Sigils

A sigil is a symbol used to focus energy. The word sigil comes from a Latin word meaning “seal,” and many are familiar with the symbols used to evoke angels or demons in so-called high magick.

But there are many other uses for sigils! They can help us focus the energy of our intentions when we cast a spell. One of the more common uses of sigil magic comes from the practice of chaos magic. In this sense, we don’t evoke a specific being. Instead, the sigil helps us in two ways. First, it focuses the magical energy of our intention. Second, it helps us release the intention from our conscious mind. According to Ray Sherwin, an accomplished chaos magician, “The magician acknowledges a desire, (s)he lists appropriate symbols and arranges them into an easily visualized glyph. Using any of the gnostic techniques he reifies (brings the abstract concept into the concrete; charges the sigil with desire) the sigil and then, by force of will, hurls it into his subconscious from where the sigil can begin to work unencumbered by desire.”

Desire is a double-edged sword. It is what motivates us. But it is also what leads us astray. So, by focusing the desire (energy) using a carefully crafted sigil, we can get out of our own way and allow the magic to happen.

You may be tempted to dismiss sigils as “too easy.” Before you do, give them a try!

One of the most common ways to craft a sigil is to use a statement of intention. Write your statement of intention to be as clear, brief, and to the point, as you can. Then, remove all the duplicate letters. For example, if you start with:

I easily best my enemies and emerge triumphant

And take out all duplicate letters, you are left with:

ieaslybtmuph

Use these letters in combination to make a graphic that is not recognizable as your original statement.

Then, to charge the sigil you want to use an ecstatic practice to raise energy. At the peak, focus this energy into a clear vision of your graphic. Then release it. You can then burn the sigil, or (as I do) place it in an envelope on your altar. Avoid focusing consciously on it. Instead, as I mentioned above, allow the magic to happen.

There are many on-line tools to craft your sigil. One of my favorites is the Sigil Engine. Visit sigilengine.com, and give it a try! Here’s what we get using our example above:

sigil-blog.jpg