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A COURSE IN MAGIC
Written By Phil Hansford
Lesson 1 Why Magick
The
ability to think seems to set us apart from other creatures. And
although we are concerned with living in the physical world, we are
mental beings. The fact is we are thinking all the time. We plan, we
brood, we get depressed or elated -- all of it is thought. But the
universe is mental too, and if we could control our thinking we would
see magnificent results in the everyday world. Many systems have been
developed over the ages to help us control our thoughts. A great amount
of dogma too has been kicked around in an attempt to make us into
better people. Magick (the occult kind, spelled with a 'k') is one of
the oldest and most general of these systems. Magick is the study and
application of psychic forces. It uses mental training, concentration,
and a system of symbols to program the mind. The purpose of magick is
to alter the self and the environment according to the will. Most of
the magick we see today comes to us from ancient Egypt and Chaldea. The
Chinese, Hindus, and Tibetans developed their own unique types of
magick. Western magick was locked up by the Egyptian priests for
thousands of years and then supressed by the rise of Christianity. It
was not until medieval Europe that magical knowledge was rediscovered
by the alchemists and Cabalists. Only during the past hundred years or
so has western culture been open minded enough to permit widespread
investigation of the subject. Only since the start of the twentieth
century has science shown much interest in it al all.
PARAPSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIC PHENOMENA Through
parapsychology, we are gaining insights into the hidden nature of man.
Parapsychology is a branch of psychology which studies psychic
phenomena. It remains something of a frontier, even today. Perhaps one
reason for this is that psychic phenomena are somewhat inconsistent.
Nevertheless, there is strong evidence from numerous cases and
experiments in support of psychic phenomena. Somehow, under the right
conditions, the mind can directly affect the environment. We may
theorize that the human mind and body broadcasts a kind of psychic
energy or force, much like a radio station. Kirlian photography,
temperature effects, cloud chamber tests, and other experiments tend to
support this theory. Although the exact nature of this psychic force is
subtle and unknown, it is undoubtedly the energy behind all psychic
phenomena and magick. However, it is *not* a radio wave, since it
behaves somewhat differently. The psychic force is too weak to be
measured directly (at least so far as we know). Everyone has some
psychic ability. There are numerous types of psychic phenomena.
Parapsychology separates them into two groups: ESP and PK...
EXAMPLES OF ESP ESP,
the abreviation for extra sensory perception, means the reception of
information through paranormal means (ie. not regular physical senses
of sight, sound, touch, smell, or taste). In theory, this is
accomplished by receiving psychic force from outside the body. Here are
some examples of ESP: Clairvoyance, or Remote Viewing -- the ability to
sense or 'see' (non-physically) distant objects, places, and
people.Individuals who see ghosts and spirits are probably clairvoyant.
Clairaudience, or remote hearing -- the 'hearing' of paranormal
information. Astral Projection (OOBE) or Traveling Clairvoyance -- Full
experience at a remote location while the physical body sleeps.
Psychometry -- the reading of information by the touch of physical
objects. Telepathic receiver -- the ability to directly receive thought
(communication) at a distance, with no physical connection to the
sender. There are many everyday examples of this, in which we think
something just as anotherperson is about to say it. This is an easy one
to test for through experiment. Very dramatic cases of telepathy have
been recorded; there is often an emotional element in such cases. A
'channel' or medium, as in a seance, who is in direct communication
with a 'spirit' or entity. Experience with a Ouija board, pendulum, or
automatic writing. Precognition -- to forsee the future. Again, highly
emotional events are the ones most likely to be 'tuned in'.
Retrocognition -- knowledge of the past, by paranormal means.
EXAMPLES OF PK PK,
the abreviation for psychokinesis, is the active or sending side of
psychic phenomena. The theory here is that psychic force is sent out
from the individual. Examples of PK include: Telepathic sender -- the
transmitter in the telepathy just discussed. Psychokinesis (or
telekinesis) proper -- the ability to move objects by means of psychic
force. Somewhat along the same lines are poltergeist (noisy ghost)
phenomena in which objects move of their own accord or noises are
heard. There is always a human agent involved -- frequently a teenage
girl -- who appears to be the source of psychic energy. Psychic healing
-- the ability to heal various illnesses and infirmities. There are
many documented cases of this. Usually it involves a healer and a
subject, although there are recent cases invloving cancer patients
learning to heal themselves. Teleportation, apportation, and
levitation. Some occultists feel a magician producing PK effects is
simply a channel for universal energy. Others think the force
originates some way directly within the magician.
THE SUBCONSCIOUS Postulated
by Freud and others, the concept of the subconscious mind is an
important one. Basicly, this is the idea that part of the mind normally
operates below or outside of ordinary consciousness and awareness.
Dreams and hypnosis are examples of this. Also subconscious are the
many automatic functions of the physical body such as respiration and
digestion.
WHY DO MAGICK? Magick
encompasses many things -- science and art, philosophy and metaphysics,
psychology and comparative religion. Magick is an adventure at the
borderlands of the unknown. It can fit the pieces of the puzzel of life
into a meaningful whole. Magick is fun and interesting. Use magick to
help raise consciousness without drugs. Gain new experiences. Fantacy
can come alive through magick. Psychic phenomena can be controlled and
be fun and helpful. Magick is beneficial. It can help you to have
excellent health, and bring you good luck. With magick life runs
smoothly; life is good. Also use magick for personality improvement, to
control bad habits and to develop new motivations. Magick is powerful.
Never underestimate the tremendous power of magick. Use magick to alter
events and to achieve your goals. Exert an influence over people and
phenomena. But power for its own sake is self defeating. The power
which magick can give you should not be your primary reason for
studying it.
MAGICK AND WITCHCRAFT A
number of other occult disciplines are prevalent today besides magick.
