Questions on Liber Resh
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Well, I find it an effective ritual, because the effectiveness of rituals has to do often less with their litteral truth as it does with the consistence of their stories and myths and how they relate to visceral emotions and sensations, like in this case the sex instinct and in other rituals the fear of death, or the the imagery of wrathful Neptune as the rough seas and the anxiety they produce.
Rituals are more about poetry at truth, but if you can combine poetry and literal truth you have very effective rituals.
I guess it was more elements of the gnostic mass I found effective, the link between sun and phallus and it's link to sexual fluids of energy to light. And the whole common experience of sun light as the force of life that feeds the plants and it's mirror in the sex act as the sharing of life as well as the libido energy as light that is expressed in nonsexual activity as well. There is allot in this ritual that is poetic and also expresses natural science as well.
As for the solo rite like that of the phoenix, I am not a knowledgeable on the science behind it, if there is any. It's a tantric idea, I suppose that the best test would be to put it into practice, and try to objectively record it's effects, as best possible. Crowleys journal method may be examined by a third party to see changes in subjective states, personality, behavior, beliefs etc which may not be obvious to the individual. But this method is not particuraly accurate without some more objective measures, as journals can be fudged pretty easy, things as simple as the student being too embarrassed to record something, over looking something important, or purposely changing the journal entries to give a false impression. Of course a thoural study would include investigation into why one is embarrassed or why one would want to fudge facts to fit expectations. Etc.
I guess the main difference in eastern methods is they tend to use these techniques only for a type of black school spiritual attainment, thet is the withdrawing from life and the world, the refusal to mix ones precious bodily fluids with the world of sin and wickedness. This is opposed to the thelemic white school method of pouring ones blood into the cup of abominations. That is to use sexual rites to untie with the world and bring light to others, rather than to hold it in and seal oneself up.
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Well explained I think.
To touch upon a point: Liber Resh, seems to me, to have the additional benefit of aligning oneself to something greater than "you" (royal you, not you specifically) - in this case the cycles of the sun around the earth.
In your explanation the point I missed - and would like help clarifying - is where in the Tantra of the East, or the OTO methods, does someone GET light from others? You used the phrase "unite with the world" (but that is poetry - what do you MEAN), and "bring light to others" (again poetry - what do you mean so I don't superficially color your poetry with my own understanding). Both phrases seem very "you" based. Where does the learning/influx come in - or are we just jerking ourselves off?
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@Froclown said
"What happens if you keep pouring the coffee back into the machine?
It gets stronger and more concentrated each time through."
This is absolutely not true and I know from actually doing it. Have you not heard of the concept of "diminishing return?" You aren't as smart as you think you are. More doing, less talking - that's my suggestion
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I have a brief question about Liber Resh..
It was explained, in another topic, the symbolic location of
the practitioner is placed between Yesod and Tipharet.My question is, why would one use the LVX signs towards Tipharet?
Isn't this an "Old Aeon" perspective? Aren't the LVX signs, according
to the "New Aeon", referring to Malkuth? -
@TOHPA said
"My question is, why would one use the LVX signs towards Tipharet? Isn't this an "Old Aeon" perspective? Aren't the LVX signs, according to the "New Aeon", referring to Malkuth?"
In A.'.A.'., they remain the grade signs of 5=6, the Tiphereth grade. See the frontispiece of Magick in Theory & Practice for the grade signs up to Tiphereth.
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Although I remember the illustrations of the LVX signs in Magick in Theory & Practice, I can't recall it mentioning a direct correspondence with 5=6. I can't check it out right now though, but I trust your words.
This issue has troubled me quite a bit, lately. Various Thelemic literature suggest that the LVX signs and the IAO formula are applied only in Malkuth, since the concept of resurrection has been replaced with the Enthronemend of RHK in Tiphareth. So, if I may inquire, what is the role of the LVX formula in Tiphareth from a Thelemic point of view? How can it practically be applied and what's its role in the K&C with the HGA?
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For starters... don't confuse the LVX signs with the Osiris legend. That's the part that is old aeon.
Second, LVX is the entire formula of initiation up to (and through) Tiphereth. It is the essence of adepthood. Even 6=5 and 7=4 are grades of LVX. However, the aspiration of those latter grades is toward the Abyss, so we start to see the NOX formulae interwoven. LVX is the formula of attainment in Tiphereth, and NOX the formula of attainment in Binah.
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@Froclown said
"Now say what you will on the notion of a vital force, but as a ritual symbolic idea it's very effective, and it seems the sexual fluids, like that of embryionic fluids in eggs and in plant seeds do contain concentration of nutrients and chemical transmitters, some not commonly found in the diet."
Abstinate from ejaculation so that in time you won't produce semen, that way you'll preserve those nutrients.
