Ye Book of Ye Arab, Abdul Alhazred, 730 at Damascus
The Old Ones were, the Old Ones are and the Old Ones shall be. From the dark stars They came ere man was born, unseen and loathsome They descended to primal earth.
Beneath the oceans They brooded while ages past, till seas gave up the land, whereupon They swarmed forth in Their multitudes and darkness ruled the Earth.
At the frozen Poles They raised mighty cities, and upon high places the temples of Those whome nature owns not and the Gods have cursed.
And the spawn of the Old Ones covered the Earth, and Their children endureth throughout the ages. Ye shantaks of Leng are the work of Their hands, the Ghasts who dwelleth in Zin's primordial vaults know Them as their Lords. They have fathered the Na-Hag and the Gaunts that ride the Night; Great Cthulhuis Their brother, the Shaggoths Their slaves. The Dholes do homage unto Them in the nighted vale of Pnoth and Gugs sing Their praises beneath the peaks of ancient Throk.
They have walked amidst the stars and They have walked the Earth. The City of Irem in the great desert has known Them; Leng in the Cold Waste has seen Their passing, the timeless citadel upon the cloud-vieled heights of unknown Kadath beareth Their mark.
Wantonly the Old Ones trod the ways of darkness and Their blasphemies were great upon the Earth; all creation bowed beneath Their might and knew Them for Their wickedness.
And the Elder Lords opened Their eyes and beheld the abominations of Those that ravaged the Earth. In Their wrath They set their hand against the Old Ones, staying Them in the midst of Their iniquity and casting Them forth from the Earth to the Void beyond the planes where chaos reigns and form abideth not. And the Elder Lords set Their seal upon the Gateway and the power of the Old Ones prevailest not against its might.
Loathsome Cthulhu rose then from the deeps and raged with exceeding great fury against the Earth Guardians. And They bound his venomous claws with potent spells and sealed him up within the City of R'lyeh wherein beneath the waves he shall sleep death's dream until the end of the Aeon.
Beyond the Gate dwell now the Old Ones; not in the spaces known unto men but in the angles betwixt them. Outside Earth's plane They linger and ever awaite the time of Their return; for the Earth has known Them and shall know Them in time yet to come.
And the Old Ones hold foul and formless Azathoth for Their Master abd Abide with Him in the black cavern at the centre of all infinity, where he gnaws ravenously in ultimate chaos amid the mad beating of hidden drums, the tuneless piping of hideous flutes and the ceaseless bellowing of blind idiot gods that shamble and gesture aimlessly for ever.
The soul of Azathoth dwelleth in Yog-Sothoth and He shall beckon unto the Old Ones when the stars mark the time of Their coming; for Yog-sothoth is the Gate through which Those of the Void will re-enter. Yog-Sothoth knowest the mazes of of time, for all time is one unto Him. He knowest where the Old Ones came forth in time along long past and where They shall come forth again when the cycle returneth.
After day cometh night; man's day shall pass, and They shall rule where They once ruled. As foulness you shall know them and Their accursedness shall stain the Earth.
Whenever thou would'st call forth Those from Outside, thou must mark well the seasons and times in which the spheres do intersect and the influences flow from the Void
Thou must observe the cycle of the Moon, the movements of the planets, the Sun's course through the Zodiac and the rising of the constellations.
Ye Ultimate Rites shall be performed only in the seasons proper to them, these be: at Candlemas (on the second day of the second month), at Beltane (on the Eve of May), at Lammas (on the first day of the eighth month), at Roodmas (on the fourteenth day of the ninth month), and at Hallowmas (on November Eve).
Call out to dread Azathoth when the Sun is in the sign of the Ram, the Lion, or the Archer; the Moon decreasing and Mars and Saturn conjoin.
Mighty Yog-sothoth shall rise to ye incantations when Sol has entered the fiery house of Leo and the hour of Lammas be upon ye.
Evoke ye terrible Hastur on Candlemas Night, when Sol is in Aquarius and Mercury in trine.
Supplicate Great Cthulhu only at Hallowmas Eve when the Sun abides within the House of the Scorpion and Orion riseth. When All Hallows falls within the cycle of the new Moon the power shall be the strongest.
Conjure Shub-Niggurath when the Beltane fires glow upon the hills and the Sun is in the Second House, repeating the Rites of Roodmas when ye Black One appeareth.
To form ye Gate through which They from ye Outer Void might manifest thou must set up ye stones in ye elevenfold configuration.
First thou shalt raise up ye four cardinal stones and these shall mark ye direction of ye four winds as they howleth through their seasons.
To ye North set ye the stone of Great Coldness that shall form ye Gate of ye winter-wind engraving thereupon the sigil of the Earth-Bull thus: {Taurus sigil}.
In ye South (at a space of five paces from ye stone of ye North), thou shalt raise a stone of fierce-heat, through which ye summer winds bloweth and make upon ye stone ye mark of ye Lion-serpent thus: {Leo Sigil}.
Ye stone of whirling-air shall be set in ye East where ye first equinox riseth and shall be graven with ye sign of he that beareth ye waters, thus: {Aquarius Sigil}.
Ye Gate of Rushing Torrents thou cause to beat the west most inner point (at a space of five paces from ye stone of ye East) where ye sun dieth in ye evening and ye cycle of night returns. Blazon ye stone with ye character of ye Scorpion whose tail reacheth unto the stars: {Scorpio Sigil}.
Set thou the seven stones of Those that wander ye heavens, without ye inner four and through their diverse influences shall ye focus of power be established.
In ye North beyond the stone of Great Coldness set ye first ye stone of Saturn at a space of three paces. This being done proceed thou widdershins placing at like distances apart ye stones of Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Sul and Luna marking each with their rightful sign.
At ye center of the so completed configuration set ye the Alter of ye Great Old Ones and seal it with ye symbol of Yog-Sothoth and ye mighty Names of Azathoth, Cthulhu, Hastur, Shub-Niggurath and Nyarlathotep.
And ye stones shall be ye Gates through which thou shalt call Them forth from Outside man's time and space.
