Note: While much of this information may be Pagan in expression, the application of it applies to any and all belief systems. So, please don't get irritated because the various authors are writing from a Pagan viewpoint. The information is viable and applicable to all.
***
Magic is the
process of expressing wants, needs, and desires through ritual. Ritual is the
physical application of the energies used and sent out to the Universe and the
Divine to manifest those wants, needs, and desires.
It is this
energy that is the key to everything. Without it nothing would happen. Our
bodies would not function, thus our spells would not work. Energy is what binds
it all together. Modern science has proven this, but the Vedic sages of India
have taught this concept for thousands of years. And later, so did the Druids,
and afterward the Witches.
Hermes
Trismegistus, his name means “Thrice-Great Hermes”, is the author of the well
known Pagan phrase, “As Above, So Below”. Although this is a condensed,
stylized expression of the full statement taken from the Emerald Tablet; “That
which is below is as that which is above, and that which is above is as that
which is below, to perform the miracles of the one thing.” It is my
favorite quote as it puts in four words the full explanation of the theory of
magic, life & our existence, and spirituality. Let me explain.
************
As Above,
So Below
The Emerald
Tablet is attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (323 BC to approximately146 BC -
the peak of the Greek influence). He is the Hellenistic combination of the
Greek God Hermes (the Messenger of the Gods) and the Egyptian God Thoth (God of
the Moon, Writing & Magic).
It is also
known as the “Smaragdine Table“, the “Tabula Smaragdina“, and “The Secret of
Hermes“. The text carved into it is believed to reveal the mysterious
primordial matter and its transmutations. There are several translations,
Arabic, Newton’s, Beato’s, and Latin. I’ve presented the modern Latin
interpretation here:
1. (It is) true, without error, certain
and most true.
2. That which is below is as that which
is above, and that which is above is as that which is below, to perform the
miracles of the one thing.
3. And as all things were from the one,
by means of the meditation of the one, thus all things were born from the one,
by means of adaptation.
4. Its father is the Sun, its mother is
the Moon, the Wind carried it in its belly, its nurse is the earth.
5. The father of the whole world (or
"of all of the initiates"?) is here.
6. Its power is whole if it has been
turned into earth.
7. You will separate the earth from the
fire, the subtle from the dense, sweetly, with great skill.
8. It ascends from earth into heaven and
again it descends to the earth, and receives the power of higher and of lower
things.
9. Thus you will have the Glory of the
whole world.
10. Therefore will all obscurity flee from
you.
11. Of all strength this is true strength,
because it will conquer all that is subtle, and penetrate all that is solid.
12. Thus was the world created.
13. From this were wonderful adaptations,
of which this is the means. Therefore am I named Thrice-Great Hermes, having
the three parts of the philosophy of the whole world.
14. It is finished, what I have said about
the working(s) of the Sun.
The maxim “As
Above, So Below” refers to everything from the largest stars in the universe to
the smallest microscopic structures of cells. Worlds within worlds, they exist
separate but as one. The energy that links them all together is electromagnetic
and has many names; Chi (Chinese), Ki (Japanese), Mana (Polynesian), Od
(German), Orenda (Iriquois), Prana (Indian), Psychic Energy (modern).
As the stars
move through the skies, so too do the rivers flow to the seas. As Above, So
Below.
As the clouds
float on the wind, so too do our thoughts pass through our minds. As Above, So
Below.
As the winds
fuel the fire, so the electrical current moves the atoms in the cells of all
things. As Above, So Below.
As we call
upon the Gods to assist us, so too do the Gods call upon us to listen to what
they have to say. As Above, So Below.
If you sit
and consider all the aspects of what this one phrase encompasses, we see this
phrase goes far beyond the obvious. It gets deeper the more you think about it.
Through this contemplation, my revelation of its meaning has led me to the
inner belief that we are part of God, or the Gods (if Pagan) (and subsequently the Universe and
its energy), and they are part of us. We, in our human form, are too frail to
hold all the energy of the Divine. If we did, our bodies would literally explode.
