Crossroads Activity: Sigil Making

Sigil Making

Difficulty ★★☆☆☆

Bonus ★★★☆☆

In this Crossroads Activity, you will learn about sigils, how to make your own, and how to use them. I will be sharing two of my favorite sigil making methods and how I cast them.

What are sigils?

Sigils are simply symbols. They started out as representations of different spirits. The Goetic seals in the Lesser Key of Solomon are a well known example. In more modern times, sigils have evolved to include symbols created to represent an individual's will and intent. Occultis Austin Osman Spare pioneered this usage. A variety of sigil making methods have since developed.

Activity

In this activity I encourage you to follow along with my version of sigil making. If you can doodle, you can make a sigil. Have fun and don't forget to share how it went in the comments! Email me at seekmysticcrossroads@gmail.com, subject line "Sigil Making Activity" to have your sigil design featured in a future post.

Sigil making materials:

This activity requires a writing implement and paper. You will also need either a lit candle and fire proof dish or inking implement (pen, pencil, marker, etc.) and coloring implements (colored pencils, crayons, paint, etc.)

Phrase of Intent

In sigil making, the hardest part is coming up with a phrase of intent. It needs to be as concise as possible. I find being direct, affirmative, and to the point works best. Have a clear subject and use simpler verbs. This isn't English class after all.

Once you have a phrase, write it down. First I cross out any vowels or duplicate letters. What about Y? Cross it out if it feels like it doesn't belong. Next, a handwriting dependent shortcut I like to use. Any remaining letter also formed in another letter gets crossed out. F/L, l/I, B/p/d, D/C, etc. I only keep one instance of each shape. 

Example phrase:

I am happy.

mhpy

mpy (Flip the h and close it, you get p).

Design

Now it's time to design the sigil. At this point I like to forget the phrase and focus on intent. Design can go one of two ways for me. I'll either create a symbol to burn or a drawing in my sketchbook. With either method, I combine the letters in a way that has them all connected then alter and style them to the point they become obscure. 

Example of symbol creation:

Symbols get faster with practice. Take your time and play with it. It's just a doddle until you charge and cast it. If you have a more complex design, practice drawing it even. When you feel ready, copy it onto a blank piece of paper. Size is up to you; but, remember it'll be burned.

Casting Method 1 ★★☆☆☆

To charge, find some place you won't be interrupted. Get comfy and light a candle. Study the symbol intently until you can hold it in your mind with your eyes closed. Hold the paper in the palm of one hand and cover it with the other. Fold the paper so that your hands completely cover it if need be. Visualize the symbol and focus on your intent. Pour energy into the symbol mentality and through your hands into the paper. Light the paper when it feels right. Hold it over a fireproof dish and let the flame catch well; but, be careful not to get burned. Think/whisper/say whatever you like to use to end a spell. Think/whisper/say whatever you like to use to end a spell as you do. So mote it be, It is done, anything you like as long as you are confident.  The sigil is cast.

Example of drawing sigil:

I have made the drawing example rough and messy with the symbol clearly visible to show how to evolve it into a drawing. Make it as ugly or as beautiful as you like and don't stress over your artistic ability. Have fun with it!

Drawing sigils can be an odd looking doodle with related imagery or something completely different. Starting with a pencil is fine. It's just a sketch until you charge and cast. I like inking the sigil then coloring the rest with colors based on intent. The inking and coloring is how I charge drawings.

Casting Method 2 ★★★☆☆

Focus on the intent during inking and coloring. Pour energy into it as you work. When finished, give it a good look. Study it. The drawing and your intent are one and the same. Snap your sketchbook closed or fold the page closed. Confidently think/whisper/say whatever you like to use to end a spell. The sigil is cast. 

Tips

Once the sigil is cast, stop focusing on it. Don't dwell on it. The sigil worked/is working so there is no reason to concern yourself with it. If it pops in your mind, maybe send a little energy to it before letting it pass by. Feel free to visualize and re-energize general purpose sigils to reuse them. 

Share

Tell me how it went in the comments! Make a sigil that you're really proud of and want to share it? Email me at seekmysticcrossroads@gmail.com, subject line "Sigil Making Activity" to have your design featured in a future post.