Entreat ye of ye stones by night and when the Moon decreasetth in her light, turning thy face to ye direction of Their coming, speaking ye words and making ye gestures that bringeth forth ye Old Ones and causeth Them to walk once more ye Earth.
These most potent signs shall be so formed with thy left hand when thou employeth them in ye Rites
Ye first sign is that of Voor and in nature it be ye true symbol of ye Old Ones. Make ye thus whenever thou wouldst supplicate Those that ever waite beyond the Threshold.
Ye second sign is that of Kish and it breaketh down all barriers and openeth ye portals of ye Ultimate Planes.
In ye third place goeth ye Great Sign of Koth which sealeth ye Gates and guardeth ye pathways.
Ye forth sign is that of ye Elder Gods. It protecteth those who would evoke ye powers by night, and banish ye forces of menace and antagonism.
(Note: Ye Elder Sign hath yet another form and when so enscribed upon ye grey stone of Mnar it serveth to hold back ye power of Ye Great Old Ones for all time.)
In the day and hour of Mercury with the Moon in her increase, thou shalt take equal parts of Myrrh, Civet, Storax, Wormwood, Assafoetida, Galbanum and Musk, mix well together and reduce all to the finest powder.
Place the so assembled elements in a vessel of green glass and seal with a brazen stopper afore inscribed with the characters of Mars and Saturn.
Elevate the vessel to the Four Winds and cry aloud the supreme words of power thus:
To the North:
Zijmuorsobet, Noijm, Zavaxo!
To the East:
Quehaij, Abawo, Noquetonaiji!
To the South:
Oasaij, Wuram, Thefotoson!
To the West:
Zijoronaifwetho, Mugelthor, Mugelthor-Yzxe!
Cover the vessel with a cloth of black velvet and set aside.
For each of seven nights thou shalt bathe the vessel in Moonlight for the space of one hour - keeping it concealed beneath the cloth from cock-crow till sunset.
All this being accomplished the incense shall be ready for use and possessed of such vertue that he that useth it with knowledge shall have power to call forth and command the Infernal Legions.
Nota: When employed in ye Ultimate Rites the incense may be rendered more efficacious by the addition of one part powdered mummy-Egypticus.
Employ the perfume of Zkauba in all ceremonies of ye ancient Lore casting ye essences upon live coals of Yew or Oak. And when ye spirits drawn near, the vaporous smoke shall enchant and fascinate them, binding their powers to thy will.
{Editor's Note: In the published edition a series of planetary glyphs and sigils are shown in reference to the above formula. These have been omitted as they are not illustrated in the original manuscript but were provided from other unrelated texts by the publishers.}
Take ye dust of ye tomb - wherein ye body has lain for two hundred years or more past -, three parts. Take of powdered Amaranth, two parts; of ground Ivy leaf, one part, and of fine salt, one part.
Compound all together in an open mortar in the day and hour of Saturn.
Make over the thus assembled ingredients the Voorish sign, and then seal up the powder within a leaden casket whereupon is graven the sigil of Koth.
Whenever thou wisheth to observe the airial manifestations of the spirits blow a pinch of ye powder in the irection of their coming, either from the palm of thy hand or the blade of the Magic Bolyne.
Mark ye well that ye maketh ye Elder Sign at their appearence, lest the tendrils of darkness enter thy soul.
Whosoever anointeth his head with the ointment of Khephnes shall in sleep be grabted true visions of time yet to come
When ye Moon increaseth in her light place in an earthen crucible a goodly quantity of oil of ye Lotus, sprinkle with one once powdered mandragora and stir well with ye forked twig of ye wild thorn bush. Having so done utter ye incantation of Yebsu (taken fron diverse lines in ye papyrus) thus:
I am the Lord of Spirits,
Oridimbai, Sonadir, Episghes,
I am Ubaste, Ptho born of Binui Sphe, Phas;
In the name of Auebothiabathabaithobeuee
Give power to my spell O Nasira Oapkis Shfe,
Give power Chons-in-Thebes-Nefer-hotep, Ophois,
Give power! O Bakaxikhekh!
Add to ye potion pinch of red earth, nine drops natron, for drops balsam of Olibanum and one drop blood (from thy right hand). Combine the whole with a like measure of fat of the gosling and place ye vessel upon ye fire. When all is rendered well and ye dark vapours begin to rise, make ye the Elder Sign and remove from ye flames.
When the unguent has cooled place it within an urn of ye finest alabaster, which thou shalt keep in some secret place (known only to thyself) until thou shalt have need of it.
In the day and hour of Mars and when the Moon increaseth, make thou the scimitar of bronze with a hilt of fine ebony.
Upon one side of the the blade thou shalt enscribe these characters:
{Editor's Note: These graphics are not shown in the Manuscript.}
And upon the other side these:
{Editor's Note: These graphics are not shown in the Manuscript.}
On the day and hour of Saturn the moon decreasing, light thou a fire of Laurel and yew boughs and offering the blade to the flames pronounce the five-fold conjuration thus:
Hcoriaxoju, Zodcarnes, I powerfully call upon ye and stir ye up O ye mighty spirits that dwelleth in the Great Abyss.
In the dread and potent name of Azathoth come ye forth and give power unto this blade fashioned in accordance to ancient Lore.
By Xenthono-Rohmatru, I command you O Aziabelis, by Ysehyroroseth, I call the O Antiquelis, and in the Vast and Terrible Name of Damamiach that Crom-yha uttered and the mountains shook I mightily compel ye forth O Barbuelis, attend me! aid me! give power unto my spell that this weapon that bearest the runes of fire recieveth such vertue that it shall strike fear into the hearts of all spirits that would disobey my commands, and that it shall assist me to form all manner of Circles, figures and mystic sigils necessary in the operations of Magickal Art.
In the Name of Great and Mighty Yog-Sothoth and in the invincible sign of Voor (give sign)
Give power!
Give power!
Give power!
When the flames turn blue it shall be a sure sign that the spirits obey your demands whereupon thou shalt quench the blade in an afore prepared mixture of brine and cock-gall.
Burn the incense of Zkauba as an offering to the spirits thou hast called forth, then dismiss them to their abodes with these words:
In the Names of Azathoth and Yog-Sothoth, Their servant Nyarlathotep and by the power of this sign
(make ye the Elder Sign),
I discharge thee; go forth from this place in peace and return ye not until I calleth thee.
