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
According to
East Indian philosophy, man possesses seven major *chakras*
or psychic centers on his body. Each of these forms a bridge,
link, or energy transformer; changing pure (higher) energy
into various forms, and connecting the four bodies (ie. spiritual,
mental, astral, and physical) together. The chakras are located
along the nadies (a network of psychic nerves or channels)
and follow the autonomic nervous system along the spinal cord.
Chakras correlate with major acupuncture points along the
'governing vessel meridian' (acupuncture term). The seven
major chakras are connected together by three major nadies
which are parallel and near each other. The middle nadi is
called *sushumna* and it has neutral characteristics. The
nadi on the left (ie. nearest your left hand) is the *ida*
nadi which has yin characteristics. On the other side of sushumna
(nearest your right hand) is the *pingala* nadi, having yang
qualities.
Chakras are visible to clairvoyant
sight as varously colored rotating circles or funnels. In
the East they are described as petaled flowers or lotuses.
Sources disagree on the colors.
The first chakra, located at the base of the spine at the
perineum is the *root chakra*, muladhara. It primarily relates
to the element of earth and to psychic smell.
The second chakra, known
as the *sacral center*, svadhisthana, is located above and
behind the genitals. Its dominant element is water, and it
is related to psychic taste.
Third of the chakras is the
*solar plexus*, manipura, located at the navel and corresponding
with the emotions and with the element of fire; also with
psychic sight (clairvoyance).
The *heart chakra*, anahata,
is the fourth chakra, located over the heart and corresponding
with the element of air, and also with psychic touch.
The fifth chakra is the *throat
chakra*, vishuddha, located at the base of the throat (thyroid)
and corresponding with psychic hearing (clairaudience).
The remaining two chakras
are very important. They relate mostly to elevated states
of consciousness. The *frontal chakra*, (or 'third eye') ajna,
the sixth chakra, is located between, and slightly above,
the eyebrows. Ajna is the center of psychic powers and can
produce many psychic effects. Meditation on ajna is said to
cure nervousness.
Finally, the *crown chakra*,
sahasrara, located atop the head, (pineal gland) is the seventh
chakra. It is referred to as the thousand-petaled lotus and
corresponds with astral projection and enlightenment.
There are also many minor chakras throughout the body. Each
chakra has a sound (letter) and a pitch which is sometimes
used to invoke it.
THE TATTVAS
Some occultists prefer to describe the magical elements as
tattvas according to the Eastern system. Notice that these
symbols and colors are generally different than the western
symbols and colors for the elements.
| element |
tattva |
tattvic symbol |
| earth |
prithivi |
yellow square |
| water |
apas |
silver crescent |
| fire |
tejas |
red triangle |
| air |
vayu |
blue circle |
| spirit |
akasa |
black oval |
YOGA
Yoga originated in India. It is a physical or mental discipline
designed to condition and invigorate the mind and body. There
are many kinds of yoga, but they may be generally divided
into three main types...
Hatha yoga -- affect the mind through the body using physical
exercises; improve physical health and endurance.
Raja yoga -- affect the mind through mental training; improve
concentration.
Mantra yoga -- affect the mind through chanting and affirmation;
achieve relaxation.
MEDITATION
This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many meditation
techniques, and many claims made for the benefits of meditation.
Basicly, meditation has two functions -- relaxation, and perhaps,
improved concentration. There are two main types...
1) concentration meditation (focusing)
2) insight meditation (mindfullness).
Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply
focuses his attention upon a single physical object (such
as a candle flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while
walking or breathing); upon an emotion (such as reverence
or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or
upon a visualization (as in chakra meditation, see below)...Concentration
meditation is, simply put, a form of self-hypnosis.
A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables which
are repeated -- often chanted -- aloud...A simple yet powerful
mantra is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This mantra has
long been associated in India with the godhead/unity. Use
it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which promote
feelings of harmony, peace, and well-being. Use it before
magick ritual to 'get into the mood' and afterward to 'dismiss
the forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud
in a lower-pitched voice than your normal speech, and a more
or less constant pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the
end of the mantra. A powerful one such as 'OM' will seem to
vibrate the air around you. It should be vocalized for 5-10
seconds and repeated a number of times with a few seconds
rest between each vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause
slight dizziness from hyperventilation.
The other main type of meditaiton -- insight meditation --
is the analysis of thoughts and feelings in such a way as
to cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of experience.
This is done in a effort to attain trancendental awareness.
Such statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under this
category. Buddhist meditations are usually of this type.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
There is a special type of concentrative meditation which
we will call 'Chakra meditation'. This is basicly Kundalini
yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini)
to flow up sushumna, energizing the various chakras along
the way. The practice, considered dangerous by some, will
produce deffinite physiological sensations and psychological
effects if continued long enough. It should not be attempted
by epileptics or persons with an unstable mental or physical
condition, or with heart disease. Certain drugs and medications,
such as those used to treat epilepsy may retard progress.