So, we are able to touch just enough of the energy that we are able to use it
to manifest that which we need and desire to keep us safe and happy.
It is not
static or inanimate, but responsive and dynamic. It shapes the physical world
around us, transforming, renewing, changing. We interact with it on a
subconscious level giving it shape in reaction to our touching it.
When we
consciously use this energy, bringing our personal power, our willpower into
the process, this changes everything. We become the tool from which it is
directed. We become as the instrument that sends out the energy toward
manifestation of intent. This is what magic is; consciously focusing and
controlling this incredible energy. Our thoughts and emotions react with this
energy, which in turn may be used to control and/or influence it. Our ability
to do so, while still a conscious action, does come from a higher state of
consciousness, our Higher Self.
In ritual,
the Higher Self is in control. We enter a type of psychic trance or altered
state. Our brainwaves actually change. It is in this state that we bring the
most power to our rites and spells.
************
Theories
of Magic
Various
Methods For Performing Mystical Actions
By J.L.N.
Lewitin
Magic is an
interaction with fundamental forces which are hidden from physical view. This
definition is intrinsic, as magic becomes science as soon as it becomes
possible to actually view its source. Even theoretically logical viewing of its
cause can often define the principle as a physical force rather than a mystical
event.
The use of
magic is based on the idea that an individual can strategically use an
understanding of metaphysical principles to interact with the world around
them. This understanding is most often achieved through greater sensitivity to
the forces working around oneself, and an increased awareness of your own
relative relationship to the others in the world.
The following
theories of magic are based on philosophical ideas about the nature of the
universe. The work of countless sages and thinkers the development of mystic
wisdom is the effort of whole generations, occasionally spurred on by the work
of the brilliant, to evolve theories of the intrinsic nature of everything.
Natural
Theories of Magic
As above so
below, this often quoted proverb is the cornerstone of natural magic. At its
core this is an idea that everything in the universe is related to everything
else. Anything that happens affects everything, to some degree, and in very
specific ways. The understanding of those ways is the key to proficiency at
this particular method.
Coming to an
understanding of the intrinsic principles guiding the universe’s relationship
to itself, can be gained through various methods in which you make yourself
more aware of the nature of the world. In the shamanistic tradition this is
done by putting oneself into a trance, through mental and ceremonial
techniques. In the guru tradition it is more often done through advanced
meditation, although ceremonial action can be used as well.
Natural magic
does not have very many written spells or ceremonies which can be used to evoke
its power, since the words and actions would have to be specifically tailored
to both the individual and the situation necessary. This is why trance and or
meditation is needed for an individual to release their cognitive mind enough
to understand the hidden nature of the world. Theoretically a very small number
of spells and or actions are so powerful and specific that they can be used by
almost anybody, and could be written down, however these are so rare that there
are not currently any copies of them in circulation.
Some of those
that commonly use natural magic are Shamans, workers of Voo Doo, and
Transcendentalists. Balance theory of magic, which is discussed in greater
detail below, is also considered a subset of this particular philosophy.
Astrology
also uses natural magic, but in such a profoundly unique manner that it bears
commenting on separately. Unlike most forms of magic which try to evoke a
response from the world, astrology is a kind of forecasting which merely seeks
to understand the nature of future events. Over countless ages astrologers have
watched the movements of the large astrological bodies in the sky, and have
correlated them with the actions which occur for those around them. In this way
they feel they have uncovered some of the principles of this interaction and
interconnectivity. This allows them to use the cyclic nature of astrological bodies,
as well as observations of orbital paths, to predict not only the movements of
the sky above but the actions and future of people who live around them. This
theory has recently been enormously complicated by multi-versal mystical
theories. One of the unique things about this craft is that it is the only form
of natural magic which can be written down and passed along. This is because it
is not an active participation, but merely an observation of other
participations.
Balance
Theories of Magic
The balance
theory of magic is theoretically based on natural theory; however its core
emphasis is on the perfect balance which exists between all opposites in the
world. The universe and everything in it is in a state of constant flux, pulled
back and forth between the intrinsic opposites which exist in everything.
