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This is purportedly the oldest model of magic though it may very well have come into existence after or simultaneously with the energy model. We can find it worldwide in Shamanic cultures as well as in many religions. Its basic premise is the existence of an otherworld inhabited by more or less autonomous entities such as spirits, angels, demons, gods etc. The shaman or magician is someone who can enter this otherworld at will, who has traveled widely in it, knows its language and customs and as made friends, smitten enemies and/or acquired allies and servitors there. This is important as all magic is of these entities' making. The modern German word for witch, "Hexe" (f.) illustrates this rather neatly if we take a closer look at its etymology. It derives from Old High German "hagazussa" which translates as "fence rider". The hagazussa is riding the "fence between the worlds" i.e. she is at home in the world of everyday life as well as in the magical otherworld of spirits.
In the spirit model magic is seen as being effected by these entities who are usually invisible, at least to the average punter, and it is the shaman's or magician's task to make them put his will into effect. This may be done by prayer, by barter, by cajoling or even - vide medieval demon magic - by the application of magical force, threats and pressure. The otherworld may have its own geography but it is usually considered to coexist with the world of everyday life. The key to entering it is an altered state of consciousness, controlled trance or ecstasy of which the shaman is an expert.
The spirit model has prevailed in traditionalist or Dogmatic magic until today, some of its most noted exponents being Franz Bardon and, at least to a great extent, Aleister Crowley.
Suggested ebooks:
Medieval Grimoires - Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients
Aleister Crowley - Songs Of The Spirit
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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 'correspond-ences'. 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 tarot 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
Suit: pentacles
Quarter: north
Archangel: Uriel
Element: water
Suit: cups
Quarter: west
Archangel: Gabriel
Element: fire
Suit: wands
Quarter: south
Archangel: Michael
Element: air
Suit: swords
Quarter: east
Archangel: 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, lepricauns
Undine (water): nymphs, tritons, mermaids, sirens
Salamander (fire): jin (genies), storm, hobgoblins, harpies
Sylph (air): fairies, angels, mermen
-- --
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 -- -- YANG
-- --
water -- fire
contraction - expansion
cold -- - hot
feminine -- masculine
moon -- sun
negative -- positive
passive -- active
ebb -- flow
wane -- wax
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest every-thing 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
1) List the four elements.
2) What is an elemental?
3) What are correspondences?
by Phil Hansford, 4/88
Suggested ebooks:
Carroll Runyon - Magick And Hypnosis
Anonymous - Wicca Beliefs And Practices
Aleister Crowley - Magick In Theory And Practice
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I thought I would put up a post on the Arthurian books I have read and enjoyed with some recommendations seeing as Becky is hosting an Arthurian Challenge here. It is a genre of books I particaruly enjoy, both fiction and non-fiction. I love mythology in general and my favourite are the stories and tales of King Arthur, the knights, Merlin, Morgan Le Fey and Guinevere. I think because I am English and live over here still they have a particular pull to me. I have also made a point of visiting a few sites associated with the myths like Glastonbury (the possible site of Arthur and Guinevere's graves), Cadbury Castle (a medieval hill fort that was a possible site for Camelot), Winchester (another possible site for Camelot) and Tintagel (the place where Arthur was coniceved by Merlin's trickery).
One of my favourite series on Arthur is BERNARD CORNWELL'S WARLORD CHRONICLES (The Winter King, Enemy of God and Excalibur). They are more battle focused with the story being told by Dervel who is one of Arthur's champions. Dervel is a Saxon who was taken in by the British and has earned a name for himself fighting for Arthur. It does have some of the magical side of the tale as well, but be prepared for blood and guts galore!
Another essential series is MARY STEWART'S MERLIN SERIES (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment and The Wicked Day). They follow Merlin from a young boy and discuss his childhood and role in the story. The final one tells the story of Mordred and was written at a much later date than the first three and is not quite as good. Many other re-tellings use her stories as a basis for their mythology.
THE MISTS OF AVALON BY MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY was a book I fell in love with. It is not the first in the series, but is the only one about Arthur and the others. It tells the tales from the viewpoint of the women in the story, mostly by Morgaine Arthur's half sister. I loved the magical sides of this book and it was the first to tell a different side to Morgaine and look at her motivations and feelings. It has a lovely Pagan feel to the novel.
Other series I have read and enjoyed are:
STEPHEN LAWHEAD'S PENDRAGON CYCLE (Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, Grail). The first was my favourite as it told of the fall of Atlantis and sets up the story nicely. It is similar to the Bernard Cornwell books in that it focuses on the battles, but I felt that the later books don't live up to the promise of the earlier ones sadly. It was nice to have one told through the eyes of Bedwyr though who seems a neglected knight in other tales. Personally I found this series a little too Christian in focus, but that may appeal to other readers.
ROSALIND MILES GUENEVERE NOVELS (Queen of the Summer Country, The Night of the Sacred Lake, The Child of the Holy Grail were enjoyable as well. They tell the tale from the viewpoint of Arthur's wife, Guenevere. She isn't always portrayed too favourably in The Mists of Avalon and this was a good counter balance to that which explained her version of events in more detail.
THE QUEEN OF CAMELOT BY NANCY MCKENZIE (originally sold as two seperate books, I have the version with both in one) was another tale of Guinevere. It used the Mary Stewart books as a background and then told a tale over the top of them and sadly it does not better them.
