Copyright
(c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is 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
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.
1) Psychotherapy
of certain types which releases pent up
psychological energy.
2) 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.
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
Pt 10a
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