Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP)
The foundational protective ritual of the Western ceremonial tradition, using the pentagram and divine names to clear and seal sacred space.
Ritual Overview
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is the bedrock of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn's practical magick. It is at once the simplest and most profound of all protective workings — a geometric prayer that aligns the practitioner with the forces of the macrocosm while simultaneously purifying the microcosm of all intrusive or stagnant energies.
The ritual unfolds in five movements, each corresponding to one of the four elements and the unifying spirit. The practitioner traces a banishing pentagram at each cardinal direction — an act that creates a psychic firebreak around the sacred space.
Following the pentagrams, the six archangels are invoked through a ritualized circumambulation: Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, and Auriel are called to guard the four quarters while the light of the divine presence descends through the practitioner from above. The final Qabalistic Cross seals the rite.
Ritual Steps
Qabalistic Cross
Touch forehead and vibrate "ATAH." Touch chest and vibrate "MALKUTH." Touch right shoulder and vibrate "VE-GEBURAH." Touch left shoulder and vibrate "VE-GEDULAH." Clasp hands and vibrate "LE-OLAM, AMEN."
2 minutes
Visualization
A sphere of white light above your head, a sphere below your feet, a sphere at each shoulder — connected by a cross of brilliant golden light.
Banishing Pentagram of East
Face east. Trace a large banishing earth pentagram in the air. Point to the center and vibrate "YHVH" (Yahweh).
2 minutes
Visualization
The pentagram blazes into being before you, white fire outlining its five points.
Banishing Pentagrams of South, West, North
Turn south, trace, vibrate "ADNI." Turn west, trace, vibrate "AHIH." Turn north, trace, vibrate "AGLA." Return east.
6 minutes
Visualization
Four pentagrams blaze at the cardinal points, connected by arcs of white fire forming an unbroken sphere of protection.
Invocation of the Archangels
Extend arms in a cross. Intone: "Before me, Raphael. Behind me, Gabriel. At my right hand, Michael. At my left hand, Auriel."
3 minutes
Visualization
Four archangels manifest as towering figures of light at each quarter.
Repeat Qabalistic Cross
Repeat step 1 to ground and seal the energy. Stand in silence for one minute.
2 minutes
Visualization
The cross of light descends from infinity through your crown, anchoring the protective sphere to the earth.
Warnings & Ethics
Perform daily for best results. The LBRP is a purification ritual.
Variants
Ingredients
- White candle (optional)
- Incense of frankincense (optional)
Tools
- None required (hand and finger visualization)
- Dagger or athame (optional variant)