THE MABINOGIAN is a book of Welsh myths and tales which was Arthur in the background of a couple of them when he is King. Worth reading if you have a love for folk lore and mythology, but not just as an Arthurian read.
The best thing about the different re-tellings is that they use different versions. Sometimes Morgan is a temptress and evil, sometimes she is a pawn in anothers game and in others she never sleeps with Arthur. Others choose whether Guinevere is faithful to Arthur or not by sleeping with Lancelot. Yet others have Merlin as a powerful magician and others don't really involve him much in the tale. I have many more I hope to read and my list may get added to depending on time (I hope it's ok to read more that 12 books Becky!).
What I would really love to read is a tale based around The Lady of the Lake who is a favourite character of mine. Besides the poem The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson little is written about her as a character in her own right (besides some in The Mists of Avalon). If anyone knows of anything or can recommend something please let me know.
Suggested ebooks:
John Stearne - A Confirmation And Discovery Of Witchcraft
Juliana Horatia Ewing - Old Fashioned Fairy Tales
Aleister Crowley - Ahab And Other Poems
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I started out, on a hunt for some information to verify and date the "Black Pullet" and write an article on here about it. What I ended up discovering is something more interesting, at least I think so.
We are all familiar with the Great Pyramid of Giza, the nice beautiful structure that held the remains of the Pharaoh Khufu. Well one thing that is not as well known is the mysterious conditions inside the Kings Chamber. Many famous people have had interesting happenings while experiencing alone time in the chamber. Names like Napoleon, Alexander the Great, Aleister Crowley, and Paul Burton show up regularly when describing the incidents. The Layout of the Pyramid As you can see the Kings chamber is located past the grand Gallery and above the Queens chamber and Subterranean Chamber. With Relief Chambers above it. It lies in the heart of the pyramid and is the main attraction of the place.
NAPOLEONS SECRET
Napoleon ventured into the Pyramid after the "Battle of the Pyramids" in July 1798. While inside the pyramid he roamed to the King Chamber where he spent sometime alone. How long we are not told, and why he wanted to be alone is not mentioned. What we do know for certain is upon leaving the pyramids, his fellow associates noticed that Napoleon was not right. He looked shaken up and distressed.
They continued to ask him what had happen and if anything "Mysterious" had happened while in the Kings Chamber. Napoleon most likely fearing that he would not be believed or better yet thought of as crazy, replied "no Comment". For years the topic was left untouched until on his death bed, his friend by his side asked Napoleon what had happened that day in the Kings Chamber. As soon as he started to tell him he stopped, stating it "was of no use now you wouldn't believe me".
What did Napoleon see that day? We never know, there are people and references that point to hints and thoughts that he might have saw what was his destiny. Others believe more elaborate suggestions, but the truth is we will never know now.
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
No Text is found to have proof that Alexander the Great did stay the night or visit the pyramids of Giza, it was assumed do to the popularity of the pyramids that he would have done so..... yea when I found this out I was a little upset myself....
ALEISTER CROWLEY
Crowley spend time in the kings chamber on the honeymoon of his marriage to Rose Kelley. During the night, he wanted to impress his wife and show his strength in magick. Here is an excerpt from his autobiography.
"The King's Chamber was aglow as if with the brightest tropical moonlight. The pitiful dirty yellow flame of the candle was like a blasphemy, and I put it out. The astral light remained during the whole of the invocation and for some time afterwards, though it lessened in intensity as we composed ourselves to sleep. For the rest, the floor of the King's Chamber is particularly uncompromising. In sleeping out on rocks, one can always accommodate oneself more or less to the local irregularities, but the King's Chamber reminded me of Brand; and I must confess to having passed a very uncomfortable night. I fear me dalliance had corrupted my Roman virtue. In the morning the astral light had completely disappeared and the only sound was the flitting of the bats." Interesting enough, shortly after rose was in a trance and instructed Crowley to meet Aiwass and receive the book of the new AEON... making a longer story short.
SCIENTIFIC IDEAS
Many scientist have thought the granite construction would hold residue energy and even possibly be used as a radio receiver. That being said, they have also discovered radioactive material down below the queens chamber. Those two put in combination may inadvertently be the cause of the mysteries... we may never know for certain, I do wish to take a trip out there and do some research and studies myself. One day I hope I will get the chance.
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander Constantine
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On August 1, 2010, a new temple of the Order of the Gnostic Star was duly chartered and established by a group of five individuals, which is the required minimum quorum. The new temple is officially known as the Binah-Ge Temple #2, which resides in the southeastern corner of Massachusetts. I am not only quite happy and proud that I can make this announcement, but it also brings up a couple of important points that I would like to discuss here. Anyway, let us all congratulate this group and the inauguration of their new temple! A great spiritual and magickal adventure awaits them. Soon they will be experiencing many amazing new things, since in addition to receiving a charter, they also got the Order's first three years worth of ritual lore. Once they get through all of that, then more lore will be forthcoming. It will lead them from the first degree all the way through the seventh, all of which has been completely written and vetted over the last twenty years. I suspect that it will take them a number of years to master all of this lore, and while they are learning, they will be building up their own individual as well as collective magickal systems. I envy the wondrous visions and discoveries that await them, since that is what I and other members experienced many years ago.
