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Chapter 3 -- The Four Worlds

"There are three main theories of the Universe: Dualism, Monism and Nihilism."
-- Aleister Crowley, Magick in Theory and Practice.

Magick asserts the existence of a spiritual world. This implies a belief in the immortality of the human soul, and a duality between mind (consciousness/ soul) and the physical body. This is supported by magical and mystical experiences.

The Mind Body Problem

Duality raises philosophical issues, however. We get into a philosophical conundrum known as the mind body problem. For if the mind and body are a duality (and exist separately), then how is it possible they are linked together? Alternately, if the mind is just an aspect of the physical body (brain), then how can it survive death (as the soul)? One of the difficulties in this discussion is that we lack a clear picture of the exact nature of consciousness and of the soul. Skeptics and materialists will argue especially about duality. We will go on.

The Physical World

I think it is important that we begin the study of magick with our feet firmly planted. Abstract theories will do nothing to improve understanding of unknown phenomena. For example, although we might say that things are not what they seem, and that we all dwell in a world of illusion, what would be the point? We have tangible access to our physical surroundings. And it would serve no useful function to pretend that this is not the case. We intuitively know there is a physical world, of which we are a part. Our senses confirm it, as does common experience. The physical world is an aspect of our existence, and we will not argue about it.

The Secular/ Materialistic Approach

Two divergent points of view emerge in our modern world, and in contrast to each other. One viewpoint emphasizes a materialistic approach to the world, and to how we interact with it. This is the viewpoint espoused by most scientists, athiests, and agnostics. It is also one side of the theory of evolution vs. intelligent design debate.

The other point of view; one which is held to some extent or another by anyone who is religious; allows for more than just a materialistic world. It is interesting that old laws against witchcraft (some of these still exist in some parts of the world) lend support to this view. Because without a spiritual reality, supposed spiritual crimes would be impossible. Similarly, the Bible, Koran, and other religious works also lend support to this supposition.

The Non-Physical Aspect

Materialists may feel that physical existence is all there is. However, we will set aside the mental aspect for this discussion. For we know how it feels when we think of something. Or remember something. Or how it feels when we become angry, happy, or sad. There can be no doubt that these kinds of experiences are mental experiences. And regardless of the actual origin of these mental experiences, it is expedient to define them as part of the non-physical aspect.

Thus we have separated existence into two parts: the physical world, and the non-physical aspect. We know this to be true. It is a premise.

The Spiritual World

We have seen how reality is made up of the physical world and the mental world. Most people who are interested in magick or the occult probably accept without second thoughts the idea of a spiritual world as well, and the existence of a soul that survives physical death. This is such a common idea that I have scarcely seen it mentioned in magical literature. For without any doubt, magick and the occult are non materialistic.

However, this issue should be considered in greater detail, because it is otherwise too easy to gloss over and ignore. I submit that there is an immortal human soul that survives physical death. That there is also a spiritual world which corresponds with that soul. I also submit that the soul is very easy to realize, for it is experienced in each of us as the essence, center of awareness, or consciousness.

Evidence There Is A Soul

1. Reality of psychic phenomena (& magick) implies there is more than materialistic/ physical world because physical explanations for psychic phenomena don't work (or are very far fetched). There must be an agent apart from the physical mind which is responsible for psychic phenomenon. This supports the thesis of a separate mind (soul) from the physical brain. (Although not specifically an immortal one. Perhaps it is a product of the physical brain.)

2. The experience of astral projection supports the idea of a soul, although not specifically an immortal one.

3. Ghost phenomena support the idea of an immortal soul.

4. Near death experiences also support the idea of an immortal soul.

5. Past life recall (especially under hypnosis).

6. Religious literature, such as the Christian Bible, also supports the idea of an immortal soul (although apparently Protestanism not directly, because of the doctrine of the resurection).

The Nature of the Soul

Now, if there is an immortal soul somehow acting in conjunction with a physical, mortal body this raises many questions.

Already described reality as consisting of the physical world and the mental world. And

The study of magick places us right in the middle of the mind-body problem. Magick is incompatible with materialism (physicalism), and it implies radical dualism.

