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The Brass VesselMila'sExotic Plants & CuriositiesA living collection by Luminary OdditiesThe Pentacles
Four elemental rulers occupy a cross enclosed by a verse of bodily vulnerability. The protective notice connects the figure with daily attention and repeated scripture. [1]
Mathers 1889 · Book I, chapter XVIII; printed p. 62; figure 23, Plate V; plate PDF page 76
Protection against earthly dangers is connected with daily attention to the pentacle and repetition of its verse. Looking at the figure and speaking its words are described as recurring devotional acts. [1]
A broad cross fills the circle, with a name on each arm and a verse at the circumference. Mathers identifies Seraph, Kerub, Ariel and Tharsis as rulers associated with the elements, and Psalm 22:16–17 around them. [1]
The names Seraph, Kerub, Ariel and Tharsis occupy the four arms of the cross and are identified by Mathers as elemental rulers. The enclosing Psalm 22:16–17 speaks of pierced hands and feet and visible bones. Bodily vulnerability is thus made the verbal boundary of a design assigned bodily preservation. [1]
S. L. MacGregor Mathers, 1889; printed edition, including editorial restoration of Hebrew characters. Book I, chapter XVIII; printed p. 62; figure 23, Plate V; plate PDF page 76
Full passage · accessed 2026-10-10