Working with
this discipline requires that an individual become acutely aware of these
balances. It is important not only to be able to recognize them, but also to
perceive the differences between the two opposing sources in each struggle. As
ones sensitivity increases, it will become possible to employ various
strategies to exploit this natural state.
Proficiency
in this discipline begins with oneself. To understand balance in the world, one
first needs to understand the balance that is within them. If one is to
influence the balance of the world, it is absolutely necessary that they have
control over their own balances.
Balance magic
is performed by increasing, or upsetting, the intrinsic balances which exist in
objects and situation. In strengthening the balance, one creates a more
powerful bond. By destroying a balance, one is creating energy, because the
balance will seek to restore itself. By increasing or decreasing one element in
this balance, one can effect changes in the cycles of events.
Multi-verse
Theories of Magic
The idea of
the Multi-verse is an ancient thought which has been discovered and lost
countless times throughout history. It is an idea which has gained recent
attention due to the efforts of modern scientists, whose works are beginning to
uncover new truths about the nature of existence. Highly theoretical, greater
understanding of this idea has the potential for powerful results.
The theory of
the multi-verse is that our entire universe is a thin membrane, like a gauze
pancake, which is floating in a void with an infinite number of other pancake
universes. Since there are an infinite number of them, every possible universe
exists in this multi-verse. Further, the subatomic particles in any one
universe can suddenly appear in any of the other universes at any given point
in time, based on complicated probabilities.
This is a
theory which is so speculative that it is difficult to determine specific
truths. However the implications are far reaching, including a new
understanding of space and time, the nature of existence, as well as cause and
effect.
At the core
of this idea is the concept of probabilities. Anything is possible, and the
more probable it is in your particular universe, the more likely it is to
occur. Further, each person exists in an infinite number of incarnations and
universes, all of which interact on a very subtle level through the exchange of
subatomic particles.
Application
of this theory consists of strategically manipulating probability and personal
existence, to evoke an incarnation in which the desired effect is real. At the
interpersonal level this is an idea of cause and effect, in which a person can
step outside of their lives and look on their existence as a game whose actions
they can manipulate to a desired effect. On a more personal level this is a
control of ones own perceptions, in which a being chooses how they want to view
events, and by doing so alter the incarnate existence they are in.
The most
difficult aspect of this magical theory is the necessity to find a balance
between altering ones own perceptions and altering the world around them. On
the one hand you have to change the way you look at things to alter your own
incarnation, while on the other you have to be aware of the hard reality of
your current existence enough to alter causes and effects around you.
Power and
Force Magical Theories
This is the
most basic concept of magic. In its essence it contends that one can, through
various methods, store up enough power to force an action or event in the
world. This energy can be stored either in a person, or in an object. Some even
contend that energy can be stored in an idea or a word, although that is a very
complex application of this idea.
There are
many ways to gain sufficient force to accomplish a mystical event. In small
amounts, potential energy is stored up by every action; however it is usually
cancelled out by other energies. By focusing the direction of the potential
energy that you store, you can place it within a single location. A simple
example of this is charisma, which can be an inborn talent, but is also
enhanced by the fact that the more popular a person is, the more persuasive
power they have.
Another way
to focus energy into a single spot is to use meditative techniques to
concentrate energy from other sources, such as the sun, into a narrow area.
While this method is very difficult, and requires supreme self control and
awareness, it is one of the most powerful methods of magic available, because
it allows you to constantly replenish your reserves.
Some
creatures and items naturally have enormous amounts of power. An example of a
creature is a demon, whose purity of chaos affords them tremendous energy, in a
fashion similar to a nuclear reactor. An example of an object that is naturally
powerful is the ocean. A giant crystal, it directs and stores the energy from
the sun which hits its surface, deep within its liquid chambers.
Written By
J.L.N. Lewitin, courtesy of AncientThoughts.com
************
Foundations
of Magick —The Theory of Magick
Aug 23, 2010
Leigh-Ann Andersen
True magick
is becoming a more commonly accepted practice, but it is not for everyone. The
practice of magick requires patience and a willing spirit.
