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EL FAQ-O GIGANTE This document is a compilation file of all known alt.magick FAQ files and several REF files. I am calling it EL FAQ-O GIGANTE. It is posted to incite discussion and possible revision of the alt.magick FAQ. Title: El FAQ-O Gigante Path: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/el-faq-o-gigante Version: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 Replaces: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT WHEN RESPONDING. CLIP AND RESPOND ONLY TO PERTINENT SECTIONS. RESPOND IN USENET ONLY, PLEASE. ========================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS - EL FAQ-O GIGANTE ========================================================== PART ZERO: META: The Newsgroup Itself as a topic; usenet culture 0.1 What is this newsgroup about? 0.2 What is this newsgroup *not* about? 0.3.1 Who is in charge here? Who is the group monitor? Who is the moderator? Who started this newsgroup? 0.3.2 Is there a formal magical or fraternal order associated with alt.magick? 0.4 Shouldn't there be limits to what people can post here? 0.5.1 Why are so many posters antagonistic to newcomers? 0.5.2 Why are so many posters antagonistic to each other? 0.5.3 What can I do to minimize being the target of antagonism? 0.6 ARGH!!! I asked for recipes or spells and I got quick fried to a crackly crunch! WHY? 0.7.1 Are there stylistic posting guidelines? 0.7.2 Why does it matter if I don't spell properly or if my grammar is poor? 0.8.1 How do I even start to figure out what the topics are? 0.8.2 What are related topics we can discuss here? 0.9 Why do some posters here put equations which are wrong after their names, like 8=3? PART ONE: GENERAL: Definitions and Theories 1.1.1 What is magick? 1.1.2 Why is the newsgroup alt.magick spelled with a k and why do some posters spell the word magic with a 'k'? 1.2.1 Is magick real, and, if so, how does it work? 1.2.2 Is magick a science, an art, both, or neither? 1.2.3 Is magic compatible with modern science? 1.3 What is the relationship between religion and magick? 1.4 What is mysticism and how does this relate to magick? 1.5 What is a ritual and how is it related to magick? 1.6 What can one achieve with magick? 1.7.1 Can you send me magick spells? 1.7.2 How can I use magick to make someone love me? 1.7.3 I want a magick spell to curse someone. 1.7.4 How can I tell if I have been cursed or remove a curse? 1.7.5 Help! My girlfriend / boyfriend is a witch / OTO member / Satanist / chaote / vampire! What should I do? 1.7.6 Is a magic 'spell' different from a 'prayer'? 1.8.1 What are demons and angels? Are these related to magick? 1.8.2 How can I summon a demon and have it obey me? 1.8.3 How do I get rid of unwanted demons? 1.9.1 What's a good beginning reading list for a person interested in magick? 1.9.2 What resources are available for the computer-wise mage? PART TWO: ETHICS: The Morality of Magick 2.1 Is magic black and/or white? Should we do black magic? 2.2 What is black magick and is it ethical? 2.3 How can magick be used to heal and when should it? 2.4 What is karma? What is the Rule of Three? How do they apply to magical work? 2.5 What are the ethics of using magick in enrichment, romance, combat, employment, crime and politics? PART THREE: PRACTICE: The Study of Magick 3.1 How do I learn to do magick? Do I need an instructor? 3.2 What is the relationship between student and teacher supposed to be? 3.3 What are the usual pitfalls of magical work, and what common, recognizable stages do magicians go through in the course of magical training? 3.4.1 What is the basis for secrecy and why do some magicians abide by it? 3.4.2 Are magical oaths necessary and/or useful? PART FOUR: HISTORY: The Story of Magick 4.1.1 How does Egypt fit into the history of magick? 4.1.2 Who were the Templars or Knights Templar? 4.1.3 Who were the (Bavarian) Illuminati? 4.1.4 What is Kabbalah / Cabala / Qabala ? 4.1.5 What is Hermeticism? 4.1.6 What is Masonry and how does it relate to magick? 4.1.7 What is Rosicrucianism, the rose and cross? 4.1.8 What is Theosophy and how does it relate to magick? 4.1.9 What was the Golden Dawn and what did it become? 4.2.1 Who was John Dee? 4.2.2 Who was Eliphas Levi? 4.2.3 Who was Helena Petrovna Blavatsky? 4.2.4 Who was Paschal Beverly Randolph? 4.2.5.1 Who was Aleister Crowley? 4.2.5.2 Why does Crowley have such a bad reputation as a person? 4.2.5.3 What is Crowley's 'Aeon of Horus' mean? 4.2.6 Who was Israel Regardie? 4.2.7 Who was Dion Fortune? 4.2.8 Who was Austin Osman Spare? 4.2.9 Who was Gerald Gardner? PART FIVE: DISCIPLINES Associated With Magick 5.1 What is divination? (i.e. astrology, tarot, i ching, feng shui, runework) 5.2 What is sex magick? 5.2.1 What is tantra? 5.2.2 Are tantra and sex magick related? 5.3.1 What is yoga and how does it relate to magick? 5.3.2 To what to do the following words refer: asana, tattwa, kundalini, prana, cakra/chakra; qi/ki/chi, meridians; aura, avatars and (re)incarnation? 5.4 What is alchemy and how is it related to magick? 5.5.1 What is qabala and how does it relate to magick? 5.5.2 Is qabala different than kabbalah or cabala? 5.5.3 To what do the following words refer: gematria, notariqon, temurah, aiq bekr, sephiroth, qliphoth, da'ath, abyss, pathworking? 5.6.3 What is ceremonial magick? 5.6.3.1 What is a Holy Guardian Angel? 5.6.3.2 What is the Oath of the Abyss? 5.6.3.3 What is the Great Work? 5.7.1 What is voudoun / voodoo and what kind of spells are Voodoo spells? 5.7.2 What about santeria? Is it a religion or magick? 5.8.1 What is folk magic? 5.8.2 What is "Pow Wow magic"? 5.8.3 What are juju, obeah and hoodoo? 5.8.4 What are brujeria, curandismo, stregheria, etc.? 5.9.1 What is witchcraft? Is it different than 'the craft'? 5.9.2 Is witchcraft magick or something else? 5.10.1 What is Wicca? Is it different than witchcraft? 5.10.2 What is the Great Rite of Wicca? 5.10.3 Is the Great Rite anything like the Great Work? 5.11 What is Satanism? 5.12 What is chaos / kaos magick? 5.13.1 What is Enochian magick? 5.13.2 What are aethyrs and calls? 5.13.3 Is there really such a thing as 'enochian chess'? 5.14 What is cybermagick? 5.15 What is occultism? 5.16.1 What is spiritualism? 5.16.2 Are ghosts or the spirits of the dead real? 5.16.3 What is a seance? 5.16.4 What is a ouija board and how is it used? 5.17.1 What is astral travel? 5.17.2 What is the astral plane? 5.17.3 What does OOBE stand for? What is it? 5.18 Are telepathy and telekinesis magick? 5.19 What are vampires and werewolves -- and do they have anything to do with magick? 5.20 How many elements / guardians / archangels are there? and how are they used in magick? 5.21 What is the "LBRP" or Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram? 5.22 What is the "QC" or Qabalistic Cross? 5.23 What is "KCHGA" or Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel? 5.24 What is the Abyss? PART SIX: TOOLS AND OBJECTS Associated With Magick 6.1 What is a magical tool? 6.2.1 What are common magical tools and how are they used? (i.e. wand/staff, cup/chalice, sword, pentacle, dagger, cord, candle, incense, perfume, salt, herbs, gems/stones, scrying mirror, scourge, athame, mojo, gris-gris, wanga, talisman, sigil, lamen, etc.) 6.2.2 What is an athame and how is this term pronounced? 6.2.3 What are a gris-gris, wanga, or mojo? 6.3.1 What is the Necronomicon and how does it relate to magick? 6.3.2 Where can I find the Necronomicon? 6.3.3 Why is alt.necromicon spelled funny? 6.4 What is a "Book of Shadows"? 6.5 What is The Book of the Law? 6.6 What are magic(k) squares? 6.7.1 Where are there pictures of a pentagram, hexagram, unicursal hexagram, swastika, baphomet, tree of life? 6.7.1 Where are there pictures of a pentagram, hexagram, unicursal hexagram, swastika, baphomet, tree of life? 6.7.2 Are there correct ways to draw them? 6.7.3 If a symbol is 'upside-down' what does this mean? 6.8 What role do psychoactive substances play in magical practice? 6.9 What role do mind machines and bio-feedback play in magick? PART SEVEN: INITIATION AND ORDERS Associated With Magick 7.1.1 What is initiation? Is it important? 7.1.2 What forms do initiations take? 7.2 Why does alt.magick resemble an initiated order? 7.3 Is joining an organization a good idea? Are social rituals better than solitary ones? 7.4 What do magickal orders and organizations actually do? 7.5 What is the Golden Dawn? 7.6 What is the OTO? 7.7 What is the A.'. A.'.? 7.8.1 What is Discordianism? 7.8.2 Is Discordianism really related to the Illuminati? 7.9 What does 'TOPY' stand for and why do they spell funny? 7.10 What is the Church of the Subgenius? PART EIGHT: CONTRIBUTORS AND REFERENCES 8.1 Contributors to this FAQ 8.2 References Consulted ========================================================== PART ZERO: META: The Newsgroup Itself as a topic; usenet culture 0.1 What is this newsgroup about? The technical and scholarly discussion of magick; magickal theory, art, and technology. (See the definition of magick, below.) The general viewpoint here is to try for a dogma-free approach to magick, which precludes a lot of religious discussion, although we draw religious and mystical vocabulary in *all* the time, since we are too short lived to reinvent all the symbols in the world. 0.2 What is this newsgroup *not* about? This newsgroup is not about specific religions (Pagan, Satanist, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, New Age, Wicca, whatever). It is not about stage magic. It is not about the Necronomicon or mythology. Those topics have their own newsgroups. However, since many take mysticism to be the aim or goal of their magic, and mythology to be its language, we will likely have a difficult time separating religion and mysticism from magic with any consistency. Most people who make positive contributions to the alt.magick nwsgroup are "believers" in Magick. A sane, intelligent, well phrased, non-condemnatory questioning of that belief may have a subsidiary place in this group, but as in any other group of like minded individuals who gather to discuss a favourite topic, disruption is not appreciated. 