The Remarkable Thing

The remarkable thing about magick is that it may be practiced without much belief. You do not need to believe in a soul or a spiritual world to get magick to work for you. You simply act or *pretend* in such things and magick will work. Sometimes you don't even need to do that. Magick is a technology which works without belief, like turning on a light switch.

The Four Worlds

Therefore we have derived the traditional four worlds. These nicely correspond with Hebrew names from the Cabala. 


     The Spiritual World  (Atziluth)
     The Mental World     (Briah)
     The Astral World     (Yetzirah)
     The Physical World   (Assiah)
The process of creation is one of emanation from the higher to the lower worlds. According to Cabalistic theory, all manifestations in the physical world follow this pattern.

The ancients described man as mind, body, and soul. Psychologists of the twentieth century added the subconscious to that deffinition. This produces a four-fold classification. The universe is also divided into four corresponding parts ('worlds'), as shown below: 


     World                   Body                    Quality

     spiritual world    spiritual body (soul or kia) intuition
     mental world       mental body (conscious mind) rational thought
     astral world       astral body (subconscious)   emotions
     physical world     physical body                physical senses
The astral body (subconscious) is the intermediary for intuition, magical and psychic phenomena, and is the 'psychic link' to the physical world. J.H. Brennan says that the astral is the realm of visual imagination. It seems to be both a 'place' and a 'state of mind' at the same time. Most occult and magical phenomena originate in the invisible, non-sensate, non-physical realm (ie. without physical senses). Each of the four worlds interacts with the other worlds. Psychic energy flows from the spiritual to mental to astral to physical. The physical world is a projection (manifestation, reflection, or shadow) of the higher worlds. Our center of consciousness is generally within these higher worlds. "We are", to quote the rock music group the Police, "spirits in the material world".

There are many similar terms used by other occult groups. For example, 'astral light' is another name for astral world, although it may sometimes also refer to the entire non-physical realm, as may 'inner planes' or 'the invisible world'. Planes are essentially the same as worlds. Vehicles or sheaths are the same as bodies. Some groups include an etheric or vital body between physical and astral: it is mostly 'physical' with a little of the lower 'astral' besides. And sometimes astral and mental are each divided into two parts (upper and lower). The 'causal body' is the upper 'mental'.

Microcosm and Macrocosm

We have been describing 'traditonal' occult philosophy here, and certainly an important part of the tradition is the idea (and terms) microcosm and macrocosm. The greater universe, known as the *macrocosm*, includes everything that exists. It corresponds with the *microcosm*, or tiny universe, ie. man -- who is thought of as a miniature replica of the macrocosm (whole universe). This basic magical relationship is demonstrated in the Bible (Genesis 1.27), where God is the macrocosm; and in the writing of Trismegistus ("As above so below"). Since man is in the image of God (universe) it follows that God is in the image of man (in other words, man and the God/universe match each other). The magician, as a microcosm is thus connected with the macrocosm. There is an intimate relationship of energies between you and everything else. The universe is reflected within us and we are projected into the universe. This is an important theory behind magick and astrology.

The Magical Link

[Here we will discuss the traditional theories of contagious magick, sympathetic magick, and the magical link..]

Magick White and Black

'Personal magick' is that magick used to affect the self; often involving affirmation, self-suggestion, and self-hypnosis. 'Active magick' is outer directed magick (as in PK) used to affect someone or thing, or to bring about an event. 'Passive magick' is to be affected (as in ESP) by an outside non-physical cause. Everyone possesses some magical (and psychic) potential. Some are especially gifted. Usually people are better at one kind of magick (ie. active or passive) than they are at the other kind; only rarely does an individual excell at both. Traning and practice will, of course, improve ability somewhat.

