The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Black King

One of the three kings who present myrrh, symbolizing death and darkness

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Myrrh→Substance

The Black King is depicted as a symbol of death and darkness, using Myrrh as a key element to convey these themes. Myrrh, a resin associated with mourning and funeral rites in ancient cultures, serves as a crucial component in the symbolic portrayal of the Black King, reinforcing the imagery of death and darkness around him.

Mystic Initiate follows the path of the black king, representing death and darkness

Black King plays a role in the mysteries associated with death and darkness

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesSun →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Sun

Pentagram is often engraved with symbols related to the Sun, such as a circle and a crown.

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesTarot →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Tarot

Both symbols are used in the same occult practices to achieve different goals, symbolizing the same fundamental principles

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Paracelsus

Paracelsus, the renowned 16th-century physician and alchemist, provided a detailed description and explanation of the Pentagram within his complex occult philosophy. The Pentagram, a five-pointed star emblem, played a significant role in Paracelsus's mystical and alchemical teachings, often symbolizing divine protection and spiritual qualities. In Paracelsian practice, the operations involving the Pentagram go beyond its mystical representation. According to Paracelsus, these operations can also serve a practical purpose in measuring the proportions of the Athanor—a crucial component in the creation of alchemical substances for the Great Work. The Great Work, in alchemy, refers to the transmutation of base metals into gold or the creation of the philosopher's stone, a legendary substance capable of numerous alchemical transformations. The Athanor, in this context, is the alchemical vessel or furnace used for various transformations, and its precise measurements and properties are essential for the successful accomplishment of the Great Work. Thus, Paracelsus's description and explanation of the Pentagram are integral to the alchemical practices associated with the Athanor and the Great Work, illustrating the sympathy of mystical symbols and practical alchemical techniques in his philosophical system.

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesPantacle →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Pantacle

The entities "Pentagram" and "Pantacle" are interrelated magical symbols used together in various occult and ceremonial practices. Both symbols find their application in conjuction, as detailed in the surviving literature. The Pentagram, often represented as a five-pointed star, serves as a fundamental element in magical workings and is frequently depicted in combination with the Pantacle. The Pantacle, which typically features a circular design often enclosed by a five-pointed star, complements the Pentagram to create a powerful emblem. This pairing allows practitioners to harness combined energies and achieve specific magical objectives. Utilizing these symbols together enhances their effectiveness and significance in rituals and invocations, making them indispensable tools in the practice of ceremonial magic. The Pantacle and the Pentagram are interrelated mystical symbols utilized together for various magical and ritual purposes. According to the text, the Pantacle often incorporates or includes the Pentagram, with specific instances referring to the Pentagram associated with Jupiter. This synergy between the two symbols highlights their joint significance in certain esoteric practices and rituals.

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesPythagoras →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Pythagoras

The pentagram was a symbol significant in the teachings and practices of Pythagoras and his school

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesAstral Light →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Astral Light

Through the Pentagram, spirits representing the Astral Light can be made available for observation

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesEvocation →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Evocation

The Pentagram is a key tool used in the practice of evocation, as demonstrated by Eliphas Levi

Black KingthroughMystery ReligionilluminatesMagic →
I. Black King & Mystery Religion

Black King plays a role in the mysteries associated with death and darkness

II. Mystery Religion & Magic

Magic and Mystery Religions are intertwined, both using the Pentagram as a symbol

Black KingthroughMystic InitiateilluminatesInitiation →
I. Black King & Mystic Initiate

Mystic Initiate follows the path of the black king, representing death and darkness

II. Mystic Initiate & Initiation

Initiation involves practices and rituals, including the Pentagram as a guiding symbol

Black KingthroughPentagramilluminatesGreat Work →
I. Black King & Pentagram

Black king, another of the three kings, presents myrrh, symbol of death and darkness

II. Pentagram & Great Work

The proportions of the Athanor, necessary for the Great Work, are measured by the Pentagram’s figure, ensuring the accomplishment of the Great Work.