MAGICK 3 -- THE FOUR WORLDS

 ** 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. 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

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.

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Phil Hansford, 10/86

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