Sigils have been used in magic for centuries. Nowadays, Chaos Magic practitioners have perfected the use of Sigils and use them frequently. However, learning to draw one might seem complicated at first. In this article, we provide an overview of what sigils are and how they are used. In particular, we will provide you with sigils we have made for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What are sigils? Definition and History
The word for Sigil derives from the Latin sigulum, which means “little picture” or “seal”. Sigils can include anything from letters and numbers to symbols and geometrical patterns, depending on the culture.
Sigils have been used almost since the beginning of time. People used Sigils like symbols and used to carry them in talismans. Symbols could represent Deities or provide protection. In medieval magic, sigils were occult symbols representing angels’ and demons’ true names. For example, The Lesser Key of Solomon contains the sigils for the princes in the hierarchy of Hell. Sigils were used in incantations and spells. However, we can also find protective symbols and Sigils in coats of arms, armor, and houses.
Today, Chaos Magic deals with Sigils. Most of the practitioners follow Austin Spare’s theory on Sigils. He turned medieval practices on their heads when he argued that the process of sigilization created entities, rather than invoking them.
In Chaos Magic, Sigils are created by writing an intention rather than by invoking a deity. Then, the Sigil is charged. After charging the Sigil, some practitioners consider it necessary to repress all memory of it.
So, why do we draw Sigils instead of simply writing down our intentions? Well, Chaos Magic believes that by using Sigils we tap into our subconscious mind, which in turn provides for a more intuitive, deeper experience. The subconscious mind has better chances of remembering a simple picture than a phrase. When we charge a sigil, we focus on a picture. In the process, we connect with our inner selves.
Destructible, Temporary, and Permanent Sigils
There are three basic types of Sigils: destructible, temporary, and permanent. How you use the Sigil will depend on what type of Sigils you want to create.
Destructible Sigils are activated by being destroyed. This means that you’ll draw the Sigil, charge it with intention and then destroy it. You can burn it or tear it apart. You can even draw the Sigil on your food and then consume it. By using this method you’ll be disposing of that Sigil forever.
Temporary Sigils are drawn on surfaces that they’ll later disappear from, like skin. You have to draw the Sigil, charge it with intention and then leave it on your skin. You can also carve the Sigil onto a candle and light the candle, so the Sigil will eventually melt.
Permanent Sigils, on the other hand, are made to last. They are also active for a long period of time. They can be drawn into a piece of paper that you can place anywhere you like, or you can create a piece of jewelry using it. These Sigils need to be recharged occasionally so that they don’t lose their power. Some permanent sigils have been known to pass down from generation to generation, either in blood families or to apprentices of the witches involved.
How to Create a Sigil
The process of creation of Sigils consists of two parts: first, you must draw it or create it, and then you must charge it with intention. As we have previously said, there are three types of Sigils: destructive Sigils, which are activated by being destroyed, temporary Sigils, and permanent Sigils. Here we show you how to draw any of the three.
There are many ways to create Sigils. Each witch or spiritual practitioner can choose their own. None of these practices is inherently better or worse than the other. Here we will provide you with a couple: by using numerology or by using calligraphy.
The most important thing for Sigils is intention. So, before you begin, you have to really decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Visualize the energy you’re looking for. It is helpful to set a goal you want to achieve or visualize an event you want to manifest. Then, you have to turn your wish into a short sentence. Try writing in the present tense, like “I am” instead of “I will”. You can then use numerology or calligraphy.
Numerology helps you turn your sentence into numbers. You now need to check a Pythagoeran’s Chart like the one below. Then, you delete the repeated numbers.
After that, trace a path over a numerology grid. Below is Avery Martinez’s — our beloved and knowledgeable content writer— grid and sketch. Her base design looks like an arrow and it’s a good start since hers is a Divination Sigil. She tilted her design, added a circle to represent a mirror, another circle to represent an eye, and a detail at the top to symbolize a candle. As a result, she has guidance, reflection, foresight, and enlightenment in her final sketch. You can add as many details as you please to your Sigil, but keep it simple, given that you have to be able to draw it when needed.
If you want to use Calligraphy, first you need to take your initial sentence, get rid of the repeated letters, and, then, design a draft sketch. Each letter must be connected to the others. It will end up looking like a seal. This is the practice that I personally use.
Once you have it, what comes next depends on what you want to do with it. If it’s destructible, you will later dispose of the paper and lose it forever. If the Sigil is temporary or permanent you can place it on any surface you want. For temporary Sigils, this might include your skin, and you can draw permanent Sigils anywhere you like.
Charging Your Sigil and Giving It Intention
First of all, find a quiet space. If you have a sacred space or altar, go there. However, anywhere you can work unbothered is fine. Set a relaxing mood in whatever way works for you. Personally, I relax in my sacred space by lighting candles and burning some incense. You can also meditate if you feel like it. There are many guided meditations online, you check them out.
Sigils are already charged with creativity as you make them. However, you can also expose them to the energy of a crystal that matches your intention. For example, you can charge a Sigil for success with the energy of Citrine. You can also light a colored candle that suits your purpose to invoke both the power of color and the element of Fire. If you’re unsure which color to use, light a white candle.
Start by holding the Sigils in your hands. Visualize your intention for it. You can also place it below a candle or on your altar. If it’s a destructible Sigil, you can activate it by burning it or tearing it apart.
Ultimately it’s up to you, as some practitioners prefer to keep the Sigils, so if your Sigil is meant to be temporary or permanent you have to activate it with intention only. Some even wear permanent Sigils in jewelry. Even a tattoo of it would be fine if it’s set with intention. Remember, of course, that unless it is tattooed in henna, you will carry that intention in your body forever. Act accordingly. This is used, for instance, in Sympathetic Magic.
There are plenty of methods to design and use Sigils. Seek your own ritualistic practice. Below, you’ll find some Sigils that have been designed by us, which might be useful to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sigils for the LGBTQIA+ Community
In this section, we’ll give you some Sigils that have been created by us and that might be of use to the LGBTQIA+ community. You can turn them into destructible, temporary, or permanent Sigils.
First of all, I wanted to provide you with Sigils that relate to gender identity. Below you will find the Sigils for “my gender identity is respected” and “I am not misgendered”.
Secondly, I have included Sigils that have to do with gender expression. Below you will find the Sigils for “I am perceived as masculine”, “I am perceived as feminine”, and “I am perceived as androgynous.”
Finally, here we have a Sigil for “my sexual orientation is respected.”
In summary, Sigils are a very powerful form of magic that has been employed for several centuries. In Chaos Magic, Sigils are used because they allow us to tap into our intuition and our subconscious mind.
There are several ways to create Sigils that must be drawn and later filled with intention. Here we have covered numerology and calligraphy. We have also provided you with sigils for our beautiful LGBTQIA+ community. As you can see, they don’t have to be perfect. Now it’s your turn. Get to creating!
Have you ever worked with Sigils? If so, what method did you use? Tell us in the comments!
Sources
Avery Martínez on SpellCloth