(Seal ye portals with the sign of Koth).
Wrap the scimitar in a cloth of black silk and setit aside until thou wouldst make use of it; but mark ye well that no other shall lay his hand upon the scimitar lest its vertue be forever lost.
{Editor's Note: The following graphic alphabet is deciphered from the manuscript, according to the publishers, by use of a "Magic Square Cipher" inherent in the manuscript itself and is therefor included in this etext version.}
(Note: In ye writing of ye mystic runes of Nug-Soth ye latin C serveth for ye K.)
Ye characters of Nug hold ye key to ye planes, employ ye them in ye talismanic art and in all ye sacred inscriptions
Hear ye the Voice of dread Hastur, hear the mournful sigh of the vortex,the mad rushing of the Ultimate Wind that Swirls darkly amongst the silent stars.
Hear ye Him that howls serpent-fanged amid the bowels of nether earth; He whose ceaseless roaring ever fills the timeless skies of hidden Leng.
His might teareth the forest and crusheth the city, but none shall know the hand that smiteth and the soul that destroys, for faceless and foul walketh the Accursed One, His form to men unknown.
Hear then His Voice in the dark hours, answer His call with thine own; bow ye and pray at His passing, but speak not His name aloud.
I hear the Crawling Chaos that calls beyond the stars.
And They created Nyarlathotep for Their messenger, and They clothed Him with Chaos that His form might be ever hidden amidst the stars.
Who shall know the mystery of Nyarlathotep? for He is the mask and will of Those that were when time was not. He is the priest of the Ether, the Dweller in Air and hath many faces that none shall recall.
The waves freeze before Him; Gods dread His call. In men's dreams He whispers, yet who knoweth His form?
Who seeketh Northwards beyond the twilight land of Inquanok shall find amidst the frozen waste the dark and mighty plateau of thrice-forbidden Leng.
Know ye time-shunned Leng by the ever-burning evil-fires and ye foul screeching of the scaly Shantak birds which ride the upper air; by the howling of ye Na-hag who brood in nighted caverns and haunt men's dreams with strange madness, and by the grey stone temple beneath the Night Gaunts lair, wherein is he who wears the Yellow Mask and dwelleth all alone.
But beware O Man, beware, of Those who tread in Darkness the ramparts of Kadath, for he that beholds Their mitred-heads shall know the claws of doom.
What man knoweth Kadath?
For who shall know of that
which ever abides in strange-time,
twix yesterday, today and the morrow.
Unknown amidst ye Cold Waste lieth the mountain of Kadath where upon the hidden summit an Onyx Castle stands. dark clouds shroud the mighty peak that gleams 'neath ancient stars where silent brood the titan towers and rear forbidden walls.
Curse-runes guard the nighted gate carved by forgotten hands, and woe to he that dare pass within those dreadful doors.
Earth's Gods revel where Others once walked in mystic timeless halls, which some have glimpst in sleeps dim vault through strange and sightless eyes.
For Yog-Sothoth is the Gate.
He knoweth where the Old Ones
came forth in times past and where
They came forth again when
the cycle returneth.
When thou would call forth Yog-Sothoth thou must waite until the Sun is in the Fifth House with Saturn in trine. Then enter within the stones and draw about thee the Circle of evocation tracing the figurines with the mystic scimitar of Barzai.
Circumambulate thrice widdershins and turning thy face to the South intone the conjuration that openeth the Gate:
O Thou that dwelleth in the darkness of the Outer Void, come forth unto the Earth once more I entreat thee.
O Thou who abideth beyond the Spheres of Time, hear my supplication.
(Make the sign of Caput Draconis)
O Thou who art the Gate and the Way come forth come forth Thy servant calleth Thee.
(Make the Sign of Kish)
Benatir! Cararkau! Dedos! Yog-Sothoth! come forth! come forth! I speak the words, I Break Thy bonds, the seal is cast aside, pass through the Gate and enter the World I maketh Thy mighty Sign!
(Make the Sign of the Voor)
Trace the pentagram of Fire and say the incantation that causeth the Great One to manifest before the Gate:
Zyweso, wecato, keoso, Xunewe-rurom Xeverator. Menhatoy, Zywethorosto zuy, Zururogos Yog-Sothoth! Orary Ysgewot, homor athanatos nywe zumquros, Ysechyroroseth Xoneozebethoos Azathoth! Xono, Zuwezet, Quyhet kesos ysgeboth Nyarlathotep!; zuy rumoy quano duzy Xeuerator, Ysheto, Thyym, quaowe xeuerator phoe nagoo, Hastur! Hagathowos yachyros Gaba Sub-Niggurath! meweth, xosoy Vzewoth!
(Make the sign of Cauda Draconis)
Talubsi! Adula! Ulu! Baachur!
Come forth Yog-Sothoth! come forth!
* * *
And then he will come unto thee and bring His Globes and He will give true answer to all you desire to know. And He shall reveal unto you the secret of His seal by which you may gain favour in the sight of the Old Ones when They once more walk the Earth.
* * *
And when His hour be past the curse of the Elder Lords shall be upon Him and draw Him forth beyond the Gate where He shall abide until He be summoned.
{Editor's Note: Included on this page are a number of sigils and a magic circle. These illustrations are not in the Manuscript but were referenced from other texts, including, but not limited to; Key of Solomon (see Additional Ms. 36,674, British Museum Library) and Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Cornelius Agrippa. They are therefore not included in this version.}
Know ye that the Globes of Yog-Sothoth be thirteen in number, and they be the powers of the Parasite-hoard which are His servitors and doeth His bidding in ye world.
Call them forth whenever thou shall have need of anything and they shall grant their powers unto ye when ye shall call them with the incantations and make their sign.
His Globes have diverse names and appeareth in many forms.
The first is Gomory, who appeareth like a camel with a crown of gold upon his head. He commandeth twenty-six legions of infernal spirits and giveth the knowledge of all magical jewels and talismans.
The second splrit is Zagan, who appeareth like a great bull, or a King terrible in aspect. Thirty-three legions bow before him and he teacheth the mysteries of the sea.
