By chance I opened Levi's Doctrine and Ritual to the ritual section and started reading Chapter 4, The Conjuration of the Four. In this chapter Levi mentions domination of the spirits and uses phrases such as "one must impose the Verb of one's will upon the elements". One exorcises the elements in this practice. Levi also stresses how the elementary spirits "most often torment those who deal with them".
This is in comparison with the Golden Section's calling of the elements for the Sphere of Protection and what is basically a request for their help: "May the powers of XXXX bless and protect me.....".
Is there a difference between the Golden Section and Levi's view of how to interact with and the nature of, the elements?
After thinking over this and additional reading I believe Levi's view on the nature of the elements is similar with the Golden Section incorporating much of Levi's thought (e.g. "They indifferently reproduce good and evil, because they have no free will..." and "The mage who employs their cooperation takes upon himself a terrible responsibility..."). I think the differences I've noted are the two different methods of interaction with them but posting this as a question to be sure and ask if there are, in fact, fundamental differences in the view on the nature of elements?
The Conjuration of the Four versus the Calling of the Elements
As always, thank you for this Q&A.
By chance I opened Levi's Doctrine and Ritual to the ritual section and started reading Chapter 4, The Conjuration of the Four. In this chapter Levi mentions domination of the spirits and uses phrases such as "one must impose the Verb of one's will upon the elements". One exorcises the elements in this practice. Levi also stresses how the elementary spirits "most often torment those who deal with them".
This is in comparison with the Golden Section's calling of the elements for the Sphere of Protection and what is basically a request for their help: "May the powers of XXXX bless and protect me.....".
Is there a difference between the Golden Section and Levi's view of how to interact with and the nature of, the elements?
After thinking over this and additional reading I believe Levi's view on the nature of the elements is similar with the Golden Section incorporating much of Levi's thought (e.g. "They indifferently reproduce good and evil, because they have no free will..." and "The mage who employs their cooperation takes upon himself a terrible responsibility..."). I think the differences I've noted are the two different methods of interaction with them but posting this as a question to be sure and ask if there are, in fact, fundamental differences in the view on the nature of elements?