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The Theory of Ritualism
(Codex Lycadican Canonici, Chapter X)
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Ritualism is the most ancient form of
arcane power known to man. This Arcane Art is referred to by aboriginal peoples
as Voodoo, Obeah, Magike (Black or White), or Saponsstaa (Medicine). Ritualism
is so intricately tied to the cultures of these ancient peoples that it
functions more as a religion than an Arcane Art. The use of Ritualism is clouded
in superstition and is usually associated with evil and evil forces by those who
do not understand its use. Many Ritualists have turned to infernal sources to
augment their already powerful talents. As a result the very names of Ritualism
all have fear invoking connotations which makes life for the practitioners of
this art rather awkward. However, Ritualists can be and frequently are good. The
aboriginal peoples of the Manloow plateau refer to their Ritualists as
Aipi'Kssokinaki, Shamans or Medicine men. |
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Performing Rituals
(Codex Lycadican Canonici)
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The performing of rituals is both time
consuming and mentally taxing. All of the right components must be in place. The
essence recognizes even the preparation stage of every ritual and the magikeal
energies begin to gather there. Preparation includes the construction of any new
material components that the ritualist may need. In rituals common components
include ceremonial masks, rattles, drums, costumes, ritual paints and many other
type of symbolic devices. Ritualism relies heavily upon these material
components because of the law of Relantum.
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The Ritualist utilizes the Law of Relantum
by directing his magike through symbolic representations and objects. Ritualists
use objects that are symbolically related to, or represent, the targets of their
spells. This relation means a connection to something by ownership, persons
(friends etc.), nationality, sacred objects, symbology and blood (relatives,
animal blood, sacrificial blood etc.)
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For example, an Obeah man wishing to harm
his victim would use the Law of Relantum. To fulfill the requirements of this
law a doll or carving made in the likeness of the victim would first be
constructed. This would represent the body of the target. The second precept
fulfills the Law of Contagion. Some aspect of the doll would be constructed from
some possession or object symbolically (or literally) related to the target.
Such things could be some of the victim's hair, or the fabric from his clothes.
Once the Laws of Relantum and Contagion (or Gesegen) have been fulfilled
whatever the Obeah man does to the doll will happen to his victim. The Law of
Relantum must be used by Ritualists for all spells.
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