controlling magickal energies
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Magnitude of visualization:
Do you believe the type of visualization one does when carrying out banishings/invokings can influence the degree to which the operation subsequently manifests? For example last year I did not work within a circle but instead visualized myself towering over the city where I live whenever I did the Star Ruby or a planetary invoking, with the conscious intent of seeking to influence the egregore. I am wondering whether this type of larger-than-life visualization might explain the widespread effect that came afterwards.Using a magick circle:
When working with the Goetia or Legemeton and other forms of theurgy, the importance of a magic circle is clear. But is a circle necessary when working with planetary energies?Correct method for invoking:
Should one banish a planetary sign immediately after invoking it so there are no unpredictable lingering effects? Or should I invoke without banishing afterwards and continue invoking the planet whenever possible until something manifests? -
@h2h said
"Do you believe the type of visualization one does when carrying out banishings/invokings can influence the degree to which the operation subsequently manifests?"
Yes. This isn't an exclusive factor, but it's certainly a significant one. For one thing, it means that you are in a state of deeply concentrated attention and awakened visualization as you enter the remainder of the ritual.
"For example last year I did not work within a circle but instead visualized myself towering over the city where I live whenever I did the Star Ruby or a planetary invoking, with the conscious intent of seeking to influence the egregore. I am wondering whether this type of larger-than-life visualization might explain the widespread effect that came afterwards."
Definitely could. Obviously the real issue is the effect this had on changing you during the operation, and your words suggest it had a strong effect on you.
"When working with the Goetia or Legemeton and other forms of theurgy, the importance of a magic circle is clear. But is a circle necessary when working with planetary energies? "
It depends on the operation. It becomes increasingly more important when you are dealing with distinctly Yetziratic (or lower) forces. It also becomes more important if you are working in a place that isn't reserved as a sacred space.
Another question to ask yourself is: Does the underlying theory of your operations necessitate a postulation of duality? This is inherent, for example, in any act of evocation. Us vs. Them, Me vs. It, Inside vs. Outside, etc. If duality is a necessary working postulate for the operation, then a circle is quite useful as a way to effectuate it.
If it gives useful perspective: 99% of all magick I've ever done has been without use of a circle unless you count (as I think you should) the circle created by a pentagram ritual. In that case, probably 93% of all the magick I've ever done has been done with a circle.
"Should one banish a planetary sign immediately after invoking it so there are no unpredictable lingering effects? Or should I invoke without banishing afterwards and continue invoking the planet whenever possible until something manifests?"
Depends on the operation. For example, you don't banish the energies on a talisman or consecrated item (though you do secure them in protective coverings and banish the energies invoked into the space. - Without more detail on the operations or your working methods, I can't give a clear opinion on this one.
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To respond to Jim's comments above.
@Jim Eshelmam said
"Yes. This isn't an exclusive factor, but it's certainly a significant one. For one thing, it means that you are in a state of deeply concentrated attention and awakened visualization as you enter the remainder of the ritual."
I am not sure if it was my concentration or the city - which has long been regarded as a special place for hundreds of years (local explanations varying from ley lines, naturally occurring magnetic fields, ancient meteorite crater etc). I knew the egregore had a tendency to amplify whatever energy is put out, good or bad, long before starting regular magickal practise. I also know of several other high-level adepts who had traumatic/disastrous experiences while visiting. That leads me to conclude it is not just a matter of magickal technique and skill, that something more is going on, there is something about this place.
Curiously, at the height of my ordeals, I had visions of enormous prehistoric-looking astral sea creatures swimming up and checking me out, seemingly attracted by the planetary invokings. Where I live is landlocked and the last time the area was under water was during the Paleozoic era. While I have no explanation for any of this I am certain the appearance of these creatures had nothing to do with discharging my karmic debts or purifying the personality. It was only recently, a full year later, that I happened to notice the following comment by AC in Liber O that gave an uncannily accurate explanation:
4. The student, if he attains any success in the following practises, will find himself confronted by things (ideas or beings) too glorious or too dreadful to be described. It is essential that he remain the master of all he beholds, hears or conceives; otherwise he will be the slave of illusion, and the prey of madness.
@Jim Eshelmam said
"Definitely could. Obviously the real issue is the effect this had on changing you during the operation, and your words suggest it had a strong effect on you.."
Indeed, I radically changed my life over a year ago and have not looked back or felt the urge to go back. It was surprisingly easy.
@Jim Eshelmam said
"Another question to ask yourself is: Does the underlying theory of your operations necessitate a postulation of duality? This is inherent, for example, in any act of evocation. Us vs. Them, Me vs. It, Inside vs. Outside, etc. If duality is a necessary working postulate for the operation, then a circle is quite useful as a way to effectuate it."
I was not working with the postulation of duality or a circle or temple space. This is clearly my stupidity. Toward the end of several months of regular banishings/invoking during fall 2007, I felt encircled by a whispering campaign, fear, hostility, that I was “on stage” wherever I went, and finally threats against me. It felt like a lynching mob had risen up against me and I was the last to receive the memo. This part of my ordeals was related to my karma.
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@h2h said
"Do you believe the type of visualization one does when carrying out banishings/invokings can influence the degree to which the operation subsequently manifests?"
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so shall it be!" This "heart" implies Tiphereth, otherwise known as (part of the) the Causal Plane. Visualization and wishful thinking below this level (that is, in the personality-concrete/intellectual mind-emotions), may get some results, but that's usually just selfish sorcery.