0.3.1 Who is in charge here? Who is the group monitor? Who is the moderator? Who started this newsgroup? No one is in charge. There is no monitor. There is no moderator. Alt.magick was newgroup'd by Josh Geller in 1991. The newsgroup 'alt.magic' had already been claimed by those whose interest was stage magic. A history of alt.magick has not been written but the newsgroup Charter as well as many old newsgroup FAQs, REF files, documents, control messages, and the like can be found here: http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs.html Archives of old alt.magick posts from 1995 to the present are available at http://www.google.com Selected archives of alt.magick posts from 1992 to the present can be found at the Lucky Mojo Esoteric Archive of Usenet Posts at: http://www.luckymojo.com/esoteric.html 0.3.2 Is there a formal magical or fraternal order associated with alt.magick? None whatsoever. 0.4 Shouldn't there be limits to what people can post here? There has been movement, off and on over the years, to work toward some sort of moderated alt.magick.* forum, but this has never been successfully carried out. The newsgroup was created (alt.magick.moderated), but it carries very little traffic, if any. There are many subgroups of alt.magick to which specific types of discussion should be taken if you wish to cooperate with newsgroup regulars. Here are a few of the discussion- oriented newsgroups to get you started: news:alt.magick.ethics (philosophia) news:alt.magick.folk (primitivas) news:alt.magick.goetia (daemonos) news:alt.magick.order (politicos) news:alt.magick.tantra (sexualis) news:alt.magick.tyagi (synthesia) There is a comprehensive list of posting suggestions in the document called "alt.magick RULES." These are quotes from usenet authorities regarding posting content and may be found at this location: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/ruleref In terms of limiting the *substance* or *topic*, there is no "censorship," but there has been intense heat from occult organizations to keep certain copyrighted texts from being posted to the newsgroup in bulk. In addition to copyright issues, there is often a great outcry when someone posts a ritual or a suggestion which conflicts with the morality or maturity level of participants. As alt.magick is not moderated, savvy folks who know how to forge- cancel posted messages may be able to keep a single post from being seen, discussion of it carrying over into one of the sub-forums at most. In short, there are no technical limitations, but there are some factions (participants, occult groups) who have a very sincere interest in affecting what is posted. 0.5.1 Why are so many posters antagonistic to newcomers? Much of the time people start posting to alt.magick without having done any research or preparation of their own. This is annoying to many of the regular posters, and an indication that the new poster is unlikely to be sufficiently dedicated that any positive replies will be time well spent. Furthermore, some people think that those who are prepared to persevere in their line of questioning despite antagonism are most likely to be the ones that will persevere in their study of magick. Their belief is sometimes called the "dojo model" of alt.magick. Also, some people you meet in usenet -- just like some people you meet on the streets, on the job, or in your family -- may be abrasive, unfriendly, aggressive and/or mentally ill. This doesn't stop them from posting, of course. 0.5.2 Why are so many posters antagonistic to each other? Clashing wills, clashing moralities, and clashing dogmas can open heated debates; insults and sarcasm may lead to flame wars. This is true all over usenet, not just in alt.magick. 0.5.3 What can I do to minimize being the target of antagonism? First, wait a while before posting. Read the kinds of things other people post. Read this FAQ. Second, do some of your own research. Simply asking for us to do your work for you will not go down well. Third, conform to Usenet convention. Make sure your news reader has word-wrap set, try not to include the entirety of a post you are responding to, but do include at least the most recent attribution, and don't simply reply to add "Me too." Do not post commercial advertisements, nor binaries, nor religious dogma. Do not call people names. Fourth, if before you start posting you identify people who seem angry a lot of the time or whose viewpoints are likely to clash with yours, you can ignore their posts. Fifth, pay attention to any "Order" affiliations provided by those who are abrasive and abusive. Consider carefully what their school of choice says about "attainment," whether this ought to manifest in such behaviour or whether the corrosive individual in question actually has some kind of connection to the organization, religion, mystical path, or magical school they laud. Beware of imposters and poseurs who wish to monopolize your time in order to feel better about themselves, by making you feel small and unimportant. 0.6 ARGH!!! I asked for recipes or spells and I got quick fried to a crackly crunch! WHY? Fear not. Some of us think that this should be an open forum, and use kindness. Folks employing knee jerk flaming are not to be considered as *representative* of the collegium, no matter what volume they contribute. If you wish to enquire about spells, to pick up recipes for popular magical formulae, or discuss the magical symbolism of herbs and minerals, you may have better luck in news:alt.paranormal.spells.hexes.magick If you wish to discuss practical methods of occult practice, such as making and using ceremonial tools, mirror-scrying, and sigil creation, you may do better in news:alt.occult.methods 0.7.1 Are there stylistic posting guidelines? Add a few books on General Semantics to your reading list, and also Strunk & White, and the guide to using your favorite news editor. We do pretty well with bad spellers, and poor grammarians, but there is no excuse for folks who can't learn how to use their word wrap options in their editor. It really makes it hard to read your post or to include quotes to reply. Please hit the return key at the end of each line, if you can't learn how to use the word wrap. Please do not post binaries. Please do not quote entire lengthy posts when making a one-line reply. Please do not top-quote (place your reply above the material to which you are replying). See also http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/ 0.7.2 Why does it matter if I don't spell properly or if my grammar is poor? We are discussing many abstract and complex subjects. If you have an insufficient grasp of the basic tools of language, many will doubt your ability to adequately understand their ideas or communicate your own. If you speak English as a second language or are using a mechanical translator program to read or post, it is a good idea to mention it in your first few messages; this will prevent people targeting you as a sloppy writer. 0.8.1 How do I even start to figure out what the topics are? Read what other people say and try to learn from the responses they get. If you want to learn more, and want to use alt.magick as a learning resource, that's fine. Ask a specific question. If you don't have a specific question to ask, then go and do some research until you have got one. Displays of ignorance do not tend to get clamped down on, however displays of laziness or stupidity do. It is important to remember that many of us come from differing backgrounds, so please do not assume that we have terms in common. If people react to your posting, it is very likely on the grounds of some semantic misunderstanding. Semantic misunderstandings beat out cold fusion as a source of boundless cheap heat. Do your best, and we will try to sort it out. Communication is an unending miracle, which we renew every time we read something on the net. None of us are perfect at it, so don't worry *too* much, and never take anything personally if folks react to it. (Even if they tell you so.) Anyone taking themselves too seriously here is missing the point. A primary prerequisite for the group is a broad sense of humor. 0.8.2 What are related topics we can discuss here? Any and all of the following subjects can provide some thought provoking material for discussion, but they are not the primary focus of this newsgroup. Most of these topics are the subject of their own specialized newsgroups; all of them can be researched easily on the web: Mysticism, sorcery, Yoga, Tantra Yoga, neo-tantra, Kundalini Yoga, psychology, the Necronomicon, H. P. Lovecraft, parapsychology, C. G. Jung, chaos quantum physics, out of body experiences, near-death experiences, ghosts, spirit visions, divination, sex magick, alchemy, ley lines, feng shui, the I Ching, lucid dreaming, inner alchemy, talismans, amulets, charms, potions, spell-casting, extra-sensory perception, memetics, mnemonics, drug use, psychism, chi energy, Paganism, Neo-Paganism, Wicca, witchcraft, Satanism, Asatru, runes, Zen Buddhism, Santeria, Obeah, Voodoo, Discordianism, channelling, trance possession, palmistry, Theosophy, meditation, visualization, pathworking, astrology, chiromancy, Spiritualism, hypnosis, and Rosicrucianism, 0.9 Why do some posters here put equations which are wrong after their names, like 8=3? The equations signify grades in the Golden Dawn, Rosicrucian and/or A.'.A.'. systems of hermetic magick -- though perhaps with slightly different meanings in each case. In the Golden Dawn, for instance these range from 0=0 (neophyte), and 1=10 (zelator) through to 10=1 (ipsissimus), and do not attempt to convey any mathematical truths. The grades signify levels of attainment within that system, and within that system alone. However, in some systems, such as the A.'