The Cult of the Black Cube
"The Cult of the Black Cube" Arthur Moros
The concept of "chthonic" gods have long lingered in the midsts of magical practices. Hekate herself is often referred to as chthonic and the term, literally "subterranean", refers to gods and beings that come not just from under the earth, but from a time before the current order of the universe was established.
Saturn, a deity with a wide cultural appeal that spans much more than the Greco-Roman eras from which it is commonly derived, has become a focus for those looking to find a being whose origins are in many ways similar to the Luciferian path, but without the Abrahamic inclinations and Judeo-Christian mindset involved in the devotion of Lucifer itself.
As Saturn has become a kind of contemporary magical stand-in for the Lord of Darkness, harkening to an age that predates the Christian mythos, a wide selection of material based around the Saturnine figure has emerged over the past several decades.
In his insightful volume "The Cult of the Black Cube" author Arthur Moros gives us a brilliant analysis of the Saturnine path, illuminating some of the variables that have historically found root in Saturn as a deity surrounded by devotional and magical practices.
A concise text that begins with an historic overview and personal insights from the author the work ends with a practical grimoire for those who are interested in practicing along the path of Saturn.
Drawing extensively on the Arabic texts of the "Ghayat al Hakim" (the Picatrix) and the "Filaha al-Nabatiyya", "The Cult of the Black Cube" is as much a warning to the would be devotee as it is an instruction on how to proceed.
The traditions that have long surrounded Saturn and his surrogates involved a kind of temporal darkness of the mind that may ward off those not prepared for such an intensive path - involving blood sacrifice, emotional insecurity and stages of complete mental alienation.
The work presented in "The Cult of the Black Cube" is a straightforward introduction to Saturn as a practical devotional deity through which a follower may access the Saturnine Gnosis of the Black Cube, that physical manifestation of the "prison" in which Saturn has been bound and from which he may be called.
While Moros gives us some useful meat on which we may feast in terms of Saturn as a global idea rooted in many cultures throughout the world, I did wonder at his lack of reference between the "Black Man" that is conjured forth from the Black Cube idol, and the European idea of a "Black Man" as the center of the witch's sabbat. There is clearly a connection to be drawn between these cultural concepts that is overlooked. Though it in no way detracts from the book and its ideas, it is worth future exploration and investigation.
For students of the dark arts who find the Judeo-Christian setting of Luciferian Gnosis a bit heavy handed, The Cult of the Black Cube can provide a perfect remedy to those seeking the darkness of the benighted path.
As one can expect the publisher Theion have done an exceptional job with a dark blue cloth binding, silver stamped text on spine with Saturn sigil on the cover, and wonderful internal typesetting. As well the influence of editor David Beth is referenced in the text and it is clear he has had a hand in guiding these ideas and their author on his exploration of the chthonic path from which the Black Cube emanates.
Rumor is that the publisher is nearly out of the work, which means it will be out of print soon. It is a must have for students of Dark Gnosis, Saturnine practices and those looking for a solid alternative to the endless stream of Luciferian imagery in contemporary occultism. Get yourself a copy before they are gone.
Find your copy directly from Theion here:
The Cult of the Black Cube