[from http://www.dnaco.net/~raensept/lhpzin.htm (reformatted by tn)] THE NOSFERATU RITE: A WORKING OF SELF-CREATION. Introduced by Fr. NN. ___________________________________________________________________ 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 great 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 draws 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 and of the Secrets of life and death. Vampyres frequently possess supra-normal physical and mental powers, and possibly a few limitations for flavour or eccentricity [see Andy Warhol's 'Blood for Dracula' for example - his dietary habits are distinctly amusing] although these are 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 his consciousness to disintegrate after physical death. This survival of consciousness is not dependent upon adoption of "magical" symbols, names etc or participation in this or other magical rituals. It is dependent only upon the recognition of ones own *Self* and the will to continue existence, whatever it may be... and wherever. Blood is very important in the Vampyre traditions. In the modern Vampyre traditions this is seen as symbolic: for example the Temple of Set's Order of the Vampyre sees no significance in blood consumption or blood letting. Blood symbolises *Life*. The Black Magical Vampyre is thus seen as a magician who 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 black 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 - magician. 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 evolution towards perfection. Light the Black Flame. This may be an ornate black candle or a chemical / electrical mechanism that ideally 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 Vampyre 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 myself 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 scorching day, To know when to be silent, and when to prey. To know and explore my whole psyche." "I cast forth this doom: I, the Vampyre NN (your name) walk on the Left Hand Path, 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 seldom found. The Graal in this case is filled with a reddish liquid symbolizing blood (but NOT blood). Some suggestions are tomato juice, fruit (particularly berry) juices or wine - sangria makes a fitting elixir! As you drink the elixir, visualize yourself becoming empowered with the Powers of Darkness. You are partaking of the essence of yourself, and the Vampyre that is 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 different 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. ____________________________________________________________________ Acknowledgments Daimon Egan for the Nuit.Vampyre net "Vampyre Working". Nuit.Vampyre is a computer forum on the Fidonet system. Moderated by the Order of the Vampyre. (Thanks to BlackWulf & Darkstar). ==================================================================== excerpted from THE NINTH NIGHT: A JOURNAL OF BLACK MAGIC & THE LEFT-HAND PATH Vol. 1, Issue 1, May 1996 ce (e-Version August 1996 ce) Fr. NN P.O. Box 666 Northbridge NSW 2063 AUSTRALIA EOF