Up and Down

This week I finished a lengthy process of ascending and descending the ladder of lights, which is the say the planets. It was a lengthy process mainly because of the structure that I used to approach this work of following the Chaldean order of the planets starting with the Moon and working my way up until I reach Saturn, which is a two week process of skipping days, and then following the order back down, with Saturn at the beginning until I reached the moon again, which was a six week process. However, I found the whole experience to be worth while, as I was more able to see the work of the planetary spirits and energies of a specific type manifest in my life and shape the blessings. I also feel that for a moment I touched at the gates of the 8^th sphere, the sphere beyond Saturn, the starry realm.

The main spirits that I called up for this extended working were the 7 Olympic spirits named in the Arbatel of Magic. I have always found these spirits interesting, and their method of summoning and communion very accessible, as it requires only some spiritual authority and a prayer. As I climbed the ladder I asked for blessings and initiations into their respective planetary realms to better connect with the forces and to grow in understanding them. It also felt like the right thing to do, as each step was followed by another step up, seemingly passing through gates leading higher and higher. The passage down was slower, and more about gaining specific directions and guidance from the spirits about my life, about things I can do and how I can help manifest each influence more concretely into my life. A process of enlightenment and empowerment.

The method used in ascending was starting at the hour of the day, usually in the morning, a simple tea light was dressed with planetary oil and some planetary incense was burned. A recitation of the relevant Orphic hymn, followed by the prayer to call upon the related Olympic spirit, whose seal was already present with the candle. A moment of communion and the request for blessing and initiation, followed by resting in the experience, and then thanking the spirit for their aid and asking for their continued favor as they depart.

The method on the descent was a little more involved. This also took place on the day and hour, often in the morning. Along with the tea light, a large candle in a related planetary color and fixed with planetary oil, and planetary incense. This was followed with the Orphic hymn, and other various prayers and evocations to the planets from a mix of sources. Then the conjuration of the Olympic spirit and a period of communion with them, asking for guidance and instruction. Some gave instruction for further personal work, others made suggestions about current event in life and how best to navigate them, others offered enlightenment and inspiration about life in general.

In some ways the blessings gained from this work continue to manifest in small ways. From simple things like feeling aligned with the rhythm of creation on a daily basis, to coming across further knowledge that points me in directions to continue to deepen and expand my spiritual practice.

If you have never climbed the ladder of lights, I highly recommend it, no matter what your tradition or practice comes from. I think it can only ultimately bring blessings on good fortune to you life.