Seal, Sigil & Call: A New Approach to Ritual Magic

by J R Mascaro, Frater Barrabbas (Foreword)

Practice Your Own Ritual Magic and Achieve a Higher State of Being

Drawing from Eastern and Western traditions to form its unique path, Seal, Sigil & Call introduces you to a new school of ceremonial magic. This beginner-friendly book uses Tantric, Qabalistic, and tradition-free spiritual exercises to teach you concepts of energy and centered awareness. Once you've built a solid foundation, J. R. Mascaro shares the practices of paneidolism, his innovative system of ritual magic. This system shows you how to contact and work with various eidolons―spirit entities that aid your personal development. Seal, Sigil & Call helps you lift the veil of material awareness by providing powerful ontological tools that are not restricted by any single spiritual tradition. With Mascaro's guidance, you'll find greater peace through inner exploration and manifest your highest experience of being.

Genres: Spirituality, Occult

192 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2022

Reviews

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seal, Sigil & Call offers a compelling fusion of Eastern and Western magical traditions, presenting an entirely new system of ceremonial magic that is both accessible to beginners and rich in potential for seasoned practitioners. J.R. Mascaro introduces his readers to paneidolism, a unique approach to working with spirit entities or eidolons, which serve as guides and agents of personal transformation. This book is a refreshing take on ritual magic, stepping away from rigid structures to offer a more fluid and adaptable approach to connecting with spiritual forces.

At its core, the system Mascaro presents is deeply rooted in energy work and awareness. By incorporating elements from Qabalah, Tantra, and tradition-free exercises, Mascaro builds a foundation that is both grounded and expansive. His emphasis on energy and ontological exploration positions the practitioner at the intersection of spiritual development and personal growth. Mascaro’s exercises are practical, designed to help readers move beyond material awareness and enter a state of centered consciousness that is vital for effective magical practice. He treats ritual magic not as a mere set of ceremonial actions but as a path to achieving a higher state of being, where magic is as much about internal transformation as it is about external results.

One of the standout elements of Seal, Sigil & Call is its innovative use of eidolons, which are presented as spirit entities that can be called upon to assist in various aspects of personal and magical development. These aren’t the traditional spirits or deities one might find in grimoires or Western magical systems. Instead, Mascaro’s eidolons are more fluid, shaped by the practitioner's own needs and development, offering a more flexible and personalized form of spiritual interaction. This concept alone differentiates Seal, Sigil & Call from many other books in the field, inviting practitioners to explore a magical practice that is not constrained by dogma or tradition.

Mascaro’s writing is both accessible and thoughtful, guiding the reader through complex ideas without overwhelming them. His ability to balance simplicity with depth makes this an excellent resource for those just beginning their magical journey. The techniques and rituals provided are straightforward, but they are layered in such a way that they invite further exploration and mastery. Mascaro encourages experimentation, urging practitioners to explore their relationship with the eidolons through direct experience rather than relying solely on predefined structures.

The section on sigil crafting is particularly well-crafted, providing both beginners and experienced magicians with new insights into the art of creating and empowering sigils. Mascaro’s integration of sigil magic with paneidolism feels both natural and innovative, offering a seamless way to connect personal symbols with spiritual energies. This interplay between the physical act of crafting sigils and the metaphysical work with eidolons makes sigil magic in this system feel more dynamic and integrated into the overall spiritual journey of the practitioner.

Despite its accessibility, Seal, Sigil & Call never feels superficial. Mascaro’s background in both Eastern and Western traditions is evident, and he treats each system with respect while blending them in a way that feels cohesive and balanced. The exercises on energy manipulation, breathwork, and visualization are drawn from a deep understanding of both Tantric and Qabalistic practices, yet Mascaro keeps the focus on practical application rather than esoteric theory. His approach is direct: magic is meant to be practiced, felt, and lived.

For anyone searching for a system of ritual magic that is adaptable, inclusive, and focused on personal development, Seal, Sigil & Call is a powerful resource. J.R. Mascaro’s integration of Eastern and Western techniques offers a fresh perspective on how magic can be used not just to manifest external change but to deepen one’s understanding of self and spirit. This book provides the tools for lifting the veil of material awareness, leading practitioners into a realm where magic becomes a means of personal evolution.