Although the forces of magick are neutral, various systems may take on the qualities of good and evil. There is so-called white magick or good magick, black magick or evil magick, and gray magick between them. When many people refer to white magick they mean magick for unselfish purposes, also healing and mental influence with specific permission. By black magick they refer to magick for self-interest and healing *without* specific permission. Using magick to forcefully control another's will is, in a sense, black magick too. There are also some people on the occult fringe who claim to be, possibly even think they are, 'Satanists', devil worshipers, or black magicians. These people are most likely charlatans, hoaxters, dablers, or merely misinformed. They may be attracted by the 'art' of black magick, or even by the 'glamor' of doing something against the 'rules'. But a real black magician is very dangerous. Because he has dedicated his life to evil. We usually think of 'white magick' as having *unselfish intent*, and (in the extreme case) of 'black magick' as being actual Satan worship, human or animal sacrifice, dangerous unconventional magical practices, and other bizarre stuff as makes a nightmare. It is all a matter of degree. Most mild self-interest magick (one of the most common kinds) would be called 'gray'. Better terms may be *constructive magick* as being beneficial; and *aversive magick* as magick intended to work against the natural order, and to tear down. There is also the *high magick* of spiritual alchemy (ie. spiritual growth), also known as 'the Great Work'; and conversely there is 'low magick' which is concerned with materiality.

Any magick act is likely to produce side effects regardless of whether or not the desired result is achieved. Such side effects are no problem for constructive magick, since they are benificial as well. However, aversive magick can produce aversive side effects which may even harm the magician -- aversive magick is dangerous!

To Dare

<--- Re. Franz Hartman, Magic White and Black, pp. 267 fl. To Know, To Will, To Dare, To Be Silent. ---> [Here we will discuss the axiom, "To Dare, To Know, To Will, To Keep Silent"..]

Magick is a Continuous Process

What we have been calling 'magick' is actually a continuous process. Since your subconscious never rests, your environment is continually being shifted into line with your model. This is true whether you study magick or not. For most people, these effects are usually very subtle, and they are probably not aware of them. However, as you work with the occult, the flow of psychic energy and your awareness of it increases. Your true will is more likely to be strongly expressed. Your luck may be affected (either in a positive or a negative way). Remember, our lives tend to follow what we want down deep. That is why a positive outlook is so very beneficial to us.

The Magical Diary

Sometimes it is helpful to keep a diary of your magical experiments and research. Such a diary should include the date, perhaps even some astrological data (or anything else you think may have a relationship to what you are doing). This is also a good time to begin recording your dreams -- at least the important ones -- in a dream diary. Your dreams can tell you a great deal about yourself, and may sometimes reveal premonitions. Dreams are personal. Don't fall for the commercial 'dream book' gimmick.

Affirmations

The mind is always open to suggestion -- especially the subconscious. Most of the time we censor any suggestions according to the model; but one way to break through the censor is with repetition. An affirmation does this exactly. By suggestion, we mean any statement which is capable of affecting your model. Usually suggestion is in the form of a positive statement (such as the hypnotist's patter -- " You are becomming sleepy"). An affirmation is the same kind of thing -- a positive suggestion, which you repeat (affirm) to yourself aloud or silently (for example, "I remember my dreams"). If there is some quality you wish to change or develope within yourself, an affirmation is ideal. Repeat it several times every day at several different times throughout the day, expecially when you go to bed. Affirmations are subtle and may require a few months to work. Use them for changes, not miracles.

Simple Banishing Technique

Visualization is another important method we use to influence the subconscious. A good example of this is the simple banishing technique which follows. Banishing is used in magick to 'clear the air' of negative 'vibes' and interference...

Visualize a strong white light flowing out the top of your head, flowing down around you and covering you. At the same time imagine you are throwing away any 'problem' vibes. Maintain the visualization for a half a minute or longer. Good way to help you handle your emotions, and to control worry or anger.

Review Questions

1) What is a microcosm?
2) List the four worlds. Explain.
3) What is an affirmation? Give an example.

Counterpoint

1) Investigate the mind body problem.
2) Explore the evidence for life after death.

Book List

Franz Bardon, Initiation into Hermetics.
Beatrice Bruteau, The Psychic Grid.
Geoffry Hodson, Theosophy Answers Some Problems of Life.
Marc Edmund Jones, Key Truths of Occult Philosophy.
Marina Medici, Good Magic.
Marion Weinstein, Positive Magic.
Nelson & Ann White, The Wizard's Apprentice.

Phil Hansford, 3/2008
Mysteria
http://www.mysteria.com
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Sierra Madre, CA 91025 USA

Copyright (c) 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1993, 1988, 1986, 1974 by Phil Hansford. This article is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only, unless sold by the author.

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