A question about Michael.

[silvermage]

Just as a matter of interest; is it true that Archangel Michael favors red apples as an offering during an invocation? As those who have read my post in introductions know, I'm not in the habit of summoning anything (I've got a pet peeve about "borrowed" power) but one of the few beings I have indeed called on was michael, twice in fact and on both occasions I received an answer on the second even a semi-physical manifestation in incense smoke. Simply wondering what the apple connection could be. A friend recommended I use them since I was living on a farm at the time and had quite a few apple trees. He claimed to have read about it somewhere and since he's a pretty decent adept in his own right I decided to trust him, I guess he must have been right given the success of my invocations. We've since lost touch but I've always wondered about it.

[Lucius]

Well, when I saw this post I hadn't invoked him with the aid of a red apple and then it got me thinking.

I'm not aware of any texts that say that he is much more drawn to red apples but then I picked one from my garden and invoked him, and it was the most powerful invocation I have done so far! So yeah, I think there is actually some credibility to this statement.

But, I am unsure to what extent this is because likes them.

[Belial]

It's perhaps too far past, however if it were possible I would like to hear more about the experiences you have both had.I am unable to verify the inquisition with any certainty or the effect of apples in the matter, however it is potentially speculative that it may perhaps relate to the fruit of knowledge myth, as perhaps Micheal enjoys the context of Latin puns.Granted it may be simpler than that, either way, needs more data.Apples have been symbolic for many things, though I only refer to this as it seemed more relevant regarding the entity than others may.

Was the response a positive one or an imposing one?I ask as it may be a cause to discern whether he responds out of favour for the fruit or of a grudging symbolic reminder, I'd imagine you'd receive an impressive scenario in either case.

I'll be honest up front with this, I don't particularly get involved in angelic business, for personal and ethical reasons.Due to such, my files regarding angels are regrettably lacking and out of date.Thus I seek further knowledge of this so that I may make note of such in my databases, said note would be marked until tested and investigated.

[Asurendra]

If Lucius-chan says it, then it is true.

When the waxing moon was last in Libra I invoked Lord Vayu (in Western magick the Archangel Raphael) onto my make-shift Almadel. As an offering on the level below from where the incense rose to surround the crystal ball I left a green apple. I think these Beings appreciate that one would offer them something with a pure motive and with proper respect rather than simply treating them as tools or as projections of some part of the self, as some try to do. As energetic entities, they are all about intention.

[Belial]

Overall I agree, in regards to summoning I always teach an emphasis on respect.People tend to treat entities as tools or aspects of self projected into an archetype.Generally I disagree with those approaches, at least outside of methodologies that explicitly deal with handling aspects of self by projecting them outward as soft forms for mediation, though I feel that shouldn't be confused with legitimately external entities.I can appreciate their unique natures and perspectives, and personally if I found myself called out by anybody and then treated with disrespect and an attitude, I'd be pretty resentful of such, so I always feel it important to be respectful in terms of summoning, general golden rule in decency.

Anyway, the point was, I typically "profile" various entities for my databases.There are often things some find more favorable than others, so I like to collect and piece together relevant data.That is why I requested further details regarding these experiences.You're probably right though, it's likely more to do with intent than anything else.I'll leave it at that in this case, no need to read any more into it than I should.I'll chalk this up to being a gesture of respect instead of anything specifically to do with apples.

Regardless it still might be interesting to hear your experiences.It's also relieving to hear of people still being respectful in the art.Thumbs up for the courtesy. [thumbup]

[ne1]

I agree that intent affects how you will be received, or in the case of Lucius, the pureness of the motive. There is a lesson here, I think. Sometimes over the years of practice, we forget to stare dumbfounded in wonder at how really cool all this is.

[hobotubbie]

Has far as my limited knowledge goes.. he doesn't seem to be interested in anything material, which kinda makes sense afterall.. but the simple gesture of free willingly offering with pure intention is an appreciated gesture i would say, by most.

Btw, if your not very experienced in ceremonial magick don't just go around and pick the most sounding names you heard about, if by any chance you hit the bingo, you most likely don't have a way to know who's out there, and it can be anything, even if your idea was to work with X or Y before.

It can be dangerous and lead to confusion, frustration and thus not the most fun way to evolve.

But hey, what do i know, everyone likes them apples.

[Asurendra]

Hello Hobotubbie,

I'm uncertain what exactly you mean by this paragraph and why you wrote it. Could you please explain further?

"Btw, if your not very experienced in ceremonial magick don't just go around and pick the most sounding names you heard about, if by any chance you hit the bingo, you most likely don't have a way to know who's out there, and it can be anything, even if your idea was to work with X or Y before."

[hobotubbie]

Why do you find it hard to understand?

By the way it was directed to the OP, and based on the fact that he says he's not experienced in the matter.

[Asurendra]

I have a further reflection upon this: if you have a question about these beings, then invoke them upon an Almadel and ask them. It's best, if possible, to go right to the source.