The Third is called Sytry, who taketh the form of a great Prince. He hath sixty legions and telleth the secrets of time yet to come.
Eligor is the fourth spirit; he appeareth like a red man with a crown of iron upon his head. He commandeth likewise sixty legions and giveth the knowledge of victory in war, and telleth of strife to come.
The fifth spirit is called Durson and hath with him twenty-two familiar demons and appeareth like a raven. He can reveal all occult secrets and tell of past times.
The sixth is Vual his form is of a dark cloud and he teacheth all manner of ancient tongues.
The seventh is Scor, who appeareth like a white snake, he bringeth money at your command.
Algor is the eighth spirit, he appeareth in the likeness of a fly. He can tell of all secret things and granteth the favours of great Princes and Kings.
The ninth is Sefon. He appeareth like a man with a green face and hath the power to show where treasure is hidden.
Tenth is Partas, He hath the form of a great vulture, and can tell ye the vertues of herbs, stones, make ye invisible and restore sight which is lost.
The eleventh spirit is Gamor, and when he appeareth like a man can marvellously enform ye of how to win favours of great persons and can drive away any spirit that guardeth over treasure.
Twelfth is Umbra, He appeareth like a giant; he can convey money from place to place if thou bid him and bestow the love of any woman that thou desirest.
The thirteenth spirit is Anaboth who taketh the form of a yellow toad. He hath the power to make thee marvellous cunning in nigromancy, he can drive away any devil that would hinder ye and tell of strange and hidden things.
* * *
When thou wouldst call up ye Globes thou must first make upon the earth this sign:
And evoke of them thus:
Ezphares, Olyaram, Irion-Esytion, Eryona, Orea, Orasym, Mozim!
By these words and in the name of Yog-Sothoth who is thy master, I do most powerfulIy summon and call ye up O . . . . N . . . . That thou mayest aid me in my hour of need.
Come forth I command ye by the sign of Power!
(Make the sign of Voor)
* * *
And then the spirit shall appear unto thee and grant thy requests.
But if he remaineth invisible to thine eye, blow the dust of Ibn Ghazi and he will immediately take his proper form.
When thou wouldst banish what ye have called up eraze thou their sign with the scimitar of Barzai and utter the words:
Caldulech! Dalmaley! Cadat!
(and seal with the sign of Koth).
Nota: If on their appearance the spirits obstinately refuse to speak cleave the air thrice with the scimitar and say: Adricanorom Dumaso! And their tongue shall be loosened and they will be compelled to give true answer.
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh Wgah'nagl fhtan.
A supplication to great Cthulhu for those who would have power over his minions.
In the day and hour of the moon with sun in scorpio prepare thou a waxen tablet and enscribe thereon the seals of Cthulhu and Dagon; suffumigate with the incense of Zkauba and set aside.
On Hallowmas eve thou must travel to some lonely place where high ground overlooks the ocean. Take up the tablet in thy right hand and make of the sign of Kish with thy left. Recite the incantation thrice and when the final word of the third utterance dieth in the air cast thou the tablet into the waves saying:
'In His House at R'lyeh Dead Cthulhu waits dreaming, yet He shall rise and His kingdom shall cover the Earth.'
And He shall come unto you in sleep and show His sign with which ye shall unlock the secrets of the deep.
O Thou that lieth dead but ever dreameth,
Hear, Thy servant calleth Thee.
Hear me O mighty Cthulhu!
Hear me Lord of Dreams !
In Thy tower at R'lyeh They have sealed ye,
but Dagon shall break Thy accursed bonds,
and Thy Kingdom shall rise once more.
The Deep Ones knoweth Thy secret Name,
The Hydra knoweth Thy lair;
Give forth Thy sign that I may know
Thy will upon the Earth.
When death dies, Thy time shall be,
and Thou shalt sleep no more;
Grant me the power to still the waves,
that I may hear Thy Call.
(At ye third repeating of ye incantation cast forth the Tablet into ye waves saying):
In His House at R'lyeh Dead Cthulhu waits dreaming, yet He shall rise and His kingdom shall cover the Earth.
Where the stones have been set up thou shalt call out to Shub-Niggurath, and unto he that knoweth the signs and uttereth the words all earthly pleasures shall be granted.
* * *
When the sun entereth the Sign of the Ram and the time of night is upon ye turn thy face to the North wind and read the verse aloud:
Iah ! Shub-Niggurath!
Great Black Goat of the.Woods,
I Call Thee forth !
(Kneel)
Answer the cry of thy servant
who knoweth the words of power!
(make the Voorish sign)
Rise up I say from thy slumbers
and come forth with a thousand more!
(make the sign of Kish)
I make the signs, I speak the words
that openeth the door!
Come forth I say, I turn the Key,
Now ! walk the Earth once more !
Cast the perfumes upon the coals, trace the sigil of Blaesu and pronounce the words of power:
Zariatnatmix, Janna, Etitnamus,
Hayras, Fabelleron, Fubentronty,
Brazo, Tabrasol, Nisa,
Varf-Shub-Niggurath! Gabots Membrot!
And then the Black one shall come forth unto thee and the thousand Horned Ones who howl shall rise up from the Earth. And thou shalt hold before them the talisman of Yhe upon which they shall bow to thy power and answer thy demands.
When thou would banish those that you have called forth intone the words:
Imas, Weghaymnko, Quahers, Xewefaram,
Which closeth the Gate, and seal with the sign of Koth.
Whosoever performeth this Rite with true understanding shall pass beyond ye Gates of Creation and enter ye Ultimate Abyss wherein dwelleth ye vapourous Lord S'ngac who eternally pondereth ye Mystery of Chaos.
Trace ye Angle-Web with ye Scimitar of Barzai and offer the mystic suffumigations with the incense of Zkauba.
Enter ye Web by the Gate of the North and reciting the incantation of Na (thus):
Zazas, Nasatanada, Zazas Zazas,
Proceed to ye South-most Pinnacle by the Path of Alpha whereupon make ye, ye Sign of Kish, pronouncing the triple-Word of power thrice, (thus so):
Ohodos-Scies-Zamoni!