Magick may
not be an exact science, but it still appears to follow certain rules and
principles. Some of these are akin to physical laws, some are not. No one, no
matter how adept, fully understands magick and its uses. However, for the
magician who does understand these principles, the possibilities might just be
limitless.
The Nature
of Magick and Reality
Believing in
something that cannot be readily seen might seem just a bit crazy on the
surface. However, humans believe in things they cannot see every day. Under
normal circumstances, air is invisible to the naked eye, and yet everyone knows
it exists, since everyone is breathing. Most people do at least acknowledge
that there is more to the universe than meets the eye.
The nature of
magick is such that it is not fully understood. However, it does at least
appear to behave according to some rules. Some generally-accepted laws of
magick are:
Ÿ * The
perceived world is a mixture of reality and perception.
Ÿ * If
one searches for evidence that something is true, one will usually find it.
Ÿ * All
statements are true in one sense, false in another, and meaningless in yet
another.
Ÿ * If
it works, it is true.
Ÿ * Everything
is connected.
Ÿ * If
two things have just one thing in common, that one thing can be used to
influence both.
Ÿ * The
cause and effect of something tend to resemble each other.
Ÿ * If
two things were once in contact, they can continue to interact after separation.
Ÿ * Two
laws or worldviews may contradict each other and still be true, as no worldview
may all reality.
Ÿ * Every
action is an exchange of energy.
Ÿ * Any
concept, force, or object may be considered to have life.
Ÿ * The
Principles of Magick
Magick is a
powerful and often misunderstood thing. Defining magick is not always easy, and
trying to explain how it works is even more difficult. There are certain
principles that can make the practice of magick seem a little less daunting,
more logical, and more natural. They also aid in the understanding of magickal
ethics.
The following
points are regarded as the basic principles of magick:
Ÿ
Magick
is natural.
Ÿ
Magick
requires effort. You will receive what you put into it, nothing more, and
nothing less.
Ÿ
Magick
is not spontaneous, at least, not usually. Most spells require time to be
effective.
Ÿ
Magick
is not to be used as a game or joke, or to enhance the ego.
Ÿ
Magick
can be worked for gain, but only if it brings harm to none.
Ÿ
Magick
is, at its source, a divine act.
Ÿ
Magick
certainly can be used for defense, but should never be used to attack.
Ÿ
Magick
is knowledge.
Ÿ
Magick
is belief. For magick to work effectively, you must believe in it.
Ÿ
Magick
is love. Magick should always be performed out of love.
Energy and
Magick
Energy is
everywhere. At a certain level, everything is comprised of energy. There is
energy in the sunlight, the moonlight, the earth, the waters, and the air. With
each breath, every person takes in energy, and then exhales it. Every person,
plant, and animal teems with energy.
The abundance
of energy available everyday is extraordinary. However, despite the fact that
energy swirling all around him, a magician actually needs very little. Instead
of being flashy, like thunder and lightening, a talented magician uses a little
more finesse. More like a gentle breeze, almost unnoticed amongst the greater
swirl of energy that makes up the world.
Magick and
Science
Science has
come a long way in the last century, and scientific views are not necessarily
incompatible with magick. Hypnotism, once thought to be a black art and even a
form of mind control, is now a commonly accepted practice. There are now
cameras that can take a photograph of the body of energy that surrounds each
person; some people call this energy an aura.
There are
many scientists, both in the past and present, who are firm believers in
magick. Einstein himself fully supported the idea that astrology was a science,
and not simply an occult practice. Isaac Newton wrote more frequently on the
practice of alchemy than he did on physics.
It seems that
ancient magicks and modern science are slowly coming together.
Does
Magick Work?
According to
practitioners, magick does, indeed, work. Spells and rituals will always have
an effect, no matter how slight, and no matter which style of magick you're
using. However, this is not always the effect that is intended. Someone may
cast a spell to gain enough money to pay all their bills, and instead of
gaining extra money, the individual might find all their bills in their
mailbox, with expected due dates that are fairly immediate.
