In regards to Simon's Necronomicon and influence of context

[DoctorDopamine]

Good evening.

As of lately, I've been wondering particularly about Simon's Spellbook, its procedures and approach.

I'm a piscean, but what if I follow the spellbook's guidelines, in regards to the calling of the name, but change the context? For example, doing the ritual while being in a body of water (i.e. a small pool). Would the alteration of context be favorable? (and in this case, a context that has affinity to my zodiac sign, if zodiac does even work with this type of magic?).

P.D. Another question. What if I have a particular request that doesn't truly fit to what the spellbook designates? (the spellbook itself is quite brief and vague). Can I choose a name that somewhat relates to what I request and ask for it with specificity, or are there any other alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

D.D.

[Ramscha]

You should know that this spellbook is a complete work of fiction (like most other spellbooks). Any alteration is a product of your fiction as well leading to a combination. If this combinations are favourable you have to find out by yourself. Experimentation in the matter of how to perform your operations is required.

are there any other alternatives?

Play with it. Magick often requires time especially when it comes to the point "how to do what" which you have to find out by yourself. Many books will give you a step-by-step-something but in the end you have to find the rhythm of your own work.

Ramscha

[Asurendra]

I offer this program for your consideration:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-hermet ... cronomicon

[Nahemah]

What Ramscha said.

Basically you are working with the Fifty names of Marduk and using Astrological references from Sumerian/Babylonian Astrology.

Pay attention to the skies above you and look to work when the 'stars are right'.You need to extrapolate a bit from the book,but the clues are all there and using Planetary hours tables and an Ephemeris helps a lot too. Agrippa's Behenian Stars table is very useful too, as it gives correspondances that can be used in your ritual/s if you so wish.

A working understanding of which constellations are prominent in the sky and what Planetary influences are strong or weak at the time you want to work also will help greatly.

A little theatre dosen't hurt either.

I very rarely work with any kind of ceremony, but working with the names I feel requires it, so I gussy up and go for it. Robes, bell, book and candle baby...lol, but seriously.

I've had great success with the names over the years,but also one or two events where I really should have been less literal with my requests/petitioning...

It also helps, I have found, to 'show greatness in small things' while under the influence/protection of one or more of the Names. By this I mean you must be expansive, show kindness where normally you may feel irritated, do more for others, generally be mindful of other people more..and suchlike.
I do this for the whole length of the working period and it's expected after effects. I found I've grown as a person due to it and I am generally less rascible these days altogether.

It's an interesting tool to work with, that's for sure. Be careful, though, as it's also a powerful one, when you get it right. [thumbup]

[DoctorDopamine]

Thanks a lot for the responses. I'll definitely take everything into consideration [thumbup]