The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)

The pentagram is an important image in magic. It symbolizes the four elements of nature (air, water, fire, earth) in balance and harmony, governed by a fifth: spirit.

One of the core practices in Western ceremonial magic is The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP). Established by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the 19th century, it is said to cleanse energies, banish spirits, strengthen auras, and help you become more confident in your magic and life. I've found that performing one each morning and evening balances my emotions and causes me to "bounce back" from bad moods faster. It also brings those negative emotions into sharper focus and allows me to confront and process them better.

In occult traditions "vibrating" words refers to a specific technique of intentionally vocalizing sacred words, names, or phrases in a powerful and resonant manner to produce spiritual effects. This is a deliberate method, no merely speaking or dramatic shouting, that combines sound with breath and visualization and focused Will to create vibrational impact. This is how we intone the words of the ritual.

The magic words in the LBRP call on certain symbols and energies. There are many adaptations, some using angels, some calling on specific traditional names for elemental spirits. As long as the words you choose work with the same symbolic meanings, the ritual is just as effective. This is my own adaptation that I use. Originally, the spirits called upon were Abrahamic Archangels that correspond to compass directions and elemental energies. Anything that encompasses the elements in this way will work for the LBRP ritual.

Note: To draw a banishing pentagram of Earth, start at the bottom left point and begin drawing by moving UP to the MIDDLE POINT.

Part One: The Kabbalistic Cross #

1. Touch your forehead. Vibrate the sound AH-TAY
2. Point down to the earth. Vibrate the sound MAL-KOOT
3. Touch your right shoulder. Vibrate the sound VEH-GEB-OO-RAH
4. Touch your left shoulder. Vibrate the sound VEH-GED-OO-LAH
5. Press your hands together at your chest. Vibrate the sound LEE-OH-LAM AH-MEN

Part Two: The Pentagrams #

1. Facing the East, use a wand or extended index finger to draw a banishing pentagram of Earth in the air before you. Point at its center and vibrate the sound YOHD-HEY-VAHV-HEY
2. Draw a line connecting to the South. Facing South, draw a banishing pentagram of Earth. Point at its center and vibrate the sound AH-DOH-NAH-EE
3. Draw a line connecting to the West. Facing West, draw a banishing pentagram of Earth. Point at its center and vibrate the sound EH-HEY-YEH.
4. Draw a line connecting to the North. Facing North, draw a banishing pentagram of Earth. Point at its center and vibrate the sound AH-GLAH.
5. Draw a line connecting back to the East, completing the circle.

Part Three: Evocation of the Elements #

1. Lift your arms straight out to your sides in the shape of a cross with your palms facing forward.
2. Say, sing, or vibrate:
   

   Before me, Aerem (EYE-rem).
   Behind me, Aquam. (AH-quam)
   On my right hand, Ignem. (IG-nem)
   On my left hand, Terram. (TAY-rom)
   For about me flames the pentagram,
   And within me shines the six-rayed star.

Part Four: Repeat the Kabbalistic Cross #

This can be adapted into an invoking ritual by tracing invoking pentagrams instead of banishing.

I've heard it said of magical practice that you should follow a system for a time, even the parts that you don't like, before you judge that system to be suited for your needs or not. Routine is important, and so is sticking with it. Try a ritual routine for a while, and adapt it as needed while remaining true to its symbols and energies.

Personally, I never cared for the idea of the Kabbalistic Cross or the words it uses, nor the words intoned during the pentagram portion, but I stuck with it as a part of my rituals, and the routine has benefitted me. It seems to help with negativity. I don't care if it's a placebo, or a delusion, or if it really changes the energies around and within me. Performing it regularly has improved my life.

~[MD]