Position of Will in Magick
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In most Thelemic magick, is the position of the will at a high level, above all forces being invoked? What is the attitude toward "other forces?" Is it considered that the magick practitioner is "commanding" the forces to do his will and they have no choice? Is it a request of these forces such as one "asking" God, or is it simply "physics" that if you do x, then y happens because that is the way things are?
I remember that one time you (Jim) said something about always going to the highest source first in Magick (Kether?) and then bringing it down so you have an endless supply of energy to work with. Is this the same thing as putting your will lower (humility?) and acknowledging that the "source" is above you and you're dependent upon it, or perhaps it is more mechanical , ie- You are still the one in control but simply turning on a power switch for more access?
I probably made a simple question complex, and forgive me if I misrepresented anything I attributed to you; it's been a while.
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@DavidH said
"In most Thelemic magick, is the position of the will at a high level, above all forces being invoked? What is the attitude toward "other forces?" Is it considered that the magick practitioner is "commanding" the forces to do his will and they have no choice? Is it a request of these forces such as one "asking" God, or is it simply "physics" that if you do x, then y happens because that is the way things are?"
Complex question, and our Second Order has several papers addressing it in practical terms - but I think the best way to answer is to say that it depends on the level (plane, World) of consciousness at which the magician is presently operating and the plane (World) of the "other forces" in question.
When a Divine Name is vibrated, it aligns consciousness with that principle (and, also, with that principal). The magical theory ("true" or merely "useful idea" doesn't much matter) is that the Divine Name invoked is the Atziluthic power that is "making" the objective happen - but the magician will have picked an Atziluthic power (Name) the nature of which is in conformity with the magician's intended objective. It isn't "Dear Generic & Generous Deity, buy me a Mercedes Benz," it's "Oh Thou, Divine Essence of all Love, let there be Love!" (or whatever the immediate objective is). In other words, "Hey, You! Be yourself! I've managed to place myself in your line of fire."
Notice that this isn't a command. As a matter of style, there are different kinds of language used with various beings from different planes (Worlds) - that's part of what's spelled out in some of those written instructions I mentioned at the top - but much of it is common sense. For example, one doesn't command Atziluthic powers. One is receptive to, and responsive to, powers at a higher vibratory rate than that of one's own consciousness at the moment, and establishes one's (respectful) dominion over those of a lower vibratory rate.
But, then, that's usually the correct attitude the magician will have toward Will. True Will is not something the conscious mind conceives but, rather, a Voice of the HGA (to use my favorite metaphor for it) to which we are receptive and responsive.
"I remember that one time you (Jim) said something about always going to the highest source first in Magick (Kether?)"
Well, at least Atziluth. Whether that means "Kether" varies with the situation (and definitions of the moment).
"and then bringing it down so you have an endless supply of energy to work with. Is this the same thing as putting your will lower (humility?) and acknowledging that the "source" is above you and you're dependent upon it, or perhaps it is more mechanical , ie- You are still the one in control but simply turning on a power switch for more access?"
Pretty damn close, yes. Or, to paraphrase: In choosing which force will flow through you into expression, i.e., in deciding what Divine Idea you are serving.