DARE TO MAKE MAGIC by David Edwards
T
I originally wrote Dare to Make Magic as an O.C.S. publication which was later published by Rigel Press. The prime aim of the book was to ridicule the generation of occultists who learn magical tables by rote, recite the secret but available to all words of power and generally talk more than they ever do.
As a practicing initiate who has experienced rituals that worked on consciousness, the psyche and in some cases had a visible effect in the physical world, I was bored by the number of magicians – and I use the word very loosely - who spend hours discussing the ceremonies they might perform, who or what would be invoked and the power that would be bestowed.
The standard definition of magic is ‘causing a change of consciousness at will’. In other words magic under controlled situations where, by meditation, intuition and occult training results would be achieved which would have an affect on personal life. But this requires serious effort.
Dare to Make Magic was a means of achieving the above, with techniques that would work well as long as effort was put into a ceremony. The book was a challenge both for serious enquirers and for the novice. Throughout its pages the tone was one of provocation and I know from feedback that many readers took this on board. It is a style of writing that can irritate but simultaneously teach and provide a pathway for serious students of the occult arts.
I am still of the opinion that wonderful experiences and inner spiritual learning are available for all who aspire and will make the effort to practice Magic, whether as individuals or as part of a serious group of initiates. Self initiation can occur to those who strive strongly and can make the necessary inner plane contacts. Be bold enough to Dare and thereby to achieve.
DARE TO MAKE MAGIC IS NO LONGER IN PRINT.
However the NEW GUIDE TO THE MAGIC OF TIME AND SPACE is available and includes various exercises and information. Further details available on appropriate pages.
I originally wrote Dare to Make Magic as an O.C.S. publication which was later published by Rigel Press. The prime aim of the book was to ridicule the generation of occultists who learn magical tables by rote, recite the secret but available to all words of power and generally talk more than they ever do.
As a practicing initiate who has experienced rituals that worked on consciousness, the psyche and in some cases had a visible effect in the physical world, I was bored by the number of magicians – and I use the word very loosely - who spend hours discussing the ceremonies they might perform, who or what would be invoked and the power that would be bestowed.
The standard definition of magic is ‘causing a change of consciousness at will’. In other words magic under controlled situations where, by meditation, intuition and occult training results would be achieved which would have an affect on personal life. But this requires serious effort.
Dare to Make Magic was a means of achieving the above, with techniques that would work well as long as effort was put into a ceremony. The book was a challenge both for serious enquirers and for the novice. Throughout its pages the tone was one of provocation and I know from feedback that many readers took this on board. It is a style of writing that can irritate but simultaneously teach and provide a pathway for serious students of the occult arts.
I am still of the opinion that wonderful experiences and inner spiritual learning are available for all who aspire and will make the effort to practice Magic, whether as individuals or as part of a serious group of initiates. Self initiation can occur to those who strive strongly and can make the necessary inner plane contacts. Be bold enough to Dare and thereby to achieve.
DARE TO MAKE MAGIC IS NO LONGER IN PRINT.
However the NEW GUIDE TO THE MAGIC OF TIME AND SPACE is available and includes various exercises and information. Further details available on appropriate pages.
An exercise from Dare to Make Magic
1. Obtain as much magical apparatus as you can. In day time position it tidily in an empty room. Place a small table in the middle for your altar and upon it place two candles. 2. When dusk falls, give thought to your intentions.Read through the following paragraphs; think about forces strange and sinister permeating the room. 3. One hour later, do the same but this time with a little more effort. (take about 15 minutes for this)One hour after this do the same again, imagining that you are looking into the room and and can actually see strange entities waiting there and being joined every minute by more. 4. Half an hour later go into that room taking with you no more than a box of matches. Turn out the light and stand behind the table your are using for an altar. Stand alone in the darkness. Feel the incessant throb of time; a thousand formless beings float by and brush your cheeks and sleeves. Be frightened and know it. 5. Make strong your heart and breathe. Breathe forth life; a slow yet surging breath as you assume control. Breathe forth Power for you are God; see yourself glowing brilliantly white. Breathe forth Love for curses drag you down. Breathe forth Wisdom for you shall know. 6. The time has come. Step forth and light the altar candles. See your Temple come to life. A knife twinkles in the flickering light; a symbol throws a shadow on the floor. Feel the golden ecstasy of Creation surge through the room as you change dimension. Let your mind be born upon wings of elation; forget the world and loose your being amidst this Temple of the Most High. Feel yourself in firm control. know that you are strong and bold; stretch out your arms, upwards and outwards, and feel a yearning in your heart to soar aloft to some far off star. See the tiny speck of light,far distant in ephemeral space. Stretch your arms towards it, imploring, begging, forcing, drawing it down into your waiting arms. Growing brighter, deeper as it nears. You call it as one enraptured by the charm of love. It hovers, a glowing, pulsating, dazzling radiance above your head. You are being drawn upwards into it as with a warming glow your heart is filled with celestial light. Feel the consumation of the union as you see the golden aura change to a rose pink flower and bring your arms down until horizontal. You are a Golden Cross with the Flower of Life at its centre in your heart. The Rose is sown, the Cross is Life. 7. Now dedicate yourself to that Rose and to that Cross.. |
Dare to make Magic exercise 2.
