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Okay, so I've been working my way up to where I would construct, one by one, the four elemental "weapons" of the Golden Dawn system (but not consecrating them yet). The design gives me a couple of questions from a practical and symbolic point of view.

1) For all of the weapons: How important is it to have the Rose Cross sigils along with the Names? I can see where the Names would be useful, to reinforce their attribution to the particular element. But if one needed the Rose Cross sigils associated with those names, they could just use the Hebrew letters (written on the weapons) with the Rose Cross and derive it themselves; an Adept in the R.R. et A.C. would have made and consecrated the Rose Cross Lamen in addition to the weapons. Since my handwriting tends to be rather large, would the tools suffer if they didn't have the sigils of the Names drawn on them?

2) For the Fire Wand: Is there a particular symbolic requirement that the wand have three red sections (separated by four yellow rings)? The total number of names to be written on the wand is eight, including the Motto; if there were four sections instead of three, all of the names could fit evenly without having to be written on the red parts of the bulb at the far end. Any particular reason why it should stay at three?

3) For the Earth Pentacle: What goes on the back? Regardie's books say that the front and back of the Pentacle should be identical (color flipping notwithstanding), but most modern Pentacles I've seen online only have the hexagram, border and Names drawn on one side, and the back plain except for the four colors. Since the other tools only have each Name written once, it seems a bit unbalanced to have them all written on both sides of the Pentacle. I think that simply writing four of the names on one side, and the other four on the other side (with the Motto facing the Magician in use), would make sense. Am I the only one who thinks this?

5kinr wrote:Okay, so I've been working my way up to where I would construct, one by one, the four elemental "weapons" of the Golden Dawn system (but not consecrating them yet). The design gives me a couple of questions from a practical and symbolic point of view.

1) For all of the weapons: How important is it to have the Rose Cross sigils along with the Names? I can see where the Names would be useful, to reinforce their attribution to the particular element. But if one needed the Rose Cross sigils associated with those names, they could just use the Hebrew letters (written on the weapons) with the Rose Cross and derive it themselves; an Adept in the R.R. et A.C. would have made and consecrated the Rose Cross Lamen in addition to the weapons. Since my handwriting tends to be rather large, would the tools suffer if they didn't have the sigils of the Names drawn on them?

No. You do not need to have any words upon them if you do not want to. The main point of the elemental weapon, is to bring to mind the element itself, and the weapon color and structure itself does this alone. Some, however, like to be as detailed as possible, and this is important in itself, whether you are of this type. Listen to your intuition, if you feel you should include the sigils and names, include them. Be as neat as you can, it is a holy item, and deserves your best work. I have seen some write these names on a piece of suitable paper, and fix it to the weapon, and lacquer.

2) For the Fire Wand: Is there a particular symbolic requirement that the wand have three red sections (separated by four yellow rings)? The total number of names to be written on the wand is eight, including the Motto; if there were four sections instead of three, all of the names could fit evenly without having to be written on the red parts of the bulb at the far end. Any particular reason why it should stay at three?

Three is symbolic of the three pronged Shin, one of the Three Mother Letters attributed to Fire. It is significant, and also signifies the three Supernals. I would not include four, as that is a number relating to Earth. Again, you need not include the names unless you strongly feel you should. There are ways to manage the letters etc., on the weapon in neat and small ways, if one uses their creativity.

3) For the Earth Pentacle: What goes on the back? Regardie's books say that the front and back of the Pentacle should be identical (color flipping notwithstanding), but most modern Pentacles I've seen online only have the hexagram, border and Names drawn on one side, and the back plain except for the four colors. Since the other tools only have each Name written once, it seems a bit unbalanced to have them all written on both sides of the Pentacle. I think that simply writing four of the names on one side, and the other four on the other side (with the Motto facing the Magician in use), would make sense. Am I the only one who thinks this?

This can vary, and certain "Golden Dawn" orders request different things. Usually, the front holds a Hexagram (the number 6 symbol of the Macrocosm), and the Pentagram is upon the back, symbol of Man (5). The symbol then is that of the unification of the two, and the inherent meaning is literally these are two sides of the same coin. The Great work is the unity of the 5 and the 6, and the Pentacle is a symbol of the world, the Earth, which is an outward expression of oneself. The front side is usually the side with the Names and ones Motto, although I have seen them with Names and Motto on both. Whatever you prefer, it is not essential this is always the same as everyone else.

LF

Lord Ferocia wrote: This can vary, and certain "Golden Dawn" orders request different things. Usually, the front holds a Hexagram (the number 6 symbol of the Macrocosm), and the Pentagram is upon the back, symbol of Man (5). The symbol then is that of the unification of the two, and the inherent meaning is literally these are two sides of the same coin. The Great work is the unity of the 5 and the 6, and the Pentacle is a symbol of the world, the Earth, which is an outward expression of oneself. The front side is usually the side with the Names and ones Motto, although I have seen them with Names and Motto on both. Whatever you prefer, it is not essential this is always the same as everyone else.

LF

I actually thought about doing this for my own personal design, as I really like the symbolism of it. For now, I want to stick closer to the traditional symbolism, and then make any personal changes later. I'll probably end up using the more "modern" (one-sided) design, at first. Thanks for the suggestions!

5kinr wrote:

Lord Ferocia wrote: This can vary, and certain "Golden Dawn" orders request different things. Usually, the front holds a Hexagram (the number 6 symbol of the Macrocosm), and the Pentagram is upon the back, symbol of Man (5). The symbol then is that of the unification of the two, and the inherent meaning is literally these are two sides of the same coin. The Great work is the unity of the 5 and the 6, and the Pentacle is a symbol of the world, the Earth, which is an outward expression of oneself. The front side is usually the side with the Names and ones Motto, although I have seen them with Names and Motto on both. Whatever you prefer, it is not essential this is always the same as everyone else.

LF

I actually thought about doing this for my own personal design, as I really like the symbolism of it. For now, I want to stick closer to the traditional symbolism, and then make any personal changes later. I'll probably end up using the more "modern" (one-sided) design, at first. Thanks for the suggestions!

Yes, as a matter of fact it is often the practice for the student to create his own symbol for the universe, and place it upon the Pentacle. Some have simply placed a well done figure 8, others have created complex seals based upon their current understanding of the Planetary and Zodiacal forces, and elements. In the end, it is a symbol to you of the universe. Of course, the design the GD gives is just as good as any, and again, it is wise to use what you feel you should use. The weapons should not distract you during ritual in any manner, so having them as you see fit is important. The one sided is perfectly fine.

LF