“In a field. With the moon. And the dark. And the dirt. With your mouth. And just one word: god god god.”
— Daphne Gottlieb, 15 Ways to Stay Alive
The Horned God by Betty Jiang
Stolas' Ritual Of Arcane Wisdom
A sacred rite to invoke the guidance of Prince Stolas, the demon of knowledge, herbalism, astrology, and hidden wisdom. This ritual strengthens your connection to nature magick, herbal lore, and astrology under the guidance of Stolas, offering profound insight and spiritual growth.
• Owl or crow feather
• Howlite
• Star anise
• Sapphire or lapis lazuli
• Blue, silver, or dark purple candle
• Frankincense and myrrh incense
• A bowl of soil or dried herbs
• A celestial map, tarot deck, or astrology book
• Black or dark blue cloth
• A written question or intention related to your studies on a small piece of paper with Stolas' sigil on the other side.
Preparation - Cleanse your space using the incense or by sprinkling salt water around the ritual area. Lay the black or dark blue cloth on your altar or workspace. Place the candle in the center, surrounded by the howlite, sapphire (or lapis lazuli), and star anise. Set the bowl of soil or dried herbs nearby, along with your celestial map or astrology book. Position the owl or crow feather beside the candle as a representation of Stolas.
Invocation - Light the candle and the incense. Hold the owl/crow feather in one hand and the howlite in the other. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize a celestial owl with piercing eyes descending from the night sky. Chant,
"Stolas, Prince of wisdom vast,
Guide my mind and make knowledge last.
By feather, stone, and starry light,
Teach me your secrets deep as night.
By herb and crystal, earth and sky,
Open my mind, let wisdom fly!"
Pause, listening for any sensations, whispers, or impressions.
Request for Knowledge - Hold the piece of paper with your question or intention. Pass it over the candle flame (carefully) or place it on the altar. Say,
"Prince Stolas, I seek your ancient lore,
In herbs, in crystals, in stars evermore.
Grant me wisdom, let my sight expand,
Teach me the secrets of nature’s hand."
Place the paper beneath the bowl of soil or dried herbs, symbolizing its planting in the realm of knowledge.
Absorbing the Wisdom - Pick up the howlite and hold it to your forehead (Third Eye Chakra). Visualize cosmic energy and nature’s wisdom flowing into your mind. Meditate on any insights, messages, or images you receive. If you feel called, use your astrology book, tarot deck, or scry into the candle flame to receive further guidance.
Closing - Thank Stolas for his presence and guidance,
"Prince of wisdom, I honor thee,
For the knowledge you have given me.
I walk the path with open sight,
Under stars and wisdom’s light."
Extinguish the candle, letting the smoke carry your gratitude. Keep the howlite as a talisman of wisdom, placing it under your pillow or on your altar. Bury the burned or written petition in soil (outdoors if possible) to allow the knowledge to take root and grow.
• Keep a journal of dreams, insights, or synchronicities in the coming days.
• Study herbs, crystals, and astrology with renewed focus, as Stolas may subtly guide you.
• Repeat the ritual whenever you feel the need to deepen your knowledge.
Bacchantin, by Ferdinand Leeke
March 29, 1966 Anne Sexton: A Self-Portrait in Letters First published: 1977