An aid to the development of visualisation faculties
1. Obtain a full length mirror such as is used by outfitters.
2. Place this in one corner of your Temple; find a suitable position from where you can see yourself in the mirror. Midway between the mirror and yourself, slightly to one side, place two candles on the floor (These should be positioned so that you cannot see their reflection in the mirror) Close to these place another two candles at chest height.
3. Apart from the 4 candles which illuminate your body allowing you to see your own reflection, The Temple should be dark. Thus all that you will be aware of will be an image in the mirror.
4. Wear a plain robe or the minimum of clothing so that you will not be distracted. Light the candles and contemplate the image before you. Relax: breathe rhythmically: try and imagine the glow from the candles increasing slightly as you inhale - decreasing as you exhale. All is calm and peaceful. Don't you look fat!
5. Feel over your head a small, but brilliant radiant incandescent sphere of light. At the same time see this reflected in the mirror. This applies to the following instructions - feel the change taking place in your physical body and also see the effect in the reflected image.
6. Inhale and both see and feel a ray from that spherical brilliance flow down and enter the top of your head. As you exhale see and feel the ray expand to fill your head with a radiant glow.
7. Take another breath and see the ray descend from your head to your left shoulder. Exhale and feel that part of your body illuminated as you see the image in the mirror reflect the descent of light. Continue in this manner as though following the 'Lightening Flash' in its descent through the microcosmic Tree of Life, until it reaches the Malkuth centre (The feet). Visualise beneath your feet the fertile earth with the associated scenes and colours. Feel
the ray passing downwards through your body and having a life giving effect upon the earth.
8. Now from the earth and the Malkuth centre (which should be as one) feel a dynamic upward surge as though a newly planted tree is emerging and, with its stem, pushing you upward. Feel this force pass up your body in a straight line to your head.
9. When your attention is again drawn to your cranium, feel and see the force push you upwards until the sphere of light whence all this originated has merged with your head.
10. Around your head see a golden halo (such as portrayed by mediaeval artists). See your countenance change to one of glorious radiance.
11. Your head is the sun.
Your feet the Earth.
The Sun causes the earth to bring forth fruit.
Your head now rules your feet.
*************************
THE SKY BOAT
This meditational exercise was originally included in the second edition of Dare to Make Magic. Any initiate can easily adopt it to suit his or her own purpose. Its basic essence is derived from the Time and Space form of ceremonies and beliefs.
------------------------------------
In the mists of time and space, the original concept of movement between different areas of psyche arose from many concepts. Foremost were the initial movements between fundamental layers of consciousness that could easily be charted on a map or diagram. In many ways the Tree of Life is one of these. Other religious concepts embody different variations around this theme.
The boat can as easily as any other symbol be adapted to provide linking pathways between any point, directly or indirectly. In its simplest form the sky boat is entered through a coloured gateway appropriate to the destination and what can be best described as signposts made up of the traditional symbols associated with the journey.
To go a stage further a guide can accompany the journey. This may be, dependant upon the initiate’s development, a spirit guide, an elemental entity, angelical being, even a god form if the contacts are sufficiently developed and the mental capability exists.