There are many cults and sects which profess their own views, but there
are really few differences between them. One popular area in the occult
today is witchcraft. This is far removed from the cliche of devil
worship. Real witchcraft is a nature religion (pagan). Witchcraft has
much in common with magick. Alchemy also has much in common with
magick. It's heritage comes from the middle ages. Alchemy fathered
chemistry and the physical sciences. But the avowed purpose of alchemy,
turning lead into gold, is too limiting to be called magick.
Sometimes the goal of alchemy is interpreted in another way, as the
transformation of man into a spiritual being. Then there are the
numerous modern day seers or 'pychics', as they like to be called, who
operate within their own somewhat unique systems. Although many
of these people are deluded frauds, some are very powerful
occultists indeed. Of course, everything I have said here is a
generalization. Magick, witchcraft, alchemy, or any occult field are
complex subjects. Suffice it to say that magick includes them all (it
is eclectic). For magick is undoubtedly a philosophy which has, as the
late Aleister Crowley wrote, "The method of science -- the aim of
religion."
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Define magick.
Define ESP and PK. Give examples.
What is the subconsicous?
Lesson 2 The Subjectivity of Experience
The
universe is a projection of ourselves; an image as unreal as that of
our faces in a mirror....We cannot affirm any quality in an object as
being what we cognize is more than a partial phantom of its cause.' (
--Aleister Crowley, Magick, p. 110). Your awareness of the physical
world and of your place within it is mostly based upon the physical
senses (hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste). These five senses
continually send information to the mind, and it is up to the mind to
select and interpret them. If you could not do so, your senses would
overwhelm you and be meaningless. Selection and interpretation of your
sensory inputs is essentially an automatic, mostly subconscious
function of the mind. The program or map which the subconscious follows
as its reference point is called a 'model'. The model is a subconscious
mental photograph of how you believe the world looks (ie. worldview,
mindset, egregore, or belief system). It was built up from an early age
by your religious and cultural background through interaction with
family and others. It contains your experiences, attitudes, and habits.
And whether you realize it or not, most of your behavior, thoughts,
feelings, and habits are based upon and conditioned by that model; even
personality. The model is one of the mind's master programs. Change in
behavior generally requires a change in the model. These limitations
built into our way of thinking cause our perceptions to be subjective.
That is why Hindu philosophy looks upon the world as illusory (maya);
the world itself (object) is not an illusion, however from our
viewpoint through perception (subject) it is. Thus we are all
conditioned by experience. Except that our perceptions, hence our
experiences, are first conditioned and limited by the model. Our
perceptions and experiences tend to conform to what we
expect. We tend to misinterpret or ignore things which do not match our preconcieved notions about them. This is automatic.
THE TRUE WILL The
forgoing demonstrates how it is that there are so many different
versions of 'truth'. One's particular view is almost arbitrary.
Although numerous religions, philosophies, and occult systems abound,
they
do
not contradict one and other as much as it might appear. Rather, they
describe the same (universal) reality taken from different
perspectives. For there can be no ultimate truth in the physical world.
We
can
only base our actions upon assumptions and agreements. All experience
is subjective. I like to think of the universe as something
indescribable, perhaps a 4-dimentional 'thing'. As soon as we attempt
to put it into our 3-dimentional knowledge-base, something changes and
we only see an aspect of the big picture. Just as a photograph can only
show us a flat *representation* of a greater thing, so it is with any
attempt to describe *spiritual reality* in physical terms. Yet, there
is a separate reality within each of us which is often ignored unless
we seek it. This inner self is in magick called the 'true will'. The
true will is the center of consciousness and identity. It is the 'real
you'. Everything else is an interface or link to it from the outer
(illusory) world. Since that interface is based upon our model, it is
conditoned and may sometimes produce false information. 'Do what thou
wilt' (Crowley) is an axiom of magick; for the true will expresses our
exact desires. And what we truly want ('down deep') we tend to
automatically get. This isn't always in our best interests, since the
true will can be conditioned (tricked) by the illusion; and then
we might desire and obtain that which is not ultimately good for us.
(Karma strikes again!) The task of the magician therefor is to awaken
his awareneess of the true will, to be free of conditioning, and
thereby to transcend maya. ('My will unconditioned is magical' --
Spare).
HAPPINESS IS BEING HAPPY There is no great secret to changing behavior or habits. It is largely a matter of determination. It
requires that you ignore the 'pull' of the model when you strive for changes within yourself. The model
is,
after all, a collection of 'habits', some of which must be unlearned
for permananent change to occur. There are two ways to do this: direct,
through will power and awareness alone -- observing and acting out in
an unattached or indifferent manner; and indirect -- through
conditioning such as affirmation (explained later), self-hypnosis, and
magick. Meditation may help too, by relaxing tension and conflict.
Emotions follow physical expression: smile and act happy and you will
tend to feel and be happy. The same is also true for other emotions.
Also, emotions can be purposely used (or programed) to replace other
emotions. Using this technique, a magician is somewhat like an actor in
that he learns how to turn his emotions on and off at will. Note that
this is not 'fakeing it'; the magician is probably more in touch with
his true feelings than most people. And for these reasons we say that
happiness is being appy.
SYSTEMS OF MAGICK Magick
always involves self-hypnosis. However, it may be more than that. For
one thing, there are objective forces involved (or so it would seem).
Deities, spirits, and cosmic force can have an independent existence.
And the repetitive physical movement sometimes involved in ritual can
itself generate PK force. On the other hand, it could be argued that
all of this is subjective to the magician. Or that the deities and
spirits are nothing more than architypes or cosmic patterns which the
magician energizes with his own vitality. Perhaps all magical effects
could be produced through hypnosis alone. But the effects are certainly
real. Great complexity is not necessary in magick. Although basicly
magick
is
a medieval system of symbolism (in a modern context), any cosmological
system will work from Cabala to Star Wars. We usually use the medieval
one in magick because it is convenient and traditional, and because it
seems to fit our thought processes well. Traditional symbols have
greater emotional effect on the magician than modern ones because of
his familiarity with them. What really matters is
that the model of the magician be understood and programmed, and thus that the model and the cosmological system do correspond.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Contrast subjective with objective.