.A.'., certain grades reflect changes in consciousness and mark stages in development, achievable by anyone: 0=0: Neophyte (or "Probationer" in the A.'.A.'.) -- marks an awareness of a spiritual goal, an awakening to there being "something higher". It is a beginning. "I am aware" 5=6: Adeptus minor - signifies attainment to the knowledge and conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, identifying with the individual subconscious which manifests the universal Will in each person. Entails a *realisation* of the individual's "place" in the universe, and of the individual's true will. "I do" 8=3: Magister Templi, "Master of the Temple" - signifies the crossing of the Abyss, or the identification with the universal Will itself. Entails a *realisation* that the individual is but one manifestation of the whole, and that individual preferences, opinions, attachments and indeed the self, are illusionary. "It does through me" It must be borne in mind that although these grades represent the stages described, there may be any number of reasons why individuals choose to employ them on alt.magick, but which can't be covered in this FAQ. ========================================================== PART ONE: GENERAL: Definitions and Theories 1.1.1 What is magick? Some see magick as a kind of energy which pervades the cosmos. Some see it as a psychic tool by which we may influence the material world using symbols and ritual. Some see it as a means of coming to unite with the divine. Some consider it to be the exercise of will or Will, or the manipulation of reality. Magic has been defined by many people in many different ways, but in this newsgroup, it is generally considered to be the manipulation of reality in accordance with will and to includes any of a variety of life-practices which devote or direct the practitioner to self- and (thereby) environment-transformation. One poster adapted an old text and came up with this definition: Magic is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy, advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right understanding of the inward and occult virtue of things; so that true Agents being applied to proper Patients, strange and admirable effects will thereby be produced. Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature; they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effect, the which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle." Because methods and schools of magic (and magick) vary, this group discusses all sorts of things under the heading "magick," including alchemy, Kabbalah, ritual magick, ceremonial magick, the Western Esoteric Tradition, Renaissance Neo-Platonism, Asian mysticism, Neo-Pagan magic, and occasionally a bit of commentary on New Age practices. Whatever the word means, and however we choose to spell it, magic (or magick) is the subject, generally, of the newsgroup, and will likely be given many differing and contradictory meanings during discussions there. See also: Magick: What is Magic(k)? REF (KfaQ#1), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.whatmgk.9503 1.1.2 Why is the newsgroup alt.magick spelled with a k and why do some posters spell the word magic with a 'k'? According to Josh Geller, the newsgroup alt.magick was newsgroups with a 'k' because the name alt.magic had already been taken by a group that discussed stage magic (prestidigitation) and, as he'd a fondness for Crowleyan spelling, he chose alt.magick rather than attempt something else like alt.occult.magic. Not all occult newsgroups spell magic with a k: The oldest newsgroup that deals with occultism and magic, alt.paranormal.spells.hexes.magic, does not use the 'k.' Although "Magick" is a spelling popularly associated with Aleister Crowley, it does indeed precede him by hundreds of years. It was the common spelling of the word in the Elizabethan period and appears spelled with a k in John Dee's diaries which date from the 1580s. Some suspect that this in particular held an attraction for Crowley, as he believed himself to be the reincarnation of Dee's partner, Edward Kelly. All English words derived from Latin words ending in -ic- or Greek words in -ik- were commonly spelled -ick- in English, when the pronunciation had the "k" sound, well into the late 1700's; but were spelled -ic- in English when the pronunciation changes to an "s" or "sh" sound. Thus: magick, magicks, magickally; and if we had a verb "to magick," its forms would be magicking and magicked. However, only magician, never "magickian," because the pronunciation in this word is not "k", but "sh" (for Americans) or "s" (for some English). In English print, the -ick ending began to change to -ic about 1700; by about 1730 -ic was much more frequent than -ick; by 1800 -ick was effectively extinct in English print. After about 1800, people started dropping the "k" except when a vowel "e" "i" or "y" immediately followed. Thus we now write magic; but it there were a verb "to magic," we would still write "magicking" and "magicked," just as we do with the verb "to picnic." Johnson's 1755 Dictionary views -ick as a lost but noble cause. Americans were about 40 years behind the trend: -ick can still be found in American print until about 1840. If you want a good example of an English text with the "k" still used as described, take a look at the first edition of the English translation of Agrippa's "Three Books of Occult Philosophy"(1651), available in your nearest high-level rare book library if you're lucky. So Crowley just revived an archaic spelling for his own purposes. He, however, being rather well-educated, never blundered into spellings like 'magickian" (gaack)! Due to his many publications and the orders he crafted, Aleister Crowley is revered by many and despised by as many more. For a list of Crowley's writings, see: http://www.luckymojo.com/crowley/ Soror Virakam, an associate of Crowley's, maintained that spelling magick with a k separated Crowley from his competitors. Symonds and Grant wrote, "Aleister Crowley (if Soror Virakam may be relied upon) is said to have adopted 'the old spelling of MAGICK ... in order to distinguish the Science of the Magi from all its counterfeits.'" ("Magick", eds. Symonds/Grant, p. 45 note). One poster to alt.magick stirred up quite a bit of controversy when he referred to this as Crowley's "marketing scheme." Symonds and Grant, in their introduction to "Magick" (Book Four, Parts I/II/III), contend that the k is a "conceit" of Crowley's and that it is related to potentially dangerous ("demonic and chaotic") energies, as well as life-oriented symbols such as "khu" (magical power) and "kteis," (vagina), for which they say it stands, as "the complement to the wand (or phallus) which is used by the Magician in certain aspects of the Great Work." Upon coming to usenet, numerous people have presumed that the distinction in spelling conveys more than mere intention to enable electronic machines to distinguish files. They may even apply the spelling differentiation backwards and say that the reason Aleister Crowley gave magick a k was to emphasize a difference between conjuring tricks and occult spells; between magic and magick. Some have claimed grounds for comparing magic and magick metaphorically to chemistry and alchemy. But one poster to the newsgroup finds this annoying: I can't believe people are =still= saying that Crowley spelled "magick" with a "k" to distinguish it from stage magic. Hasn't anyone read "Magick in Theory and Practice," surely the most widely reprinted of his books? He used the new spelling to distinguish his system from everyone else's Golden Dawn style magic, which he thought had given the whole enterprise a bad name. This deliberately archaic spelling had diddly-squat to do with stage magic, and everything to do with Crowley's hatred of his contemporary competitors. Another poster had this to say about the current use of the spelling "magick": Most of the world teaches about magic as some system of symbolic manipulation of the physical world, the activity of trying to cause or assist the cause of change toward a desired end through symbolic means. The objectives and the elements of magical practice vary from culture to culture. "Magick" is a very particular and peculiar subject of study amongst the social groups clustered around Edward Alexander "Aleister" Crowley. A typical assertion is that "magick" separates stage magic from occult magick (the latter usually ascribed to Crowley, who made it very clear he used it to differentiate his mystical magic from that of his competition, who used different means to achieve the same Hermetic goals). However, Crowley's usage was unusual for his time period, and now many who use it after him only know about or practice ceremonial magic. Basically, magick (and Hermetic magic as a whole) includes ritual ceremonies to achieve mystical objectives. The co-option of the term "magic" toward this end should be considered a religious antagonism toward folk magic from the standpoint of a privileged European literati, who describe folk magic as "Low" and present the subject in biased and skewed ways to serve their religious interests. Their "elevated" bias indicates their allegiance to the sky-gods of Western religious cults and the transcendental "heavens" located beyond the terran gravitational sink from which they typically seek to escape -- comparable to some Eastern mystics, whose traditions they will also attempt to co-opt toward their ends. MAGIC, on the other hand, transcends these Hermetic goals and methods, and forms a part of occult study, along with systems of divination and alchemy. The predominant focus of magical lore worldwide is the association of spell elements with the desired results of the crafted spell. Beyond this, traditional methods of spell-casting and spell-resolution, how non-ordinary entities may relate to this process, and