(I'm not suggesting for anyone to really do that, of course)
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I'd like to discuss Liber Resh from a different point of view. Maybe the Godforms honored aren't the central issue; maybe Resh is actually a tool for helping you to establish a different point of view. I'll explain what I mean. Crowley obviously felt Resh was very important, he made it the fundamental ritual for aspirants to the A.:A.: for example, but the question remains: what is the goal of it? I believe the answer to that question was given by Fr. Achad in an essay titled: "Stepping out of the old aeon and into the new", which Crowley published in The Equinox Vol III, No I. In it Achad suggests that the conception of a dying and resurrected God, which was the central idea of the religion of the old aeon was based on the daily "birth" and "death" of the sun. Since we now understand that the movement of the Earth creates the appearance of the movement of the Sun, we realize that the Sun is always shining on the Earth, at midnight, sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you put this idea clearly in mind, you shift your perspective from the cyclic nature of planetary existence to become a solar being- From Samsara to Moksha, liberation from the cycle of re-birth. Perhaps Resh was designed as a first step toward solar consciousness.
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@siriusly23 said
"I'd like to discuss Liber Resh from a different point of view. Maybe the Godforms honored aren't the central issue; maybe Resh is actually a tool for helping you to establish a different point of view. I'll explain what I mean. Crowley obviously felt Resh was very important, he made it the fundamental ritual for aspirants to the A.:A.: for example, but the question remains: what is the goal of it? I believe the answer to that question was given by Fr. Achad in an essay titled: "Stepping out of the old aeon and into the new", which Crowley published in The Equinox Vol III, No I. In it Achad suggests that the conception of a dying and resurrected God, which was the central idea of the religion of the old aeon was based on the daily "birth" and "death" of the sun. Since we now understand that the movement of the Earth creates the appearance of the movement of the Sun, we realize that the Sun is always shining on the Earth, at midnight, sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you put this idea clearly in mind, you shift your perspective from the cyclic nature of planetary existence to become a solar being- From Samsara to Moksha, liberation from the cycle of re-birth. Perhaps Resh was designed as a first step toward solar consciousness."
How shall I say this to be oh so gentle as possible. ...... uhm..... yeah.
ps. good catch!
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I came at it from a different approach.
Those four different imagined perspectives are valuable organizers to one's psychic day.
People hear me talk about some of my crazy and about "plotlines" that originate in the unconscious and can be projected on people and events throughout the day. I struggled much more with such things before I internalized the thought that I was constantly hearing at least 4 different opinions about how the plotline was progressing - that the whole truth was bigger than any one of the four perspectives - that it takes an entire day to hear the whole truth.
Now it's time for the Ra in thy rising perspective.
Now it's time for the Ahathoor in thy triumphing perspective.
Etc..It really helped order my experience and reduce a lot of the wackadoo.
I believe it is nothing if not completely functional.
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@Aegis said
"I came at it from a different approach.
Those four different imagined perspectives are valuable organizers to one's psychic day.
People hear me talk about some of my crazy and about "plotlines" that originate in the unconscious and can be projected on people and events throughout the day. I struggled much more with such things before I internalized the thought that I was constantly hearing at least 4 different opinions about how the plotline was progressing - that the whole truth was bigger than any one of the four perspectives - that it takes an entire day to hear the whole truth.
Now it's time for the Ra in thy rising perspective.
Now it's time for the Ahathoor in thy triumphing perspective.
Etc..It really helped order my experience and reduce a lot of the wackadoo.
I believe it is nothing if not completely functional."
Not that there's anything to disagree with up there... but to me Resh is summed up
Unity uttermost showed, I adore the might of thy breath.....
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@Takamba said
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@siriusly23 said
"I'd like to discuss Liber Resh from a different point of view. Maybe the Godforms honored aren't the central issue; maybe Resh is actually a tool for helping you to establish a different point of view. I'll explain what I mean. Crowley obviously felt Resh was very important, he made it the fundamental ritual for aspirants to the A.:A.: for example, but the question remains: what is the goal of it? I believe the answer to that question was given by Fr. Achad in an essay titled: "Stepping out of the old aeon and into the new", which Crowley published in The Equinox Vol III, No I. In it Achad suggests that the conception of a dying and resurrected God, which was the central idea of the religion of the old aeon was based on the daily "birth" and "death" of the sun. Since we now understand that the movement of the Earth creates the appearance of the movement of the Sun, we realize that the Sun is always shining on the Earth, at midnight, sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you put this idea clearly in mind, you shift your perspective from the cyclic nature of planetary existence to become a solar being- From Samsara to Moksha, liberation from the cycle of re-birth. Perhaps Resh was designed as a first step toward solar consciousness."How shall I say this to be oh so gentle as possible. ...... uhm..... yeah.
ps. good catch!"
