Spell to Obtain a Dream Oracle from Dionysos

Spell to obtain a Dream Oracle from Dionysos Before going to sleep perform your customary nightly devotions. Then set up a candle. The preparation of the candle is this: Inscribe an ivy leaf at the top and bottom of the candle, and then write the following words in the form of a tendril circling its length: IAO DIONUSOS LUO QURAONAR SABAOQ Then anoint the candle with a mixture of frankincense, bay, and cinnamon while saying: Hail, Lord, candle, you who shine beside Dionysos in his nightly revels, watch over me while I am dreaming, and light my path as I seek wisdom. The candle may be of any color but red, for red is the color of Typhon-Set, and so forbidden in such magical operations. Then take a strip of pure Egyptian linen, and with myrrh ink inscribe the following: [three circles] DIONUSOS BROMIOS SABAZIUS [an X]  ABLANAQANALBA ABLANAQANALB ABLANAQANAL ABLANAQANA ABLANAQAN ABLANAQA ABLANAQ ABLANA ABLAN ABLA ABL AB A [a figure 8] Keep me safe! [a meandros with 4 circles at the cardinal points] Banish from me every evil, every Ker, every hateful dream I I I BAKCOS ADONAI Allow only helpful visions through! Wear this tied around your hand. It will keep all harmful spirits and bad dreams away from you. If one should come near, simply say: I adjure you by the Great God from Nysa, mighty Dionysos who wields the thyrsos and the flaming torch! Away! Away! And they will depart. Before going to sleep, anoint yourself with oil mixed with frankincense and bay leaves, and pray to Dionysos in the following manner: Hear me, kindly Lord of the earth's rich bounty, master of my passionate heart, Dionysos at the head of the triumphant procession, Bromios entwined in ivy and ripe bunches of grapes, Zagreus who dwells in the deep and hunts beneath the moon's full light, And by whatever other names you like, hear me, as you have heard me before! Lord who weaves the fantastic dreams while we sleep, who sends forth oracles by day and night. Who fills minds and bodies with powerful, prophetic spirits, Who dances with the mad women on the side of the mountain. Hither, O blessed one, O mighty son of heavenly Zeus, Be kind and look upon me graciously, And to your passionate servant reveal a sign, And send to me an oracular dream, true and without fault. Light the candle, and then straightaway, without speaking to anyone, go to sleep to await the dream which will come to you. You will dream that you are standing in an ancient temple. A man will be seated before you. He will appear exceedingly beautiful, wearing a crown of ivy and grape leaves, and at his feet will recline two great lynxes, tame but ferocious. In his right hand he will be holding a thyrsos, and in his left, a cup of pure water. This is Dionysos. Offer him a pinecone and beseech him in a reverent manner, explaining the matter which you wish to know about. If he will answer your question, he will take the pinecone from you. If not, then he will refuse it. In return, he will let you drink from his cup. Do so, for this is water from the pure spring of Mnemosyne, which flows beneath the two cypress trees in the underworld. It will give you understanding and a clear recollection of things when you awake. Then the God will answer your question. He may do this by speaking directly to you or by revealing things to you through symbols. You should be pure for three days before seeking this oracle. Perform it on an auspicious day.