LBRP Variations

[manofsands]

I've been looking for variations of the LBRP. I keep coming aross the GD version and not muh else. I haven't performed any 'real' magick yet, but keep hearing the LBRP is one of the basics in the toolset (though it seems it only really appeared with Crowley and the GD,... was there something similar before?). I don't really like their version, though I like it's intent. I figured where better than the Chaos setion to find some variety. I think it could be beneficial to many to see variations. For my part I want to disect them and build my own.

[Eremita]

Hey there.

The following adaptation of the LBRP is from Phil Hine's book Condensed Chaos. Peter Carroll also included a different version of the ritual in Liber Kaos, but I like Phil Hine's much better.

Begin facing east and stand, with your arms by your sides, head tilted slightly upwards, breathing slowly and deeply. Clear your mind of thoughts.

1. Inhale, and reach upwards with your right hand, visualising a point of light just beyond your fingertips.
2. Bring your hand slowly down the centreline of your body, to point between your feet. Exhale, and visualise a beam of white light passing down your body, from above your head to below your feet.
3. Inhale, and stretch out your arms so that they form a Tau-cross. Exhale, and visualise a beam of white light running across your body, from left to right.
4. Inhale, and fold your arms across your chest. Exhale, and as you do so, visualise a blaze of light spreading across your body, expanding from the two axis previously formed. Breathe in and out deeply, feeling yourself to be charged with energy. This completes the first stage of the banishing and is generally known as the Cross of Light.
5. Next, inhale, and trace a pentagram in the air before you, beginning at the apex, drawing down to the lower left-hand point, then across to the right, across to the left, down to the lower right point, and back to the apex. Exhale, vibrating the letters I A O (EEE-AH-OH) visualising the pentagram glowing brightly with white light.
6. Repeat this for the South, West and North cardinal points.
7. Then raise your arms and declare the litany:

About me flare five-pointed stars
Above my head the infinite stars
Every Man and Every Woman is a star,
Behold, a circle of Stars.

[Phil Hine - Condensed Chaos]

Obviously this is very closely styled on the LBRP, but omits the Hebrew prayers/divine names and the invocation of the Archangels.

I found this ritual to produce a really pleasant calming/energising effect in myself, though I've more recently taken to performing the more traditional Golden Dawn LBRP.

I hope you find it useful.

[Cybernetic_Jazz]

There's the Thelemic Star Ruby if one wants to change the four quarters up a bit.

[manofsands]

Thanx for the variation Eremita.

I'll look up the Thelemic Star Ruby Jazz, Thanx.

It's funny. I still want to create my own rituals,... but the more I research the established ones, the more I appreciate them. Before I think I saw them as "Full of Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing"... but as I understand their symbolism... it makes more sense

[manofsands]

So basically the LBR is:

-Charging oneself
-Centering oneself (ultimately)
-Securing a perimeter
-Requesting divine guardianship
-and Charging oneself again

...yes?

[Ramscha]

I took Freya Aswynns book "Leafes of Yggdrasil" as an inspiration to create my own variation of the LBPR.
Might be interesting for you to apply the general sceme on it for comparison:

- Draw a circle and charge it by calling upon the elements (Storms to the east, I call upon you; Flames to the south, I call upon you; etc.) and ask to charge the circle
- Charging yourself by IAO-formula, OMNIL or avisualization of Yggdrasil as bridge between Earth and Heavens
- Intonation of the runes "Isa" (ice) and "Thurisaz" (thorn) and charging of the circle with both (Isa gives stability, Thurisaz protection)
- Now, face east and call upon Freya while drawing "Fehu" (or any other rune which suits you best)
- Face south and do the same with Loki and "Dagaz"
- Face west and do the same with Njörd and "Laguz"
- Finally North with Idun and "Berkana"
- I advice you to create your own litany now as this is the climax of the ritual. You can also use it to ask or plead for something as you also called upon 4 goddesses (or 3 and 1 androgyn considering Lokis nature).
- When the climax is over, bow into every direction and thank the elements and goddesses for help and their attendance.
- Make now your dismissal and also take down the circle
- As the whole ritual was rather charging ground yourself now, again you can use Yggdrasil Visualization and use the roots to direct the energy into the ground

Feel free to analyze and use it by own responsibility .

