Practical Mysticism vs Sorcery

One of the main objectives of this site is the discussion of “Practical Mysticism” or the teachings, and techniques used to achieve a higher level of conscious or realization of the divine. When I say techniques I’m talking about the rituals which elevate the individual to a more enlightened state of mind. When I refer to ritual I’m not talking about sorcery or the manipulation of nature to achieve a certain end. Mind you prayers, and supplication are part of mysticism in a way. But the aims of mysticism are often times extremely different.

So what is the difference between practical mysticism, and sorcery? The rise in the New Age movement seems to have blurred the line. Books on love spells, and ways to attract money overfill the spirituality sections of bookstores along with titles of seeing past lives, and happiness through contacting dead relatives. At times it’s embarrassing looking at some of these books no doubt geared towards the audience looking for the next speedy enlightenment fad. Of course this seems to be a product of our information age, and the fast paced nature of our current society. Little do some of these people realize that the process of spiritual self development is beyond simple candle chanting, and psychic delusions.

Sorcery vs Mysticism

There has been an overwhelming rise in the practice of “magic” or the manipulation of natural forces in accordance to our will. Alot of it is probably due to the fact that persecution, and witchcraft trials are not as wide spread anymore at least on a political level. Many people therefore dive into these traditions for the purposes of becoming more then human in a different way. In a way they try to take advantage of supernatural currents to get ahead of the rat race; to get ahead of everyone else who struggles through the hardships of life by restricting themselves to mundane solutions. The desire for power, and the more fancy aspects of the occult are definitely far more enticing then the boring, and repetitive work of self development, and spiritual realization. Seriously people it’s really not all that exciting.

Certainly magic is a part of mysticism. With the pursuit of the Godhead comes many advantages due to the rapid development of the adept. But often times the real work of transformation is left behind for the glamour, and glitz of something more immediate. Mind you casting a spell won’t bring an end result in an hour or two. More likely in a week or so. But because we have tapped these currents the result will eventually come. Often times this knowledge alone makes all other work less attractive. Eventually as the person gets more involved they begin to explore other aspects of sorcery such as the whole color scheme of things ex black, white, green magic. It actually sounds kind of funny to me. As time goes by however the pursuit of these lofty ideals leaves work on the soul on the sidetracks. We are led astray by short term desires, and trivial satisfactions.

The Solution

Magic is thus divided sometimes into two categories: Low magic, and high magic. Low magic is the use of our will to attract more materialistic endeavors to satisfy our baser needs. High magic is mysticism or the direct communion with the divine or a spiritual truth. The above terms however are predominantly used in the occult community to differentiate between these two aspects of the esoteric. So these terms are not really native to any mystic tradition. So what is the point in all this? Why the need to make the distinction?

Mainstream society often views the mystical, and esoteric as somehow related to sorcery which in fact it isn’t. While I personally do not have a problem with sorcery as an occultist who has been involved in these practices we must distinguish these esoteric path from the new age majority. I’m not hiding anything here. I’m not a fan of these new age fads, and “fluffy bunny” occultist. They detract the student from the Great Work, and reduce magic to stereotypical dogmatic trickery, and Hollywood bullshit.

There is a heavy price to pay in the pursuit of the divine. For one thing the sacrifice of things we once held dear, and the complete breakdown, and reconstruction of the ego. Things that were once so dear to us now are replaced by things more beneficial to us not just spiritually but also mentally, emotionally, and physically. Once we have reconstructed ourselves through spiritual development we naturally attract the things that we desire. However this time it is with a purpose, and more inline with our spiritual well being which makes up our soul.

Yes… Magic is real. But only after we transform ourselves can we take advantage of it. Practicing magic before discovering the true nature of our will, and the purpose of our life, and soul is just sorcery. It is a path with little direction, and completely subjected to the fads of the New Agers. It’s a path that puts us away from finding God. It’s no wonder why the occult is considered “evil” and why sorcery is shunned. But then again to each his own…

Happy readings my dear scholars…

The Mystery of the Hidden Lights

What are the Hidden Lights? Many of you have been asking me this question so what better place to address this topic then here.

