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
The ancients
described man as mind, body, and soul. Psychologists of the
twentieth century added the subconscious to that deffinition.
This produces a four-fold classification. The universe is
also divided into four corresponding parts ('worlds'), as
shown below:
| WORLD |
BODY |
QUALITY |
| spiritual world |
spiritual body (soul or kia) |
intuition |
| mental world |
mental body (conscious mind) |
rational thought |
| astral world |
astral body (subconscious) |
emotions |
| physical world |
physical body |
physical senses |
The
astral body (subconscious) is the intermediary for intuition,
magical and psychic phenomena, and is the 'psychic link' to
the physical world. J.H. Brennan says that the astral is the
realm of visual imagination. It seems to be both a 'place'
and a 'state of mind' at the same time. Most occult and magical
phenomena originate in the invisible, non-sensate, non-physical
realm (ie. without physical senses). Each of the four worlds
interacts with the other worlds. Psychic energy flows from
the spiritual to mental to astral to physical. The physical
world is a projection (manifestation, reflection, or shadow)
of the higher worlds. Our center of consciousness is generally
within these higher worlds. "We are", to quote the
rock music group the Police, "spirits in the material
world".
There are many similar terms
used by other occult groups. For example, 'astral light' is
another name for astral world, although it may sometimes also
refer to the entire non-physical realm, as may 'inner planes'
or 'the invisible world'. Planes are essentially the same
as worlds. Vehicles or sheaths are the same as bodies. Some
groups include an etheric or vital body between physical and
astral: it is mostly 'physical' with a little of the lower
'astral' besides. And sometimes astral and mental are each
divided into two parts (upper and lower). The 'causal body'
is the upper 'mental'.
MICROCOSM AND MACROCOSM
We have been describing 'traditonal' occult philosophy here,
and certainly an important part of the tradition is the idea
(and terms) microcosm and macrocosm. The greater universe,
known as the *macrocosm*, includes everything that exists.
It corresponds with the *microcosm*, or tiny universe, ie.
man -- who is thought of as a miniature replica of the macrocosm
(whole universe). This basic magical relationship is demonstrated
in the Bible (Genesis 1.27), where God is the macrocosm; and
in the writing of Trismegistus ("As above so below").
(Emerald
Tablets Of Thoth - Sometimes known as The Emerald Tablets
Of Hermes Trismegistus)
Since man is in the image of God (universe) it
follows that God is in the image of man (in other words, man
and the God/universe match each other). The magician, as a
microcosm is thus connected with the macrocosm. There is an
intimate relationship of energies between you and everything
else. The universe is reflected within us and we are projected
into the universe. This is an important theory behind magick
and astrology.
MAGICK WHITE AND BLACK
'Personal magick' is that magick used to affect the self;
often involving affirmation, self-suggestion, and self-hypnosis.
'Active magick' is outer directed magick (as in PK) used to
affect someone or thing, or to bring about an event. 'Passive
magick' is to be affected (as in ESP) by an outside non-physical
cause. Everyone possesses some magical (and psychic) potential.
Some are especially gifted. Usually people are better at one
kind of magick (ie. active or passive) than they are at the
other kind; only rarely does an individual excell at both.
Traning and practice will, of course, improve ability somewhat.
Although the forces of magick
are neutral, various systems may take on the qualities of
good and evil. There is so-called white magick or good magick,
black magick or evil magick, and gray magick between them.
When many people refer to white magick they mean magick for
unselfish purposes, also healing and mental influence with
specific permission. By black magick they refer to magick
for self-interest and healing *without* specific permission.
Using magick to forcefully control another's will is, in a
sense, black magick too. There are also some people on the
occult fringe who claim to be, possibly even think they are,
'Satanists', devil worshipers, or black magicians. These people
are most likely charlatans, hoaxters, dablers, or merely misinformed.
They may be attracted by the 'art' of black magick, or even
by the 'glamor' of doing something against the 'rules'. But
a real black magician is very dangerous. Because he has
dedicated his life to evil. We usually think of 'white magick'
as having *unselfish intent*, and (in the extreme case) of
'black magick' as being actual Satan worship, human or animal
sacrifice, dangerous unconventional magical practices, and
other bizarre stuff as makes a nightmare. It is all a matter
of degree. Most mild self-interest magick (one of the most
common kinds) would be called 'gray'. Better terms may be
*constructive magick* as being beneficial; and *aversive magick*
as magick intended to work against the natural order, and
to tear down. There is also the *high magick* of spiritual
alchemy (ie. spiritual growth), also known as 'the Great Work';
and conversely there is 'low magick' which is concerned with
materiality.
Any magick act is likely
to produce side effects regardless of whether or not the desired
result is achieved. Such side effects are no problem for constructive
magick, since they are benificial as well. However, aversive
magick can produce aversive side effects which may even harm
the magician -- aversive magick is dangerous!
MAGICK IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS
What we have been calling 'magick' is actually a continuous
process. Since your subconscious never rests, your environment
is continually being shifted into line with your model. This
is true whether you study magick or not. For most people,
these effects are usually very subtle, and they are probably
not aware of them. However, as you work with the occult, the
flow of psychic energy and your awareness of it increases.
Your true will is more likely to be strongly expressed. Your
luck may be affected (either in a positive or a negative way).
Remember, our lives tend to follow what we want down deep.
That is why a positive outlook is so very beneficial to us.
THE MAGICAL DIARY
Sometimes it is helpful to keep a diary of your magical experiments
and research. Such a diary should include the date, perhaps
even some astrological data (or anything else you think may
have a relationship to what you are doing). This is also a
good time to begin recording your dreams -- at least the important
ones -- in a dream diary. Your dreams can tell you a great
deal about yourself, and may sometimes reveal premonitions.
Dreams are personal. Don't fall for the commercial 'dream
book' gimmick. (Dreams Section)
AFFIRMATIONS
The mind is always open to suggestion -- especially the subconscious.
Most of the time we censor any suggestions according to the
model; but one way to break through the censor is with repetition.
An affirmation does this exactly. By suggestion, we mean any
statement which is capable of affecting your model. Usually
suggestion is in the form of a positive statement (such as
the hypnotist's patter -- " You are becomming sleepy").
An affirmation is the same kind of thing -- a positive suggestion,
which you repeat (affirm) to yourself aloud or silently (for
example, "I remember my dreams"). If there is some
quality you wish to change or develope within yourself, an
affirmation is ideal. Repeat it several times every day at
several different times throughout the day, expecially when
you go to bed. Affirmations are subtle and may require a few
months to work. Use them for changes, not miracles.
(Much more on this
topic in 'Aymen's Articles' Section)
SIMPLE BANISHING TECHNIQUE
Visualization is another important method we use to influence
the subconscious. A good example of this is the simple banishing
technique which follows. Banishing is used in magick to 'clear
the air' of negative 'vibes' and interference...
Visualize a strong white
light flowing out the top of your head, flowing down around
you and covering you. At the same time imagine you are throwing
away any 'problem' vibes. Maintain the visualization for a
half a minute or longer. Good way to help you handle your
emotions, and to control worry or anger.
Authors Details: Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria (818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83 Tujunga, CA 91042 |
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