Ramscha

[RoseRed]

I think designing your own rituals is an awesome idea.

The only thing that I would suggest is to really study the good rituals that are out there and the make-up and function of what goes into them. Once you have a good understanding of 'ritual' making your own is a piece of cake.

After I really got into studying 'ritual' I came home for Easter and my Mom dragged me to church with her. I saw the Byzantine Catholic Mass in a whole new light. I was able to follow the form and function and understood why things were done in specific ways. Catholicism in general is highly ritualized. I'm not saying to run out and go be a Catholic - I'm just saying don't let that turn you off from learning what you can from an entity that's spent 2000 years perfecting their rituals.

[manofsands]

I took Freya Aswynns book "Leafes of Yggdrasil" as an inspiration to create my own variation of the LBPR.

I like your variation. I might look into the book you suggested. I am kinda drawn to the Norse pantheon.

[manofsands]

After I really got into studying 'ritual' I came home for Easter and my Mom dragged me to church with her. I saw the Byzantine Catholic Mass in a whole new light. I was able to follow the form and function and understood why things were done in specific ways. Catholicism in general is highly ritualized.

Interesting observation. Ya, its always been there but I never really thought about it.

[DeclareInsane]

In chaos magick it doesn't matter what you do, your intent must be clearly defined. Step 4 times to the left then to the right, doesn't matter if you don't know what it's suppose to mean/do/signify. Those movements, sounds and words acts as anchors, triggers that allow you to have easy access to the energies you want to work with without rationally knowing how to access them.

So it doesn't matter how you do LBRP but that you know what each action signifies allowing you to access and work with those energies through those actions. Then you'll be able to replace parts of the rituals with things that you like but have the same meaning and purpose.

All rituals must incorporate some or all - physical body movement and posture, sounds uttered, words uttered, visualizations, symbolism, altered state of mind, clearly and correctly defined intent and all of these must be far removed from things you do on a regular basis. No use pointing with your index finger because you use that action everyday, use something you don't do on a regular basis and you not familiar with. This moves your intent into reality, creates associative connections with those actions/words/visualization and easily connects it with the subconscious. The more you do it the stronger the association becomes unless it an once of ritual. Then just let the subconscious do it's job to connect you with those energies you call/need in the ritual.

I had a weird and stupid LBRP version I created and in a week it took effect. The way I felt is that if a demon was standing in front of me, I would have no reaction, my thoughts, emotions, body would stay the same, I was centered focused and nothing would move my will. This creates a barrier thats strong so even if they are in your area they are unable to move you from your will, they cannot influence you. [devil]

[manofsands]

All rituals must incorporate some or all - physical body movement and posture, sounds uttered, words uttered, visualizations, symbolism, altered state of mind, clearly and correctly defined intent and all of these must be far removed from things you do on a regular basis. No use pointing with your index finger because you use that action everyday, use something you don't do on a regular basis and you not familiar with. This moves your intent into reality, creates associative connections with those actions/words/visualization and easily connects it with the subconscious. The more you do it the stronger the association becomes unless it an once of ritual. Then just let the subconscious do it's job to connect you with those energies you call/need in the ritual.

I had a weird and stupid LBRP version I created and in a week it took effect. The way I felt is that if a demon was standing in front of me, I would have no reaction, my thoughts, emotions, body would stay the same, I was centered focused and nothing would move my will. This creates a barrier thats strong so even if they are in your area they are unable to move you from your will, they cannot influence you. [devil]

I'm curious, in italics you list the importance of ritual components then state a 'stupid' version of the LBRP with none...

To which were you being sarcastic, because I agree with your overall point, but wondering which of these you give greater significance.

Is this still your LBRP? Did/Does it work for you?

[DeclareInsane]

Ok I'll try and make it more clear.

Firstly you need to study the LBRP and find out what the physical
movements, postures, sounds, words, phrases signify. These things
acts as mental triggers to access energies you might not consciously
be able to access.

Then replace them with your own creations that signify the same energies thus
creating your own LBRP. If you love animals then instead of angels you could replace
them with animals that represent the same energies for you. This will therefore be much more
powerful as your have personal association with the animals.