There is something truly powerful, and almost frightening about the esoteric. It’s no wonder many look at the occult with fear. Let’s think for a moment at the path many have or will soon choose. It’s a path unnatural both to human nature, and  society. It’s a path that causes the adept to break away from the what is familiar, and forces the individual to explore the innermost depths of our souls. It’s the Dark Night of the Soul of St. John of the Cross; the crossing of the Abyss; the journey of the Fool through the trumps of the Tarot. It’s the path that requires a certain mentality because it requires many sacrifices. The Great Work – for those who strive for rapid evolution, spiritual growth, and to become more then human.

Read that carefully – more then human. Is it any wonder why they fear the occult? For the purpose of this article I use the occult in a very broad, and general sense but I want to get to the specifics of it’s purpose. No doubt depending on what path you take within the occult there are many different goals but it’s knowledge sure – to become something completely different from the rest. To discover the hidden wisdom, and power that esoteric knowledge will bring to you. In it there is no doubt, and I want you to take careful consideration of this: the stories you here of spells, rituals, divination, psychic abilities, paranormal activity, and spiritual enlightenment are all real. Just not in the way you think.

Yes all these magical feats are real but many serve as petty distractions. These are in fact natural developing characteristics of an occultist as the adept gains experience, and knowledge (depending on natural abilities as well of course). But above all else experience, for that is true knowledge, and not just textbook masturbation. What I’m talking about though is the hidden lights of the esoteric. Yes spells, and magic are a part of it but not the point. In a way its not even necessary ( read the About page if your offended). Many perform “magic” to manipulate nature to get what they want. But through the natural development of the occultist through self transformation these abilities will come without the need of “low magic” rituals. The aura will attract what we desire but after we have gone through the transformation necessary for our evolution. By then we will have a more refined sense of what is truly important in life.

The hidden lights are the mysteries of self transformation. Beyond new age self help, and dogmatic tenants. I named this blog Hidden Lights as a reference to the hidden gems of knowledge; the hidden lights of mystery that our modern, conventional society would rather shy away from, and that many new agers, and historical revisionist will find too difficult to pursue. This is in reference to the astral lights – the hidden ether of the planes beyond our physical conceptions. The ether that enforces the will of the adept to reality. The astral or hidden lights that help us grow.

This may not be to your liking. I warned you in the about page that I might offend you. There is truth in everything but somewhere along the way we lost it. Not only does the occult try to reconcile this but even major religions like Islam, and Buddhism acknowledge that we all have the potential to reach the godhead. It was just that somewhere among the sheep mentality of modern life, amidst the TV, video games, and American Idol. Among the dogmatic fundamentalists, and corrupt politicians we lost our way.  We were led astray…

Happy readings my dear scholars…

Image by Eric Rice

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Tool Band: Please Release More Music!

This is dedicated to one of the greatest bands in the world… Tool!  So now I’m gonna ask you right now… Why?  What is it with you guys, and your constant hiatuses.  I mean seriously you guys have been doing this since I was in the 6th grade (going on breaks that is)!  I been a fan of you guys literally since I was in the 2nd grade.  I remember when my uncle use to give me, and my brother a ride home from school back then.  He introduced us to some really killer rock music, and one of the great bands that I still listen to to this day is TOOL!  Tell me though?  Why does it take Tool so long to release new music?  I mean seriously it’s like a freaking six year interval between every album!  Enough is enough already!

Wasn’t it Danny who said that Lateralus was written in a period of six months.  Do you guys really have to spend so much time away from each other?  Ah well…  I’m a musician myself so I know inspiration isn’t forced (well sometimes it is).  And at least those long intervals have managed to produce good music.  Why does Tool take so long in releasing new albums? Why? It’s been so long since I’ve seen a live show (I seen you guys in Long Island twice)!  But then again that’s life, and I’m looking forward to the next album whenever that may be.

