As we move toward the Solstice threshold and its tanist symbolism, I'm working through many changes and discovering many new things. Some wonderful people have come into my life, and some have departed and taken their own roads as they must. Comings and goings can be joyous and painful as appropriate. Each carries its own knowledge and its own keys. Thus do I see in my life. But now it's time to move away from the strictly personal and back to the personal and magical.
I plan to write examinations of several bits of Lore and some understandings of them in the next few posts. Some of these include items found in my own stream's argot - things we ask or tell to other folk - and some from Robert Cochrane's writings as well, along with my understandings of them.
This is something I *must* impress upon the reader: I AM NOT a member of Clan of Tubal Cain and I DO NOT have access to its inner, private knowledge. What I post as my understandings is just that: My Understanding. Nothing else.
One item I want to examine is Cochrane's statement "A Witch is born, not made, or if a Witch must be made then blood and tears must be shed ere the Moon can be drawn." There is a great truth lurking in this little line, and not just for Traditional Witches. It marks a great difference between those who are driven and called to work the magical streams as opposed to those who want a religion to follow. It is very true that anyone can "walk through the front doors" of a religious edifice and in a relatively short time find themselves appointed Deacon, or Church Elder or whatever. But what is really gained? Certainly, it is to be hope that this person's fellows profit from service rendered, but what transformation has taken place? If any?
What Cochrane describes here is a ritual threshold crossing and confrontation, both with Spirit - "the gods (TM)" - and with the inner workings of Self. He refers to two myths, each potent in itself, to propel the magical worker forward into a state of of change, and hopefully growth. I must impress here that in this ritual he describes is NO sinecure. The only safety can come from one's own inner steadfastness and determination. Likewise, the only true danger comes from one's own fear.
Fear is the most obvious and immediately dangerous confrontation here and it can - and will - kill a magical life aborning. Fearful avoidance of inward confrontation leads to immediate stagnation and a demand that everything "always be the same" in a cosmos and a compass where "Be Still" or "Be The Same" are the only things that never happen. Often one sees this manifest is temper tantrums in magically and personally challenging situations. Magically, this failure is fatal. The would-be Witch is stillborn, the pagan quickly shows the signs.
Fear of learning is another deadly trap. This is one of the most interesting angles, considering that the Stream demands an eternal thirst for learning. "The driving thirst for knowledge is the forerunner of wisdom." Likewise the constant demands for spoon feeding and external validation; coupled with refusal to investigate the implied; the refusal to learn by inference and context, and most fatally the refusal to learn on one's own lead again to 'corpses walking about playing at "high priestess"' as my own Magistra said more than once. To "hang up" on a single word, on a name, or on a single lore point and to refuse to examine further often marks a fatal hesitation. Very often this sort of fear will manifest in codependent intrusion and control behaviors - e.g. "I don't want to be involved in that" - whatever "that" may be - intruded into a piece of work that is none of the offender's business. In this case it's time to grow up and realize the obvious: "Nobody invited you. Nobody said "you must."" But the intruder here will only repeat their tiresome refrain over and over in an infantile attempt to "validate" themselves by ruining or "controlling" the work of another. Fundamentalist avoidance becomes even more amusing: "I don't want that ____ "shit" - I mean "stuff" - you've found brought into *my* circle." Very well, I won't be there. Sooner or later the individual may realize how they've alienated someone with their behavior. I must say that Frank Herbert didn't go far enough. Fear is more than a mind killer. Fear is a soul killer.
Yet Fear cannot be expunged from the psyche altogether. It remains, like a large dog, standing in the doorways at the back of our minds. We cannot quite manage to "shoot the dog" magically. It is a part of what Freud called the Id and what a magical person calls The Beast. If we attempt to deceive it, we find that its nose is more keen than our illusion. If we attempt to flee it, the dog merely runs us down. Those who've tried these approaches - those who try to "hide in the sun" to use another expression - lead magical lives that can be best compared to a household where the family dog is completely in charge. Need an example? We have plenty of public figures who exemplify this sort of behavior. Pick someone who uses fear as a whip and you will find someone who is whipped by fear. Any religio-political ideologue or demagogue will do. Households ruled by the dog.
On the other hand, we can throw the dog a bone - or a corn cake - put it on a leash and give it a kennel. We suddenly find that the "big bad wolf" is really "our best friend" who is happy to bark at strangers on our behalf.
But back to our threshold. We've established Fear as the major obstacle to overcome. This also tells us that the confrontation will be personally fearsome. "Blood must be shed" Cochrane says. Of what blood does he speak?
Being a Witch who is not afraid of the Old Testament, I look and see the blood of Abel, shed by his brother Cain. The implications here are deep and varied and I must leave it to the reader to ferret out all of them. But here is the tangle: In the initial confrontation Abel represents that, which is subject to Fate, slave to the Titanomachy, and thus pleasing to the Nature Gods - the Elohim. (One can also see a Hebrew attempt to "validate" the transhumant, herd following, existence of their early tribes as "more pleasing to god" than the permanent, "decadent," dwellings of those who based their livelihoods first in horticulture and eventually in agriculture.) So here we see the sacrifice of the Old Priest-King by the New, presented in a most primal context. Cain represents a force born of the Titanomachy that rebels against it. He is also portrayed as giving way to rage. The Beast slays the Man. But Cain is marked and driven forth to become the Wanderer, the Ploughman becomes the Rider Upon the Four Winds. The Beast is crucified in his turn, and the higher self - the Seraphim - emerges from its prison to flow into and merge with said Beast. They become potent allies in this hybridization. The Beast's passion and instincts combine with the Archangel's otherworldly Sight and magical acumen. The Man, who really only serves as a filter and a communications interface anyway, is regrown to maintain these functions with respect to the consensual, physical world. However, the new Devil With the Mind of Fire will dispose of a great deal of the opacity of the filtering function, finding it nearly useless and that clinging to it represent a mere clinging to illusion. This, of course, would only constitute a repeat of the above paragraphs on Fear ...
