Magick Gods And Goddesses

A Rubik’s Cube Of Deities And Angels

A Pantheon Guide For Chaos Magick

By

Joel King

Copyright 2015 Purple House Publishing

http://magickandprosperity.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher.

This manual is designed to provide information and motivation to our readers. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The contents are the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

Table Of Contents

Introduction

The Magickal Side Of ArchAngels

Casting With The ArchAngels

The Planetary Protectors

The Masters Of Manifestation

The Nature Pantheon

Servitors in Chaos Magick

Other Great Magick Resources

Keeping the Magick Strong

A Note From The Author

Introduction

What is a pantheon? 

The definition of pantheon is a term referring to the gods of a people or religion.

Why Chaos Magick? Well, there are many religions, cultures, and groups of people who believe in their own gods.  These beliefs have given solace to those in need and even started wars.  What is most fascinating is these “different” gods tend to have the same attributes in each collective; they are just referred to by another name.  However, as a practitioner of Chaos Magick, those divisions between the different cultures are transcended in favor of creating an empowering framework to increase one’s magick prowess. You can be an Eclectic Pagan, too.  Really, it doesn’t matter what you call yourself or what you ‘label’ your practice. If you want to improve your knowledge of the craft, and use the help that is available all around (and inside of) us, then this manual is for you.

This is not just another book about deities.  We will not be discussing Greek, Roman, or the Norse pantheons as there is a plethora of information on those groups already.  We want to introduce very powerful and influential, though perhaps lesser known, deities and angels.  The collectives we will be examining have a rich history and can assist any practitioner of the Old Religion in their spells and everyday magick.  This is what my group calls the Rubik’s Cube of Magick Helpers. This is a meticulously chosen special blend of friends in high places that have done wonders for our magickal practice.

Every culture and nation in the world has a religion.  The need for it arose thousands of years ago when man was able to focus on more than just survival.  Once communities were established, food supply was stable, and shelter became permanent, man searched for deeper meanings in life.  Religion was born from the mindset transition of how to stay alive, to why am I alive.  In every belief system, you will find a Goddess of Life/Fertility and a God of Destruction, the yin and yang, and simply put: life and death.  All pantheons encompass this opposing yet complimentary power.

By understanding a broader scope of deities and angels instead of a narrow field of them, we can reach a deeper connection with the divine and increase our own individual power.  Spell work or every day magic requires different types of energy, has different triggers for each individual.  If you are a history teacher, are you going to read just one book and teach that to your class? Probably not.  You will research various authors and perspectives in order to teach a well-rounded view of the subject.  The same goes for your own learning of magic and energy work. 

The concept of the Divine is so complex and so omnipotent, we as humans cannot conceive of it in our minds, yet.  To be a true spiritual being, it requires a leap of faith.  The Divine is all around us, every day.  People call it coincidence, miracles, fate, destiny, karma and so many other names.  It is the Divine in our everyday life, whether we choose to be aware of it or not.  Man gives names to parts of the Divine, like Apollo, Brighid, Allah, Shakti, Horned God, Earth Goddess, Anubis or the Great Spirit in order to help us grasp even just a small understanding of the Divine power that is all around us.

What is truly ironic about religion as a whole is the fact that so many wars have been fought over whose God is the right one, and whose belief system is the truest.  Yet, when examined, they are all just different paths climbing up the same mountain.  Religion experts such as Stephen Prothero will disagree because he feels in order to understand the world we currently live in, the differences in belief systems need to be acknowledged and respected, not lumped together.  Authors JP Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff also disagree, as they tout the distinct differences between Buddhists and Christians view of God make it impossible to say they are even on the same mountain.  Fact of the matter is this: yes, all paths are different, and beliefs vary from religion to religion.  However, the underlying message of them all is LOVE.  Through love of each other, nature, self and the divine, we are able to find peace and connect with the divine.  By understanding each religion, we can find respect through knowledge.  This awareness allows us to connect deeper with the divine, thereby increasing our own power in everyday magic.

Often, we are drawn to or repelled by certain religions or cultures.  There is an interesting exercise to perform that will tell you which ones pull you, and which push you away.  Grab a pen and paper, and jot down as many religions or pantheons as you can think of and leave space between each one to write a few words.  Once you have made your list, go one by one and think about how that particular belief system makes you feel.  For example, when I think about the Egyptian pantheon, I feel uncomfortable, dark, and fearful.  Do this for each collective on your list.  You will see clearly by the end to which of the pantheons you are drawn. 

Why are we connected to some and repulsed by others?  There are some schools of thought that say it is related to your childhood.  At some point someone or something made you like or dislike certain cultures.  Perhaps your father fought in Vietnam, and you have distaste for Buddhism or any of the Far East religions.  Maybe your favorite aunt had statues of Greek gods in her garden or living room; therefore you have a positive connection to the Greek pantheon.  However, it could also be related to your past lives.  According to Hindu beliefs, the spirit or soul known as jiva has no limit on existence.  It experiences birth and death, but continues on until the final release, known as moksha.  We keep returning to the earthly plane to fulfill our karmic destinies.  We reap what we sow, and if there is unfinished business in this life, then it is carried on to the next.  All pagan religions believe in the eternity of the spirit.  To follow that belief, we must agree that past lives can affect our current one.  This explains why we love some religions, and despise others.

Whatever your goals in life may be, by using different rituals, various Gods, Goddesses, and Angels, you can achieve anything.  If you are seeking to alleviate suffering, Buddhism may be the right path to draw upon.  Seeking for order in chaos?  Look to Confucianism for answers.  We should not close ourselves to just one path because someone said it is the right and true way to live.  Open your mind and your heart, and you will be rewarded with achieving your life’s aspirations.

The Magickal Side Of ArchAngels

Some critics question the use of seemingly Judeo-Christian beings such as the Archangels, however most pagans were raised as a Christian.  It is natural to gravitate towards what you know and feel comfortable with, not to mention the obvious benefits of working with a being so closely connected to the Divine. 