Although the technique is very simple, it may eventually produce
powerful results. Results may at first appear hours after
the practice during sleep. As each chakra is energized by
this practice, it is said to add occult powers (sidhis), until
at last the crown chakra is reached, and with it, full enlightenment
is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself.
To practice this chakra meditation,
you simply concentrate on the chakras, beginning with the
root chakra, and moving progressively up, as you visualize
psychic energy from the root chakra traveling up shushumna
and vivifying each higher chakra. As we mentioned the chakras
have certain properties associated with them, so that this
type of visualization may 'raise consciousness', promote astral
projection, and other things -- once you have reached ajna
and eventually the crown chakra. You might typically meditate
in this fashion for 15 minutes to a half hour a day. It might
help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical exercise
in an effort to make the spinal cord 'more flexible'. Diet
may also affect the process. The technique is also similar
to the Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation. The rise of kundalini is
sometimes experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light,
or as heat.
HEALTH AND DIET
Certainly the way you treat your physical body will affect
your mind. In magick you want an alert mind. Therefore, your
body must be as healthy as you can keep it. Take care of your
body. Exercise regularly. Eat a good diet (with vitamin supplements),
and do not consume anything which will have a negative effect
upon the mind. Drugs, smoking,, and alcohol should be restricted,
or eliminated. (The mind can create any condition which a
drug can create.) A good rule here is moderation in what and
how much you consume. (Most of this stuff is pretty obvious
isn't it.) You may also want to cut down on sugar and processed
foods. Many occultists advise dietary changes, expecially
the non-eating of meat. We cannot deny the physical, psychological,
and spiritual effect which all foods have. This effect may
be described as the 'heaviness' factor of foods. Various foods
are so ranked in the chart, lighter to
heavier...
1. lettuce and other greens.
2. fruits and most vegetables.
3. wheat, rice, and other grains.
4. nuts, beans, and other legumes.
5. cheese, dairy products, including eggs.
6. fish, seafood.
7. chicken, poultry.
8. beef, pork, other red meats.
Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods.
Generally, foods which are harder to digest, or which are
higher in protein are 'heavier' than those which are not.
Animal products are heavier than plants. Foods high in carbohydrate
(candy, bread, starch) are heavy. However, the 'heaviness'
of foods is not directly related to the amount of calories.
What this means is that for
various reasons, the heaviness of food in your diet will affect
your magical experiences. You may be able to increase your
psychic receptivity ('energy level') by eating lighter foods,
or by eating less. Conversely, emphasizing heavy foods in
your diet, or eating larger helpings, may help to 'bring you
down to earth' should you 'rent the veil' too much. These
are generalizations, of course, and it may take a number of
days of dietary change before you notice much effect. I do
not advocate radical dietary changes, excessive fasting, or
malnutrition. Your good health is far more important in magick
than any temporary effect you get from prolonged starvation.
A change in diet will sometimes only produce a temporary effect,
until the physical body adapts to the change. Healthy natural
foods and lifestyle make it easier for us to be healthy, but
ultimately, good health is a mentual quality (attitude).
THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH
With physical exercise too, moderation is advised. (You should
be cautious, or not attempt it if you have a respiratory or
heart condition. Check with your physician if in doubt, and
don't overdo.) One of the most useful physical exercises is
pranayama, or controlled breathing (actually a type of hatha
yoga exercise). For this and any other calesthentics or hatha
yoga which you might choose to do a 'kitchen timer' is suggested
(many of these aren't accurate for under three minutes, but
are helpful for longer periods).
The main purpose of pranayama
is to relax the body and mind. There are many kinds of pranayama,
but a simple one called the 'four-fold breath' will suffice.
This consists of four short quick inhallations, then four
short quick exhallations; then repeat, continuing until the
allotted time is used up. It will take about 1 1/2 seconds
for the four inhallations, and about 1 1/2 seconds for the
four exhallations; or about 3 seconds for the complete in-out
cycle ('rep' for repetition). There should be no strain of
any kind during your pranayama. You will probably notice a
slight dizziness, particularly at first, since the effect
of pranayama is to hyperventilate. Try sitting back in a chair
with your eyes closed when you do your pranayama. Begin a
minute a day for the first week and gradually increase up
to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor
your magical activity, it will help you to get 'into the mood'.
It is also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release.
Pranayama should not be done during heavy air pollution. Other
exercises you might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics,
walking or jogging.
| Authors Details: Chakras & Meditation
- Phil Hansford, 4/88 Mysteria (818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83 Tujunga, CA 91042 |
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