[Jeannie Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Seal, Sigil & Call
Author: J.R. Mascaro
Genre: Magic - Occultism
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 8, 2022
Read: December 5-8, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Practice Your Own Ritual Magic and Achieve a Higher State of Being

Drawing from Eastern and Western traditions to form its unique path, Seal, Sigil & Call introduces you to a new school of ceremonial magic. This beginner-friendly book uses Tantric, Qabalistic, and tradition-free spiritual exercises to teach you concepts of energy and centered awareness. Once you've built a solid foundation, J. R. Mascaro shares the practices of paneidolism, his innovative system of ritual magic. This system shows you how to contact and work with various eidolons―spirit entities that aid your personal development. Seal, Sigil & Call helps you lift the veil of material awareness by providing powerful ontological tools that are not restricted by any single spiritual tradition. With Mascaro's guidance, you'll find greater peace through inner exploration and manifest your highest experience of being.

Review: The best way to describe J.R. Mascaro's Seal, Sigil & Call can be summed up as "ceremonial magic without the ceremony." Mascaro draws from a number of different sources including ceremonial magic, the Qabal, Buddhism, Wicca, and others to create a wholly original magical path that can be used either alone or incorporated into an already established system.

Central to Mascaro's practice are the eidolons, which he describes as either spirit beings or archetypal aspects of the human subconscious. He leaves it up to the individual to ascertain how they choose to perceive the eidolons. He does "gift" eighteen eidolons to the reader--basically, these are beings/aspects that are open to being contacted by others seeking to work with eidolons--that comprise what Mascaro calls the Inner Host of the Ark. Eidolons are categorized in three ways: Otherworld Spirits, Primals, and Celestials. Each category comes with its own challenges and benefits. Once the magician has connected with and become accustomed to working with the Inner Host, more eidolons await to be discovered.

Mascaro does an admirable job of organizing his research and procedures for contacting eidolons. Some of his phrasing can be a repetitive and writing tends toward the overly flowery at times but overall, the information is unique and presented in an easy to follow manner. While Mascaro states he has not (as yet) encountered a malevolent eidolon, anyone seeking to make contact with possible spiritual beings should exercise the proper protection methods and use caution. Fortunately, he provides different methods for achieving this and although his passion for working with eidolons is evident, he does seem to acknowledge that doing so isn't for everyone.

Overall, Seal, Sigil & Call is an uncommon approach to an aspect of magic that is often part of a large path or tradition. It goes beyond a basic "how to" book and offers a new perspective on familiar topics. Anyone who is interested in ceremonial magic would find this book useful and a welcomed addition to their library.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Llewellyn Publications for an advance copy of this new book on visualization and ritual magic.

The idea of ritual magic can be a little fraught for some people. The idea seems odd, even wrong in a way, maybe even illicit. What doesn't help is people who for their own myriad reasons consider themselves gatekeepers, making it hard for people with genuine interest, or a genuine concern to learn more and understand. Humans are very good at this, for the power this gives them and the fear especially for certain genders that someone given entry might become equal, or even surpass them. J. R. Mascaro has a far different stance. His book Seal, Sigil & Call: A New Approach to Ritual Magic is a good entry level book to ritual magic, written for the beginner and for those for would like to take a different approach to their visualization exercises.

The book begins with a quick introduction to the author, his life, what he has learned and what life has taught him and what made him decide to write this book. Mascaro explains that he draws on many different arts and ways of thinking Western, Eastern, and ideas and practices that he has developed over the years in his rituals. Mascaro is also quick to point out that this won't be a quick and easy guide, that to correctly work on what he presents will take time, effort and lots of spiritual and physical energy. Which he then proceeds to explain. There is also discussions on how these kind of rituals can open a person up to outside forces, and ways to protect one's self are shown. Mascaro than goes into his ideas that he calls paneidolism, which makes up a lot of the second part of the book.

The writing is very good, enough to interest beginners and make them want to know more, and for more advanced people with familarity to adapt his ideas for their own rituals. Mascaro has a good way of describing things, and and of presenting ideas, that make people want to know more, and to help embetter their lives. The openness of the writing is quite refreshing. Again there are risks to some of these rituals, so be sure to read the book in its entirety just to be sure that readers understand what is asked, and what can happen. Chaos has a way of slipping in when are least prepared, or able to anything about it.

For those with a desire to know more about ritual magic, this is a very good primer. Mascaro is very good of covering both the risks and the rewards, and is very good at presenting ideas. A nice gift for people just coming to, and for those who have practiced for quite a while.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing on his extensive exploration of myriad Eastern and Western mystical systems and practices, the author presents a unique and intriguing approach to ceremonial magic. Noting that it can be used for the collective good, he defines magic as a means by which we may enact individual “will upon the metaphysical framework” of consciousness. This is accomplished through ritual and supported by interacting with independent thoughtforms known as eidolons, which exist within and/or beyond corporeal life. An admonition is given to never use magic to bring emotional or physical harm to another being.