To go a stage further a guide can accompany the journey. This may be, dependant upon the initiate’s development, a spirit guide, an elemental entity, angelical being, even a god form if the contacts are sufficiently developed and the mental capability exists.
Colour is a major factor in this. Basic Qabalistic colour schemes may be used to great advantage, but the concept of Time and Space symbolism can be used to over ride any of these and to enter a new dimension altogether. Egyptian symbolism fits in very well with all of these concepts and can be intermingled between any symbol systems.
Proficient initiates can travel together as long as they have a sufficient level of psychism and intuitive development. In this case the guide will sit at the front of the boat. Propulsion can be in various forms ranging from traditional rowing oars, a sail, a motor or even positive thought forms.
(The main ideas and images occurring to me are predominantly Egyptian or even Arthurian with Avalon and Lady of the Lake concepts)
Proficient initiates can travel together as long as they have a sufficient level of psychism and intuitive development. In this case the guide will sit at the front of the boat. Propulsion can be in various forms ranging from traditional rowing oars, a sail, a motor or even positive thought forms.
(The main ideas and images occurring to me are predominantly Egyptian or even Arthurian with Avalon and Lady of the Lake concepts)
Visualise firstly the boat at a quayside on a river where grass waves gently in the breeze. Approach mentally; slowly and with dignity acknowledge whosoever may be seated (or standing) near the boat. A golden loop of light links the prow to a spot on the landing stage. The water is blue. A notice may be visible sometimes. Mentally project your self into the boat, acknowledge the guide and sit. It is possible at times that others may join you or be already seated. If so greet them but do not attempt to engage in any discussion. Retreat then within your deeper being, but keep a tentative link to what or who is around you.
The guardian of the boat will, with your urging, loosen the golden thread that links to the shore. It is possible at this stage that a dramatic change may occur and the whole imagery change to that of traditional time and space with a large leap of mental movement into a dimension that is not the normal purpose of the sky boat. You have a choice then of reverting to the image of waiting on the shoreline, or going with the new current out through starry space into regions mentioned elsewhere.
The boat drifts away from the bank, the scenery of which becomes a woodland of dark green and browns. This slowly recedes as the boat is caught by the current and moves faster away from the shore towards a distant hazy glow. Mentally utter the following prayer.
“Let me greet the Dawn of Awareness with humility and longing. May the source of all that is good and noble enervate my being as I strive towards the hidden realms of consciousness. Let the spiralling vortex of light form a vessel of aspiration and longing that will take me on a journey towards adventure and knowledge.”
By this time the guardian in the boat may contact you mentally or with physical gestures. Take note and with humility ask his blessing on the journey. Also take careful note of any symbols or jewellery worn by this entity.Pay particular heed to the colour and, if you wish, for instance to apply this method to path working, visualise the colours becoming those appropriate to the Qabalistic regions you wish to visit.
At any stage of your journey you can test the guardian by projecting safety imagery at him/her in an outline of brilliant gold. Various examples include the simple cross, the rose cross, various mystical letters and sigils with which you should be conversant. This will cause the guardian’s form to be absorbed into the sigil, which enlarges and then returns as the guardian who will make contact with your inner vitality.
It can also have a totally negative effect where the whole concept of the boat vanishes and you return through a dreamy haze to normal consciousness. This may reflect your current state of mind, a negative force acting on you, or merely lack of effort and concentration on your part. Considerable effort is necessary for success and your determination must be made very obvious before the journey to allow your presence to continue.
-----------------------------
The Sky Boat is an example of an initiatory path into a modern level of consciousness and awareness, far closer to our region of magical existence than might be expected. Within its realms lie occult traditions developed by a totally new dimension of beings. Be bold and experiment. Learn of Time and Space and become part of the evolutionary magical way of life.
**********************
An aid to the development of visualisation faculties
1. Obtain a full length mirror such as is used by outfitters.
2. Place this in one corner of your Temple; find a suitable position from where you can see yourself in the mirror. Midway between the mirror and yourself, slightly to one side, place two candles on the floor (These should be positioned so that you cannot see their reflection in the mirror) Close to these place another two candles at chest height.
3. Apart from the 4 candles which illuminate your body allowing you to see your own reflection, The Temple should be dark. Thus all that you will be aware of will be an image in the mirror.
