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(Number 366)
MODELS OF MAGICK
In the course of exploring and researching into the possibilities of
new, more efficient techniques of magick, I am ever more struck by
the fact that a basic breakdown, and a more structured view of the
history of magick to-date might prove somewhat helpful for the
growing number of people writing in to me trying to understand what
magick is; and more importantly perhaps, what different types
of "making" magick there might be.
After all, magickians have always aspired to restate and/or reinvent
the theory and practice of magick in the language of their times.
(i.e. in different models pertaining to current world views).
Therefore, this attempt at delving a little deeper into this
particular research has been included here to help those inquiring
into this rather nebulous subject.
There is, however, some risk involved in such an approach; wherein
research "models" do not really, or fully explain anything; they are
only illustrations of processes, albeit rather useful ones mind you.
What's more, any attempt at over-systematization tends to obfuscate
the research direction and further complicates the matter directly at
hand more than it clarifies. Therefore, one should not mistake the
map for the landscape so to speak, a fallacy, which a great many
kabbalists appear to be more prone to.
Thus, the following five, (or rather; four plus one), models of
magick that I can readily identify, with somewhat reasonable
simplicity, to become a base, or foundation, to further one's own
research, should be seen as a means of basically understanding
the `practical possibilities' of various magickal systems, rather
than as any `definitive theories' and/or `explanations' of the way
magick (actually) works. (You can read some explanations of magickal
explanations and techniques on the main "Coven of Cythrawl" site at
http://www.coven-of-cythrawl.com).
Nowadays, we can readily say that it has proven somewhat effective in
practice to view magick under the following basic categories, (which
one might wish to elucidate and refine by themselves within their own
research programme). They are as follows :
THE SPIRIT MODEL
THE ENERGY MODEL
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL
THE INFORMATION MODEL
THE META-MODEL
THE SPIRIT MODEL
The spirit model is purportedly the oldest model of magick, 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 around the world. Its basic premise is the
existence of an `Otherworld' inhabited by more, or less, autonomous
entities such as Entities, Spirits, Angels, Demons, Ancient Forces,
Gods, Goddesses, Faeiries, etc. The shaman or magickian is someone
who can enter this `Otherworld' at will, and one whom has traveled
widely within it; knows its language and customs and has made
friends, smitten enemies and/or acquired allies and servitors there.
This is rather important to understand, as all magick is of these
entities' making. The modern German word for witch, "Hexe",
illustrates this rather neatly if we take a closer look at its
etymology. The actual word derives from Old High
German, "hagazussa", which translates as "fence rider". The
hagazussa is riding the "fence between the worlds". i.e. She or he is
at home in the world of everyday life as well as in the `magickal
Otherworld' of spirits.
In the spirit model, magick is seen as being actually effected by
these entities, that are usually invisible, (at least to the average
individual), and it is the shaman's, or magickian's, task to make
them put his will into effect. This may be done by chant, prayer,
barter, by cajoling, threats, and pressure, or even –by the
application of pure magickal force.
The `Otherworld' may have its own dominion, geography and even
habitat, but it is usually considered to coexist with
(within/without/merged/separate) the world of everyday life and is a
matter of differing dimension. Others find their Otherworld being
without logic and being dimensionless, or without parameters and
purely a nebulous and indefinable `place' to the consciousnesses and
human understanding. The keys to entering `it' however, is always
through an altered state of consciousness, controlled trance, or
imbued ecstasy of which the competent shaman is usually an expert.
When I say always, it is really just that the shaman enters some sort
of portal beyond time and dimension, which are then entered, usually
by first being taught how to do it by another competent shaman, and
perhaps led around, and then subsequently exploring on one's own. A
neophyte will mostly find it very difficult to venture on one's own,
without direct instruction, as it is with most things `magickal'.
The spirit model has prevailed in traditionalist, or Dogmatic magick,
even until today.
THE ENERGY MODEL
The rise of what we might call the energy model in the West, was
marked primarily by the appearance of Mesmerism towards the end of
the 18th century. Anton Mesmer, who was not an occultist, but who
was on the other hand, regarded by his contemporaries as being
a "miracle worker" of sorts, rediscovered, amongst other things, the
ancient healing disciplines of hypnosis (and supposed magnetism). He
popularized his theory of "animal magnetism", which he saw as a
subtle force inherent in organisms, but not forgetting that he also
made heavy use of actually metal magnets for healing purposes.
