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Introduction
In the realm of ceremonial magic and theurgy, the concept of the paredros, a personal spirit assistant, guide, or guardian, is both powerful and complex. From ancient Neoplatonic texts to Renaissance grimoires, the paredros is often described as a subtle, intermediary spirit assigned to a practitioner to aid in magical workings, spiritual ascent, and personal protection.
In many ways, a paredros is not unlike a daemon, familiar, or higher spiritual guide, but the process of obtaining one is far more involved than merely meditating or pulling a tarot card. It is a relationship formed through ritual, devotion, discipline, and clarity of will.
In this post, we’ll explore what a paredros is, how one might obtain such a companion, and the steps to ritually secure or bind the connection, ethically and with respect.
What Is a Paredros?
The term paredros (Greek: παράδος) roughly means “one who sits beside”, a being who attends the magician or initiate. In the Chaldean Oracles and later theurgical traditions, this spirit might be viewed as a sub-personal entity or guiding intelligence that bridges the material world and the divine realms.
Unlike random spirit encounters or ad-hoc guide communication, the paredros is invited, selected, and bound through serious magical work. They may help with protection, divination, knowledge transmission, or even acting as a go-between in spirit or deity communication.
Importantly, this is not a tool to be exploited, it is a sacred relationship, forged through intent, respect, and proper preparation.
Step One: Prepare Yourself Spiritually and Magically
Before attempting to call or bind a paredros, ask yourself: why do you want one? This isn’t about controlling spirits or showing off occult skill, it’s about partnership.
You’ll need to:
- Develop a consistent meditation and ritual practice
- Purify your physical and energetic space (using rituals like the LBRP or fumigation)
- Cultivate inner stillness and clarity through daily devotion, journalling, and dream work
- Have a solid foundation in protection magic, planetary correspondences, and spirit categorisation
Paredroi (plural) are not summoned lightly. The better prepared you are internally, the clearer and more harmonious the bond will be.
Step Two: Select a Method of Contact
There are various traditions for obtaining a paredros. The method you choose will depend on your magical lineage, tools, and goals. Here are some possibilities:
1. Ritual Evocation
Use traditional ceremonial magic (such as Techniques of Solomonic Magic, The Heptameron, or Agrippa’s Three Books on Occult Philosophy) to contact a spirit known for aiding magicians. In this case, you are calling forth a spirit who agrees to act as your paredros.
2. Invocation Through Dream or Meditation
Alternatively, some practitioners use dream incubation, trance, or pathworking meditations to invite a paredros to reveal themselves. You may receive a name, symbol, or form in a visionary experience.
3. Divine Petition
Through prayer to a deity, such as Hermes, Hekate, or Thoth, you may ask for a spiritual guide to be assigned to you. The paredros may arrive not as a named entity, but as a subtle presence or whispering voice over time.
In all cases, it is wise to keep a magical journal of signs, dreams, omens, and impressions as the relationship develops.
Step Three: The Ritual of Securing or Binding
Once contact is made and verified (more on that below), you must ritually “secure” the connection. This isn’t about imprisoning the spirit, it’s about setting clear boundaries, expectations, and offerings.
A traditional method might involve:
- Constructing a talisman or vessel (a sigil-inscribed object, stone, or spirit house)
- Offering incense or libations to honour the spirit and formalise the bond
- Reciting a binding oath or contract, respectfully outlining your expectations and offerings
- Establishing a regular time for contact, such as during the planetary hour of Mercury or during specific moon phases
Some practitioners create a spirit pact, written by hand and stored with the vessel. This can include promises of offerings, ethical guidelines, and the purpose of the partnership.
Step Four: Verification and Discernment
One of the most critical steps in working with a paredros is spirit verification. In short, how do you know this isn’t just your imagination, or worse, a trickster?
A few methods to help:
- Use divination (tarot, pendulum, geomancy) to confirm details
- Ask the spirit to reveal knowledge you couldn’t know otherwise, or confirm predictions
- Test their character – true paredroi will not flatter your ego, sow chaos, or demand harmful acts
- Request a sign within a specific timeframe (e.g. a dream, a synchronicity, or appearance of a symbol)
Over time, a genuine paredros will reveal a consistent presence and personality, and will support your spiritual growth, not hinder it.
Ethical Considerations
Spirit companionship is not about dominance, it’s about mutual respect and shared purpose. Always approach such workings with humility, clarity, and care.
You are not summoning a servant. You are inviting a partner. Treat them accordingly.
Avoid:
- Binding unwilling or hostile spirits
- Working with spirits without grounding and protection
- Neglecting or abandoning a spirit once the relationship is formed
Final Thoughts: Walking Beside the Invisible
To obtain and secure a paredros is no small thing. It’s a commitment, not just to the spirit, but to your own spiritual path. Such a relationship can open deep wells of insight, power, and protection, but it must be approached with reverence and maturity.
If you feel the call, take your time. Prepare, purify, and proceed with intention.
After all, the paredros is “one who sits beside”, and such companions arrive when we are ready to walk the path with eyes open and spirit steady.
Amazon Links
Techniques of Solomonic Magic
The Heptameron
Agrippa’s Three Books on Occult Philosophy
