Magick
1 - Why Magick?
Magick
2 - Subjective Experience
Magick
3 - The Four Worlds
Magick
4 - The Four Elements
Magick
5 - Chakras Meditation
Magick
6 - Thought Forms & Spirits
Magick
7 - Basic Ritual
Magick
8 - Healing & Banishing Rituals
Magick
9 - Astral Projection
Magick
10 - Cabala
Magick
11 - Psychic Energy
We have seen
in the theories of magick, that there is a definite relationship
between the 'inner' and 'outer' worlds. We saw this in the
theory of the microcosm and the macrocosm; in the four worlds;
in the theory of correspondences; and also in the Cabala and
Tree of Life. This relationship between inner and outer is
very important. And it means quite simply that success (or
lack of it) in one world (inner or outer) influences success
(or lack of it) in the other. Therefore developing of magical
ability is more than meditation and magical practice, for
it implies mastery of the four worlds. The developed magician
is not only master of the inner worlds; he is also master
of himself.
This is not to imply that
successful magicians are all millionaires (or whatever standard
people measure success by), but it should mean that they are
basically pleasant people, at least; no serious hangups. The
developed magician is described as a 'king' in the Book of
the Law. This means simply that he has full control over all
aspects of his physical and inner life. He should be who he
wants to be, doing what he wants to do.
PLANETARY CORRESPONDENCES
The *numbers* in the tables and diagram of the preceeding
lesson on Cabala are the 'key' numbers which we find in various
*correspondence tables* (such as Crowley's '777'). One important
set of correspondences for the planets, is shown below...
KEY PLANET METAL ATTRIBUTE
=== ====== ===== =========
3 Saturn lead home
4 Jupiter tin luck, wealth
5 Mars iron anger, war-like
6 Sun gold vitality
7 Venus copper love
8 Mercury mercury knowledge
9 Moon silver emotions, travel
Notice that we have included
the metal which is associated with the planet, as well as
common attributes of each planet. The theory of Cabalistic
magick is to select the appropriate planet for the desired
result. The attribute column will assist in that selection.
Once a particular planet is determined, an entity is selected
from the correspondence tables by matching the key number.
Although Hebrew Mysticism
is the original source of Cabalistic ideas, it is mostly unconcerned
with the magical implications of those ideas. How can a religious
philosophy which is monotheistic lend credibility to a polytheistic
approach? Various deities are understood as *aspects* or *qualities*
of the Supreme God. This is not a contradiction, merely a
restatement of the microcosm and macrocosm idea once again.
The Sefirotic Tree, in its representation of the universe
is the Macrocosm. While it could be said that any single sefiroth
has its own separate qualities, it remains, nonetheless, a
part of the whole tree, and a part of the macrocosm. As a
result, virtually any pantheon or belief system is compatible
with the Cabala.
WILLPOWER AND MAGICK
Western magick has traditionally placed a great deal of emphasis
upon the use of willpower as a means of development and self-mastery.
But this may not be the best method in the long run. Isaac
Bonewitz describes how the subconscious will sometimes rebel
against willpower with 'spectacular results'. It is far better
to run one's life democratically.
Hawaiian Kahuna magick describes
the 'three selves', ie. the lower self (or subconscious),
the middle self (or normal consciousness), and the high self
(spirit or Holy Guardian Angel). Enlightenment in the Hawaiian
system consists of unification of the three selves. They become
'buddies'. Enlightenment does not come from great change.
It comes from great acceptance. Continual effort at becoming
better takes you nowhere. For becoming it is not being it.
The unification is achieved by first developing communication
with the subconscious and later with the high self also. Simple
exercises with a pendulum, automatic writing, raised finger
responses, self hypnosis, recording and analysis of dreams
etc. facilitate communication with the subconscious. At first
communication with the high self must be via the subconscious,
but later it is possible to go direct to it.
PSYCHIC ENERGY
Many occult groups follow an energy model for magick and the
physical body. This model (or theory) equates psychic energy
with kundalini/prana/sexual or life force energy. The ideal
of kundalini yoga is thus to raise the kundalini to the higher
chakras (especially ajna and sahasrara) thereby enhancing
psychic/magick powers. The release of psychic energy is also
relevant to mental control, good health and longevity, and
the attainment of 'cosmic consciousness'. Meditation and yoga
is used to liberate psychic energy so that it can be used
for magical purposes. But there are other ways to liberate
psychic energy. Many of these techniques will act as a mental
catharsis in the sense of invigorating the psyche and resulting
in improved intellectual and physical performance.
1) Psychotherapy of certain
types which releases pent up psychological energy.
2) Overcoming mind games, hangups, and inhibitions. This is
the basis of all listed practices, as hangups waste psychic
energy. Certain psychotropic drugs may have this affect. Also
the 'kicks' from 'risks' like skydiving.
3) Vigorous dance and physical exercise -- to the point of
'second wind'.
4) 'Desirelessness' and various religious practices.
5) The way of return, and various other mystical practices.
6) Atavistic resurgence. This last item deserves some extra
mention. It was one of Austin Spare's methods. It means to
contact the primitive emotions deep within the psyche. In
a sense it is regressive. However, there is power there, if
you are able to control it.
We have seen how magical
theory is based upon the assumption that psychic phenomena
is real. If this is so, then magick is also real. And we have
also seen how magick is the art and science of causing change
in accordance with the will by non-physical means. Magical
philosophy is the working system of terms, theories, and symbols
upon which magick is based. But magick goes further than that,
for as an ancient system of psychology, magick may be used
as is a means of self improvement and spiritual growth. For
magick and mysticism are parallel paths, each ultimately leading
to transcendence.
| Authors Details: Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria (818) 353-8891 (modem) P.O. Box 83 Tujunga, CA
91042 |
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