Theos-Talk Archives (May 2003 Message tt00265)

Friday, May 30, 2003

RE: Occult Practices


Dear G. and friends:

May I interject some further comments?

In regard to: "And it rings true for the reasoning mind that may
ask why the deceased feel the need to linger around the living
serving little purpose but to amuse and fulfill the fantasies of
themselves and the living."

I would add that the "deceased" encountered at seances is not the
REAL EGO, because it has gone to a spiritual state named
Devachan.

( the OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY gives more detail on this if
onsulted -- see Chapters 7 and 8. The A MODERN PANARION will be
found to contain a number of H P B's early articles about the
facts of "Spiritualism." [Published -- reprinted
photographically from the original -- by Theosophy Company , 245
W 33rd. St., Los Angeles, 9007] )

The entity encountered at seances is the corpse of the
personality from which the Spiritual Ego has retired. This
entity ( Kama-rupa -- or body of desires) is disintegrating on
the astral plane as the life-giving Spiritual Ego has left it for
the inter-life meditative condition of DEVACHAN ( sphere of the
"gods" ). [ Ocean, Ch. 8 ]

You are right that as one progresses in learning occult Science,
certain "powers" are activated. But the disciple under training
is discouraged from using them until such time as he knows the
entire Science. The danger for the future is great, until one
knows with accuracy what such effects may be.

This requires fortitude, patience and an indomitable
determination to learn the Truth. One of the fundamental bases
for learning is entire UNSELFISHNESS from the very beginning of
the study.

Hence, in the preliminary stages, for lack of correct
understanding of the effects of the use of "powers," their use
(if noticed) is entirely discouraged.

As said, the objective of "White Magic" [ or True Occultism ] is
WISDOM. This Wisdom concerns an intimate and exact knowledge of
Karma, and all the cooperative interactions of Nature as a whole.
It is knowledge used with discrimination. Discrimination
distinguishes "good" from "evil," and "right" from "wrong." This
ability has to be developed, refined and always used.

Evil, selfish, and vicious motives are not supported by this,
but, only beneficent actions, thoughts and feelings may be
expressed.

This aspect of mixing Science and universal, moral GOOD is most
important. Anything less is "Black Magic." The word "magic" is
here used in its original sense as knowledge and wisdom. The
VOICE OF THE SILENCE describes this process most admirably. It
is the "Heart" doctrine.

As to TAROT and the cards. One ought to read what H PB has to
say. [ see ISIS UNVEILED I p. 462, 505-6; I U II 235 --
related to alchemy and chemistry ] To use those symbols for
divination was apparently not the original intention of the
learned Alchemists of the Soul and the Kabalists of profound
wisdom. Hidden in that symbology are Metaphysical and Moral
truths of the highest meaning, but it takes a well-instructed
mind bent on the impartial practice of generosity and charity to
discern those.

What I write above may sound to most like twaddle and preaching,
but it is written in all seriousness. One has to be able to
distinguish at all times the difference between the "Eye"
doctrine and the "Heart" doctrine. The latter is to be
unflinchingly applied. If one reads and tries to grasp the
implications of what H P B wrote in SECRET DOCTRINE II 167
concerning the Divine Ego as a "tutor" resident within the 'outer
man of flesh,' much will become clear. Theosophy offers us a
system that can be easily studied and then seen to apply to our
own psychic and spiritual natures. We are the divine
IMPERISHABLE SOUL that ever reincarnates.

As you say, we have to escape from the fascination of the
"psychic."

Best wishes,

Dallas

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-----Original Message-----
From: g
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 9:39 AM
To:
Subject: RE: Occult Practices

I am familiar with that section of 'The Ocean of Theosophy'. It
is
well written and elucidates a lot about occult phenomenon. I
particularly appreciated the section about the supposed
communication
with the 'spirits' of the deceased. And it rings true for the
reasoning mind that may ask why the deceased feel the need to
linger
around the living serving little purpose but to amuse and fulfil
the
fantasies of themselves and the living.

I have personally believed that the acquisition of some of these
occult 'powers' were a result of our spiritual progress; i.e.
these 'powers' or faculties were not an end to themselves but a
by
product of a spiritaul progress that may neccessitate having to
communicate with and/or move about the more subtle planes etc.

And I wonder if things like the Tarot were really meant for
Divination, I've come accross literature that speaks to a
different
purpose for the cards, i.e. a guide and aid in spiritual
development
and occult psychology.

I can only hope that many of us involved in the occult will
remember
the real purpose of our existence and move away from
the 'fascination' that has held so many back from true Spiritual
progress.

G m