The important points that I want to bring up at this time is that the Order of Gnostic Star is an active order with a complete set of magickal lore. That lore is available to groups who have the required minimum number of five members. I have made this statement before, but around a month ago, a group actually did contact me and requested to receive a charter for establishing a new temple. I have received these requests before, but usually after I point out the basic requirements as written in the Bylaws, potential members get cold feet and don't bother to continue to correspond with me. This time the group spokesperson had not only read the Bylaws, but informed me that his group met the basic requirements. Those requirements are pretty basic, and they are easy to verify as well - even at long distances. They had five members who had been practicing ritual magick for at least a year together. They also had the requisite collective temple space. Over the period of couple of weeks, I got separate emails from each prospective member of the temple and even talked to their spokesperson on the phone a few times. I was convinced that they had met the requirements, so there wasn't anything further to do other than issue them a charter.
Amazingly, I didn't even have a template for a charter, since there wasn't much need to produce one over all these years since the last temple folded. I consulted a facsimile of the old charter for the Isis-Sophia temple #1, but that didn't prove to be useful either. So I used my imagination and inspiration and put one together, based on what I knew had been done in the past. The final result was quite impressive and looked very official, if I do say so myself. Now if anyone else asks me to present them with a temple charter, I will have one ready to go.
This, of course, brings me to my next important point. The Order of the Gnostic Star has become reconstituted! There are now at least two temples in formation. The first and the original mother temple, Isis-Sophia, is being reassembled with a combination of old members and new. A quorum of three elders is now fully established, ready to engage the public through the edifice of the greater Order. However, there is no grand lodge and there is no overriding hierarchy, only individual and fully autonomous temples. What this means is that we can now guide and help any small group of individuals to form their own temple, provided they meet the requirements. It also means that once a temple is chartered, it becomes fully autonomous. No one who is not a member of that temple may make any group based determinations. A group can ask for advice or guidance, but all decisions are theirs alone to make. In addition, all internal group decisions must be determined by consensus. That group dynamic ensures that the elders will never be able to dictate policy to any temple, so a decision to give a charter to a temple is serious business. A charter thus will be duly given once a proper group is validated. Included with a charter is the lore, which is the first three years of rituals and documents. These will be delivered on electronic media for the group to learn, master and use to forge their own systems of magick. All of this is done at absolutely no cost to the group who petitions the Order. Our generosity has an important cause in the greater scheme of things. We expect the new group to show generosity and openness in its turn. So there aren't any hidden costs, strings, obligations or any additional requirements or expectations in this offer. It is given freely and openly to the greater occult community. As far as I am aware, there isn't any other magickal Order that runs its business in this fashion - at least none that I have ever heard of.
The members of the Binah-Ge temple are a collective of witches and pagans from various source organizations. They have done their time in groves, covens and community based organizations, and they know the basic elements of ritual and ceremonial magick. They are a fairly experienced group of individuals, and I am very pleased to have made their acquaintance. I am also happy to have been of service to them, assisting them in finding the lore and the pathway to a full mastery of the Art of Ritual Magick. I am still traveling that path myself, and I have n't finished it, so like them, we are travelers on the same basic path - the Western Mystery Tradition. I believe that in the years to come they will contribute some astounding new lore, discoveries and new techniques in ritual magick. They may come up with some really cool themes for their liturgical practices and seasonal rites, and I hope that they share some of these new directions with me and other members of this magickal family. Time will inform me whether or not I have made a wise choice in giving magickal lore to this group. I suspect that it was a wise choice.
So, here we are, my fellow readers of this blog, ready to broach the final four questions. Are you interested in such an organization as the Order of the Gnostic Star? Do you have a group of at least four other individuals besides yourself that you can assemble to work rituals and ceremonies on a periodic basis? Do you have a room or space that can be dedicated to this work? Are you presently involved in witchcraft or paganism? If you answered yes to all four of these questions and want to engage in some cutting edge ritual magickal lore, then drop me an email and let me know. I will happily engage all serious inquiries. You can email me through this blog.
Your humble servant -
Frater Barrabbas
Suggested ebooks:
John Sebastian Marlowe Ward - The Master Masons Handbook
Aleister Crowley - The Stratagem And Other Stories
A Circle Purification that doesn't use Incense: for asthmatics, those with allergies, and those with other pulmonary disorders by Matrika.
This ritual was inspired when someone in our circle back in Central Massechusetts started dating a young woman who was a great herbalist, knowledgeable about crystal healing, a competent tarot-reader and a beginning astrologer. She had read "Spiral Dance" by Starhawk on the Craft of the Wise (Wicca) and wore a pentagram around her neck, but couldn't try circle work because she was allergic to smoke and had a serious asthma problem.
So, here's the rite. You prepare your altar as usual, with the exception of the incense and incense burner. 5 non-electric pot-pouri burners filled with water and an appropriately scented pot-pouri should be on or near the altar with 5 candles. Be sure that you use the correct type of candles for yuur pot-pouri burners, as other types can destroy the burners. Put these on the altar, which should be at the center of the circle and facing North or East according to your custom. If they do not fit without obstructing the work, place them in a semi- circle at the foot of the altar. Have matches there to light the candles under them at the proper time.
The rite
(Leader 1 should be a male, if possible. Leader 2 should be a female, if possible.)