Proceed thence to ye Angle of the North-East chanting the third verse of ye Fifth Psalm of Nyarla-thotep neglecting not to make the quintuple genuflection on passing through ye curve locus-(thus):
The All-One dwelleth in Darkness, At the centre of All dwelleth He that is the Darkness; And tfiat Darkness shall be eternal when all shall bow before the Onyx Throne.
Pause at the Third Angle and make ye once more the Sign of Kish speaking the words that clear the portal and stay the course of time:
Abyssus-Draconisus, Zexowe-Azathoth! Nrrgo, Iaa! Nyar-Lathotep!
Follow the Third Path to the Pinnacle of the West and there perform the obeisances in silence (bow low thrice and give the gesture of Voor). Turn and tread the Path of Transfiguration leading to ye Ultimate Angle. Open up the Abyss Gate by the ninefold affirmation (thus):
Zenoxese, Pioth, Oxas Zaegos, Mavoc Nigorsus, Bayar! Heecho! Yog-Sothoth! Yog-Sothoth! Yog-Sothoth!
Make ye the Sigil of Transformation and step thou forth into ye Gulf.
I have seen much unmeant for mortal eyes in my wanderings beneath that dark and forgotten city. It is not the splendours of Irem that haunt my dreams with this madness, but another place, a place shrouded in utter silence; long unknown to man and shunned even by ghoul and nightgaunt. A stillness likened to millions of vanished years pressed with great heaviness upon my soul as I trod those labyrinths in terror, ever fearing that my footfalls might awaken the dread architects of this nameless region where the hand of time is bound and the wind does not whisper.
Great was my fear of this place, but greater was the strange sleep-like fascination that gripped my mind and guided my feet ever downwards through realms unknown. My lamp cast it's radiance upon basalt walls, revealing mighty pillars hewn surely by no human hand, where curiously stained obelisks engraved with frightful images and cryptic characters reared above me into the darkness. A passage sloped before me, I descended. For what seemed to be an eternity I descended rapt in contemplation of the grim icons that stretched endlessly on either hand, depicting the strange deeds of Those Great Ones born not of mortal womb. They had dwelt here and passed on, yet the walls of the edifice bore Their mark: vast likenesses of those terrible beings of yore carved beneath a firmament of unguessed asterisms.
Endlessly the way led downwards, ever downwards. The passage of time had fled from my mind, Hypnos and eternity held my soul.
How long, how far had I journeyed? I knew not. Then like one awaking from the dreams of Narcaeus my eyes beheld a door which barred my path. Their Sign was upon it, The Sign which I have seen within the tomb-caverns of Leng, amidst the pillars of Irem , and borne before the idols of cryptic Isnavor. I trembled as I beheld the dark inscriptions which covered the jaded stone writhe like a thousand hideous serpents, sometimes their reptilian forms darting toward each other as if in conflict, sometimes joining to form creatures of nauseous bulk once more to divide into a twisting host of black serpentine characters.
Before my eyes the door was rolled up as if it were a scroll and I gazed upon the void beyond, where amongst strange stars great darkling forms moved. Like the moaning of a great wind terrible voices assailed my ears with a cry of a thousand souls in torment. The forbidden names of Yog-Sothoth, Cthulhu, Nyarlathhotep and a hundred more seared my brain like venomous vitriol. Their minds entered my being and I learned of blasphemous things undreamt by mortal man and of a realm beyond our time and creation where the blind demon sultan Azathoth dwells within the pit of Chaos throughout the countless aeons of infinity.
Then with thunderous roar the stars whirled before me in a great coiling vortex and I was drawn into that nameless abyss like a leaf before the tempest . My screams of terror yielded to merciful oblivion and darkness engulfed me.
I awoke amidst the silent sands of the red desert to behold the great orb of the sun proclaiming the dawn. I arose, and turning to the North set my feet towards Damascus where I, Their scribe, must write my book. For beyond the Pillars of Hercules, dreaming crystals call.
Know ye that He has slept death's dream for ages unnumbered; He who has slumbered long before the birth of Man; He who is dead yet waits dreaming: Shall Rise, and His time draws near. The worm shall not corrupt the corrupted; time is naught to His continuation; the aeons shall not lay waste that which is not of earth's flesh.
In R'Lyeh He dwells, bound in timeless sleep by Those who would hold back the darkness of Outer Hells and stem the fate of Man. Yet the darkness shall prevail, the destiny of Man is sealed and graven.
The stars shall mark the time of His coming, and when the spheres intersect: He Shall Rise. Great Cthulhu shall return, and armed with vengeful talons He shall smite the Elder Lords and rend the soul of Man. The earth shall know the night without cease.
His minions dwell amongst you, Beware O Man, they come in servile stealth; like thieves in the night. They heed not Man and his frail gods, blind in the will of their master.
Great Cthulhu sleeps in His house and shapes the dream of what shall me, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming.
My brother Ibn Ghazi saw with the lidless eyes the end of Man's time, yet Their curse denied him the revelation. Ever condemned he suffers the endless torments of the Vaults of Zin. His mouth is sealed up, his tongue severed - nought shall he speak or bewail his tortures - he is headless, the slave of the Shoggoth until the Great Old Ones fall.
Yog-Sothoth knoweth the Gate through which the Old Ones shall return. When the stars have faded and the moon shines no more, when only dark suns rise and set: Great Cthulhu shall awaken and call from the deep with the voice of a thousand thunders, and the Gate shall be cast open: They Shall Return.
Lament thy fate O Man, for the earth shall be void and cast for eternity into the abyss of perdition.
The Seal They have set against Him shall not prevail forever. The folly of mankind shall shatter the Seal: He Shall Rise.
Man in his unseeing ignorance shall assault the skein which binds his immortality (and know not who guides his hand); he shall rupture the air and oceans with fire, and cover the firmament with the venomous shroud of ancient Cthulhu's shadow.
I, Alhazred, have heard His cry, my eyes have beheld the forbidden Signs, I fear the voice of the night wind - I fear for man.
Ph'hglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh Wgah'nagl fhtan.
What hand harvests the soul at death?
What dwells within the tomb after the spirit has departed?