It’s funny really.  I’ve went through my entire pre – teen, teen, and now adult years with Tool during times of spiritual, emotional, and personal development.  I’m glad to say that Tool is one of the bands I hold closest to my heart.  One day I hope to meet them.

Happy readings my dear scholars…

PS: My first Tool t-shit is now ten years old!

Alan Watts on Ego

Here’s an interesting vid (probably from the 60’s) featuring Alan Watts on the subject of the ego.  Really interesting stuff.  This man was truly ahead of his times especially relating to environmental issues.  Enjoy

iPad vs Kindle or Why the iPad sucks!

So I’m going to admit to you right now that in some ways I’m an apple junkie.  Not like a yuppie Apple junkie but in the sense that I like keeping track of Apple stocks, products, events etc. et al.  Ok so maybe that is a bit too much but whatever.  For my purpose the Macbook pro is definitely better then a PC but thats for another day.  Despite everything Apple hasn’t managed to disappoint me just yet.  Ever since I first purchased an ipod I’ve been pretty much hooked.  Yes people I had the first generation iPod although the way I got it I’m not proud of (long story short I stole it).  But that was a long time ago as a kid (thanks God for statue of limitations). And now to the good part…

Lately I been stressing over the Kindle.  I believe that after seeing the iPad at work though I want the Kindle even more for many reasons.  The main issue that I have with the iPad though is who exactly is Apple trying to market this too?  Steve Jobs claims that it’s suppose to bridge the gap between the iPod, and the laptop but how exactly?  I mean the iPad doesn’t support OS X, and it’s pretty much an oversized iPod.  I mean seriously now my iPod can do everything the iPad does just fine.  The only difference is the big screen.  My Macbook Pro supports all the music software I use, and seems to be a much better experience.  I just really don’t understand the point of the iPad even with its keyboard accessory.  Maybe in the future we’ll see something more useful.  But aside from a nice design I see revolutionary use aside from the futuristic interface.  Not only that but carrying something like that around with you seems to me like your just dying to get robbed.

I find it funny how many people say that the iPad is suppose to be the direct competition of the Kindle.  I mean aside from a pretty design, and interface what else?  I can see loaded, trendy people wanting to buy it but what about usability?  Kindle has internet – both wifi, and 3G, you can add notes with it to any given text, it has a built in dictionary, it can play pre recorded voice to the text, and because it uses eink it doesn’t strain your eyes. I mean most of us now are constantly staring at computer screens whether it be from a phone or actual computer.  I read books to get away from all that eye straining!  Why would I need another device that strains my eyes, and gives me headaches?  I mean that’s the reason we get tired of staring at a computer screen after a while.  People would just be less inclined to read now, and that’s a very serious epidemic in our modern times!

Honestly if you just want a good e book reader, and you don’t mind the less elegant features get a Kindle.  I bet you anything that if Amazon lowers it’s kindle prices a bit more it will definitly outsell the iPad.  Nice try Apple but maybe the 2nd generation.  Most 1st generation Apple products are glitchy anyway.

Happy readings my dear scholars…

Baphomet Tattoo

Many of you after reading my previous post on Baphomet have been inquiring about my tattoo.  So for your viewing pleasure I present to you (drum roll please)… BAPHOMET TATTOO:

And of course:

Happy readings my dear scholars…

Baphomet: The Meaning of the Godhead

There’s something interesting about the image of Baphomet that tends to stir a whole mixture of emotions depending on the individual.  It’s a figure that brings fear, wonder, mystery, and disgust.  But how do I know this you ask?  Well that’s because I’ve tattooed Baphomet right on my arm.  It’s actually a funny reaction when different people see it.  Many of course think it’s the devil while others just think its cool.  Some ask me why does it have boobs, and a goat head.  Well to tell you the truth there are many reasons why I got the tattoo.  The ones I most frequently give are 1) I like goats ( really I do) 2) It’s weird, and I didn’t want to get anything conventional (which is also true) 3) Because there is a plethora of symbolism in this figure that sums up the meaning of the Godhead.  I want you now to look at the picture, and really examine it.  Take a deep reflective look at Baphomet, and close out all other distractions.  Notice how you at first feel uncomfortable, and maybe even nervous.  The more sensitive of you will be scared.  Now I’m going to help you understand why this symbol is so powerful.