Leader 1 - blessing the water and herbal mixture in each pot-pouri burner with the wand. A long-stem rose with the thorns removed can be used for a wand if you do not yet have one. Of course, this must be replaced each time you do a ritual
"By Fire and By Air
By Water and by Earth
by the Lady and the Lord
I conjure thee to purify our circle this night"
all- " So mote it be"
He takes one of the burners and the matches to the North where he lights it.
Leader 2 accompanies him with her wand, after he lights it she raises her wand and says
"By fire and air
By water and by earth
Let us purify the
Northern Quarter of our circle"
There is a pause during which everyone visualizes (vividly imagining in every detail from a relaxed, meditative state) an arc of rainbow light forming that quarter of the circle then, when she lowers the wand, everyone responds.
all - "So Mote It Be"
Leader 1 returns to the central altar and gets the next burner, placing it in the East and lighting it. Leader 2 continues in the same way as above. This procedure is then repeated in the South and then in the West. Each time the invocation is changed to reflect the direction they are in. Each time the group visualizes the rainbow arc of light. And after each direction, Leader 1 returns to the center to get the burner for the next direction ready. By constantly returning to the center each time, the emphasis is placed there. After the Western quarter is lit, Leader 1 places the final burner on the altar, between the candles, where the incense burner would be if there was one and lights it.
Leader 2 stands before the altar, raises her wand and says
"By Fire and by air
By water and by earth
Let us purify the sacred center of our circle
where Heaven and Earth Unite
and Where the Lord and Lady are joined in love."
While her wand is raised, everyone visualizes the rainbow light from the outer circles flooding in to the center and filling the circle with harmonious vibrations and energies. After a few moments, she lowers her wand and everyone responds.
all- "SO mote it be"
The circle casting is continued as usual with the invocations of the elements at the 4 corners, according to your tradition. Then the actual circle-casting is done as usual. After this do whatever rite and/or magick you would usually do and close in the usual manner. Be sure to snuff the candles and not to blow them out. Use a silver teaspoon to do this, if you don't have a snuffer. This ceremony ONLY replaces the part of the rite where you sprinkle with salt-water and then cense the circle to purify it in PREPARATION for the actual circle casting. It is NOT the full casting of the circle. (Some traditions purify with all 4 elements seperately, sprinkling salt on the floor for earth, water on the floor for itself, censing the circle for air, and carrying a candle around for fire. Either way this rite replaces the elemental purification, as the burners embody all 4 elements - the water for itself, the candle for fire, the herbs for earth, and the scent the steam gives off for air.)
OF course the pot-pouri burners used for this should only be used in your psychic work and should have been consecrated or smudged (by someone who can deal with the smoke) in preparation for this ritual.
To prepare appropriate pot-pouri scents for the purpose of your rites, use the directions for making the various home-made herbal incenses traditional in Witchcraft and in Magick; however, don't grind them with a mortar and pestle as you would in making incense. If you do not know the recipes for these, any of the Scott Cuningham books on making incenses would provide them for you. They are available from Llewelyn Publishing, box 64383 St. Paul Minnesota. (They will send you a free catalogue on request)
Despite the initial cost involved in obtaining the 5 burners, it is highly suggested you do it that way for two reasons
1. In anything but a very small and enclosed space, you will not get
enough scent to represent the air element sufficiently for magickal
and ritual working.
2. To represent all 4 elements in EACH of the quarters and in the
center of the circle is very important in establishing the
traditional boundaries between the worlds (the ordinary and
non-ordinary or shamanic realities) that is the purpose of casting
the circle and creating sacred space.
ALSO IF YOU TRY TO CARRY A POT-POURI BURNER THAT IS LIT AND HOT ENOUGH TO BE GIVING OFF THE SCENTED STEAM AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE CIRCLE, YOU WILL CERTAINLY BURN YOUR FINGERS BADLY. (It is not appropriate to bring a pot holder into circle to carry it either! PLEASE!)
I hope this is helpful to those who have breathing problems and wish to perform magick.
Suggested ebooks:
Aleister Crowley - Magick
Kenneth Grant - Magical Revival
Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes
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(ART BY AUBREY BEARDSLEY)
"A feast for the three days of the writing of the Book of the Law."
- "Liber Legis", 2:38
93
The April 8th, 9th and 10th feast days in the Thelemic liturgical calendar mark the reception of the verses of "Liber Legis" from their praeterhuman source, the 93 Current or Aiwass. This event, known as the Cairo Working, took place in Cairo, Egypt, in 1904 E.V., most likely at what was then called the Savoy Hotel -- it later came to be known as the Bahler Building, in what is now Talat Harb Square.
THE SAVOY, 1901
This hotel was also where the couple involved -- Aleister Crowley and his bride Rose Kelly -- had performed a ceremony to connect with the Holy Current of the New Aeon, all at Rose's insistence, she being under the inspiration of this being she called Aiwass. It was she, not Crowley, that gave us the name, "Aiwass", in the first place. Odd -- given that this communication always derived exclusively from her mind from the get-go -- that Aleister would, decades later, claim Aiwass as being inextricably linked with his own subconscious, or his "Holy Guardian Angel" to use the archaic language of his day. Yet it was always his Scarlet Women who served as its seers and actually transmitted its inspiration. It might be much more accurate to say that -- whatever it was -- this was a Current of Genius at work on both of their minds, not merely one or the other.