Obviously,
this is not what was intended by the caster. However, spells and rituals can
have flaws. Most of these are problems with design, performance, or
interference. Usually, all three of these things are caused by the caster. A
lack of focus or belief, a small distraction, or a poorly worded chant can all
have an adverse effect on spells and rituals.
A properly
crafted and executed spell or ritual will almost always meet with success.
However, it is important to note that true magick isn’t the same as the
Hollywood version. It is rarely flashy, and special effects are almost
non-existent. True magick takes belief and practice to be effective.
Magick is not
well understood, and discovering the magick within takes time. It is difficult
to explain and even harder to master. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
Following a magickal path is not for everyone, and requires courage, patience,
and understanding.
References:
Buckland, Raymond,
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications, 2007.
Buckland,
Raymond, Witchcraft … The Religion. Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and
Magic, 1966.
Cunningham,
Scott, Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Llewellyn Publications,
1999.
Cunningham,
Scott, Living Wicca, A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.
Llewellyn Publications, 2000.
Leek, Sybil, The
Complete Art of Witchcraft. World Publishing, 1971.
Anatomy of
Ritual
How is a
ritual or spell composed? Do you have to? Does it matter how its done? All of
these questions depend on whether you are coven or solitary based. Many
Traditions and covens have very specific ways in which their rituals are
performed, from the manner the altar is set up to the specific hand movements
at exact moments during the rite. For a solitary, these are all optional.
Whether they choose to be formal and specific is completely up to them.
The Pagan rituals I do for Pagan clients are relatively “set”. I have everything written out from the time of
day all the way through to the closing of the Circle. The day-to-day, quickie,
or “regular” spells are done “on the fly”. I have the intent in my head, I may
or may not light a candle or add herbs or oils. As a solitary I do what I feel
is right for me at the moment.
As a rootworker my works are done a little differently. Especially those for my Hoodoo/Rootwork/Conjure clients. These will include verses from the Bible, most often the Psalms, as well as calling particular Saints who would be sympathetic to the situation.
Work done for myself is always rootwork/conjure, but my clients have their belief systems through which I respectfully work with (and enjoy the change of pace). Regardless of belief system, the Divine is in ALL of it, so there is no conflict. Any conflict would be in the mind of the practitioner.
************
The Rite
Parts
What goes
into ritual? The following article explains everything for you very well by a
very experienced and knowledgeable practitioner.
***
The
Anatomy of Ritual, Spellwork, and Magick
By Dr.
Kheti A. Sahure
Before
delving into this subject matter, let us begin with a definition for the terms
"Ritual, Spell, Spellwork, and Magick" solely based upon my many
years of experience as a practitioner of the Occult Metaphysical Sciences,
Alternative Religions and Spiritualities:
What is a
Ritual?
Performed
generally for its symbolic value (as in a rite), a ritual is a planned
progression or series of actions and activities geared toward the
accomplishment of a specific goal in accordance with religious, spiritual, or
social customs of the past to the here and now.
What is
Spellwork and a Spell?
A technique
or methodology for physically raising the power and the manipulating energy by
way of magick and/or the useful tools of applied occult metaphysics. A spell is
a magickal formulary of spoken, written, or the mentalization of specific words
performed with varying degrees of magickal and meditative intent or purpose.
Often, a spell is performed only as an incantation without being included in a
full ritual or ceremony. For example, a simple (easy) Candle Spell can be
performed for something "minor" that you or your client needs. On the
other hand, you can adapt your spells or spellwork for more complex
circumstances. There are many branches of spells and spellwork ranging from
healing to love to maleficium (i.e., malevolent sorcery or hexing).
What is
Magick?