The Knights Templar

Wouldn’t it please you to know that Baphomet had no association with devil worship?  As a matter of fact it had no association with the occult either.  In fact the name was first used during the time of the Knights Templar by Philip IV of France’s inquisitors’. It was one October on Friday the 13, 1307 that Philip IV – financially in debt to the Templars, and fearful of their growing power, sent out an entire order to arrest, and persecute all Templar Knights.  Their many headquarters throughout France were overtaken, and many were subject to torture, and execution.  This is where the story of Friday the 13 as a bad luck day comes from.  Throughout many of these trials – which we do have on record, many Knights were forced to admit that they worshipped an idol called Baphomet.  There are varying descriptions of this idol with some declaring it to be a head, and others a three faced gnostic idol.  Whatever the case may be these are confessions admitted under torture.  There are no Templar documents or records which claim knowledge on any idol called Baphomet.  In fact these same accusations were used by Philip against one of his bitterest enemies Pope Boniface VIII.  Clearly however the Templars did not worship any Baphomet idol.

But where did the name Baphomet come from?  Well many scholars nowadays believe it to have been the medieval French way of saying Muhammad or Mahomet (Ma – ho -met).  Similar to how Abdul – Ar – Rahman the Caliph of Cordoba in Spain was called Averrahman in Spanish or how Aḥmad ibn Rushd, a famous Muslim scholar was called ( and is more popularly known) Averroes in Spanish.  During the medieval times Christians believed that Muslims worshipped Muhammed who was believed to have been possessed by a demon or a renegade cardinal of the church in Arabia.  The templars were accused of incorporating Islamic religious beliefs into their practices according to inquisition documents.  Of course these charges are most likely false since the Templar Knights were a military Christian order established for the purpose of protecting Christian pilgrims en route to Jerusalem who were constantly being threatened, and massacred by bandits.

Eliphas Levi

The occult associations with Baphomet came about in the 19th century during a great revival of occult knowledge, and study.  Leading the way was Eliphas Levi – a former French priest of the Catholic church, and an occultist who wrote the book Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie (“Dogmas and Rituals of High Magic” available in Amazon.com).  This is where the popular representation of Baphomet came about as a drawing by Eliphas Levi himself.  Below is an excerpt from Dogme et Riuel de La Haute Mague on the real meaning of the Baphomet figure:

“The goat on the frontispiece carries the sign of the pentagram on the forehead, with one point at the top, a symbol of light, his two hands forming the sign of hermetism, the one pointing up to the white moon of Chesed, the other pointing down to the black one of Geburah. This sign expresses the perfect harmony of mercy with justice. His one arm is female, the other male like the ones of the androgyn of Khunrath, the attributes of which we had to unite with those of our goat because he is one and the same symbol. The flame of intelligence shining between his horns is the magic light of the universal balance, the image of the soul elevated above matter, as the flame, whilst being tied to matter, shines above it. The beast’s head expresses the horror of the sinner, whose materially acting, solely responsible part has to bear the punishment exclusively; because the soul is insensitive according to its nature and can only suffer when it materializes. The rod standing instead of genitals symbolizes eternal life, the body covered with scales the water, the semi-circle above it the atmosphere, the feathers following above the volatile. Humanity is represented by the two breasts and the androgyn arms of this sphinx of the occult sciences.”

As you can see the symbolism is heavily based on Kabbalah.  This representation of Baphomet is the perfect unity of mysticism, and the occult arts. The union with the Godhead which is the purpose of all mystical paths (with the exception of the Left – Hand).  Baphomet is the middle way in the sense that it represents the best, and worst of humanity in their quest towards the Great Work.  I like to compare Baphomet in the way Buddhist art has their wrathful figures; monstrous in their appearance.  They are the guardians of the scared knowledge of Buddhism, and as such they take the form of fierce spirits, demi – gods, and warriors.  Someone unfamiliar with their purpose might look at their art, and consider them to be demonic similar to Baphomet.  But those initiated in the mysteries know better.

