Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

172 SELF-INITIATION IN10 THE GoLDEN DAWN TRADITION
which are not visible to us. Thus it is important that the studentmemorize the correspondences
which apply to a system such as Geomancy or Tarot. All images and
ideas associated with the system must become second-nature to the diviner, so
that they can be recalled instantly in a reading.
Geomancy
The random generation of the Geomantic Tetragrams is called Squilling. Nowadays
it is usually performed using pen and paper, by simply creating sixteen rows
of dots with ink on paper or parchment. However, it was originally performed by
poking holes into dirt or sand to obtain different symbols and figures.
Although this procedure can be done entirely using pen and paper, actual
use of the Earth in the divination is a more powerful method of forming the magicallink
between the diviner and the Planetary Genius summoned.
To this end the student may wish to construct a wooden box specifically
for Geomantic divinations. This box is to be filled with Earth and consecrated by
a ritual. A wand is used for poking holes into the dirt and squilling the sixteen
RootLines which generate the Tetragrams.v
Geomancy can be performed using a variety of other techniques as well: 55
Pebble-working: A bag of gemstones can be used for squilling the figures.
The diviner draws a handful of stones from the bag and sets them aside in pairs
until there are either one or two stones remaining, odd or even. This is done sixteen
times to obtain the sixteen Root Lines needed.
Coin-Working: Flipping coins is an easy way to generate yes/no or odd/even
responses. I Ching coins can easily be adapted for this purpose.
Dice-Working: The rolling of a dice will immediately give you an odd or
even number.
Stone-Working: A set of Geomancy stones can be constructed out of ovenhardening
clay (or wood) with the figures of the Tetragrams painted right on
them. (Only ten stones are needed for a full set since many of the Tetragrams are
reversed images of each other.) This is a quick way of squilling, since one only
needs to pick out four completed Tetragrams rather than determining sixteen different
Root Lines.
The Ruling Spirits ofGeomancy
A successful divination using this method depends on the contact made with a
Geomantic Spirit or Genius. These Spirits are collectively called Genii. They are the
ruling Spirits of the Planetary energies invoked in a Geomantic reading. At the
beginning of a reading, the diviner selects one of these ruling Spirits-whichever
Spirit best reflects the Planetary nature of the question being asked. The diviner
should take care to phrase the question clearly and concisely, because the answer
is only going to reflect the most literal form of the question.
54 The construction of the Geomancy Boxis described in our book, Secrets ofa Golden Dawn Temple.
55 From Adam Forrest's article, "Mysteria Geomantica: Teachings in the Art of Geomancy," published
in TheGolden DawnJournal, Book 1: Ditnnation.