Theos-Talk Archives (August 1996 Message tl00412)

Jerry wrote:
>	It shouldn't be, I agree.  Especially as HPB both practiced it
and discussed it.  But it is.  The very word raises theosophical hackles,
as Chuck can tell you (of course Chuck doesn't care as much as I do).
Magick, with a final k, is Crowley's definition:  "The science and art of
causing change to occur in conformity with will."
 By this definition
we are all magicians, and life itself is magical.

        It sure is. I wonder when Theosophists will arrive at an understanding
of this point. In my view, having an open mind to the intricate, magical,
operations going on in nature all the time, makes life far more interesting,
joyful and playful. Maybe it is use of personal will for selfish purposes
that is identified with magic in Theosophical circles. But that is only
one facet of magic(k), and many people are aware of the dangers of that
approach nowadays (I noticed that on the Golden Dawn Int'l mailing list
to which I subscribed some time ago - I also have a good laugh at times,
reading some playful messages on that list).
Anyway, I strongly suspect that there are events in nature analogical to
burning your fingers on a hot stove:)


Jerry>	Enochian Magic is a form of ritual magic, but I have
introduced a yogic form that I call Enochian Yoga, for those who
don't like ritual.  Started by Dr. John Dee, it was elaborated on
by the Golden Dawn and Crowley.  I have done my own elaborations
on it as well.  Today it is a stand-alone magical school that some
people use as a religion (kinda like Theosophy).  Its main claim
to fame is its unique map of the magical universe, which is every
bit as colorful and enticing as the Tree of Life.  There are four
Watchtowers, one for each of the four lower cosmic planes.  Each
Watchtower contains 156 Squares, and each Square is a unique
region or subplane of the invisible worlds.  Each Square has a
ruling deity, and so on.


        Are these Watchtowers symbolic for some part of the human constitution?
And why the number of 156 squares?


J>	Basically, I theosophied Enochian Magic and turned
it into a workable and relatively complete magical system.  For
this, some regard me as an Adept, while others regard me as
a cheap charlatan (for example, I have been called an "armchair
magican" because I do not belong to any magical organization,
and my Enochian Physics was called "more about Theosophy than
about magic" and so on).

        So, you've created a map of the (inner) universe, so to speak?
There must be some correspondences with the sephiroth, I think?
Do you describe different types of energies/states of consciousness
(I gather you do - what are the correspondences with the theosophical
principles-elements ?)

>Tantricism is a different case, except when the original tantrical works
>are meant by this, I think. Often Tantricism is associated with sex magic(k)
>nowadays, and that is generally considered to be a 'no' in Theosophical
>circles

Jerry>	Yes, but there is sex magic and sex magic.  If we agree
with Jung's theory of the anima and animus, then real sex magic
is nothing more than the process of becoming a whole and complete
person--a re-unification of the psyche.  However, theosophists
throw out the baby with the bath water and dismiss the whole subject.

        Yes, that's too bad. The integration of male and female qualities
is of paramount importance IMO, when one wishes to be a whole person.
Intuition, feeling, etc. may be more important than intellect, especially
in our current era of confusion and loss of values. Only the development
of wholistic individuals will steer society in the right direction, in my
view at least.


> What is this tantricism in your books all about?
	It is about feeling whole and complete--a samadhi
if you like.  You see yourself as the King of the Watchtower, and
unite with the primary Goddess (or vice versa if you are a
woman).  This union can be either a physical union as done
in ritual, or a psychic (visualized) union as is done in yoga.
This is all because I am coming at the topic from an
Enochian viewpoint, and such a visualization or ritual makes
sense from this perspective.  But the same result can be achieved
by other means because the goal is a degree of samadhi, or
emptiness and bliss.


        An example of this [other means] can be found if you do some work
in groups that promote and practice ways of establishing a healthier type
of society. At least I enjoy doing some work in LETS systems. There are
many fine persons participating in the area where I live and the number
of cities participating in these LETS is growing steadily. I meet interesting
people, who feel more alive and well when doing jobs for each other
in a not too commercial way. The social 'ingredient' is very important in such
systems and it is my opinion that that is a necessary part of feeling whole.
You can't party on your own..
It is difficult to be not influenced by depressing working conditions,
including people who feel reluctant to do their job. That is probably one
factor why there is such a big felt need for changing the way companies work.
I'm curious whether human resources management will become a permanent
feature in our societies.


Thanks for asking, Martin.

	Jerry S.
	Member, TI

        And thanks for telling me (and others) a bit about your work.
        Martin
        Member, TI

PS I noticed the mentioning of to almost identical names on this board in
connection
to Theosophy: Ken Wilber and Ken Wilbur. I thought these were different
persons, but
I just like to know if that's the case or if it was a typo (by Chuck?).
(Ken Wilber I know from his writings on transpersonal psychology, but who's
the other
Ken?)