The word Archangel is derived from the Greek words “arche” meaning ruler, and “angelos”, meaning messenger.  These messengers of God have appeared in many religious texts, by different names, and varying numbers.  All the archangel names end in “el” meaning “in God”.  If you do a standard internet search, you will find tons of confusing information because they are referred to in many religious texts; Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all mention messengers of God.

Seven is a very powerful number in a spiritual sense.  There are said to be seven archangels, along with seven “Classical Planets” (always moving, visible with the naked eye, heavenly objects), seven days in a week just to name a few.  Though some say there are seven archangels, though denote them by different names, a majority of references deal with the four major archangels.  We will discuss these four, plus Metatron

Michael, the strongest archangel, is known as “He who is like God”, also known as Mikha’el in the Jewish faith, Mika’il in Islam and St. Michael to the Christians.  He rules the Sun and his day of the week is Sunday.  Michael is also tied with the astrological sign Leo.  He rules fire and his symbol is the sword.  He is the angel of courage and justice, as he is the patron saint of police officers and soldiers.  He also represents motivation and patience, seemingly contradictory qualities but truly needed for success in life.

He is the protector of true believers in God.  If you are ever in danger and you call upon Michael, he will be by your side in a flash, sometimes literally.  There are accounts that people who have been in trouble see a flash of light before they are saved.  It is often discounted as usually these are emotionally charged crises, but you will know when Michael is there.  He emits an immediate feeling of safety and security, ready to answer your request.  As with any aspect of the Divine, it is a good habit to get to know your angels before calling upon them.  When calling Michel specifically, you must be very clear in your communication and have unwavering faith that he will come to you.  He will guard you from negative energy and pull you out of your fear. 

Michael’s season is summer and his cardinal point is the south.  Not only does he protect from danger, but he helps with decision making, fears and career changes.  For spells, he is an ideal being to work with when facing life changing events and of course, protection.

Gabriel, the strength of God, is the angel of mercy and resurrection.  He is known to the Catholics as St. Gabriel, to the Jews as Gavri’el, and Muslims as Gibra’il and he is most well-known for announcing the birth of Jesus Christ.  Gabriel is artistic, and an excellent communicator.  He is most helpful with interpersonal relationships.  With these qualities, it comes as no surprise he is the patron saint of ambassadors, writers, teachers and broadcasters.  

The fall is Gabriel’s season, and he associates with the element of water.  His planet is the moon and his day is Monday.  He works very closely with Mother Mary (Earth Goddess, Mother Goddess) in caring for children, which is why he helps those who teach children.  His symbol is the lily and cardinal point is west, which is important to know for casting circles when working with the angels.

His astrological sign, Cancer, is of the dedicated, loving parent.  He will aid in the protection and teaching of your children, and is happy to come when called upon to support you when needing that extra helping hand in raising your family.  When casting spells, he can assist you in finding the right words for your magic or to resolve any problems.

Both Michael and Gabriel are mentioned as archangels in the Old Testament and prevalent in Judaism.  They are the only two mentioned in all three major religious texts, the Catholic and Hebrew Bible, and Quran.  The other two most recognized by Wiccans who work with angelic beings are Raphael and Uriel.

Raphael is the healer of God, bringing God’s light from Heaven to help humankind.  He is the angel of love, laughter and joy.  Laughter is the best medicine, right?  He is known as the Catholic St. Raphael, and in Judaism, Repha’el and in Islam as Israfil.  Because he is gentle, compassionate and skillful, he is the patron saint of doctors, nurses, counselors, shepherds and the mentally ill.  His simple is the caduceus, and associates with the element of Air.

To call upon Raphael, you only need to give him permission to help heal you.  He will not violate your free will and take the initiative unless you ask.  He also aids travelers for smooth journeying.  He works closely with Michael in alleviating your fears, as he wants you to lighten your burdens and place them in the trust of the angels. 

Raphael’s day is Wednesday, and his planet is Mercury.  His element is air (very transmutable and good for safe travels), and his associates with the season of Spring.  His astrological sign is Gemini or Virgo, though it is said he oversees all the signs.  He relates to the cardinal point in the East. Raphael is perfect for conducting healing spells, and as long as the recipient is aware of the spell, he will aid in its success.

Uriel is the light of god, and is known for his peace, spiritual understanding and salvation.  He is the least documented angel, and is only mentioned in the Book of Enoch as protecting humankind from the fallen angels.  He is the inner voice giving light to intuition and clairvoyance.  He is your gut feeling, and the source of your epiphanies.

He is symbolized by a hand holding a flame, and goes by no other name besides Uriel.  He is generous and nurturing of the earth, which lends him to the cardinal point of North and the element of, yes, you guessed right, Earth.  He rules Venus and is associated with winter.  His day of the week is Friday, and Aquarius is his astrological sign, the analyzer and thinker, which is why he illuminates our insights. 

Uriel is the patron saint of artists and poets, ecologists and naturalists.  If you are looking for a solution or an idea, call upon him and he will whisper in your ear.  Need a little help on a test? Then this is your angel.  Uriel is the perfect companion when performing any kind of divination.  He will help to give you the answers you seek. 

Casting With The ArchAngels

When casting a circle, the first part of the ritual is to “call the corners”, essentially asking the elements to come watch over and protect your magic.  They are guardians of your circle and will help keep negative energies at bay.  Wiccans who prefer to work with angels will call on the main four, instead of the elements.  Here is a sample beginning to casting a circle:

Face the East and raise your arms up in a welcoming “V” shape. Say the words:

“Hail to the Archangel Raphael, the healer of God! I respectfully invite you to this magic circle, to preside over this ritual, and lend me your strength. May you take my cares away and shine your heavenly light on me.”

Face to the South and raise your arms again.  Say the words:

“Hail to the Archangel Michael, the strongest angel of all! I respectfully invite you to this magic circle, to preside over this ritual, and lend me your strength.  May you keep this circle, the magic and all within it safe.”

Face to the West and raise your arms, saying the words:

“Hail to the Archangel Gabriel, the messenger of God! I respectfully invite you to this magic circle, to preside over this ritual and lend me your strength. May you give me the right words to speak, to let my desires be heard.”

Face the North and raise your arms, saying the words:

“Hail to the Archangel Uriel, the light of God! I respectfully invite you to this magic circle, to preside over this ritual and lend me your strength.  May your wisdom illuminate and inspire me.”

When you have finished your ritual, go in reverse thanking the Archangels individually and releasing them from your circle.  It is as equally important to thank them as it is to release them.  You don’t want slighted Archangels chained to your circle, and bring their wrath down on you.  Trust me. 

Metatron is one of two archangels whose name does not end in –el.  This is because he was once a mortal prophet, named Enoch, who was granted ascension into Heaven for living such a virtuous and devout life dedicated to God.  Enoch lived an extremely long life, mentioned in the Book of Genesis as living 365 years before God took him into Heaven without experiencing death.  In the Kabbalah, Metatron is the King of all Angels.  He is the protector of the Tree of Life and God’s scribe, recording all the good of humankind, as well as happenings in Heaven. 

Because of his excellent record keeping, Metatron knows better than any Heavenly being the effect negative and positive thoughts have on people.  He will always urge you to think good thoughts because he knows people who are positive make good choices and do good deeds, while those who think negatively often choose poorly. 

Because of his knowledge of the power of thoughts, he is the perfect angel to invite to an energy cleansing ritual.  Metatron will happily assist you in ridding yourself, your home, or your sacred space of negativity and help plant the seeds of positivity within your soul. 

Calling upon a messenger of God is not a task to be taken lightly, just as invoking or evoking any God or Goddess should be a planned and prepared event.  The Gods and angels are not playthings and must be respected.  Remember the Threefold Law, what you send out, will return to you times three. 

The Planetary Protectors

Shinto, the way of the gods, is an ancient religion of Japan, and still practiced by approximately 2.7 million people, though more follow the old ways and do not refer to themselves as Shinto.  It is an action based religion, meaning that it is centered on rituals to be followed daily to connect the modern times with ancient ways.  Those who follow the Shinto path worship the kami, or gods, who inhabit all things from rocks to trees, animals and even humans, can have the essence of the divine within them.  These, as inhabitants of all things natural, are our planetary protectors.

Shinto worship in shrines dedicated to the kami.  Purity is essential to followers of the Shinto way, as purification is the heart of the religion.  All those who wish to enter the shrine must wash their mouths, hands, and hang prayers before entering through the torii.  This is a unique archway at the entrance of the shrines, which separates the sacred space from the mundane world. There is an Inner Hall that only the priests (who can be male or female) may enter because it is believed the kami reside within.  Practitioners also worship at home with offerings of tea and rice to the kami, typically placed on the “godshelf”.  Sending prayers to their ancestors is also a daily ritual, believing the key to good deeds, good choices and a good life resides within their ancestors.   

In Japanese Shinto, there is the Kotoamatsukami, the name for the first three deities born without need of procreation in Takamagahara, the heavenly world that existed at the time of creation.  The first three gods were Amenominakanushi, the Central Creator, Takamimusubi who is the High Creator and Kamimusubi known as the Divine Creator.  Takamimusubi and Kamimusubi were considered the male and the female, respectively, symbolized in the yin and yang.  They created the first man and woman Divine forms.

Like all religions, the Shinto have their own myth of creation.  Izanagi and Izanami are the first man and woman in the world, similar to Adam and Eve in the Catholic faith.  They came together and born from them were the eight islands making up the archipelago of Japan.  From Izanagi and Izanami, the kami were spawned.  Sadly, when Kagu-Tsuchi, the god of fire was born, Izanami died and went on the Yomi-no-kuni, the netherland or land of the dead.  Izanagi went looking for her and when he found her dead corpse, he left to return to the mortal world.  Upon his return, Amaterasu, the sun goddess was born from his left eye and Tsukiyami, the moon god was created from Izangi’s right eye.  Susano'o, the storm god is said to have come from his nose. 

The main gods or kami we will be looking at are Amaterasu, Uzume, Tsukiyami, Susano’o, Inari, and Kotoamatsukami. 

Amaterasu

Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and the universe, is the primary deity worshipped by the Shinto.  She is compassionate, a generous provider and protector of her people.  Her name literally translates to “she who makes the heavens shine.”  It is believed she is the ancestor of the Japanese Imperial family, and therefore the family is Divine.  She is the inventor of weaving, especially beautiful silks and graced her people with this skill.  She is also the creator of rice fields; therefore honoring her with gifts of silk and rice are very appropriate. 

She is surrounded by myths; however the most famous one closely mirrors the story of Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest.  Her barbaric brother, Susano’o, the god of chaos, the seas and storms, went on a rampage destroying her celestial rice fields.  Amaterasu protested however this angered Susano’o more, causing him to desecrate her weaving room by tossing a skinned horse (a sacred animal) at her handmaiden.  The force he used caused her to plummet onto her wooden spindle, which stabbed her vagina, killing her instantly.  Amaterasu was so distraught and disgusted she shut herself in a cave, causing a never-ending solar eclipse, the world shrouded in darkness.  Millions of kami sat outside her cave wondering what to do, but it was Uzume, the goddess of laughter and joy, who began to dance and drum, first as a distraction to the kami however it drew Amaterasu out from the cave.  She returned to her role, but this time as the head of the kami, the chief goddess to whom all the gods answered.

She is symbolized by the mirror, sword and jewel (the three sacred treasures of Japan) as well as a bow and arrow.  She rules the Sun, and she is celebrated on the winter solstice, when the days get longer and we have more light.  This symbolizes her emergence from the cave.

