Correspondences are associations between objects, forces, Symbols, and Names that are employed in magical Ritual. The idea of correspondences has existed since antiquity. In Hermetic thought, everything in the macrocosm corresponds to something in the microcosm. For example, in astrology, the planets correspond to certain characteristics and forces that exist in the physical plane.

In kabbalistic mysticism, every letter of the Hebrew alphabet corresponds to spirits, intelligences, colors, gems, ideas, and perfumes. Thus, a name of a spirit can be translated into a recipe for a perfume to be used in ritual that will invoke that particular entity. The elemental weapons used in magical rituals (see tools) correspond to attributes of gods and spirits. When the magician uses a tool, he or she takes on the authority of that entity.

FURTHER READING:

• Regardie, Israel. The Tree of Life: A Study in Magic. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, 1969.

SOURCE:

The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written byRosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.