What locks the Gate beneath the serpent's eye?
Stanza I.
He who would possess the hidden power must pay homage to Those of the Void and provide the sustenance of Their being. In ages past They created bodies of flesh and walked the earth and bred diverse life-forms for Their nourishment: creatures of Their design, (some yet continue upon earth) shaped and coloured to serve Their needs.
In the Void They dwell without form; Their mantle of flesh long destroyed, yet Their desire for the essence of matter remains and long unremembered lusts burn with ravenous ferocity.
When life has fled the corpus the fly of Yoth must be encapsulated thus; Make the incision with the Scimitar of Barzai and over the head of the cadaver pronounce the Incantation:
Zecka-Rebus PratchiI, Ro'kas
Welbrebosdos Satigoc Inrut, Yoth
Imbrut, Zecka-Rebus Yoth! Ro'kas Yoth!
Make the Voorish Sign and burn the Incense of Zkauba.
Take up a brand of fire and facing to the West pronounce the words:
Bbelum Osas Grimsal, Bogad Ritzas, Pegvier, Lazoz Imbrut, Zecka-Rebus, Yoth!
Strike the brazen gong and as the sound dies from your ears the insect will attend you and enter the wound. The fly will dwell therein for one hundred and ninety days and from its decay shall rise the nine worms of Iscuxcar which shall gnaw as instructed until naught remains but the essence.
If the Na-hags come forth banish them with the Elder Sign (which they fear greatly) and bar their return with the Amulet Of Iron.
Thus prepared, the essence may be offered to Those beyond for Their appeasement whenever you shall Open the Gate as before taught. (Make the triple genuflection and Seal with the Sigil of Koth at Their coming).
The glittering Powder of Desiccation may be formulated from the remains if pulverised in the day and hour of Saturn and combined with the ochre of the earth, salt and sulphur.
Mummia can be produced by sprinkling the powder upon any corporeal being.
Fashion a vessel in the form of a brazen head. Upon the brow engrave the sigil:
beneath the right eye:
beneath the left eye:
beneath the mouth:
(to the right) and
(to the left).
Set the vessel upon a stone engraved with the emblems of great Balon. Last, let the eyes of his vessel be set with obsidian. Seal within the cranium a quantity of the Powder of Ibn Garzi, the metals of the ancient planets and the essence of life.
When the moon is old take the vessel veiled in black to some high place where no man is abroad and turn the countenance to the North. Unveil the head and burn the incense of Zakubar before it. Then you shall call forth five servitors of Balon in His name:
Vedal, Nocusa, Ibros, Denak, Enpros I call you forth in the name of your Master: Great Balon! Behold your Signs and look upon this image with favour for this vessel awaits you in silence. I evoke you in these words: Kadeses Yolmo Reegus Emig Orressus Dizzag, Orressus, Orressus Dizzag, and by the power of His emblems that I have set before you. I bid you enter this vessel and feast upon the essences you so desire.
The spirits shall appear as a red vapour before the image, and the essences within the cranium shall beckon their lust, and they shall enter through the mouth of the vessel. When they are within make the sign of Koth and seal up the mouth with red clay (which you have before prepared) saying:
Volec Demas, Oris, through this earth you shall not pass. The words have been spoken, the Sign has been given, for as long as I so will it you shall dwell within this vessel I have fashioned with my Art and thou shall give true answers to my demands when I shall have need of you; for Balon your Master has cast you forth from the hosts that serve Him to be obedient to my will in return for my worship and due sacrifice.
Veil the image with black cloth.
When thou wish to know of anything which is hidden from you in the world of man or realm of elemental spirit - Unveil the head, turn the face to the North, ask what you desire to know and address the image in these words:
I have fashioned you with my Art,
I have given you life,
Now answer in truth.
(Make the Voorish Sign and burn incense).
The Seals of the Vessel must never be broken for the Spirits will seek to destroy you upon their release.
The realm of sleep touches earth's world in many places, but it is beyond the mighty Towers of the West that the dreams of man mingle with the threads of eternity. Only there where thought has form and purple Hypnos rules can a waking man tread the Valley of the Land of Sleep and behold the Web of Minds therein.
To enter the dreams of another you must know the Names and Sigils of the four Guardians of this realm and possess the Ring of Passage.
The four Guardian Spirits of the Western Portal (through which you must pass) each have names of five letters and diverse characters in which the secrets of their power are locked, thus:
Nemus:
Dacos:
Cabid:
Leebo:
Fashion a ring from virgin silver in the day and hour of Jupiter and engrave upon it these characters:
In the day and hour of Mercury furnish the ring with a bezel of bronze bearing this character:
For one cycle of the Moon expose the Ring to the elements in which time the silver will blacken and the bronze turn green.
In the dark of the Moon write the Names and Sigils of the four Guardians upon the parchment and suffumigate with storax while calling upon the said Guardians in these words:-
Nemus, Dacos, Cabid, Leebo!
I call you forth by your ancient names
Attend me in my work and behold these your symbols!
Yailisbo Ibuzod!
Place the Ring upon the parchment and recite the Incantation in a low voice:
Yobus Resusyarta Nebee, Rissanus Nebee Zhiya, Ven Rebuseric Ni Ardas Arbaos Vanzee Gerel Zimphanse Ni Nebee Awenhatoacoro, Vehath, Hagathorwos.
Sprinkle the ring twice with the juice of juniper mixed with the oil of civet and perfume with the Incense of Zkauba, saying:
Nemus, Dacos, Cabid, Leebo
I bind you in these words:
Adulal! Abuial! Lebushi!
Let me pass before unhindered
Through the realms of your Kingdom
And let not sleep dim my eyes.
(Make the Sign of Kish)
Place the Ring and parchment within a leaden casket and set it aside for the space of seven days.
When you have need to enter the dream-mind of another, in the hours of night place the Ring upon the second finger of your left hand, turn West and pressing the bezel to your forehead pronounce the four Names upon the parchment and you shall pass in a moment between the Towers of the West and enter the realm of sleep. Speak the name of the dreamer and your minds shall become as one until Morpheus lifts his spell.