Amaterasu is not a goddess with which you may trifle.  She is extremely powerful, and recalls the ancient matriarchal society that is all but forgotten in modern day Japan.  You must develop a relationship with her before calling upon her in your craft.  The best ways to do this are reading her myths, giving her offerings on your own “godshelf” and then, you can perform a simple spell asking for her protection.  Take a white candle, and using a needle or something sharp, carve a mirror, sword and jewel on it.  Take a small bowl with enough rice covered with water to hold up the candle, and place your inscribed candle in it.  Say a prayer of your own word choice asking for Amaterasu for protection then light the candle.  If it burns all night, she will grant you what you desire.

Uzume is a lesser goddess, but no less powerful.  She is the goddess of laughter and revelry, the spirit of joy.  She is the daughter of Heaven and her name literally means “whirling”.  She is the goddess of good health, again as laughter is the best medicine.  She is most famous for saving the world from darkness by luring Amaterasu out from her cave with her music and dancing.  This dancing is said to have been the first Kagura, a Shinto ritual of dance.

Uzume is also the patroness of seers.  Give her offerings of wine and cheese or a small antique on your godshelf, and ask for her to guide you in your divination.  Before you perform any form of divination, call upon Uzume by saying the following:

“Uzume, I call upon thee to help me see

Let nothing be hidden from my eyes,

From the deepest recesses of earth to the heavenly skies.”

Susano’o, brother of Amaterasu, is the god of storm and seas, basically wreaker havoc on earth.  Being created from the nasal drip of his father, Izanagi could attribute his unstable persona.  He is a strong and fierce god, known for slaying the mythical dragon, Yamata-no-Orochi. 

Not much is known about Susano’o, besides his tumultuous relationship with his sister Amaterasu and his dragon slaying skills.  Interestingly, the whole story of his attack on his sister’s domain began with him ascending to the Heavens to say goodbye to her before going to the “underworld” or Yomi.  When he arrived, Amaterasu thought his approach was threatening and she was prepared for battle.  He declared he came in peace only to bid her farewell.  She challenged him to a contest to see who could produce a red-blooded male first.  She gave him a set of beads and took his sword.  She chewed it and created three goddesses with her breath.  He swallowed her beads and created five gods, and declared himself the winner.  Amaterasu said that because they were her beads, she was the actual winner.  This act sent him into a rage which leads to him killing her handmaid and her, hiding in a cave.

Be cautious when working with Susano’o! He is powerful and not always easy to work with, potentially causing chaos.  He is known as a trickster god, similar to Loki.  He is best called upon when in competition such as athletics and sports of any kind.

Tsukiyomi, brother to Susano’o and Amaterasu, is the god of the moon and night.  The story of how night and day began when Amaterasu sent Tsukiyomi to represent her at a feast presented by Uke Mochi, the goddess of food.  She essentially spit out the food from her mouth, and though it looked delicious, Tsukiyomi was disgusted, so he killed her.  Amaterasu was so angered, she moved to the opposite side of the sky, forever separating the sun from the moon. 

Because Tsukiyomi is the moon god, he represents the lunar calendar, and a tutor of agriculture. He is ideal to call upon when planting or sowing seeds of desires you want to see manifest in your life.  He is fairly easy going; just do not do anything that may disgust him!   

Last, but certainly not least is Inari, the god/dess of rice and abundance.  It is argued whether or not Inari is male or female, however is often depicted by a kitsune, or Japanese fox.  She is known as the patron saint of swords smiths but most well known as protector of the rice fields. 

Inari is arguably the most popular god/dess in Japan, for she represents prosperity and abundance of food.  She is also a very personalized deity, with so many images and myths surrounding her.  To fully comprehend Inari, one must be open to all her representations, genderless, and for certain include rice in her gifts for your godshelf.  For best results when working with Inari, get to know her well and invite her to prosperity spells.

Researching the Japanese pantheon requires patience and an ability to understand the moral within the story.  There are many books published, however searching the internet can prove frustrating as the genre of manga and Japanese anime use much of the pantheon’s names, powers and personalities within the games and comics.  However, it can be a fun way to introduce the pantheon to a young potential follower of Shinto.

The Shinto pantheon is one with many myths and stories, with a beautifully rich history.  If this path feels right to you, there are many ways to worship in the ancient ways.  You can select an area of your home to be your godshelf, and place your offerings of rice, silks, antiques and images of foxes to the gods and goddesses here.  Purification is a large part of following the Shinto path, and washing, rinsing, and bathing with water before communing or praying to the kami.  Making food and drink to share with the kami is also a form of worship, and share with family and friends later as a communal meal.  These rituals will bring you closer to the divine and like all religions can offer a sense of order within this busy world of chaos.

The Masters Of Manifestation

Hinduism is said to be the oldest religion in the world.  It is by far the most complex and organized of all the religions with a hierarchy of gods and goddesses, merely facets of one eternal, infinite being.  Contrary to popular belief, Hindus do not worship many gods, as Hinduism encompasses traits of both polytheism and monotheism, and is often referred to as kathenotheism, the belief of one individual god of a group, each taking a turn. 

Hinduism as a religion and culture is very diverse and has no set doctrine to follow.  This allows followers to enjoy their faith in unique and expressive ways.  There are various branches, or schools of thought in Hinduism, and all are derived from the Vedic religion.  The most important of all the texts are the Vedas, which combine myth, theology and history providing a comprehensive cultural basis for Hindus.  All branches are devoted to transcendence through understanding matter (the physical world), soul (self or Atman), and god (Brahman, the One Being) and how they relate to each other.

Depending on which denomination you follow, there is a hierarchy of hundred, even thousands; some say millions of Hindu gods.  The holy trinity of the highest gods are Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the protector; and Shiva the destroyer.  We will be examining the Smarta aspect of the religion.