What is a 'model'?
Explain the task of the magician.
Lesson 3 The Four Worlds
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
.. spiritual
world , mental world , astral world , physical world
BODY
..
spiritual (soul or kia) ,mental (conscious mind)
,astral (subconscious) ,physical body
QUALITY .. intuition , rational thought , emotions , 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"). 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 bility 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.
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.
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.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is a microcosm?
List the four worlds. Explain.
What is an affirmation? Give an example.
Lesson 4 Elements and Forces
The
Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* --
earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with
advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in
magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human
psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world.
These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many
occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities*
of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a
symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up;
air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the
middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle
pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.)
Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue;
fire: red; air: yellow...The Eastern tattvic system uses different
symbols and colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on
in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual. Magick
sees relationships between things. These relationships are called
'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not literally
equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold
equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence
Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one
thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in
magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate
correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his
magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.
The
magical elements have correspondences with the tarrot cards as the four
suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick
ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements --
Element .. earth ,water ,fire ,air
Suit .. pentacles , cups ,wands ,swords
Quarter .. north ,west ,south ,east
Archangel .. Uriel ,Gabriel ,Michael ,Raphael
Astrological
signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries,
Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air
signs.
ELEMENTALS The
magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological
entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into
four main categories --
Gnome (earth) .. dwarfs ,elves ,brownies ,hobgoblins ,leprechauns
Undine (water) .. nymphs ,tritons ,mermaids ,mermen ,sirens ,harpies
Salamander (fire) .. jin (genies)
Sylph (air) .. fairies ,storm angels
Elementals
are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more
likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities
-- especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist
naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a
limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is
called an 'artificial elemental'. To the Ancients, elementals were the
physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary
occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real'
at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar'
(usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might
merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat.
YIN YANG Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown --
YIN .. water ,contraction ,cold ,feminine ,moon ,negative ,passive ,ebb ,wane
YANG .. fire ,expansion ,hot ,masculine ,sun ,positive ,active ,flow ,wax
The
list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some
occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related
opposite pairs.
SIMPLE MAGICK Here
is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of
affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson...To help you to
achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase
which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word
(or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
List the four elements.
What is an elemental?
What are correspondences?
Lesson 5 Chakras and Meditation
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 .. earth , water , fire , air , (spirit)
tattva .. prithivi , apas , tejas , vayu , akasa
tattvic symbol .. yellow square ,silver crescent ,red triangle ,blue circle ,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... concentration
meditation (focusing), 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...
lettuce
and other greens. fruits and most vegetables. wheat, rice, and other
grains. nuts, beans, and other legumes. cheese, dairy products,
including eggs. fish, seafood. chicken, poultry. 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 caleries. 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.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is a chakra? List them.
Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
What is pranayama?
Lesson 6 Thoughtforms and Spirits
Although
there are hundreds of kinds of divination, the principle ones are
astrology, geomancy, the tarot, the I Ching, and direct psychic means
(especially clairvoyance). True divination is more than a mechanical
system, for it implies true psychic interpretation (receiving). Some
form of divination is often used in magick ritual to communicate with
the entity invoked. Since divination operates through the mind, it is
affected and biased by the mind. Our attitudes and fears may alter it.
Sometimes results are very detailed, and accurate -- but not always.
Often the future is plastic and changeable anyway, and the use of
magick may alter the result. Thus divination shows tendencies only,
which may be helpful, but must not rule us.
DEVELOPING CLAIRVOYANCE It
is possible to improve your natural ability with clairvoyance through
practice. A good start might be to look around you, then close your
eyes and try to picture your surroundings. This is also good exercise
for visualization. And visualization is an essential talent in magick.
Open your eyes again and check your accuracy. Then close your eyes and
try it again. When you use your physical eyes, look at everything like
a child seeing it for the first time. Let the vividness of color and
form burn into you, until everything takes on a veritable glow. Try to
capture that glow when you close your eyes now and picture your
surroundings. It's just a simple step to extend what you see with your
eyes closed into what you remember seeing in the next room, or what you
*imagine* seeing in the next building, the next city, even the other
side of the world. Don't expect perfect results, especially at first.
Just try to be even partly right. Another exercise is to picture a
clock face, and thereby tell the time clairvoyantly.
THE AURA Under
the right conditions, it is possible to clairvoyantly observe a colored
light around other people. This is known as the 'aura'. Sometimes the
aura is seen as multi-colored emanations around the person, built up of
various differently colored layers and zones. Although many occult
dabblers claim to be able to see the aura easily and under many varied
conditions, I seriously doubt that they do. There are optical illusions
and qualities of sight which can sometimes trick one into thinking he
sees what he does not see. In this area, the quality of sight known as
after image is especially pertinent. Do this: stare at any solidly
colored bright object for a few moments. Very intense red, green, or
blue are especially good for this. Now look away at a white surface and
you will see a phantom image of the object in its complementary color
(a red object will show green, a blue one orange, etc.). If the bright
object is in front of a light surface, you may observe a fringe of
complementary color around the object after a few moments. This is all
very normal, and is used by some magical groups as an aid to
visualization sometimes called 'flashing colors'. Some silly people
will stare at other people in the same way. And when they see the after
image of the person's clothing, they think they are seeing his aura.
What is more, various meanings have been attributed to the colors of
the aura. A psychic who can see the aura is supposed to be able to
determine that persons emotional state. Thus psychic frauds can have a
marvelous time with auras. One deluded psychic taught a class I
attended in which he performed instant psychoanalysis on the basis of
the supposed aura. It was obvious that he was actually observing after
images from the students clothes!
