Magi's Quest
Magi's Quest: An Occult Perspective on the Epiphany
Join me as we dive with a splash of sorcery into the Feast of Epiphany, a festivity with roots tangled deep in Christian lore, yet twinkling with the secretive sparkle of esoteric charm. My fascination with the tale of the three kings isn’t just a whimsical fancy; it's been the guiding North Star in my mystical musings. A few years back, in a stroke of what could only be cosmic serendipity, I stumbled upon Dr. Alexander Cummins' spellbinding tome, "A Book of the Magi: Lore, Prayers, and Spellcraft of the Three Holy Kings (Folk Necromancy in Transmission)."
This book, brimming with arcane secrets and magical musings, wasn't just a read; it was a revelation, enticing me to plant its mystical seeds in the garden of my family's yearly rituals.
For those of you itching to sprinkle a dash of this ancient wisdom into your own family cauldron, I heartily recommend grabbing a copy of this book. It's not just a guide; it's a magical portal, inviting you to merge the Magi's epic saga with your own circle of celebrations. So, let's turn these bewitched pages together and let the wise whispers of the Three Holy Kings echo in our endeavors.
The Magi's Journey: A Symbolic Quest
The story of the Magi, as woven through the threads of Christian tradition, narrates the journey of wise men, led by a celestial guide to the cradle of Jesus. I find myself utterly captivated by the notion that these three sage-like figures, akin to wizards, employed the arts of prophecy, astrology, and dream interpretation in their quest. What's particularly fascinating is how universally accepted their mystical methods are. Even the most rigidly devout individuals seem to embrace, without a hint of skepticism, this trio of enigmatic, Gandalf-esque figures traversing the night, guided by the arcane and the celestial. These magicians are far more than mere characters of lore; they stand as pivotal symbols in an egregore, holding the keys to the profound mysteries of the spiritual realm. They act as a portal, allowing us to honor and commune with the mighty dead, bridging our world with the whispers of ancient wisdom.
The Three Gifts: More Than Material Offerings
The offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are steeped in profound mystical symbolism. Gold, with its lustrous sheen, is a talisman of the material realm and our dominion over earthly treasures. Frankincense, a staple in the witch’s pantry for ritualistic endeavors, acts as a fragrant bridge connecting us to the divine, facilitating our spiritual dialogues through prayer and meditation. Myrrh, with its solemn association with the art of embalming, whispers of rebirth and the undying essence of our spirits, a reminder of the eternal cycle of life, death, and regeneration.
Epiphany and the Crooked Path
Epiphany is a season of personal epiphanies and soulful reflection. It beckons us to chase our own 'star', launching us on an introspective odyssey deep into self and cosmos. The Magi's pilgrimage serves as a mystical beacon, urging us to unearth our own truths and courageously navigate our spiritual sojourn, regardless of its twisty trails. Moreover, it calls us to weave a web of connection with the venerable souls who have tread this shadowy path before us, seeking their wisdom and inviting communion with the ancients.
Integrating the Magi's Wisdom into Our Practices
Every Epiphany, I ritualistically adorn my doorway with chalk, encircling the initials C M B within the framework of the year, like so: 20 + C + M + B + 24. Along with this, I recite the following blessing:
3 kings Threshold Prayer to Invoke God’s protection
(the one recommended by exorcists) epiphany door blessing
Sacred is this threshold of our home and holy is this door.
This is the meeting place of friend, neighbor, and stranger.
May it be a bridge for our comings and goings.
Whenever we stand in its sacred circle, may our eyes be granted new vision,
so that we can see in friend or stranger the God of ten thousand disguises.
May this threshold be a sacred space where we come to celebrate the Sacrament of Hospitality.
May the spirits of evil never cross this threshold,
and may the Name of the All-Holy-One protect our home from harm.
May God’s angels stand guard at the right and the left of this opening
to grace our comings and goings.
May we who live in this home guard the sacredness of this doorway.
May our hearts be always alert to the danger of falseness and pretense
as we greet those who come to our door.
Let our affection be graced with honesty and reverence,
and may the oil of truth burn in the lamp of our eyes.
Help us to remember that our ancestors were strangers and exiles in Egypt,
that Joseph and Mary came knocking at a door like this, weary and in search of kindness.
May we receive all at this door as Godly guests.
May the blessing of God, and peace and grace of the All-Holy-One,
surround this threshold and rest upon all who shall pass across it. Amen.
I would like to give credit where it is due however I can no longer find the relevant link.
Additionally, I delight in preparing a King’s Cake each Epiphany, following this scrumptious recipe for the French version, Galette des Rois:
Link to Galette des Rois Recipe: https://www.tastingtable.com/857619/galette-des-rois-french-king-cake-recipe/
I have a penchant for this French variant as it resembles a delectable pastry more closely. Instead of the traditional plastic baby, I tuck away a maraschino cherry within its layers. Whoever discovers the cherry is crowned the king for the year!
While deeply embedded in Christian lore, the tale of the Magi reaches beyond the confines of any single faith, presenting themes of quest, revelation, and spiritual awakening that resonate universally. In our observance of Epiphany, let's welcome the journey of the Magi into our lives, seeing in it a wellspring of motivation and a beacon for our own esoteric explorations.
Till we meet again.