"Science and Magick have both opened 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 magick 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 exceedingly high mountain and shew him, beyond the dark clouds and rolling mists at his feet, a vision of the celestial city, far off, it may be, but radiant with unearthly splendour, bathed in the light of dreams."
--- J.G. Frazer,The Gold Bough
Basic Pentagram Ritual
This ritual is performed when casting the Circle to banish those projections of consciousness by which we uphold for ourselves the validity of the consensus world we occupy. The resultant withdrawal of energy allows us the freedom to turn our awareness toward other realities, to rise on the planes and commune with spiritual forces.
Perform the Lesser Circulation of the Light facing East. Raise your right hand above head and bring it down to your forehead, while visualizing a shaft of white light descending from the sphere above your head. Bring your hand down to touch your chest, and see the white light following your gesture. Touch your right shoulder, then across to your left shoulder, then clasp your hands together on your breast, visualizing a steady white flame between them. With the forefinger of your hand of power, draw a pentagram of blue flame in the air, beginning with your hand at your left hip. Stab the figure through its center and vibrate a name of power: (JA-VA, the true pronunciation of YHVH). While inscribing the pentagrams, synchronize your breath as follows: inhale while tracing a rising line, exhale while tracing a descending line, and hold your breath while tracing a horizontal line. Repeat at the South, West, and North. As you stab the center and move on to each of the cardinal points, visualize a line of this blue-white flame emerging from your fingertips, and thus eventually drawing a complete circle around you, with an Archangel standing at each Quarter. Inhale and visualize your energies flowing back into yourself.
The Tree of Life
The Spheres of the Tree represent states of consciousness, worlds of perception which must all be visited in order to actualize the whole self; the Spheres are attributed to the planets. The Paths which connect the Spheres show the type of action which leads from one Sphere to another, and today are often attributed to the Tarot trumps. The Spheres and the Paths represent mental and emotional attributes and problem areas. If the Soul and its companion, the Will, are to realize their destiny of becoming one with the Universe, they must eventually pass through all stages of development so that the initiated subconscious of the Adept becomes the fully illuminated consciousness perfectly aligned with the True Will, and therefore with cosmic consciousness. This is known as turning the Tree of Life into the Tree of Knowledge, creating the eleventh sphere in the Abyss.
The Planets and Their Symbols
The full circle represents the spiritual mind, the infinite; the straight line, the conscious mind, the masculine principle; the semi-circle, the unconscious mind, the feminine principle.
MERCURY - In this symbol the unconscious mind is above the universal mind on the cross of matter. Mercury is the planet of the mind, and is synonymous with intellectual movement and progress.
VENUS - In this symbol the circle of the universal mind over the cross represents the descent of Spirit into the physical world. Thus the universal mind is seen to be triumphant over the world. Venus is the principle of love on earth, of attraction, of joy and beauty.
MARS - In this symbol the universal mind, the creative Spirit, is limited by the world. The symbol denotes power, creation, and dynamic energy. Anger and self-assertiveness, or courage and strength of character.
JUPITER - In the cross and the crescent, the symbol of the soul is seen liberating itself from the world. Jupiter expresses kindness and generosity to everyone. Universality of outlook and soul growth.
SATURN - The cross of the world is over the crescent of the unconscious mind; man is putting his own hard reason over his intuition. It is a sign that stands for determination, perseverance, patience, building. Change and testing are of Saturn.
URANUS - The pictograph of this symbol shows the raised consciousness; it signifies the energy of the Spirit playing upon the world. Uranus is the planet of insight into the laws of Nature. When a man is evolved, he learns by insight and self-control how to make use of Illumination without being destroyed. This is a planet of extremes.
NEPTUNE - The symbol of the planet shows the crescent of the unconscious mind above and pierced by the cross, representing the descent of Spirit into the world; this often confers the gift of prophecy, so those influenced by Neptune are often mystics. It implies the vision of completion, spiritual insight and mysticism.
PLUTO - This represents the combination of Sun, Moon and the cross of the world; or Spirit, soul and body. There is a change of consciousness here, an elevation and spiritualization. Pluto marks the transformations which have already taken place, and the beginning of a new phase.
The Planetary Sojourns
MERCURY - One is able to review all of one's lives, to find something of value. Murky, unstable atmosphere, as you find yourself in the center of a vortex. You must will yourself to move forward in your quest for perfection and the vortex will then release you. At the River of Life you will come to an understanding of many things.
VENUS - The atmosphere is gentle beyond belief; caution not to become too deeply immersed in the purity of selfless love that you forget there are other Paths.
