The Hieratic Art is the path of the divine magician, one who is a servant of the gods, separated from common men. The mage conceives himself as a king in exile, working hard to be reinstated on his rightful throne. At the same time, he plays the role of mediator between Otherness, inhabited by deities, daemons, angels, and various spirits, and the material plane. This liminal characteristic casts him/her into a strange state, in which he belongs entirely to neither world. In order to understand the numinous, he has even decided to abandon the community of men and surrender to that of spirits, knowing that this will bring him hardship and ostracism.

We live in exile, eternal wanderers, like Cain.

In this discourse, we will explore some suggestions, which I consider imperative, for the successful practice of the Arte Magical; while some may be unnecessarily controversial, they remain challenges for modern man/woman, who lies trapped in chains imposed by society and by him/herself.

If these shackles are not broken, success as a practitioner will be impossible, for one cannot hope to live life as the average person if one simultaneously pursues the higher principles. A rethinking of one’s life must occur, leaving behind everything that hinders the path, and embracing whatever brings, even if seemingly painful, fulfilment.

The Arte Hieraticus must be entered into completely; immersing oneself in half measures will end up bringing fruitless disappointments, turning the practitioner into a dilettante.

The question then arises: Are you willing to walk the sacred path, despite the sacrifices, efforts, and ordeals it entails?

For those who answer affirmatively, may this manual serve as a gentle guide.