Not sure if that makes more sense in terms of creating your own LBRP?

I don't use my own LBRP anymore as Banishing myself then invoking my magickal self is
far more powerful for me. By doing this my will/intent is focused.

[manofsands]

Ok I'll try and make it more clear.

Firstly you need to study the LBRP and find out what the physical
movements, postures, sounds, words, phrases signify. These things
acts as mental triggers to access energies you might not consciously
be able to access.

Then replace them with your own creations that signify the same energies thus
creating your own LBRP. If you love animals then instead of angels you could replace
them with animals that represent the same energies for you. This will therefore be much more
powerful as your have personal association with the animals.

Not sure if that makes more sense in terms of creating your own LBRP?

I don't use my own LBRP anymore as Banishing myself then invoking my magickal self is
far more powerful for me. By doing this my will/intent is focused.

No, that is what I thought you meant and I actually like your idea with the animals. Not sure I'd use it but that actually clarified things quite a bit for me.

Do you mind sharing how you banish yourself and invoke your magical self?

[DeclareInsane]

Ok so this is a long one [tongue] but it will help you mix it up with what you've already learned and hopefully come up with something that works successfully for you.

Banishing Self
Many metaphysical, magickal and like subjects don't work because when using these systems there are attributes about yourself that hinder and sabotage your work. It's like using so much effort to move forward and not realizing that you are chained to a huge boulder (your sabotaging attributes) and dragging it around whilst trying to use these systems. If you do move anywhere, it will be through exhausting effort and you'll only move a short distance.


Banishing Ritual:

1. Centering Self
I take a few deep breathes and relax. I place my state of being into an altered state. It feels like I'm about to step into the void, the place where the end is the beginning of the end of the beginning and at the same time somewhere between the end and the beginning. The place where all things are possible, reality is real but unreal all at the same time. You can jump up and at the same time be falling to the ground.

2. Utter intent:
I point using my will hand gesture (It works like a wand to direct your absolute will) and utter my will/intent
"It is my will/intent to banishing any attributes of self/myself that will hinder the success of this ritual(s)/working(s)." By using the word self it creates distance so usually it's better. Also utter slower than normal speak.

3. Connect with self sabotaging attributes and banish:
I Close my eyes. I think that inside myself there are attributes that will hinder my success in this ritual and any following rituals. I don't know what they are, I just know that they are there (This will allow the subconscious to remove them for me, instead of having to find out what they are). I then visualize that they are gray blobs floating around me. These blobs symbolize those self sabotaging and negative attributes that will hinder me whatever they may be. I try and get a sense that they are real. Once I can feel them I start grabbing them and make a huge blob in front of me and then squeeze it into a smaller ball. Once I feel I've collected enough I grab it and throw it as far as I can, I make the actual action whilst shouting/uttering, "I cast thee out of here, burn burn, away away". You can create your own words and phrases according to your preferences and you can use any symbolic representation for the blobs. It helps to focus on what you doing in the moment and move from one part of the ritual to the next without contemplating or observing results.

Alternative method I've added or used previously:
I create a special mixture with water or other fragrant liquid recording what I put in it as I needed to create the same mixture next time when I do the ritual again. I make sure it's not a fragrance that is familiar and bound to smell somewhere else. Using my fingers I sprinkle the liquid around the room, uttering, "I cast thee out" reminding and thinking that I'm casting out those self sabotaging attributes. I also created mixture of herbs, spices, plants and incense to burn it whilst walking around the room moving the burning mixture up and down at certain uttering the above phrase. If you try this Please make sure to be safe, don't sprinkle the liquid near electrical appliances! We are fearless practitioners but not reckless or stupid!


Summon supreme magickal self
The magickal self are all those attributes that allow yourself to perform all rituals successfully.

I stand in one spot draw an imaginary circle a few steps in front of me. I see the circle as fire. The circle represents my place of power. Standing outside the circle I point with my hand wand gesture to somewhere in the center of the circle and utter, "It is my will/intent to summon the supreme magickal self containing all attributes of the universe/self that will make all my rituals successful."