This
brings us to the chart of aura colors on the next page. It is a general
guide, based mostly on Theosophical material. Various groups may
attribute different meanings to the colors. The colors we show on the
chart are emotional in nature; useful if you plan to create an
artificial elemental or do healing. Surrounding yourself with a
particular color will tend to produce the specific psychological effect
described in the chart. That quality of color is useful in magick
ritual.
COLORS OF THE AURA AQUA : healer BLACK : abused children,divorcees, drug addicts and torture victims. PALE BLUE : the colour of sensitivity. SKY BLUE : strong natural instincts COBALT BLUE : intuition coming from the higher dimensions of the aura PRUSSIAN BLUE : represents harmony DELFT BLUE : strong ethics
ULTRAMARINE : seen in the aura of sailors, surfers and people who are around sea. NAVY BLUE : people with this colour tend to move slow,but safe and sure ROYAL BLUE : people who have found their chosen path in life INDIGO : strong psychic ability AMBER : personal strength and courage CARAMEL : people who are going through positive career changes COPPER : people in the mining industry RAW SIENNA : poor thinking process FAWN : period of problems is coming to an end MUSHROOM : a slowing of destiny DOE-SKIN : found in people who are very orderly CHOCALATE BROWN : the colour of enviromentalist and farmers RUSSET-BROWN : a hard working person GOLD : a higher level of consciousness
TERRACOTTA : people who challenge convention PALE GREEN : spiritual advancement DARK BROWN : indicates a person with common sense APPLE GREEN : healers LEMON GREEN : people who are liars and cheats IRIDESCENT GREEN : friendly people EMERALD GREEN : a problem is being put to rest JADE : a charitable nature VIRIDIAN : emotional and mental stress DARK GREEN : mental stress TURQUISE : people who fought their way out of poverty to become a success in life OLIVE GREEN : scrooge GREY : people who feel trapped in life PRIMROSE : optimism SILVER GREY : I often see this in people involved in yoga PUMPKIN : self control CHARCOAL GREY : depression APRICOT : caring communication PALE PINK : true love ORANGE : strong motivation PINK MADDER : loyalty and commitment SALMON PINK : people who work in a carreer they love DUSTY PINK : foolish people IRIDESCENT PINK : sexual desire LAVENDER : people who have had a NDE LILAC : spiritual balance MAGANTA : often found in entrepreneurs GRAPE : laziness MAUVE : humble people IMPERIAL PURPLE : heightened dream activity VIOLET : once again humble people CARMINE : people who are seeking change VERMILLION : indicates creativity RUSTIC RED : short tempered SCARLET RED : found in people with a big ego CRIMSON : natural creative skills MAROON : self empowerment CLARET : self determination PEARL : authentic mediums SILVER : this is the link between the spiritual realm PALE YELLOW : shyness ZINC : often seen around sexual organs when aroused GOLDEN YELLOW : inspiation CREAM : heading in the right direction LEMON YELLOW : strength of direction BUTTERCUP YELLOW : focused on a course of action MUSTARD : people who are manipulative
STRAW YELLOW : day dreamers CHARCOAL GREY, MUDDY BROWN AND PALE PINK TOGETHER : death
THOUGHTFORMS AND SPIRITS Whenever
we concentrate our thoughts, we draw psychic energy together. This is
called a thoughtform. Usually the energy dissipates as soon as we break
the concentration, but it is possible to purposely concentrate energy
in this way, producing very strong thoughtforms. Such thoughtforms are
vortexes or centers of psychic energy. They can exist as entities by
themselves, at least for a while. They are basically inanimate,
non-thinking forces. Talking to one is about as logical as talking to a
chair. In this way, thoughtforms are similar to elementals, ghosts, and
spirits. All of these psychic entities consist of a psychic energy
vortex which could be described as a localized field or as a
discontinuity of the physical world. Psychic entities respond to
certain electrostatic and magnetic fields, and to other energy
vortexes. That is why they respond to magick ritual. Someday, we may
accomplish the same thing with electronic machines. Psychic entities
are sometimes able to affect our thought processes. Thoughtforms,
elementals, and ghosts are usually not very smart. If they display any
intelligence at all, it is limited. They are the morons of the spirit
world. Their behavior is usually automatic, repetitive, robot-like
(just like some people). We see that artificial elementals are little
more than astral robots. Spirits and deities are more intelligent and
volitional.
DIRECTED ATTENTION Your
mind follows your attention. Wherever you direct your attention, there
will your thoughts go too. By directing attention to a specific place
or purpose you *focus* mental energy upon it. For example: you're
having lunch in a cafeteria crowded with people. It is a large place,
and everyone there is talking at once, so that the room is a constant
jumble of noise. You happen to notice a man accross the room; he
reminds you of someone. All at once he drops his fork and you hear it
hit the table. But would you have noticed the sound of his fork if you
had not been looking? No. Only by focusing your attention there were
you able to pick out that individual event and associated sound. It is
a dark night. You are walking and the only light you have is from the
flashlight you hold in your hand. As you move the flashlight around,
the beam of light from it directs your attention first one way then
another. Now, the mind is something like that flashlight in the dark.
And by directed attention, you point the mind to one place or another.
As with that flashlight beam, you see where the mind is pointed;
nothing more. The rest is 'noise'. And so we could define mental noise
as anything not focused upon. In another way, noise could be considered
as negative emotions, attitudes, and thoughts which make it more
difficult to direct the attention. Your emotions follow your thoughts
quite easily. Your emotions are not YOU, but are rather reactions
prompted by your model and ego -- like a performance or an act, while
the real you watches. In a similar way, directing your attention toward
a specific emotion will cause you to experience that emotion.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is the aura?
What is a thoughtform?
How can you develope clairvoyance?
Lesson 7 Basic Ritual
'The first part of every ceremony is the banishing; the second the invoking.' (--Crowley, Magick, p. 104)
It
may be said that ritual is the very heart of magick. For it is through
ritual that we achieve our magical results. Ritual is a magical
procedure or ceremony we perform in order to change the environment.