While we don't know which room it is in which they stayed during the Cairo Working, we do know from Crowley's account in "the Equinox of the Gods "that it had a window that opened onto the street. Once he was convinced that Rose's unexpected contact -- stemming perhaps from his performance of the ancient "Ritual of the Bornless One" (i.e. the Preliminary Invocation of the Goetia) in the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid -- was genuine, he determined to establish such contact for himself, and immediately constructed a ceremony by which to achieve this objective, along the same lines as other such ceremonies learned in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and elsewhere. Rose, however, scrapped these preparations wholesale, insisting that she -- in spite of having absolutely no knowledge of such matters -- delineate the necessary procedure, not he. She called for the performance of a ritual of her devising in their makeshift temple chamber in their ground-level hotel room, with the window open wide to all passers-by in the street before them, a ceremony performed in the middle of day. He consented to her seemingly absurd demands; the ritual was a disaster. So they repeated the attempt later at night, and without the interference of spectators it was met with great success. Butsuccess in what regard exactly?
Rose identified her discarnate messenger -- i.e. Aiwass -- as being the "minister" or projection of the Supernal Consciousness of Horus. It is likely that even she failed to grasp what this really means. One should not take this as a reference to a personal deity of some kind; for the crux of Thelemic religion is that there is no personal god: divine force is impersonal, at once indwelling yet overlying consciousness and transcending thought and particular temporal limitation, encompassing as it does not merely ourselves but all living things equally across unlimited dimensions. Horus (or Ra-Hoor-Khuit) is the next step from the Osirian Age -- i.e. the Age of the Slain God, of which Christianity was one of the major religious vehicles. Ancient Egyptian symbology was incorporated here mainly because the divine form is given as half-anthropomorphic and half-theriomorphic: the doctrinal consequence being that humanity is not the ideal form, but merely one of many -- no better or worse than any other animal. And the Transcendent Reality exists to the perception of all, not just to the most rational. In fact, it is often man's own reasoning faculty that obstructs his realization of the Transcendent Reality; it is only in brief flashes of rare inspiration of Genius or mystical Bliss that one overcomes the bundled ties of rational fixation and personal limitation to achieve the Illimitable View.
Since Thelemic religion is atheistic -- vide "Liber Legis "vss.1:11, 1:20-21, 1:26-30, and 2:23 -- these divine figures that are presented in "The Book of the Law "as parts of the Thelemic cosmology are clearly representative not of objective entities but of the latent forces of consciousness of which we ordinarily remain unaware the better part of our lives -- the occult region of the mind that exists independently of the brain, and that carries on after death. This Supernal Current of Nuit/Hadit/Ra-Hoor-Khuit -- or Babalon/Beast/Baphomet -- projects from its overlying position as the 93 Current into the heart of every man and every woman, and crystallizes in each as an unique mystic gem, forming a holy Bud-Will to be realized and nourished intellectually and experientially via whatever means suit one's own nature, where it will grow into the Holy Supernal Will -- "on earth as it is in heaven".
Yet it is important to understand that the Supernal Mind -- while it is embedded within us in an inert form (until the forces of Initiated Wisdom activate it) -- is a part of us of which we are totally unaware normally. It is not a personal god worthy of adoration or demanding appeasement, however; it is our own secret Self.
The real Genius behind the Cairo Working, and the true Author of "The Book of the Law" -- Aiwass -- manifested before Rose Kelly and Aleister Crowley on these three days not merely to inject its inspiration into their minds, and so to guide their hands as they penned the verses of its holy message -- for here was a message of import not merely to them personally but to all humanity. This was outlined as the Way for the advancement of the species; either we go this Way, and evolve beyond the primitive survivalist mindset, or else we allow ourselves to submit in senseless devotion to superstitious theologies and tribalistic xenophobia, to our eventual demise as a race.
Some Thelemites will commemorate the writing of the three chapters of the Law of Thelema by dramatic recreation, with the reading aloud of chapter 1 of "Liber Legis "on April 8th, chapter 2 on April 9th, and chapter 3 on April 10th. But we have at our fingertips so many more possibilities in this technologically advanced era of ours. Why not spice things up by utilizing LCD screens displaying animated images, and sound systems conveying repeating chants and atmospheric and mood-driving music at appropriate intervals, with a recording of a recitation of the verses of the book digitally altered so as to be more evocative of the forces we are stirring -- e.g., more feminine with the first chapter, much darker with the second, and ferociously triumphant with the last.
However you choose to celebrate these holy days of the Epiphany of the Law -- or Thelemic Epiphany as I call it -- whether by some elaborate liturgical exhibition or simply by meditating on the message of Aiwass, may 93 be with thee, and may you come thereby to the accomplishment of your true Will, the Great Work, the Summum Bonum, True Wisdom and Perfect Happiness.
93
93/93
777
Suggested ebooks:
Aleister Crowley - The Enochian Tablets And The Book Of The Law
Wim Van Den Dungen - Enoch And The Day Of The End
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The Hermetic Tradition arises from the blend of Egyptian and Greek cultures in Ptolemaic Egypt - has its earliest roots in the astronomical, spiritual traditions of Sumeria - then from Chaldea and Egypt to Europe with the Greek and Roman empires.
Since 2,000 years ago, Hermetic Science has taught a triad of spiritual practices - called the Trivium Hermeticum - Astrology, Theurgy (Magick), and Alchemy - that together comprise a powerful system of energetic evolution known as the Royal Art of Solar Ascension.