So we've found our source of bloodshed, now what of tears? In the assorted myths ascribed to Lilith, we find that she is able to bring about the resurrection of slain loved ones by means of her tears. Likewise Isis, with Osiris. Grief marks a great gift of the supreme Goddesses. Why? Because Grief is the major means by which the wounded psyche is able to heal itself. The Grief process works through a psychological "cleansing of the wound" that culminates in Acceptance of the new situation - the wound closes. It will remain tender for some time, but it is closed. So now we find that the Higher Emotions of the Archangel, allied with the passions and instincts of the Beast, are able to effect Resurrection - the Survival of Death and the Overthrow of Fate. This is heady stuff indeed when we look at the magical processes contained herein.
So now we return to the seasonal attribution: The Winter Solstice represents the sacrifice - the "death" by manifesting within form - of the Spirit of the Waning Year King, who in the final examination emerges as the Omega, the Master of Four Winds. This figure, in several myths, surrenders his head. In some of these myths, the head becomes an oracular and atrotropaic gateway and talsiman. We can see the former in the stories of Bran or Brennos, of Saints Justus and Pastor, and of John the Baptist. Likewise we can see the atrotropaic function in the entombment of the Sacred Head in the White Mount (Tower Hill) in London and in Golgotha (Place of the Head) in Palestinian (regional) Traditions. Here then, the Beast must offer up his life to prepare the way for the Child of Promise to be born and for Lucet to arise from the Underworld as the Morningstar. Thus does the Magician transform, and claim the birthright implicit in the draught from the Graal.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
For I Have Wept My Blackthorn Tears
For I have wept my blackthorn tears
Tasted of the poisoned cup
Have I taken the crooked road
I've seen the sum of all my fears
The starry night shall be my friend
One star shining brightly from all
One Kiss to lighten all my load
I do not see this journey's end
Yet I shall eat all my past sins
I shall see them all consumed
I shall seek the true benison
I shall keep faith with kith and kin
I hold aloft my lone lantern
Its steady flame a trusty guide
Its beacon call an orison
Until to the Rose I return
Tasted of the poisoned cup
Have I taken the crooked road
I've seen the sum of all my fears
The starry night shall be my friend
One star shining brightly from all
One Kiss to lighten all my load
I do not see this journey's end
Yet I shall eat all my past sins
I shall see them all consumed
I shall seek the true benison
I shall keep faith with kith and kin
I hold aloft my lone lantern
Its steady flame a trusty guide
Its beacon call an orison
Until to the Rose I return
Don't Shed A Tear For Me, I Stand Alone
By now, a lot of you reading this know that my wife (now ex) and I are parting ways. This does not strike me as something sudden. Our lives have been moving in this direction for some time. The real blow that struck down many things came last January with the death, by his own hand, of our friend and - by extension - Kinsman, David. Grief shattered our two cuveens and set in motion a series of events that have caused many partings of ways. This parting will hopefully be the last, but it is possible that the process will continue.
Now at this journey's end, we've traveled far and all we have to show are battle scars.
From the beginning of this painful leg of the journey, I've been supported by, and have supported dear friends, Kith, Kin and other. On a purely personal note, I am thoroughly grateful to these loving people who've encouraged, supported, listen to, challenged, and worried for me. You all know who you are. The worst worries aren't needed, thankfully, and I'll go further into this later in the post, when I return to looking at this process magically. The smaller worries, I share but am working hard to mediate. Sadness and painful partings have been the way of this year. Despair is not my way. I go forward: Increbrescabo.
Magically speaking, we started seeing omens of this process well over a year ago. In 2007, a Midwinter's reading of the Ogham Fews by Duir indicated that one of our number was to perish. For a time, we worried then put our fears aside and continued onward. Midwinter 2008 did not hold a gathering of the clan for us, due to dangerous road conditions. In January 2009 Duir's premonition struck, but it was not alone. D.B. also lost her nephew to leukemia, Wren lost a dear one as well, and Tettens continued to reap a harvest of our folk. By summer, ten - a full Fall - had passed over the river.
I have not spoken much of Liam's passing. The grief was too raw and I worried for his parents and kin if they should know of what came to my understanding. I will say now that I took the journey to the water's edge. There I met the Old Man, kindly and wise as ever. He said to me: "If you're looking for the little lad, you're too late. He went aboard straightaway, but don't worry: He was not alone. He's well looked-after." I knew who had come back to make the crossing with him and I left the coins to pay for his passage in an appropriate place. I saved my concern for the living and grieving.
David was a concern and three Witches, well skilled in this sort of journey and work, searched for him, but all we found was a trail already cold that led westward to the sea. Despite the terrible manner of his passage, he knew where he wanted to go and wasn't hanging around. He also managed to avoid the ley line that runs from Mt. Rainier down the Puyallup Valley. (This ley is likely the reason for the Puyallup being the "Valley of Ghosts") This is also a weight off my mind.
Rest you gentle Kinsmen.
So now forward. In magical terms, my own process. At Samhain, DB and I worked a combined rite of the Passing of the Waning King and Tapping the Bone. DB indicates that she received certain messages as did I. I cannot speak for hers, but must leave her to work with them as she understands necessity. I can speak to mine. Betsy Bol said to me: "Finally, you understand who I AM." This carries deep import for me as I've journeyed far this last year, increasing my understanding by leaps and bounds - sometimes to the alarm of friends who don't see where the thread leads for me. Our Clan Chief also spoke. He wore his totemic face and stood tall. His words were: "You must pass through the stone to finally rend the veil." So this now, is my passage. It is a hard way, and a lonely one; yet I undertake it and I intend to prevail.
To pass through the stone is to either roll it aside or to blast through it. In either case, to walk out of the prison of Fate. To transform her into destiny. It is to take up the Sword. I have many cautionary tales to guide me. I understand that many have erred on this path, and to err is, in one way or another, fatal. Some who have done so - even well warned - have paid with their lives. Some have paid with their souls and are still breathing. I have Seen. I have Heard. I have and will Learn.
To pass through the Stone is to surrender everything. Physical comforts will not likely be my companions in any great measure. I must pass beyond simplifying and be stripped of everything that is not necessary. I must be stripped of everything that hindered or harmed me from within. This, I feel, is the final forging. To be stripped to bare iron and to be Tempered strong, resilient, and bright. To learn the Mystery of the Knowl Star for true and to take no word for it that does not come from it. This is my task, and I shall prevail.
