The Nosferatu Rite: A Working of Self-Creation. Introduced by Leon D. Wild From "The Ninth Night", Vol. 1., No.1.

Introduction: This ritual is based on certain Romanian traditions of Black Magic which were in legend handed down to the followers of Vlad Dracul [ ie the Impaler] by the gre at man himself, who in turn received them from the Prince of Darkness. The legend follows that Vlad, once a Christian rebelled against the confines and lies of the Church and chose to identify himself with the Devil. The working dr aws heavily upon the connections of Vampyres with the Powers of Darkness. Self-Lore in the Vampyre tradition. Concepts of the Self in the vampyre traditions are generally that of the *Undead *. This may be interpreted as *not dead* with its implications of immortality an d of the Secrets of life and death. Vampyres frequently possess supra-normal physical and mental powers, and possibl y a few limitations for flavour or eccentricity [see Andy Warhol's 'Blood for Dr acula' for example - his dietary habits are distinctly amusing] although these a re not compulsory. Immortality, or the refusal of death is a frequently misunderstood concept. The Vampyre / Magician chooses to live fully in this life, and to not allow her or h is consciousness to disintegrate after physical death. This survival of consciou sness is not dependent upon adoption of "magical" symbols, names etc or particip ation in this or other magical rituals. It is dependent only upon the recognitio n of ones own *Self* and the will to continue existence, whatever it may be... a nd wherever. Blood is very important in the Vampyre traditions. In the modern Vampyre traditi ons this is seen as symbolic: for example the Temple of Set's Order of the Vampy re sees no significance in blood consumption or blood letting. Blood symbolises *Life*. The Black Magical Vampyre is thus seen as a magician wh o desires and practices the highest Life, whilst recognising the energies of the Beast within - the primal energies of Lycanthropy and shape-shifting which form another aspect of Vampyre magic. The following rite symbolises a solitary, isolated awakening to a Vampyric state , and the self-initiation of the journey along the left-hand path. The trappings of the rite may be altered to suit your circumstances and personal inspiration. This ritual, as all magical rituals, is at your own risk, and not suitable for unstable or immature individuals. Setting: Somewhere you will not be disturbed. A dark chamber, either painted or hung in b lack or similar. Or a starry lit forest glade. It is your choice. Dress: Black robe is ideal. The idea is to become your own vision of a vampyre - magici an. Pay attention to each of your senses. For example: perfumes, clothing, music , offerings. Ring bell Nine times. Nine is a sacred number in Black Magical traditions and symbolises dynamic evolu tion towards perfection. Light the Black Flame. This may be an ornate black candle or a chemical / electrical mechanism that ide ally produces a purple - black flame, symbolising isolate consciousness. Invocation. " This black night I become my Vampyre: a master of life and death." "I light the Black Flame in honour of the Prince of Darkness, and become the Vam

pyre that my mind creates; burning with passions in pursuit of all that I desire ." "I cast off the constraints of the Right Hand Paths and with a Will, dedicate my self to the control of my own destiny. I now face the trials and tribulations of the Left-Hand Path." "I empower myself with the Essence of the Vampyre: To be invisible even in the s corching day, To know when to be silent, and when to prey. To know and explore m y whole psyche." "I cast forth this doom: I, the Vampyre NN (your name) walk on the Left Hand Pat h, and my Will is impenetrable!" "I Honour the Blood, which is my Life, and become more than smoke and shadows." "Open wide the Gates of Hell! "In the noble presence of the Dark Lord I swear an oath to become a Vampyre, to be true to mySelf and my chosen Path." "Hail the Vampyre! Hail the Dark Lord! " The Chalice. The Chalice is the Dark Graal, or Unholy Grail: that which is often sought but s eldom found. The Graal in this case is filled with a reddish liquid symbolizing blood (but NOT blood). Some suggestions are tomato juice, fruit (particularly be rry) juices or wine - sangria makes a fitting elixir! As you drink the elixir, visualize yourself becoming empowered with the Powers o f Darkness. You are partaking of the essence of yourself, and the Vampyre that i s a part of the divinity inside you. Closing the Gates of Hell: Close the ritual by again ringing the bell Nine times. The Awakening. Now as an budding initiate of Vampyre mysteries, you may see the world with diff erent eyes. With this first ritual you may have some insights into the nature of magic and your control of it, and how to shape your destiny. This probably will take some practice, however. Others may only feel slightly silly at having undertaken such a task: or even at bothering to read these pages. To these, I wish a happy life, and am sure they will get the life they deserve.