Smartism, a popular denomination of Hinduism, is a branch that worships five major deities, who represent the one Being, Brahman.  He is the father of all gods and humans alike, and revealed the Vedas, ancient Indian texts, for all humankind.  The five gods, being the hands, feet, arms, and legs of the one Brahman, are Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Surya, and Ganesha.  Smartism is not as sectarian as other denominations of Hinduism, with an emphasis on understanding the divine through meditation and philosophy. 

Vishnu is known as the protector god, the preserver of order; his name translates to “one who enters everywhere” and is the Supreme Being who takes many forms to save humankind from evil.  Vishnu has manifested in nine avatars, with a tenth yet to occur.  An avatar is not just a video game icon, but actually is a Sanskrit word meaning descent, in which the god takes an earthly form. 

The first manifestation of Vishnu is Matsya which was a fish who is said to have saved mankind from a flood.  One cannot help but think of Noah and perhaps these two stories have the same origin. 

The second avatar is Kurma, who saved the earth from the churning of the ocean, a symbolism-laden story in Hindu tradition where Vishnu prevented the demons from immortality, preserving it only for the gods. 

Next is Vahara, a massive boar who loved the small Earth, Bhuderi.  She was lost in the primordial seas covering her, and Vishnu rescued her. 

His fourth form is Narasimha, half man and half lion (the Egyptian sphinx comes to mind here), who protects worshippers with divine anger.  There was a very powerful demon who could not be killed by neither man nor beast, and his son worshipped Vishnu.  The demon was angry and planning to assault his son, so Narasimha came down to protect the son in a form of both man and beast so he could slay the demon.    

The fifth avatar is Vamana, a fully human dwarf, in which Vishnu assumed the form of to protect the Earth from Bali.  It is said he challenged Bali to relinquish whatever land he could cover in three steps.  Vamana grew in size so large, his first step covered all of the earth and his second covered the heavens.  Bali was then defeated.

Parashurama is the sixth manifestation of Vishnu, in which he is an immortal guru to Bishma, Drona and Karna, the key characters in the Hindu text, the Mahabharata.

Rama, the seventh coming of Vishnu, is the perfect man.  His wife was kidnapped by a demon, and Rama rescues her.  His journey through life is one where perseverance in dharma, regardless of trials and tribulations, and results in the ideal man.

The most famous coming of Vishnu is Krishna, who delivered the Bhagavad or Song of the Lord to humankind.  He teaches transcendence of the self by releasing the mind and soul from the restrictive cycles of life and death. 

The ninth avatar is also equally famous, known as Buddha, the Hindu prince Siddhartha, or the Enlightened One.  It is this incarnation of Vishnu that helped reform the sacred rites of animal sacrifice, to prepare the way for a new age of Hinduism.

The last, and perhaps most ironic, avatar of Vishnu has yet to manifest.  It is said that he will take the form of Kalki at the end of the last age (the one we are in).  Kalki will ride a white horse, brandishing a sword in order to unmanifest the world by destroying the darkness of the last age, so the world can be born anew.

Incorporating Vishnu into your magic, whether you commune with him or call upon him for aid, is a very powerful evocation.  Be sure your intent is clear and righteous, keeping in mind the Threefold Law.  Typically, pagans will choose a specific avatar, a form of Vishnu, with which to work.  He is obviously an excellent choice in any protection spell.

Shiva, the god of destruction and spouse of Shakti, is often misunderstood by non-Hindus.  When we think of destruction, we think endings, sadness, pain and suffering, however everything that has a beginning, has an end and truly is not an “end” but a transformation.  Shiva represents the destruction of ego, of transforming oneself into a higher creation, closer to the divine.  He is the patron of yogis, and represents the inward journey to finding oneself. 

He and Shakti form the perfect complement of man and woman.  Their love is so strong and powerful, at one point it even frightened the other gods.  Shiva being the destroyer and Shakti the ultimate nurturer and mother perform together in such a way that keeps the balance in the cosmos, and here on earth.  Shiva is often considered ambiguous because of his role as a celibate yogi and that of lover/husband to Shakti.  While he can been seen depicted as a god in meditation, pure in mind, body and soul, he is also an intense lover and father to his family, providing two aspects in which one can worship.

Shiva can be called upon for several purposes, and to truly connect with him, you must get to know him.  He is helpful in getting rid of bad habits or ending something to make way for a new, better path.  One of the best ways to commune with Shiva is to invite him to join you in meditation.  Also, inviting him and his beloved Shakti to preside over marriage ceremonies (a common Hindu practice in all marriages) is a wonderful way to bless a sacred union. 

The union of Shiva and Shakti is the most powerful of all the gods, and perhaps in any pantheon.  While apart they are two separate gods, together they are one and from them all things are created.  They are the ultimate power couple, representing the infinite cycle of birth, destruction, and rebirth.  Being polar opposites, when they collide in their primordial union, it is an expansive and electric force of energy.  When choosing to work with them, be aware that energy juice they will give you is extremely powerful, and certainly not for the beginner. 

Shakti, as we have discussed, is the wife and lover of Shiva.  She embodies the mother goddess, for without their Shakti, all the gods are powerless.  For every god, they have an equal and opposing goddess, the source of their power.  She is the divine, everlasting energy of creation. 

Shakti is the ultimate creative energy, the eternal feminine who can assume the form of mother and wife as easily as young maiden and a whore.  She is the sexual energy within all women, the fertile mother, and the wise old sage.  Shakti is equivalent to the Triple Goddess in paganism.  It could be there roots are from the same source.

To invite Shakti into your ritual, you must be prepared for some serious power.  She is not one to consort with in a lighthearted fashion.  She is truly all powerful, and can be extremely helpful in spells of love, fertility and any type of creativity.  A wonderful activity to commune with Shakti is to go into the woods, or any place you feel connected to the goddess, and sit quietly.  Breathe with the earth and slowly chant the words “Adi Shakti, Namo Namo”.  This is a Kundalini chant, essentially meaning “I bow to the primal energy.”

