Thursday, December 31, 2009

HERE'S TO A TARGETED,TACTICAL, AND THAUMATURGIC TWENTY TEN!

2009 kinda rocked.

Became a dad, twice in two minutes. Became an uncle. My second book hit the shelves and is getting good reviews. Finally got a professional looking website, with help from Donald Leitch. Started he Strategic Sorcery Course, now up to 78 students. Lectured on both coasts thanks to Frater POS and MyGal. Gave my first full day intensives. Serviced more clients than ever before. A solid year.

I did however fail at one thing that I made a very public vow about... I did not loose 60 pounds. I did not even loose 6 pounds. I am in fact exactly the same weight as I was a year ago.

Why? Because I didn't even try. By the end of January I realized that with the kids and everything else that I wanted to do, this was not the year to screw around with my diet. True i am overweight, but I am quite spry, can function on very little sleep, have low blood pressure and good cholesterol count.

I did however make a magical vow. I had to do a bit of work to repair the damage from breaking that one, but at least I know how to do it before it was fully broken, so I did'nt get the blow back that one gets if one does not address the issue.

This year, there will be no magical vow for weight loss. I have a plan, a good one, but I need to keep it a secret until about halfway. Its all about the right motivation. Thats all I'll say.

I have a lot of great things planned for 2010. Stronger focus on the "Strategic" part of Strategic Sorcery in the blog. Introducing Video posts and possibly cd's for sale. More media appearances. More one day intensives and hopefully a full weekend training here in New Jersey.

HERE'S TO A TARGETED,TACTICAL, AND THAUMATURGIC TWENTY TEN!

Jason


Friday, December 25, 2009

Favorite Christmas Poem/Invocation







RING OUT WILD BELLS




Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Silence of Christmas Eve

I hope that right now everyone is wrapping up their holiday shopping and winding down all the effort of making Christmas. Tomorrow morning will bring a joyful chaos to most of us, when the fruits of our labors can be enjoyed fully. Tonight though, I hope that everyone can take a few minutes before bed to just be still.

There is a beautiful silence on Christmas eve, a psychic stillness wherein one can find perfect peace pregnant with possibility.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I urge all my readers to take a moment and step outside into that silent stillness and simply be.

Yesterday is now a memory. Tomorrow is still a projection. The present moment disappears before it can be grasped. Let all your cares rest, and you mind settle. Love and Joy shall arise spontaneously, and you shall truly enjoy the compliments of the season.

Merry Christmas to All

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wow.


As many of you that read the Sorcerers Secrets know, my friend Matt Brownlee and I have been working on a project involving 7 new planetary sigils that capture the "force in motion" of each planet. Three of these, the only three that were done at the time, appeared in the book and have been the subject of much interest.

Matt just finished rendering the last seal on the 5th of this month. I have shared the complete set, only with members of my Sodality. One of them just gave a gift of seven plates, each with one of the sigils done in the appropriate color on a black background. One of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. I cant wait to use these....

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Yule to all.

A Solstice Tune for you all.

"Ring Out, Solstice Bells"

Now is the solstice of the year,
winter is the glad song that you hear.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Have the lads up ready in a line.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Join together beneath the mistletoe.
by the holy oak whereon it grows.
Seven druids dance in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Praise be to the distant sister sun,
joyful as the silver planets run.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.
Ring out those bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.
Ring on, ring out.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Degrees and expectations


In his recent post, Frater R.O. made a post over here about degrees and whether people are actually attaining them or not. He points to two different links. The first is to a video by some crazy guy who is accusing the OTO of not producing any exempt adepts in 30 years, a term which is meaningless in the OTO as it is a AA degree, and is not what the OTO is about anyway. Still, I get the point. The second link is to a great post over at Here Be Dragons, which basically states that people are achieving the high degrees that many have always thought were extremely elite and rare or even unattainable by mortals. RO agrees in his post and suggests that the problem comes from false expectations of what those degrees mean.

It is true that people expect spiritually adept people (fill in terminology as fits your order or religion here) to have qualities that meet their expectations. R.O. gives the example of the K&C of HGA and how many treated this as a nearly unattainable thing and the entire goal in magic. The reality of course is that far from the goal of magic, it is a preliminary to doing serious magic in systems that recognize such a thing. In the AA system it would be attained at the level of Adeptus Minor. In the Chthonic Auranian Temple it is the work of those in the Lovers grade.
This type of projection occurs even more often, in the east, where the expectation is that the teacher be dead from the waist down and have no interest in "material matters" of sex or money for themselves. Strangely they are also expected to have access to perfect wisdom on such matters for others, even though they may have no experience at all. I can't tell you how many Monks get asked for advice on business and marriage - two things that, respectfully, they don't know jack about. In the case of non monastic Lamas and Guru's there are always gasps of shock and horror should they approach someone with romantic or sexual proposals.

