Hermeticism and Magick (Page 2 of 2)

"Perfect balance" is not an achievable goal while incarnate. The proper goal is Equilibrium. This is a continuous, lifelong process that demands constant equilibration -- it is not a static result.

Equilibrium is a uniquely personal thing that is not based upon cultural pressures or the opinions of others. The details of the true magical equilibrium will look different for each magician. The point of initiation is to become your self, to the fullest, not to pattern yourself upon another's standards. Thus you will never find the answers to your own process of equilibration externally -- the only guide is your own conscience.

The goal of Step One in this regard, is the construction of your negative and positive soul mirrors, not equilibrium itself. This taking stock of what IS, is the first step in the process of equilibration. Step Two begins the work of conscious self-transformation, and the process of equilibration is continuous for the rest of your days. You do reach a stage titled "equilibrium" (which means that equilibration becomes automatic and instantaneous), but it is still a continuous process and not a static state of perfection.

There are several issues here. The primary issue is that what most folks title "Astral Projection" has very little to do with what Bardon titles "Astral Wandering".

The second issue is that many folks are born with the inherent ability to separate their astra-mental body. Most often, this is an undisciplined ability and of little magical use. And, most often, it leads only to experiences that are delusional in nature. One reason why Bardon places mental and astral wandering so late in the Steps and stresses the need for the magical equilibrium, is because it takes long training to be able to separate the astra-mental body and NOT be fooled into believing that a projection from one's own psyche is objectively real.

The third issue is that the magical or Elemental equilibrium can be achieved in any number of ways other than by doing the work of IIH. IIH presents only the Hermetic approach.

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Initiation is nothing other than becoming fully conscious. Magic is nothing other than the fully conscious use of Natural Laws. A Magician is nothing other than a fully conscious person who makes fully conscious use of what Nature has provided us.

Awareness of self is at the root of Elemental Equilibrium. With time and practice, awareness of self becomes a habit and eventually not a moment passes without your being precisely aware of yourself.

Introspection is the first step in that process, but with time, introspection (which starts out as a special thing) becomes constant awareness of self. It takes no thought. It's automatic. An integral part of being.

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The Elemental Equilibrium is a dynamic state of active and constant awareness of self. Nothing within the self transpires without full conscious awareness. Each thought is evaluated as it occurs. Each emotion is evaluated as it occurs. And the only change that occurs in reaction to thoughts, emotions or events, occurs with one's full conscious awareness. In other words, the balanced individual is not thrown about willy-nilly by events or intruding thoughts.

This is why it is called "equilibrium". It is the solid foundation. The ground of self upon which the initiate stands and meets life. Just like in Tai Chi, if you stand in balance, then you can shift with external pressures without being toppled over or moved against your will.

The Elemental Equilibrium is not so much a discipline as it is a choice. I choose to remain grounded in myself. In order to remain grounded I have to continuously express my truest nature as clearly as possible. In order to know my own true nature, I must remain continuously aware of self. And this does not limit me since Self is limitless.

By focusing inward, we find the Infinite.

And by focusing inward we find the guide that replaces cultural dictates or even thinking -- our conscience. This is what should guide us to, and guide us during the maintenance of, our Elemental Equilibrium, not what we are brought up to think is right or what someone else tells us is right.

Our conscience is the voice of our "Holy Guardian Angel", speaking to us in every moment of our existence. It never misleads. It is the clarity of Self, flowing into us, seeking expression. All we need do is trust it and obey it.

When I think of Bardon’s practices, I think of them as walking an individual into the depths of the spiritual world.  For me, this is serious stuff.  It is not New Age.  It is not cool.  It is not neat.  It is not a hot system or a really in thing to do. 

I consider Bardon’s system so dangerous that I have never recommended to anyone that they practice Bardon or buy his books.  I have a web site where I share my experiences.  I feel am “authorized�  by the spiritual world to share my experiences but I am not a promoter or salesman.

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Good magic involves a coordinated use of akasha, the mental plane, astral plane, and physical plane.  There is the insight, intention, vision, and purpose of akasha.  There is the supervision, oversight, accounting, and appraisal of methods and means of the mental plane.  There is the energy, inspiration, motivation, and emotional involvement of the astral plane.  And finally there is the hard work, building, and producing enduring results on the physical plane.

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Early on I point out that for myself the study of magic should only be undertaken if an individual has the highest commitments.  This means an individual is focused within akasha from the beginning.  I would also suggest that an individual first master his everyday life before developing his senses to perceive in the invisible world.

Everyday life is magic.  It is the cauldron where our spirit is tested.  If you have problems with work, relationships, emotions, mental clarity, physical health, work on these first.  Dealing with these problems is the requisite training required for developing a magical will.  And if you develop a magical will and succeed in using it to solve some great problem, akasha will still require you to succeed in everyday life in order to make further progress.