The Living Book of the Rulers
The following text is called a living book because it is a continuously growing record of attributes associated with each of the Rulers. These are not meant to be taken as authoritative or exhaustive lists, but as guides to help each student build a relationship with the Rulers. I strongly advise students of the IHC system to experiment, expand and adjust these records according to their own magical experiments.
The First Ruler
Nearest to all things is that power which fashions their being. Next to us the grandest laws are continually being executed. Next to us is not the workman whom we have hired, with whom we love so well to talk, but the workman whose work we are. (Henry David Thoreau, Walden)
Main attributes: Gnosis, Detachment.
Other attributes: Piousness, Spiritual knowledge, Destiny, Mysteries, Intuition, Meditation, Prayers, Divination, Fortune/Luck, Silence/Secrets, Immortality, Mysticism, Birth, Death.
Motto: Quaerite Primum Regnum.
Meditation: I will see God in everything and everyone—including myself. I will keep in mind that there is universal coherence around God, and universal cohesion in the line of emanation from the Godhead to the Cosmos and to my mortal soul. I will cultivate Hope and avoid Envy, knowing that material things are nothing compared to the treasure of knowing God—and becoming known by God.
The Second Ruler
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Main attributes: Joy, Prudence.
Other attributes: Health/Healing, Language, Science, Magic (taken as a craft), Planning, Strategy, Celebrations/Myrth, Divine protection, Cunning/Trickery, Humor/Wit, Art, Fun/Enjoyment.
Motto: Cogita Ante Salis.
Meditation: I will see life in this world as an inexhaustible source of fun and a wondrous adventure, and I will protect these gifts with Prudence. I will not hold on to suffering and sadness, but allow them to pass and expect the speedy return of happiness. I will cultivate Hope and avoid Rashness, knowing that the greatest source of grief are the desperate actions of one who has lost their trust in providence.
The Third Ruler
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Main attributes: Temperance, Wholeness.
Other attributes: Libido/Energy, Love, Sex, Sobriety, Chastity, Home, Family, Simplicity, Contentment, Pleasure, Comfort, Nourishment.
Motto: Nihil Nimis.
Meditation: This day I will see this world as brimming with pleasures for the senses and love for the soul. I will find the proper measure in all desires, the middle path between all extremes, and be guided by simplicity in all my thoughts, words and deeds. I will cultivate Faith in my birthright to the treasures of life, and avoid the Malice that urges me to greedily take what I can, while I can.
The Fourth Ruler
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)
Main attributes: Fortitude, Service.
Other attributes: Oaths/Promises, Duty, Responsibility, Patience, Humbleness, Courage, Equanimity, Perseverance, Integrity/Honor, Diligence, Overcoming of obstacles.
Motto: Ignis Aurum Probat.
Meditation: In all my interactions with other beings this day, I will be patient and accommodating as far as it may be reasonable. I will not impose my own preferences or opinions on others, nor will I engage in disputes with anyone, but instead keep in mind that all were born to collaborate with each other for the same goal. I will cultivate Faith in universal kinship and avoid the Malice of tyranny which goads me into arrogance and power struggles.
The Fifth Ruler
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17-18)
Main attributes: Justice, Empathy.
Other attributes: Judgment, Evaluation, Law/Lawfulness, Order, Mercy, Self-criticism, Rewards/Punishments, Equality/Balance, Hierarchy, Fairness.
Motto: Decerne Quod Justum Est.
Meditation: This day I will keep in mind what is fair and use my best judgment regarding truth and justice in all my social interactions. I will not be swayed in my judgment by personal affinities or aversions and will not allow my fear and my anger to make decisions for me. I will cultivate Love and avoid Anger so that I may follow righteous wisdom instead of egocentric entitlement.
The Sixth Ruler
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Main attributes: Generosity, Collaboration.
Other attributes: Wealth/Success, Agreement, Contracts, Crafts, Professions, Blessings/Gifts, Charity, Compassion, Forgiveness, Trust, Friendship, Prosperity, Help/Assistance, Good will/Good faith, Optimism.
Motto: Viscera Misericordiae.
Meditation: I will do my best this day to be a purveyor of gifts to all who come in contact with me, according to my ability to perceive and provide for their needs. The charities of word, thought and action will be my wards this day against the insidiousness and shortsightedness of selfishness. I will cultivate Love and avoid Guile, knowing that the one who holds on to personal gain is being tricked by the torment of Avarice.
The Seventh Ruler
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. (1 Timothy 1:5-6)
Main attributes: Truth, Transparency.
Other attributes: Creation, Divine will, Spiritual authority, Honesty/Frankness, Transcendance.
Motto: In Lumine Dicentur.
Meditation: This day I am a sworn friend of transparency and will reject concealment and malice.