what conditions ensure the security of the mage and the reliability of the spell, form the major subject categories. And a quotation from Crowley's own writings indicates that Crowleyan "magick" may actually be about spirituality, not "magic" at all!: "In my third year at Cambridge, I devoted myself consciously to the Great Work, understanding thereby the Work of becoming a Spiritual Being, free from the constraints, accidents, and deceptions of material existence. I found myself at a loss for a name to designate my work, just as H. P. Blavatsky some years earlier. "Theosophy", "Spiritualism", "Occultism", "Mysticism", all involved undesirable connotations. I chose therefore the name "MAGICK" as essentially the most sublime, and actually the most discredited, of all the available terms. I swore to rehabilitate MAGICK, to identify it with my own career; and to compel mankind to respect, love, and trust that which they scorned, hated and feared. I have kept my Word." -- "Magick in Theory and Practice" by Aleister Crowley (pages XI-XII) For those interested in the magick of Aleister Crowley, there are many of his writings available online. One of the best introductions is his "Magick in Theory and Practice": http://www.luckymojo.com/crowley/004mitap.txt Those who want to read what Crowley had to write on occultism (alchemy, divination, and magic), stripped of his religious and mystical verbiage may find the following file valuable: http://www.luckymojo.com/esoteric/occultism/crowleymitap.html For discussions of worldwide magic from various cultures, without respect to Aleister Crowley (but not excluding him either), try news:alt.lucky.w See also: Magick and Magic REF (quotes defining the words and their meaning), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.mgk-def.9508 1.2.1 Is magick real, and, if so, how does it work? Some posit the notion of principles -- "laws of magic," and what-not -- a la scientific structure. Some have suggested the differentiation of magical "currents" or "energies" based on style and/or intent. Some approach the question more subjectively, considering all knowledge about the elements of magic to be personal and therefore particular only to the individual condition, variable of form. All of these are popular responses to this question, though more inventive theories would be welcomed as well. Conventional approaches may be cross-posted to sci.philosophy.meta. See also: Magick: Is Magic(k) Real? REF (KfaQ#6), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.realmgk.9412 1.2.2 Is magick a science, an art, both, or neither? Aleister Crowley, whom many respect as an authority, called it both when he defined magick as "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." 1.2.3 Is magic compatible with modern science? This is an oft-asked question, particularly with reference to Heisenberg and chaos theory. Hang around a little before getting into one of these discussions. They can take quite a while to untangle. "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." --- Arthur C. Clarke One poster wrote this: Hermetic magick, as we know it in Western cultures, arises from the gnostic religious philosophies. "Gnosis" means "knowing". Instead of simply believing or accepting the workings of the universe on faith, a student and practitioner of magick seeks to "know" them, to experience them directly and to seek some consistency to their operation, and, through this knowledge, to exert control over them. In the realm of observable phenomena, the most refined way to do this is the scientific method. "Science" also means "knowing". So science is a form of magick, refined into a high degree of reliability where it is applied to physical phenomena. There is nothing in science which contradicts the operation of magick. However, since magick also addresses experiences and events are not independently observable, the methods of science do not always apply to it with any conclusive results. Hard science advocates a causal materialism to be the proper paradigm for explaining and understanding events in reality. Of course, science is not monolithic, and a great many individual scientists vary in what degree they agree with the underlying assumptions. Magick, with all its various schools, can be characterized as arising from differing metaphysical assumptions. Thus one can practice effective magick or science with varying assumptions. Some metaphysical viewpoints allow the practice of both without contradiction, and in others they are absolutely distinct. Another poster had this opinion: Who cares? This question is a tar-baby and those who touch it and get stuck have only themselves to blame. 1.3 What is the relationship between religion and magick? There have been a number of different discussions on these subjects. The more popular hypotheses in the newsgroup include the magic/individual : religion/group model, the idea that religion is the devolution of magic, and the theory that magic is the functional portion of religion. Some people, notably those from non-Christian cultures, do not seem overly interested to discern between magic and religion at all. Some people have never considered the subject, having grown up more or less unexposed to religion. 1.4 What is mysticism and how does this relate to magick? Thelemites might equate magic with will and mysticism with love. The association has also been made between mysticism and theurgy, and magic and thaumaturgy. Some say that magic is the application of will using symbolic means to cause intentional change and that mysticism is one area of change (a spiritual area) toward which magic may be applied. For more on mysticism, see the MaGI's Gehennom GOO list of web-links at http://www.luckymojo.com/magi/goo.html 1.5 What is a ritual and how is it related to magick? Ritual is a standardized form of spiritual practice that often involves elements of oral recitation, symbolic gestures and the use of sacred objects, in a ceremonial setting, intended to attune the mind(s) and imagination(s) of the ritualist(s) with the Greater Mind of God, His Angels and the spirits of the subtle realms beyond our common sight and hearing. Ritual is often ecstatic, hypnotic, and dramatic. At the very least it imprints the subconscious mind with the intended process and its hoped for result; at best it reaches out to the Universal Mind and the specific channels of that vast conception in order to create a "thought-form" on the astral plane to accomplish the purpose of the rite. Ritual is a context in which magic can occur, and may depend upon ceremonial or psychological factors inclusive of the achievement of certain states of consciousness (e.g. via psychoactives), the purposeful adherence to a strict pattern of behaviour (a formula), usage of a particular set of symbolic associations (a system), or the arrival of a specific experience (e.g. ecstasy). 1.6 What can one achieve with magick? Usually this question is asked by someone who thinks they already know what magick is. Once you have made up your mind, it is difficult to unmake it, so throw out what you think you know and try for a fresh perspective. The following is the opinion of a contributor who compares magick to the placebo effect in medicine. It is not a view shared by all contributors here, but it worth considering: There are any number of demonstrations of the intentional manipulation of reality. Aleister Crowley wrote that all intentional acts are magical acts. Every act we perform is a mysterious operation by which what we conceive becomes what happens, to a greater or lesser degree. Now, usually, when we think of magick we don't think of something so banal as twiddling our thumbs. We think of somehow affecting the world around us directly by manipulating symbols, thoughts, and feelings. So, let's consider the placebo effect. A placebo is a chemically inert substance which has the power to heal or relieve symptoms entirely because the recipient believes that it is, in fact, medicine. The placebo effect can be and has been measured by scientific experiments, beginning with H.K. Beecher's study, published as "The Powerful Placebo" (1955, JADA 159:1602-1606). Beecher's methods of inducing the placebo effect were unsophisticated and the researchers got only about a one-in-three positive response. More recently, The Power of Non-specific Effects in Healing: Implications for Psychosocial and Biological Treatments. (Roberts, A. H., D. G. Kewman, L. Mercier, and M. Hovell. 1993. Clinical Psychology Review 13:375-391), determined that "under conditions of heightened expectations, the power of non-specific effects (placebos) far exceeds that commonly reported in the literature." They found that in more than 7000 cases, the healing power of placebos occurred in almost 70% of them. The placebo effect is a prime example of how our beliefs and expectations, unaided by any other physical medium, can affect the way we feel and the way our bodies act. This is magick, demonstrated scientifically. As John Dodes, author of "The Mysterious Placebo" (Skeptical Inquirer January/February 1997 Vol. 21, No. 1), advises, "Paracelsus (Swiss alchemist and physician 1493-1541) wrote: 'You must know that the will is a powerful adjuvant of medicine.' It is imperative that skeptics recognize the wisdom and warnings inherent in this statement." To be sure, there are many claims made by people who practice some form of magick that they can induce psychic powers, open communications with non-corporeal entities, cause certain events to occur, and so forth. Some of these claims are clearly specious; others may not be. It is well to consider such claims as what they are: claims unsupported by experimental evidence gathered in a careful and scientific manner. It's a good idea to check things out for yourself, carefully and thoroughly, before you make a decision on the merits of any particular claim. Yet, for all of that, it is a fact that magick can and does produce some real and demonstrable phenomena. 