4. Wear a plain robe or the minimum of clothing so that you will not be distracted. Light the candles and contemplate the image before you. Relax: breathe rhythmically: try and imagine the glow from the candles increasing slightly as you inhale - decreasing as you exhale. All is calm and peaceful. Don't you look fat!
5. Feel over your head a small, but brilliant radiant incandescent sphere of light. At the same time see this reflected in the mirror. This applies to the following instructions - feel the change taking place in your physical body and also see the effect in the reflected image.
6. Inhale and both see and feel a ray from that spherical brilliance flow down and enter the top of your head. As you exhale see and feel the ray expand to fill your head with a radiant glow.
7. Take another breath and see the ray descend from your head to your left shoulder. Exhale and feel that part of your body illuminated as you see the image in the mirror reflect the descent of light. Continue in this manner as though following the 'Lightening Flash' in its descent through the microcosmic Tree of Life, until it reaches the Malkuth centre (The feet). Visualise beneath your feet the fertile earth with the associated scenes and colours. Feel
the ray passing downwards through your body and having a life giving effect upon the earth.
8. Now from the earth and the Malkuth centre (which should be as one) feel a dynamic upward surge as though a newly planted tree is emerging and, with its stem, pushing you upward. Feel this force pass up your body in a straight line to your head.
9. When your attention is again drawn to your cranium, feel and see the force push you upwards until the sphere of light whence all this originated has merged with your head.
10. Around your head see a golden halo (such as portrayed by mediaeval artists). See your countenance change to one of glorious radiance.
11. Your head is the sun.
Your feet the Earth.
The Sun causes the earth to bring forth fruit.
Your head now rules your feet.
*************************
THE SKY BOAT
This meditational exercise was originally included in the second edition of Dare to Make Magic. Any initiate can easily adopt it to suit his or her own purpose. Its basic essence is derived from the Time and Space form of ceremonies and beliefs.
------------------------------------
In the mists of time and space, the original concept of movement between different areas of psyche arose from many concepts. Foremost were the initial movements between fundamental layers of consciousness that could easily be charted on a map or diagram. In many ways the Tree of Life is one of these. Other religious concepts embody different variations around this theme.
The boat can as easily as any other symbol be adapted to provide linking pathways between any point, directly or indirectly. In its simplest form the sky boat is entered through a coloured gateway appropriate to the destination and what can be best described as signposts made up of the traditional symbols associated with the journey.
To go a stage further a guide can accompany the journey. This may be, dependant upon the initiate’s development, a spirit guide, an elemental entity, angelical being, even a god form if the contacts are sufficiently developed and the mental capability exists.
To go a stage further a guide can accompany the journey. This may be, dependant upon the initiate’s development, a spirit guide, an elemental entity, angelical being, even a god form if the contacts are sufficiently developed and the mental capability exists.
Colour is a major factor in this. Basic Qabalistic colour schemes may be used to great advantage, but the concept of Time and Space symbolism can be used to over ride any of these and to enter a new dimension altogether. Egyptian symbolism fits in very well with all of these concepts and can be intermingled between any symbol systems.
Proficient initiates can travel together as long as they have a sufficient level of psychism and intuitive development. In this case the guide will sit at the front of the boat. Propulsion can be in various forms ranging from traditional rowing oars, a sail, a motor or even positive thought forms.
(The main ideas and images occurring to me are predominantly Egyptian or even Arthurian with Avalon and Lady of the Lake concepts)
Proficient initiates can travel together as long as they have a sufficient level of psychism and intuitive development. In this case the guide will sit at the front of the boat. Propulsion can be in various forms ranging from traditional rowing oars, a sail, a motor or even positive thought forms.
(The main ideas and images occurring to me are predominantly Egyptian or even Arthurian with Avalon and Lady of the Lake concepts)
Visualise firstly the boat at a quayside on a river where grass waves gently in the breeze. Approach mentally; slowly and with dignity acknowledge whosoever may be seated (or standing) near the boat. A golden loop of light links the prow to a spot on the landing stage. The water is blue. A notice may be visible sometimes. Mentally project your self into the boat, acknowledge the guide and sit. It is possible at times that others may join you or be already seated. If so greet them but do not attempt to engage in any discussion. Retreat then within your deeper being, but keep a tentative link to what or who is around you.