The Hermetic Arts are still very much alive and well today.
The famous Freemason and scholar, Kenneth MacKenzie, was initiated into the Hermetic Arts by Hungarian Count Apponyi around 1850 in Austria.
MacKenzie later coded certain materials from Apponyi into the famous Cypher Manuscripts, which were later used by S.L. MacGregor Mathers, W.Wynn Wescott, and Robert Woodman to found the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
One essential document of the Hermetic Tradition is the Emerald Tablet of Hermes. Its importance dates back to the medieval and Renaissance period, when a translation was made into Latin from Arabic. Interpretations or renditions were made public by many notable figures such as Roger Bacon, Isaac Newton, Albertus Magnus, and Trimethius.
The Golden Dawn, of course, integrated the Emerald Tablet of Hermes into its core teachings. Due to its popularity, the Emerald Tablet of Hermes has been quoted by many modern authors in North America. They believed that it was so valuable because it contained the teachings for the achievement of the aims of the alchemists.
It didn't take long for the Emerald Tablet of Hermes to enter the lexicon of the everyday New Age speakers. Parts of the the New Age community has come to believe that the Emerald Tablet of Hermes has to do with New Age notions like the Law of Attraction or Astral Initiation. This is unsupported by the facts.
There are those in the New Age community claim the Emerald Tablet is 10,000 years old. This is highly unlikely as that would be nearly 7,000 years before the pyramids were built - nearly 3,000 years before even the beginning of culture in Sumeria! The cryptic nature of the lines of the Emerald Tablet make it easy for fanciful theories to be spread as though they were facts.
This is why I was pleased to see that finally a valid translation of the original has surfaced with authentic keys to its cipher. The oldest known copy of the Emerald Tablet dates back to a manuscript attributed to Apolonius of Tyana that was translated into Arabic in the early 9th century. It was finalized by the Caliphate al-Ma'mun (813-33).
According to Apollonius of Tyana, he found the Emerald Tablets of Hermes in a catacomb in his city. You can read the full story here.
Scholars have seen parallel between this book and the Syriac Book of Treasures written by Job Odessa. Interestingly enough, Apollonius claimed the tablet was written in Syriac. He has also discussed in his book some of the mysteries of The Emerald Tablet of Hermes as it relates to Talismanic magic and spiritual transformation.
Every student of the Golden Dawn should invest some time studying this new information on the Emerald Tablet of Hermes if they are serious about initiation into the mysteries or practicing Hermetic Magic or Alchemy.
Sub Umbra Alarum Tuarum, Yeheshua
David Griffin
G.H. Frater Lux Ex Septentrionis
Imperator Ordinis, Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Chief Adept, R.R. et A.C.
Archon Basileus, Rosicrucian Order of Alpha et Omega
"Ex Deo Nascimur.
In Yeheshua Morimur.
Per Sanctum Spiritum Reviviscimus"
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Odd isn't it? That the so famous Norse Godesses and Gods did not leave a clearer trace in the Trolldom tradition.
Not until modern days that is. But then again, today the emphasis of "folk magic" is more a venue for amusement, "spiritual growth" and subcultural identification, rather than a method of increasing income, handling relations or removing destroyed conditions and the evil eye.
There is an abundance of ancestral veneration, use of the dead and all kinds of elemental beings and nature spirits in the same manner that has been praxis for at least 1,2 millenia but no gods or godesses.
Well, ok. It is not completely empty. There are rituals, timings, materials and some other things that has a clear connection to Thor. And a few to Oden. And Frigga. And Freja, yes. But the latter are a minimal amount.
If these large cults, described so vividly by people lika Adam of Bremen in the 11th century had been anchored among commoners and not so much an exclusivity of the aristocracy I bet we would have seen a lot more preserved in the rituals, spells and folklore of later days.
It can not be explained away with the introduction of Christianity and their profound was against hedonism. Of course Christianity spread from aristocracy down to all layers of Norse society, but that did not stop people from feeding the Tomte (the house elf). Nor did it stop us from giving votive gifts to other Elfs, or to the dead or to a host of other spirits of nature or guardians of certain places. It did not stop us from visiting the crossroads, the cemetaries, the earthbound rocks, the rivers and the streams. It did not stop us from ligthing the large bonfires at Easter,Valborg, May 1, Midsummer and so on. It did not stop us from celebrating both Midsummer and Christmas in a way that would make other Christian countries blush and cry "Pagans!".
Yes, one might claim that they have been hidden under noa names and people forgot what their real names were. Just like what happened with "Freya" (which means just "Wife" or "Our Lady") and a bunch other other examples.
Yes, many of them were bunched up with the Trolls, the mountain kings and yes, Oden got associated with the Devil and Frigga and Freya with St. Mary. But, as the case with other long standing traditions, this would not be the case if these divine beings were a deeply rooted part of the folk tradition. Thor survived, did he not?
My conclusion is that the others never became a steadfast part of folk tradition and died in the Ragnarok of cultural change.