MARS - In this harsh and simmering atmosphere, we pit ourselves against the dislike others have for us; if we return this in kind, it becomes a test of all that is worst in human nature. Replace its storm with calm and tranquil thoughts and the burning off is rapid.
JUPITER - This teaches restraint and builds firm determination to do the right thing. It remorselessly rebukes those who think to dominate another. Here the ego meets its greater match; when we wish to serve ourselves, it is impossible to do so. Hold fast to spiritual ideals.
SATURN - This is where one goes for spiritual uplift, and it is reserved by most until the other planetary influences have been met, for many are not yet ready for this ultimate testing of the soul. Spirituality has occupied this area for all the days of its years, a blissful atmosphere.
URANUS - Here is the influence of the truce, where many settle all by simply swearing not to recognize the conditions that caused a situation in the first place. Rage or resentment will bind you tightly until in despair you sacrifice past gains of the soul for your freedom. Uranus torments us with conflicts left unresolved in each life, and hones the soul.
NEPTUNE - Here we have such a benevolent state that many are tempted to dwell too long, but hard challenges provide for faster spiritual growth. Here is a resting state and also a testing ground, for until one undergoes that feeling of nothingness he does not completely grasp the sense of somethingness which drives one to try another life.
PLUTO - Improving one's determination to succeed where all else has failed. An easy rest stop for those who are truly on the quest for reunion with the Creator, since no adverse reactions are permitted here. The imps who play about amusing themselves can be distracting.
Sacraments: Drugs, Sex and Rock & Roll
In order to achieve the Alchemical transformation, you must first die (change). Such changes occur in small ways with 'little deaths,' temporary suspensions of mental continuity which occur when we experience sex, drugs or music; thus, these are considered sacraments, 'that which gives power' (to alter consciousness.) Regularly using sacraments conditions consciousness to become adept at changing its focus.
Drugs are not an adequate substitute for the methodology of attaining illumination, but drugs may help us to extend our perceptions of reality and enhance our ability to be aware of the spirituality of our experiences. Psychedelics such as mescaline and psilocybin are used to reprogram consciousness, and tryptophan deprivation due to the drugs occupying the receptor site for tryptophan makes possible regeneration through time manipulation. Narcotic drugs such as tobacco and jimsonweed have also been used traditionally to change the focus of consciousness. The most popular transforming drug used throughout man's history has been the depressant alcohol. Today, another depressant that has become popular for altering consciousness is marijuana. Although the use of drugs may be helpful, it is dangerous to get lost in drug use; a sober attitude of control and spiritual purpose should always guide you. Let the buyer beware.
Sex is the primary transforming process available to man. This is the process designed by the Great Architect to represent the Great Work of regeneration and reunification. Although sex is not the Great Work itself (the Great Work being entirely internal), it is the image of the Work. You should keep in mind that the sexual energy is that which is transmuted and circulated to aid transformation. Some people have a great deal of sexual energy, and can afford to squander it casually for fun--others do not. Those who do not should work at restoring their energy before attempting the Work. The sexual energy normally has a male-female balance that is necessary for successful regeneration; when this energy becomes unbalanced, then the Great Work cannot be successfully attained. Many have used sexual celibacy or stimulation to intensify the energy of consciousness (sexual energy), which is then sublimated (raised up) and transmuted to aid transformation. Unfortunately, abuses exist and ignorance is widespread. Anyone seeking to pursue alchemy will have to deal wisely with the issue of sexual energy.
Music has always been used by man to alter consciousness, from riding the thunder to the ecstasy produced by rock & roll. Shamanistic drums and rattles (or bells) help to alter consciousness by combining low-pitched and high-pitched sounds to create a condition known as white noise, which blocks the normal activity of the brain and allows the formation of new combinations of brain waves. Chanting mantras helps to condition the consciousness to maintain a spiritual focus, while constant repetition can have transforming effects and leads one to the opposite of any sound, silence. Silence--that is, inner silence--is an important gateway to spiritual realms and a powerful aid in prosecuting the Great Work. Alchemy also makes use of the inner sound, the music of the spheres, the dance of the fire-serpent. After you circulate the light of consciousness, you will hear the inner music ringing in the ears constantly. Dance often accompanies music, and the motion of the body through space loosens the focus of consciousness and causes the present to vanish into an expanded moment in time.
Let me state here that I do not advocate the use of drugs, the practice of sex, or making or listening to music; I merely recognize their effects upon human consciousness. Anything can become a sacrament under the right circumstances.
