Ra-Hoor-Khuit Network's
Magickal Library

A Basic Exorcism Rite

Prepared for the use of E.G.C. clergy

by T. Apiryon and Frater D.E.

Version 6/3/97 e.v.
Copyright © 1997 Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. All rights reserved.

"Therefore fear not the Spirits, but be firm and courteous with them; for thou hast no right to despise or revile them; and this too may lead thee astray. Command and banish them, curse them by the Great Names if need be; but neither mock or revile them, for so assuredly wilt thou be led to error."

-- Liber XXX

The practice of exorcism is an art and a science in its own right. No single ritual or formula can cover all the variables that the exorcist may encounter. The following ritual is intended as a simple, practical introduction to the basic principles and techniques of exorcism for Thelemic practitioners. It can, and should, be modified and adapted to accommodate different situations as the exorcist gains experience. For example, exorcisms performed for non-Thelemites may require the substitution of the trappings of another religious system for those of Thelema as given below. Performing exorcisms for those who do not believe in "spirits" will require further modifications.

As with all practical magical operations, exorcism should be performed in conjunction with the appropriate mundane measures. Depending on the individual circumstances, such measures may include: medical treatment; counseling; improvements in hygiene, diet and lifestyle; companionship; and even a little healthy skepticism and humor.

(The Exorcist may be either a Priest, Priestess or Deacon. The exorcism is always performed by request, and the person requesting the exorcism should be present. If appropriate, this person should actively participate in the ceremony as an assistant to the Exorcist.

The Exorcist is armed with the Stele of Revealing, a candle, the Book of the Law, and a bell; a censer and a cup of water or Font; a vial of Holy Oil, a slip of paper and a red pen; and a sword. A shewstone or similar device may also be used. If the Rite is to be performed in Temple, all these (except the cup or Font) are placed upon the Altar of Incense. If not, they are placed on a table in the East.

The Exorcist enters and banishes according to Liber XXV or the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. If success is not thereby achieved, s/he continues as follows:)

The EXORCIST (takes water from the Font and sprinkles the Subject, saying): "So therefore first the Priest who governeth the works of Fire, must sprinkle with the Water of the loud-resounding Sea!"

The EXORCIST (lights the charcoal in the censer, places incense therein and censes the Subject, saying): "When thou shalt behold that holy and formless Fire shining flashingly through the depths of the Universe: Hear thou the Voice of Fire!"

The EXORCIST (in a low but commanding tone): "O thou mischievous spirit, who hast unlawfully [usurped the Throne of the Master][intruded into the Sanctuary][etc.]: by the Great Name IAO, I, the servant of the Same Thy God, the True Worshipper of the Highest, command thee to reveal unto me thy name, correctly, at length, and without delay."

(Done. The Exorcist, or assistant, writes the name (N.) on a slip of paper, opens the Book, places the paper upon the open book, and lights the candle. If the exorcist deems it necessary-- and feasible-- the spirit may also be commanded by name to reveal itself to the exorcist and assistant for questioning. For such a purpose, a shewstone or similar device may be used.)

(The Exorcist now proceeds according to increasing levels of intensity, as necessary. As soon as success is achieved, the Exorcist proceeds immediately to the Conclusion.)

First Level -- the License to Depart:

The EXORCIST: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. O thou spirit N., thou hast strayed from thy true course, and thy trespass has been discovered by the conflict and sorrow that have been its result." (The Exorcist traces a + on the subject, or on the subject's brow, with Holy Oil, or in the air with his/her right hand, saying:) "By the Sign of Light, I now open a way for thee; I loose thy bonds; I lift thee up; I give thee leave to depart in peace, and so to return to thy lawful course; and may the Lord + bring thee to the accomplishment of thy True Will. Love is the law, love under will."

Second Level -- the Adjuration, or Command to Depart:

The EXORCIST (loudly): "O thou spirit N., I command thee to withdraw and depart, without further delay! Return now from whence thou came, and come not again unless summoned in due form! Begone, I say, in the Name of IAO!"

Third Level -- the Banishment:

The EXORCIST (raises the Stele, and declares in a loud voice): "O thou Spirit N., thy impertinence shall bring thee to destruction, for the God of War and of Vengeance has spied thee with His Hawk's Eye!
Flee!
Flee, before the Force and Fire of RA HOOR KHUIT!
Flee, lest His terrible wrath be aroused against thee and all thy kin, and thou art crushed in His mighty Hand until nought remains!"

Fourth Level -- the Curse:

The EXORCIST (as RHK, takes up the sword in the right hand, and points it at the Subject; takes up the name in the left hand, and crushes it): "I am upon thee! Thou shalt not stand before me! Thou hast rejected the Truth, and thou art accurséd unto the aeons! I spew thee out! I cast thee into the Abyss! I burn thy carcass to ashes, that no trace or remembrance of so vile a being may remain among men." (The Exorcist casts the name into the censer, intoning the following as it burns:) "Amri maratza, maratza, atman deona lastadza maratza maritza --- marán!"

Conclusion:

The EXORCIST: "I sound the bell." (Done, 3-5-3)
"I close the book." (Done)
"I quench the candle." (Done)
(The Exorcist traces a Pentagram on the Subject, or the Subject's brow, with Holy Oil; or in the air with the sword, saying:)
"By the Sign of Light, I seal this Sanctuary."

The EXORCIST: Now I begin to pray: Thou Child,
Holy Thy name and undefiled!
Thy reign is come; Thy will is done.
Here is the Bread; here is the Blood.
Bring me through midnight to the Sun!
Save me from Evil and from Good!
That Thy one crown of all the Ten
Even now and here be mine. AMEN.