Surya, the sun god, and rules the nine Classical Planets.  He is most often shown riding a chariot pulled by seven horses, potentially representing the planets, days of the week, or seven chakras.  He is the equivalent of the Egyptian god Ra, and the Greek counterpart, Helios.  He represents courage and will power, similar to that of the archangel Michael.  His is also the god of good fortune.

There are hundreds of sun temples all throughout India dedicated to Surya.  He is the source of light and warmth, and held in the highest regard in agricultural communities, the sun being an essential source for bountiful harvests.  He is the only visible god that can be seen every day.  In honor of Surya, shop keepers will place a symbol of the sun above their doors for a prosperous business. 

Including Surya in your spells is highly recommended, especially if you are seeking good luck, or courage in a business venture.  In preparation for any spell with the sun god, charge your tools that you will be using in the rays of the sun for twenty four hours, and ensure you place them with Surya in your mind.  Speak out loud, to ask him for help.  Once your tools are charged, choose the time for your ritual during the day, preferably in the sun however it is not necessary.  As with any god, be certain you give thanks and an offering at the end of your ritual, thanking them for their help and guidance.

Lastly, the fifth god honored in the Smartism denomination of Hinduism is Ganesha.  He is the son of Shiva and Shakti, and is one of the most famous Hindu gods, which most of the world can visibly recognize.  He has the head of an elephant, to represent wisdom and he is the destroyer of obstacles, and pride.  There are several stories surrounding how he ended up with an elephant head; however the symbolism of it is most important.  As the destroyer of obstacles, Ganesh’s unusual head serves as a reminder to look beyond normal appearances, and that not everything is what it seems to be.  By knocking down the ego, looking past unusual or just plain strange features, we can be closer to the divine in accepting all living things for who they are, not what they look like.

All Hindus, regardless of sect, worship Ganesha.  Though he is the son of Shiva and Shakti, he is considered above the supreme trinity of his parents and Vishnu.  He is often depicted riding a rat, representing human impertinence and our vanity which he conquers.  Ganesha is also a lover of food, hence is rotund belly.  It is customary to gift him with food such as fruits, nuts, leaves, and twigs.  The food is symbolic in that it represents our insatiable desires.  When we worship Ganesha, we seek for him to devour our sins, he allows us to approach life in a more detached way, though more deeply devoted. 

Ganesha is a loving, compassionate god.  One who guides our path in life by removing obstacles when we are headed towards the good and righteous path, and places them in front of us when we are on the wrong track to a healthy mind, body and soul.  Working with him is best when you are seeking the right path.  It requires some soul searching, facing our weaknesses, and giving an offering to Ganesha to lead us towards the light. 

The Hindu pantheon is a beautiful and ancient collective of some of the most powerful gods in our world.  Perhaps their power comes from thousands of years of worship and having millions of believers place their faith in them.  I encourage you to seek the art work in the Hindu religion, should you choose to work with these amazing gods.  It is rich in color, and contains powerful symbolism in every image.  Sometimes just meditating on the imagery can help connect you even closer to the divine.

The Nature Pantheon

The spiritual path of Native Americans is deeply connected to nature and all living things.  The spiritual teachings are unique to each tribe, and taught through story telling that is powerful in vivid symbolism.  To cover all of the tribal narratives would take a long, exhaustive book in it of itself, so we will focus on the Navajo tribe, whose “pantheon” is well documented.

The Navajo tribe is the largest in the United States with over 300,000 members as of 2011.  They reside in the southwest of the US, in the four corners where Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona meet, and the Navajo language is spoken as equally as English.  What is most fascinating about the Navajos is there matrilineal society.  Women were the receivers of the land and livestock inheritances.  Men married women and moved into their dwelling, becoming a part of their family.  Sons are born into the mother’s clan, and represent this side of the family in tribal politics.  Having a matriarchal society lends itself to a deeper connection to the spiritual than the traditional patriarchal systems around the world.

The basis of the Navajo spiritual belief is balance.  Being in harmony with oneself, and most importantly, nature are the keys to a healthy mind, body and soul in the Navajo structure.  Whether through a curse or coming in contact with an object the tribe deems as taboo, the Navajos seek their Hatalii, or medicine man.  These shamanic men are healers and restorers of balance.  They use various methods for diagnosis, such as hand trembling or using crystals on the patient’s body.  For healing, all Hatalii use chants and blessings to help the patient achieve harmony, though to complete the treatment, the patient must follow the medicine man’s instructions after the healing ceremony.  Dance is also a significant spiritual practice, as it is a building of energy that is released for a specific purpose or intent.  There are as many chants and dances as there are ailments and intents.  Each one is unique and powerful in its own right. 

The Navajo have a long and colorful pantheon of gods and goddesses, with so many aspects.  They are all connected to the Great Spirit, the one Creator of all things.  We will be looking at the eight most notable gods and goddesses, to help give you a better understanding of this splendid path.

Estsanatlehi is known as “The Woman Who Changes” or the “Turquoise Woman”, born from the sky god and earth goddess, she was raised by the first man and first woman to create humankind.  She is the ultimate feminine, with three main cycles; maiden, mother and crone.  When she ages to crone, she turns to walk east until she finds her younger self and becomes her again.  She is eternal and changes with the season. (Sound familiar?) Her lover is the sun, and she lives in the water in the west, where the sun visits her every night at the end of his daily journey.  They created a son, known as Monster Slayer, one half of the hero Twins who defeated all the monsters in the world, making it safe for humankind.

The best way to connect with Estsanatlehi is to connect with the changing of the seasons.  The equinoxes and solstices are ideal times to commune with her, and as she is the consummate woman/goddess, she can assist with all things relating to women from puberty to fertility and even aging.