Increbrescabo - I shall prevail - is my new magical motto. I must hold nothing back. To this hard and crooked road I have committed myself.
So now I come to the core image that I reference with the title: The Old Village Lanterne. Here is my North Star and my Fetchlight. I shall keep it firmly fixed in my Sight.
An echo upon the Wind, you hear my voice
Now at this journey's end, we've traveled far and all we have to show are battle scars.
From the beginning of this painful leg of the journey, I've been supported by, and have supported dear friends, Kith, Kin and other. On a purely personal note, I am thoroughly grateful to these loving people who've encouraged, supported, listen to, challenged, and worried for me. You all know who you are. The worst worries aren't needed, thankfully, and I'll go further into this later in the post, when I return to looking at this process magically. The smaller worries, I share but am working hard to mediate. Sadness and painful partings have been the way of this year. Despair is not my way. I go forward: Increbrescabo.
Magically speaking, we started seeing omens of this process well over a year ago. In 2007, a Midwinter's reading of the Ogham Fews by Duir indicated that one of our number was to perish. For a time, we worried then put our fears aside and continued onward. Midwinter 2008 did not hold a gathering of the clan for us, due to dangerous road conditions. In January 2009 Duir's premonition struck, but it was not alone. D.B. also lost her nephew to leukemia, Wren lost a dear one as well, and Tettens continued to reap a harvest of our folk. By summer, ten - a full Fall - had passed over the river.
I have not spoken much of Liam's passing. The grief was too raw and I worried for his parents and kin if they should know of what came to my understanding. I will say now that I took the journey to the water's edge. There I met the Old Man, kindly and wise as ever. He said to me: "If you're looking for the little lad, you're too late. He went aboard straightaway, but don't worry: He was not alone. He's well looked-after." I knew who had come back to make the crossing with him and I left the coins to pay for his passage in an appropriate place. I saved my concern for the living and grieving.
David was a concern and three Witches, well skilled in this sort of journey and work, searched for him, but all we found was a trail already cold that led westward to the sea. Despite the terrible manner of his passage, he knew where he wanted to go and wasn't hanging around. He also managed to avoid the ley line that runs from Mt. Rainier down the Puyallup Valley. (This ley is likely the reason for the Puyallup being the "Valley of Ghosts") This is also a weight off my mind.
Rest you gentle Kinsmen.
So now forward. In magical terms, my own process. At Samhain, DB and I worked a combined rite of the Passing of the Waning King and Tapping the Bone. DB indicates that she received certain messages as did I. I cannot speak for hers, but must leave her to work with them as she understands necessity. I can speak to mine. Betsy Bol said to me: "Finally, you understand who I AM." This carries deep import for me as I've journeyed far this last year, increasing my understanding by leaps and bounds - sometimes to the alarm of friends who don't see where the thread leads for me. Our Clan Chief also spoke. He wore his totemic face and stood tall. His words were: "You must pass through the stone to finally rend the veil." So this now, is my passage. It is a hard way, and a lonely one; yet I undertake it and I intend to prevail.
To pass through the stone is to either roll it aside or to blast through it. In either case, to walk out of the prison of Fate. To transform her into destiny. It is to take up the Sword. I have many cautionary tales to guide me. I understand that many have erred on this path, and to err is, in one way or another, fatal. Some who have done so - even well warned - have paid with their lives. Some have paid with their souls and are still breathing. I have Seen. I have Heard. I have and will Learn.
To pass through the Stone is to surrender everything. Physical comforts will not likely be my companions in any great measure. I must pass beyond simplifying and be stripped of everything that is not necessary. I must be stripped of everything that hindered or harmed me from within. This, I feel, is the final forging. To be stripped to bare iron and to be Tempered strong, resilient, and bright. To learn the Mystery of the Knowl Star for true and to take no word for it that does not come from it. This is my task, and I shall prevail.
Increbrescabo - I shall prevail - is my new magical motto. I must hold nothing back. To this hard and crooked road I have committed myself.
So now I come to the core image that I reference with the title: The Old Village Lanterne. Here is my North Star and my Fetchlight. I shall keep it firmly fixed in my Sight.
An echo upon the Wind, you hear my voice
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hallowmas 2009
Hallowmas is a powerful time of year for Witches and occultists. It marks one end of the Great Crack in the Cauldron or the rent in the Veil. In terms of Compass Geography, it occurs roughly at Zodiac W by SW, while its counterpart, May Eve or Roodmas occurs at approximately Zodiac E by NE. The understanding of the positioning of these days, and the Crack that links them, is critical for they mark the doorway out of the veil and into the Holy of Holies. It is interesting that, though understanding of the positioning of this Crack is critical, it does not occur consistently. If you look back at my post on the Sabbat Tides, you'll note that it's fall lies within a range rather than on a specific date. This is a trait that it shares with all but one of the Five Sabbati, and even that one occurs within a variable, albeit much smaller, range.
Equally critical to understanding this event and the cosmological and magical events contained within it, we find the understanding that Hallowmas - Samhain - like the other five days, is *not* a part of Time as marked by the Zodiac. Understood as a calendar, the Zodiac contains 360 days, plus five that are not a part of time - not marked as Zodiac degrees - but occur none the less. Robert Graves posited the Albans as occupying a similar status, but given the specific events and dates of the Albans, as well as their very different character, we can dismiss this assertion, well satisfied that - far from not being a part of time - the Albans serve as the "nails" that hold Time together. My own working tends to confirm this conclusion. This leads us to the understanding that there is no "wheel of the year" as posited in the popular Pagan idea, but rather some five or six Mill Wheels of Fate. We can describe these as The Sabbatic Wheel - containing the Five Sabbati: The Albanic Wheel - containing the five Albans: The Summer or Waxing Year Wheel - beginning properly at Brigidmas: and The Winter or Waning Year Wheel - beginning at Lammas or Lughnassadh.