Usually we think of ritual as bearing on active magick, although
certainly, it can also affect passive magick. Most often the change
achieved is subjective (it may be subtle) and in the physical world.
Outsiders may put them down to coincidence, but the effects are very
real. Magical goals for a ritual should not be taken lightly. The
successful practice of magick depends upon strong belief. The simplest
ritual of them all must be belief itself. If you can believe in your
desired results strongly enough, that act is a magical ritual which
will achieve your results. Even a very complex ritual is no more
effective than strong belief. There are aids to concentration which may
help. Thus in *creative visualization*, imagination and controlled
breathing are brought into play.
CREATIVE VISUALIZATION When
you want to magically achieve something, first picture it clearly in
your mind. The more deffinite and specific your idea of what it is the
better. Picture yourself having it or doing it. Visualize it as vividly
and as intensely as you can and hold it in your thoughts for a few
moments. Concentrate on it intensely (it may help to hold your breath).
Feel the energy of desire welling up inside you. Then suddenly feel the
image or desire released from your mind. Feel the energy filtering
through the image and intensifying it, as if the image is a 'stencil'.
Imagine the energy exploding out from you into the macrocosm in all
directions at once, and feel the universe 'tilt' as it reacts to the
force. (At the same time it may help to release your breath suddenly).
Feel the energy draining from you. Finally, *believe* that your purpose
*has* been accomplished; that it HAS HAPPENED, perhaps saying something
such as "so mote it be", or "it is done".
THE BASIC PARTS OF A RITUAL Often
rituals are more formal than the above, but any full magick ritual must
always reduce to these stages -- 1) imaging; 2) building; 3) firing.
Sometimes a ritual must be repeated every day for a while to achieve
difficult results or to overcome weak belief.
THE MAGICK CIRCLE Often
an important part of formal ritual is the magick circle. Medieval
magicians considered the circle essential, and placed great emphasis
upon its exactness. Elaborate designs were invented with many layers of
complex symbols and words. It was very important that the circle be
completely intact with no breaks in it. The magician and any other
participants stand in the circle during ritual. The ritual began with a
banishing of evil forces (using the lesser ritual of the pentagram for
example) to keep them outside the circle. Today, circles are made on
the floor with chalk or paint, rock salt, or a rope. Whatever its form,
the circle is still an important part of magical protection for the
magician. This is especially important for aversive entities and
purposes. The circle also helps in focusing the energy of the ritual
toward its purpose, that is, it keeps it contained until the magician
is ready to release it. Of course, the magick circle is basicly only a
symbol, but it may eventually be possible to supplement the circle with
electronic equipment for a similar purpose. We are researching the
practicality of electrostaticly charged Faraday shields.
ARTIFICIAL ELEMENTALS An
artificial elemental is useful for certain tasks: 1) invisible watcher
and observer, telling you what it sees; 2) psychic guard; 3) it can be
used in healing; 4) it is helpful in other ways. Ophiel calls the
artificial elemental a 'familiar'. Producing your own artificial
elemental is fairly easy. YOU MUST ASSUME THAT THE ACT HAS PRODUCED
RESULTS, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT IMMEDIATELY OBSERVE THEM. It is entirely
possible to produce one of these little beasties and not know it (not
being clairvoyant enough to observe it directly). Therefore, and this
is a general principle of any magick, never ignore forces you have set
into motion. Even though you may not see the elemental, you may
nevertheless 'feel' it.
WARNING --
Do not use artificial elementals for any kind of aversive magick at
this point; they can be nasty little critters to get rid of. Should you
have to eliminate one of them which you created in error, you must
re-absorb it back into yourself through your will; or in some cases you
can 'exorcise' it.
HOW TO CREATE AN ARTIFICIAL ELEMENTAL You
can create your own artificial elemental for various purposes. An
artificial elemental is basically a thoughtform which has been
strengthened with emotion. Refer to the aura color chart in the
previous lesson and decide what color to make the elemental, based upon
your intended purpose. Apple green is a good choice for general
purposes. Then decide on a shape or outline. Do you want your elemental
to resemble some sort of animal? A simple circle or cloud is a good
place to start. With this in mind you can use ritual to create your
elemental. Creative visualization is good for this. Visualize it
glowing before you. A darkened room is helpful for this. Communicate
with your elemental with telepathy, by talking to it, or with creative
visualization. Your artificial elemental is closely linked to you and
your subconscious attitudes. It will generally not do things you think
it cannot do. As in any magick, results relate to effort and belief.
Another way of looking at an artificial elemental is as an aspect of
your personality (sub personality) which has been detached from you.
INVOCATION Formal
ritual usually involves the invocation (ritually calling up) of a god
or goddess, spirit, or other entity. In this sense, magick is somewhat
similar to pagan religion and witchcraft. However, we consider magick
ritual a technique, not a religion. Worship need not be involved.
Sometimes the invocation of an entity creates an artificial elemental.
Crowley says there are three different kinds of invocation --
Devotion to the entity (as in the Bhakti yoga of the Hare Krishna sect; the Faustian devil pact).
Ceremonial
invocation -- usual method of the middle ages. Drama -- usually needs
more than one person (as ina mass). Because of the microcosm-macrocosm
identity, when you invoke the gods, you are invoking aspects of
yourself. Jung has referred to the gods as primitive archetypes. This
makes it sound like spiritual entities are illusions. But in fact the
microcosm and macrocosm identity does not discredit the gods and
goddesses. It instead helps to illustrate our relationship to the
cosmos.
CAUTIONS Balance is important in magick. Vary the entities invoked in order to keep your personality in balance.
Often
as not a ritual may produce side-effects, usually something similar to,
though not exactly the desired goal. If the true goal is delayed (as
sometimes happens) we may see the side effects first. And if for some
reason the goal is not achieved at all ('missing the target') the side
effects may be pronounced.