And this is the purpose of Baphomet.  To protect the occult sciences, and unite humanity with the divine.

Happy readings my dear scholars…

Legion: Another Failure of the Modern Day Horror

Disclosure:  This review contains spoilers.  This is one of a series of posts regarding films with mystical, and religious influences, and undertones.  The posts will cover an examination, critique, correction, and review of the movie.  Mind you these are entirely my opinions, and might be different from yours.

You should have seen my excitement when I first saw the trailers to Legion.  There’s something about horror movies mixed with religious, and occult undertones that gets to me.  It’s one the things I look for in a good horror/fantasy movie, and I get a childish excitement anticipating the eventual viewing pleasure I will experience. That is until they completely screw up, and end up being corny, and cliche.  But then again thats the problem with most horror movies nowadays.  They seem almost kind of teenish, and sometimes I wonder if these people even try.  I mean c’mon Hollywood you guys invest millions on budgeting a film what’s the point in having shitty writers create them?  Keep in the mind the disclaimer.  This post is will not be as in depth as the disclousure implies.  Yes the movie was that bad.

I kinda knew it was too good to be true, and I was right.  Legion was just a straight up horrible movie.  Towards the middle it became extremely boring, and the movie just felt entirely rushed.  The sentimental parts just seemed forced, and I couldn’t even sympathize with any of the characters.  As a matter of fact it got to the point where I actually enjoyed seeing some of the characters dying.  Mind you the actors did a pretty decent job, and I did enjoy Paul Bettany’s performance ( watch ” A Knight’s Tale” for some of his better work).  But the plot was just all over the place, and the dialogue was just – for lack of better words, corny half the time.  I wish I could provide specific examples but mind you I watched the movie earlier in the week, and I’m definitely not even interested in getting a bootleg.

The special effects were particularly horrible.  I mean seriously Hollywood what the fuck were you guys thinking when the angel possessed people shook their heads sideways in super fast motions like a fucking cartoon?  Ok in real life that might be kind of scary but when your watching a movie it just looks silly. In a sense that’s what this whole movie is – silly.  Sometimes I feel it takes itself way too seriously along with it’s over the top cartoonish “horror”.  Mind you the concept of a renegade angel with machine guns is actually kind of cool.  But it was just too poorly executed.

One of the things that really bothers me is the fact that one of the most important points in the movie (the unborn child Michael is suppose to save) is never expanded upon.  All we know is that the baby has to be born for mankind to be saved.  It never mentions why, it never mentions how, or any significant meaning behind the purpose of the child, and half the time there is actually very little focus on the baby.  I especially hated Charlie, the mother of the baby. Not only was the character smoking while pregnant ( not that I have anything against smoking since I smoke myself) but the fact that she was such a careless, and shitty mother.  She didn’t even want the kid, and seemed to be more concerned with her life then the life of the child despite the “seriousness” of the situation. In fact she even states that she doesn’t want the child.

Eh… All in all a bad movie.  Mind you I might be taking this movie a bit too seriously but oh well.  I really wanted it to be similar to The Prophecy (great movie which I’ll be writing about soon).  Then again I was expecting too much.  It seems to be though that I’m not on my own. IMDB, and Rotten Tomatoes don’t seem to like the movie much either.  From a religious perspective though it would have made more sense for Michael to be against humanity then Gabriel.  I mean it was Gabriel who spoke to Daniel during the Babylonian captivity.  It was Gabriel who told Mary about the birth of Jesus. And it was Gabriel who spoke to Muhammad, and delivered the Quran. I don’t know about you but he seems to like humans. But now I’m getting ahead of myself, and I remind myself that it’s just Hollywood anyway.

Happy readings my dear scholars…

How to Be Conventional: Just Follow the Viscous Cycle.

