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Ceremonial Magic #3
Copyright © 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is licenced for
free non-commercial distribution only.
MAGICK 3 -- THE FOUR WORLDS
The ancients described man as mind, body, and soul.
Psychologists of the twentieth century added the subconscious to
that definition. This produces a four-fold classification. The
universe is also divided into four corresponding parts
("worlds"), as shown below:
WORLD BODY QUALITY
===== ==== =======
spiritual world spiritual body (soul or kia) intuition
mental world mental body(conscious mind) rational thought
astral world astral body (subconscious) emotions
physical world physical body physical senses
The astral body (subconscious) is the intermediary for intuition,
magical and psychic phenomena, and is the "psychic link" to the
physical world. J.H. Brennan says that the astral is the realm
of visual imagination. It seems to be both a "place" and a
"state of mind" at the same time. Most occult and magical
phenomena originate in the invisible, non-sensate, non-physical
realm (ie. without physical senses). Each of the four worlds
interacts with the other worlds. Psychic energy flows from the
spiritual to mental to astral to physical. The physical world is
a projection (manifestation, reflection, or shadow) of the higher
worlds. Our center of consciousness is generally within these
higher worlds. "We are", to quote the rock music group the
Police, "spirits in the material world".
There are many similar terms used by other occult groups. For
example, "astral light" is another name for astral world,
although it may sometimes also refer to the entire non-physical
realm, as may "inner planes" or "the invisible world". Planes
are essentially the same as worlds. Vehicles or sheaths are the
same as bodies. Some groups include an etheric or vital body
between physical and astral: it is mostly "physical" with a
little of the lower "astral" besides. And sometimes astral and
mental are each divided into two parts (upper and lower). The
"causal body" is the upper "mental".
MICROCOSM AND MACROCOSM
We have been describing "traditional" occult philosophy here, and
certainly an important part of the tradition is the idea (and
terms) microcosm and macrocosm. The greater universe, known as
the macrocosm, includes everything that exists. It corresponds
with the microcosm, or tiny universe, ie. man -- who is thought
of as a miniature replica of the macrocosm (whole universe).
This basic magical relationship is demonstrated in the Bible
(Genesis 1.27), where God is the macrocosm; and in the writing of
Trismegistus ("As above so below"). Since man is in the image of
God (universe) it follows that God is in the image of man (in
other words, man and the God/universe match each other). The
magician, as a microcosm is thus connected with the macrocosm.
There is an intimate relationship of energies between you and
everything else. The universe is reflected within us and we are
projected into the universe. This is an important theory behind
magick and astrology.
MAGICK WHITE AND BLACK
"Personal magick" is that magick used to affect the self; often
involving affirmation, self-suggestion, and self-hypnosis.
"Active magick" is outer directed magick (as in PK) used to
affect someone or thing, or to bring about an event. "Passive
magick" is to be affected (as in ESP) by an outside non-physical
cause. Everyone possesses some magical (and psychic) potential.
Some are especially gifted. Usually people are better at one
kind of magick (ie. active or passive) than they are at the other
kind; only rarely does an individual excel at both. Training and
practice will, of course, improve ability somewhat.
Although the forces of magick are neutral, various systems may
take on the qualities of good and evil. There is so-called white
magick or good magick, black magick or evil magick, and gray
magick between them. When many people refer to white magick they
mean magick for unselfish purposes, also healing and mental
influence with specific permission. By black magick they refer
to magick for self-interest and healing without specific
permission.
Using magick to forcefully control another's will is, in a sense,
black magick too. There are also some people on the occult
fringe who claim to be, possibly even think they are,
"Satanists", devil worshipers, or black magicians. These people
are most likely charlatans, hoaxers, dabblers, or merely
misinformed. They may be attracted by the "art" of black magick,
or even by the "glamor" of doing something against the "rules".
But a real black magician is very dangerous. Because he has
dedicated his life to evil. We usually think of "white magick"
as having unselfish intent, and (in the extreme case) of "black
magick" as being actual Satan worship, human or animal sacrifice,
dangerous unconventional magical practices, and other bizarre
stuff as makes a nightmare. It is all a matter of degree. Most
mild self-interest magick (one of the most common kinds) would be
called "gray". Better terms may be constructive magick as being
beneficial; and aversive magick as magick intended to work
against the natural order, and to tear down. There is also the
high magick of spiritual alchemy (ie. spiritual growth), also
known as "the Great Work"; and conversely there is "low magick"
which is concerned with materiality.
Any magick act is likely to produce side effects regardless of
whether or not the desired result is achieved. Such side effects
are no problem for constructive magick, since they are beneficial
as well. However, aversive magick can produce aversive side
effects which may even harm the magician -- aversive magick is
dangerous!
MAGICK IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS
What we have been calling "magick" is actually a continuous
process. Since your subconscious never rests, your environment
is continually being shifted into line with your model. This is
true whether you study magick or not.
For most people, these effects are usually very subtle, and they
are probably not aware of them. However, as you work with the
occult, the flow of psychic energy and your awareness of it
increases. Your true will is more likely to be strongly
expressed. Your luck may be affected (either in a positive or a
negative way). Remember, our lives tend to follow what we want
down deep. That is why a positive outlook is so very beneficial
to us.
THE MAGICAL DIARY
Sometimes it is helpful to keep a diary of your magical
experiments and research. Such a diary should include the date,
perhaps even some astrological data (or anything else you think
may have a relationship to what you are doing).
This is also a good time to begin recording your dreams -- at
least the important ones -- in a dream diary. Your dreams can
tell you a great deal about yourself, and may sometimes reveal
premonitions. Dreams are personal. Don't fall for the
commercial "dream book" gimmick.
AFFIRMATIONS
The mind is always open to suggestion -- especially the
subconscious. Most of the time we censor any suggestions
according to the model; but one way to break through the censor
is with repetition. An affirmation does this exactly. By
suggestion, we mean any statement which is capable of affecting
your model. Usually suggestion is in the form of a positive
statement (such as the hypnotist's patter -- " You are becoming
sleepy"). An affirmation is the same kind of thing -- a positive
suggestion, which you repeat (affirm) to yourself aloud or
silently (for example, "I remember my dreams"). If there is some
quality you wish to change or develope within yourself, an
affirmation is ideal. Repeat it several times every day at
several different times throughout the day, especially when you
go to bed. Affirmations are subtle and may require a few months
to work. Use them for changes, not miracles.
SIMPLE BANISHING TECHNIQUE
Visualization is another important method we use to influence the
subconscious. A good example of this is the simple banishing
technique which follows. Banishing is used in magick to "clear
the air" of negative "vibes" and interference...
Visualize a strong white light flowing out the top of your head,
flowing down around you and covering you. At the same time
imagine you are throwing away any "problem" vibes. Maintain the
visualization for a half a minute or longer. Good way to help
you handle your emotions, and to control worry or anger.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1) What is a microcosm?
2) List the four worlds. Explain.
3) What is an affirmation? Give an example.
BOOK LIST
Geoffry Hodson, Theosophy Answers Some Problems of Life.
Marc Edmund Jones, Key Truths of Occult Philosophy.
Marion Weinstein, Positive Magic.
Nelson & Ann White, The Wizard's Apprentice.
Beatrice Bruteau, The Psychic Grid.
========
Phil Hansford, 4/88
Mysteria
(818) 353-8891 (modem)
P.O. Box 83
Tujunga, CA 91042
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