There can also be magical expectations that out of line. Sometimes if you manage to do something for someone that they don't understand, like a very effective healing or spell, they cannot understand why you cannot cure their 85 year old Mothers cancer or save the job that they are getting fired from because of gross incompetence. Being able to do one thing magically, translates into the ability to anything with magic. Having any kind of spiritual realization at all, translates into being Jesus or Buddha.

On the other hand, there is a difference between tasting a certain level of realization and being able to stabilize it and integrate it into your living levels. If your degree that you claim has any value than it should reflect somewhere in your life. When someone who behaves with no compassion or seemingly any understanding tells me that they are a high adept I politely blow them off, because clearly that term means something to them that is different than what it means to me. If someone brags about what a powerful sorcerer they are, yet still lives in their parents' house and complains about not being able to get a date, I pretty well blow them off. If you can't kick your heroin addiction, I really don't want to hear about how you are a Master of the Temple and the Buddha Matreya.

I am not suggesting that magicians or spiritual masters need to be rich and flawless BTW. Many a great spiritual master lives below the poverty line and I know several successful magicians that really hve no interest in great wealth. The key is, are you living in accordance with your will or are you whining about how the world is always crapping on you?

There are different layers to any level of realization: faith (Pistis), direct knowledge (Gnosis), and being (Theosis). For instance we all have heard that ice is really water, thus we have faith in this. Those that have seen ice melt into water, and water freeze into ice have direct knowledge. Those that can melt ice at will or freeze water at will have being. Another example is knowing that Germany exists. Traveling to Germany for a visit. And finally moving there and getting citizenship.
In the case of the two most spoken about attainments of western magick I would break it up like the following.
In the case of the HGA, you have faith that such a thing is possible. You attain the knowlege and coveresation. Finally you integrate or unite with your angel. The Adeptus Minor has faith and sets out questing for the K&C of the HGA. The Adeptus Major has attained the K&C and sets out to do battle with the Qlippothic forces as would a knight or spiritual warrior as the Cicero's would say. The Adeptus Exemptus, begins to unite with his angel and thus retires from battle to prepare for the next stage acting as a king or "master Magician".

In the case of the Abyss, again you have faith that such a state exists. In the Golden Dawn this state and its grades are thought to be attainable only after death. In the AA they are thought to be attainable in the here and now. Still, the idea of the grade exists. Most of those claiming degrees like master of the Temple have only achieved the second stage: Gnosis. They have direct knowledge of the state. They have experienced it and left it behind upon returning below the abyss. In my opinion, the real work is to integrate that gnosis into your living levels of being. Otherwise you are just a day tripper.

In all these conversations about high states of being, I have used inexact metaphors. I just don't have any better ones at my disposal. For me, I have pretty much sworn off the idea of claiming grades and such. The times that I have sat in Rigpa, been in union with my angel, or basked in the uncreated light are still far outnumbered by the times that I have lost my patience in traffic, made a cruel comment to my wife, or ate something that I did'nt even really want just out of habit.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

I wasnt gonna comment on this but...

I wasn't gonna comment on this, but I am ill and feeling cantankerous andthis just kinda got under my skin.

Have you seen Lon DuQuette's new Holiday Song?

Really? You didn't manage to work sentiments like that out in your 20's?

While I have always disagreed with his "Goetic Demons are part of the brain" shtick, I considered him one of the moderate and tolerant voices in Thelema. I was apparently wrong.

Lon, your writing is still excellent and clear, and I have to admit that your Guitar playing is top notch, but I am so terribly disappointed in you. I know there are others who feel the same, but they aren't coming forward because of your popularity and because by all accounts are a very nice guy.

Why do Thelemites so often feel the need to piss in other peoples cups to make their own water taste sweeter? For that matter, don't you think that Christianity had just a little bit to do with Dee and the origin of Enochian Magic, that thing that you just write a book about?

Seriously. I hate the goddamn war on Christmas crap when it comes from the right wing nutz, but I hate it even more when it comes from the left who should know better. When sentiments this sophmoric come from someone of Lon's age and experience, its just terribly disappointing.

As if the world would be better if Crowleyanity was the dominant religion. It probably wouldn't even be here at all.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Tutors




Buddhism, Occultism, NLP, Finance, Guitar.
I have learned most of the skills that I value and make a living on by finding tutors rather than enrolling in schools.

Here is an article by Tynan (Herbal from "The Game") on same.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Garchen Rinpoche in Philadelphia



For those in the area that are looking for a good introduction to Tibetan Buddhism from a truly impeccable master, this is a golden opportunity.


H.E. Garchen Rinpoche Teachings

Philadelphia January 8-10



I am very excited to share that H.E.Garchen Rinpoche will be making his
first visit to Philadelphia next month!