Additionally, we *can* combine these four figures into a single, Wheel-like or figure-eight form that we can call The Stations of the Sun. Quite a few occultists also posit the Agricultural year, but the associations of this are *very* loose and completely tied to climate and weather so this form can only be applied regionally and one year at a time.
There have been assertions from time to time that the Fire Festivals or Sabbati carry a "lunar" character but, as remarked before, they do not have specific lunar phase, or conjuction markers to indicate their falls. Thus again, we can dismiss the idea of a "lunar" association beyond the loosest terms and concentrate on the very clearly manifest association: Time. The Five Sabbati deal in *Cracks in the Cauldron* or *Rents in the Veil* which is the illusion of "linear time." They further deal in inversions of perceived "normal" order: the Dead and Spirits reveal themselves easily, Witches fly to keep Sabbat, certain "normal" social behavioral limits are traditionally considered void and the transgressions of these mark Sacred Acts.
All of these point to a very particular quality: The Sabbati are Saturnine Festivals. This makes their relationship to the Compass very clear indeed. The Albans carry an indisputably Solar connotation. Their falls are clearly marked by specific, predictable, precisely timed Solar phenomena. That the Sabbati carry Saturnine qualities therefore marks them as belonging to the opposite side of the Compass. The Albans entail Lightbringer Rites, while the Sabbati deal with those of the Nightbringer - Lucifer and Noctifer. This can also be seen as laying to rest the misunderstanding of Sol and Luna as "opposites" and also clearly shows the Lightbringers as rulers of Sun and Moon - their traditional, historic roles. It also slams the coffin lid on the ridiculous notion of "eight sabbats for witches" as long perpetuated by those imitating the Farrars. Referring to a note by Robert Cochrane, we note that these two figures "...appear as twins but they may be the same person ..." (The Robert Cochrane Letters to Norman Gills - "Basic Structure of the Craft" by Robert Cochrane, ed Evan John Jones and Mike Howard, Capall Bann.) This again serves to unify the ritual structure and establish the working connections between the two sets of forms and forces.
Bearing these ideas in mind, it's time to have a look at some working ideas and forms. I'll try to list a few ideas and thoughts.
The Double Compass: The Clan of Tubal Cain, according to Cochrane, worked a Double Compass Rite at Hallows that may now be understood in a much deeper light than simply moving from Summer to Winter. By crossing a verge between two working areas, as described in the Cochrane Letters and by Evan Jones, the Clansfolk move through the Crack and into the Otherworld. This can also be seen as akin to magically passing through a cracked mirror.
The Fire of Bones: Bone is understood as the House of Spirit. This is one reason that a malevolent shade can be laid by burning its mortal bones. This also releases the spirits that the bones housed, creating a "Kirkyard" effect that is a doorway into the other worlds that may remain accessible after Time has resumed its "normal" behavior on the other side of the Crack. One can think of several other reasons for this but I don't find it necessary to list them here.
Burning of a Wicker Man: This is very akin to the Bone Fire and carries several of its connotations. What must be understood is that the sacrificial figure is *not* the Waxing, but the Waning Year King. Thus tying this sort of rite to Tapping the Bone is a good, workable idea.
Tapping the Bone: The Crack in the Cauldron has the effect of making this piece of work much simpler to work effectively. The Bone's connections to every item I've listed above should jump out at the insightful reader and the purpose of the rite should become clear. A given person or group works to contact its ancestral spirits, both genetic and magical. This is very much akin to the Golden Dawn's notion of "Contacting the Secret Chiefs" although in the case of Traditional Witchcraft, the number of spirits being sought is much smaller.
Turning or Treading the Mill: This means of working Kundalini energy is effective in most circumstances, and even more so here.
Our own rite contained the above elements in one form and another and went very potently. As always, I was well aware of the Pack gathered about us. In fact its presence was nearly overwhelming at times and I had to work hard to see the *whole picture* rather than allowing myself merely to concentrate on the movements of the Cwn Annwfn.
I was very aware of the passage of certain conditions that I have long accepted as the "norms" in my life and of the need to embrace and pass through the changes. That these are, in fact, a challenge to gain much greater Gnosis - Self Knowledge and to work for greater realization of Self Authenticity in my life. This is the deep meaning of the Challenge of the Roebuck and, if one thinks about it, the reason why so many dire warnings surround this challenge in both Lore and in recent Craft History will come clear. It carries a powerful temptation to bow to the childish desires and "self-validation" attempts of the Ego self (magically the Man.) It is here that one can see where those who have sought to be "magical or religious celebrities" start down a slippery slope that leads, ultimately, not to the unbound Freedom of the Mysteries, but rather to the Ego-Slavery of an ever more ponderous commercial imaginos relationship - that of the so-called guru and fan base (followers,) where one is obliged to peddle what the fans want to hear rather than being and presenting an authentic Magical Self. Again, I came to some stark realizations about my own past here. I also came to a better vision of what I may be able to build in future - with perserverance, and hard work.
Lingering in my ears are the words of what I've thought of as the Bone's "Guide" spirit - she is and isn't such: "Now you finally know who I really am." After receiving this revelation, the words of our Clan Chief followed - strong and encouraging - and fell like balm into my being.
Equally critical to understanding this event and the cosmological and magical events contained within it, we find the understanding that Hallowmas - Samhain - like the other five days, is *not* a part of Time as marked by the Zodiac. Understood as a calendar, the Zodiac contains 360 days, plus five that are not a part of time - not marked as Zodiac degrees - but occur none the less. Robert Graves posited the Albans as occupying a similar status, but given the specific events and dates of the Albans, as well as their very different character, we can dismiss this assertion, well satisfied that - far from not being a part of time - the Albans serve as the "nails" that hold Time together. My own working tends to confirm this conclusion. This leads us to the understanding that there is no "wheel of the year" as posited in the popular Pagan idea, but rather some five or six Mill Wheels of Fate. We can describe these as The Sabbatic Wheel - containing the Five Sabbati: The Albanic Wheel - containing the five Albans: The Summer or Waxing Year Wheel - beginning properly at Brigidmas: and The Winter or Waning Year Wheel - beginning at Lammas or Lughnassadh.