Sometimes I add a passage along these lines:

I summon Chaos, creator of destiny, the above and the below, master of the void, master of the dark and the light [X3]

I then pause for a second then take a huge lunge into that circle and into my magickal self, into chaos. I'm stepping into my intent and taking it into myself, becoming my intent. At all times I'm mindful of what I'm doing and what it represents/symbolizes or the triggers and anchors won't connect. After I complete a part of the ritual like a gesture,action intent etc. I let it go. I don't linger on it just move to the next part of the ritual. You don't want the conscious mind it fixate.

Inside my circle I can now perform all my rituals or spells, it kind of works the same as an altar. Every practitioner of magick must have 2 altars. A physical altar and inner altar (altar of mind, emotions, will). The physical altar won't work without an inner altar and an inner altar can't focus without a physical altar. The visualizations, uttering sounds and words comes from your inner altar whilst the physical movements connect to your physical altar moving all your being in one direction, which is the direction of your intent/will. Will is actually undivided whole being focus, like a magnifying glass that
bends all light to one point so you must bend all parts of yourself to burn a hole in the fabric of reality.

When I'm done with my other rituals or work, by stepping out of my circle I'm stepping out of my magickal self. I size down my circle making it smaller with my hands and I make it into a pendant, I visualize it glowing and my special symbol and hang it around my neck if need to use it again. So it's not gone or destroyed but can be used again.

You can even create a name for your magickal self or a symbol in the same way you would create a sigil.

Ok so this bedtime story is finished now go watch the ratamahatta music video and have a good nights ritual.

[insomni4c]

Another thing to consider would be, Why are you banishing? What are you banishing? etc.. For example, in my version of the LBRP I individually banish each element and replace it with the highest form of that element, since my goal is spiritual growth and uniting with my "higher self/true will/deity" it makes sense to replace the lower less refined forms of the elements with more pure forms. Since the LBRP is intended to be practiced daily, and most ritual work seems to begin and end with the LBRP, it would be a good idea to tailor it towards your goal with magic; that way you'll be constantly reminded of why you're doing this work.

Since everyone else seems to be posting their versions of the LBRP I might as well do the same haha, who knows, it could be useful. Mine is rather similar to the golden dawn version of it, so I'm not sure you'll be all that interested, but it's an example of a different way to go about it that keeps a lot of the symbolism and flavor of the original. I've been thinking about adding the first step of the star ruby as well (the bit with the Apo Pantos Kakadaimanos) as I think it would add a step specifically banishing "evil spirits" but can't decide if it's really necessary and am not sure which Hebrew words would have the same meaning.

I start by visualizing myself grow until the universe is tiny at my feet. Slightly forward and above my head I see an incredibly bright light. I reach up and draw a beam from the light down to my forehead and start the kabbalistic cross.
1. I touch my forehead and vibrate "Eheieh Ateh" (I am You are. I went back and forth as to which one to use and then realized that using both is a better description of divinity anyways haha. And Eheieh being the god-name associated with kether seems rather fitting here)
2. touch your groin and vibrate "Malkuth"
3. Touch your right shoulder and vibrate "Ve-Geburah"
4. Touch your left shoulder and vibrate "Ve-Gedulah"
5. place your palms together at your chest and vibrate "El Olam Amen"
I usually quietly contemplate the cross drawn at this point, visualizing it extending into infinite in all directions. There is a lot of meaning in the k-cross, and it seems more profound everytime I perform it.

When drawing the pentagrams I use the appropriate banishing pentagram in the appropriate color to banish the element corresponding with each direction (yellow banishing pentagram of air in the east etc..), and I visualize the circle as white, symbolizing spirit. So essentially inside the circle all that's left is spirit. The combination of god-names I use while drawing the pentagrams are taken from a version of this ritual I found online, and they seem to work rather well. I also breathe out forcefully with my hand in the center of the pentagram while visualizing the element leaving the circle as the pentagram glows brighter.
1. East: Eheieh
2. North: Adonai
3. West: Eloah
4. South: AGLA

When invoking the archangels, I think of them partly as representing the higher forms of the elements. When I vibrate the name of Raphael I visualize Raphael but also try to feel a gentle breeze, heat with Michael, etc.. This replaces the lower forms of the elements that I banished, and also in a way is more similar to calling the watchtowers/elements in more wiccan-esque rituals.