Suggested ebooks:
Alfred Thompson - Magic And Mystery A Popular History
Michael Jordan - Dictionary Of Gods And Goddesses
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Book: Lecture On The Philosophy Of Magick by Aleister Crowley
Bro. Richard Kaczynski, a serious student of Crowley's unpublished work who recently completed his biography of Crowley, obtained this lecture from Christina Foyle, a member of the English bookdealing family renowned for her leterary luncheon lectures. Her family's London shop remaindered Crowley's Magick in Theory and Practice. He noted in his diary for August 17, 1932 "Saw Foyle - asked to speak at lunch Sept. 15 on "The Philosophy of Magick." His hope was, as he wrote an aquaintance a few days later, "to sell a few hundred sets of my treatise Magick." Christina Foyle told Kaczynski that she arranged the luncheon at Grosvenor House even though many people warned her off because of Crowley's reputation (her usual fare was Auden, Eliot et al.). One attendee, Rode Macaulay, remarked "I don't mind what he does, as long as he doesn't turn himself into a goat." Crowley's diary for Sept. 15, the day of the luncheon, records "Made a good speech!" - HB
Download Aleister Crowley's eBook: Lecture On The Philosophy Of Magick
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Book: Rosa Mundi by Aleister Crowley
A Poem. With an Original Composition by Auguste Rodin. One of a suite of poems written by Crowley for his then-wife, Rose in 1904.
Download Aleister Crowley's eBook: Rosa Mundi
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Enochian Magick also plays no part in Freemasonry. Enochian Magick has its roots in Elizabethan England with the work of astronomer and English court advisor Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) and his associate Sir Edward Kelley. Dee wanted to recover the wisdom he believed to be in the lost books of earlier times, including the then-fabled Book of Enoch, which he believed described a system of magic. During the years from 1581 to 1585, Dee, and later Kelley, performed "magical operations" involving fervent prayers to God and the archangels, and the use of a scrying stone. Kelly described what appeared on the stone while Dee made extensive notes.
A portion of these papers, concerning the Angelic Calls, Tablets and Liber Scientiae, were acquired with Dee’s library by Robert Cotton. This part was published in Casaubon’s A True and Faithful Relation. The earlier portions concerning the Heptarchy and Liber Loagaeth found their way into the hands of Elias Ashmole in 1672. Ashmole’s collection eventually passed to the British Library (Sloane MS 3188. 3677; Ashmole MS. 422, art. 2. &c.). These texts have nothing to do with the beliefs or practices of Freemasonry, nor with the original Enochian literature.
Suggested e-books:
John Dee - Enochian Magic Spanish Translation
Benjamin Rowe - Enochian Magick Reference
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(publication by by GAIAGUYS.NET)
..bringing the applicant into hatred, ridicule and contempt..." ( notably three primary values which are clearly expressed in the philosophy of the Ordo Templi Orientis).
According to it's own statements and documents Ordo Templi Orientis members practice and swear to defend these "principles of Thelema" as spelled out in The Book of the Law.
A legal document sent to the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria from a Melbourne OTO member, Brent Gray, states that, "The Book of the Law is the primary religious text of Thelema."
"The OTO is an international body of men and women dedicated to the promotion of Thelema. These principles are taught through a graded series of degrees, or initiations, and understood through practical engagement with these mysteries in the initiate's own life."
The following are excerpts from the Book of the Law. "I will give you their flesh to eat" “Sacrifice cattle, little and big: after a child.", “damn them who pity!”, "Kill and torture”, "Compassion is the vice of kings".
Having been advised by an officer of the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria that him dealing with this matter as a member of any of the groups affiliated with the OTO, (being the Freemasons, Order of the Eastern Star [a.k.a. "Lucifer"], Knights Templar, etc.) would constitute a conflict of interest, gaiaguys wrote the ACT Magistrate's court twice seeking statements confirming that no conflict of interest would be present in this case.
Those requests were completely ignored. Do we assume that Magistrate Burns is also a Freemason?
Gaiaguys has just sent a letter to the Federal Treasurer asking about the legal, not-for-profit status of the Ordo Templi Orientis and asking how long it will be before this "we have a right to kill those who would thwart us", organisation has it's legal, religious, tax exempt status removed!
We have still had no response to our May 24th registered letters to the ACT Chief Minister and the ACT Human Rights Commissioner calling for action against this criminal group who enjoy legal immunity in Australia.
Similarly we have still had no response to our May 24th registered letters to the Victorian Attorney General and head of the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria in relation to the OTO's use of Victoria's ludicrous Religious Vilification laws against us, (although the Premier responded saying that we should get legal advice.)
Nor have we heard from the Victorian Police Minister, Police Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner in relation to a report we drew up concerning bloody rites of Babalon which were scheduled to be performed by the OTO in Victoria on the Queen's Birthday weekend. And of course, we did not receive any acknowledgement of our many critical points in the original February 19th 2005 response we made to the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria in response to its enquiries prompted by the religious vilification charges made against us by the OTO.
Rather than serving to protect the community from this violent and cruel network, Magistrate Burns' decision has demonstrated once again just how stunningly widespread and complete is the high-level protection enjoyed by the Ordo Templi Orientis Freemasons in Australia.
(NOTE: The prophet of the Ordo Templi Orientis, Aleister Crowley, said in his commentary* on the Book of the Law, that every man, woman and intermediately-sexed individual is free to interpret and communicate self by means of any sexual practices at all, regardless of ethical, legal or religious concerns, etc, and that all children shall be accustomed from infancy to witness every type of sexual act. We have found another extraordinary composition of his which sheds more light on the kinds of sexual practices he had in mind!