While the French Revolution put a temporary end to Mesmer's movement,
his ideas were not entirely lost. They were later taken up by a
number of others, primarily occultists, who drew on them heavily
while developing their own theories of magick. One of the first to
do so was Bulwer Lytton, of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia
(SRIA), who later postulated the existence of a subtle energy, which
he termed `Vril', possibly deriving from the Latin virilitas,
or "force, power, strength". (This was actually the model for the
naming of the drink Bovril, from the Latin "bovis", or "ox",
and Vril
or the "life force" termed by Lytton.) We can also observe other
interesting parallels to this concept in the vitalist theories of
biology, which emerged around the same time.
Other exponents of the energy model of magick, (not then so termed of
course), were Reichenbach, with his concept of Od, and then there's
Eliphas Levi and his Astral Light, and even Madame Blavatsky, who
adopted the theories of `Prana' from Yoga physiology. This
particular era was also the time when anthropology and
ethnology `discovered' the Polynesian concept of Manna, and the
Asiatic scholars began to concern themselves with the Chinese
principle of Ch'i (Chi - Prana). The latter two go to show, of
course, that the idea of subtle energies utilized by magick is indeed
far older than the 18th century. In fact, we can observe it already
being in early shamanic cultures. Shamanic magick is very frequently
a mixture between spirit and energy model, (e.g. the shaman may call
upon his spirits or gods to give him "power" or he may, vice versa,
use his power to extort favors from them).
In its purest form however, the shaman or magickian is not in need of
spirits and other entities from Otherworlds. The world was/is viewed
as being "vitalized" by subtle forces or energies and his primary
task consists in mastering the art of `perceiving' and `manipulating'
them. As all phenomena are basically energetic in nature, the
existence of an Otherworld is therefore, not strictly required.
Thus, the magickian is more of an "energy dancer" than a "fence
rider" or go-between by the purists. But even here, the key to
the `perception', `charging' and `general utilization' of these
forces is once again the magickal trance or, as Chaos Magick terms
it, gnosis. We cannot get away from this fact and it is the many
various means of achieving this gnosis that has to be searched for,
practiced and refined.
Theories and practices pertaining to the energy model can be found
with many magickal authors, but in general it has seen that its real
large scale popularity, was brought on mainly since the nineteen
seventies of our century, when the general influx of Eastern paradox
thinking, coincided with the huge Hippie movement of the times, made
concepts such as chakra and kundalini not only common language, but
worked them in as a mainstay of most occult disciplines. Besides
this, strong energy model elements can also be found in Franz
Bardon's system of "electromagnetic fluids", "condensators"
etc.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL
Sigmund Freud's theory of the `subconscious' revolutionized western
thinking in general and of course, in particularly, in psychology,
(which by the way, he did not, as some people are wont to believe,
invent all by himself). Suddenly, here was man seen as a `being',
which was only `partially conscious', but still in control of
itself. While psychology is still fighting for its academic
recognition as a pure science, it has certainly stamped its mark on
medical and therapeutic disciplines - and only perhaps to a lesser
extent, on magick.
The psychological model of magick does not at all purport to explain
how magick works; its only premise is that the subconscious, (or, as
Carl Jung later retagged it, the unconscious), will do the job for
us, if `it' is properly addressed and/or conditioned. This again, is
achieved by magickal trance, gnosis, and suggestion, and the
deliberate use of symbols, (i.e. selective sensory input), as `tools
of association' and as a means of "communication between the
magickian's conscious will and his subconscious faculty responsible
for putting it into effect". Try reading that bit again, so it sinks
in.
Aleister Crowley dabbled a great deal in the psychological model,
which comes as no surprise, as he not only tried to keep up with all
major academic disciplines of his time, but also thought himself to
be one of the world's greatest psychologist into the bargain. But
all considered, he remained a traditionalist exponent of the spirit
model first and foremost; after all Aiwass was, in his belief, a
preternatural entity. Nevertheless, he did have a knack of
explaining magick in psychological terms and even made it sound
sensible, if not totally plausible to some of the skeptics of his
time.
A more radical approach was taken by Austin Osman Spare, whose sigil
magick rests on the basic tenets of the psychological model and who
initiated and fueled the Chaos model. Spare's brilliant system is in
principle, an inversion of Freud's theory of complexes; by actively
suppressing his `will' in the form of a graphical sigil and then
completely forgetting it, and therein, the magickian creates an
artificial "complex", which then starts to work on similar lines,
(just as suppressed subconscious traumas will cause neurotic behavior
etc).