The secrets and desires of any an or woman shall be revealed to you through the images of their dreams. Yet, only those who sleep the hours of the night shall be subject to the power of the Ring, for the radiance of the sun utterly destroys it's virtue, and the Key shall be lost - The Spirits are not answerable to a second calling.
The amulet of Lord Nodens is a Shield of Protection against the fiends that walk the night; the demonic adversaries that assail Mankind. Whoever shall bear this Symbol upon his breast shall turn back the legions of darkness until the despoilers of earth return.
When the Moon is in her increase and Orion ascends in the East: Take a plate of purest silver and upon it engrave the image of the Serpent-bat which guards the Gateway of Fire. From the serpent mouth shall issue the tripart Word of Power that none shall speak or know.
On the reverse of the Amulet engrave the asterism of Orionis and within the Symbol of The Hand.
On a night when the stars burn in the heavens and the Sun is in the Sign of the Sea-Goat, turn to the East and hold the Amulet aloft saying:
Great Nodens of the Silver Hand, I call you forth!
Behold the Symbol of your mighty Power!
Open the fiery Gate of your Abode and give life
to this Emblem fashioned by my Art.
See the Name that may not be spoken,
issue from the jaws of your servant -
See the form of your secret place amongst the stars!
I hail you Nodens!
Stretch out your Hand and lend Power to my work
that the Elder Lords may assist me in my time of need.
In these Names I call upon your Power:
Babãdur, Shujã, Gibbõr, Murzim,
Besn, Klaria, Gabbãrã! Jabbãr!
(Make the Elder Sign)
Bow low to each Cardinal Point beginning and ending in the East. Perfume the Amulet with sweet myrrh of Commiphora, wrap in a black silken cloth and set aside until you would make use of it.
Where in times past the Old Ones have stained the earth with Their curse, the dead shall know not the peace of the grave. From corruption they shall rise bringing forth a race of ghouls; creatures that are not of life or death but dwell in the shadow-world of phantasm.
The corpses of evil sorcerers are buried with their faces downwards and their hands spiked with iron to hinder their return to this world. Yet, some with great power yield not to death or the confinement of the sepulchre and by necromantic art, shape the marrow of their backbones to form terrible serpents or great lizards that feed upon noisome remains and gnaw dark passageways to the world of the living.
There are those that rise from the grave at nightfall and drink the blood of man and woman, sometimes transforming into wolf or bat and other diverse shapes.
The serpent-like lamia and clawed harpies also spread the plague of torment amongst men as they ever lust for the substance of life that has been denied them.
The worm begets the worm and from the decay of the body strange forms come forth.
The dreams of men and women are sometimes troubled by those passionate spirits of nightmare that the ancients have called incubi and succubi; whereof (through carnal congress) races of halflings are bred.
The wastelands are haunted by Afrit and Jinn, Gorgons and many-headed Hydras abide with the Mi-Go in the great yellow Desert of the North and my eyes have been infected with their evil.
All these beings are easily fascinated and bound to the will of the wizard-sorcerer who knows the ways and rites of the Old Ones. But, beware of those who dwell (dead, yet alive) beneath the ancient sands of Egypt (which I learned of in the house of Khephnes) for their time is yet to come and no mortal hand shall stay their power. They shall return.
Time passes not before the muted idols.
Stanza II.
To have vision of the conclave of spirits called forth (when not evoked to visible appearance), or commune with the souls of the dead you must prepare a vessel in which their images will be ensnared.
The use of this curious mirror was taught to me by the magician-priests of the Vale of Zurnos where the Great Night is followed by the Great Day and the Seven Caverns lead to the bowels of the earth.
Take a vessel of crystal glass in the form of the alchemist's retort and set aside. In the day and hour of the Moon (when she is in Her increase) and the Sun in the House of the Scorpion write upon a void parchment the Cypher of the Crab of Zosimos:
and perfume it with musk.
In a great mortar mix together: Betony, Pelitory, Snake-Weed, Elder, Cretan-Dittany of each a like measure; Zedoary, Galangal, Doronicum, Ammoniac, Opoponax, Spodium, Schaeinanthus, Ebony, Bole-Armenick, Mithridate and Must, each of one third part. Reduce all to a fine powder and put them within the alchemist's Pelican or blind Alembeck. Add distillate of sea-water to increase the amalgam fourfold. Cover with the parchment and ferment for the space of fifteen days.
Draw off the Quintessence and fill up the before mentioned retort with the Elixir and add a loadstone. Seal up the vessel with red wax and set it on a brazen tripod.
Make the Voorish Sign and speak the Nine Words of Power:
Lusoom, Rengat, Eepus, Omarasy,
Alcum, Darbus, Nesmonartis,
Enphoddaribuisec, Ebo!
At sunset for the space of nine days burn sweet incense beneath the vessel and speak the Words of Power in their order, one upon each day.
The Apparition of the Spirits shall be seen in the depths of the Speculum when you shall call them by your Art, and the souls of the dead shall give true answer according to their nature.
In metallic stars the Old Ones visit this earth from time to time. And the Lore of the Elder Gods prevails not against this coming; for They walk not the earth in Their forbidden forms.
They visit the skies of the desert lands, high places and desolate regions of the earth and strike fear into the heart of the lonely traveller and all who see Their signs. Yet, no man shall divine Their dark purpose or behold Their countenances, for They travel with great swiftness upon the back of the very wind and tear the fabric of Time's web in Their fury.
The Beast of Night shall foretell their coming.
Stanza III.
Those who would enter the Gulf and yet live must first endure the process of transfiguration. Likewise any that shall continue when the Old Ones return and the earth is cleared off, must take the form of his Masters.
This is the final rite and those who tread this path shall not return to the frame of mortality. His body shall be as iron, his mind shall be one with the oldest and first of earth's Masters; his eyes shall see what no man sees and his shape shall be one with those who walk the dimensions of time.
On a night when the eye of the Star-Dragon dims and the Sun is in the Fifth House with Saturn in Trine enter within the Stones and Open the Gate with the Conjuration and Incantation of Yog-Sothoth. Call forth the Globes by their diverse Names and when They attend you, make upon each coming the Sign of Voor.
Before each of the Stones burn the Incense of Zkauba blowing the Powder of Ibn Ghazi to the Four Winds.