Additionally, we *can* combine these four figures into a single, Wheel-like or figure-eight form that we can call The Stations of the Sun. Quite a few occultists also posit the Agricultural year, but the associations of this are *very* loose and completely tied to climate and weather so this form can only be applied regionally and one year at a time.
There have been assertions from time to time that the Fire Festivals or Sabbati carry a "lunar" character but, as remarked before, they do not have specific lunar phase, or conjuction markers to indicate their falls. Thus again, we can dismiss the idea of a "lunar" association beyond the loosest terms and concentrate on the very clearly manifest association: Time. The Five Sabbati deal in *Cracks in the Cauldron* or *Rents in the Veil* which is the illusion of "linear time." They further deal in inversions of perceived "normal" order: the Dead and Spirits reveal themselves easily, Witches fly to keep Sabbat, certain "normal" social behavioral limits are traditionally considered void and the transgressions of these mark Sacred Acts.
All of these point to a very particular quality: The Sabbati are Saturnine Festivals. This makes their relationship to the Compass very clear indeed. The Albans carry an indisputably Solar connotation. Their falls are clearly marked by specific, predictable, precisely timed Solar phenomena. That the Sabbati carry Saturnine qualities therefore marks them as belonging to the opposite side of the Compass. The Albans entail Lightbringer Rites, while the Sabbati deal with those of the Nightbringer - Lucifer and Noctifer. This can also be seen as laying to rest the misunderstanding of Sol and Luna as "opposites" and also clearly shows the Lightbringers as rulers of Sun and Moon - their traditional, historic roles. It also slams the coffin lid on the ridiculous notion of "eight sabbats for witches" as long perpetuated by those imitating the Farrars. Referring to a note by Robert Cochrane, we note that these two figures "...appear as twins but they may be the same person ..." (The Robert Cochrane Letters to Norman Gills - "Basic Structure of the Craft" by Robert Cochrane, ed Evan John Jones and Mike Howard, Capall Bann.) This again serves to unify the ritual structure and establish the working connections between the two sets of forms and forces.
Bearing these ideas in mind, it's time to have a look at some working ideas and forms. I'll try to list a few ideas and thoughts.
The Double Compass: The Clan of Tubal Cain, according to Cochrane, worked a Double Compass Rite at Hallows that may now be understood in a much deeper light than simply moving from Summer to Winter. By crossing a verge between two working areas, as described in the Cochrane Letters and by Evan Jones, the Clansfolk move through the Crack and into the Otherworld. This can also be seen as akin to magically passing through a cracked mirror.
The Fire of Bones: Bone is understood as the House of Spirit. This is one reason that a malevolent shade can be laid by burning its mortal bones. This also releases the spirits that the bones housed, creating a "Kirkyard" effect that is a doorway into the other worlds that may remain accessible after Time has resumed its "normal" behavior on the other side of the Crack. One can think of several other reasons for this but I don't find it necessary to list them here.
Burning of a Wicker Man: This is very akin to the Bone Fire and carries several of its connotations. What must be understood is that the sacrificial figure is *not* the Waxing, but the Waning Year King. Thus tying this sort of rite to Tapping the Bone is a good, workable idea.
Tapping the Bone: The Crack in the Cauldron has the effect of making this piece of work much simpler to work effectively. The Bone's connections to every item I've listed above should jump out at the insightful reader and the purpose of the rite should become clear. A given person or group works to contact its ancestral spirits, both genetic and magical. This is very much akin to the Golden Dawn's notion of "Contacting the Secret Chiefs" although in the case of Traditional Witchcraft, the number of spirits being sought is much smaller.
Turning or Treading the Mill: This means of working Kundalini energy is effective in most circumstances, and even more so here.
Our own rite contained the above elements in one form and another and went very potently. As always, I was well aware of the Pack gathered about us. In fact its presence was nearly overwhelming at times and I had to work hard to see the *whole picture* rather than allowing myself merely to concentrate on the movements of the Cwn Annwfn.
I was very aware of the passage of certain conditions that I have long accepted as the "norms" in my life and of the need to embrace and pass through the changes. That these are, in fact, a challenge to gain much greater Gnosis - Self Knowledge and to work for greater realization of Self Authenticity in my life. This is the deep meaning of the Challenge of the Roebuck and, if one thinks about it, the reason why so many dire warnings surround this challenge in both Lore and in recent Craft History will come clear. It carries a powerful temptation to bow to the childish desires and "self-validation" attempts of the Ego self (magically the Man.) It is here that one can see where those who have sought to be "magical or religious celebrities" start down a slippery slope that leads, ultimately, not to the unbound Freedom of the Mysteries, but rather to the Ego-Slavery of an ever more ponderous commercial imaginos relationship - that of the so-called guru and fan base (followers,) where one is obliged to peddle what the fans want to hear rather than being and presenting an authentic Magical Self. Again, I came to some stark realizations about my own past here. I also came to a better vision of what I may be able to build in future - with perserverance, and hard work.
Lingering in my ears are the words of what I've thought of as the Bone's "Guide" spirit - she is and isn't such: "Now you finally know who I really am." After receiving this revelation, the words of our Clan Chief followed - strong and encouraging - and fell like balm into my being.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
She Came to Me With A Serpent's Kiss
Yes, I've copped a bit of style from someone I respect rather highly. Robin the Dart of the Clan of Tubal Cain is fond of titling articles after favorite songs and this seems to me not a bad idea. So here it is.
The associations with November of Scorpio, Death (Tarot Trump XIII) Samhain and the Hallows prompts me to think about the Great Goddesses and their role as Keeper of the Gateway to the Void (The Moon) Rulers of Lust, Love, and Death (Venus) Creatrices/Destroyers (Venus/Moon/Mercury) Lightbringers (Mercury/Sol)Violence and Conflict (Mars) and Time (Saturn) and this in turn conjures up the image of a perfect Crossroads. Indeed, the rulers of this mantle can be said to embody this image perfectly. Some examples of these potent Goddesses include the Irish Morrigan, Sumerian/Babylonian Lilith, Greek Hekate, Nordic Freyjavigdis, Welsh Cerridwen/Cariadwen, Aranrhod, Blodeuwedd, and Rhiannon (Rigan Annwfn) and the deeply syncretic Babalon. Some of their symbols include well known psychopompic beasts such as the Crow, the Owl, the Horse, the Sow, the Hound, the Serpent and the Seven Headed Beast (which bears a striking resemblance to Lilith's monster children, the Marililitu.