Tonenili, or “water sprinkler”, is the god of water that falls from the sky.  He brings the water to other Navajo deities who rule the seas and rivers.  He is a bit of a trickster, or clown.  He controls weather and has been known to bring downpours when people pray for a sunny day.  He is a fun god, though unpredictable.  If you have ever heard of the “rain dance” that Native Americans perform, he is the god they are appeasing, at least in the Navajo tribe. 

Being a bit tricky, working with Tonenili is unpredictable and comical.  In serious ceremonies, he offers a bit of comic relief, with a member of the tribe dressing up in spruce tree branches and a mask representing the water sprinkler.  When calling upon him, be wary of his sense of humor.  He can be very helpful with your weather needs, just be cautious and have a back-up plan!

Hastsehogan is a two faced deity, one side is benevolent and the other malevolent.  He is a healing deity and known as the god of farming, yet his dark side has been known to cast curses as well.  Not much is known about him besides he is part of the household deity group called the Yei. 

Yolkaiestsan, the White Shell Woman, is the water goddess and sister to Estsanatlehi.  She is a benevolent goddess, created from white shells, who was impregnated by the waterfall, just as her sister was by the sun and became the goddess of waterfalls and streams.  She resides in the East and is wife of Klehanoai, the Moon-Carrier.  Yolkaiestsan gave birth to Born of Water, the other half of the Hero Twins.

Water is an every flowing element, and when working magic in trying to overcome obstacles, Yolkaiestsan is a wonderful choice to help you.  If you need a calming and soothing helping hand, go to a stream or waterfall and speak to her.  

Tsohanoai (The Sun Bearer) is the sun god who is said to carry the sun on his back across the sky or be riding a horse, carrying the sun as his shield.  He is the husband to Estsanatlehi, and he meets her every night in the west.  Tsohanoai is the creator of all large game animals on which the Navajo survived on, such as buffalo. 

Tklehanoai (Night Carrier) is the father of Tsohanoai, and like him, he carries the moon on his back throughout the night.  The legend says he created the Mexican people and smaller farming animals such as sheep and goats.  Neither he nor his son are ever impersonated or depicted in art.

He is the husband of Yolkaiestsan, and is credited, along with his son, for saving the Navajo people from a flood in the underworld by growing a reed out of seeds and soil long enough for them to climb out. 

Hastseoltoi, the goddess of hunting, carries two arrows, one in each hand, and a bow and arrow case slung over her shoulder.  She is married to the god of war, Nayanazgeni.  Her legend is that she has such power in throwing her arrows; she is stronger than using a bow.  Navajo tradition says that she can never been drawn or depicted, and hunters pray to her to help them become great in skill.  She is as fast as a hare when she runs, her footprints are said to be that of a jack rabbit. 

These are just a handful of the Navajo deities, and which are only a mere drop of the total Native American gods and goddesses.  There are many pow-wows open to the public all across the country, and you can get a real life feel for their spirituality, as well as culture at these events.  At the heart of the Navajo belief system, all of life has a balance and a harmony, equal and opposite actions and reactions.  This ties very closely into magick, and the Old Ways.

Servitors in Chaos Magick

There are several approaches to magick, and often practitioners from more traditional paths have a misconception about chaos magick.  According to Frater U.D., a German occultist, there are five methodologies: the spirit model, used by shamans and ceremonial practitioners; the energy model, where the world is full of energy for the practitioner to manipulate; the psychological model, using the mind and symbols to program the world around us; the informational model, which trains the practitioner to utilize the neutral energies surrounding us to convert into useful, kinetic energy; and lastly, the chaos model, which serves as a how to guide for all the above four.

Any pagan, regardless of denomination or belief system, should not have to limit themselves to just one way of ritual.  Religion is a very personal thing; our connection to the divine is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint.  We bring our own experiences, perspective and history (whether in this life or past lives) to the table when we seek a closer relationship with the divine.  Chaos magick offers that opportunity with no restrictions.  By no means does this absolve the chaos practitioner of karmic consequences or the touted Wiccan Threefold Law because cosmic law is fact, just like gravity.  The universe, the divine, the energy is all one being, called by different names by different cultures. 

A key element to chaos magick is the servitor, a personalization and manifestation of our obsessions or even inner demons.  They allow us to name the part of ourselves which we seek to explore and understand, giving it a name, traits, and a piece of our own subconscious that we can use in a healthy instead of destructive manner.

What is fascinating is most people have a servitor without naming such and certainly without realizing it.  People give names and attributes to their cars, toys, lucky charms, and even the creation of imaginary children when we are young.  These are all forms of servitors.  Since it is sub-conscious form, it can be demon-like when it is a dangerous splinter from the personality of the person that has no awareness of their deep seated issues.  For example, a person could have anger issues, and the sub-conscious creates a servitor to handle these issues, however the manifestation is a demon who when angered, turns towards violence. 

Not all magick is light.  Some of it is dark, especially when it comes from a deep recess in the mind that the practitioner is unaware it exists.  But one cannot have light without the dark.  There is a balance and harmony to the world, good and evil, light and dark, joy and sadness, birth and death, destruction and creation.  The key is to understand the servitor through self-awareness and evaluation, and deal with the issues or obsessions that it is attributed to, leading to great personal growth.

Creating your own servitor comes with a host of benefits.  Unlike calling upon a god, or perhaps using an elemental or fairy for assistance, the servitor is created by you and has no link, history or baggage from prior experiences.  When it is created by you, through self-awareness, you control the servitor to do what you would like to do in reality, but perhaps cannot for ethical or moral reasons.  That is not to say a servitor is immoral or dangerous but certainly can be an outlet for you to release frustration or anger towards a particular circumstance or situation.  Because they exist in the mind, and manifest in sigils or thoughts, it does not make them any less real.  You control your creation, so be aware of the karmic repercussions of a killer servitor.