At this point I say "For about me flames the pentagrams, within my shines the six rayed star, and I stand within the pillar of light" and contemplate the symbolism in this.

Then repeat the k-cross, and I usually end with a short prayer, although it's not necessary it helps with putting my intent for the rest of the ritual into words.

It probably doesn't seem as "chaos magic" as some other variations, but it just fits the paradigm I operate in. The names and symbols in the ritual should fit whichever paradigm/system you plan on using. If you don't use just one in particular or want something tailored more for just straight chaos magic, you could use more vague terms or just different vowel sounds instead of god-names, or just banish with laughter, whatever works for you. There's not really any objective "right and wrong", all that matters is that it vibes well on a subjective level.

[manofsands]

Great posts y'all. This is exactly the stuff I was looking for. Besides taking the variations and distilling the essence of the ritual, I'm learning a lot from the different points of view and tidbit treasure info that gets thrown in even when the contributor doesn't realize its ah-ha significance to beginners such as me.

[insomni4c]

In case you're interested I wrote up an alternative to the LBRP tailored specifically for chaos magic, I call It the ritual of the chaostar. The words used can be changed to whatever works for you, the ones I used were created similarly to how one would create a sigil. The other parts of the ritual were inspired by the LBRP and Crowley's star ruby. The signs used in the ritual are based on the shape of the chaostar. I don't know if I'll ever use it, sometimes I get all excited over chaos magic and start writing up rituals but then I usually set it aside and return to my regular work haha.

1. Begin by making the first sign of chaos (hold your right arm straight up palm facing up, and the left straight down palm facing down) and say/vibrate (whichever works for you) “dah-hatz lyz”

2. Make the second sign of chaos (arms straight out to the sides) and say/vibrate “koh-nahm”

3. Make the third sign of chaos (arms crossed over the chest) “kah-saun lamay”

4. From the 3rd sign of chaos, swing the arms out while exhalin forcefully and say “Ewvae Wvalaailyly psritis”

5. Draw a chaostar over your chest and say “meitno”

6. Draw a chaostar on the forehead and say “hah-twoth”

7. Draw a chaostar over the groin and say “nitznikot”

One modification I considered making was putting the part where you draw the chaostars at the beginning and end like the k-cross in the LBRP. Another idea would be to make the three signs at eight points around a circle forming one large chaostar. I just never got around to working out the kinks or experimenting with it, so if anyone feels like tinkerin' with it, feel free.

[Desecrated]

- Intonation of the runes "Isa" (ice) and "Thurisaz" (thorn) and charging of the circle with both (Isa gives stability, Thurisaz protection)
- Now, face east and call upon Freya while drawing "Fehu" (or any other rune which suits you best)
- Face south and do the same with Loki and "Dagaz"
- Face west and do the same with Njörd and "Laguz"
- Finally North with Idun and "Berkana"

Ramscha

Curios. Why are you using the older futhark runes with northern gods?

[ShubNiggurath]

The book 'Everything you want to know about magick' from Shawn Martin Scanlon states that a rather abundant version of the LBRP (complete with performance and angelic names) "To understand the power and sublimity of the ERP, you would ideally practice for a minimum of one year. [...] It is the solid basis for all magickal work, [...] It will center you in the world, allowing you to look inward for balance and completeness [...] You have to start the path of magick somewhere. This is it."

I wondered. Are there really people who do this (exactly in the prescripted way) ? Going through a 3 page long ritual (once to twice a day), performing and pronouncing names of shallow pale angels and what else of dubious origin? Without knowing why? More than one time?

[Cybernetic_Jazz]

I've been working my way through the historic chapters of M Isidora Forrest's Isis Magic and finally had the chance to read the try out her Egyptian cross and Iset four quarters with the Sothis/Sirius stars. I actually connected with the conceptual and visual content of this version (which she calls The Star of Isis) significantly better than the standard GD method.

Seems like when you get the opportunity to craft the entire ritual around the nurturing aspects of one deity the results are much more intimate.

[DeclareInsane]

We all started that way did we not, stumbling in the dark ShubNiggurath. Just following everything to the letter and having minimal results. Ah those were the days [cry]