Ever since I discovered Magick a few months ago I've been struggling to create a coherent big picture or model of Magick. (It seems I compulsively need a big picture understanding of things.) Upon reading SSOTBME by Ramsey Dukes I was finally able to put the last pieces together. So I would like to humbly submit my philosophy here for constructive criticism. If you guys could help to point out flaws and shortcomings, I would really appreciate it. Note that it is by no means original, and I am aware of other models of Magick. However, this is the model that, by far, makes the most sense to me. This model is also incomplete though. You'll notice that I make no mention of astrology or alchemy. This is because I haven't studied those subjects at all, I suppose I'll get to those someday. I also haven't described specific techniques like sigil magick, simply because that would be largely unnecessary. So here goes ...

The Universe is not unlike a massive computer program, which runs many programs within it. The most rudimentary particles are therefore like single bits of information, and any unit of existence is composed of digital information. All units of existence are programmed with various qualities which allow them to function in various capacities, not unlike the laws of physics, and can therefore be thought of as programs. Empty space itself is also a program, as it too possesses qualities. The qualities that a program possesses allows it to interact, within its capacity, with other programs. Quantum programs can and do function together to form atomic programs, while atomic programs can and do function together to form macroscopic programs. In this way, programs of increasing complexity are able to perform increasingly complex functions. The influence that a program exerts upon other programs is considered to be its meaning.

Certain configurations allow for the emergence of a conscious mind, which functions as the pilot of the program. The primary task of the mind is to ensure its own survival, therefore it has evolved the capacity of a Programmer, which allows it to constantly adjust the meaning of its environment (that is to say, the programs in its surroundings) so that it is most conducive to its survival and prosperity. The Programmer accomplishes this through the physical body or through the spiritual body (both of which are programs.) Change brought about through the physical body is by causality, while change brought about through the spirit is by synchronicity.

The mind is well symbolized by the yin yang. The white portion represents the conscious mind, which is primarily concerned with the operation of the physical body, while the black portion represents the unconscious mind, which is primarily concerned with the operation of the spirit. The dividing line represents the psychic censor, which prevents psychic impressions from flooding the conscious mind, but also prevents conscious suggestions from flooding the spirit. It is of course true that the the unconscious mind also operates within the physical body, and the conscious mind also operates within the spirit, and this is represented in the yin yang. Conscious interaction with the spirit is the aim of the Practitioner of Magick.

The mind experiences reality on seven planes. The physical plane is perceived through the five senses, and is interacted with through the physical body. The emotional, mental and astral planes are generated, perceived, and interacted with inside the mind. (The astral plane being the plane of imaginations, dreams, lucid dreams and astral projections.) The aetherial, metaphysical and non-dual planes are perceived though the little understood spiritual senses, and are interacted with through the spirit. (The aetherial plane is the plane of subtle energies. The metaphysical plane consists of the first five planes but also transcends them. The non-dual plane is the unified plane, meaning all of existence is connected and unified.)

The spirit or life force of the Mage is best understood as a non-dual fragment of the life force which permeates the Universe. The fact that the spirit has access to the non-dual plane means it can position itself at any point in space and time in order to synchronize change. It can position itself in multiple positions at the same time if it needs to. It can be both everywhere and nowhere. For this reason, the power of Magick probably far exceeds what we can conceive of.

All programs in the Universe can aptly be distinguished using the five elements model. However, since we are primarily concerned with the influence of programs and how we can make use of them, we shall rather refer to their meaning. Therefore, the element of akasha represents meaning in the spirit form and is positioned in the center of the altar, the element of earth represents meaning in the earth form and is positioned in the north of the altar, the element of air represents meaning in the air form and is positioned in the east of the altar, the element of fire represents meaning in the fire form and is positioned in the south of the altar, the element of water represents meaning in the water form and is positioned in the west of the altar, In this way, everything in the Universe can be represented on the altar of the Mage. (The altar representing the programming interface by which the Programmer synchronizes change.) When the Programmer seeks to bring change, she can either create a new program and define its meaning, or she can summon an already existing program and give it new meaning. There is no alternative. (Bear in mind that the spirit of the Mage is also a program.) This implies that the Universe which surrounds us is full of meaning.

In order for the Programmer to synchronize change through the spirit, a change in consciousness is necessary first. This is accomplished by arranging a meaningful experience, which we will call a rite, and then undergoing that experience. Since the meaning of any symbol is arbitrarily decided by the Mage, the rite is filled with symbols that represent all the necessary variables for the change to occur, at her own discretion. As the Mage then experiences the rite, the meaning of the rite is also experienced, and a subjective truth is created within the mind. Through the spirit, the mind then brings the necessary changes in the Universe so that there is no disparity between what is subjectively true, and what is objectively true.

Thoughts?

This post has been edited by Green Lantern: Apr 21 2013, 02:45 PM