Once you have a clear intention of the purpose of your servitor, you must create a physical form.  This can be anything from a sigil drawing, coming from your subconscious so your waking mind does not need to fully comprehend the drawing, an amulet, or really any type of vessel you want to contain your servitor.  Also, you need to decide if you will need your servitor for a specific amount of time, and you need to write a detailed set of instructions that describe the actions you want your servitor to do and includes what will happen when its purpose is fulfilled.  It is very similar to casting any kind of spell, however because this is a magickal entity, you need strict guidelines so your servitor doesn’t run around willy-nilly.

  Once you have followed these steps, it is time for your ritual to release your servitor into being.  Casting a circle is imperative because you do not want any unwanted spirits of any kind to influence or attach themselves to your servitor.  After your circle is cast, raise your energy in your preferred method.  I lean towards using drum beats, dancing, and drawing upon the Earth to generate the largest amount of energy I can.  You can do this in a group or just by yourself.  Harness the energy you have raised and visualize the servitor following the instructions you have set, taking action on your behalf to solve your challenge, and envision achieving your purpose or goal.

Release the circle and your servitor into the universe.  Keep your chosen vessel containing the servitor’s “home” on your altar or in a safe place so that it may return there when the tasks are complete each day. 

Servitors are obviously very different from calling upon the gods to help aid you in your life’s challenges.  They are a piece of your subconscious, created by you, charged with your energy.  Working with the gods, you have their history, stories, strengths and dare I say, weaknesses, with which you must contend.  Neither method is the “right method”; it is all about what feels true to you.

Other Great Magick Resources

As you can see, this is not your average pantheon book.  It is designed with the purpose in mind to give you a well-rounded overview of the different powers and methods that exist in our world.  There are many more pantheons and paths than what is included here.  Use this is your spring board to dive into the world of magick, gods, and searching for your own path.

No matter what your choice, make sure it is your choice and not that of your peers, coven, friends or family.  While we, as humans, seek to please those we love, finding your spiritual path is much deeper and personal journey than to try and please those closest to you.  You have your own individual past, unique to you, and whether you were raised Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or atheist; your religious experiences influence the path that feels most like home to you.  Many pagans turn to Catholic or Jewish mysticism in their works because though they may be disenchanted by the religious teachings of their youth, it feels like returning home, with a different perspective.  As my sixteen year old son tells me daily, “You do you.”

There are a multitude of great books, online blogs and articles on the collectives in this book, and it is recommended that when choosing a path, read as much as you can!  It will help you further connect with the divine as well as arm you with knowledge from many perspectives.  When studying history, you wouldn’t read just one book on the Civil War for a complete understanding because it could be written from only one side’s point of view.  If you read “Gone with the Wind”, you would have a distinct southern slant to your view on the Civil War.  For you to gain a complete understanding of your pantheon, read as many books and opinions as you possibly can.  I have listed some select material below for each of the chapters in this book for you to explore further.

The Archangels:

Archangels and Ascended Masters by Doreen Virtue is a comprehensive guide to working with the archangels, and understanding their roles.

World of Archangels by Sufian Chaudhary

The Angels of the First Heaven: How to Work with the Seven Archangels by Caroline Gilbody Bowyer

The Shinto Path/Japanese Pantheon:

Shintoism: The Indigenous Religion of Japan by A.C. Underwood includes a deeper understand of the religion and rituals, as well as the gods and goddesses encompassed in this ancient religion.

Shinto (The Way of the Gods) by W.G. Aston contains many ancient texts to read through in develop a better perspective on the religion.

The Hindu Pantheon:

Hindu Pantheon; An Introduction, Illustrated with 19th Century Indian Miniatures from the St Petersburg Collection by Edward Tyomkin et al. is a wonderfully colorful work with myths and stories to go with each piece of artwork.

Hindu Gods and Goddesses by WJ Wilkins

Avatars, Gods and Goddesses of Vedic Culture: Understanding the Characteristics, Powers and Positions of the Hindu Divinities by Stephen Knapp is comprehensive and easy to read, highly recommended to the beginner Hindu student.

The Native American/Navajo Pantheon

Native North American Religious Traditions: Dancing for Life by Jordan D. Paper includes many tribes and traditions of Native Americans.

All things Navajo can be found here: http://navajopeople.org/navajo-legends.htm

Arizona's Lords of the Land!: The History, Traditional Customs and Wisdom of the Navajos as Revealed by Key Words in Their Language by Boye Lafayette De Mente is a comprehensive history of the Navajo tribe, including great information on rituals and how they became the people we know today.

Servitors in Chaos Magick

Chaos Servitors: A User’s Guide by Phil Hine is a simple guide, now out of print but available online in essay form, on how to create your own servitor.

Visual Magick: A Practical Guide to Trance, Sigils and Visualization Techniques by Jan Fries

The Chaote - Sailing The High Seas of Chaos by Kenneth E. Hayes incorporates the light and dark side of magic, and a better understanding of servitors.

Keeping the Magick Strong

My hope is that you have learned some new spiritual ways to connect with the divine and opened doors to paths of which you were unaware or skeptical.  I leave you with this blessing:

May you find your true path,

The journey that is yours to walk;

With Gods and Goddesses to guide you,

Leading you to the divine spark within.

Tread lightly and with purpose,

Follow your heart and open your mind;

For it is your own path, truly

As I will, so mote it be.

Be blessed.

A Note From The Author

The topics covered in this manual are put together with the intent to bring you into alignment with the empowering and loving nature of your universe.

With the acknowledgement of these spiritual gifts, you will be able to more consciously utilize the amazing power of magick.

Remember to revisit this manual often, for the human brain is trained to learn and assimilate new behaviour by way of repetition. This is the key to activating the empowering beliefs that lay within.

Feel free to share any personal reflections on this book by leaving a review. We are also looking for personal stories of triumph for a future book called Empowering Stories, For Empowering Lives due out later this year.

You can sign up for updates on this and other books of empowerment and love at http://www.magickandprosperity.com