Well, I'm nearly finished with my first go around with the planetary rites. Only one more to go. I was going to wait to post until after I was finished, but I realized it's been awhile, and I wanted to share my progress, because it has been extraordinary! In 6 weeks I have become much more focused, confident, in tune, and the stuff in my sphere (surroundings) is improving. I see a marked difference!
I began in late November with the gate of Jupiter. Each planet has an archangel, an Intelligence, and a Spirit of the Table of each respective planet to conjure. Because of my background in Qabalah, I've worked with the archangels before -- some more than others, because I admit, I have my favorites. In Qabalah, each sphere is assigned an archangel. Interesting how all these things correspond -- no? My advice is, if you're interested in pursuing magic, read up and try a few different things. Some may resonate some may not, but you may wind up using some of what you learned elsewhere.
That being said, Hermetics and Qabalah/Kabbalah are definitely Judeo-Christian based. Some may take issue with this. In fact, some of you who know me may even be scratching your heads and saying, "But wait a minute, I thought you were into all that Isis and Egyptian stuff?" I still pay homage to Isis, but I was also raised as a Christian, so the language in the rites that invokes the name of Jesus Christ doesn't particularly bother me. He is to me, another facet of God. I know of magicians that instead will use IAO or LOGOS. Either is perfectly acceptable. That's the beauty of magic vs. religion. No dogma here. Do what feels right for you, because that is ultimately what will bring you success, not blindly following what Crowley said or did, or anyone else for that matter. If it feels wrong, DON'T DO IT. Common sense is the only rule I would advise.
It's a common misconception that the ancient Egyptians worshipped many gods. On the face of it, they did. But to them, and to me, the gods are merely aspects or facets of one supreme God. You see, just as we have many facets to our being, so does God. This is how God manifests Himself to us.
In Hermetic magic, we are the "go betweens". We are here in the sphere of the physical to help God manifest that which is in the higher realms. That's right boys and girls -- you are here to help co-create with God! You are not a pawn on the chessboard of life. So don't just sit there. Start getting in tune! "But how?" you may ask. "What's this hocus pocus stuff? I don't think I want to get involved with that." That's ok, you don't have to. There are many ways to help create and become a positive force in he world. First I want to get back to getting in tune, because that's very important.
Meditation and prayer. That's it. That's the big secret. That's how you get in tune. Ok, now I admit, I have more free time than most of you, because I'm home all day. I have a bit of a one up on you there. lol! Still, even when I worked full time, I used to take breaks in between clients, go to my car to be alone and pray. Definitely at night when I got home as well. You don't have to spend hours trancing out -- seriously! Here's another tip. We always remember to pray when we're in trouble or need something, but please remember to pray when all is right with your world. When all is calm.
Alright, so you're meditating, you're praying.... so now what? "Do what thou wilt...", just like Uncle Al said. My choice is magic. I was called to it. Firstly to help myself become a better person. Sounds kind of selfish, but for those devoted to accomplishing The Great Work as described by Aleister Crowley:
The Great Work is the uniting of opposites. It may mean the uniting of the soul with God, of the microcosm with the macrocosm, of the female with the male, of the ego with the non-ego."[3]
In my third year at Cambridge, I devoted myself consciously to the Great Work, understanding thereby the Work of becoming a Spiritual Being, free from the constraints, accidents, and deceptions of material existence.[4]
If we don't get our own selves in order, how then are we going to achieve the ultimate goal of The Great Work in Hermetic magic -- projection? That is to then reflect back to all those around us the joy, the love, the compassion from the realm of God Himself? That's what I'm working on at present. I have been all along really. I just kind of got stuck in my magical progress. Hermetic magic for me has become the key to unlock the door to my continued progress. I firmly believe that it was my prayers for guidance that led me to this "golden key".
Your "golden key" could be art, music, computer programming, helping people in need, healing work like massage or reiki, or writing. I could go on and on. Just about any profession helps make the world better when it's done with a sense of love and pride. Not ego based pride -- honor based pride.
So get into the groove with the higher realms. Dance, sing, chant, pray meditate. You don't have to dance perfectly or sing beautifully. Just do it with a sense of fun and joy! You'll attract all sorts of benevolent spirits, whether you can sense them or not. Benevolent spirits love music, dancing, joy, peace and laughter. You'll then see how people and situations around you improve. It's because of the light surrounding you!
Whatever path you choose, I wish you many blessings. May you arrive at the footsteps of God and be bathed in His everlasting love and light always....
Since I have referenced Hermetic magic a few times, I would like to provide a link that briefly explains what it's all about. (I'm not proselytizing by the way -- I find that to be really offensive.) What I like about Hermeticism, is that it's eclectic, and draws from different traditions, just as I do. The link between the Egyptian god Thoth and Hermes is also pretty nifty ;-)
http://www.hermeticfellowship.org/HFHermeticism.html