The psychological magickian is therefore, a programmer of symbols and
different states of consciousness. He is not necessarily in need of
a transcendent `Otherworld' or even `subtle energies'; though in
practice he will usually work on the assumption that one or the
other, (or even both), do in fact exist and can be utilized by
one's `subconscious'.
Authors such as Israel Regardie, Dion Fortune, William Butler,
Francis King, William Gray and to some extent Peter Carroll,
subscribe to the psychological model, which seems to be the primary
domain of the English speaking world of magick and which has become
the prevailing paradigm ever since as long ago as the eighteen
seventies.
THE INFORMATION MODEL
The information model of magick was more recently `being developed'
about 1987 and there is still considerable debate about in which
direction it shall ultimately take. Its basic premises to date are
as follows:
1. Energy as such is "dumb": it needs information on what to do; so
perhaps this can be the so-called laws of nature, or
2. Direct commands, where; Information does not have mass or energy.
Thus, it is faster than light and not bound by the restrictions of
the Einsteinium `Space-Time Continuum'. It can therefore be
transmitted, or tapped, at all times and in/at all places.
3. In an analogy, (and of course only as such!), it may be likened
to quantum phenomena rather than relativistic mass-energy. In
stating that, it might therefore, attach itself to a medium, such as
an organism, or any other memory storage device.
At the start of the theoretical debate, it was still believed that
the postulation of morphic, (or more precisely, morphogenetic)
fields; such as hypothesized by Rupert Sheldrake, had to be an
essential factor in the way of explaining the mode of actual
information transmittance. This, however, while still being
discussed, does not appear to be strictly prerogative, though it
cannot be not ruled out that an act of information magick may create
such fields. It does seem more probable though, that the concept of
information matrices may prove to be the most promising theory in the
long run.
The application of the still evolving information model has led to
the discipline some have termed Cybermagick, (from "cybernetics",
or the "science of control systems"). Contrary to the other models
described above, Cybermagick is one of the very few that does not
rely on magickal trance, or gnosis to achieve its effects. Rather,
the Cybermagickian activates either `his own' main memory banks,
namely brain and spine, (the so-called Golf-club chakra, because of
its shape being reminiscent of a golf-club), or those of the `target
individual.
The desired information is then called up and transmitted quite
similarly to a copy command on a computer. The copy command analogy
holds good insofar as the information, (not having mass), is not
actually "lost" or "dissipated" in the process, (as energy
would be),
but rather is actually duplicated. This is an important point, as it
allows for the magickian to perform his magick even in a state of
very low physical power, or befuddled as in being completely
intoxicated or stoned), as long as his basic "life support systems"
are still functional and the command syntax is employed correctly.
It is, however, obvious that this technique demands a fair control of
what used to be termed the `kundalini effects' and practice has shown
over and over again that a fair amount of Yoga and meditation
experience is actually a great help in achieving Cybermagick, as
perhaps it is in all fields of magick for that matter.
Unfortunately, the full theory and practice of Cybermagick cannot be
described here due to its complexity and lack of space, but might
induce some to research the subject further. To date, the main
experimental research work is being done within the "Magickal Pact of
the Illuminates of Theaters" (IOT) and it might be said that some
quite astounding results have already been achieved, especially in
the field of language and knowledge transference, as well as magickal
healing.
In spite of its very modern, non-traditionalist outlook, the basic
principles of Cybermagick may in truth, be the oldest form of magick
extant. For we can, for example, find a number of reports in the
East as to a certain guru supposedly transferring all of his
knowledge to his successor before his death, which is again
supposedly achieved by an act of long, mutual meditation.
This perhaps can be surmised that magick as a whole, has always
existed in many coexisting models throughout history and as I wrote
at the start of this posting, that perhaps magickians have always
aspired to restate, reinvent, twist, borrow adapt and invent the
changing theory and practice of magick in the language of their
times, and as a result of what has changed, is the stress laid on one
model or the other in the course of time.
As I write those words, I am acutely aware that there are certain
aspects that not only have survived the millennia, but also have been
further nurtured in the original forms and are still a mainstay of
today's successful magickal workings. Perhaps it is all in the way
we are first taught by a teacher and then for us to subsequently pass
it on accordingly, ad infinitum; with the obvious emphasis (and
inherent defects), based upon our own interpretation of the teaching
that we `perceived' and further regarding our personal psychological
make up, intellect, psyche and inner development.
