that divinity in the table below.

However, before you begin, it is first necessary to consider the myth and the history which is attached to your God or Goddess. In general, (below) you will find a brief summary of the information which is necessary for you to begin the process of clarifying the nature of your chosen deity and selecting the appropriate representative statue for it. Many excellent texts on mythology also exist to help you in this research.

 

1- Choose the colour, perfume, offerings, the various names and the possible prayers which are or were formerly used. To assist you, you may use the summary of correspondences given at the end of this text.

2- Make an adaptation of the prayers if they appear too old or too antiquated for you,… Reformulate those texts by rewriting them in your own words, but make every effort to preserve the sounds and the words of power that are sacred to that deity. In fact the adaptation must more correspond to an appropriation than to a new formulation. So, It is equally necessary that you maintain a fresh style, while retaining the original poetry and the force necessary to empower your adaptation. The ancient texts routinely pointed out facts from the legend of that God or Goddess to which it was devoted, and it is good for us to do the same. As previously mentioned, the name of a deity holds considerable power for the chosen deity.

3- Choose the moment of the year or the day during which the dedication will have to be made. Always use the myths associated with this divinity, or choose from the symbolic correspondence systems. For example: the lunar Goddess of Selena will be dedicated on the evening of the first quarter of the moon, Diana at the time of full moon, Hecate at the time of the black moon and both in spring, when the savage animals start to run wild in the forests again. Amon-Ra will be devoted at the exact moment when the sun rises or at the moment when it is at its apogee. Thor or Zeus’s dedications must be performed outside during a storm, etc.

4- Prepare water and a little sea salt in two different containers.

5- At the chosen time, put the statue on a plate of stone or marble in the direction which corresponds to the god, or, if in doubt, put the statue in the East.

6- Using a vessel large enough to immerse the icon, or a water cup if the icon is too large, extend your hands above the water holding in your mind the intention to intensify the water’s capacity, by focusing on its most sacred and pure nature.

Begin your invocation:

"From time immemorial, water has been considered the purifying element which erases any stain. You, liquid and universal matrix to which I address myself, hear me. Become again what you were at the beginning of time, when all beings were born in you. Purify and sanctify this statue which I wash with you. In this way, it /she/he can receive in her all the forces of the God or the Goddess whom it represents "

Take a little salt and spread it into the water while saying:

"You, salt, of which every living being is composed, cause your invisible structure, mixed with this pure water, to give life to all that will be immersed in you."

Extend your hands above the water while visualizing an indissoluble union between these two elements, which inevitably occurs at the origin of any life.

7- Take the statue and wash it, if that is possible, or even immerse it completely for a few moments. If the icon is too large to submerge, then you may satisfy the requirement by sprinkling it with water. Wipe the purified icon off with a clean, white, natural vegetable fiber linen (cotton, flax). While drying it, intone:

"By the power of water, may you be purified. May each part of which you are made, be vivified and cleansed. As at the beginning of time, may salt penetrate you and give you all the elements of life which you need to begin to exist on our plane. Become, at this moment, as pure as you were at the time when your form first appeared "

8- Light the chosen incense coal and place the selected incense on the icon.

Perfume the entire statue (all sides) with the incense while saying:

"May this perfume penetrate the deepest recesses of your being and constitute the invisible body which surrounds you"

With the incense, make three clockwise circles around the statue. Make one circle at the level of the feet of the statue, the next at the median level and the last at the highest level of the icon. Finish this part by depositing the incense in front of the icon and letting it burn there.

9- Invoke the divinity whom this statue represents and invite it to bring a part of its power to this representation.

For that, close your eyes and visualize the divinity in the place where the statue is. Then speak and explain to him or her what you are doing and explain your intention.

Light two candles which you will place slightly behind the statue, one on each side.

Begin to pray whatever prayers you have chosen to increase the psychic relationship that you desire with the divinity.

Then light a third candle which you will place between the two preceding ones.