Examples: You
use magick ritual to hurry shipment of an anticipated package in the
mail. Side effect -- the next day an unexpected package (the wrong one)
arrives instead. You use magick ritual to cause a certain person to
phone you. Side effect -- for several days all sorts of people phone
you...The sides effects will not affect you (or anyone else) adversely
unless that is what you inwardly want. We may say with certainty that
"something always happens" when we perform a magick ritual. But like
everything else, magick follows the 'law of results'. This means that
results require effort of some kind. And if you don't work hard enough
at it you don't get results. Difficult goals have greater resistance
(magical inertia) to overcome. If the ritual doesn't produce the
desired results there is a good chance that the reason for the failure
is within oursleves. Be certain there is no contradiction between your
model and your magical goals. Sometimes self doubt and mental
contradictions (wanting and not wanting at the same time) may
interfere. The first step in magick is to re-program your model. And,
of course you can help your magical results by working on the physical
level toward your goals. Don't expect them to fall into your lap by
themselves. A peculiar quality of magick is time displacement. Results
of a ritual are not usually instantaneous. There is often a delay of 12
hours or more. Difficult tasks or weakly performed ritual are more
likely to be delayed. In most cases a slight delay is alright, and it
gives us time to get used to the comming changes. And sometimes the
effects of a ritual appear to extend to before the ritual was
performed! Because of the way magick works, a ritual may create an
emphasis in what is sought, and a de-emphasis in everything else.
Balance is therefore important here. Once the magical result is
achieved it may be 'bound' to you and difficult to get rid of should
you later decide to do so. Example: You
use a magick ritual to help you find and buy a new house. Years later
when you decide to sell it, you are unable to do so. Consider your
magical goals wisely so you dont get stuck with something you don't
really want. Note that theory says you can always unbind through ritual
what was bound to you...theory says. Sometimes the environment appears
to react against the magick after the results are achieved. This is
particularly noticeable in using magick to affect the weather (and the
main reason why you should NOT use magick to affect the weather). For
example...Your performance of a ritual to produce a sunny day produces
a sunny day. The next day is sunny, alright, but the rest of the month
is cold and overcast. Here the weather seems to react to the magick in
the opposite way to re-establish its natural balance. It is something
like pushing a pendulum to one side and releasing it -- the pendulum
swings to the other side. To quote Emmerson -- "For everything you gain
you lose something...". I don't know that this is always true in
magick, but it does illustrate the point. And another reason not to use
magick to affect the weather is that it might foul it up in other parts
of the country (world??). Finally, magick ritual (or any magick or
occultism) is very dangerous for the mentally unstable. If you should
somehow 'get out too far', eat 'heavy foods' as previously discussed
(lesson on chakras) and use your religious background or old belief
system for support. But remember too, that wierd experiences are not
necessarily bad experiences.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is creative visualization?
List the basic parts of a ritual.
What is invocation?
Lesson 8 Healing and Banishing
Psychic
or spiritual healing is a human potential we all possess. Some people
are especially good at this. It is probably easier to heal someone else
by occult means than yourself. In addition to healing in the presence
of the person, there is 'absent healing' in which the healing occurs at
a distance. Note that there are some who maintain that influence on
another person without his specific knowledge and permission (yes, even
in healing and helping) is black magick. (After all, everybody is
living according to his own true will, so that healing or helping
someone without permission is affecting his will). This means it is
important to tell the person what you are planning to do and to ask his
permission. The theory of psychic healing is that sickness is
characterized (although not necessarily caused) by a deficiency and
imbalance of vital energy. Psychic healing transfers energy from the
healer to the sick to repair and rebalance his energies. If an inept
healer overdoes the process, or if he doesn't take the precaution to
'disconnect' himself afterwards, he may find himself becoming sick due
to energy drain and a linkage to his subject. Similarly, the healer
should always be in a good state of health or he could unintentionally
transfer his illness to the subject. The basic methods of psychic
healing are: 1) creative visualization, 2) prayer, 3) ritual. Creative
visualization is one of the easiest techniques. Mild illness may yield
to only one or two treatments; serious ills will require many
treatments over time. Psychic healing should always be combined with
medical care and treatment. It does not replace doctors, medicine, or
hospitals, since different levels (worlds) are involved. In creative
visualization, we visualize the person being well. It may be helpful to
utilize the appropriate color from the aura chart (such as bright
apple-green, rose pink, or white) sent as a beam to the person or as a
cloud surrounding him. This technique can be extended to include a
simple kind of yoga in which we feel energy sent as we exhale
explosively; the energy sent either via the breath or from one of the
chakras such as the solar plexus. Sometimes in absent healing it is
helpful to arrange a time for treatment in advance, asking your subject
to be in a receptive state of mind and to sit back and close his eyes.
THE BANISHING RITUAL One
of the most basic and useful ceremonial rituals of magick is called the
*banishing ritual*, or lesser ritual of the pentagram. A pentagram (or
pentacle) is a five-pointed star with the point up. The banishing
ritual is helpful in psychic protection and healing since it forms a
protective barrier against malevolent forces. The psychic barrier it
creates can be made to permit entry of desired (constructive) forces
and the exclusion of negative ones. Thus, the banishing ritual is an
essential first step in almost any formal full magick ceremony. The
ritual requires that you use a magical implement or "weapon", such as a
ceremonial knife, wand, or simply point your index finger, to "draw"
the pentagram in the air at each of the cardinal points (four
directions). Also, you will be chanting ('vibrating') some Hebrew names
of God.
Holding
your magical weapon and facing east, extend your arm out straight in
front of you. In this ritual you will use the full sweep of your arm to
draw the pentagram in the air. Follow the description below by
beginning at the lower left and sweeping your magical weapon up toward
the right, etc. as shown. Do not bend your arm at the wrist or elbow.
While you do this, visualize the lines and eventually the star as
vibrant white, floating in the space before you. You are projecting
energy to do this, and the result will be a gleaming 5-pointed star
floating in the east; visualize this as vividly as you can. Now you
will energize it further by piercing the center of it with your magical
weapon and vibrating (speaking slowly in a slightly lower than normal
pitch, remember) "Yod-He-Vau-He".