I enjoyed the opening chapters that discuss energy, intention and working with eidolons and the creation of a personal, operating paradigm as a foundation for his/her work. The paradigm is a core element, essential to practicing the art of magic for it includes a deep reflection on what magic is and the motivation for engaging in its practice. Emphasis is place on inner exploration as the basis for evolving and expressing our higher natures.

Overall, the text provides a balance between providing structured rituals and encouraging the reader, once the basics have been mastered, to develop their own rituals to connect with non-physical aspects of consciousness. Clearly written and well-organized, the book is a great resource for neophytes as well as more experienced practitioners.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Shirley Andrade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Type of Magic

"Seal, Sigil & Call" is one that is really interesting to me, for I have a passion for working with seals and sigils. In this book, J.R. Mascaro discusses how he chose not to be confined to a single traditional way of magic, and developed his own approach encompassing what he had been exposed to at the various schools he had attended. The system the author discusses in this book is referred to, by him, as paneidolism, and he describes it as the detection of and communication with nonphysical intelligences known as eidolons, which are
present around us at all times. He, further, states that this practice is a form of sorcery in the traditional sense of the word, because it deals chiefly with communication with energetic beings.

I feel this book is well organized and written with information in a nicely flowing manner that is easy to read and understand. The author outlines this book into two parts, with part one presenting the foundational elements, such as your energy, intention, and the practice of working with eidolons that defines the core of paneidolism. Part two discusses cultivating the practices discussed earlier in the book, learning to create your own techniques and rituals for daily use, and advanced work after you've become more advanced.

The author provides indepth information and charts and diagrams for your use in your workings. He also list the eighteen eidolons and how to utilize them.

This is a great book, especially, for those interested in this practice as a form of sorcery.

[Elhoim Leafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. R. Mascaro approaches the old path of Ritual Magic in a new brilliant and encouraging way. Finally a book looking to push the practitioner in the way to perform and craft their own form of magic, discovering their own power, finding new meaningful ways to manifest their wishes, and uplifting the practice of each magician in their own direction.

Not another sorcerer teaching "the correct unique way" to do things, but encouraging each magician, witch, and sorcerer out there to find the fundamentals of their own practice and understand in a deeper and better way how to approach and manifest their power in the physical world.

Using practical sigils, modern forms of meditation, and ritualistic forms of magic to perform new spells and rituals, J. R. Mascaro wrote a book equally useful for old time practitioners and for new seekers of the craft.
- Elhoim Leafar & Solitarywitchbooks.

[Lazarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about ritual magic is for both, beginners and experienced ones. Former will find a correct and basic foundation for working with spirits or "eidolons" (doing magic), and later will be delighted with great insights and lucid advices. It is a unique esoteric system, yet author will encourage you (if needed) to create your own definitions, methods...Now, although the explanations are clear it would be even greater that for some techniques few more step by step examples are provided. Very interesting read!!!

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seal, Sigil,& Call by J.R. Mascaro is an in depth and informative tool for indeterminable to advanced practitioners of Spiritual occultism.
What I liked about this book
1. Easy to connect with conversational writing style
2.Well formatted and thoroughly researched information
What I would have liked to see more of
1. More safety and caution discussion would have been nice on both the physical and metaphisical sdie
2. More reading recommendations for further study
3. Wider margins for note taking.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot of Sigils this past year and what sets this book apart from the others is the push by the author to for practitioners to make it their own. Others may touch on it, but I find this book really encourages it and that, to me, is completely refreshing.

A great book to get you started on the topic, but it also provides some great insight as well for those who are more experienced. This is a book well worth adding to your magikal toolbox.

[JadersCorner · Rating 2 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC

Not a fan of someone who takes old beliefs and branches off creating their own “system” unless it’s a solitary practice and even then it can be questionable - because : This is where the line starts and many cross over into cultish. I know because my own family had a Man who did just that.
So I would read with caution and know where that line is. And what to disregard from the writing.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

found this book to be really useful to read. 5 star book
not sure who id recommend this to due to i dont know many people that read books like this
had alot of useful information

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

there is a lot of information within the book. Good of this is the direction you want to go put in your path. The writing is straight forward and pretty easy to understand.