So, in trying to pass on this kind of arcane knowledge with mere
words, one can imagine the unbelievably complex web weaved over the
millennia, and all because as I keep stating and restating; as in
anything deeply mystical or magickal, the meaning cannot be simply
communicated intellectually; It has to work through an analogous
process within the individual; a stream of symbols, images and
experiences, rather than a mere explanation!!!
THE META-MODEL
The meta-model of magick is not really a model as such, but rather an
instruction on the use of the others. For its `only' advice to the
magickian is: "Always use the model most adequate to your aims."
This may sound a bit trite, but if we look really closely and within,
we might see that it is not quite as self-evident amongst magickians
as one might expect, especially as individuals mature, learn, grow
older, learn, constantly changing and refining (or otherwise)
ourselves as we tread life's path, (which is constantly being
adjusted, however minutely, or even grossly).
Therefore, what is good at one stage of one's life, might not be as
effective, or even desirable at another stage of our lives. It is
perhaps rooted in Chaos magick's assertion that, "Nothing is true.
Everything is permitted", which actually and ultimately boils
down to pragmatic utilitarianism.
Before this aspect is enlarged upon, though, let us look at an
example of the models presented here as applied in practice. Oh, and
perhaps I should add here that of course the various Paths can be
(and probably should be) used in combinations as well as separately;
that there's some (great or small) variation from one tradition to
another, one model to another, and that obviously the resultant
computations that can exist is once again exponentially divergent
(and thus adds to the wonderful great web being weaved).
So in saying that, let's not ever forget that it is ultimately "What
works for us personally, that is important", not mindlessly
conforming to one rigid path or another (developed by others) and
ultimately being tied up with so much (personal) dogma and bull shit
piled up over the generations, one forgets the ultimate purpose of
doing any of it anyway. I guess that was the easiest way I could
think of explaining myself at this time and hope the members can
follow this logical reasoning, per se, with a mind to our own inner
development. If not, let's get a discussion and research going,
which is after all, the purpose of this site, yah?
We shall take the situation of magickal healing to demonstrate how
these models differ from each other.
In the spirit model healing is regarded as an exorcism: illness is
caused by "evil" or, at least, undesired entities, which have to be
negated.
I've decided to list some attributes of magick, with a little more in-
depth view of the many sub-paths, based on the above models and are
briefly outlined here merely for the interest of the readers, and is
by no means a list of the total possibilities that exist, perhaps
just a few of the more common characteristics and aspects and can
give the reader an idea how to go to the next stage of research in
this matter.
THE BASIC ASPECTS OF MAGICK
I. Ethics
A. The Wiccan Rede
B. The Law or Return (sometimes called the "Threefold Law")
C. Perfect Love and Perfect Trust (among partners in magick)
II. The Witches' Pyramid
A. Faith in your abilities and powers.
B. Imagination to vividly create in your mind that which you
desire
to manifest.
C. Will to achieve your goal despite all obstacles.
D. Secrecy to keep your magickal intention concentrated and pure.
III. The four Qualities of the Mage
A. To know
B. To will
C. To dare
D. To keep silence
IV. Preparatory Skills (Hatha and Raja yoga are good aids to
developing
these)
A. Cleansing, clearing and stilling
B. Grounding
C. Centering
D. Concentrating giving one-pointedness)
V. Defining the Goal: Form vs. Essence
VI. Working with the Power
A. Confining it (casting the Circle)
B. Raising it
C. Sending it (channeling it)... for immediate effect or into
storage
D. Earthing the excess (grounding it)
VII. Systems and Techniques
A. Spellcraft
B. Words of Power and affirmations, charms and incantations
Mental and psychological manifesting
C. Calling Ancient Powers and/or Deities, Spirits, Otherworld Beings
and other Outside sources
D. Sexual Magick and Tantric Practices
E. Sigil usage
F. Dance, postures and mudras
G. Meditation, trancework and hypnosis, fascination
H. Stone magick
I. Candle magick
J. Amulets and talismans; power objects or "psychic batteries"
K. Healing
1. Psychic (visualization, laying on of hands)
2. Herbal
3. Energy channeling iwht auras and chakras
4. Colour therapy
5. Other systems listed herein, or a combination of one or more
of the above mentioned.....
Other magickal systems might be construed as consisting of…
I. Divination
1. Scrying
2. Astrology
3. Tarot
4. Runesticks
5. Lithomancy (casting the stones)
6. I Ching
7. Other systems
8. Pendulum or radiesthesia
J. Astral travel
K. Thought forms; wraiths, fetches, artificial elementals
L. Extra-sensory perception
1. Clairsentience
2. Clairvoyance
3. Clairaudience
4. Precognition
5. Telepathy
6. Telempathy
7. Psychometry
8. Telekinesis
9. Teleportation
M. Sympathetic magic (poppets and such)
N. Runes
O. Mediumship, necromancy, and spirit guides
P. Philtres and Poteins
Q. Cleansing, purification, protection and blessing;
exorcism;
ligature, binding
R. Power animals, totems and familiars; shapeshifting
S. Tree magick
T. Dreamcraft
U. Ritual tool magick
V. Invocation, evocation and going into aspect
W. Symbols, sigils and images; Tattvic symbols; numerology
X. Conjuration or summoning; banishing or exorcism
Y. Commemoration or linking
Z. Past life regression or recall
AA. Pathworking on the Tree of Life
BB. Ceremonial magic
VIII. Timing
A. The lunar cycle
B. The Wheel of the Year
C. Astrological conjunctions
D. Planetary hours and days
E. Individual biorhythms
IX. Creating your own reality, following your True Will
X. Chaos magick and other more scientific based theories
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I just wanted to add a couple of extra little reference passages here
at the end that I personally like very much, to sort of round off the
subject. It is for the reader to sit and ponder over perchance,
after reading all the rest of this posting and then try to reflect on
the overall posting as a whole and all its possible meanings and see
what comes to you in the way of insights, or even perhaps in more
mundane understandings of the overall ideas pertaining to magick –
I've copied one short passage from the "Goetia" and the other from
that lovely book, "The Golden Bough".
"Magick is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge
of Natural Philosophy; advanced in its works and wonderful
operations by a right understanding of the inward and occult virtue
of things; so that true Agents being applied to proper.
Patients, strange and admirable effects will thereby be produced.
Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature;
they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effect, the
which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle."
The Goetia of the Lemegeton of King Solomon.
*
"Whenever sympathetic magic occurs in its pure unadulterated form,
it is assumed that in nature one event follows another necessarily
and invariably without the intervention of any spiritual or personal
agency.
Thus its fundamental conception is identical with that of modern
science; underlying the whole system is a faith, implicit but real
and firm, in the order and uniformity of nature. The magician does
not doubt that the same causes will always produce the same effects,
that the performance of the proper ceremony accompanied by the
appropriate spell, will inevitably be attended by the desired
results, unless, indeed, his incantations should chance to be
thwarted and foiled by the more potent charms of another sorcerer.
He supplicates no higher power: he sues the favor of no fickle and
wayward being: he abases himself before no awful deity. Yet his
power, great as he believes it to be, is by no means arbitrary and
unlimited. He can wield it only so long as he strictly conforms to
the rules of his art, or to what may be called the laws of nature as
conceived by him. To neglect these rules, to break these laws in the
smallest particular is to incur failure, and may even expose the
unskillful practitioner himself to the utmost peril. If he claims
sovereignty over nature, it is a constitutional sovereignty
rigorously limited in its scope and exercised in exact conformity
with ancient usage.
Thus the analogy between the magical and the scientific conceptions
of the world is close. In both of them the succession of
events is perfectly regular and certain, being determined by
immutable laws, the operation of which can be foreseen and
calculated precisely; the elements of caprice, of chance, and of
accident are banished from the course of nature.
Both of them open up a seemingly boundless vista of possibilities to
him who knows the causes of things and can touch the secret springs
that set in motion the vast and intricate mechanism of the world.
Hence the strong attraction which magic and science alike have
exercised on the human mind; hence the powerful stimulus that both
have given to the pursuit of knowledge.
They lure the weary enquirer, the footsore seeker, on through the
wilderness of disappointment in the present by their endless
promises of the future: they take him up to the top of an exceeding
high mountain and shew him, beyond the dark clouds and rolling mist
at his feet, a vision of the celestial city, far off, it may be, but
radiant with unearthly splendor, bathed in the light of dreams."
Dr. J. G. FRAZER, "The Golden Bough".
*
I recommend our members to read Dr. Frazer's book sometime for
another viewpoint, if you will. Although written many years ago, it
sort of gives one a platform, albeit sometimes obscure, to enable
one's research to cover a wider parameter than just the usual drivel
that is written in some of today's literary account of occult
matters. You can find it on our site, Coven of Cythrawl in "on-line
books", and it's free, with no hassles of trying to find a copy
either. Check out some of the other old books listed there too, just
for interest. They're good reading, otherwise I wouldn't have
included them in the site.
BB
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