These symbols all carry strong underworld associations and clearly connect with death and decay. The Crow, as the true victor on all battlefields is also the symbol of the Welsh War God and King of the Underworld, Bran and the Nordic/Germanic Psychopompos Odin. The Horse is both a Sovereignty symbol and associated with the terrible visage of the Nightmare, as well as being a cosmic symbol associated with Odin and Cain. Serpents and Owls both find association with Lilith, Hekate and with Babalon. The Serpent, sometimes called The Dragon, is a promethean figure who betrays the Gods - be they Elohim, Egyptian Gods, or Olympians - giving the Fire of Wisdom and therefore the realization of inner divinity to humankind. This is a betrayal and a transgression of the deepest kind, for with it we can overthrow the tyranny of Fate and surpass the Gods who are her handmaidens. The serpent is also the symbol of the Archangel Sammael, of the Seraphim (Fiery Serpents) and of Set (Seth) and Typhon as well. The Hound has long been a potent psychopomp. It is found in the image of the Pack of the Wild Hunt also associated with Gwyn ap Nudd, of the Kirkyard Grim, and of the Cuveen Robin in the legend of Alice Kyteler. The Owl is a well known haunter of the crossroads by midnight. Cerridwen's Sow needs little explanation as a scavenger who feasts upon decay, and as a fertile creature who brings forth abundant life from said scavenging. Lilith's Marililitu can be seen as expositions of the Nephilim both in their parentage - born of the Archangel Sammael and the first woman Lilith, and in their symbolism incorporating seven arms and serpents.
Equally interesting is that each can fill the role of the Neo-Platonic World Mind or Hekate. I find it worthwhile therefore to view each of these Goddesses in turn as contributing Keys to the Crossroads. Even more than this, each can be said to stand at the center of the Crossroads, at the confluence of the Seven Worlds, at the point of ultimate destruction, offering rebirth. Each gives us a glimpse of the Mystic Rose.
My friends, Peter and Alkistis, have done extensive work with Babalon and their chronicle - The Red Goddess - relates it in detail. They dealt with several vital concepts that I will look at here and in later posts. In my eyes the most vital of the keys they unearthed can be expressed as Transgression. Transgression deals with the internal violation of external and artificial strictures worked into each of our consciousness by societal mores and training. We are taught not to see certain things - they might upset the neighbors or frighten Mum (the Closet Monster is very real, just ask any child!) We are taught to believe in the world we can see because "darkness is bad" and shun the Night and the world of the unseen.
Religionists and the political posturing of so-called "scientists" unite to tell us this because "the devil might get us" and "it's all superstition." The Devil - the Divine of Union of Archangel and Beast - terrifies the religionist who demands conformity - "We are Jesus' little lambs, now line up to be fleeced, bleat in unison and march off to the slaughter, onward christian soldiers ..." - because it points the way to the overthrow of the desert Thunderer and Ragnarok just isn't a pretty picture ... just imagining Jehovah drowning in his own Flood while impaled on Leviathan's fangs ... Equally fearful of Goetterdaemmerung is the so-called scientist - who admittedly unlocked Evolution's secret chest of Creation's details and Truths - but who, likewise, cannot stand the idea that there might be something beyond the human senses (despite Heisenberg who demonstrated that such literalism is, at best, nothing more than fearful neuroses.) ""This darkness is really full of light ..." poppycock, indeed, we can't see the dark, can we? I can't see it, must not be there ..."" Someone needs to take a refresher course in Socrates ... But, of course, "political atheism" is the liberal fashion statement par excellence. Never mind the fact that the TWO great lies we tell ourselves in this Western Society are Religion and Politics. Never mind the fact that the two are really the same thing ... "Hush now baby, baby, don't you cry. Mumma's going to make all of your nightmares come true ..." Roger Waters can wax frighteningly prophetic and religio-political extremism remains, as ever, devoid of thought.
Transgression involves throwing off these limits to the psyche by internally breaking them. By crossing the limits of fear that our parents, schoolmates, and the preacher drilled into us. By going into the dark places "where angels fear to tread" we find out just what there really is to fear - nothing but fear itself.
So what comes of our encounter in the Crossroads? What happens when the Great Queen, with her scarlet locks washed in blood, confronts us? Do we dare accept the apple / pommegranate? Can we look her in the eye? Dare we seek the Traitor's Kiss from her lips? Are we prepared to survive Death and look with, once again, newly opened eyes upon hearts that "...unfold like flowers before us ..." Dare we seek the Mystery? or should we simply grovel in the dust before yet another "Jesus in a dress?"
The associations with November of Scorpio, Death (Tarot Trump XIII) Samhain and the Hallows prompts me to think about the Great Goddesses and their role as Keeper of the Gateway to the Void (The Moon) Rulers of Lust, Love, and Death (Venus) Creatrices/Destroyers (Venus/Moon/Mercury) Lightbringers (Mercury/Sol)Violence and Conflict (Mars) and Time (Saturn) and this in turn conjures up the image of a perfect Crossroads. Indeed, the rulers of this mantle can be said to embody this image perfectly. Some examples of these potent Goddesses include the Irish Morrigan, Sumerian/Babylonian Lilith, Greek Hekate, Nordic Freyjavigdis, Welsh Cerridwen/Cariadwen, Aranrhod, Blodeuwedd, and Rhiannon (Rigan Annwfn) and the deeply syncretic Babalon. Some of their symbols include well known psychopompic beasts such as the Crow, the Owl, the Horse, the Sow, the Hound, the Serpent and the Seven Headed Beast (which bears a striking resemblance to Lilith's monster children, the Marililitu.