Direct the palm of your hands towards the statue and visualize a channel of light which descends into the icon, and which is like an umbilical cord attaching it to the divinity that you have just called upon. As you visualize this energy which is concentrated in the statue, notice that the channel of light created remains, always, and is made up of the invisible one.

While maintaining this visualization, you can say:

"O you .....Name of the divinity....................... allow your power to descend at this moment into this representation. May he/she become the visible image of your invisible presence and may all that I could say to him/her or offer to him/her be said or actually offered directly to you. May this channel of light which is connected to you, remain, from this moment on, in a way both tangible and effective "

Magnetize the entire statue with your hands, visualizing its brightness, and its luminosity, on both the visible level and invisible levels.

10- Take the oil flask which was selected for the unction. Put oil on the first joint of your right forefinger, then trace a continuous oil line starting from the top of the head to the foot of the statue while skirting the spinal column.

While you proceed in this manner say:

"May the all powerful Goddess (or God)............. descend into this image and give it life"

Then place oil on its mouth while saying:

"Blessed be are these visible lips by which His/Her holy words may be spoken to me".

Then place oil on its heart while saying:

"Blessed be this heart which expresses your presence and your life" Then place oil on its lower abdomen while saying:

"Blessed be this matrix in which is born all life"

Then place oil on its feet while saying:

"Blessed are these feet by which you cross the worlds to come unto me when I address my prayers to you"

Place a little oil on the top of its head while saying:

"Become now, by the powers of this oil, the real and effective support of.......................name of the divinity...... Through you, all my prayers, words or thoughts are addressed to Him/Her directly. Thus, from this moment, you are the living and sacred representation of the Goddess (or God).................... "

11- Now pick up the clothing for the statue, or the fabric, of whatever color, which you chose as a cover for it. Surround the icon with this clothe, leaving the face or the head uncovered. Make sure that your hands are always in contact with the clothe as you say:

"I cover you with this dress which sanctifies your presence. May it be for you the pledge of the attention and the love that I carry for you "

12- Deposit your offerings of food, drink and flowers (in cups) in front of the statue while saying:

"Receive this food and this drink that I offer to you. Accept the essence of these substances so that your visible appearance and your invisible bodies are satisfied "

13- finish with a prayer addressed to the divinity. Extinguish the candles, add a little incense and leave the room where the statue is.

Your statue is now blessed and sanctified. You will be expected to have an attitude of respect in its presence. It is good to wash it regularly, so that it, as well as the place where it is, is always clean. Remember to change its clothes, and to nourish it, either daily, or at the time of it’s festivals, as well as at any moment when it seems good to you to do so. In all cases you will have to be mindful of Its care in order to draw to you (using the techniques of worship which are appropriate for that deity) the ability to be harmonized with the divine form that you have chosen as your ideal. It would, perhaps, be interesting to leave a night light in front of it and to regularly burn a perfume, or an incense. Note that this technique may be used partly for a ‘plane representation’ which, in some traditions, is called an icon.

 

You can address yourselves to Artémis while saying:

"Hear my voice, Ô Artémis, daughter of Zeus, goddess who has thousands of names, Titanide thundering, with your famous name, with your Holy bow, you who lights us with your brilliant torches, Ô Dictynna!

Even though they are not initiated to these mysteries, you protect those who give birth and you alleviate the pains of the childbirth.

O you who undo the sash, friend of divine exaltation, you who hunts with dogs and dissipates birth-pangs, hear my voice.

You who hunts in the night, running with agility while stripping your arrows,

You who makes a prisoner of my glance with your flexible and virile body,

You who welcomes, releases, and brings renown,

You, Orthia, goddess of easy childbirth, nurse of all young men, answer my call!

O I venerate you who are both Immortal and terrestrial! Hunting worthy deer, you reign in the forests and the mountains!

Holy and absolute queen, beautiful and imperishable flower, you live in the deep and mysterious woods; you who loves dogs, Kydonienne with the changing form!

Come, oh saving goddess, beloved one who is benevolent towards all her initiates, come and give me the beautiful fruits of the earth, desirable peace and continual health without flaw.