Stand before the Altar facing north and taking the Scimitar of Barzai, trace in the air before you the three boundary beating Sigils:
and utter the great Words of Power:
Renosoratunta! Pohothon! Basakunnas!
In a loud voice call forth the Lord Azathoth in these words:
Great Azathoth I call you forth!
Downbreaker of thought and form,
Come to me in Power and clothe me
with the Darkness of Eternity!
Let the Shroud of Nyarlathotep descend upon me
that I shall walk even amongst the stars
and men shall not comprehend my presence.
Zento! Hedarbus! Tasac!
(Make the Sign of Kish)
Cast this mantle of flesh into the mould of the Ancient Ones.
I have called you forth!
I have spoken the mighty Words of your Lore!
My father Yog-Sothoth stands beside the Gate,
and Great Cthulhu calls beneath the waves!
(Make the Sign of Voor)
The thousand-faced moon has risen!
The Dragon's eye dims! Let yours be opened!
Trace the Angle-Web and enter the Gulf by the Formula Dho-Hna and your form shall be one with those without.
The words of this book are the venomous thorns that so torture my spirit and my doom is at hand.
The night is filled with Their cries and the beating of leathern wings. Their hand is at my throat, and though I wear the Triple Talisman upon my breast; the power wanes with each passing cycle of the Moon.
I dare not sleep the hours from sunset till dawn lest with stealthy skill the Charm is torn from me and They devour my soul.
The Oracle of Yebsu has foretold of my destruction:When day shall be as night, Their power shall prevail. A man's life is but a cloud that passes swiftly before the face of the moon. Yet, there is an Abyss of Perdition where such oblivion is denied, into which my defiled mind and body shall be cast, to suffer the torments of the damned throughout the countless ages of infinity, devoid of form or substance.
The Omens are amongst the Stars and grim fear strikes into my bones, my time is at an end.
Yet Al Azif shall not perish for it has passed into the hands of another, a Keeper of Great Powers, who dwells beyond the Western Ocean. Through the ages these writings shall endure, concealed from the many, revealed to the few. In the secrets of my book the wise shall find the Key of Salvation - the fool shall unlock the door to his damnation.
In the space of nine days hence, the Sun shall join with the Moon and my fate will be sealed.
When darkness comes at noon and the sands shiver with the wind - I shall be no more.
To the West lies the Cavern of Scrolls,
Where the Brazen Scorpion guards the Forbidden Words.
Stanza IV.
Before all creation, this revelation was with Melek Taus, who sent Abd Taus to this world that he might separate truth known to his particular people. This was done, first of all, by means of oral tradition, and afterward by means of this book, Al-Jilwah, which the outsiders may neither read nor behold. I was, am now, and shall have no end. I exercise dominion over all creatures and over the affairs of all who are under the protection of my image. I am ever present to help all who trust in me and call upon me in time of need. There is no place in the universe that knows not my presence. I participate in all the affairs which those who are without call evil because their nature is not such that they approve. Every age has its own manager, who directs affairs according to my decrees. This office is changeable from generation to generation, that the ruler of this world and his chiefs may discharge the duties of their respective offices, every one in his own turn . I allow everyone to follow the dictates of his own nature, but he that opposes me will regret it sorely. No god has a right to interfere in my affairs, and I have made it an imperative rule that everyone shall refrain from worshiping all gods. All the books of those who are without are altered by them, and they have declined from them, although they were written by the prophets and the apostles. That there are interpolations is seen in the fact that each sect endeavors to prove that the others are wrong and to destroy their books. Truth and falsehood are known to me. When temptation comes, I give my covenant to him that trusts in me. Moreover, I give counsel to the skilled directors, for I have appointed them for periods that are known to me. I remember necessary affairs and execute them in due time. I teach and guide those who follow my instruction. If anyone obey me and conform to my commandments, he shall have joy, delight and comfort.
I requite the descendants of Adam, and reward them with various rewards that I alone know. Moreover, power and dominion over all that is on earth, both that which is above and that which is beneath, are in my hand. I do not allow friendly association with other people, nor do I deprive them that are my own and obey me of anything that is good for them. I place my affairs in the hands of those whom I have tried and who are in accord with my desires. I appear in diverse manner to those who are faithful and under my command. I give and take away; I enrich and impoverish; I cause both happiness and misery. I do all this in keeping with the characteristics of each epoch. And none has a right to interfere with my management of affairs. Those who oppose me I afflict with disease, but my own shall not die like the sons of Adam that are without. None shall live longer in this world than the time set by me and if I so desire, I send a person a second or third time is this world or into some other by the transfer of will.
I lead to the straight path without a revealed book; I direct aright my beloved and my chosen ones by unseen means. All my teachings are easily applicable to all times and all conditions. Now the sons of Adam do not know the state of things that is to come. For this reason they fall into many errors. The beasts of the earth, the birds of the heaven, and the fish of the sea are all under the control of my hands. All treasure and hidden things are known to me, and as I desire, I take them from one and bestow them on another. I reveal my wonders to those who seek them, and in due time my miracles to those who receive them from me . But those who are without are my adversaries, hence they oppose me. Nor do they know that such a course is against their own interests, for might, wealth, and riches are in my hand, and I bestow them upon every worthy descendant of Adam. Thus, the government of the world, the transition of generations, and the changes of their directors are determined by me from the beginning.
I will not give my rights to other gods. I have allowed the creation of four substances, four times, and four corners, because they are necessary things for creatures. The books of Jews, Christians, and Moslems, as those who are without, accept in a sense, so far as they agree with and conform to, my statutes. Whatsoever is contrary to these they have altered; do not accept it. Three things are against me, and I hate three things. But those who keep my secret shall receive the fulfillment of my promises. It is my desire that all my followers shall unite in a bond of unity, lest those who are without prevail against them. Now, then, all ye who have followed my commandments and my teachings, reject all the teachings and sayings of such as are without. I have not taught these teachings, nor do they proceed from me. O ye that have believed in me, honor my symbol and my image, for they remind you of me. Observe my laws and my statutes. Obey my servants and listen to whatever they may dictate to you of the hidden things.