1.7.1 Can you send me magick spells? If you want to participate in the technical and scholarly discussion of magick, that's fine. If, however, you simply want magick to be handed to you on a plate, you're in the wrong place. Spell-exchange within the alt.magick.* hierarchy is at times discouraged by newsgroup regulars or newbies concerned with considerations of ethics or expertise. The only newsgroup apparently designated for such an exchange is alt.paranormal.spells.hexes.magic. Some of us gladly post spells. Some of us are basically selfish bastards and jealously guard our grimoires. Some of us have found that simple repetition of what others have done before isn't a useful way of achieving one's own goals, and thus that simply giving someone a spell without engendering at least that much of an understanding would be a worthless thing to do. But, basically, exchange of spells is not the topic of this newsgroup. You will find a very large archive of spells at http://www.luckymojo.com/spells.html The spells contained within those compilation files may be dangerous to your health, but the archiver welcomes contributions to them and will be happy to source them properly so that those who taste of their repercussions can adequately compensate you. 1.7.2 How can I use magick to make someone love me? Many of the regular posters will blankly refuse such a request. The employment of such a spell (which would by its very nature contravene the free will of another person) is, by many, considered abhorrent, and anyone who would need to ask for one is often deemed, by the nature of their asking, to be too immature and irresponsible to be given one. However, love spells are a matter of historical record and, of course, over the years many have been posted to this newsgroup. No endorsement is implied, but here are some documents of interest, by a number of usenet authors: The alt.magick Ref File of Love and Attraction Spells http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/fuckspells.html Spells for Love and Sex Compiled from other Usenet Newsgroups http://www.luckymojo.com/spells/red/loveandsexspells.html 1.7.3 I want a magick spell to curse someone. This request will usually be met with even more disdain than a request for a love or lust spell. Nonetheless, jinxing and death-oriented spells were collected from alt.magick. over the last few years and they have been placed in this REF file: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/owspells.html 1.7.4 How can I tell if I have been cursed or remove a curse? This is a Frequently Asked Question in other newsgroups where spell-work is discussed, so rather than bothering alt.magick with such an off-topic query, please repost your question to either news:alt.paranormal.spells.hexes.magic or news:alt.lucky.w 1.7.5 Help! My girlfriend / boyfriend is a witch / OTO member / Satanist / chaote / vampire! What should I do? The mere fact that you are asking for a consultation in usenet implies anxiety on your part. If you have anxiety for any reason in a relationship, you must talk about it and share your feelings openly with each other. The "Occult" has been repressed and denied for so long that its practitioners have, in many cases, learned tolerance. Unlike members of established accepted mainstream religions, philosophies, and lifestyles that, to a greater or lesser extent, reject anybody who does not share their values, occultists tend to be easy-going about their partners' choices. Try to assume an similar attitude of tolerance in return. Chances are that you are not a Christian fundamentalist or you would have picked up on your partner's interest in the occult before you became boyfriend/girlfriend, so perhaps you can look on your partner as you would any other c=sincere aspirant to spiritual truth. Even if you are an atheist and you find your partner's belief in "witchcraft" repugnant to common sense, you can still talk about it with him or her. If you are unwilling to think about new ways of interacting, alternative lifestyles, and/or non-traditional morality structures, or to countenance them in a lover, then the relationship probably won't work. 1.7.6 Is a magic 'spell' different from a 'prayer'? [no answers have been logged to this question; i may write a brief one, as it is an interesting topic.] 1.8.1 What are demons and angels? Are these related to magick? Demons and angels derive from religious traditions and thus opinions what they are will vary based on a person's theological outlook. Some posters believe that demons and angels are special beings, created by God. They may say that Angels are direct representatives from God assigned to various duties: Raphael heals the sick, Michael offers protection, and so on. Demons are rebellious spirits, sometimes called "Fallen Angels;" often they are ancient Pagan Gods and Goddesses in disguise. They act upon human emotions and forces of nature in capricious ways. In Magick one learns to control them, and use them, through will-power and the help of the Angels. Some posters believe that demons represent pre-scientific, anthropomorphized embodiments of physical and mental diseases and that angels represent pre-scientific, anthropomorphized embodiments of well-being or comfort. Some posters believe that demons and angels are the deities of conquered peoples whose suppressed, distorted, and half-forgotten ancient religions have been incorporated into successive cosmologies. They hold that after being demoted from deific status by the conquerors, these entities have been given new roles, either positive or negative, and are thereafter known as angels or demons. An example cited those who promote this viewpoint is the goddess Ishtar (also known as Esther, Oestara, and Astarte) who was given a sex-change and became the male demon Ashtoreth in Medieval Christian magickal grimoires. Some posters believe that demons and angels are parts of the psyche, constructs of the ego perhaps. They may or may not also believe that gods and goddesses are also constructs of this sort. A general distinction is sometimes made that demons work at odds with the will of the magician (e.g. like phobias do) and that angels work along with the will of the magician (e.g. like character strengths do). Under this system of belief, both demons and angels can be employed in the fulfillment of the magician's will, and demons can assume a new master, and be converted into angels. Some people refer to this approach as "psychologizing magick." 1.8.2 How can I summon a demon and have it obey me? Before summoning demons, it may well be worth considering if the action is a wise one or not. In traditional Medieval and Renaissance ritual magick, you would not attempt to do this until you had the major Archangels firmly on your side through the process of Invocation (calling down from above); then you would summon a demon through the rites of Evocation (calling up from below -- or calling out from within). When the demon appears you would constrain him to do your will in the name of God through the power of the Archangels and angels ruling over him. Some posters say that you can summon demons the same way you summon anything; it is only necessary to call it forth with the whole of your will. Other posters -- both among those who "psychologize" demons and those who take the historical approach that many of the entities we now call demons are the discarded deities of conquered religions -- contend that the traditional practice of demon-summoning is cruel and unwarranted. They prefer to invite demons rather to than command them and to ask favours of them rather than coerce them to obey. It has been asserted by some in the "psychological school" that summoning demons is a lot easier than summoning angels because, "demons always want to creep up on you, and mess things up. You don't really need to summon one, you just need to let go of your hold on it, and it will be off doing its demonic work." This idea may be linked to unstated belief in the Christian doctrine of "original sin," which is a theological matter. Theories about demons and demon-summoning are among the most idiosyncratic found in the newsgroup and no belief is shared by the group as a whole. One "psychologizing" poster writes that Constraining a demon to do your will is more likely to be a constructive operation than is summoning one. This is merely a question of authority. Demons are intrinsically weak, but have a special aptitude at finding the weak spots of the magician, and striking at the most inopportune moments. They also like to gang together, and have a nasty habit of letting you think you have got the better of them, lulling the magician into a false sense of security before bringing him down once and for all. To truly constrain a demon requires the confidence and authority which comes from discovering the true will. The first step is to know and understand the demon. You cannot hope to control it unless you understand its nature, and how it works; you must know your opponent before you can conquer it. You must unconditionally accept the existence of said demon, and objectively seek to discover and understand its name, characteristics, methods of operation, and weak spots. To accomplish this requires a high degree of self-honesty, courage, and discrimination. There are a variety of more or less well known psychological methods to aid in this (e.g. psychoanalysis, methods for treating phobias), and a well-constructed magical system will also provide for this in the banishing stages of the magician's psyche. Once this is accomplished, subduing the demon to your will requires no less courage and determination. This question is one of authority (demons, being parts of the personality, belong to the magician; the magician does not belong to them. The magician must therefore make him/herself Master over them), and willpower (demons are cunning; all avenues of escape to them must be closed), the development of both being integral parts of any valid magical system of development. As ever, there are no set methods for this, except for the general guidance given to the magician to *discover his/her own nature*. But an "ecologizing" poster claims that: Demons are like wild animals. They are not put here to harm us, but if we tread on them or show exaggerated fear of them, they may do us damage. Like wild animals, they vary in their natures. Some demons are shy and will not quickly come when called, some can be trapped but will snarl and snap, some can be forced to obey through harsh punishments, and some are curious, gentle, and easily tamed through the medium of kindness reinforced with positive conditioning. Are they discarnate entities, former deities, or fragments of our psyches? I don't think that such speculation is worth the newsgroup's time. We will never agree, so let us minimize the dogma, and the demons will take care of themselves. Collected usenet posts about demon-summoning and infernal pacts may be found in this REF file. A separate file contains lists of demons from which you may choose: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/summonspells.html 1.8.3 How do I get rid of unwanted demons? The answer you receive to this question will depend upon what the poster believes a demon to be. Those who believe demons are special beings created by God may recommend traditional grimoire banishments. Such traditionalists will tell you to get rid of demons through the same process you used when you evoked them. You call up the demon, chastise him/her (respectfully) and then put his/her sigil (signature on parchment) in the bottom of your Brass Vessel (sigil box). If he/she refuses to be controlled, then scorch the sigil over your brazier until he/she complies. You might even burn up the sigil entirely if you want to rid yourself of this entity forever. See "The Lesser Key of Solomon, Goetia" for detailed instructions. Those who believe that demons are demoted gods may recommend a simple, "Adios, amigo" or "Hail and farewell." Those who believe that demons represent pre-scientific embodiments of physical and mental diseases may recommend that you see a medical doctor or a psychiatrist. Those who believe that demons are a part of the personality may claim that to try to "get rid" of demons is to deny a part of your being, and is destructive. The correct approach, they may tell you, is to constrain, or exert control over, them; to subdue them to your will. I.9.1 What's a good beginning reading list for a person interested in magick? A file titled "alt.magick Recommended Books On Magic And The Occult" -- an annotated compilation of 13 different reading lists that were contributed to alt.magick from 1992 to 2005 -- can be found here: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/bookref.html I.9.2 What resources are available for the computer-wise mage? At the present time, the google search engine is probably the best resource, as URLs for archives and essays tend to change over time. Stable sites that present a wide array of reading on the subject of magic and mysticism include: The Hermetic Library http://www.hermetic.com Internet Sacred Text Archive http://www.sacred-texts.com Arcane Archive http://www.arcane-archive.org ========================================================== PART TWO: ETHICS: The Morality of Magick 2.1 Is magic black and/or white? Should we do black magic? For discussion about the ethics of magic, see news:alt.magick.ethics. 2.2 What is black magick and is it ethical? The term "black magick" is fraught with controversy, and answers are varied within the newsgroup. Here is a viewpoint that stems from one poster's belief that magick is a mystical practice: In one well-respected tradition, the goal of magick can be considered the union of the magician with the divine, the raising of the human consciousness unto the higher consciousness. Any operation which is not ultimately directed towards this goal is black magick. The terms arise because "white" magick signifies the divine light, and "black" magick signifies moving away from the divine light, into darkness. In a more popular sense, black magick is used to describe operations which are intrinsically selfish (usually involving harm to others). The analogy is obvious; the above aim is to unite the individual with the whole, to essentially "destroy" the Self, the feeling of individuality which separates us from the divine. Thus, "selfish" operations are by definition in conflict with this goal. In this sense, "grey" magick can be applied to operations which, although not directed towards this ultimate goal, are not selfish, and arise mainly out of ignorance, rather than malice (e.g. operations to heal others). Here is another viewpoint: Attempts to distinguish between "black" and "white" magic serve the interests of those who oppose magick more than the interests of those who study it. This is because getting bogged down in definitions of the terms is a waste of time. 2.3 How can magick be used to heal and when should it? Using magick or magic to help or heal is a time-honoured tradition; however, some those who wish to avoid coercing others are sure to get the permission of the sufferer before undertaking such work. Magickal healing generally has two divisions, spell-work (manipulation of the material world in accordance with will) and/or prayer (petition to powerful entities for succor and aid). The same objections against spell-work that energize many posters to the newsgroup may also be recognized in their negative attitude toward magickal healing. For this reason, you may do better to broach the topic of healing magick in news:alt.paranormal.spells.hexes.magick and to seek healing through prayer in one of the many faith-based newsgroups in the alt.religion.* or soc.religion.* hierarchies. 2.4 What is karma? What is the Rule of Three? How do they apply to magical work? Karma is a Hindu religious concept that begins with the simple notion that actions have repercussions but, due to Hindu doctrinal belief in reincarnation usually includes as a subsidiary concept the idea that the quality of people's future births is determined by the quality of their actions in this life. At its best, the concept of karma supplies a reinforcement for ethical behavior among people who might otherwise be tempted to do wrong. At its worst, Karma has been used to justify status quo treatment of low caste citizens in India, because it was thought that they must have been bad people in a past lifetime to have been born so poorly in this one. The Rule of Three is a concept that comes out of the Wicca religion. It posits that whatever one does -- good or evil -- will be returned to one three-fold. It is not stated in the Rule of Three whether such return will occur in this lifetime or in theorized future lifetimes. Like a belief in karma, belief in the Rule of Three may act as a moral brake on otherwise potentially unethical people. Karma and The Rule of Three have no direct application to magick except insofar as belief in them may influence the thoughts of the individual practitioner. 2.5 What are the ethics of using magick in enrichment, romance, combat, employment, crime and politics? ========================================================== PART THREE: PRACTICE: The Study of Magick 3.1 How do I learn to do magick? Do I need an instructor? 3.2 What is the relationship between student and teacher supposed to be? 3.3 What are the usual pitfalls of magical work, and what common, recognizable stages do magicians go through in the course of magical training? 3.4.1 What is the basis for secrecy and why do some magicians abide by it? 3.4.2 Are magical oaths necessary and/or useful? ========================================================== PART FOUR: HISTORY: The Story of Magick 4.1.1 How does Egypt fit into the history of magick? 4.1.2 Who were the Templars or Knights Templar? 4.1.3 Who were the (Bavarian) Illuminati? 4.1.4 What is Kabbalah / Cabala / Qabala ? 4.1.5 What is Hermeticism? 4.1.6 What is Masonry and how does it relate to magick? 4.1.7 What is Rosicricianism, the rose and cross? 4.1.8 What is Theosophy and how does it relate to magick? 4.1.9 What was the Golden Dawn and what did it become? 4.2.1 Who was John Dee? 4.2.2 Who was Eliphas Levi? 4.2.3 Who was Helena Petrovna Blavatsky? 4.2.4 Who was Paschal Beverly Randolph? Paschal Beverly Randolph, 1825 - 1875 An African American Abolisitionist, sex magician, mirror-scryer, and novelist. He wrote both under his own name and under the pseudonym "The Rosicrucian." He founded at least two magical orders, and his work was influential on 20th century sex magick. 4.2.5.1 Who was Aleister Crowley? Aleister Crowley, 1875 - 1947 One of the most influential writers on magick of all time. His concept of magick entailed "the aim of religion, the method of science". Was a member of the Golden Dawn, founded the A.'.A.'., and went on the head the OTO. His goal in life was to establish and promulgate the "Law of Thelema", embodied in Liber Legis, whose main thrust can be summed up in the quote from that book, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". He aimed to synthesize all religions and magickal systems of the world, and to free the essential internal procedures from the misleading and varying dogmas to which other systems subject them to. 4.2.5.2 Why does Crowley have such a bad reputation as a person? 4.2.5.3 What is Crowley's 'Aeon of Horus' mean? 4.2.6 Who was Israel Regardie? Israel Regardie, 1906 - 1985 The most influential authority on the Golden Dawn system of magick. Was a member of the G.'.D.'., the A.'.A.'