What is Banishing?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
A ceremonial magical practice to clear negative or unwanted energies from a space or person.
Understanding Banishing in Western Occultism
A ceremonial magical practice to clear negative or unwanted energies from a space or person.
Banishing, within Western Occultism, is a fundamental magical operation designed to purify and consecrate a space or individual by expelling undesirable energetic influences. This practice is not merely about removing 'negative' entities, but also about establishing energetic boundaries and creating a clear, protected environment conducive to magical work or spiritual contemplation. Historically, banishing rituals have roots in ancient apotropaic rites and purification ceremonies, evolving into formalized systems within ceremonial magic traditions like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Its significance lies in its role as a prerequisite for most magical operations, ensuring the practitioner's safety and the efficacy of subsequent workings.
What the Teachers Say
Banishing vs. Invocation
Banishing and invocation represent complementary aspects of ceremonial magic, working in opposite directions to achieve magical objectives. While banishing clears and purifies, invocation calls forth and welcomes spiritual forces.
| Aspect | Banishing | Invocation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Removes unwanted energies and influences | Calls forth desired energies and influences |
| Directional Flow | Pushes energy outward and away | Draws energy inward and closer |
| Ritual Timing | Performed at beginning of magical work | Performed after space is prepared and cleared |
| Mental Attitude | Authoritative command and rejection | Humble petition and receptive welcome |
| Symbolic Gestures | Dismissive movements and closing symbols | Welcoming movements and opening symbols |
Etymology
The term 'banish' originates from Old French 'banir', meaning 'to proclaim' or 'to forbid', which itself derives from the Germanic root 'bannan', meaning 'to summon' or 'to curse'. Over time, it evolved to signify expulsion or exile. In esoteric contexts, 'banishing' specifically refers to the ritualistic expulsion of unwanted spiritual or energetic presences, moving beyond mere physical removal to encompass energetic purification.
How to Practice This
Practitioners commonly apply banishing through rituals such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) or the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram (LBRH). These involve tracing specific geometric figures in the air with a ritual dagger or finger, coupled with visualization, intonation of divine names, and elemental invocations. The aim is to create a sphere of protective energy, effectively clearing the space of extraneous influences and establishing a sacred precinct for further magical work or meditation.
Connection to Manifestation
Banishing serves as crucial preparation for successful manifestation by clearing mental and energetic obstacles that can interfere with focused intention. When unwanted thoughts, emotions, or environmental influences are properly banished, the magician creates a clean slate for projecting their desired outcomes into reality. This practice aligns with the principle that manifestation requires not only positive focus but also the removal of conflicting energies that could dilute or misdirect one's creative power. Regular banishing work strengthens the practitioner's ability to maintain clear boundaries between their intended manifestations and external interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) is the most widely practiced banishing ritual in Western occult traditions. This Golden Dawn ceremony uses pentagram symbols, divine names, and archangelic invocations to clear negative energies from the magician's immediate environment.
Most practitioners recommend daily banishing practice, especially the LBRP, as a form of spiritual hygiene. Many occultists perform banishing rituals before any magical work, meditation, or when they feel energetically overwhelmed or spiritually vulnerable.
This depends on one's philosophical approach to magic. Some practitioners view banishing as literally removing external spiritual entities, while others see it as reorganizing psychological and energetic patterns within the magician's own consciousness and immediate environment.
While generally considered safe, incorrect banishing can potentially create energetic imbalances or fail to provide adequate protection. The main risks involve performing rituals without proper understanding, using inappropriate force, or neglecting to ground oneself after the practice.
Basic banishing can be performed with visualization and gesture alone, though many practitioners use tools like ritual daggers, wands, candles, or incense. The most important element is the magician's focused intention and understanding of the ritual's symbolic structure rather than elaborate physical implements.