A lamen ( Latin, meaning "plate") is a magical pendant or breastplate worn around the neck so that it hangs upon the breast over the heart. [1] Its uses vary but, most commonly, the term refers to a symbol of authority and a focus of magical energies. [1] [2] Aleister Crowley described the lamen as "a sort of coat of arms. It expresses the character and powers of the wearer." [3] Crowley and DuQuette have proposed that the magical lamen might be a modern adaptation of the priestly breastplate of the ancient Hebrews. [4] [5]
The magician may wear a lamen as a representation of his personal relation to his godhead or the universal forces of balance and enlightenment. [1]
Within group ceremony, lamens are frequently worn as symbols of particular offices or roles within the ritual work. [2] [6] Many magical orders also use a particular lamen design to show membership and align energies of individual members with the group dynamic. [1] [2] [6]
Various magical orders use lamens in one or more of these ways, including Ordo Templi Orientis [7] and Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. [2]
Lamens may also be used by magicians to evoke certain spirits of the Key of Solomon. [8] Specialized lamens are also used in the workings described in The Book of Abramelin. [9]
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A lamen ( Latin, meaning "plate") is a magical pendant or breastplate worn around the neck so that it hangs upon the breast over the heart. [1] Its uses vary but, most commonly, the term refers to a symbol of authority and a focus of magical energies. [1] [2] Aleister Crowley described the lamen as "a sort of coat of arms. It expresses the character and powers of the wearer." [3] Crowley and DuQuette have proposed that the magical lamen might be a modern adaptation of the priestly breastplate of the ancient Hebrews. [4] [5]
The magician may wear a lamen as a representation of his personal relation to his godhead or the universal forces of balance and enlightenment. [1]
Within group ceremony, lamens are frequently worn as symbols of particular offices or roles within the ritual work. [2] [6] Many magical orders also use a particular lamen design to show membership and align energies of individual members with the group dynamic. [1] [2] [6]
Various magical orders use lamens in one or more of these ways, including Ordo Templi Orientis [7] and Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. [2]
Lamens may also be used by magicians to evoke certain spirits of the Key of Solomon. [8] Specialized lamens are also used in the workings described in The Book of Abramelin. [9]
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (
link)
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: others (
link)
{{
cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (
link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (
link)