The term
"Magick" is often spelled with a "k" in order to
distinguish it from the artistic practice of Illusionist, Sleight of Hand, and
Parlor Magic for entertainment purposes. Performing Magick is based upon the
practitioner's ability and "will" to bring about (cause) and affect
change in people, places, courses of events, circumstances, and physical
objects through the elements or elementals (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Aether
or "Light-Bearing or Spirit"), mystical (mystickal), paranormal or
supernatural (metaphysical) means. If a practitioner is employing Ancient
Chinese Philosophy in his or her magickal workings, then she or he will work
with the Five Elements or Wu Xing (i.e., the "five movements, phases, or
steps/stages over elements") of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Furthermore,
the proper working and exercising of spells and rituals are imperative in any
spiritual or divinatory system. Whether it be Low (Folk) Magick, Ceremonial
(High or Ritual) Magick, Sympathetic Magick, or Black Magick (the Dark Arts),
all have their own form of and approach to rituals and spellwork. Very good
examples of highly ritualistic religio-spiritual systems include but are not
limited to: The Craft, Khemeticism and Tameran (Ancient Egyptian religions),
Qabalah (Hermetic Kabbalah - distinguishing between Judaic theological and the
Hermetic magickal viewpoints), Hoodoo, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Chaos, Vodou
(Voodoo), Ayurvedic, Vedic, and many other systems that might engage in the
practice of spellwork (spell casting), rituals (ceremonial rites), and magick.
Some of the
metaphysical techniques and tools used within these systems include the
elementals, altars, circles, pentagrams and hexagrams, meditation, divination
(tarot, astrology, etc.), prayer, solar and lunar correspondences, conjuration,
charms, talismans and amulets, dolls, wands, and many other powerful
instruments for the invocation, evocation and petitioning of spirit. Within
Native American spirituality and ritual, for instance, there tends to be an
attempt at maintaining balance, peace, and harmony between the mundane world
and the universal forces (energies) of Spirit or Gitchi Manidoo.
Note that
there are many different ways to perform rituals and to cast spells,
especially, within the realm of Alternative Religions and Spiritualities (i.e.,
non-mainstream religio-spiritual paths). Also keep in mind that these methods
or practices are not set in granite because each spiritual path, circle, coven,
grove, temple, or gathering has its own specific way of doing things. However,
there are some basic ingredients or component parts that one will find in
almost any spell or ritual--some similar and some not so similar in name:
Anatomy of
Magick, Ritual & Spellwork - Steps
- Kind or
Type of Ritual
- Purpose -
Intent of the Ritual
- Ritual
Tools (Preparation, Cleansing, and/or Consecration)
- Lunar &
Solar Correspondences
- Preparation
- Ground and Focus (Center)
- Creating
Sacred Space, Circle Casting - Pentagram, Hexagram, Triangle (Pyramidal)
- Invocation
- Evocation of Divinity (One or more deities)
- Repeating
the Ritual's Purpose
- Working the
Ritual
- The Nexus
of Energy (NoE - Raising energy or power then releasing it into the Universe)
- Offerings -
Food, Libation, Objects
- Meditation
(Exhalation)
- Thanking
the Deities, Spirits, and other Energies or Forces
- Closing,
Banishing the Circle
Depending
upon one's spiritual path, circumstances, or intent, the practitioner will Call
the Quarters just after circle casting. And remember that rituals, spellwork,
and magick are the manipulation of symbolism as manifested through the use of
Cosmic or Universal energy.
Dr. Sahure
is a senior researcher with the Antiquus Research Group and the author of many
noteworthy essays and articles about a variety of topics and subjects,
including herbalism, ancient history and mythology, ancient Egyptian religion
(Kemeticism), metaphysical sciences, ancient religions and theology, astrology,
tarot, and divination systems.
For more
in-depth information and discussions about spells and rituals, connect with us
at the Applied Occult Metaphysics eGroup:
http://groups.yahoo.com/g...plied_Occult_Metaphysics
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Kheti_A._Sahure
************
Summary
By
understanding the theory of magic and the anatomy of ritual we are able to
write and conduct the spells and rituals with the most energy and power. Which
of course, is what assists us in manifesting our wants, needs, and desires.
**************
No comments:
Post a Comment