The guardian of the boat will, with your urging, loosen the golden thread that links to the shore. It is possible at this stage that a dramatic change may occur and the whole imagery change to that of traditional time and space with a large leap of mental movement into a dimension that is not the normal purpose of the sky boat. You have a choice then of reverting to the image of waiting on the shoreline, or going with the new current out through starry space into regions mentioned elsewhere.
The boat drifts away from the bank, the scenery of which becomes a woodland of dark green and browns. This slowly recedes as the boat is caught by the current and moves faster away from the shore towards a distant hazy glow. Mentally utter the following prayer.
“Let me greet the Dawn of Awareness with humility and longing. May the source of all that is good and noble enervate my being as I strive towards the hidden realms of consciousness. Let the spiralling vortex of light form a vessel of aspiration and longing that will take me on a journey towards adventure and knowledge.”
By this time the guardian in the boat may contact you mentally or with physical gestures. Take note and with humility ask his blessing on the journey. Also take careful note of any symbols or jewellery worn by this entity.Pay particular heed to the colour and, if you wish, for instance to apply this method to path working, visualise the colours becoming those appropriate to the Qabalistic regions you wish to visit.
At any stage of your journey you can test the guardian by projecting safety imagery at him/her in an outline of brilliant gold. Various examples include the simple cross, the rose cross, various mystical letters and sigils with which you should be conversant. This will cause the guardian’s form to be absorbed into the sigil, which enlarges and then returns as the guardian who will make contact with your inner vitality.
It can also have a totally negative effect where the whole concept of the boat vanishes and you return through a dreamy haze to normal consciousness. This may reflect your current state of mind, a negative force acting on you, or merely lack of effort and concentration on your part. Considerable effort is necessary for success and your determination must be made very obvious before the journey to allow your presence to continue.
-----------------------------
The Sky Boat is an example of an initiatory path into a modern level of consciousness and awareness, far closer to our region of magical existence than might be expected. Within its realms lie occult traditions developed by a totally new dimension of beings. Be bold and experiment. Learn of Time and Space and become part of the evolutionary magical way of life.
**********************
CONTACT WITH TIME AND SPACE FORCES
The Regions of time and space are vast and extend throughout our known universe and beyond. To those who think of Heaven and similar abodes as habitations where we sit and ponder our new found freedom from physical existence, please think sensibly. Firstly, although the New Testament talks of Christ rising after three days and physically ascending to heaven, I have yet to see any deceased figures floating gently upwards, through our atmosphere to sit in leisure on a passing cloud. Secondly, whatever form our consciousness takes, it is not a physical attribute, visible to the naked eye. Consider our dreams. Frequently our experience is similar to life in another world or time concept. Our physical body gently snores on its mattress, but we often enjoy adventures and exploits that are so real and vital that I feel they can only be an exteriorisation of consciousness to another dimension of existence. Science itself is moving closer to an acceptance of multi dimensional being, although it faces opposition from conventional religion. The following paragraph was received mediumistically from Time and Space sources. “The total immensity of existence is phenomenal, far beyond the comprehension of anyone from your domain or from ours. Look from your window, count the stars and wonder at the immensity of space. You live in a finite world in as much as your planet is concerned. Our dimension has no limits since it is not a rigid structure in the way you would understand the term. We do have barriers and boundaries but since we are of a different nature to you and the inhabitants of your world, they would not make sense in a conventional manner.” The next paragraph refers to attempts at contacting the Time and Space entities, whether by ritual magic, mediation, or mental invocation. Say,“By the movment of the dragon coils. Through the gateways of Majesty, I call to those who await the seekers after truth.” Now use the jewel telephone as has been described elsewhere.(This is basically a golden cord coming through starry space from your idea of high spiritual virtue. Further details in “Ritual Magic in the 21st Century”) Sometimes you will be aware of your contact. At this stage, it is quite likely they will appear in blue and gold clothes – not necessarily robes though. They will be light and gentle colours. Try to talk to them – or your particular contact- on a daily basis so that they will get to know you as well as you getting to know them. Talk about every day things and learn to trust and understand what they say. |
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