Drive all diseases and suffering off the summit off the highest mountain!

Ô Artémis, divine Goddess, huntress, I would that you come be with me at this moment! "

 

You can also imagine you in the place of Artémis as you say:

"I am the star which shines in the darkness and the twilight.

I bring life and direct the destiny of all.

Although I am known under many names,

the whole earth venerates me.

I am nature, the beauty of the earth.

Mistress of all the elements,

sovereign of all the spiritual things,

Queen of the sky and the hells,

Queen of death and immortality,

I am the unique manifestation

of all the Gods and all the Goddesses.

Listen to my words and feel my being!

Do not forget where you come from and where you are called to!

You must know that I am with you and in you,

that I am one with you.

Thus your spirit must discover the deepest mystery of life;

thus your divine nature, most secret, enfolds me in the ecstatic embrace of the infinite one! "

Another prayer with Artémis:

"O ARTEMIS, Queen of all life, Lady of the enchantments and guardian of the wild regions, hear my call! May your powers assist me and protect me!

O ARTEMIS, Lady of the lakes and virgin huntress, make that silver bow that you carry project the highest light on me! May your force, which is as able to punish as to cure, be with me during the days as yet hidden from my sight! Grant me that force! Give me freedom! Give me the light! "

 

It is quite obvious that these correspondences do not have absolute historical claims, but are the result of the research of all those who have practised these techniques. The colours, the numbers and the sounds are those which were fixed by the Western tradition starting at the historical period called the Renaissance.

 

Earth

Greek Divinities: Demeter Gallic -Celtic Divinities: Rosmerta/ Anu

Egyptian Divinities: Nephtys Number : 10

Symbols : Altar-double cube

Color : black Vowel: spontaneous sound with the mouth shut

 

Moon

Greek Divinities: Artemis/ Selene/ Hecate Gallic -Celtic Divinities: Kernunnos/ Brighit

Egyptian Divinities: Khonsu-Ta-Urt

Number 9

Symbols : Silver sickle. the Bridle. The Bow. The Silver Veil.

Colour : violet

Vowel: A

 

Mars

Greek Divinities: Ares/ Héphaïstos Gallic -Celtic Divinities:  Teutatès Egyptian Divinities:  Sekhmet Number : 5

Symbols : Lance-shield-whip-Helmet

Colour : Red

Vowel: O

 

Mercury

Greek Divinities: Hermes Gallic -Celtic Divinities:  Lugh Egyptian Divinities:  Tahuti Number : 8 Symbols : Hermetic scroll, Winged Staff, the Stylus

Colour : Orange

Vowel: é

 

Jupiter

Greek Divinities: Zeus/ Athena-Poseidon

Gallic –

Celtic Divinities:  Taranis-Daghda(Sucellus)-Mananaan Egyptian Divinities:  Hapi/ Maat/Amon Ra

Number : 4

Symbols : Oak–leaf Crown, The Horn of Abundance, The Royal Seal - Trident Colour : blue

Vowel: U

 

Venus

Greek Divinities: Aphrodite Gallic -Celtic Divinities:  Mauve Egyptian Divinities:  Hathor/ Bast

Number : 7

Symbols : Mirror, Necklace, Girdle, Seashells Colour : Green

Vowel: è

 

Saturn

Greek Divinities: Hera/ Kronos/ Aphrodite/ Ourania

Gallic -Celtic Divinities:  Donn - Danu

Egyptian Divinities:  Neith-Ptah Number : 3

Symbols : Scythe, Keys, Hourglass, Cauldron, Double Axe, Drawing Compasses Colour :  Blue- indigo

Vowel: O

 

Soleil (SOL)

Greek Divinities: Dionysos/ Hélios

Gallic

Celtic Divinities:  Oghma/ Lugh/ Mabon/ Belen

Egyptian Divinities:  Ra Number : 6

Symbols : Solar Diadem, Breastplate, Solar Sacramental Cup

Color : Yellow

Vowel: I