DESCRIPTION
Approximate points on a round clock face --
1. Begin at 7:30 position.
2. Point to 12 oclock position.
3. Point to 4:30 position.
4. Point to 10:30 position.
5. Point to 2:30 position.
6. Return to 7:30 position.]
Then
turn slowly to the next cardinal point in sequence, and as you do so,
with your arm still extended in front of you, visualize a white line
connecting around to the cardinal point. Trace a similar pentagram with
the appropriate words and following the same procedure:
South -- Adonai Tzaboath
West -- Eh-Ei-He
North -- Agla.
Now
complete the white line drawn back to the center of the eastern
pentagram. Note that the cardinal points must be followed in a
clockwise order, and the pentagram must be drawn in the manner
illustrated; to do otherwise would change the function of the ritual.
The result of all this should be a large bright white pentagram
visualized hanging in mid-air at each of the four directions, all tied
together by a bright white line. You could now, for example, visualize
the pentagrams moving out to the circumference of your home, thereby
protecting all within. There is also a somewaht simplified version of
this ritual in which the pentagram is traced only once overhead and
then is energized with one of the four names, such as "Eh-Ei-He".
Oftentimes the simplified version is sufficient, but naturally the
effect of the full version is more complete. One of the primary uses of
this ritual is to ward off psychic attack -- that is, when another is
(consciously or unconsciously) attempting to harm you, cause sickness,
accidents, bad dreams, emotional upset, or to force you to do something
against your will. Fortunately this doesn't happen very often. The
world of the magician is fairly safe for the pure of heart. Psychic
attack usually depends upon vulnerabilities. If you are not vulnerable
you are safe. Thus unificaition with the true will is the greatest
protection possible. And the use of the banishing ritual is never
hurtful. You can even use it to hold off negative aspects of yourself.
Other forms of protection sometimes helpful (depending upon one's
egregore/model) are recitation of the 'Lord's Prayer', the 23rd, and
91st Psalms.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is a pentagram?
What is psychic healing? List the basic methods.
What is the banishing ritual? Why is it used?
Lesson 9 Astral Priojection
Astral
projection (OOBE, out of the body experience) is a popular area of
occult literature; for traveling to see other worlds and places while
the physical body sleeps or is entranced is an exciting notion. Astral
projection is not dangerous. It is as safe as sleeping. Most dreams are
probably unconscious astral projections, anyway. Although there has
been quite a bit written on the subject, astral projection is difficult
for many people. The main difficulty is the tendency to forget dream
consciousness upon awakening. Accordingly, the successful practice of
astral projection requires work. Modern psychology discounts the idea
of actual OOBE (that the spirit temporarily vacates the physical body).
However, the idea is very ancient. The Tibetans have an entire system
of yoga (dream yoga) based upon astral projection. And here we have an
important assumption: you are involved in an OOBE (at least to a
degree) whenever you dream. What sets it apart from a full OOBE is your
hazy consciousness during the experience and poor recall afterwards.
Many people forget most of their dreams completely. Learning astral
projection requires a kind of inner mental clarity and alertness.
Dreams are a door to the subconscious which can be used for
psychological and spiritual insight, and sometimes for precognition.
Dream content is influenced by external sounds and sensations. For
example, a loud external noise (such as a train) will likely appear in
your dream (if it doesn't wake you up!). Dreams are also influenced by
events of the previous day, by your moods, and by suggestion. Everyone
normally dreams 4 or 5 times a night (about every 2 hours). The longest
dreams occur in the morning. Everyone dreams. You are more likely to
remember the details of your dream when you first wake up. By keeping a
dream diary you will improve dream recall. Have writing equipment or a
tape recorder at your bedside for this purpose; also a light which
isn't too bright. Suggest to yourself several times before you go to
sleep, "I will awaken with the knowledge of a dream." Then when you do
awaken, move quietly (sometimes just turning over drives the idea
away). Remember first, then write the dream down, and th en add as many
details as possible. The next day check for objective facts and expand
if you can (by remembering 'what happened before that'). Once you start
remembering your dreams in this way, it will become easier to do so.
(If you are unsuccessful at this, and *really* want to remember your
dreams, you could arrange for someone to sit by your bedside all night
long with a dim light on. Then when he sees your eyes moving back and
forth -- rapid eye movements, a sign you are dreaming -- he can wake
you and ask for a dream report.)
FORMS OF ASTRAL PROJECTION Astral
projection may be subdivided into three basic types: mental projection,
astral projection (proper) and etheric projection. And your OOBE may
shift between them. Mental projection is really simple clairvoyance
('remote viewing'), and 'traveling in your mind'. Imagination plays a
key role. The experience of mental projection is not particularly
vivid, and you will more likely be an observer than a participant.
Nevertheless, mental projection is an important 'way in' to astral
projection proper. During mental projection and astral projection you
are able to travel through solid objects, but are not able to act
directly upon them or to move them (if they are in the physical world).
This is not true during etheric projection. Whether it is simply
subconscious expectation, or whether it is a true etheric projection
which in theory means that part of your physical body has been
relocated with your projection (the etheric or vital part) may be
difficult to determine. Etheric projections generally travel at or very
near the physical world. There are even cases reported (very, very rare
ones) in which the entire physical body is transferred to another
location (teleportation), or cases in which the physical body exists
and acts in two separate places at once (bilocation)! But our primary
interest is astral projection proper, and mental projection to a lesser
extent. Astral and mental projection are not confined to the physical
world. Travel in the mental and astral realms is feasible, and often
preferred. Nor are astral and mental projection restricted to the realm
of the earth (you could even go to the moon and planets).
STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS The
electrical activity of the brain has been observed and classified with
EEG (electroencephalograph) equipment; signals picked up from the scalp
by electrodes, then filtered and amplified, drive a graph recorder.