., and a IX degree member of the OTO. Was almost single-handedly responsible for the survival of the knowledge and system of the original Golden Dawn. His book, "The Complete System of Golden Dawn Magic" is *the* authority on the subject. He was a qualified psychiatrist, and one of his goals was to integrate psychology with magick, to realise the essentially similar goal of both. 4.2.7 Who was Dion Fortune? 4.2.8 Who was Austin Osman Spare? 4.2.9 Who was Gerald Gardner? ========================================================== PART FIVE: DISCIPLINES Associated With Magick 5.1 What is divination? (i.e. astrology, tarot, i ching, feng shui, runework) 5.2 What is sex magick? 5.2.1 What is tantra? 5.2.2 Are tantra and sex magick related? 5.3.1 What is yoga and how does it relate to magick? 5.3.2 To what to do the following words refer: asana, tattwa, kundalini, prana, cakra/chakra; qi/ki/chi, meridians; aura, avatars and (re)incarnation? 5.4 What is alchemy and how is it related to magick? 5.5.1 What is qabala and how does it relate to magick? 5.5.2 Is qabala different than kabbalah or cabala? 5.5.3 To what do the following words refer: gematria, notariqon, temurah, aiq bekr, sephiroth, qliphoth, da'ath, abyss, pathworking? 5.6.3 What is ceremonial magick? 5.6.3.1 What is a Holy Guardian Angel? 5.6.3.2 What is the Oath of the Abyss? 5.6.3.3 What is the Great Work? 5.7.1 What is voudoun / voodoo and what kind of spells are Voodoo spells? Voodoo is a religion that originated among the Fon and Ewe people of in West Africa and is also practiced in Haiti, and the USA. In Voodoo, spells-casting is integrated within the religion and a spell or prayer request can take a physical form called a wanga, which may be a small packet-charm. See news:alt.religion.voodoo 5.7.2 What about santeria? Is it a religion or magick? Santeria is a religion that originated among the Yoruba people of in West Africa as Lukumi and -- as Santeria and under other names, is also practiced in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the USA See news:alt.religion.orisha 5.8.1 What is folk magic? 5.8.2 What is "Pow Wow magic"? Pennsylvania Dutch (German) folk magic, which derives in large part from Medieval Germanic grimoires, is popularly known as "Pow Wow magic" due to the prominence of a book on the subject called "Pw Wows or the Long-Lost Friend" by John George Hohman, first published in 1820. 5.8.3 What are juju, obeah and hoodoo? Ju-Ju is a West African word meaning "magic." Obeah (also spelled Obi or Obeyah) is an African system of magic, mostly derived from Congo sources, although given an Ashanti (Ghanese) name. It is practiced in Jamaica, and it closely resembles American hoodoo magic. Hoodoo is an African American term for the practice of folk magic that derives mostly from Central African (Congo) sources, with notable admixtures of Native American (particularly Cherokee) magic and European folk magic, including Jeiwsh Kabbala, British and Irish folk magic, and Pennsylvania Dutch (German) "Pow Wow Magic." 5.8.4 What are brujeria, curandismo, stregheria, etc.? 5.9.1 What is witchcraft? Is it different than 'the craft'? 5.9.2 Is witchcraft magick or something else? 5.10.1 What is Wicca? Is it different than witchcraft? 5.10.2 What is the Great Rite of Wicca? 5.10.3 Is the Great Rite anything like the Great Work? 5.11 What is Satanism? See news: alt.satanism 5.12 What is chaos / kaos magick? See news:alt.magick.chaos 5.13.1 What is Enochian magick? 5.13.2 What are aethyrs and calls? 5.13.3 Is there really such a thing as 'enochian chess'? 5.14 What is cybermagick? 5.15 What is occultism? 5.16.1 What is spiritualism? 5.16.2 Are ghosts or the spirits of the dead real? 5.16.3 What is a seance? 5.16.4 What is a ouija board and how is it used? 5.17.1 What is astral travel? 5.17.2 What is the astral plane? 5.17.3 What does OOBE stand for? What is it? OOBE is short for "Out of Body Experience" -- the sensation that your consciousness (ego, self, etc.) is not inside your body. Some people consider this a magical phenomenon. Others consider it a mystical phenomenon. Still others consider it a medical phenomenon. There are newsgroups and web sites devoted to the subject. 5.18 Are telepathy and telekinesis magick? Telepathy, telekinesis, and any number of other so-called "paranormal" abilities have been advanced by some as being the force which accounts for some or all of the effects observed by people who do magical operations. There is little-to-no concrete evidence in support of this. Yet, it would be an error to say that there is no possibility that such powers may play a part in any particular event. The power behind magick is the power behind consciousness. That has never been adequately explained and perhaps it never will be. To call it a "paranormal" power is merely to limit the way you look at it by imposing another level of verbiage on it. That said, it does all rather depend on your definition of magick. If magic is causing change in conformity with Will, then picking up a pen and writing a letter is a magickal act. If that's the case, then one cannot sensibly exclude the willed act of transmitting a thought as any less magickal. 5.19 What are vampires and werewolves -- and do they have anything to do with magick? 5.20 How many elements / guardians / archangels are there? and how are they used in magick? 5.21 What is the "LBRP" or Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram? LBRP This is a short ritual developed by members of the Golden awn from a Jewish prayer, with Christian elements added, including the Qabalistic Cross. It is designed to "eliminate from the sphere of the mind those qualities or sensations which the critical ego deems unnecessary". It aims to release the internal power of the magician from constricting mental restraints. 5.22 What is the "QC" or Qabalistic Cross? QC A short, simple magickal practice in which the magician expands his consciousness by imagining his body growing to immense proportions, and visualises being the centre of a vast cross of light within him. Aim is to "bring the divine light down to the magician", or to help him realise consciousness with the divine; to "ally the personality with the true sources of life". 5.23 What is "KCHGA" or Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel? KCHGA A lengthy operation, coined in "The Book of the Sacred Magick of Abramelin the Mage" and subsequently used by the Golden Dawn and Crowley, and which constitutes success in the outer orders of both of them; all previous instructions are directed towards this goal. The term suggests direct conscious apprehension of that which guides us through life in the "correct way", free from all self-constricting neuroses, complexes, influences, and self-misapprehensions; when it has been accomplished, the Adept needs little or no further guidance from others. There is no set method; the operation will differ for each magician. 5.24 What is the Abyss? The Abyss, as discussed on alt.magick, is the "next big stage" after KCHGA in the Golden Dawn system. KCHGA implies identification with the true self, being a part of the whole. Crossing the Abyss implies identification with the whole itself, or to be more precise, with Nothing. It is a *realisation* (rather than a mere logical deduction; human reason is individual and imperfect, and is not capable of comprehending, or identifying with, the whole) that all individual preferences, feelings, emotions, opinions, leanings and attachments are illusions, merely symptoms of the interplay between the parts which make up the whole of the universe. This being the case, one state of the universe is not preferred over any other by the consciousness above the Abyss. Death, destruction, deceit and disease become mere incidents in what is a rather small corner of the universe. This is however a somewhat difficult term to define since understanding of its nature is impossible without direct, personal experience of it. ========================================================== PART SIX: TOOLS AND OBJECTS Associated With Magick 6.1 What is a magical tool? A magical tool is a physical object, natural or man-made, that is used in the practice of magic. Not all systems of magic utilize magical tools, but even those that abjure them still rely on physical objects such as books or for computers for the transmission their principles of practice. 6.2.1 What are common magical tools and how are they used? (i.e. wand/staff, cup/chalice, sword, pentacle, dagger, cord, candle, incense, perfume, salt, herbs, gems/stones, scrying mirror, scourge, athame, mojo, gris-gris, wanga, talisman, sigil, lamen, etc.) 6.2.2 What is an athame and how is this term pronounced? 6.2.3 What are a gris-gris, wanga, or mojo? Gris-Gris (pronounced -- and sometimes spelled gree-gree or gri-gri) is a West-Central African word -- meaning a magical spell embodied in or carried in a packet; sometimes defined as a fetish bag (fetish meaning something made by a person, as opposed to a natural object thought to have magical essence (often called a curio). Contrary to what some authors have written, the word gris-gris is not derived from the French for "grey-grey" -- French colonists in Africa simply thought it was (because the final "s" is silent in French; it is an African word that predates French colonization. Wanga (also spelled oanga and wanger) is an African word with a meaning identical to gris-gris. It is the common term used in Haiti for a magical spell-bag or packet. Mojo is an African American term for a gris-gris or spell- bag -- a mojo bag or mojo hand. Other synonyms for this article, found among North American hoodoo magicians, include toby, conjure hand, and trick bag. 6.3.1 What is the Necronomicon and how does it relate to magick? 6.3.2 Where can I find the Necronomicon? 6.3.3 Why is alt.necromicon spelled funny? 6.4 What is a "Book of Shadows"? 6.5 What is The Book of the Law? BOTL: Book of the Law Liber AL vel Legis, the "Bible" of Thelema. Claimed by Crowley to have been dictated to him in 1904 by a being called Aiwaz, whose nature he could never explain satisfactorily. 6.6 What are magic(k) squares? 