Garchen Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist Master from the Drikung
Kagyu Lineage. He was born 72 years ago in Eastern Tibet and was
recognized as the incarnation of a heart disciple of Jigden Sumgon who
was previously Nargajuna’s disciple. Rinpoche was about to finish a
traditional 3 year retreat when he was imprisoned for 20 years during
the Cultural Revolution. Yet like Milarepa, Garchen Rinpoche was able
to realize the Dharma while facing obstacles. In prison he studied under
a Great Dzogchen Master and was a respected teacher upon his release.
Rinpoche now teaches Dharma around the world, touching students with his
bright love.


Milarepa is a famous 11th century yogi who transformed from a blackmagic
to an enlightened saint within one lifetime of diligent practice. His
songs and life were recorded by his disciples and have inspired
practitioners for centuries.


The teachings will be offered free of charge, the suggested donation is
$40 per session or $150 for the entire weekend. Funds raised will help
support Rinpoche’s schools in Eastern Tibet, providing literacy, food,
clothing and water to Rinpoche’s homeland.


Please contact Margaret Ferringo to register for the teachings and to
sign up for lunch. margaretferrigno@yahoo.com or 267.241.7606


The schedule is below:
FRIDAY JANUARY 8 -
7pm-9pm Ethical Society of Philadelphia (1906 S. Rittenhouse square)
Free Public Talk: Cultivating a Clear Mind and an Open Heart
Rinpoche will talk about how to practice Bodhicitta in everyday life.


SATURDAY JANUARY 9-
10am-12pm Pu Men Temple (1023 Race St. Chinatown)
Vajra Songs of Realization: Teachings from the Great Yogi Milarepa Rinpoche will bestow a Milarepa Empowerment
12pm-2pm lunch break. Vegetarian lunch will be available for $10/person.
2pm-5pm Rinpoche will teach from the 100,000 songs of MIlarepa, explaining different levels of meditation and realization.


SUNDAY JANUARY 10-
10am-12pm Pu Men Temple (1023 Race St. Chinatown)
Continuation of the 100,000 songs of Milarepa.
12pm-2pm lunch break. Vegetarian lunch will be available for $10/person.
1-2pm Presentation and Slideshow about Rinpoche’s Humanitarian projects
2pm-5pm Continuation of the 100,000 songs of Milarepa.

At the end of the teaching Rinpoche will also be offering Bodhisattva Vows and Refuge vows for those interested.

Athiest cat

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The 7th Seal has been rendered.

Brownlee has completed the drawing for the 7th and final planetary seal.

Now to get cracking on the chapbook.


Friday, December 4, 2009

This week at Mystical Tymes in New Hope


Thought Sorcery
Tuesday, December 4th,
Mystical Tymes, New Hope.

"The Ancestor of every action is a thought" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
In previous classes I have taught magick that uses herbs, and words, and energies, and all sorts of arcane tricks and methods. But underlying all of these is the power of thought. In my meditation classes I teach how thoughts can be so powerful that they enslave our minds in cycles of acceptance and rejection of trivial things. But it is also this same power that makes though t your most powerful ally for changing your life, and the lives of those around you.

In this class I will teach the secrets of magic that relies upon thought alone. Though seemingly simple, this may be one of the most important classes I have ever taught at Mystical tymes, and one that everyoce can take full advantage of regardless of experience. Apart from the secrets of thought management, i will also teach the pitfalls of certain types of thinking, and the dangers of some of the systems of "New Thought" such as is presented in books like "The Secret"

This class teaches the secrets, that make the secret actually work.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Nybor Tarot Images

This link (NSFW) will get you to the art for the deck http://nyborart.com/tarot.php

This thing is blowing my mind. When was only able to examine other peoples decks I knew I liked it, but didnt really see the patterns established in the re-named cards or how they related to the traditional Tarot. Now that I have my own deck and have read the book, I have to say that this is really brilliant.

Elspeth was right, that it is also a very unambiguous deck. None of those issues I would have with traditional Tarot when a court card would come up in a final outcome slot.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Nybor Tarot

I just got my Nybor Tarot in the mail today.

Wow. Amazing.

I have seen the deck before, and wanted one forever, but now that I have read the book I can honestly say that I am blown away.

I will have a full review after I have done some more readings with it, but WOW.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Clavis Inferi


I got my copy of the Clavis Inferi today.

I'm happy to say that I am not disappointed. In fact as someone that relates strongly with both St Cyprian and the Angel Metatron, this is basically Grimoire heaven. I also am an advocate of the use fo specific angel names to bind demons with, as in the testament of Solomon and Dr Rudd's Goetia, so I love the circle that is protected by the four Demon Kings in Noble and Animal form, bound by the four cardinal angels.

The book is short, only 96 pages, but the plates are all in color and contain some of the most striking images from any Renaissance Grimoire. This is really great stuff.