Theos-Talk Archives (September 2002 Message tt00040)

Dear Timothy:

First make sure you understand what GOETIA means. I find in the
THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY by H P B that under the heading MAGIC (
p. 197) she says categorically, uncompromisingly, that GOETIA is
BLACK MAGIC.

Let me quote what she says for clarity:

==================

“Magic is the science of communicating with and directing
supernal, supramundane Potencies, as well as of commanding those
of the lower spheres; a practical knowledge of the hidden
mysteries of nature known to only the few, because they are so
difficult to acquire, without falling into sins against nature.
Ancient and mediæval mystics divided magic into three
classes—Theurgia, Goëtia and natural Magic. “Theurgia has long
since been appropriated as the peculiar sphere of. the
theosophists and metaphysicians”, says Kenneth Mackenzie. Goëtia
is black magic, and “natural (or white) magic has risen with
healing in its wings to the proud position of an exact and
progressive study”. The comments added by our late learned
Brother are remarkable. “The realistic desires of modern times
have contributed to bring magic into disrepute and ridicule. . .
. Faith (in one’s own self) is an essential element in magic, and
existed long before other ideas which presume its pre-existence.
It is said that it takes a wise man to make a fool; and a man’s
ideas must be exalted almost to madness, i.e., his brain
susceptibilities must be increased far beyond the low, miserable
status of modern civilization, before he can become a true
magician; (for) a pursuit of this science un plies a certain
amount of isolation and an abnegation of Self”. A very great
isolation, certainly, the achievement of which constitutes a
wonderful phenomenon, a miracle in itself. Withal magic is not
something supernatural. As explained by Jamblichus, “they through
the sacerdotal theurgy announce that they are able to ascend to
more elevated and universal Essences, and to those that are
established above fate, viz., to god and the Demiurgus: neither
employing matter, nor assuming any other things besides, except
the observation of a sensible time”. Already some are beginning
to recognise the existence of subtle powers and influences in
nature of which they have hitherto known nought. But as Dr.
Carter Blake truly remarks, “the nineteenth century is not that
which has observed the genesis of new, nor the completion of old,
methods of thought”; to which Mr. Bonwick adds that “if the
ancients knew but little of our mode of investigations into the
secrets of nature, we know still less of their mode of research”.
MAGIC, WHITE, or “Beneficent Magic”, so-called, is divine magic,
devoid of selfishness, love of power, of ambition, or lucre, and
bent only on doing good to the world in general, and one’s
neighbour in particular. The smallest attempt to use one’s
abnormal powers for the gratification of self, makes of these
powers sorcery or black magic.
MAGIC, BLACK. (Vide Supra.)
MAGICIAN. This term, once a title of renown and distinction, has
come to he wholly perverted from its true meaning. Once the
synonym of all that was honourable and reverent, of a possessor
of learning and wisdom, it has become degraded into an epithet to
designate- one who is a pretender and a juggler; a charlatan, in
short, or one who has “sold his soul to the Evil One”, who
misuses his knowledge, and employs it for low and dangerous uses,
according to the teachings of the clergy, and a mass of
superstitious fools who believe the magician a sorcerer and an
“Enchanter”. The word is derived from Magh, Mah in Sanskrit
Mâhat—great; a man well versed in esoteric knowledge. (Isis
Unveiled.)

=================

The nature of “SPIRITUALISM” involves “communications with the
dead.” H P B observes ( same book)

“…belief in the constant communications of the living with the
dead…it is no better than the materialization of spirit, and the
degradation of the human and the divine souls. Believers in such
communications are simply dishonoring the dead, and performing
constant sacrilege. It is well called “Necromancy” in days of
old. But our modern Spiritualists take offence at being told
this simple truth.”


==========================


-----Original Message-----
From: Timothy Lake [mailto:majordork3@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 7:58 PM
To: Theosophy Study List
Subject: Re: Re to Mauri

I have a thought about speaking with spirits. It may be that they
are both aspects of myself, and outer spirits. In the sense that
all the world is contained within me. Its one of my beliefs that
the whole thing is there in your head, not in manas, but in the
brain itself, and that unlocking it gives one knowledge of the
Universe. I hesitate to use the word knowledge as what I mean is
maybe wisdom or understanding. Please understand that I'm not
talking about facts to be learned, but something that is
experienced.
I am interested, although this is hardly a theosophical topic, in
how the western concept of spirits, such as goetia, ties in with
the Tibetan system. Anyone have any clues? Is it tantra? If so I
understand that one takes certain obligations upon becoming a
student to not teach it. But I am curious.
Tim.
Gerald Schueler wrote:
<<
(apparently?) that duality is, basically, limited to duality,
regardless of
whatever interpretive permutation that might tend to make duality
seem "less
limited," so that dualistic worldviews are (so obviously?)
something to be
transcended (aren't they?), rather than allowed to be our
dictator . . .
Either I'm kind of stumped about that apparent, popular lack of
basic insight
. . . or is it that I'm just pretending to be stumped, to some
extent . . .>>>

CUT


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