"Those who regard this ritual as a mere device for invoking or banishing spirits are unworthy to possess it. Correctly understood, it is the medicine of metals and the stone of the wise".

• Aleister Crowley

The essential function of the Pentagram rituals is to assert the magician's mastery over the chaos of the elemental realm or phenomenal world.

This is done through the symbolic significance and magical identification of the magician's alignment and participation in the spiritual realm of the cosmos. When first learned, these rituals are performed in a strictly performative manner.

Words and gestures are memorised and used without deeper reflection.

Familiarity with the ritual can often cause one to forget that it is not a mere performance, but rather a deep prayer and a moving meditation.

Real and not merely symbolised identification with the absolute is the true goal of ritual. This requires attention and concentration in the performance of the visualisations, gestures and vocalisations.

Personal issues and problems must be put aside before the manifestation of the sacred space of the ritual.