On making the matrix
So, the almadel. Ars Almadel being book four of the Lemegeton, the Lesser Key of Solomon the King. Essentially the almadel is a wax altar consisting of the central tablet and four supporting wax feet with candles. The centre of which one places a crystal for scrying and evocation of particular angel spirits, angels corresponding to the four altitudes.
(Image is of Frater Ashen Chassan’s almadel to the third chora, hence the green)
The Ars Almadel has been one of those texts that I’ve always planned on getting around to put into practise, and now the cogs are turning. Largely spurred on from my great success of DSIC and my work with the celestial spirits, I’ve decided to finally give it a solid attempt. I’ve always been intimidated by the construction of the wax, but after breaking it down I’ve realised that actually this is achievable.
So first step was reading over the instructions and requirements in the texts and coming up with a design :-
- “Make the Almadel of pure white wax, but colloured sutable to the altitude [as will be shown]; it is to be four squares [square], and six Inches [over] every way”
I interpreted this to mean that the overall tablet is six inches by six inches with the central square (containing the six pointed star) to be four inches by four. Meaning the two outer squares to be a half inch each.
So my initial sketch matches pretty much the illustration in the manuscript.
- Note: the central triangle containing “Hell, Helion, Adonaij” should be a separate entity, a key if you will, and NOT carved into the wax. It should be made of gold or silver and is placed into the centre of the star when the operation commences. For this I have cut a triangle out of wood that will measure and fit perfectly. This triangle will then be covered in high grade gold karat leaf. The triangle in the wax shall be slightly hollowed, so it can slot into it.
So now I know the exact measurements and requirements, then came the dilemma of how I’m going to mould a perfect six inch square of wax.
Fortunately I work in an environment in which I have access to an array of different substrates and materials and power tools, so after setting on my matrix, I used some free time at work to get building.
My first step was measuring out a perfect six inch square on a wooden board, easily done. Then using a high bond double sided tape and screws I attached cut wooden lathes to the square. Again fairly easy, not a lot to exposit here.
The screws were quite big and jut out a tad but it’s the only the mould, so I’m not fussed. With using primarily wood as my mould, as opposed to metal it’s entirely possible that I’m going to experience leaks. So in a hopeful countermeasure I taped around the wooden lathes. Fingers crossed it’ll hold.
I intend of letting my melted wax cool first before pouring, so hopefully the thicker consistency will lead to less spillages. Also hopefully the tape will lubricate the wax a tad, so it might not get stuck. If it does I imagine a quick blast of a hairdryer on the base of the matrix will slip it out. I could always just unscrew it, but if this goes well I intend of using the matrix for the other three choras of the almadel.
That pretty much covers the matrix. Was quite quick and easy to make really so it isn’t much of a read! I’ll keep you all updated on my progress. But again I will reiterate I shall NOT be sharing details of the operations.
Next thing to consider is the four wax feet that shall support the tablet, I have a plan but I shall share later!