WARNING! This piece by OTO Prophet Crowley is extremely obscene and revolting, and we only include it on our site now in the hope of finally waking up the people of Australia to what is going on here with the approval of our elected representatives and public servants, etc., while child victims, of the sorts of crimes described in the Book of the Law, are betrayed by the Police in Victoria. (Even with victims of horrific ritual abuse independently reporting to Victoria police the Victorian authorities do not consider this group to be worthy of investigation! )
*http://www.hermetic.com/220/crowley-comment.html
"There are a large number, but not a high percentage, of people in high places and positions of trust who take it for granted that they can indulge their sexual appetites for children of both sexes so long as they arrange to cover it up and get away with it," "It's a national problem and MPs involved seem to know each other." - 1st April 2005 statement, South Australia Parliamentary Speaker of the House, Peter Lewis
"The most outrageous thing of all, which disturbs me most about the information... is... what appears to be the related and organised activities of those paedophiles in high public office—that is, the judiciary, the senior ranks of human services portfolios, some police, and MPs, across the nation, especially within the ranks of the Labor Party." - 4th April 2005 Resignation Speech
(Interesting in relation to the South Australian case which blew up in Parliament recently are a couple of harassment emails we received coinciding with our local Internet Service Provider being threatened on two occasions by OTO solicitors. (Understand that whoever wants to send scary emails can't simply do something blatant.) On the first occasion, December 3rd, 2004 we received a "Tsunami warning" email which included some coded messages. On the second occasion, June 21st, when OTO solicitor Jan Moerkerke threatened Nornet again we received one including the phrase "rise and shine" which also included coded messages. What is most interesting is that someone working with the activists in the South Australian case also received a coded "rise and shine" email, along with a reference to a powerful hand gun, just as things were hotting up over there.)
Suggested e-books:
Anonymous - Compendium Daemonii In Latin
Charles Webster Leadbeater - The Hidden Life In Freemasonry
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This meditation can be used for Angelic healing. I am practicing this meditation for all the people who are in need of wellbeing. You are welcome to use it. Let us send love and light to all those in need.
Begin by visualizing a sparkling celestial white light in front of you, breathing in and out, as you breathe in this angelic white light, feel the angelic light energy expanding and surrounding you. You feel a peaceful relaxing energy and as you continue to breathe gently you see the angelic light expansion is ever increasing within and around your body.
Now speak from your heart, and make your intention known to God, the Angels, and the Archangels: we call upon the Archangel Raphael and all the Angels of healing to work with people who are in need of wellness. We call on Archangels, the Angels, and Angelic hosts of white light to assist us and provide love to all minds, and hearts, and where physical healing is required now. (Visualize all people in Haiti).
You notice a large quartz crystal above your head, from this crystal a beam of white divine light slowly descends into your heart filling you with beautiful green emerald light. As the light fills all your heart you now see the Archangel Raphael’s emerald light radiating from your heart sending its beams of healing love towards all those who are in need. See the healing green and white lights swirling outwardly, radiating toward others. Visualize and see all survivors, adults and children, being showered with the white light and their hearts blessed with the healing and loving emerald light, you see that all healers, doctors, service workers and all individuals are being blessed with the white light and are supported with strength, power and angelic guidance to provide support and healing.
We pray and send healing light to all souls that have passed on and have been carried and comforted by their Angels and loved ones and are now in a place of peace, love, and in the company of God and Angels and all Light beings. We pray and send healing light to all those who grieve so they may find calmness and consolation. We pray and send healing and blessings of light to all Earth Angels, that can provide help and support and be of service at this time.
Now we give thanks to God and the Angels for the blessings of love, comfort, peace and healings received. And so it is. Amen.
You can also use pieces of this meditation as a Prayer. Every Prayer counts.
Angel Blessings,
Suggested e-books:
Andrew Pernick - A Meditation On The Simon Necronomicon
Order Of The Golden Dawn - Meditation With The Archangel Auriel
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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 (i.e. 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 (i.e. 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 variously 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 correspond-ing 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 correspond-ing 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
tattva: prithivi
tattvic symbol: yellow square
element: water
tattva: apas
tattvic symbol: silver crescent
element: fire
tattva: tejas
tattvic symbol: red triangle
element: air
tattva: vayu
tattvic symbol: blue circle
element: (spirit)
tattva: akasa
tattvic symbol: 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...
Hathayoga--affect the mind through the body using physical exercises; improve physical health and endurance.
Rajayoga-affect the mind through mental training; Improve concentration.
Mantrayoga --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. Basically, meditation has two functions -- relaxation, and perhaps, improved concentration. There are two main types...
1) concentration meditation (focusing),
2) insight meditation (mindfulness).
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 meditation-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 an effort to attain transcendental 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 basically Kundalini yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini) to flow up sushumna, energizing the various chakras along the way. The practice, consider-ed dangerous by some, will produce definite 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 medic-ations, 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, especially 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 mental 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 calisthenics 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 inhalations, then four short quick exhalations; then repeat, continuing until the allotted time is used up. It will take about 1-1/2 seconds for the four inhalations, and about 1-1/2 seconds for the four exhalations; 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 prana- yama. Begin a minute a day for the first week and gradually increase up to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama before 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, calisthenics, walking or jogging.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is a chakra? List them.
2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
3) What is pranayama?
by Phil Hansford, 4/88
Suggested e-books:
Aleister Crowley - Book 4 Part I Meditation
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
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