Regarding stepping nine times

Paimon is a significant archetypal fighure in occultism and demonology, often also associated with teaching the liberal and martial arts. According to the tradition, Paimon is one of the Kings of Hell and commands 200 legions of demons. He is often depicted as a male figure, but there are also interpretations that portray him as a hermaphrodite.

The depiction of Paimon as a hermaphrodite may stem from the concept of the union of opposites. In esoteric symbolism, the union of male and female principles represents the synthesis and balance of various energies. By incorporating both masculine and feminine qualities, Paimon embodies the concept of duality and the reconciliation of opposing forces within the occult realm.

Paimon's esoteric name, Pa'aman, is said to be derived from the Hebrew word "pa'am," meaning "step" or "stepped." This term is associated with the idea of initiation or ascent. In some occult practices, rituals involving stepping are performed to establish a connection with Paimon and invoke his powers. One such ritual involves stepping nine times in a specific pattern or sequence.

It is interesting to note that the concept of stepping nine times can also be found in martial arts, specifically in the Uechi Ryu style of karate, which includes the Sanchin kata also as an initiation kata into the style. Sanchin consists of nine steps performed in a deliberate and controlled manner. The purpose of this practice is to cultivate physical and mental strength, balance, and harmony.

The parallel between the ritual of stepping nine times related to Paimon and the Sanchin's nine steps in Uechi Ryu lies in the underlying concept of the union of opposites. In both cases, the repeated stepping pattern signifies a process of harmonizing opposing forces. While Paimon's ritual focuses on invoking spiritual energies and establishing a connection with the demonic realm, Sanchin's practice aims to merge physical and mental aspects to achieve a state of unity and balance.

Paimon's sigil from Ars Notoria and the kata Sanchin of Uechi Ryu also share a striking similarity in their motifs of three and four. The sigil depicts three lower circles and four upper circles inside a bigger circle, while the Sanchin kata consists of three steps and four strikes emerging out of a circle and performed in a repeated motif.

The motif of three and four holds significance in various esoteric and symbolic systems. One interpretation is related to the concept of squaring the circle. In Paimon's sigil, the three lower circles can represent the trinity, which often symbolizes divine unity or the merging of opposites. The four upper circles can signify the earthly realm or the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), which are foundational aspects of creation. By combining these elements, the sigil may symbolise the integration of spiritual and material forces.

Similarly, the Sanchin kata's three steps and four strikes may embody a similar concept. The three steps represent movement and progression, while the four strikes can represent the four directions or the four elements. By performing these movements in a repeated motif, practitioners of Uechi Ryu seek to harmonise the physical and spiritual aspects.

Both the concept of Paimon as a hermaphrodite and the rituals of stepping in Paimon's occult practices and Sanchin kata in Uechi Ryu karate highlight the importance of embracing and reconciling opposing forces within oneself. They emphasize the integration and harmonization of masculine and feminine energies, physical and spiritual aspects, or any other dualistic elements to achieve a state of equilibrium and personal empowerment.