Swords of the Golden Dawn

The Magic Swords in the Golden Dawn

The Imperator’s Sword - (Dias Officer) Secrets of a Golden Dawn Temple ~The Ciceros~ pg 113

Use and Symbolism

                The Imperator’s Sword is a form of the Sword of Justice, a symbol assigned to the sphere of Geburah. This weapon implies governance and firmness; qualities necessary to the Chief whi is symbolically seated in the Sphere of Severity. The Sword is associated with fire and symbolizes purification. The settle fo the sword alludes to toughness, and the all-conquering spirit. This implement is used to bring the energies of Nephthys into the Temple via the Black Pillar.

                The grip should be painted RED and the guard should be YELLOW or GOLD.

The Hiereus’ Sword- Secrets of a Golden Dawn Temple ~The Ciceros~ pg 87

Use and Symbolism

The sword is primarily comprised of a blade and a guard; thus an emblem of conjunction. In face during the Middle Ages, the Sword often took on the form of a cross. Traditionally, the sword is the proper instrument of a knight, who is the defender of the forces of light against the forces of darkness. Its essential symbolic meaning is of the ability to wound and defend-attributes of strength and sovereignty. There is also a curious relationship between the words ‘sword’ and ‘word’.

                The Hiereus is the officer known as “The Avenger of the Gods.” He guards the Temple from the Qlippoth or Evil Ones who dwell beneath Malkuth in the Kingdom of Shells. He represents a terrible avenging god at the confines of Matter, who is enthroned upon Matter and robed in Darkness. His Sword symbolizes the Forces of the Pillar of Severity; Binah is at its tip, Geburah is at the midsection of the blade, and Hod is represented by the brass guard. The two paths of Cheth and Mem are referred to the equal sections of the blade between Geburah and Binah, and between Geburah and Hod. The grip is RED to represent the Path of Shin-alluding to Universe governed by the flaming force of Divine Severity. Malkuth, although not a part of the Pillar of Severity is represented by the BLACK pommel, for as is the case with the other scepters of the Outer Order, all the Forces of the Tree of Life are grounded in Malkuth. The “Sword of Vengeance” is the name fo this implement.

                Because the Sword of the Hiereus is used to guard the Temple, its natural use other than in Golden Dawn ceremonies is for banishment and protection. At any time in the Hall of the Neophytes, the Hierophant may call upon the Hiereus to perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.

                The grip should be painted RED and the pommel should be BLACK.

  

The Adept’s Sword - (Z.A.M.) Secrets of a Golden Dawn Temple ~The Ciceros~ pg 451

Use and Symbolism

                The Magick Sword of the Z.A.M. is to he used in all cases where great forces and strength are to be used and are required, but principally for banishing and for defense against evil forces. For this reason, it is under the Presidency of Geburah and of Mars, whose Names and Forces are to be invoked at its consecration, which should take place in the day and hour of Mars, or else during the course of the Fiery Tattwa.

                The motto of the Adept should be engraved upon it, or upon the hilt in letters of GREEN, in addition to the mystic devices and names. The hilt, pommel and guard are to be colored a flame RED. The blade should be clean and bright. Pentagrams should be painted on salient portions, because this is the lineal figure of Geburah. The Divine and Angelic Names related to Geburah are then to be added in GREEN, and also their sigils taken from the Rose. The Sword must be consecrated in due form.

                Here again let the Zelator Adeptus Minor remember his Obligation never to use his knowledge of practical magick for purposes of Evil, and let him be well assured that if he do thus, notwithstanding his pledge, the evil be endeavors to bring about will re-act on himself. He will experience in his own person and affairs that very thing he has endeavors to bring about for another.

                The sword is to be used with great respect onl

y for banishings, protections, and certain rituals (such as consecrations and evocations) where the Fore of Geburah is needed to bar and to threaten.

                Paint pentagrams on both sides of the wooden balls in GREEN. Also paint in GREEN the following Hebrew names and sigils on all sides of the guard:

·         GOD NAME: Elohim Gibor (ALHIM GBOR)

·         ARCHANGEL: Kamael (KMAL)

·         ANGELS: Seraphim (ShRPhIM)

·         PLANET: Madim (MDIM) Mars

·         PLANETARY ANGEL: Zamael (ZMAL)

·         PLANETARY INTELLIGENCE: Graphiel (GRAPhIAL)

·         PLANETARY SPIRIT: Bartzabel (BRTzBAL)

·         MOTTO: