Magick 3 -- The Four Worlds
The ancients described man as mind, body, and soul. Psychologists of the
twentieth century added the subconscious to that deffinition. 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 'traditonal' 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 excell at both. Traning 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, hoaxters, dablers, 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 benificial 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 becomming 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, expecially 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
- What is a microcosm?
- List the four worlds. Explain.
- 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.
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