Please be aware that the topics covered by this blog can be offensive, disturbing, out of the ordinary, and straight up weird.  When I say that I will offend you I mean it.  Often times discussing things that are unconventional results in a backlash especially if it challenges the ideas of the status quo.  Politics, religion, the human condition – sensitive topics which stir strong passions in people are avoided for a reason, and it times it’s quiet understandable, and reasonable.  But if this rule were always followed great inventors, artists, intellectuals, and revolutionaries would have never risen, and changed the world, and history would have been pretty boring.

That being said some people prefer to be conventional, and that’s fine.  Some voices aren’t meant to be heard, and some people aren’t meant to be great.  In a way this is better for those out there who always question, and who are considered unconventional.  It’s a way for us to rise above others.  Yes, this is arrogant but in the end this life is too short to be completely humble regarding our ambitions.  To be passive with our goals brings no benefit, and in the end we will regret it in the future.

The most unfortunate, and even tragic thing is that the major events in our lives are often a part of a vicious cycle that further continue to limit us, and are institutions intended to keep us under a conventional servitude that we may never rise above what society expects of us.  But this is only true if we allow the major choices in our lives to limit us, and prevent us from doing what we really want.  Have you ever wondered why so many people in America are so depressed?  Depression is a chronic illness that exacts a significant toll on America’s health and productivity.  It affects more than 21 million American children and adults annually and is the leading cause of disability in the United States for individuals ages 15 to 44.

Chris Guillebeau of Art of Non conformity wrote a similar article awhile back although it was more tame than anything else.  But now let’s be real with each other.  What decisions in our lives force us into this vicious cycle?

1) Going to College with the intent of majoring in something to get a job: Practical, smart, safe, conventional, BORING.  Let’s be honest with ourselves business majors.  Do you really believe your going to be the next fortune 500 chairman?  Many studies show ( I would link but dead serious you can actually google this) that most people end up working in completely different field not related to their major.  So why not study what you truly love?  Most people don’t realize that employers don’t look at what you major in.  They just want to know that you have a degree, and that you completed your studies.  Some jobs do require a specific major.  But what is the point if isn’t what you like doing.  Nowadays a bachelor’s isn’t worth much anyway.  In order to get anything high paying you need a Master’s.  THAT’S where you should be focusing on specialization.  You don’t need to major in the same thing in your Graduate studies as you did as an undergrad.  Why do I single out business majors?  Pretty much because what you learn in a Business Administration program is common sense.  This  degree will not get you anywhere unless you have experience.  As someone who’s managed two different business (with a third along the way), and who’s started his own I can attest to this.  It’s amazing how some of the business majors I met don’t know the difference between a C or and S corp.  The solution?  Major in something you like as an undergrad but once you hit Graduate studies major in something more “practical”.  YES DO YOUR GRADUATE STUDIES.  I know I will when I finish my undergrad.  It use to be that a high school degree was worth alot.  That isn’t the case anymore.

2)Working for Others: Yes everyone has to start somewhere.  But believe me it isn’t impossible to make money on your own.  With the internet many people are making money through affiliated marketing, blogging, etc.  Working for yourself is extremely possible.  Mind you people are making money online even in this shitty economy so imagine when things start picking up!  The fact of the matter is that a limited job will make you miserable.  Why not find different avenues to make money in order to quiet the 9 – 5 grind?  Believe you’ll be much happier, and you’ll be able to pursue your own goals.  Never aim low.  Start your own business, work for yourself, live free.  It IS difficult at first.  But then again nothing is ever easy.

3)Debt: Believe it or not being in debt is a form of slavery.  As long as we work low paying conventional jobs we will always be in debt, and we will always be subject to the credit card companies, and the banks.  There are many financial blogs like THIS one can help you with this little issue.  By either maintaining low debt to income ratio, or preferably by eliminating it altogether you’ll be more free to do more in life.  YES IT IS DIFFICULT. I mean I just recently recovered from a rather difficult financial period.  But in the end it will be better for you.

Happy readings my dear scholars…

Photo by Yuan2003.

Black Magic for Kids!!!!

Lovely…. My obsessive habit of searching through wikipedia, and youtube has allowed me to find this wonderful gem.