Banishing

What it is

In the realm of ceremonial magic, banishing describes a specific category of ritual action aimed at clearing a designated space. Practitioners perform these rites to eliminate non-physical influences, which can range from disembodied spirits to abstract negative forces. While often embedded within larger, more intricate ceremonies, these actions can also stand alone as complete procedures. The practice functions as a core technique for establishing spiritual cleanliness, typically serving as a mandatory first step before any attempt at consecration or the summoning of entities.

Where it comes from

The formalization of these rites is deeply tied to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a late nineteenth-century magical society. Within this organization, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram holds significant weight. New initiates, known as Neophytes, are required to master this specific rite before they are permitted to advance to the higher grade of Zelator. This structured approach established a standardized method for spiritual clearance that influenced later Western esoteric traditions.

How it is done

Practitioners employ several distinct forms of banishing, including the Greater and Lesser Banishing Rituals of both the Pentagram and the Hexagram. Aleister Crowley adapted one of these, creating the Star Ruby, which modifies the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram specifically for followers of Thelema. For general purposes, Crowley advised using a shorter, simpler version of the rite, noting that elaborate ceremonies usually require the explicit removal of all named influences. Wiccans and various neopagan groups use similar cleansing acts to purify their ritual circles before beginning any spellwork.

What it is for

The primary goal is to create a neutral and protected environment for magical work. By removing existing spiritual clutter or negativity, practitioners ensure that subsequent invocations are not interfered with by unrelated entities. In Wiccan and neopagan contexts, regular banishing is recommended to maintain a workspace free from harmful energies. It is also viewed as a training exercise; becoming proficient in these clearing rites prepares the practitioner for more spiritually demanding tasks, such as complex spellworking, by building mental and energetic discipline.

Who does it

These rituals are performed by trained magicians and ceremonialists. In the Golden Dawn tradition, learning the basic banishing rite is a strict requirement for advancement, indicating a formalized educational path. Aleister Crowley instructed Thelemites to perform a banishing ritual at least once every day, integrating it into their personal spiritual routine. Authors like Konstantinos have written guides for neopagans, recommending regular practice to maintain proficiency and protect the magician's energy during darker or more taxing workings.

Peoples and places

The practice is prominent in Western esotericism, particularly among members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and its successors. It is also widely adopted by modern Wiccans and various neopagan communities who view it as essential for casting magic circles. The specific variations and emphases differ between these groups, with Thelemites utilizing Crowley’s modified versions and Wiccans focusing on spatial purification. The references to Israel in source materials likely pertain to the publication locations of key texts rather than the geographic origin of the practice itself.

What people believe

Underlying these rituals is the belief that spaces can accumulate non-physical residues or be inhabited by independent spiritual entities. Magic is seen as a force that interacts with these invisible layers of reality. Therefore, clearing a space is not merely symbolic but a practical necessity to prevent unwanted interference. The efficacy of the banishing is believed to depend on the precision of the ritual performance and the intent of the operator to establish a boundary against external influences.

Compare and confuse

Banishing is closely related to exorcism, though it is generally less intense and targeted. While exorcism focuses on the expulsion of a specific malevolent entity, banishing is often broader, aiming to clear a general atmosphere of negativity or ambient spiritual presence. It also shares functional similarities with ritual purification rites found in many religious traditions, serving as a preparatory act to render a person or place ready for sacred contact.

Today

The practice remains active in contemporary ceremonial magic and neopaganism. Texts detailing these rituals, such as those by Regardie and Crowley, continue to be published and studied. Modern practitioners integrate these historical rites into their daily lives or specific ritual preparations. The adaptability of banishing allows it to persist across different magical orders and individual paths, maintaining its role as a fundamental tool for spiritual hygiene and workspace management.

Questions people ask about Banishing

Good reading and sources

• Banishing on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data