Brain activity has been found to produce specific ranges for certain
basic states of consciousness, as indicated in 'hz' (hertz, or
cycles/vibrations per second):
delta -- 0.2 to 3.5 hz (deep sleep, trance state),
theta -- 3.5 to 7.5 hz (day dreaming, memory),
alpha -- 7.5 to 13 hz (tranquility, heightened awareness, meditation),
beta -- 13 to 28 hz (tension, 'normal' consciousness).
As
you can see, some form of physical relaxation is implied in the alpha,
theta, and delta consciousness. These states are in fact reached
through deep breathing, hypnosis, and other relaxation techniques. OOBE
occurs during these states, and delta is probably the most important
for it. The problem is really, as we have said, one of maintaining
mental awareness and alertness while experienceing these altered
states. Experimental subjects hooked to an EEG do not show a discrete
change from drowsy to sleep; it is very gradual. At the threshold
between sleep and waking consciousness is a drowsy condition known as
the hypnogogic state. OOBE seems to occur during this state, or a
variant of it. By careful control of the hypnogogic state (not going
beyond it) it is possible to enter OOBE directly.
BASIC TECHNIQUES Most
methods of astral projection are methods of conditioning. Some form of
trance or altered consciousness is always involved. No one ever
projects consciously while fully awake (some may think that they do).
Although there are many techniques used to produce an astral
projection, they boil down to nine of them. They all sort of overlap.
Diet -- Certain dietary practices may aid in OOBE, especially at first.
These include fasting, vegitarianism, and in general the eating of
'light' foods as discussed in a a previous lesson. Carrots and raw eggs
are thought to be especially beneficial, but all nuts are to be
avoided. Over-eating should be avoided. And no food should be eaten
just before an OOBE attempt. If you intend to practice during sleep,
for example, allow 2 to 4 hours of no food or drink (except water)
before bedtime. In general, we see here the same kind of dietary
restrictions advocated for kundalini yoga. Progressive muscular
relaxation -- This is one of the basic methods used in hypnosis and
self-hypnosis. Physical relaxation can assist one in attaining the
requisite trance state. These techniques involve beginning at the toes
and tensing, then relaxing the muscles, progressively up the entire
body. Yoga and breath -- Yoga, mantra, and breathing exercises
similarly aim at physical relaxation. The practice of kundalini yoga is
particularly relevant, since it is concerned with altered
consciousness. In fact the arousal of kundalini requires a similar
state of consciousness to OOBE. Visualization -- This involves a type
of extended clairvoyance or picturing of remote surroundings. If you
can experience the feeling of being there, so much the better. Although
this technique is essentially mental projection, it is possible to
deepen mental projection into astral projection through (you guessed
it!) visualization. Crowley taught a similar technique: a) visualize a
closed door on a blank wall, b) imagine a meditation symbol on the
door, c) visualize the door opening and yourself entering through it.
And J.H. Brennan describes similar techniques wherein the door is
shaped and colored like a tattva, or alternately, a chosen tarot card
is visualized and the student visualizes entering into it. Guided
imagery -- In many respects similar to visualization. Except in this
case, there is a guide (or perhaps a voice on tape) directing you by
means of descriptions. As with visualization, mental rather than astral
projection is most likely. Body of Light -- The old Golden Dawn
technique. Imagine a duplicate (mirror image) of yourself in front of
you. Then transfer your consciousness and sensation to the duplicate
('body of light'). Strong willing -- Sort of like creative
visualization experienced in the present. That is you express your
strong desire to project through your willpower while you visualize
yourself doing it. The Monroe techniques -- These are a series of steps
developed by Robert Monroe: a) relax the body, b) enter the hypnogogic
state, c) deepen the state, d) develope the senstation of 'vibration',
e) separate from the body. The Monroe Institute has developed some
cassete tapes which are claimed to help in this. Dream control -- This
is one of the most important techniques. It involves becoming aware
that you are dreaming. There are several ways to do this. Oliver Fox
says to look for descrepancies in the dream to realize you are
dreaming. One occult student I know of visualized a white horse which
he could ride wherever he wished to go. After a time, when the horse
appeared in his dreams it was his cue that he was actually
dreaming/projecting. Don Juan tells Castaneda to look at his hands
while he is dreaming. And even the tarot and Cabala may also be used as
dream signals. Another method is to tell yourself each night as you go
to sleep, "I can fly"; then when you do, you will know you are
dreaming. Once you know you are dreaming you can control your
dream/OOBE and go anywhere you want. Repetitive activities will also
likely influence your dreams. For example, if you are on an automobile
trip and spend most of the day driving, you will probably dream about
driving. You can condition yourself to be aware you are dreaming by
doing a repetitive activity many times (walking across the room or a
particular magick ritual, for example). Then when you dream about it,
you will know you are dreaming.
Although
all these techniques may appear straightforward, they all require
effort. Astral projection is generally learned. The astral world is the
"ghostland" into which one passes after death. It is sometimes possible
to visit with the dead, or you might be called upon to reassure and
assist those who have just passed over (died) or those who are
consciously projecting for the first time. Many spirits, elementals and
ghosts exist in the astral world. The magician should feel comfortable
there. Tibetan belief is that through proficiency in OOBE, you no
longer need reincarnate after death. The astral world is extremely
changeable and subject to your thoughts. Your will can control your
movements in the astral world, and if you seem to be going somewhere
non-volitionally ('astral current') it is probably your true will
causing it anyway. You might also experience heightened magical ability
while in the astral realm.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is the relationship between astral projection and dreams.
What is mental projection?
List the nine basic methods of astral projection.
Lesson 10 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. Psychotherapy of certain types
which releases pent up psychological energy. 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. Vigorous dance
and physical exercise -- to the point of 'second wind'.
'Desirelessness' and various religious practices. The way of return,
and various other mystical practices. 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.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What do we mean by the relationship between the inner and outer worlds?
What is wrong with willpower?
Explain the energy model of magick.
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