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
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@Takamba said
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@siriusly23 said
"I'd like to discuss Liber Resh from a different point of view. Maybe the Godforms honored aren't the central issue; maybe Resh is actually a tool for helping you to establish a different point of view. I'll explain what I mean. Crowley obviously felt Resh was very important, he made it the fundamental ritual for aspirants to the A.:A.: for example, but the question remains: what is the goal of it? I believe the answer to that question was given by Fr. Achad in an essay titled: "Stepping out of the old aeon and into the new", which Crowley published in The Equinox Vol III, No I. In it Achad suggests that the conception of a dying and resurrected God, which was the central idea of the religion of the old aeon was based on the daily "birth" and "death" of the sun. Since we now understand that the movement of the Earth creates the appearance of the movement of the Sun, we realize that the Sun is always shining on the Earth, at midnight, sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you put this idea clearly in mind, you shift your perspective from the cyclic nature of planetary existence to become a solar being- From Samsara to Moksha, liberation from the cycle of re-birth. Perhaps Resh was designed as a first step toward solar consciousness."How shall I say this to be oh so gentle as possible. ...... uhm..... yeah.
ps. good catch!"
Takamba; I don't understand, don't worry about being gentle, I'm serious about this. It seems the necessary shift in perspective could be transformative, no? And, though Achad doesn't mention Resh in the essay, the two fit together too well to be just co-incidence. Or maybe I'm just off my meds again. Siriusly23
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@siriusly23 said
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@Takamba said
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@siriusly23 said
"I'd like to discuss Liber Resh from a different point of view. Maybe the Godforms honored aren't the central issue; maybe Resh is actually a tool for helping you to establish a different point of view. I'll explain what I mean. Crowley obviously felt Resh was very important, he made it the fundamental ritual for aspirants to the A.:A.: for example, but the question remains: what is the goal of it? I believe the answer to that question was given by Fr. Achad in an essay titled: "Stepping out of the old aeon and into the new", which Crowley published in The Equinox Vol III, No I. In it Achad suggests that the conception of a dying and resurrected God, which was the central idea of the religion of the old aeon was based on the daily "birth" and "death" of the sun. Since we now understand that the movement of the Earth creates the appearance of the movement of the Sun, we realize that the Sun is always shining on the Earth, at midnight, sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you put this idea clearly in mind, you shift your perspective from the cyclic nature of planetary existence to become a solar being- From Samsara to Moksha, liberation from the cycle of re-birth. Perhaps Resh was designed as a first step toward solar consciousness."How shall I say this to be oh so gentle as possible. ...... uhm..... yeah.
ps. good catch!"
Takamba; I don't understand, don't worry about being gentle, I'm serious about this. It seems the necessary shift in perspective could be transformative, no? And, though Achad doesn't mention Resh in the essay, the two fit together too well to be just co-incidence. Or maybe I'm just off my meds again. Siriusly23"
All I was saying to you in my original reply is that according to my understanding, you are correct in your current assessment and that my peers agree with me. I said "uhm... yeah" to signify we already accept this. I said "good catch" to congratulate you on your observance. The idea I understand you to be saying is that focusing on the God forms is not the key, but remembering where you are and the sun is in relationship is the key.
There's a further exercise or (for want of better words) procedure I was taught. Observe the visible planets and their current locations at all times. Know where you are in relationship to the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Stand where you are and see in your mind their actual locations.
After some time and familiarity with these relationships, incorporate them when you perform Reguli.
Ultimately yes, the work is intended to be transformational (but personally I didn't find it in Resh alone) but you did find the hint and in the right place. That's what I'm saying.
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The procedure (thank you) I was hoping to develop was to identify oneself as a star.
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I have a couple of questions regarding Resh. I figured it would be more appropriate to post them in this thread rather than create my own...
1.) In Liber CC, it says "giving the sign of his grade" several times. What is the practitioner to do if they aren't a member of any order? (like in my case)
2.) Is the practice of Resh something that is usually (or traditionally) recorded in the practitioner's Day Book/Journal? If so, is there to be an entry after every practice (four entries a day) or just one entry covering all four?
Thanks in advance,
-ANEA
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@ANEA said
"1.) In Liber CC, it says "giving the sign of his grade" several times. What is the practitioner to do if they aren't a member of any order? (like in my case)"
Crowley, in marginalia to his own copy of The Equinox, answered this: For those who "have no grade," give the 5=6 signs (LVX) for dawn, 4=7 for noon, 2=9 for sunset, and 3=8 for midnight - as if standing at the intersection of Samekh and Peh.
"2.) Is the practice of Resh something that is usually (or traditionally) recorded in the practitioner's Day Book/Journal? If so, is there to be an entry after every practice (four entries a day) or just one entry covering all four?"
Besides the theory that all practices should be thus recorded, I'd recommend at least recording it for a long stretch (say, a year) during the period of learning and habituation. - After a decade or so, I stopped recording it except when there was a particular reason to do so.