These symbols all carry strong underworld associations and clearly connect with death and decay. The Crow, as the true victor on all battlefields is also the symbol of the Welsh War God and King of the Underworld, Bran and the Nordic/Germanic Psychopompos Odin. The Horse is both a Sovereignty symbol and associated with the terrible visage of the Nightmare, as well as being a cosmic symbol associated with Odin and Cain. Serpents and Owls both find association with Lilith, Hekate and with Babalon. The Serpent, sometimes called The Dragon, is a promethean figure who betrays the Gods - be they Elohim, Egyptian Gods, or Olympians - giving the Fire of Wisdom and therefore the realization of inner divinity to humankind. This is a betrayal and a transgression of the deepest kind, for with it we can overthrow the tyranny of Fate and surpass the Gods who are her handmaidens. The serpent is also the symbol of the Archangel Sammael, of the Seraphim (Fiery Serpents) and of Set (Seth) and Typhon as well. The Hound has long been a potent psychopomp. It is found in the image of the Pack of the Wild Hunt also associated with Gwyn ap Nudd, of the Kirkyard Grim, and of the Cuveen Robin in the legend of Alice Kyteler. The Owl is a well known haunter of the crossroads by midnight. Cerridwen's Sow needs little explanation as a scavenger who feasts upon decay, and as a fertile creature who brings forth abundant life from said scavenging. Lilith's Marililitu can be seen as expositions of the Nephilim both in their parentage - born of the Archangel Sammael and the first woman Lilith, and in their symbolism incorporating seven arms and serpents.
Equally interesting is that each can fill the role of the Neo-Platonic World Mind or Hekate. I find it worthwhile therefore to view each of these Goddesses in turn as contributing Keys to the Crossroads. Even more than this, each can be said to stand at the center of the Crossroads, at the confluence of the Seven Worlds, at the point of ultimate destruction, offering rebirth. Each gives us a glimpse of the Mystic Rose.
My friends, Peter and Alkistis, have done extensive work with Babalon and their chronicle - The Red Goddess - relates it in detail. They dealt with several vital concepts that I will look at here and in later posts. In my eyes the most vital of the keys they unearthed can be expressed as Transgression. Transgression deals with the internal violation of external and artificial strictures worked into each of our consciousness by societal mores and training. We are taught not to see certain things - they might upset the neighbors or frighten Mum (the Closet Monster is very real, just ask any child!) We are taught to believe in the world we can see because "darkness is bad" and shun the Night and the world of the unseen.
Religionists and the political posturing of so-called "scientists" unite to tell us this because "the devil might get us" and "it's all superstition." The Devil - the Divine of Union of Archangel and Beast - terrifies the religionist who demands conformity - "We are Jesus' little lambs, now line up to be fleeced, bleat in unison and march off to the slaughter, onward christian soldiers ..." - because it points the way to the overthrow of the desert Thunderer and Ragnarok just isn't a pretty picture ... just imagining Jehovah drowning in his own Flood while impaled on Leviathan's fangs ... Equally fearful of Goetterdaemmerung is the so-called scientist - who admittedly unlocked Evolution's secret chest of Creation's details and Truths - but who, likewise, cannot stand the idea that there might be something beyond the human senses (despite Heisenberg who demonstrated that such literalism is, at best, nothing more than fearful neuroses.) ""This darkness is really full of light ..." poppycock, indeed, we can't see the dark, can we? I can't see it, must not be there ..."" Someone needs to take a refresher course in Socrates ... But, of course, "political atheism" is the liberal fashion statement par excellence. Never mind the fact that the TWO great lies we tell ourselves in this Western Society are Religion and Politics. Never mind the fact that the two are really the same thing ... "Hush now baby, baby, don't you cry. Mumma's going to make all of your nightmares come true ..." Roger Waters can wax frighteningly prophetic and religio-political extremism remains, as ever, devoid of thought.
Transgression involves throwing off these limits to the psyche by internally breaking them. By crossing the limits of fear that our parents, schoolmates, and the preacher drilled into us. By going into the dark places "where angels fear to tread" we find out just what there really is to fear - nothing but fear itself.
So what comes of our encounter in the Crossroads? What happens when the Great Queen, with her scarlet locks washed in blood, confronts us? Do we dare accept the apple / pommegranate? Can we look her in the eye? Dare we seek the Traitor's Kiss from her lips? Are we prepared to survive Death and look with, once again, newly opened eyes upon hearts that "...unfold like flowers before us ..." Dare we seek the Mystery? or should we simply grovel in the dust before yet another "Jesus in a dress?"
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Witches Picture Book - Progress Report
Most of you know that I am one of the two members of the creative team for the Witches Picture Book Tarot. We've been hard at work on this deck for three, nearly four, years now and we're nearing completion. As I type this, I am taking a break from working on the "Dextral Separation by Tens - Sinistral Return by Unity" chapter, which covers an in-depth method of plotting compass correspondences with the trumps that was started by Nigel Jackson, continued by Griffin Ced, and finally I arrived at the point I'm working at. I haven't received a *lot* of questions about the deck - more comments on the imagery. But I thought I'd address a couple of these:
1. Do you mean a Wiccan deck by "The Witches Picturebook?
A: No, we do not. The Witches Picture Book follows a line of working within the Luciferian Stream of Traditional Witchcraft. It does not address the lore of Wicca as most of the Wicca - and Gardner and Sanders - approach it.
2. Can this deck be used to understand Wicca better?
A: No. Please see Q and A #1. One could approach the subject via Leland's angle as both Gardner and Sanders drew heavily on Leland, but one would then have to understand the Wicca Goddess as Lucifera, as well as Noctifer, address Noctifer as "She who dances on the graves of her lovers," and understand the Wicca God as Hermes Psychopompos / Hades, as well as Cernunnos as "Chief of the Horn." In terms of Compass, this would give you a Waxing Year Queen - a la Brigid and Sarah - and a Waning Year King a la Bran and John the Baptist. Such an understanding *is* possible, but not orthodox, within the milieu of Wicca.
3. Are the planetary cards arranged in a strict "magical circle" formation for this current?
A: No. The planetary cards are arranged in a compass-form halo. This means that in compass terms they move around. The World also does double duty so the Washer's relationship to it cannot be ignored. Any idea of "fixed positions" should be disregarded as a lapwing.
