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- Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is licenced for
- free non-commercial distribution only.
-
- ** 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 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-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.
-
- 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