MAGICK 11 -- PSYCHIC ENERGY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We have seen in the theories of magick, that there is a definite
relationship between the "inner" and "outer"
worlds. We saw this in the theory of the microcosm and the macrocosm;
in the four worlds; in the theory of correspondences; and also
in the Cabala and Tree of Life. This relationship between inner
and outer is very important. And it means quite simply that success
(or lack of it) in one world (inner or outer) influences success
(or lack of it) in the other. Therefore developing of magical
ability is more than meditation and magical practice, for it
implies mastery of the four worlds. The developed magician is
not only master of the inner worlds; he is also master of himself.
This is not to imply that successful magicians are all millionaires
(or whatever standard people measure success by), but it should
mean that they are basically pleasant people, at least; no serious
hang-ups. 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 preceding 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. A set of correspondence tables may be available
on this board as a separate file (777.ARC). Additionally, a list
of selected deities from several popular pantheons and with a
brief description about them may be available on this board as
GODS.LST. Although Hebrew Mysticism is the original source of
Qabalistic 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-macrocosm idea once again. The Sephirotic 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 Qabala. 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 subconsious and later with the high self
also. Simple exercises with a pendulum, automatic writing, raised
finger responses, self hypnosis, recording and analysis of dreams
etc. facilitate communication with the subconscious. At first
communication with the high self must be via the subconscious,
but later it is possible to go direct to it. PSYCHIC ENERGY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many occult groups follow an energy model for magick and the
physical body. This model (or theory) equates psychic energy
with kundalini/prana/sexual or life force energy. The ideal of
kundalini yoga is thus to raise the kundalini to the higher chakras
(especially ajna and sahasrara) thereby enhancing psychic/magick
powers. The release of psychic energy is also relevant to mental
control, good health and longevity, and the attainment of "cosmic
consciousness". Meditation and yoga is used to liberate
psychic energy so that it can be used for magical purposes. But
there are other ways to liberate psychic energy. Many of these
techniques will act as a mental catharsis in the sense of invigorating
the psyche and resulting in improved intellectual and physical
performance. 1) Psychotherapy of certain types which releases
pent up psychological energy. 2) Overcoming mind games, hang-ups,
and inhibitions. This is the basis of all listed practices, as
hang-ups waste psychic energy. Certain psychotropic drugs may
have this affect. Also the "kicks" from "risks"
like skydiving. 3) Vigorous dance and physical exercise -- to
the point of "second wind". 4) "Desirelessness"
and various religious practices. 5) The way of return, and various
other mystical practices. 6) Atavistic resurgence. This last
item deserves some extra mention. It was one of Austin Spare's
methods. It means to contact the primitive emotions deep within
the psyche. In a sense it is regressive. However, there is power
there, if you are able to control it. We have seen how magical
theory is based upon the assumption that psychic phenomena is
real. If this is so, then magick is also real. And we have also
seen how magick is the art and science of causing change in accordance
with the will by non-physical means. Magical philosophy is the
working system of terms, theories, and symbols upon which magick
is based. But magick goes further than that, for as an ancient
system of psychology, magick may be used as is a means of self
improvement and spiritual growth. For magick and mysticism are
parallel paths, each ultimately leading to transcendence. REVIEW
QUESTIONS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1) What do we mean by the relationship
between the inner and outer worlds? 2) What is wrong with willpower?
3) Explain the energy model of magick. BOOK LIST ~~~~~~~~~ P.E.I.
Bonewitz, Hawaiian Magic (tape). Pete Carrol, Liber Null. ------,
Psychonaut. John Heriot, Teaching Yourself White Magic. Allan
P. Lewis, Clearing Your Lifepath. Max Freedom Long, The Secret
Science Behind Miracles. ------, The Secret Science At Work.
Stephen Mace, Stealing the Fire from Heaven. Julian Wilde, Grimoire
of Chaos Magick. ======== Phil Hansford, 4/88 Mysteria (818)
353-8891 (modem) P.O. Box 83 Tujunga, CA 91042 |