4. Do the stories portrayed in the cards have any bearing on Traditional Witchcraft's workings?
A: Yes! These stories illustrate concepts that can be found in all manner of Traditional Lore. You can see their echoes in tales of heroes, gods, angels, the Flood, Graal Tradition and a myriad of other places. You should also be able to see where these concepts can sycretize and connect with similar and related keys from other currents and tales.
Traditional Witchcraft contains strong currents of both Charming and Storytelling. While I firmly hold the idea that when we try to freeze magic into written words, we find ourselves lying; I also have a strong experience that pictures, spoken words, ballads and songs can take us amazing places when we open up and journey with them.
These four questions I thought worth posting here, and I invite more - always more! Feel free to post them to me by message, by email, by comment, or whatever!
FFF,
Trystn
1. Do you mean a Wiccan deck by "The Witches Picturebook?
A: No, we do not. The Witches Picture Book follows a line of working within the Luciferian Stream of Traditional Witchcraft. It does not address the lore of Wicca as most of the Wicca - and Gardner and Sanders - approach it.
2. Can this deck be used to understand Wicca better?
A: No. Please see Q and A #1. One could approach the subject via Leland's angle as both Gardner and Sanders drew heavily on Leland, but one would then have to understand the Wicca Goddess as Lucifera, as well as Noctifer, address Noctifer as "She who dances on the graves of her lovers," and understand the Wicca God as Hermes Psychopompos / Hades, as well as Cernunnos as "Chief of the Horn." In terms of Compass, this would give you a Waxing Year Queen - a la Brigid and Sarah - and a Waning Year King a la Bran and John the Baptist. Such an understanding *is* possible, but not orthodox, within the milieu of Wicca.
3. Are the planetary cards arranged in a strict "magical circle" formation for this current?
A: No. The planetary cards are arranged in a compass-form halo. This means that in compass terms they move around. The World also does double duty so the Washer's relationship to it cannot be ignored. Any idea of "fixed positions" should be disregarded as a lapwing.
4. Do the stories portrayed in the cards have any bearing on Traditional Witchcraft's workings?
A: Yes! These stories illustrate concepts that can be found in all manner of Traditional Lore. You can see their echoes in tales of heroes, gods, angels, the Flood, Graal Tradition and a myriad of other places. You should also be able to see where these concepts can sycretize and connect with similar and related keys from other currents and tales.
Traditional Witchcraft contains strong currents of both Charming and Storytelling. While I firmly hold the idea that when we try to freeze magic into written words, we find ourselves lying; I also have a strong experience that pictures, spoken words, ballads and songs can take us amazing places when we open up and journey with them.
These four questions I thought worth posting here, and I invite more - always more! Feel free to post them to me by message, by email, by comment, or whatever!
FFF,
Trystn
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Esoteric Book Convention - Seattle 2009
This post marks a bit of a departure from my usual musings. Its flavor has more to do with involvement than with inner work and inner thoughts, yet at the same time, its outward connections mark inward ones as well.
I originally wanted to go to the convention to see Daniel Schulke, and I was not disappointed as he spoke this evening. I found his presentation interesting, informative and certainly thought provoking, as well as both very clear and connected. He seemed a bit ill at ease with the crowd, and I wasn't about to mark myself out by raising my hand when I *did* recognize a couple of several slides he showed. His account of a part of a tale I know as "The Fairy Bride" was also most engaging and produced an interesting insight from another member of the audience.
The whole event was very Golden Dawn and OTO *heavy* with presentations on the roots of the OTO, Golden Dawn history. Adding color, interest, flavor to the days were a lecture on the Chaldean Oracles by Brandy Williams and a lively talk on the faustian mindset of the Grimiore Tradition by Christina Oakley Harrington.
But the real *stars* of the two days, for me, were Peter Grey and Alkistis Dimech. Their presentation came as a surprise and kept me on the edge of my seat. Peter is the "Hermes" of the duo, and a deeply penetrating psychopomp he brings forth. Alkistis, on the other hand, comes across as a young woman of pure Awen-fire. At times I *saw* her burning so brightly I wondered how her flesh could bear to hold its intensity.
Peter comes from a themelic point of view while Alkistis works as an unrestrained, unabashed Aweniddon in the best and purest sense of the word. Quite frankly, to connect to her presence is an Od-Serpent experience in itself. I took in their presentation with my spine on fire, thinking "Yes, more, yes, and again more ..." and wishing the people sitting behind me would quit fidgeting. These two are unabashed Luciferian Rebels in the very best sense of the idea and I think we can look for excellent things from them. I was so impressed that I gave them a salmon to show my appreciation.
I originally wanted to go to the convention to see Daniel Schulke, and I was not disappointed as he spoke this evening. I found his presentation interesting, informative and certainly thought provoking, as well as both very clear and connected. He seemed a bit ill at ease with the crowd, and I wasn't about to mark myself out by raising my hand when I *did* recognize a couple of several slides he showed. His account of a part of a tale I know as "The Fairy Bride" was also most engaging and produced an interesting insight from another member of the audience.
The whole event was very Golden Dawn and OTO *heavy* with presentations on the roots of the OTO, Golden Dawn history. Adding color, interest, flavor to the days were a lecture on the Chaldean Oracles by Brandy Williams and a lively talk on the faustian mindset of the Grimiore Tradition by Christina Oakley Harrington.
But the real *stars* of the two days, for me, were Peter Grey and Alkistis Dimech. Their presentation came as a surprise and kept me on the edge of my seat. Peter is the "Hermes" of the duo, and a deeply penetrating psychopomp he brings forth. Alkistis, on the other hand, comes across as a young woman of pure Awen-fire. At times I *saw* her burning so brightly I wondered how her flesh could bear to hold its intensity.
Peter comes from a themelic point of view while Alkistis works as an unrestrained, unabashed Aweniddon in the best and purest sense of the word. Quite frankly, to connect to her presence is an Od-Serpent experience in itself. I took in their presentation with my spine on fire, thinking "Yes, more, yes, and again more ..." and wishing the people sitting behind me would quit fidgeting. These two are unabashed Luciferian Rebels in the very best sense of the idea and I think we can look for excellent things from them. I was so impressed that I gave them a salmon to show my appreciation.
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