6.7.1 Where are there pictures of a pentagram, hexagram, unicursal hexagram, swastika, baphomet, tree of life? 6.7.2 Are there correct ways to draw them? 6.7.3 If a symbol is 'upside-down' what does this mean? 6.8 What role do psychoactive substances play in magical practice? 6.9 What role do mind machines and bio-feedback play in magick? ========================================================== PART SEVEN: INITIATION AND ORDERS Associated With Magick 7.1.1 What is initiation? Is it important? 7.1.2 What forms do initiations take? 7.2 Why does alt.magick resemble an initiated order? 7.3 Is joining an organization a good idea? Are social rituals better than solitary ones? 7.4 What do magickal orders and organizations actually do? Magick is ultimately an individual affair. Magickal orders or groups may have valid reasons for existence, but they will not make learning magick any easier, you will not have to do less work, and you will not gain any significant knowledge merely by being a member. Orders can exist for a variety of reasons: 1. To spread knowledge. Whilst this may have been a valid reason some years ago, the relative freedom of expression and lack of persecution nowadays, the proliferation of books on the subject, and the internet pretty much negate this reason. Moreover, as is stated elsewhere within this document, the best teacher is usually the universe itself. Many orders claim to have "secret" knowledge which they will only disclose to "worthy aspirants". This is nonsense. If any "secret" knowledge was in any way important, it is extremely unlikely that it would be confined to a small group of manic wand wavers. Secrets (within orders) exist for one reason, to attract and ensnare members. The greatest secret of most magical orders is that they don't have a secret. 2. To facilitate the process of finding others to work with. This would be valid if one were to consider magick from a strictly ceremonial sense. If not, then there are oodles of people one can work with, all around. Yet, if such ceremonial group workings are your wont, then seeking an order may be worthwhile, if this was all the order concentrated on. The ego wars, and the "groups-for-groups'-sakes" mentality can easily kill whatever value is there, however; a mailing-list could solve this problem with a lot less fuss than could an order. Working solely with other "like-minded" individuals can also be constricting, and can channel the magician for miles along the wrong path; the magician should expand his horizons, not narrow them. 7.5 What is the Golden Dawn? GD: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn Magickal, Rosicrucian order founded towards the end of the Nineteenth Century, to which a huge amount of today's magickal literature owes its existence. Valuable for the fact that it presents a very definite, coherent, and practical system of self-development, with little bullshit, which has influenced a huge amount of magickal "authorities", including Crowley. Fell apart in 1904, though again, many orders today claim descendance from the original. 7.6 What is the OTO? 7.7 What is the A.'. A.'.? AA: Argenteum Astrum The magickal order created by Crowley at the beginning of the twentieth century, along the lines of the Golden Dawn, incorporating Liber Legis and various other techniques Crowley liked (especially yogic practices). No longer extant in its original form, though a few groups today call themselves A.'.A.'., and claim direct descendance from Crowley's order. 7.8.1 What is Discordianism? 7.8.2 Is Discordianism really related to the Illuminati? 7.9 What does 'TOPY' stand for and why do they spell funny? ToPY: Temple ov Psychick Youth Founded in 1982 by musicians and magicians Genesis P-Orridge and Peter Christopherson. Drawing inspiration for both Crowley and Austin Osman Spare, they attempted to create a set of magickal techniques based on using sexual energy. To articulate this, they wrote a manifesto called the Gray Book. Additional to the material in the Gray Book was the Temple convention of using a unique system on spelling. This was not done in a random fashion, but was done to remind the reader and writer of the hidden aspects of language. The Temple underwent a number of changes during its existence. In 1992, Genesis P-Orridge departed the group and proclaimed it dissolved. The Temple members continue their activities under the name regardless are still pursuing their initial end as articulated in the Gray Book. 7.10 What is the Church of the Subgenius? ========================================================== PART EIGHT: CONTRIBUTORS AND REFERENCES 8.1 Contributors to this FAQ Simon Anderson, Shava Nerad Averett, Ashton, Brian Bethel, Peggy Brown, Kim Burkard, Lilith Darkchilde, Dshoem, Karen Davidson, Josh Geller, Ceci Henningsson, Erwin Hessle, Mark Kampe, Peter Kim, Rick Laughlin, Tim Maroney, Robert Mathiesen, David Ross Mcirvine, Merkvrivs, Joseph Count de Money Littleshoes, Renfield, Robin, Carroll "Poke" Runyon, Tom Schuler, Solemnus, Scott Stenwick, Alex Sumner, Tzimon Yliaster, catherine yronwode, nagasiva yronwode, ZZ 8.2 References Consulted In addition to books and web sites listed in the FAQ itself, the following previous versions of the alt.magick FAQ were incorporated into this FAQ: QUESTIONS were taken from the "Questions WIthout Answers" file at http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.faqstns.9412 They are listed the order in which they appear in that document and are not proceeded by further annotations to that effect. ANSWERS were taken from ALL of the previous FAQS noted below and lightly edited for consistency of spelling and punctuation, and to remove redundancies. ANSWERS from the below FAQS to questions that did not originate in the QUESTIONS document were inserted where they seemed appropriate to the editor. alt.magick CHARTER by Josh Geller, 1991 http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/histref alt.magick FAQ, 1992-1994 solo authorship, ("the old FAQ" by Shava Nerad Averett) http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/oldref alt.magick FAQ, 1994 Questions Without Answers, compiled by tyaginator http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.faqstns.9412 alt.magick FAQ, 1995 Critique of "the old FAQ" by tyaginator http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.oldresp.9507 alt.magick FAQ, 1996-2000 group authorship, 1996 edition http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/faq.amagick.9612 alt.magick FAQ, 1996-2000 group authorship, 2000 edition, ASCII http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/faq.amagick.0010 alt.magick FAQ, 1996-2000 group authorship, 2000 edition, HTML http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/altmagickfaq/ alt.magick FAQ, 1999 group authorship, based on the 1992-1994 FAQ http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/anfaqref alt.magick FAQ, 2000 solo authorship ("Nagasiva's Biased alt.magick FAQ") http://www.luckymojo.com/namfaq.html Abrahadabra / Abracadabra REF (quotes defining the words), 1997 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/abraref Abramelin Oil Recipes REF, version 1.1, 1998 http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/aboilref Abyss REF (quotes defining the word) (KfaQ#10), 1996 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.abyss--.9612 Akasha REF (quotes defining the word) (KfaQ#9), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.akasha-.9508 Caduceus / Hermes Wand REF (KfaQ#4), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/caduref Great White Brotherhood REF (KfaQ#7), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.whitbhd.9412 Ipsissimus REF (quotes defining the word and its magical meaning), 1997 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/ipsisref Magick and Magic REF (quotes defining the words and their meaning), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.mgk-def.9508 Magick: What is Magic(k)? REF (KfaQ#1), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.whatmgk.9503 Magick: Is Magic(k) Real? REF (KfaQ#6), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.realmgk.9412 Magick: Getting Started in Magick REF (KfaQ#3), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.strtmgk.9503 Magick: What About Role Playing Game Magic(k)? REF (KfaQ#2), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.rpg-mgk.9501 Melchidezek REF (KfaQ#11), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.mlchzdk.9412 Pentagram REF (significance and history) (KfaQ#5), 1998 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/pentref Theosophy REF (KfaQ#14), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.theospy.9412 Usenet: Is There an alt.magick FAQ? REF (KfaQ#8), 1994 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.is--faq.9412 Usenet: Why Is Josh So Hostile? REF (KfaQ#12), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/ref.joshstl.9501 Wicca History REF (KfaQ#13), 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/whstref English Qaballa (Gematria) FAQ by Jake Stratton Kent, 1998 version http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/faq.englqbl.9801 O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis) REF, undated version, circa 1996 http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/otoref Golden Dawn FAQ by Steven R. Cranmer, 1995 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/gdref Kabbalah FAQ by Colin Low, version 3.0, 1996 http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/faq.qabalah.9602 Necromomicon FAQ by Kendrick Kerwin Chua, version 2.0, 1994 http://www.luckymojo.com/faqs/faq.ncon---.9405 Necronomicon FAQ (Chua) reviewed by Dan Clore, 1995 http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/nconref2 Thelema FAQ from ThelemaNet, 1986 version http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagickfaq/thelref
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